Mock Drafts & Draft Prospects

[gumby73]

When ya hear former gm's, praising the depth of this years class of Offensive Lineman? Our pal Tour, would've needed it's own Topic of 2024 OL prospects. ?

Prospect X is a term used in finding prospects that fall under the terms of "deepest draft sleeper" (think Drew Forbes, or maybe we shouldn't ?)

Pro Bowl LG Joel Bitonio was found playing his College football in Nevada. 

This years Prospect X, maybe playing his College football as a South Dakota State Jackrabbit  ?

.Projected 5th/6th round. Prospect rating as high as #125, but now at #134. X's PFF score is 87.6 with a RAS score of 9.97

Shrine Bowler maybe built out of the same play-doe mold of Joel Bitonio playing at Nevada  ( Oh calm down ! ) Sit a year behind a pro bowler.   

Here's to finding more game tape of Jack ?   LG #60 Mason McCormick

It's not the Steelers, but 13-2 Montana played in it's Championship Game

It's a option after pick #85

[Flugel]

@tiamat63 said:

Not yet.  Weather sucks today. I'm meeting a friend of mine out for a beer, then after that I'll be relaxing all day and jumping on some LB tape.  I'll give you my initial impression later. 

Happy St Patty's Day!  Theme of the day - don't drink and drive; but do drink and post.  Flugel's theme for our draft - Safety 1st!  

[gumby73]

Rumored Team prospect meetings can't be copy & pasted from this link. But can be viewed here

 https://nfltraderumors.co/2024-nfl-draft-prospect-visit-tracker/

In progress Pro Day results can be viewed here (load delays)

 https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2024-nfl-pro-day-results/

[TexasAg1969]

Well Edgerrin Cooper LB Texas A&M had an interview with the Bucs. Maybe I should visit cal over on their website now.?

[tiamat63]

@texasag1969 said:

I think you will find the sideline to sideline you are looking for in later games in the season. That is where you will find the improvements and better stats from 2022 to 2023 seasons.  https://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4430438/edgerrin-cooper

 Two full games later in the season - vs LSU then Ole Miss.  Just more of the same. 

 The increase in sacks was interesting.  So where A&M switched up their deployment was alternating who the 4th man was in pressure in there 3 man, odd front.   If this kid is the 2nd LB off the board, it's a pretty weak draft class.   

[TexasAg1969]

@tiamat63 said:

 Two full games later in the season - vs LSU then Ole Miss.  Just more of the same. 

 The increase in sacks was interesting.  So where A&M switched up their deployment was alternating who the 4th man was in pressure in there 3 man, odd front.   If this kid is the 2nd LB off the board, it's a pretty weak draft class.  

Well, it will be interesting to follow how he does as a pro wherever TB takes him.  LOL!?

[Flugel]

@tiamat63 said:

 Two full games later in the season - vs LSU then Ole Miss.  Just more of the same. 

 The increase in sacks was interesting.  So where A&M switched up their deployment was alternating who the 4th man was in pressure in there 3 man, odd front.   If this kid is the 2nd LB off the board, it's a pretty weak draft class.   

My quicker than Cliffs Notes limited research of him - I see a very opportunistic blind side blitzer opponents didn't even try to block or account for.  While I see a fast player that can fly up to the LOS - I don't see a confident 1st step instinct that would get him there quick but more under control to execute a text book hit with head up accompanied by a simultaneous wrap.  I know Aggies fans would probably tell me to put the crack pipe down and I wouldn't be surprised if our buddy @texasag1969 does just that.  ?

I saw videos on line which are supposed to be his best highlights where he flies up to contact with a violent collision lacking a simultaneous wrap.  Consequently when the ballcarrier is jolted back/bouncing off - he has to re-engage the ballcarrier with a wrap and wrestle to the ground.  The collisions are impressive due to the physics but in this process he has to make 2 different attempts to bring the guy to the ground.  In fairness, my limited research can't tell if this was a season long occurrence or just a few limited episodes that the highlights I watched captured. Love the kid's motor and passion jumping off the screen - just some coaching needed to fine tune it all.

My thinking is some of this can be corrected with NFL coaching and film prep.  Bad habits depending on how long they were reinforced can be a challenge.  In the end, my research doesn't have the whole truth and nothing but the whole truth - so I appreciate your observations.  

[Flugel]

@texasag1969 said:

Well, it will be interesting to follow how he does as a pro wherever TB takes him.  LOL!?

I hope it's not the same place TB took former 1st round LSU LB Devin White.  He woke up one day on the scout team defense humping Baker's leg in practice.  

[gumby73]

All the players that are pending free agents, after the 2024 season have been removed from this chart. This gives us a indication of position rooms where they have the most need to draft someone and prepare for the future.

The best teams in the NFL will draft a year in advance so they aren't relying on a rookie to be a role player, give them a year in the system to develop.

