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Post by Juggs on May 10, 2015 22:16:33 GMT -5
Don't get the Yeldon hate. He's better than Duke and David Johnson. He wasn't a reach at all. Nitpicky comment, but Josh Robinson is from Mississippi State, not Michigan State. What round was Rashad Greene drafted? He's going to be a solid player Mariota = bust..maybe. I'm not sold on him, but I don't necessarily think he's a bust either. I think bust is more likely than not though. It's not hate as much as: when did this happen? I had Yeldon mocked in the late fourth round a month ago, and most people were only slightly higher than that. All of a sudden, you're just telling me everyone changed their minds on his tape? Why the rise? I would have had Yeldon as the 8th or 9th runningback a month ago, and nothing has changed really. I knew something was wrong with the Robinson pick. I was thinking, wait, how did he go ahead of Langford? If Mariota's a bust you can own my avatar for life This is not a legally binding contract :/ . I'm all in on him. It's lombardi time.
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Post by Jancey on May 10, 2015 23:23:50 GMT -5
Don't get the Yeldon hate. He's better than Duke and David Johnson. He wasn't a reach at all. Nitpicky comment, but Josh Robinson is from Mississippi State, not Michigan State. What round was Rashad Greene drafted? He's going to be a solid player Mariota = bust..maybe. I'm not sold on him, but I don't necessarily think he's a bust either. I think bust is more likely than not though. It's not hate as much as: when did this happen? I had Yeldon mocked in the late fourth round a month ago, and most people were only slightly higher than that. All of a sudden, you're just telling me everyone changed their minds on his tape? Why the rise? I would have had Yeldon as the 8th or 9th runningback a month ago, and nothing has changed really. I knew something was wrong with the Robinson pick. I was thinking, wait, how did he go ahead of Langford? If Mariota's a bust you can own my avatar for life This is not a legally binding contract :/ . I'm all in on him. It's lombardi time. Yeldon was never been seen as worse than a 2nd round pick; I don't get where you're getting 4th from.
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Post by Juggs on May 11, 2015 15:10:25 GMT -5
AFC WEST: Denver Broncos: Team grade: B. The Broncos were all over the place in terms of what they wanted and how I graded them. Some of these picks are going to miss the roster entirely, but the impacts that Shane Ray and Darius Kilgo should have on their front 7 could propel them to super bowl contention in Peyton Manning’s swan song season.
Shane Ray, OLB, Missouri Grade: A- This was a bona fide steal for the Broncos, so why isn’t it an A? Well, the trade up for a player with a marijuana citation is doubling down on risk, even if it’s a minor one. If for whatever reason Shane Ray doesn’t work out, you just gave up three picks for the guy, and that sets back the franchise. I don’t think that will happen. Ray’s motor is unbelievable and the kid loves football. He’s also a high-character player despite smoking (Quick! Call the moral majority). I think we’ll look back and blame the media frenzy over Shane Ray for letting the next great pass rusher slip so far to a team that doesn’t even need him.
Ty Sambraillo, OT, Colorado State Grade: C+ Sambraillo is probably the most athletic tackle prospect in the class. He could be playing tight end, and sarcastically, he just might with Heuerman injured. Sambraillo was at one point looked at as a first round prospect, but he graded poorly overall based on his actual play. The player itself would get a bad grade, but with the Broncos probably still relying on Chris Clark to start next season anyway, Sambrailo has a pretty good chance to get to where he needs to be.
Jeff Heuerman, TE, Ohio State Grade: C I didn’t give the Jaguars any shit for taking Fowler and him getting injured, but you can blame Denver. Heureman has played through numerous injuries and they were the primary reason for him not being the #1 tight end in the class. I would have liked the pick a week ago, but Heuerman already going down suggests that the reports were right.
Max Garcia, C, Florida Grade: B+ Garcia wasn’t taken really seriously as a draftable prospect until April, but he should have been. He’s a massive versatile center who moved around at Florida. With the Broncos trading Manny Ramirez and likely replacing Chris Clark, Garcia is a likely guy to make the active roster. He needs to improve in pass pro and he’s a little tall for a center.
Lorenzo Doss, CB, Tulane Grade: B Doss is an aggressive zone cover guy who likes like he’s better suited for safety but too small to play there. He’s got good instincts and his gambling worked more often than not. He’s got the potential to be a starting corner on the outside despite his height, but he’s not ready yet. That’s okay because of the Broncos’ logjam at corner.
Darius Kilgo, NT, Maryland Grade: A He reminds me of a quicker Dontari Poe. He’s a classic 3-4 nose tackle against the run, and people project that he won’t hold up in the NFL on third down. He proved that idea wrong at the shrine game where he got after quarterbacks against better competition than he did at Maryland. The Broncos really needed an upgrade in the front 3 on a roster that couldn’t get a contributor at many other spots.
Trevor Siemian, QB, Northwestern Grade: F If he beats out Dysert or Osweiller for a roster spot, I’d be shocked. Siemian wasn’t likely to get drafted by anyone else, and he’s likely just a practice squad guy. Siemian doesn’t have an NFL arm and was praised for his leadership skills and clutch comebacks in schools.
Taurean Nixon, CB, Tulane Grade: B Doss’ kind-of backup at Tulane, Nixon played more safety than corner and that’s what he should do in the NFL even though the Broncos announced him at corner. He’s a tall, fast hitter who’s extremely raw. I’m not usually a fan of projection choices, but the experience with Doss (and two other Tulane guys on the roster) is a plus. The improbable Louisiana-Colorado pipeline is strong.
Josh Furman, CB, Oklahoma St Grade: C- Furman’s a very similar player to Nixon and needs work before he can set foot on the field. He’s a tall, strong, safety-type corner with elite speed and leaping ability. You won’t pass when you take three at the same position, much less to basically identical prospects. The odds that both end up on the roster are basically zip.
