I’ve, once again, been a bit remiss in my draft research, but that doesn’t stop me from offering my opinion at all. I checked the 2016 draft, and I think I was right on Deforest Buckner, Kevin Byard, Jourdan Lewis, Paxton Lynch, Christian Hackenberg, Braxton Miller, and Josh Doctson. I whiffed on Jeremy Cash, Zeke Elliot, Mike Thomas, and, although I’m still waiting for conclusive evidence, Carson Wentz. Such is life.
Here’s a general thought on this years draft:
There are a lot of QBs I don’t like. I like Murray, and to a lesser extent noodle armed Will Grier, but I think they’re the only two who might have a chance to succeed in the NFL. Dwayne Haskins might, but he’s nowhere near ready. Drew Lock might top out as a boring Jay Cutler, but isn’t worth a pick in the first couple rounds. I don’t understand the first round love Daniel Jones gets, he’s not accurate enough, he makes dumb mistakes, and checks down often. Maybe as a developmental QB. Tyree Jackson has the size and arm strength, but he too looks completely unready. I see Murray, then Grier (if you don’t want a huge vertical passing game) and a bunch of dart throws. If you’re desperate, take the last one of those guys left. Finley is just a game manager, and, having watched more than a few Wildcat games, I am stunned Thorson might be drafted. For me, it’s Murray in the first, Grier in the third, and then wait for Minshew to be there later.
There is, however, a lot of talent on the defensive lines. Which may lead to some players falling to the Packers. Which would make me very happy.
Here’s my annual lift of “my guys”. Much of my concerns are based on value, so they’re divided by round:
1st Round
Quinnen Williams, DI, Alabama. Well worth the top pick, any team passing on him to chase a QB will regret it.
Byron Murphy, CB, Washington. Should be great value at the back end of the 1st round, especially for DB desperate teams.
2nd Round
Elgton Jenkins, C, Mississippi - Solid player who doesn’t wow you physically, but could easily be your starting C for a decade.
Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State – See Elgton Jenkins. Except he’s a tackle.
3rd Round
JJ Arcega Whiteside, WR, Stanford. Redzone playmaker who plays faster than he times. 3rd round would be a steal.
Will Grier, QB, WV – Draft a QB every year. Grier was extremely productive and looks good running a college offense, but he may lack the arm strength and quick release to make it in the NFL. Grab him if you need a backup, or one of the Haskins/Jones/Lock/Jackson guys if they fall this far and you need high upside.
4th round
Max Scharping, OT, Northern Illinois. Small school prospect who has apparently risen up draft boards recently. Has the build and athleticism you like, but hasn’t shown it against talent.
Jamel Dean, CB, Auburn. I like big cornerbacks, and he fits the bill. But his injury history (extensive knee surgeries) make him a huge risk if taken earlier.
5th round
Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State. Undersized at just 6’1”, he’s not going to wow anybody physically, but I like his accuracy, quick release, and timing. If he had a stronger arm, he’d go much, much higher. But, as I said, draft a QB every year.
6th round
Ben Burr Kirven, LB, Washinton – Is likely too physically small to play MLB in the NFL, but he may develop and should be a great special teams player. Worth a 6th rounder.
Bryce Love, RB, Stanford. Remember him? Tore up the league in 2017 and could have been a top pick, but went back to college, got injured, and has been falling ever since. I should probably move him up a couple rounds, but I think he’s a great player who has a chance to be a stud in the NFL.
7th Round
Hamp Cheevers, CB, Boston College. Another guy who may be too small for the NFL, but he’s aggressive and quick, so he could be your slot CB if he develops. Definitely worth a shot here.
Your guys:
Nick Bosa. On the field, he’s a top 10 pick. But I hate the guy, and he’s an injury risk. A Trumpist who has a very tenuous grip on reality, balky knees, and the entitled attitude of a extremely talented white football player, I hope he turns into a huge draft bust and I wouldn’t want him on my team. Ever.
Jaylon Ferguson, DE, LA Tech. Not seeing it. Watched the Florida Atlantic game and 2 of his credited 3 sacks were him being the closest guy to a falling QB. Kinda surprised he’s considered a second, yet alone first round talent.
Hakeem Butler, WR, Iowa State. Lots of comparisons to Brandon Marshall, but Butler made his bones breaking tackles of some of the worst defenses in college football. Has the strength/speed you like, but will have to learn the rest of it. He also drops too many balls like Marshall.
Andy Isabella, WR, U Mass. Fast, twitchy slot receiver with great speed and some moves, but only against iffy competition. I don’t understand the love he gets from PFF or some commentators. Remind me a quicker Anthony Miller.
DK Metcalf, WR, Mississippi. I can’t recall the possible #1 WR and first round pick ever being unable to even get to 600 yards receiving in college. Even Calvin Johnson put up 1000 yards in a run first offense in college. He’s a size/speed guy who coaches just drool over, but I want production, not topless photo models.
Jachai Politte, DE, Florida. A bit undersized, but amazing athlete, I worry about his mental stability and desire to put forth effort to become better. No thank you.
Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State. Another guy I don’t see as a first rounder. There are certainly things to like, like his build and quickness, but maybe in the 3rd round, not the first.
And, finally, my list of favorite names in the NFL draft this year:
Favorite names:
Rock Ya Sin
Jace Sternberger
Michael Jordan
Michael Jackson
Drew Sample
Ulysees Gilbert III
Taiwan Deal
Greedy Williams.
