2021 Comprehensive Draft Thread

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

1 hour ago, DWinzit said:

I kind of understand but if they don't sign Scherff there is NO way they don't take at least one if not 2 OL in the first 3 rounds.

 

So if the strategy Rivera and Co employed last off-season is how they'll always try and operate.  Then we won't have to draft 2 OL in the first 3 rounds.  Rivera said he likes free agency to fill up every hole possible, and then spend the draft on BPA.  If Scherff walks, then presumably a Guard would be signed that could start.  Just not at Scherff's price tag.

 

1 hour ago, DWinzit said:

They have not brought in a big OL FA or a legit day 1 or 2 OL pick in years. They are over due

 

Yeah, we're due.  After our 2 years of significant investment in 2014/2015, the only Day 2 pick has been Geron Christian.  But at least Lucas and Schweitzer were both great signings for the money paid.  My theory is that they'll try and replicate that while letting Scherff walk, have Charles coming back, and see what happens with all of the extra competition.

 

For the record, the significant investments in 2014 and 2015 were signing Shawn Lauvao to an above market deal (was meh, but still) and drafted Moses and Long on Day 2.  Then the next season drafted Scherff on Day 1, and gave Trent a record setting OT contract.

 

1 hour ago, DWinzit said:

With Tackles being fairly strong in this draft, I hope they take advantage of this and grab one in the first 2 days. 

 

This is a good OL class.  But I wouldn't say loaded anywhere but IOL.  A lot of these college Tackles played RT, and they and others (like Vera-Tucker) are thought of as best at Guard.  So we could grab some of these tempting RT's and hope they play as well on the other side in the Pro's but it's a bit of an awkward situation.

[Skinsinparadise]

5 hours ago, stevemcqueen1 said:

 

His film is fantastic and I think he is a Jack Conklin clone.  But my issue with drafting him at 19 is that I think Bateman and Harris and Etienne are all BPA ahead of him and that I think one or even all three will be there when we pick.

 

The other issue is I think he might be a RT only or a guard prospect as you say.  If he's a guard, then AVT is probably a better option than him, and if he's a RT, it's going to be a while before he can play for us because of Moses.  So he's kind of an awkward fit for us.  But he would make more sense to get if we traded down a little bit.

 

Conklin is a good comp.    I like Bateman but not so much over other WRs that I'd take him at 19 versus trading down or taking one in the 2nd.   I notice on this thread a lot of love for Harris, which I share too.  But its basically you and me and a few stragglers at best as to loving Etienne at our pick.  I wonder what the team thinks?  I've heard a lot of noise about WR, QB, MLB, LT -- nothing as for RB.  I am a BPA kind of guy but wonder what they are thinking?   

Edited March 5, 2021 by Skinsinparadise

[duffy]

3 hours ago, ODU AGGIE said:

If we get a WR in free agency, then I would go with D'Wayne Eskridge to fill the slot and give us a return specialist with legit 4.3 speed. Some analysts are now projecting him in the first round. Not sure I would go for him at 19 due to other needs, but if is available to us in the second round, I would go get him.

 

https://primetimesportstalk.com/2021/01/30/2021-nfl-draft-scouting-report-dwayne-eskridge/

 

I would love to get Eskridge. Slot and returner in one package. 

[DWinzit]

59 minutes ago, Alcoholic Zebra said:

If Scherff walks, then presumably a Guard would be signed that could start.  Just not at Scherff's price tag.

 

59 minutes ago, Alcoholic Zebra said:

 

Yeah, we're due.  After our 2 years of significant investment in 2014/2015, the only Day 2 pick has been Geron Christian.  But at least Lucas and Schweitzer were both great signings for the money paid.  My theory is that they'll try and replicate that while letting Scherff walk, have Charles coming back, and see what happens with all of the extra competition.

