2024 NFL Combines This Week

tiamat63

@bob806 said:

I'd love to see an upgrade at LB.

Bingo. LB play hurt us more than WR play this past season.

@flugel said:

heading to an all you can eat buffet.

Sir, this is a family environment. Not sure we can permit such dirty talk on this board.

Flugel

Here's some Pre-Combine Top 5 rankings for each position group that a feller named Josh Edwards put together for NFL Draft enthusiasts.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2024-nfl-combine-ranking-the-top-five-draft-prospects-at-every-defensive-position/

2024 NFL Combine: Ranking the top five draft prospects at every defensive position

A look at the top defensive prospects entering the weeklong draft event

By Josh Edwards

Feb 26, 2024 at 7:25 pm ET•5 min read

Getty Images

The top of the 2024 NFL Draft is expected to be offensive-centric with multiple quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive tackles coming off the board. If the first defensive player is taken No. 9 overall or later, then it will be the latest such occurrence in over two decades.

Despite the lack of defensive talent at the top, there are still several quality talents expected to litter the first round of April's draft. Here are the top 5 prospects at each defensive position right now, in my opinion:

Defensive line

Byron Murphy II, Texas
Jer'Zhan Newton, Illinois
Kris Jenkins, Michigan
Maason Smith, LSU
Michael Hall Jr., Ohio State

The interior defensive line has a solid group, but they lack a Quinnen Williams-type. Murphy has upside as a pass rusher and is not a liability in run defense. Newton is a high-motor talent who uses his quickness to get on the hips of blockers. Jenkins is the son of a former NFL standout. He is a rising prospect.

Smith will be polarizing because he was highly regarded by the consensus coming into the season but he has not fully regained form after suffering a torn ACL early in the 2022 season. Most players do not return to peak performance until their second full season post-torn ACL, so one team could get a steal in the LSU Tigers. Hall rounds out the top five.

Nose tackle types T'Vondre Sweat (Texas) and McKinnley Jackson (Texas A&M) would be in that next tier. Clemson had a few talented interior defenders, such as Tyler Davis and Ruke Orhorhoro.

For more draft coverage, you can hear in-depth analysis twice a week on "With the First Pick" -- our year-round NFL Draft podcast with NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson and former Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. You can find "With the First Pick" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Listen to the latest episode below!

Edge rusher

Dallas Turner, Alabama
Darius Robinson, Missouri
Laiatu Latu, UCLA
Jared Verse, Florida State
Bralen Trice, Washington

Turner has the most upside and he should test very well at the NFL Combine. He is a relatively young prospect so it is likely that his best football lies ahead. Robinson is a unique talent because he has the flexibility to play on the edge or slide inside in pass-rushing situations. Latu has a lot of pass-rush moves in his bag and, at this point, there is no reason to believe he will not pass a medical check despite his past.

Verse is a powerful rusher who started to show his ability to take over games late in the season. Trice may not have the highest ceiling of this group, but his floor is high because of his consistency and how he prepares. Penn State's Chop Robinson is often in this conversation as well. He is a bit more raw, but someone who should test well in Indianapolis. One sleeper to watch is Western Michigan's Marshawn Kneeland.

Linebacker

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M
Junior Colson, Michigan
Payton Wilson, NC State
Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Clemson
Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

Cooper is the top linebacker because he can play in the box or make plays in coverage. His Herculean grip strength in the open field allows him to track and finish plays. Colson is an athletic linebacker for a team and coach that requires its players to play tough, hard-nosed football. Wilson has more traditional size. He is among the most productive players in the country, but has suffered two ACL tears in his career. The Wolfpack linebacker finally rounded back into form this season.

Trotter is the son of the former NFL linebacker. He is a more stout player who can play in the box. Wallace is a prospect who I am betting will rise. He entered the draft early as a junior. After excelling in the Senior Bowl game, the Georgia native should test well at the combine.

Cooper is the most well-rounded linebacker prospect, and then maybe Wilson, when healthy. The rest are still developing in one aspect or another. It is not a star-studded group, but there is functional depth into Day 3. North Carolina's Cedric Gray, UTEP's Tyrice Knight, Missouri's Ty'Ron Hopper, Ohio State's Tommy Eichenberg and Texas' Jaylan Ford are some others who can be contributors for a team.