1.) Add Jerry Jeudy to WR's

2.) All other players have expiring contracts or on 1 year expiring contracts after 2024. Except listed

3.) Key contracts would fall on Chubb/ Cooper/ Newsome/ Wills & JOK

 Browns could Draft BPA in many positions 

[Orion]

@gumby73 said:

The best teams in the NFL will draft a year in advance so they aren't relying on a rookie to be a role player, give them a year in the system to develop.

...an old NFL saying used to be:  You lose one game for every rookie that you have to start.  

[gumby73]

Good Night of Carolina College Basketball !  ? what'd I miss?

Like 7-11... WR's are always open. What fans hate when they get open? Is WR drop rates..

It's @texasag1969 Birthday week.. HB pal ! Would you believe we both logged in here 10 years ago !

Texas A&M WR Ainias Smith has a pair of great catching hands.. 1.9% drop rate 

Drop rates for some top WRs in the 2024 #NFLDraft:

• Johnny Wilson: 16.1%  

• Javon Baker: 10.6%

• Devontez Walker: 8.5%

• Troy Franklin: 7.3%

• Keon Coleman: 7.2%

• Marvin Harrison Jr: 6.9%

• Ladd McConkey: 6.3%

• Xavier Worthy: 5.4%

• Malik Nabers: 4.9%

• Xavier Legette: 4.8%

• Rome Odunze: 4.8%

• Ja’Lynn Polk: 4.8%

• Brian Thomas Jr: 3.8%

   Ainias Smith:   1.9%

• Adonai Mitchell: 1.7%

coded as DR. more WR draftee details here https://steelersdepot.com/2024/03/2024-nfl-draft-wr-prospects-pff-grades-big-board-ranks/  bonus stats on contested catches

Browns drop rates last season..

Last year

Coop- 6.2

Chief- 9.3

Moore- 7.6

Bell- 8.3

Tillman- 4.6

Jeudy- 6.9

[Flugel]

I finally found Lindy's Pro Football Draft Magazine at the store yesterday.  I've always liked the way they beat to their own drum in terms of where they are willing to project prospects. I also notice heights and weights of various prospects can vary from 1 publication/site to another. I'm going to find out with you if they dared to be different this year as I post their version of top 5 prospects in each position and their overall grade for the position group. I'll begin with defense this morning (I'll get the offense later today or tomorrow):

SAFETY GRADE C-: 

1. Tyler Nubin, Minnesota 6-1 212 rd 1-2; 2. Kamren Kinchens, Miami 5-11 205 rd 2; 3. Jaden Hicks, Washington State 6-2 212 rd 2-3; 4. Tykee Smith, Georgia 5-10 206 rd 3-4; 5. Calen Bullock, USC 6-2 193 rd 4

CORNER GRADE A+: 

1. Nate Wiggins, Clemson 6-2 189 rd 1; 2. Terrion Arnold, Alabama 6-0 190 rd 1; 3. Kool-Aid  McKinstry, Alabama 6-0 196 rd1; 4. Cooper DeJean, Iowa 6-1 205 rd 1; 5. Ennis Rakestraw Jr, Missouri 6-0 185 rd 2

OLB GRADE B-: 

1. Dallas Turner, Alabama 6-4 242 rd 1; 2. Chop Robinson, Penn State 6-3 254 rd 1-2; 3. Junior Colson, Michigan 6-3 247 rd 2; 4. Chris Braswell, Alabama 6-3 252 rd 2-3; 5. Ty'Ron Hopper, Missouri 6-2 225 rd 3

ILB GRADE B+:

1. Cedric Gray, North Carolina 6-2 235 rd 1-2; 2. Payton Wilson, NC State 6-4 238 rd 2; 3. Trevin Wallace, Kentucky 6-1 241 2nd rd; 4. Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M 6-3 230 rd 2-3; 5. Jeremiah Trotter, Clemson 6-0 230 rd 3-4

DEFENSIVE TACKLE GRADE A-:

1. Jer'Zhan Newston, Illinois 6-1 300, rd 1; 2. Darius Robinson, Missouri 6-5 293 rd 2; 3. Byron Murphy II, Texas 6-1 308 rd 2; 4. Kris Jenkins, Michigan 6-3 298 rd 2; 5. Maason Smith, LSU 6-6 315 rd 2

DEFENSIVE END GRADE D+:

1. Jared Verse, Florida State 6-3 252 rd 1; 2. Laiatu Latu, UCLA 6-5 261 rd 1; 3. Adisa Isaac, Penn State 6-4 246 rd 2;  4. Austin Booker, Kansas 6-5 245 rd 2; 5. Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan 6-3 275 rd 2-3

[Dutch Oven]

@flugel @gumby73 (And anyone else who wants to participate, of course)

Want to do a top 5 list for our 3rd round pick, like we we did for the 2nd rounder?

I'll start.

[Flugel]

@dutch-oven said:

@flugel @gumby73 (And anyone else who wants to participate, of course)

Want to do a top 5 list for our 3rd round pick, like we we did for the 2nd rounder?

I'll start.