San Diego Chargers: Team grade: B+. The Chargers have been a bubble playoff team for a while, so in retrospect, I think taking guys like Gordon and Perryman were what needed to happen. The only way they’ve got a shot is if this group is as dominant as it’s high potential, and hopefully the coaches can get them there. A lot of these picks are scary bust risks as well, and with only five draft picks, the Chargers didn’t do a ton to build the roster. I still support the strategy though.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin Grade: C. I didn’t have a first round grade on Gordon due to his limitations as a blocker and a receiver, as well as his problems seeing the whole and unimpressive strength. I compare Gordon more to Chris Johnson than Jamaal Charles, simply because the array of moves to make defenders miss and the game breaking speed are there, but not a lot else is. If the Chargers had an offensive line like the Titans did in 2008, then we’d be talking about this differently. Also, the trade up was highway robbery. Two draft picks to go 3 spots make this a steep price for an already undervalued position in the first round. I’m also on the “Brandon Oliver is a great runningback” train, which doesn’t help the grade.
Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami Grade: A+ People talk about runningbacks being devalued, but it’s time to talk about the middle linebacker position. Every year, the rookie linebacker class outplays most positions and occasionally produces bonafide stars like Kuechly, Mosley and Mack. Perryman has no problems on tape and looks like he can be one of the best players on the Chargers entire roster from day 1. Height was why he fell, but plenty of linebackers have overcome that, and it’s not even a big deal playing strong side in the 3-4.
Craig Mager, CB, Texas State Grade: D Mager won the Kayvon Webster award for being the first draft pick taken I hadn’t even heard of. Mager was taken ahead of a horde of guys who were ready to play. Reports say Mager’s got top speed and not much else. Did Denver just draft a kick returner in round 3?
Kyle Emmanuel, OLB, North Dakota State Grade: A Emmanuel’s a great prospect who got found because of John Crockett and ignored because of Crockett. He’s like lightning off the snap and consistently won as an edge rusher. There aren’t any huge liabilities in his game at least based on what he’s asked to do as a 3-4 linebacker, and he’s a good fit going to his NFL team, which is extremely rare for a DIII player. The Chargers got a day 2 player in round 5.
Darius Philon, DE, Arkansas Grade: B+ Philon is making a tough move to 5tech end considering his size and strength, which would be a liability at any spot on the d-line. When Philon was playing at Arkansas against some of the biggest lineman in the country, the size issues didn’t seem to matter. Philon’s got a tough battle to get bigger, but he doesn’t have to get that much bigger considering how effective he was a pass rusher.
Kansas City Chiefs: Team Grade: D+. This draft class is the worst I’ve seen so far this year. Marcus Peters is unlikely to develop into anything other than a disappointment, Chris Conley isn’t anything better than the druthers of the Chiefs paltry receiving group, and the Chiefs miserable offensive line hasn’t improved meaningfully at all. Steven Nelson is exciting, and he and Wilson are probably be the only rookies with a chance to make a serious impact.
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington Grade: D+ This pick isn’t an F because there’s an outside chance I’m just dead wrong on this report. I’ve written at length about Peters’ immaturity and self-destructive character issues. He’s a complete head case, he’s possibly (most likely) violent, and hasn’t played football in a year. The lack of remorse or growth shown at public combine interviews and rumors of failed evaluations in private make me think that Peters is going to be the biggest bust of this draft. You have to be humble and work hard to ever get better, and everyone needs to improve when they get to the pros. His physical talent is worth of a mid-first grade. He’s great against the press with top speed to make up for any mistakes moving laterally, and of course the strength is there. The only question is in the mental game of working with players around him and a lack of experience running a zone. If I’d never read his name in a newspaper, he’d be an A or A- grade. Something this grade doesn’t even consider is that the Chiefs didn’t address their offensive line or their wide receiver group, two positions that desperately need help.
Mitch Morse, G, Missouri Grade: C Morse is an awkward prospect who is renowned for his versatility, but is more honestly only a fit at center, a position he’s never played. He’s 6’5’’ and lanky with stunningly short arms and he’s a weakness against the pass, which means he doesn’t make a lot sense anywhere.
Chris Conley, WR, Georgia Grade: D Conley’s a high upside deep threat who could prove me totally wrong, but totally won’t. There’s no reason for him to have been drafted based on what he did at Georgia. His routes aren’t developed half well enough, his hands are inconsistent, and he couldn’t consistently produce. Conley blew up the combine and was probably the best receiver there, and the tape does back up his speed. He’s a long shot to turn into anything but a wasted pick.
Steven Nelson, CB, Oregon State Grade: A Nelson’s a top run-support corner who isn’t a weakness outside or in the slot. He’s great in press and honestly does everything really well. Size and occasionally getting burned is the only reason I can see why he fell. He was one of the better senior bowl defensive backs, and outperformed several guys who went earlier.
Ramik Wilson, ILB, Georgia Grade: B Wilson’s limited as a prospect since he didn’t play 3 downs at Georgia and certainly can’t in the pros. He’s a great hitter and is excellent in pursuit. He needs to add some weight, but he could probably contribute a lot right away against the run, and that’s a good value in round 4.
D.J. Alexander, ILB, Oregon State Grade: C Alexander played a specific role at Oregon State as a pass rushing 4-3 outside linebacker and made his money rushing up the middle. He’s got great speed and acceleration and he can hit, but his skill set is a really strange conversion to the 3-4 that emphasizes pass coverage and decision making inside. The Chiefs announced him as an outside linebacker, which is even more confusing. Alexander will probably be on the bench for a while whichever spot he ends up at.