Cornerback

Quinyon Mitchell, Toledo
Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama
Kris Abrams-Draine, Missouri
Nate Wiggins, Clemson

There is not a Patrick Surtain II in this draft class, in my opinion. Each prospect has his flaw. Mitchell inspires the most confidence because of his experience and the way he plays the game. He is a fiery competitor who checks the height, weight and speed boxes. Arnold is just 20 years old and has been trained by Nick Saban. His best football is still ahead of him.

McKinstry is probably going to test better than media expects, which could lead to a surge back up the board for the pre-season No. 1 cornerback. Wiggins is the youngest of this group. He is an unfinished product, but should also test well in Indianapolis. Abrams-Draine is one who I am personally higher on than most. He is buttery smooth in his transitions and is not afraid to be physical.

A few others in the mix include Iowa's Cooper DeJean, TCU's Josh Newton and Georgia's Kamari Lassiter.

Safety

Tyler Nubin, Minnesota
Javon Bullard, Georgia
Calen Bullock, USC
Kamren Kinchens, Miami (Fla.)
Cole Bishop, Utah

Nubin is a hyper-aware safety with elite ball production (12 interceptions) over the past three seasons. He has great range and is the best example of a traditional safety in this draft class. Beyond Nubin, the safety class is a lot about team needs and the type of safety missing from a team's secondary.

Bullard is a smaller safety with great ball production on a championship-caliber defense. Bullock had nine interceptions over the past three seasons and missed just four tackles in 2022, according to TruMedia. Kinchens has 11 interceptions over the past two seasons. He has disciplined eyes in coverage, but was responsible for a 13.3% missed tackle rate in 2023, according to TruMedia. Bishop is an active prospect with good awareness, but top-end speed and acceleration are not going to set the pace.

The 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including the weekly updated draft order, mock drafts and a regularly available look at the eligible prospects.

TexasAg1969

Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.

Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47

Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52

NCSt's Wilson 4.44

This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.

Flugel

@texasag1969 said:

Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.

Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47

Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52

NCSt's Wilson 4.44

This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.

"I know that song!" - Jeff Spicoli The first sentence of the song below says it all Aggies...

TexasAg1969

@flugel said:

"I know that song!" - Jeff Spicoli

Except maybe the person responsible for trading away our 2024 1st rounder. LOL!?

Flugel

@texasag1969 said:

Except maybe the person responsible for trading away our 2024 1st rounder. LOL!?

I had to edit the message I wanted you to hear while you were replying. Hit play and listen to the first sentence of the song. It'll make more sense than the name of the song.

gumby73

@texasag1969 said:

Edgerrin Cooper ran a 4.52 40 yd., 6'2 1/8" 230 lbs. Guys commenting at the combine really high on him. Afraid he is long, long gone by the time the Browns pick.

Bama's Dallas Turner 4.47

Kentucky's Wallace ties Cooper's 4.52

NCSt's Wilson 4.44

This is a fast group of LBs for sure. One of 'em needs to be in a Browns Uni.

top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63

TexasAg1969

@gumby73 said:

top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63

And Kevin was up there in the stands paying close attention to the group of LBs. Good sign. I think he was reading the menu Tom. Strong group of LBs and one of them is bound to be there when we get our first pick. Just not Cooper.

Flugel

@gumby73 said:

top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63

Yeah, they ran well today Gumbs! On top of that, I don't think Walker or Takitaki can still run the same times they ran at their combine.

gumby73

Wilson, Payton

N.C. State

LB30

LB

6037

233

30 1/2

9

75 3/4

4.44

4.49

4.43

1.55

1.54

34.5

9'11"