Sure. Thanks!  I'll do mine this afternoon.  Biggest surprise I found on defense in Lindy's Draft Mag was them projecting Texas' T'Vondre Sweat for round 3 as their 8th highest rated DT. I doubt he even makes it to #54 overall in round 2.  Athlon has him as their 3rd best DT projected for round 2. As I said in my previous post - these rankings/projections can vary from 1 Magazine/Site to another.

[Dutch Oven]

@flugel said:

Sure. Thanks!  I'll do mine this afternoon.  Biggest surprise I found on defense in Lindy's Draft Mag was them projecting Texas' T'Vondre Sweat for round 3 as their 8th highest rated DT. I doubt he even makes it to #54 overall in round 2.  Athlon has him as their 3rd best DT projected for round 2. As I said in my previous post - these rankings/projections can vary from 1 Magazine/Site to another.

I kind of get it though.

Off the top of my head, I can't think of a ton of mammoth DTackles that have come into the NFL and done much. They tend to get exposed as one-trick pony's who struggle to make a big impact. 

[gumby73]

@dutch-oven said:

@flugel @gumby73 (And anyone else who wants to participate, of course)

Want to do a top 5 list for our 3rd round pick, like we we did for the 2nd rounder?

I'll start.

Thanks Dutch & sure

I'll need a day or 2 to update both rounds found here on page 3.. My sister from Toledo called, to make 3 X 45 minute drives to Detroit to get to each day of the draft. Flights to Detroit, the day prior to draft are cheap at 100 bucks from NC.. I'm having ticket price drama getting back to NC for this thing called a job .. Sister Barb, needs a answer today...

  Shall we pack a gun to a Detroit NFL Draft ? Free lodging, just need the car rides to/from draft

[Dutch Oven]

Here's my 3rd round shortlist for the Browns:

WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina 6'2, 200lbs. Good size with ability to get separation.

OG Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin. 6'4, 310lbs. Versatile interior OLineman. Plays like a wrestler but has great quickness for pulling. 

DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson. 6'4, 290lbs. Very good interior pass rusher, needs work vs the run. 

ILB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State 6'2, 236lbs. Smart, tough player. Average athlete. 

TE Cade Stover, Ohio State. 6'4, 251lbs. Might be the most overall well-rounded TE in this weak class. 

CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State. 6'2, 195lbs. Good size, wingspan and a strong tackler.

S Calen Bullock, USC. 6'2, 193lbs. Ballhawk with tremendous range. 

Yes, I put in Cade Stover again. Perhaps I reached for him  by inserting him into my second round shortlist. Well, here he is again! ?

[Orion]

From Walter:

77. Zak Zinter, G, Michigan.Previously: 
78. Spencer Rattler, QB, South Carolina.
79. Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest.
80. Tyler Davis, DT, Clemson.
81. Johnny Wilson, WR, Florida State.
82. Christian Haynes, G, Connecticut.
83. Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama.
84. Christian Jones, OT, Texas.
85. Tommy Eichenberg, LB, Ohio State.
86. Khyree Jackson, CB, Oregon.
87. Jaheim Bell, TE, Florida State.
88. Brenden Rice, WR, USC.
89. Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan.
90. Dominic Puni, OT, Kansas.
91. Brevyn Spann-Ford, TE, Minnesota.
92. Jaylen Warren, RB, Tennessee.
93. Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan.

--------  Some people like OT Puni for us in round 3.  But he just sounds too small for an OLineman.     

[Flugel]

@dutch-oven said:

Here's my 3rd round shortlist for the Browns:

WR Devontez Walker, North Carolina 6'2, 200lbs. Good size with ability to get separation.

OG Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin. 6'4, 310lbs. Versatile interior OLineman. Plays like a wrestler but has great quickness for pulling. 

DT Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson. 6'4, 290lbs. Very good interior pass rusher, needs work vs the run. 

ILB Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State 6'2, 236lbs. Smart, tough player. Average athlete. 

TE Cade Stover, Ohio State. 6'4, 251lbs. Might be the most overall well-rounded TE in this weak class. 

CB T.J. Tampa, Iowa State. 6'2, 195lbs. Good size, wingspan and a strong tackler.

S Calen Bullock, USC. 6'2, 193lbs. Ballhawk with tremendous range. 

Yes, I put in Cade Stover again. Perhaps I reached for him  by inserting him into my second round shortlist. Well, here he is again! ?

Looks really good!  Stover is a great idea for this round and I liked him for the 2nd round.  I think he's going to be a great NFL TE.  

[tiamat63]

Watching Beebe from KState. 

 His footwork is like going against your old man playing basketball. Nothing quick or fancy, but not a lot of wasted motion so very 'fluid'.    He's a bit top heavy, but he gets a great punch in his short sets. Had a great trap on Sweat to start things off, and walled the big man really well. Does a good job not tipping his pulls and gets lateral then down the line to his target reasonably well and in tight movements. Doesn't arrive with the worst of intentions, but when he's singled up in straight drop pass pro, where he shines is his hand work and upper body strength. Wonder if home boy has spent time at tackle? Because his patient footwork and pass pro strike really scream like he's been coached there.

Either way, I like what I see so far and I've only gotten through his full game against Texas and their Dline.