 

For the record, the significant investments in 2014 and 2015 were signing Shawn Lauvao to an above market deal (was meh, but still) and drafted Moses and Long on Day 2.  Then the next season drafted Scherff on Day 1, and gave Trent a record setting OT contract.

I get filling Scherffs spot with a lower priced guy and totally makes sense under normal situations.

The thing is by not investing in real draft or FA talent for five years the team is void of talent on the OL. When Scherff is in the game the line plays better, he makes the guys around him better just like Trent did.

The five guys on the line need at least some talent. I mean Moses, Roullier, Schweitzer, Lucas and all the others are okay but give me at least one top athlete

 

59 minutes ago, Alcoholic Zebra said:

This is a good OL class.  But I wouldn't say loaded anywhere but IOL.  A lot of these college Tackles played RT, and they and others (like Vera-Tucker) are thought of as best at Guard.  So we could grab some of these tempting RT's and hope they play as well on the other side in the Pro's but it's a bit of an awkward situation.

There are a couple LT options that can be available at at 19 or 51 including the 3 I have mentioned many times, Darrisaw, Cosmi and Eichenberg. If for what ever reason they start better on the RT then so be it. If Scherff is gone it RT, G who cares then, 

Vera Tucker or Davis, let them bring some talent into the mix

guess I just like a strong OL more than some

[method man]

I think one lock in this draft is that we will be able to land a Day 1 starter in the slot in round 2 or 3 if that is something we want to do.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Unless a Darrisaw, Z. Collins or Surtain is there at #19, trade #19 for a 2nd this year and a 1st next year to load up on ammo to land a Rattler or a Howell next year

[Going Commando]

2 hours ago, Skinsinparadise said:

Conklin is a good comp.    I like Bateman but not so much over other WRs that I'd take him at 19 versus trading down or taking one in the 2nd.   I notice on this thread a lot of love for Harris, which I share too.  But its basically you and me and a few stragglers at best as to loving Etienne at our pick.  I wonder what the team thinks?  I've heard a lot of noise about WR, QB, MLB, LT -- nothing as for RB.  I am a BPA kind of guy but wonder what they are thinking?   

 

My gut is that we won't pick Harris or Etienne.  They seem to love Gibson and McKissick enough to forgo RB this year I think.

[Skinsinparadise]

7 hours ago, stevemcqueen1 said:

 

My gut is that we won't pick Harris or Etienne.  They seem to love Gibson and McKissick enough to forgo RB this year I think.

 

I think the same

[Skinsinparadise]

New McShay mock

 

The QBs go 1,2,3,4.  Mac Jones goes #9.  Pitts #6.  McShay piggybanking on DJ on the Jamin Davis love at MLB.

 

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insider/story/_/id/30997113/nfl-mock-draft-2021-todd-mcshay-predictions-all-32-first-round-picks-heading-nfl-free-agency

15. New England Patriots

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

I'm watching for the Patriots to add a quarterback via free agency or trade this offseason -- maybe Jimmy Garoppolo -- and potentially take a close look at the Day 2 options at the position. But with the top five off the board, another need matches up with some great value in the form of Parsons. The Penn State do-it-all linebacker opted out in 2020, but he can make plays in coverage, shoot gaps as a run-stopper, chase down ball carriers and even get home on the QB as a pass-rusher. I love his game.

Mike Reiss on his fit with the Patriots: Parsons would have the luxury of learning alongside Dont'a Hightower -- who returns from his own opt-out -- at the heart of the defense, giving him a cushion in which he wouldn't be relied upon too heavily initially before hopefully taking over in 2022. It's a similar situation to what New England did with Jerod Mayo in 2008, when Tedy Bruschi was passing him the torch.

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16. Arizona Cardinals

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

J.J. Watt and Chandler Jones spell problems for opposing QBs, but who will be in coverage? Both starting corners are primed to hit free agency this month, and the Cardinals' pass defense was middle-of-the-pack last year. Horn will get his hands on passes, bringing length and instinctive play to the outside. In just seven games in 2020, he broke up six passes and picked off two.