Kentucky Wild-Cat LB Trevin Wallace ? Kid had a night & looks of a ILB


PLAYER	COLLEGE	COMB#	UC	ASG	POS	HGT	WGT	ARM	HAND	WING	40 (1)	40 (2)	40 (O)	10 (1)	10 (2)	10 (O)	225	VJ	BJ	20S	3C
Barrett, Michael	Michigan	LB01			LB	5113	233	32 1/8	8 1/2	78	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Bertrand, JD	Notre Dame	LB02			LB	6007	235	30 5/8	9 3/4	74 7/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Bethune, Tatum	Florida State	LB03			LB	5114	229	32 3/8	10	78 1/4	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Braswell, Chris	Alabama	LB04			LB	6033	251	33 1/4	9 3/8	81 3/8	4.60	4.63	4.60			1.59		33.5	9'7"
Casey, Aaron	Indiana	LB05			LB	6007	231	32 3/4	9 3/8	77 7/8	4.80	4.75	4.75			1.59		30.0	9'9"
Chambers, Steele	Ohio State	LB06			LB	6006	226	30 1/2	9 1/4	73 5/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		33.5	9'4"
Colson, Junior	Michigan	LB07			LB	6022	238	32 1/2	9 3/8	77 1/2	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Cooper, Edgerrin	Texas A&M	LB08	Y		LB	6021	230	34	9 3/4	80 1/4	4.52	4.55	4.51			1.54		34.5	9'10"
DeLoach, Kalen	Florida State	LB09			LB	5114	210	31 1/2	8 5/8	74 7/8	4.55	4.47	4.47			1.59		30.5	9'11"
Duke, Khalid	Kansas State	LB10			LB	6032	246	32 5/8	9 1/4	74 3/8	4.80	4.81	4.79			1.62		34.0	9'9"
Eichenberg, Tommy	Ohio State	LB11			LB	6020	233	31 5/8	9 1/4	77 1/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		32.5	9'8"
Ford, Jaylan	Texas	LB12			LB	6020	240	31 3/4	9 1/2	74 3/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		33.5	10'1"
Gibbs, Easton	Wyoming	LB13			LB	6003	232	30 3/8	9 1/4	72 1/2	4.74	4.74	4.73			1.59		31.5	9'1"
Gray, Cedric	North Carolina	LB14			LB	6014	234	32 1/2	9	78 3/8	4.66	4.64	4.64			1.59		35.5	10'0"
Hopper, Ty’Ron	Missouri	LB15			LB	6016	231	31 3/8	8 7/8	77 3/4	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Hunter, Jontrey	Georgia State	LB16			LB	6017	236	31 3/4	9	76 7/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		32.0	9'3"
Jacobs, Curtis	Penn State	LB17			LB	6013	241	31 1/2	10 1/4	77 3/4	4.58	4.59	4.58			1.59		35.0	10'4"
Knight, Tyrice	UTEP	LB18			LB	6004	233	32 1/2	9 1/4	80 3/8	4.66	4.63	4.63			1.54		34.5	9'11"
Liufau, Marist	Notre Dame	LB19			LB	6021	234	34 1/4	9 7/8	79 3/8	4.66	4.64	4.64			1.59		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Magee, Jordan	Temple	LB20			LB	6013	228	32	8 3/4	76	4.55	4.62	4.55			1.54		35.5	10'4"
Muasau, Darius	UCLA	LB21			LB	5117	225	31 1/2	9 1/2	74 3/4	4.72	4.70	4.70			1.59		36.5	9'9"
Murphy, Gabriel	UCLA	LB22			LB	6023	247	30 1/2	9 1/4	75	4.69	4.68	4.68			1.59		39.5	10'3"
Njongmeta, Maema	Wisconsin	LB23			LB	6000	229	32 1/8	9 3/8	78 1/4	4.94	4.92	4.91			1.63		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Trotter Jr., Jeremiah	Clemson	LB24	Y		LB	6000	228	31 1/2	9 1/4	74 3/4	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Tupuola-Fetui, Zion	Washington	LB25			LB	6030	244	33 3/8	10 5/8	N/A	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Turner, Dallas	Alabama	LB26			LB	6026	247	34 3/8	9 7/8	83	4.47	DNP	4.46		DNP	1.54		40.5	10'7"
Ulofoshio, Edefuan	Washington	LB27			LB	6004	236	32 7/8	9 1/4	79 5/8	4.56	4.59	4.56			1.59		39.5	10'8"
Wallace, Trevin	Kentucky	LB28	Y		LB	6011	237	32 5/8	9 1/8	79 1/9	4.52	4.55	4.51			1.62		37.5	10'7"
Watson, Nathaniel	Mississippi State	LB29			LB	6022	233	32 7/8	9 7/8	81	4.64	4.66	4.63			1.63		31.0	9'3"
Wilson, Payton	N.C. State	LB30			LB	6037	233	30 1/2	9	75 3/4	4.44	4.49	4.43	1.55		1.54		34.5	9'11"

Orion

@gumby73 said:

top 7 in first LB group, just ran faster than Anthony Walker & Takitaki in their combine year.. Both were 6'1" 238lbs.. Walker 4.65 Taki 4.63