James O’Shaugnessy, TE, Illinois State Grade: F Who? Where? It’s an awesome last name, but this is a crazy selection even in a bad crop of tight ends. Scouting reports say JO isn’t much of a receiver or a blocker, but has great leaping ability and long arms. Still, there are better red-zone threats in the NFL draft than a 6’4’’ division III player who nobody’s heard of in round 5. Maybe the Chiefs forgot they had this compensatory pick until the last minute and needed to make a choice before they ran out of time. I can’t think of anything else.
Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Mississippi Grade: A- He’s a great 3-4 pass rusher who’s a good scheme fit and he’ll see the field earlier than he should this late in the draft. Roches graded very poorly against the run and wasn’t always a draftable grade, but his combine and senior bowl put him way up some draft boards.
Da’Ron Brown, WR, Northern Illinois Grade: D The Chiefs continue their DIII players from Illinois train and take a strong possession receiver who most didn’t see as an NFL athlete. He could find a spot in the slot despite his height. He’s a long shot for the roster.
Oakland Raiders: Team Grade: B. The Raiders nailed their first pick and selected one of the best prospects in the draft. If Amari Cooper reaches his potential as an elite receiver, the disappointing few picks that came after are going to be forgotten about. Max Valles and Ben Heeney did build the linebacker corps that wasn’t really a need, and the Raiders didn’t do enough to improve a weak offensive line and all around running game.
Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama Grade: A I’m glad to see the Raiders got this one right. I expected them to draft Leonard Williams, which would have also been a great choice. Cooper is the clear top choice in the draft for his blazing speed, silk hands and complete route tree. Physicality and strength are the only concerns I have with Cooper’s game, but that can be improved in the weight room. The Raiders probably just added a Calvin Johnson-esque fixture to their roster for a decade. With the young talent the Raiders acquired in the 2014 draft, another great haul could propel them to playoff contention.
Mario Edwards Jr, DT, Florida State Grade: C- Coming from 3-4 DE and moving to 3tech is usually an easy transition, but it might not be for the weight-challenged Edwards. Edwards is a powerful interior pass rusher with great upside, but he’s not a complete player and he’s really a total projection in the 4-3 if he stays at 270 lbs. He’s not a 4-3 end like some think he will be.
Clive Walford, TE, Miami Grade: B Walford isn’t a good enough player for the third round in any other draft, but he offers enough as a receiver to make the roster and even contribute as a rookie. Walford is the best tight end prospect in the class with Heuerman’s injury, and the Raiders were desperate for a contributor, so it could work. Jon Feliciano, G, Miami Grade: C- Feliciano didn’t play well enough to warrant this pick, but his size makes him intriguing at guard. Feliciano is very raw and won’t be ready to push a really weak starter in Khalif Barnes. There were a lot of better guards here.
Ben Heeney, ILB, Kansas Grade: A Snap’s a productive linebacker who was always hitting the ballcarrier on film and fell because of his size and speed not being where they need to be to start in the 4-3. The Raiders were starting Miles Burris, one of the league’s worst linebackers – starting or otherwise – so look for Heeney to see a lot of time. He needs to improve in coverage to make up for a lack of speed.
Neiron Ball, OLB, Florida Grade: D- Ball has great coverage ability, but not for the reason you’d expect. He had more reps at corner than linebacker and he didn’t start at either spot. Ball’s a top athlete without the ability to play pro football, and he’s got major injury red flags.
Max Valles, OLB, Virginia Grade: A Valles is a hard hitting 4-3 scheme fit who will make a lot more of an impact than the player drafted ahead of him at the same position. His strength makes him an interesting run defense prospect, but he needs work in coverage and he consistently tries to knife in rather than stay in his gap. It’s rare you get production and athleticism this late, it’s usually one or the other. Anthony Morris, OT, Tennessee State Grade: A Morris is one of the better sleeper lineman prospects because of his strength and athleticism, he’s a lock for the roster. He needs to add weight, keep his speed, and improve his technique in pass pro, and that’s a lot of question marks, but he’s a steal this late based on what he should be.
Andre Debose, WR, Florida Grade: D Top athlete who barely got on the field at Florida. The Raiders drafted him based on his stellar pro day where he looked like an NFL receiver, but one has to wonder why he never did so in school. This is a classic Raider wide receiver choice. At least this time it came in round 7.
Dexter McDonald, CB, Kansas Grade: B+ McDonald graded higher based on his great press ability combined with consistency following. He’s a great athlete with surprisingly impressive tape. The Raiders found a contributor very late with this one.
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Post by Juggs on May 11, 2015 15:34:50 GMT -5
AFC Draft Grades: 1. Jacksonville: A (Fowler, Yeldon, Sample, Cann) 2. Baltimore: A (Perriman, Williams, Davis, Smith) 3. New York: A (Williams, Smith, Mauldin, Harrison) 4. Pittsburgh: A- (Dupree, Golson, Doran, Holliman) 5. Tennessee: A- (Mariota, Beckham, Poutasi, McBride) 6. Miami: B+ (Parker, Phillips, Douglas, Ajayi) 7. San Diego: B+ (Gordon, Perryman, Emmanuel) 8. Oakland: B (Cooper, Edwards, Heeney, Valles) 9. New England: B (Brown, Flowers, Jackson, Mason) 10. Denver: B (Ray, Sambraillo, Heuerman, Doss) 11. Buffalo: B (Darby, Williams, O’leary, Lewis) 12. Indianapolis: B- (Dorsett, Smith, Anderson, Parry) 13. Cleveland: C (Shelton, Erving, Orchard, Johnson) 14. Houston: C- (Johnson, McKinney, Strong, Covington) 15. Cincinnati: C- (Ogbuehi, Fisher, Dawson, Hardison) 16. Kansas City: C- (Peters, Nelson, Morse, Conley)
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Post by Morkim on May 11, 2015 18:24:38 GMT -5
JuggsYour big list says C-, but this says D+. I'm gonna skip over Peters, because it's fair. You don't believe in the charcter, Reid does. So I hope he's right. He has played Center. What makes you think he hasn't? Did you watch Georgia games? His routes need work but his hands are pretty good. I'm lumping this together because I more or less agree with you on most of these. Except I don't know how you can give O’Shaugnessy an F because you don't know the guy. Who were the better redzone threats that were left? Don't imply that Dorsey is an idiot and forgot he had two picks. C'mon Juggs.