Josh Weinfuss on his fit with the Cardinals: Horn would come in and compete for a starting job in a secondary that's thin on cornerbacks. Arizona is set to lose two of its top corners in free agency in Patrick Peterson and Dre Kirkpatrick, and Robert Alford hasn't played a down in two seasons. Horn would see action right away.

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17. Las Vegas Raiders

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame

The Raiders' defense allowed 389.1 yards per game last season, the eighth most in the NFL. They managed all of 21 sacks and were gutted for 4.6 yards allowed per carry. They need pass-rushers, linemen, defensive backs and linebackers, and while Owusu-Koramoah will play only one position, he can impact multiple facets of the game. Look for him in the overhang role, dropping in coverage or rushing the QB. He has speed, instincts, suddenness and plenty of strength.

Paul Gutierrez on his fit with the Raiders: Owusu-Koramoah is the dynamic second-level defender that Las Vegas has been lacking. New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley will find a way to use his versatility in his 4-3 base scheme alongside Nick Kwiatkoski and Cory Littleton, even if Littleton and Owusu-Koramoah are both Will linebackers. It's a good problem for Bradley to have.

18. Miami Dolphins

Alijah Vera-Tucker, G, USC

We got Tua Tagovailoa a receiver in DeVonta Smith earlier, so let's now get him some extra protection on the line. Vera-Tucker anchors well in pass pro and has allowed just four pressures over his past two seasons at USC. The Dolphins were among the most blitzed teams in the NFL last season (33.1% of dropbacks), and much like we've discussed with the Bengals and Chargers, you need to protect a young quarterback -- especially if he has an injury history like Tagovailoa does.

Cameron Wolfe on his fit with the Dolphins: The Dolphins' offensive line improved in 2020 but still finished in the bottom third of the league in pass and run blocking. An early projection would have Vera-Tucker as an immediate starter at right guard, 2020 second-round pick Robert Hunt staying at right tackle and versatile veteran Jesse Davis moving to the bench.

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19. Washington Football Team

Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida

Toney still needs some refining, but his versatility, explosiveness and nose for the end zone would immediately help an offense that registered the second-fewest yards per play and eighth-fewest points scored in 2020. His skill set will be effective in the quick game, as Washington finds ways to get the ball in his hands.

John Keim on his fit with Washington: Toney would fit well with offensive coordinator Scott Turner, who likes versatility. He can be moved around and even align in the backfield on occasion. Washington might add a free-agent receiver too. After all, Terry McLaurin was targeted 83 more times than the next highest receiver in 2020.

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20. Chicago Bears

Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech

The Bears still lack an answer at quarterback, and what happens with wide receiver Allen Robinson II over the next few weeks could also impact the direction of this pick. But the line needs shoring up, and Darrisaw is a powerful left tackle who doesn't give up many sacks and can get to the second level as a run-blocker. Let's buy whoever starts at QB some more time and open up lanes for running back David Montgomery.

Jeff Dickerson on his fit with the Bears: Offensive tackle ranks near the top of the Bears' offseason to-do list because the futures of veteran tackles Bobby Massie and Charles Leno Jr. are murky at best. Darrisaw would be counted on to start in Week 1.

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21. Indianapolis Colts

Gregory Rousseau, DE, Miami

Christian Darrisaw might be an option if still available, filling in Anthony Castonzo's spot at left tackle, or the Colts might take a long look at Trevon Moehrig (TCU) at safety. But it's hard to ignore the need for pass-rush depth, especially as Indy deals with free-agency concerns on the edge. Rousseau hasn't played since 2019, but he had 15.5 sacks in that season and can overwhelm blockers with his power. He'd help keep an elite defense at the top of its game.