Our back 7 speed is not real great.

gumby73

@orion said:

Our back 7 speed is not real great.

that ^^ and it's a good thing they don't keep LB stats on getting off/shed a block.. ?

we really need a long armed (MJ Emerson) goon type that can cover/tackle at LB

gumby73

Edge/ DE


PLAYER	COLLEGE	COMB#	UC	ASG	POS	HGT	WGT	ARM	HAND	WING	40 (1)	40 (2)	40 (O)	10 (1)	10 (2)	10 (O)	225	VJ	BJ	20S	3C
Booker, Austin	Kansas	DL28	Y		ED	6044	240	33 7/8	9 1/4	81 3/8	4.81	4.80	4.79	1.67	1.67	1.67		32.5	10'0"
Byrd, Solomon	USC	DL29			ED	6027	255	33 5/8	9 3/4	79 7/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP
Ceaser, Nelson	Houston	DL30			ED	6026	254	33 5/8	10 1/4	79 5/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		31.0	DNP	4.57	7.30
Cole, Myles	Texas Tech	DL31			ED	6060	278	36 7/8	9 7/8	86 1/4	4.69	4.67	4.67	DNP	1.66	1.65		35.0	10'0"
Elliss, Jonah	Utah	DL32	Y		ED	6021	248	33	10 1/2	79 1/4	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP
Harrell, Jaylen	Michigan	DL33			ED	6036	250	33 1/4	9 3/4	81 1/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		37.0	9'10"
Hunt, Jalyx	Houston Christian	DL34			ED	6036	252	34 3/8	10	82 3/4	4.64	DNP	4.64	1.60	DNP	1.60		37.5	10'8"
Isaac, Adisa	Penn State	DL35			ED	6043	247	33 7/8	9 5/8	81	4.75	4.74	4.74	1.68	1.64	1.64		34.5	10'3"
Jackson, Brennan	Washington State	DL36			ED	6037	264	32 3/4	9 3/4	78 3/4	4.70	4.71	4.69	1.62	1.62	1.62		33.5	9'6"
Jean-Baptiste, Javontae	Notre Dame	DL37			DE	6045	239	33 3/4	10	80 1/2	4.66	DNP	4.66	1.65	DNP	1.65		34.5	10'7"
Jeffcoat, Trajan	Arkansas	DL38			DE	6037	266	32 3/4	10 1/8	79 1/2	4.70	4.69	4.69	1.66	1.66	1.66		31.5	10'0"
Johnson, Cedric	Mississippi	DL39			ED	6030	260	33 1/2	9 7/8	79 3/8	4.64	4.65	4.63	1.61	1.62	1.61		38.0	10'2'
Kamara, Mohamed	Colorado State	DL40			ED	6013	248	32 3/8	8 5/8	78 1/2	4.58	4.65	4.57	1.58	1.60	1.58		34.5	10'3"
Kneeland, Marshawn	Western Michigan	DL41			ED	6030	267	34 1/2	9 1/8	83 3/8	4.76	4.75	4.75	1.66	1.66	1.66		35.5	9'11'	4.18	7.02
Latu, Laiatu	UCLA	DL42			ED	6046	259	32 5/8	10 1/4	78 1/4	4.64	4.65	4.64	1.62	1.62	1.62		32.0	9'8"
McGregor, Braiden	Michigan	DL43			ED	6052	257	33 1/8	10	80 1/4	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Okie-Anoma, Eyabi	Charlotte	DL44			ED	6044	260	33 1/2	9 1/2	79 3/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Robinson, Chop	Penn State	DL45	Y		ED	6027	254	32 1/2	9 1/8	76 1/4	4.49	DNP	4.48	1.54	DNP	1.54		34.5	10'8"	4.25
Robinson, Darius	Missouri	DL46			DL	6051	285	34 1/2	10 5/8	84 3/8	4.95	5.02	4.95	1.73	1.77	1.73		35.0	9'3"
Solomon, Javon	Troy	DL47	Y		ED	6007	246	33 7/8	10 3/4	80 1/4	4.81	4.72	4.72	1.70	1.66	1.66		37.0	9'11'
Thomas, Xavier	Clemson	DL48			ED	6022	244	32 7/8	9 1/8	78 1/4	4.63	4.64	4.62	1.65	1.66	1.65		32.5	10'0"
Trice, Bralen	Washington	DL49	Y		ED	6034	245	32 1/2	9	77 5/8	4.72	4.75	4.72	1.65	1.66	1.65		DNP	DNP
Ugwoegbu, David	Houston	DL50			ED	6037	250	33 3/4	10 1/4	80 3/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		31.5	DNP
Verse, Jared	Florida State	DL51	Y		ED	6037	254	33 1/2	9 7/8	79 1/2	4.60	4.59	4.58	1.67	1.60	1.60		35.0	10'7"	4.44	7.31
Watts, Eric	Connecticut	DL52			DE	6055	274	35 3/4	9 3/4	84 3/8	4.68	4.68	4.67	1.62	1.65	1.62		36.5	9'9"	4.73	7.31