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Post by Juggs on May 11, 2015 20:59:08 GMT -5
- It was supposed to be D+. I think there's a clear definition between Houston and Cincinnati vs Kansas City. Ogbuehi and Strong are both much better prospects than Nelson, and all three missed on most of the rest of their picks. - Conley's hands are not good enough. They were in combine drills. There's a higher standard for what I consider grading hands good. Basically I don't have time to really make a perfect judgement so if I see him drop passes, he needs to work on it - I recant on Morse. He was playing tackle when I watched Missouri. I don't watch much during the season because I'm busier with school and focus on NFL games. Still not a very good pick. I was laughing when he got selected in the draft thread. Same with Conley. - I wasn't serious at all about Dorsey not remembering he had a comp pick. That pick just came out of nowhere, and there is no good explanation for it. Better redzone tight ends taken after him (subjective of course): Nick O'leary, Ben Koyack, Jesse James, CJ Uzomah, Jean Sifrin, Wes Saxton, EJ Bibbs at least, and two of those guys didn't even get drafted. If Fasano was an H-back, why replace him with a red-zone type anyway? edit: I forgot about Eric Tomlinson from UTEP. He went undrafted as well.
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Post by Morkim on May 11, 2015 21:11:49 GMT -5
- It was supposed to be D+. I think there's a clear definition between Houston and Cincinnati vs Kansas City. Ogbuehi and Strong are both much better prospects than Nelson, and all three missed on most of the rest of their picks. - Conley's hands are not good enough. They were in combine drills. There's a higher standard for what I consider grading hands good. Basically I don't have time to really make a perfect judgement so if I see him drop passes, he needs to work on it - I recant on Morse. He was playing tackle when I watched Missouri. I don't watch much during the season because I'm busier with school and focus on NFL games. Still not a very good pick. I was laughing when he got selected in the draft thread. Same with Conley. - I wasn't serious at all about Dorsey not remembering he had a comp pick. That pick just came out of nowhere, and there is no good explanation for it. Better redzone tight ends taken after him (subjective of course): Nick O'leary, Ben Koyack, Jesse James, CJ Uzomah, Jean Sifrin, Wes Saxton, EJ Bibbs at least, and two of those guys didn't even get drafted. If Fasano was an H-back, why replace him with a red-zone type anyway? edit: I forgot about Eric Tomlinson from UTEP. He went undrafted as well. I figured we were a D+. Just figured you might want to fix it. I just disagree about Conley. But I liked him in Georgia a lot. So I guess we will just see sir. I'm sure you were. Because you hate my Chiefs. but that doesn't make Morse a bad pick. Heck you're basically admitting you didn't see much of him and you're making rash conclusions about him. Honestly, I think our Oline is fine moving forward. Getting Allen and Stephonson back. Losing Hudson is a bummer, but Kush v Morse for Center might be interesting. Not a Dallas Oline, but I think they'll be better than expected. I didn't think much of your list. I guess they liked this kid. I've no idea about him myself, but I'm gonna find some games and trust Dorsey. As far as the Hback thing, I think because Kelce is the one stepping into that role. Kelce was not on the field very much last season.
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Post by Juggs on Jun 1, 2015 16:33:11 GMT -5
Sorry for the hiatus I have almost the whole NFC done and I'm just proofreading now and doing the NFC West. I've gone to 60 hours a week working and now it's coming back down to like 30. More time to write. NFC East: Dallas Cowboys: Team grade: A. The Dallas Cowboys signing of La’El Collins essentially gave them a first round pick from out of nowhere. Drafting Randy Gregory gave them a top 10 pick out of nowhere. If Byron Jones lives up to his sky high potential, then one of the already most talented rosters in the NFL is going to dominate a talented division in 2015 and going forward. I commend the Cowboys for taking some big risks in this draft. Yes, those three guys all have their questions marks, but there is no sure thing in the pros. Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut Grade: B This is right around where most people had Jones. He’s a hard prospect for me to grade because he was limited in 2014 with an injury and wasn’t a well-known prospect in 2013, leaving me with basically no tape to watch. His measurable alone show that he’s a great athlete, and I’m confident that at least two teams, Arizona and Dallas, had first round grades on Jones after seeing the film I didn’t. I like the value. The position surprised me though. Odighizuwa or Randy Gregory would have been phenomenal additions to the Dallas D-line that doesn’t have a real defensive end starter right now. Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska Grade: A+ Gregory is an outstanding pass rusher with the talent to be one of the best linebackers in the league and the tape that makes you feel safe about taking him. His long arms and strong upper body manhandle tackles whether or not he goes around them. Gregory was a top 5 pick before marijuana concerns hurt his stock, and they should have hurt him slightly, but most agree he fell way too far. Chaz Green, OT, Florida Grade: B I didn’t like Green before the draft, but a lot of scouts love his tape and think he’s going to be a starting caliber left tackle. He’s a great pass protector who might have started at left guard for Dallas had they not signed La’El Collins later. It was a surprise they passed up some elite tackle prospects to take Green. Damien Wilson, ILB, Minnesota Grade: B The Cowboys are trying to get a real insurance policy for Sean Lee. Wilson is pretty much the opposite player, a hard hitting two down player transitioning from a 4-3. Limitations are what the 4th round is for. Ryan Russell, DE, Purdue Grade: D Russell’s a great physical specimen and he could reform his game to become something. Right now, he looks like a sure bust based on his inconsistency, lack of effort, and production versus the worst lines he played against. Mark Nzeocha, OLB, Wyoming Grade: F This pick