Mike Wells on his fit with the Colts: Pass-rusher is the Colts' most important area to address this offseason, especially with veteran Justin Houston being a free agent and the team looking to get younger there. Sliding in alongside DeForest Buckner, Rousseau would have an opportunity to be a day one starter if Indy doesn't re-sign Houston, especially if Kemoko Turay's struggles continue.

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22. Tennessee Titans

Jaelan Phillips, DE, Miami

Tennessee absolutely has to address the pass-rush problem. Teams with Super Bowl hopes can't finish No. 30 in the league in sacks with 19, especially considering four of those came in Week 17 against a bad Houston offensive line. They can't have zero players reach six sacks and just one record more than three. Phillips had eight last season at Miami, and his suddenness would give opponents something to worry about off the edge.

Turron Davenport on his fit with the Titans: Phillips will be an immediate contributor for the Titans even though they'll likely add a free-agent pass-rusher before the draft. His effectiveness both against the run and as an impact pass-rusher will get him early-game reps as a strongside linebacker when the Titans use an odd front. But also look for his hand in the dirt when Tennessee uses a four-man front.

23. New York Jets (via SEA)

Azeez Ojulari, OLB, Georgia

The Jets landed a quarterback at No. 2, so let's pivot to defense here. They need someone who can get home on the QB besides Quinnen Williams, who led the team with seven sacks in 2020. Ojulari is a pass-rush specialist of sorts, showing good speed, bend and first-step quickness. As for the lack of playmakers on offense to support Wilson, keep an eye on free agency this month and then Day 2 at the draft, where numerous high-end receivers and running backs will be available.

Rich Cimini on his fit with the Jets: The Jets haven't had an explosive edge rusher in 15 years. The question with Ojulari is scheme fit, and at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, he could be a tweener for the Jets' new 4-3 front.

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24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Ben Roethlisberger is now under contract for 2021, and he has plenty of weapons. But with James Conner heading toward free agency, the run game could use a punch. Harris is that and more, showcasing speed, size, decisiveness and ball security as a rusher, as well as upside as a receiver and pass-protector. Pittsburgh's offense fell off a good deal in the second half last season, and the top back still on the roster is Benny Snell Jr., who managed just 3.3 yards per carry last year. Harris averaged 6.0 over four seasons at Alabama, and his 26 rushing touchdowns in 2020 led college football.

Brooke Pryor on his fit with the Steelers: For a team that started 11-0, the Steelers have a laundry list of needs in the 2021 draft, and running back is in the top tier of that wish list. Harris would be an instant starter on a team likely to part with Conner in free agency. The Steelers badly need to rejuvenate the run game and actually stick with it this season. Adding Harris is the first step.

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25. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR)

Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU

At No. 1 overall, the Jaguars landed the top quarterback in the class. Now they get the top safety with their second first-rounder. Moehrig had six interceptions over his last two collegiate seasons and is a strong tackler. If not safety, defensive tackle -- maybe Washington's Levi Onwuzurike or Alabama's Christian Barmore -- would be a position to watch.

Michael DiRocco on his fit with the Jaguars: Jarrod Wilson has started 28 games at free safety over the past two seasons and has been a steady player, but the Jaguars need playmakers in the secondary. Plus, Josh Jones is a pending free agent. Moehrig might not be a starter immediately, but it would be a surprise if he didn't finish the season as one.

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26. Cleveland Browns

Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa

I've now placed Collins with Cleveland in three straight mock drafts, and it just makes sense. If the Browns truly want to contend for a Super Bowl, they need another pass-rusher opposite Myles Garrett, and Collins has a stellar closing burst. And he can cover, as evidenced by his four interceptions last season. I could also see Cleveland looking at safety if Trevon Moehrig is still available.

Jake Trotter on his fit with the Browns: The Browns have utilized first-round picks in recent years to build their young core at quarterback (Baker Mayfield), defensive end (Garrett), cornerback (Denzel Ward) and left tackle (Jedrick Wills Jr.). Grabbing Collins would give Cleveland an anchor at linebacker who could be a starter and playmaking difference-maker from day one.