IDL/ DT


PLAYER	COLLEGE	COMB#	UC	ASG	POS	HGT	WGT	ARM	HAND	WING	40 (1)	40 (2)	40 (O)	10 (1)	10 (2)	10 (O)	225	VJ	BJ	20S	3C
Carter, DeWayne	Duke	DL01			DT	6023	302	33	10 1/4	79 1/8	5.01	5.00	4.99	1.72	1.73	1.72		32.0	9'1"	4.75	7.95
Crumedy, Jaden	Mississippi State	DL02			DT	6037	301	33	10 1/2	77 1/2	5.00	4.98	4.97	1.69	1.71	1.69		29.5	8'9"	4.66
Davis, Tyler	Clemson	DL03			DT	6020	301	31 3/8	9 1/4	75	5.02	5.03	5.02	1.72	1.72	1.72		28.5	9'0"	5.00
Dorlus, Brandon	Oregon	DL04			DE	6030	283	33 1/4	9 3/8	80 7/8	4.85	4.91	4.85	1.68	1.70	1.68		30.5	9'3"	4.85	7.43
Eboigbe, Justin	Alabama	DL05			DE	6043	297	33 3/8	9 3/4	80 3/4	5.18	5.21	5.18	1.81	1.80	1.80		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Fiske, Braden	Florida State	DL07			DT	6035	292	31	9 3/8	76 3/4	4.78	4.81	4.78	1.68	1.68	1.68		33.5	9'9"	4.37
Hall, Gabe	Baylor	DL08	Y		DE	6060	291	34 1/2	9 1/2	83 5/8	5.06	5.04	5.03	1.73	1.72	1.72		31.5	9'7"	4.67	7.65
Hall Jr., Michael	Ohio State	DL09			DT	6026	290	33 1/2	10	81 1/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Harris, Marcus	Auburn	DL10			DT	6023	286	32	9 5/8	78 1/4	5.08	5.07	5.06	1.77	1.78	1.77		29.5	8'7"
Jackson, McKinnley	Texas A&M	DL11			DT	6014	326	33 7/8	10	80 1/4	5.27	5.26	5.26	1.78	1.80	1.78		23.0	8'10"
Jefferson, Jordan	LSU	DL12			DL	6026	313	33 1/8	9 7/8	79 1/4	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		31.0	8'8"
Jenkins, Kris	Michigan	DL13			DT	6026	299	34	9 3/8	79 1/8	5.02	4.91	4.91	1.76	1.70	1.70		30.0	9'7"	4.78
Lee, Logan	Iowa	DL15			DE	6053	281	32 1/4	10 1/4	78 7/8	5.05	5.06	5.05	1.77	1.79	1.77		31.5	9'6"	4.37	7.16
Logue, Zion	Georgia	DL16			DE	6055	314	33 1/2	10	80 1/4	5.14	5.22	5.14	1.84	1.82	1.82		29.0	9'1"	4.92
Lovett Sr., Fabien	Florida State	DL17			DT	6037	314	35 1/2	10 3/8	83 1/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Murphy II, Byron	Texas	DL18	Y		DT	6004	297	32 3/8	10 1/4	77 1/8	4.88	4.90	4.87	1.69	1.70	1.69		33.0	9'3"
Murphy, Myles	North Carolina	DL19			DL	6040	309	33 7/8	9 3/4	79	5.21	5.25	5.20	1.82	1.82	1.82		28.5	8'10"	4.81
Newton, Jer’Zhan	Illinois	DL20	Y		DL	6020	304	32 3/8	9 1/2	75 7/8	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP
Orhorhoro, Ruke	Clemson	DL21			DE	6040	294	34	9 3/8	79 1/2	4.90	4.95	4.89	1.67	1.70	1.67		32.0	9'8"
Randolph Jr., Keith	Illinois	DL22	Y		DE	6034	296	32 3/4	9 7/8	80 1/4	5.16	5.20	5.15	1.79	1.78	1.78		28.5	8'9"
Rogers, Justin	Auburn	DL23			DT	6024	330	33	10 1/8	79	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP		24.5	8'3"	4.87
Smith, Maason	LSU	DL24	Y		DT	6051	306	35	8 1/2	84 5/8	5.04	5.02	5.01	1.76	1.75	1.75		31.0	9'0"	4.69	7.62
Sweat, T’Vondre	Texas	DL25			DT	6044	366	33 1/2	10 1/8	81 1/4	5.27	DNP	5.27	1.80	DNP	1.80		26.0	8'2"
Taylor III, Leonard	Miami	DL26	Y		DT	6034	303	33 7/8	9	80 5/8	5.17	5.12	5.12	1.76	1.77	1.76		30.0	9'1"		7.81