has been universally panned. Nzeocha wasn’t considered a draftable prospect by really anyone. He’s a decent athlete who didn’t excel at a low tier football school. His size and speed makes him an interesting special teams body, and I have to imagine the Cowboys are bringing him on due to their lack of defensive end depth or confidence in Randy Gregory off the field. There was a long list of more effective pass rushers still available. Laurence Gibson, OT, Virginia Tech Grade: D Gibson was also a confusing choice. His tape is nothing special and he’s not strong like you would like to see from a developmental player. I don’t see much redeeming value to this choice. Geoff Swaim, TE, Texas Grade: B The Cowboys got a “free” visit that didn’t count against their total when they met Swaim, and they obviously like his chances to beat out Gavin Escobar for a few catches this season. Swaim is a good blocker who can catch the football but is limited by his speed and inexperience. Philadelphia Eagles: Team grade: B+. The Eagles got four good values in a row with their first picks. None of the picks were home run choices however, and all of have some pretty major drawbacks. Hicks is my favorite player of the class by far, but if he can’t beat the odds to stay healthy this class might not be looked back upon fondly. Nelson Agholor, WR, Southern California Grade: A- This pick surprised me even though I projected it. Breshad Perriman seemed like the better prospect to me. Still, Agholor’s ability with the ball in his hands and as a kick returner is perfect for a Philadelphia offense that honestly was looking starved for playmakers after losing Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy. The value on Agholor isn’t worth an A-, but the desperate positional need and the utility with Chip Kelly brings up the grade. Eric Rowe, CB/FS, Utah Grade: B Rowe was rumored to be a target of Philadelphia for months before the draft because of his size and speed as well as his positional versatility. These are all things that Chip Kelly likes, but Rowe has some major red flags too. He’s too aggressive in coverage and plays the ball in the air surprisingly poorly for such a tall, strong defender. It makes you wonder if what Kelly wants in a corner doesn’t come with some disadvantages. Jordan Hicks, OLB, Texas Grade: A+ Hicks is the kind of outside power rusher I expect to see get taken at the top of the second or even in round 1, not at the end of round 3. Texas’ NFL prospects of late have been terrible, but I think Hicks will buck the trend. He’s a liability in coverage and a lot of teams took him off their boards because of injuries, but that’s pretty much what’s left after the first two rounds. Hicks is a steal. JaCorey Shepard, CB, Kansas Grade: A- JaCorey Shepard has some glaring weaknesses on tape that make you wonder if he’s anything but a wasted draft pick. However, his stats don’t lie and they’re impressive: 90 tackles, 5 picks, a fumble and a touchdown. Shepard is a rare island type corner who can also make plays on the ball. His inconsistency reminds me of Bradley Roby coming into the draft last year, but he’s a really exciting pick. Randall Evans, CB, Kansas State Grade: D The Eagles took a big step down in name recognition with this choice and for good reason. Evans wasn’t expected to be drafted because of his poor coverage skills. He does bring elite size at cornerback and checks all of the boxes in terms of athleticism. I don’t think he makes the roster. Brian Mihalik, DE, Boston College Grade: A More and more NFL teams are investing a roster spot in a swatter these days, and at 6’9’’, Mihalik can do that. He’s not a good enough athlete to get many sacks, but he’ll get his hands up and make an impact on what opposing quarterbacks (and kickers) can do. New York Giants: Team Grade: A. The Giants had an extra pick to work with, and they ended up trading it and their fourth to move up and get a future star in Landon Collins. Overall, I think the Giants nailed every early pick they made and found 3 immediate starters in rounds 1, 2, and 3. The depth is lacking from a draft without the late picks, but from a one year standpoint, this was a rare draft. Ereck Flowers, OT, Miami Grade: A I went back after this pick to watch Flowers more, and I saw that he did play left tackle as well. This gives the Giants the option to move on from the up-and-down Will Beatty or just kick Justin Pugh to left guard like most think they will do. Getting a versatile lineman who can honestly play 4 positions is what the Giants need as they have historically been decimated by injuries down the stretch. It’s tough to say in this top-heavy o-line class whether Flowers was a good value at #9. I get why they chose him over Peat since Andrus Peat hadn’t played right tackle. Edit: I wrote this before Will Beatty got hurt. Now the pick looks even better. Landon Collins, S, Alabama Grade: A+ This pick was one of the drafts best. The Giants moved up to get the best player left on the board who isn’t an in the box safety like people are labeling him as. Collins has surprising range, speed and ball skills that will probably seem him start at FS week 1. There’s no liability in coverage that people want to see in a hard hitting safety and a great athlete. Collins can do his all. People over-thought the pick and he fell out of round 1 in what will come back to be seen as a huge mistake. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE/DT, UCLA Grade: A+ The Giants just took a third player I had a round 1 grade on. Odighizuwa played 5tech defensive end at UCLA and 4-3 defensive end. He’s a perfect scheme fit to go down to the 4-3 in the NFL, especially for the Giants because they need a DT if Robert Ayers works out for them at DE after recovering from an injury. No one questioned the talent, but OO fell due to the scheme fit that the Giants took advantage of. Mykkele Thompson, CB/S, Texas Grade: C Thompson was a backup corner for the Longhorns last year who didn’t see the field much. He’s a huge project, but he’s a great tackler as well. Taking a tackler cements to me that the Giants don’t view Collins as a liability in coverage. Geremy Davis, WR, Connecticut. Grade: A Davis is one of my favorite steal athletes in the draft. He’s both a deep threat because of his height and a clean route runner over the middle. His small school status and lack of