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27. Baltimore Ravens

Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU

Baltimore finished dead last in WR receiving yards last season with 1,729. In fact, that was more than 300 fewer than the total of the next worst team. Marquise Brown had 58 catches for 769 yards, but no one else in the wide receiver group broke 450. Adding a guy like Marshall, who can make catches in traffic and create after the catch, might help quarterback Lamar Jackson return to MVP form and balance an offense that was the only one in the NFL to run more than it passed in 2020.

Jamison Hensley on his fit with the Ravens: Willie Snead IV and Dez Bryant aren't expected to return, and Marshall's 6-foot-3 size pairs nicely with the speed of Brown, providing Jackson with a bigger target on the outside.

28. New Orleans Saints

Joe Tryon, DE, Washington

I considered Missouri's Nick Bolton here to fill the inside linebacker role, but the edge rush could also use some support. The Saints did have 45 sacks last year, but age concerns and free-agency exposure might flip this unit sooner rather than later. Tryon opted out in 2020, but he's versatile and quick on the edge. He had 12.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2019.

Mike Triplett on his fit with the Saints: The Saints are expected to lose starting defensive end Trey Hendrickson in free agency, but edge rusher is an issue even if they find a way to keep him. Cameron Jordan turns 32 in July, and Marcus Davenport hasn't quite broken out yet.

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29. Green Bay Packers

Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington

Sure, Green Bay could look at receivers Elijah Moore (Ole Miss) or Rashod Bateman (Minnesota), or even Clemson running back Travis Etienne if it were to lose Aaron Jones to the open market. But the Packers have continued to look elsewhere in Round 1 during the Aaron Rodgers era, which suggests they might do so again. And lining up Onwuzurike (another opt-out) next to Kenny Clark on that defensive line forms a problem for opponents.

Rob Demovsky on his fit with the Packers: It's not enough to just change defensive coordinators. The Packers now have to give Joe Barry some players. They have done that recently when they've changed DCs. Dom Capers got B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews when he arrived in 2009, while Mike Pettine got Jaire Alexander in the first round when he came here in 2018.

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30. Buffalo Bills

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

The missing piece of this offense is an elite running back. Buffalo didn't have a single player break 700 rushing yards last season, and its running backs found pay dirt just eight times on the ground. But Etienne scored 70 times over his college career and is a home run hitter in space. This offense could be dangerous.

Marcel Louis-Jacques on his fit with the Bills: If the Bills' loss to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game taught them anything, it's the importance of elite speed. Etienne provides that not just as a runner but also as an accomplished receiver out of the backfield. He would join Devin Singletary and Zack Moss to form a solid group of rushers.

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31. Kansas City Chiefs

Nick Bolton, ILB, Missouri

Offensive line might be the move (perhaps Michigan's Jalen Mayfield or Oklahoma State's Teven Jenkins), and the defensive back group is also accepting reinforcements. But this pick offers great value and brings a fast, versatile matchup component to the second level of the defense to pair with Anthony Hitchens. Bolton is a tackling machine with great instincts and solid coverage ability.

Adam Teicher on his fit with the Chiefs: Bolton would fit the pattern, as the Chiefs have tried to become more athletic at linebacker. He might not be a regular immediately -- defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is demanding of rookies -- but he should eventually be an upgrade in an area where the Chiefs have struggled.

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32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jamin Davis, ILB, Kentucky

Tampa Bay can replenish a front seven that could look a lot different in Week 1 than it did on Super Bowl Sunday. Davis could potentially be considered a reach here, but he's very underrated, and I love his tape. If the Buccaneers can't hang on to Lavonte David, Davis -- who made 102 tackles and picked off three passes last season -- could slide into his role alongside Devin White. Someone like Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore also makes some sense here.