Orion

I'd love to have an edge guy named Chop.

Korsou Dawg

@texasag1969 said:

And Kevin was up there in the stands paying close attention to the group of LBs. Good sign. I think he was reading the menu Tom. Strong group of LBs and one of them is bound to be there when we get our first pick. Just not Cooper.

I'm not usually a betting man, but would be willing to put money on the Browns not drafting an LB in the 2nd. The FO have shown that they do not value that position. JOK was the exception to that rule, and they only pulled the trigger on him because he was seen as more of a 'hybrid.'

3rd round, maybe.

TexasAg1969

@korsou-dawg said:

I'm not usually a betting man, but would be willing to put money on the Browns not drafting an LB in the 2nd. The FO have shown that they do not value that position. JOK was the exception to that rule, and they only pulled the trigger on him because he was seen as more of a 'hybrid.'

3rd round, maybe.

But if the BPA happens to be one of these great top 5 LBs, all bets are off because it is definitely a position of need and proven very useful for teams who have drafted players like that early. Our biggest weakness on D IMO. We need two JOKs not just one.

Flugel

@texasag1969 said:

But if the BPA happens to be one of these great top 5 LBs, all bets are off because it is definitely a position of need and proven very useful for teams who have drafted players like that early. Our biggest weakness on D IMO. We need two JOKs not just one.

This position fits need and BPA. As much as I hate to say this, Safety feels like an under-estimated need. It's an important position. Delpit is a great athlete; BUT when it comes to durability - he's like Jack Conklin's mini-me. Not only that, when our DC has to find ways in game plans to minimize Delpit's decision making - it tells me his mental game overrides the athleticism. An ideal Safety is supposed to be your QB of the back end - which means the decision-making has to guide the physical gifts (ie; Ed Reed, Eric Turner, Kyle Hamilton and Pollyneedsahaircut - game changers).

Flugel

@gumby73 said:

that ^^ and it's a good thing they don't keep LB stats on getting off/shed a block.. ?

Great point. Piggyback - When I played OG - the toughest LBers to block were the backside LBers with good instincts (inclusive of good eye discipline). I didn't think any LBers were tough to block on the play-side when I'm the one that got to sprint out of stance into the collision.

Mike Johnson in the 80s and Pepper Johnson in the 90s were fun to watch here as were OLBs Clay Matthews in the late 70s-80s and Carl Banks in the 90s. You never saw those guys all tied up with blockers. Combines are wonderful; but instincts are what get defenders to the football first. When that happens, notice how few of them get tied up with blockers. It's even important in pass defense where I saw a guy like Teddy Bruschi beating way faster foot speeds to the football in his hook zone (in big games).

All that to emphasize this - the fitness achievements are wonderful; but it's what is on FILM that will award a Nick Bolton to the team that deserves him. Bark Mingo had ideal fitness; but he had the football instincts of a raccoon crossing the highway at night time.

syd

@flugel said:

Bark Mingo had ideal fitness; but he had the football instincts of a raccoon crossing the highway at night time.

hahhahahaahah how long to it take for him to be out of the league ? I know he did bounce around a bit

tiamat63

Ryan Watts, former Buckeye - had a 4.5. Tall, long armed, on-ball DB.