elite speed will hold him back from being a true #1 or a high pick, but he could sit on the depth chart for a while and make a contribution. He’s a great find at the end of round 6. Bobby Hart, G, Florida State Grade: D Hart was a backup for the Seminoles and barely played. The Giants love their college rotational guys I guess. He’s big enough for the NFL and a decent athlete, but can you afford to just get three prospects with your last three picks? This draft class is awfully top heavy. Washington Redskins: Team Grade: C+. I’m as big a fan of RGIII as you’ll find, but if I were an NFL general manager, I certainly wouldn’t bet my career on him turning around my franchise right now. Washington needed to start rebuilding and make major offseason changes, and instead, their philosophy was to try and right the ship they have now. That won’t cut it an NFC East that looks like it has three playoff contenders who don’t play in Washington. The selections might pan out, but I don’t like the goals. Brandon Scherff, G, Iowa Grade: C Tough pick to grade. I like the player, but I hate taking him so high and the options you passed up with a top five pick. I applaud the Skins for admitting that Leonard Williams wasn’t a fit in their 3-4. I laugh at them for passing Vic Beasley, Kevin White, and Devante Parker. The Redskins said they wanted to use this draft to build an offense around RGIII. I don’t understand why you would use your top 5 pick getting him a guard, if that’s what you’re trying to do. Preston Smith, OLB, Mississippi State Grade: C Smith fell due to scheme concerns fitting into a 3-4 defense. His great get-off from the line and hand work lead most to mark him as a 4-3 defensive end at best, despite his time at tackle for the bulldogs. He doesn’t have the athleticism to stand up and make his mark right away. Plus, outside linebacker wasn’t an area of need for the Redskins who still have Ryan Kerrigan and Trent Murphy. Matt Jones, RB, Florida Grade: C+ Jones moved up boards only in the last two weeks and that’s always something to be watchful of. He doesn’t have the speed and elusiveness that you’d expect from such a high draft pick, and that makes him an odd compliment to a bruiser like Alfred Morris. Still, the Redskins said they wanted to build around RGIII and get tougher up front. Regardless of whether or not Jones was a reach, and I think he was, this pick looks good for what Washington said they wanted to do with this draft. Jamison Crowder, WR, Duke Grade: A Crowder was one of my favorite sleepers coming in for his consistent production as a possession receiver at Duke. He’s got everything you want expect for exceptional speed, and that’s not a requirement for a receiver to go so late. The Redskins got a potential Wes Welker for a late round pick. Arie Kouandjio, G, Alabama Grade: C Kouandjio shouldn’t be lumped in with his older brother, they’re really opposites on the line. Arie looked good in pass protection in a phonebooth, but he lacks athleticism otherwise. I look on the pick favorable because it will help a dreadful Redskins line, allow Scherff to play tackle at some point, and continue the identity the Redskins are trying to build. Martrell Spaight, OLB, Alabama Grade: B+ The Redskins are obviously very concerned about losing Brian Orakpo, because they’ve just addressed a backup position for themselves with two picks in the same draft. Spaight is a rare cover 2 outside player in a 3-4. His skills make him a quality choice, but I wonder when he’ll get a chance to contribute. Kyshoen Jarrett, SS, Virginia Tech Grade: A Jarrett is a developmental cover safety with the speed to let the Redskins trust their single high looks. He’s not ready for that yet, or probably any time soon, but his skill set is such that the Redskins got a great special teamer and a quality backup at the very least.
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Post by Juggs on Jun 2, 2015 13:58:10 GMT -5
NFC NORTH: Green Bay Packers: Team grade: C. I hate to give Ted Thompson a bad grade. Usually when people do that, they end up looking really bad. Still, the first three picks are really underwhelming, and frankly, so is the entire draft. I get the Packers were drafting late each round, but that’s not an excuse to make some bad decisions in Montgomery, Hundley and Ripkowski.
Damarious Randall, FS, Arizona State Grade: B- No one say a bigger draft week rise than Randall. A month ago I had him in round 3. I overlooked his range and coverage ability, but the concerns on his size and ability to lay a hit are real. Randall isn’t a day one starter. At 196, it’s hard to imagine playing defense in the NFL, let alone a single high safety in charge bringing down a 250 lb tight end one on one in the open field. Bulking up is something that a prospect can do in the weight room on his own after getting picked, but at just 5’11, how much more weight can Randall really add? He’s got starting quality coverage ability and speed, but he very well could be a bust and make people wonder how anyone thought he should go ahead of Landon Collins.
Quinten Rollins, CB, Miami Ohio Grade: A- Rollins is a converted basketball player who spent just one year on defense at a small school against weak competition. If not for those facts, he would be the unquestioned #1 corner. His freakish leaping and high point ability makes him ideal for covering today’s taller NFL tight ends and wide receivers. He still needs to get stronger and play a little more conservatively, but Rollins looks like a steal right now.
Ty Montgomery, WR, Stanford Grade: C Montgomery was regarded as a first round pick a few months ago, but he had a terrible pre-draft process. His deep ability and potential to spread the field make him interesting, but I think he’s not ready to play in the pros and is a huge project. His hands dropped his grade significantly after getting exposed at the senior bowl and combine.
Jake Ryan, OLB, Michigan Grade: B+ Ryan isn’t a great fit in the 3-4 and he’ll need major work moving from a heavy hitter in the run game to what the Packers like to do with their middle linebackers. I am, of course, assuming he moves inside. Everyone who watches the guy can see his work ethic and strength that a young linebacker can make a career out of. Ryan also has an injury history with his knee, and he doesn’t bring much as a pass rusher through the middle gaps.