Jenna Laine on his fit with the Buccaneers: The inside linebackers are the stars of Todd Bowles' defense. David is a free agent and just turned 31, and even if Tampa Bay brings him back, Davis could make sense for the future. He can line up in different spots, which Bowles asks his inside guys to do, and he gives the Bucs length that they lack there.

[DWinzit]

There have been a lot of mocks showing Parsons to the Pats. As a player they are probably getting the steal of the draft. As a person they are either getting a kid doing some idiotic things or a complete scumbag.

 

Jamin appears to be enjoying a meteoric raise like Lance has on the offensive side over the past few months. While the position with speed is so coveted, him going in the first seems far fetched. 

Edited March 5, 2021 by DWinzit

[Chump Bailey]

3 hours ago, DWinzit said:

There have been a lot of mocks showing Parsons to the Pats. As a player they are probably getting the steal of the draft. As a person they are either getting a kid doing some idiotic things or a complete scumbag.

 

Jamin appears to be enjoying a meteoric raise like Lance has on the offensive side over the past few months. While the position with speed is so coveted, him going in the first seems far fetched. 

 

He's definitely a riser. Lot's of talk about him in the podcasts I've been listening too. Though I do not know what picks 11-14 are, the headscratchers for me are Green Bay with the Onwuzurike pick and Jacksonville with Meohrig. Good players but I would have opted elsewhere. OL or WR probably for both. I think WFT would really have to goof this first round up to not come away with a solid player. My opinion has changed a bit on some guys and I'm personally not all that worried about it. If we go Moehrig, I'd be somewhat disappointed. I'd prefer we just sign Rayshawn Jenkins FA Chargers. I'm also not completely convinced about the CB's that would be available either with the exception of Farley. I think we could wait and get a good one on day 2. I'd be ecstatic about WFT getting Cosmi, Jenkins, Rondale Moore, Harris, Waddle or Toney. My gut tells me WFT is going to have a great draft though.

Edited March 5, 2021 by Chump Bailey

[Skinsinparadise]

 

 

[evmiii]

I expect we will spend some of that $50 mil in cap space on a true #2 WR, so our priorities might change going into the draft.  It may turnout that a WR is the best guy available at 19, but it won’t be quite the glaring need it is today.  I think we can also pick up a reasonable quality OL, resign Scherff, and find a decent LB in free agency.  I think we will go after a QB in the first or second rounds.

[JamesMadisonSkins]

I keep seeing articles about needing to bring in a free agent LT ... mostly from outside folks but still.

 

Lucas was really good for us down the stretch. We have Charles who could be the LT, LG or RT, depending on what happens this off-season and in camp.

 

I definitely think we target OT in the first 3 rounds simply because it is a deep draft and Lucas is only on the books for one more year. But the idea of bringing in an LT in free agency because it is a "hole" seems misguided to me. Lucas is a solid LT option and we already/will have a lot of $$ invested into the OL. Seems like LT in the draft is the most logical option.

 

And I do think we could add a WR and probably should early ... but if FA plays out like I expect ... I think LT becomes the top need in the draft and should line up well with BPA at some point in Round 1-3.

[mistertim]

6 hours ago, Skinsinparadise said:

New McShay mock

 

The QBs go 1,2,3,4.  Mac Jones goes #9.  Pitts #6.  McShay piggybanking on DJ on the Jamin Davis love at MLB.

 

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2021/insider/story/_/id/30997113/nfl-mock-draft-2021-todd-mcshay-predictions-all-32-first-round-picks-heading-nfl-free-agency

 

I feel like this happens almost every year with mocks and QBs though. They say an unprecedented number of QBs will go in the top 5 or 10 so but then inevitably a couple guys fall. Maybe this year will be different so who knows.

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

https://www.nfl.com/news/four-round-2021-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-saints-trade-up-for-qb-in-round-1?campaign=Twitter_nfl_cfb

 

He has us trading up to #15 for Waddle.  He also says our new QB will be from the Veteran FA's (I think that's what he's implying).  Then it's:

-#51, G, Wyatt Davis (probably means he thinks Scherff walks in FA?)

-#74, CB, Eric Stokes

-#83, TE, Brevin Jordan

-#125, RB, Rhamondre Stevenson

 

I know we sucked all in all on offense.  Part of that was a rotating carousel of QB's.  But still, that's an offense heavy draft.  Defense is going to need some attention in free agency.

 

His first safety off the board is at #40.  Which makes sense to me.

[Riggo#44]

23 hours ago, mistertim said:

I'd be pretty amazed if Mond lasts until the 4th round. It would be one hell of a pickup if he did though.

 

I would be all kinds of ok with Mond in the fourth. Outside of the big 4, that would be my preferred move, Jamie Newman here to a lesser extent. I really have no interest in Jones or Trask--the mocks that have us drafting either in any round just bother me.

[Going Commando]

Anyone else get a distinct Tebow vibe from Sam Ehlinger?  Always kind of felt that way about him.  If we're looking at the late round options, Sam Ehlinger in the seventh seems interesting.  He's a powerful option runner with a ton of college experience.  Quarterback room full of try hard moxie.

 

I'm not sure if he's been discussed already, but Cade Johnson's reps at the SB were pretty impressive.  He's generally ranked in the 5th or 6th round area with guys like Grimes and Stevenson and Shi Smith, which seems like a good territory to make a second WR pick for WR hungry teams like us.  Get a bigger inside/outside guy like Bateman in the first and double dip with a small slot weapon like Johnson in the 180s?

 

Or maybe we spend big on an outside WR in FA and use day three to get someone like Johnson.  Anyway, there is a surprising amount of video of Johnson on youtube. Jitterbug player who gets a ton of separation working in the middle of the field and shows surprising toughness in traffic for a guy his size.

 

Not exaggerating, there are 15 Cade Johnsons in this year's WR class:  Toney, the Moores, Johnson, Shi Smith, Waddle, Stevenson, Darden, Tutu, Eskridge, Amari Rodgers and some other guys I can't remember off the top of my head.  It's a sucker who picks Jaylen Waddle early in the first (or trades up for him 🤢) when there are guys who are almost as fast as him, who had way better college careers than him, that will be going throughout rounds 2-6.  If we pick a WR in the first 40 picks or so, let it be a tank who can play on the outside too like Bateman or Marshall.  Then go back and get the tiny slot receiver later in the class.

[Koolblue13]

Yeah, this entire draft seems super heavy at small quick WRs. The Hill/Djax type people are always taking flyers at hitting on, but never do, because they're special and rare.

[mistertim]

7 minutes ago, Riggo#44 said:

 

I would be all kinds of ok with Mond in the fourth. Outside of the big 4, that would be my preferred move, Jamie Newman here to a lesser extent. I really have no interest in Jones or Trask--the mocks that have us drafting either in any round just bother me.

 

I'd be "ok" with but not enthusiastic about a Jones pick.

 

Trask I really don't want any part of. He seems smart, is apparently a good leader, has good accuracy in the quick and short game, good command of their offense. But he has very mediocre arm talent (especially for his size), his footwork is extremely slow to my eyes...looks like someone poured concrete into his cleats, not good at making off-schedule plays or extending when things break down, limited athleticism, not very good when pressured. To me he looks like a career backup in the NFL at best.

 

He also relied often on super talented guys to make plays for him. This was extremely evident when his best pass catchers (including Pitts) were out for the game against Oklahoma. He looked completely lost and played like absolute garbage. He's definitely seems like a QB who relies on other guys to elevate his game as opposed to being a guy who elevates the team around him.

[Riggo#44]

6 minutes ago, mistertim said:

He also relied often on super talented guys to make plays for him.