Brett Hundley, QB, UCLA Grade: B I normally loathe drafting backup quarterbacks, but I’m okay with this pick for two reasons. First, Hundley very well could have been a first round choice. Yes, he’s a gamble that high, but his ability as a passer last year was night and day compared to where he was in 2013. He’s still got the speed and toughness that make many compare him to Cam Newton coming out of school, and I think he can be as good of a passer as well. Second, the Packers nabbed Hundley all the way in round 5. If he develops the way I think he will, there’s no reason the Packers won’t get a higher draft pick in return for Hundley in a trade. If Hundley went this late to a rebuilding team looking for a QB, then this would have been an A+.
Aaron Ripkowski, FB, Oklahoma Grade: F Most of the fullbacks in this class were more like runningbacks, and Ripkowski’s no exception. He’s not much of a blocker, and the Packers already have a clone of him in fan favorite and all-pro John Kuhn. This pick is really confusing. How many touches can you take away from Eddie Lacy and Aaron Rodgers?
Christian Ringo, DE, Louisiana Lafayette Grade: F Ringo is a weird choice for any 3-4 team. He’s an oversized, slow tweener who can’t play 5-tech. Scouts say that they brought him in as a long snapper. If you use a sixth round pick on a long snapper, you get an F.
Kennard Backman, TE, UAB Grade: C One thing the Packers don’t have right now is a backfield tight end threat who can take a carry, block, or catch the ball. Backman can do all those things – allegedly, I don’t watch UAB – so that’s a great pick. But again, you’re really going to give the ball to anyone other than Nelson, Cobb or Lacy? Or those two rookie receivers from last year?
Detroit Lions: Team grade: A. The Lions made several good selections in the draft, but the grade is carried by getting Laken Tomlinson so late and trading back to get him. The rest of the draft has a few intriguing players who could contribute early and aren’t big risks. Adding a ten year starter at the end of the first just pushed the grade over the top.
Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke Grade: A+ You know you’ve done well when NFL.com fucks up and calls your pure guard a tackle on facebook. On a more serious note, the Lions traded down and got the best lineman in the draft, maybe the best blocking prospect since Chance Warmack, and secured two extra draft picks and Tomlinson’s backup in Manny Ramirez. It’s hard to imagine the Lions doing better. Maybe the Broncos should have thrown in Von Miller too? I had a top 10 grade on Tomlinson based on his consistent ability to pancake even the strongest pass rushers and still show the athleticism to move around and get off his spot. At the Senior Bowl, Tomlinson went up against Danny Shelton and Carl Davis on back to back stunt drills. He put both of them on the ground. He’ll do the same to BJ Raji and Linval Joseph this year.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska Grade: B Everyone is rooting for Abdullah to succeed because he’s a great guy off the field and a perfect weapon in a pass oriented NFL. Still, there are significant problems that kept a talent like his out of round 1. He’s very small, he’s got issues protecting the ball, and he’s not as fast in a straight line as people think.
Alex Carter, CB, Stanford Grade: C- Carter was a popular prospect early in the process due to his run support play that jumps off the tape and for his highlight reel interceptions. Still, Carter isn’t good enough in man or in zone. He’s inconsistent and got burned way too often by the quality of players who he’s going to be dealing with in the NFC North. Pass coverage and decision making are steps 1-10 in starting at corner, and even though Carter does some of the other things well, he lacks the essentials.
Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn Grade: B+ Wright was a low rated prosect and generally not an exciting pick for fans, but I think he’ll turn out to be something in the NFL. He’s a great speed rusher and the lions pass rushing 3tech spot was perfect for him next to Haloti Ngata. Wright needs to get bigger and round out his game if he wants to beat Caraun Reid for the starting job.
Michael Burton, FB, Rutgers Grade: B The Lions have made a killing in the underneath game in the past few years, especially with Reggie Bush last season. Burton is a great receiving fullback and he brings that in his game. He’s not a player who will be on the field a lot even in the Lions power run offense, but when he does get on the field, I think he’ll contribute.
Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas Grade: A Diggs fell because he’s definitely limited to a run defending role in the slot, but when he was comfortable with that role at Texas, he played like one of the best corners in the country in coverage and as a tackler. He hits hard and shows really good instincts playing in the flat. Just getting a guy who will play a role for your team this late is a great thing.
Corey Robinson, OT, South Carolina Grade: A- Robinson is yet another prospect who every scout insists will move to guard because he isn’t athletic. Robinson is a phonebooth run blocker who should stay at left tackle on the bench and hone his pass blocking game. If he gets a few snaps while Reiff and Waddle are getting oxegyen then this developmental pick will be a good one.
Minnesota Vikings: Team grade B. Eric Kendricks and TJ Clemmings both look like really good additions to the roster, and the Vikings played it very safe in the first round instead of improving the team immediately. They largely played this draft very safe except for the Clemmings selection, and the players are all low risk. Using a pick on Pruitt was pretty baffling. Minnesota didn’t significantly improve the roster and is definitely still a deep underdog in the NFC North. Trae Waynes, CB, Michigan State Grade: C+ I can’t believe Minnesota didn’t take Devante Parker. Trae Waynes is the top CB on the board. You can’t make the value argument when you passed up falling players who were even better. Waynes is the best corner in a very weak class, and feel like he’ll make an impact as a rookie, so the pick isn’t a head scratches, but it’s not an impressive one either. Did Minnesota do anything with their first round pick to make me think they’re better than Detroit? Absolutely not.
Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA Grade: A Kendricks fell surprisingly far for the same reason Denzel Perryman did last year: teams undervalue middle linebackers right now. Kendricks’ coverage skill is amazing for a rookie and he doesn’t have any major liabilities in his tape. He isn’t exceptionally fast, but I don’t think it’s a problem for a guy who can be a three down player from day 1. Look for Kendricks to be remembered as one of the biggest steals a year from now.
Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU Grade: B The Vikings really stuck to their board, but Hunter has some major problems. He’s not strong enough to play every down and he was as effective at LSU as a freshman as he was four years later. I think he’s a great speed rusher who will put up some good sack totals and not much else. The Vikings already had Everson Griffin and Anthony Barr to do that.
T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh Grade: A Mike Mayock said about 1 million times on draft day that Clemmings was a first round player who fell because of a recent medical recheck on his foot that indicated a need for surgery. I still think that teams draft for the future, and that Clemmings was the best player left on the board other than La’El Collins. Even if he misses significant time this year, Clemmings is probably worth it.
MyCole Pruitt, TE, Southern Illinois Grade: F Pruitt is more like a slow NFL receiver than a tight end. He wasn’t a decent blocker in DII, and so he’s not going to even engage in the pros. He’s a gifted route runner if you’re comparing him to an inline tight end, but that comparison is staged. He’s short for a tight end, big but not a good blocker, not even very fast, and played against weak competition. Why was he drafted at all is the question, let alone in round 5?
Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland Grade: A Diggs is star kick returner and a great athlete who always seemed to make defenders miss once he touches the ball. He’ll be a great underneath receiver even if he takes some time to flesh out the route tree. Until then, he’ll settle for special teams and spread snaps.
Tyrus Thompson, OT, Oklahoma Grade: B+ Thompson’s tape is as good as any pass blocking left tackle in the country at times and he’s a physical specimen at 6’5 320. He’s a very poor athlete for a left tackle and he’ll be going up against very fast pass rushers in the NFL. Those problems in a draft prospect aren’t the kind that just go away, so Thompson’s a bit limited maybe to a backup role for a while in the NFL.
BJ Dubose, DE, Louisville Grade: B Dubose fell due to scheme concerns, but he’s a pretty good fit in the attacking 3-4 that Mike Zimmer runs. He’s tall and long and plays with really good leverage on the edge. Even put behind the cadre of pass rushers the Vikings have now, look for Dubose to sack a few quarterbacks as a rookie even if he’s just a two down player.
Austin Shepard, OT, Alabama Grade: B The Vikings got a backup left and right tackle and Shepard is probably the more pro ready. He’s more athletic and has a highly touted work ethic. Nick Saban was petitioning for him to be drafted highly and he’s got a chip on his shoulder now. I like Shepard to be the immediate backup at RT while Clemmings recovers or challenge David Yankey for the spot at left guard.
Edmond Robison, OLB, Newberry Grade: A Robison is an unheard of pass rusher not unlike Ryan Davis coming out Bethune Cookman. His production (19 sacks) last season got him noticed and the Vikings basically just made sure he was their first UDFA choice with a late pick. I love the upside even if if Robison takes a year on the practice squad. Chicago Bears: Team grade: C-. This draft was incredibly underwhelming and didn’t address the miserable roster the Bears came in with. Adding White was very much a luxury that the Bears couldn’t afford, and unless he’s a superstar, that pick is going to ruin careers of some of the front office men in Chicago. Grasu is the only great pick here, and when your best choice was a center, you probably didn’t get too much better as a football team.
Kevin White, WR, West Virginia Grade: C I’m lower on Kevin White than just about anyone else. I see a great deep threat with unbelievable ball location skills in the air. He’s also got good reading of downfield blocking and ability in the screen game and the return game. When I draft a receiver in the top 10, I need a complete player like Cooper and Parker. White’s routes are too rough and his hands were too inconsistent. Top speed, strength, and vertical ability make this an okay pick, but it could have been a lot better. The Bears not taking a defensive player also just disappointed me. How quickly they’ve forgotten what plagued them.
Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State Grade: B Goldman is an enormous nose tackle. He might have been a reach at this spot in terms of talent due to his inability to get after quarterbacks, but I think that’s okay because of how willing the Bears usually are to go to sub-packages. That also eases the stamina concerns and weight problems the hurt Goldman at FSU. Chicago is a perfect fit and they needed a space eater.
Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon Grade: A+ I had an early round 2 grade on Grasu. He seemed to be on the field every play in 4 years for the Ducks despite how much he had to run around. You won’t get a more athletic lineman prospect really. He’s just the right weight for a center and you know he’s giving you 100% for 60 minutes.
Jeremy Langford, RB, Michigan State Grade: B- Despite Langford’s impressive build, he goes down pretty easily and isn’t much a power back. He is a talented receiver who the Spartans just never stopped giving the ball too. That’s kind of the problem. Runningbacks in the NFL don’t keep playing after 2000 touches and Langford had over 650 in college. Staying healthy and keeping up his touches is going to be the defining element of Langford’s career.
Adrian Amos, FS, Penn State Grade: A This safety class just isn’t as bad as people say. Amos is a great athlete with surprising range and good hit power. He can play either safety position and doesn’t have any obvious flaws other than that he dropped interceptions too often.
Tayo Fabuluje, OT/OG, TCU Grade: C He’s the biggest player in the draft at 6’6 353. If you can keep him on the field, that’s an A grade in round 6. He’s a total liability against the pass and he’s got character concerns. I like to joke he’s got religious doubt issues because he transferred from BYU to TCU, then back, and then back again. Which is it dude? Seriously though, this guy is a likely bust with some crazy guard upside. The Bears will not be a team lobbying for an NFL weight limit with him on the roster.
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Post by MarchingOn on Jun 2, 2015 14:38:16 GMT -5
Appreciate the work you put into these Juggs
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