I was going to say his top two skills are:

1. Throw it to Pitts

2. Throw it to Toney

[Going Commando]

26 minutes ago, Koolblue13 said:

Yeah, this entire draft seems super heavy at small quick WRs. The Hill/Djax type people are always taking flyers at hitting on, but never do, because they're special and rare.

 

They are so much more situation dependent than bigger and more versatile WRs.  If they go to a track meet offense like Kansas City, then they can be productive.  But for most teams they will never get the work load necessary to justify being picked early.

 

It's why I'm against picking Toney or Waddle as high as they are going in the mocks.  A year from now, Rashod Bateman will be coming off an 80+ catch 1000+ yard rookie season and clearly on track for a much better NFL career than those two and people will be wondering what was going on with the group-think that had him below them on the draft boards.   Size, strength, speed, and route-running almost always translates because it projects productivity in any role and system.

[mistertim]

22 minutes ago, Riggo#44 said:

I was going to say his top two skills are:

1. Throw it to Pitts

2. Throw it to Toney

 

Yeah. And I mean...every QB is going to have a bit of a drop off when their best playmakers are out; that's to be expected.

 

But lordy, Trask's drop off was cataclysmic. He truly looked absolutely lost without those guys on the field. To me that big of a dip without his favorite targets is a big red flag. 

[mhd24]

1 hour ago, stevemcqueen1 said:

Anyone else get a distinct Tebow vibe from Sam Ehlinger?  Always kind of felt that way about him.  If we're looking at the late round options, Sam Ehlinger in the seventh seems interesting.  He's a powerful option runner with a ton of college experience.  Quarterback room full of try hard moxie.

 

I'm not sure if he's been discussed already, but Cade Johnson's reps at the SB were pretty impressive.  He's generally ranked in the 5th or 6th round area with guys like Grimes and Stevenson and Shi Smith, which seems like a good territory to make a second WR pick for WR hungry teams like us.  Get a bigger inside/outside guy like Bateman in the first and double dip with a small slot weapon like Johnson in the 180s?

 

Or maybe we spend big on an outside WR in FA and use day three to get someone like Johnson.  Anyway, there is a surprising amount of video of Johnson on youtube. Jitterbug player who gets a ton of separation working in the middle of the field and shows surprising toughness in traffic for a guy his size.

 

Not exaggerating, there are 15 Cade Johnsons in this year's WR class:  Toney, the Moores, Johnson, Shi Smith, Waddle, Stevenson, Darden, Tutu, Eskridge, Amari Rodgers and some other guys I can't remember off the top of my head.  It's a sucker who picks Jaylen Waddle early in the first (or trades up for him 🤢) when there are guys who are almost as fast as him, who had way better college careers than him, that will be going throughout rounds 2-6.  If we pick a WR in the first 40 picks or so, let it be a tank who can play on the outside too like Bateman or Marshall.  Then go back and get the tiny slot receiver later in the class.

 

 

Yeah, like I'd take Waddle at 19 if he fell, but I'm not trading up him.  

 

NYG (whom most are mocking Waddle to) is in an interesting spot.  If I were them, I'd take best CB (Surtain, Farley, or even Horn) over the WR and take a WR in the 2nd.  They have Sheppard and Engram as guys who are supposed to man the middle of the field.  Slayton was a good find in the later parts of the draft.  If they could get Marshall with their 2nd, that would be a good haul.

[PartyPosse]

I can't get on board with Toney at 19. There are too many outstanding WR that will be available in the second and third.

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

1 hour ago, Koolblue13 said:

Yeah, this entire draft seems super heavy at small quick WRs. The Hill/Djax type people are always taking flyers at hitting on, but never do, because they're special and rare.

 

Definitely need a few more skills to succeed being small and quick as an outside WR.  But move them inside to the Slot, and they can make find success.  I think that's one reason why Bateman is getting overhyped right now, he's one of the few guys that's decently sized.  Add in Nico Collins who should be a Day 3 pick, being talked about as a 2nd rounder and people are desperate for players with conventional height/weight.