Everyone is psyching themselves out.

Just because we spread risk around and got a bunch of new offensive players doesn't mean we have automatic starting talent and depth at every position.

Here's all of your expectations and how they stack up with reality:

Everyone thinks Kessler was a solid college QB with good stats. He's got a strong arm. We brought in 5 new WR's from the draft, so according to math at least one or two of them have to be automatic superstars plus we have more established receivers already on the roster. the offensive line is so-so and there's a lot of options to go with at RB. The amount of depth and spread risk should set us up for success.

No.

Cody Kessler wasn't anywhere close to among the best QB's in college ball. As an avid fan of the college game, I can attest to Kessler never making any kind of highlights or news. At the beginning of his career he was given one of the best programs in college led by one of the best QB's in the country; Matt Barkley (who has done next to nothing in the NFL), and immediately went down the shitter with it. He was the starter for USC since his sophomore season (3 years), he had a consistent, speedy set of WR's, had a top 10 rated O-line every single season he's started, and he plays in the worst defensive conference in the nation. You would think that with those types of advantages he would be heavily discussed every week, but no. He lacks presence, anticipation of the defense, anticipation of his receivers, accuracy, and he folds under pressure if a lineman gets too close.

Hoping that a few of the 5 receivers we picked up will be immediate superstars and Kessler will shine because there's highlight videos of him against the worst defenses in football is just nonsense and irrational.

Instead of watching his highlights, watch his games.

The reality is Connor Shaw will start. That worries many, but it's less crazy to think a guy who has game experience and time with the Browns will succeed compared to a fresh college player that was inconsistent and never considered NFL value.

As far as O-Linemen go, I think there's a lot of talent in that department this draft. Wait for kids like John Theus, Brandon Shell, and Jerald Hawkins in later rounds.

QB - Don't get Connor Cook. He played in a weak defense conference and got rocked one the playoffs hit him. Could not score a TD against Bama and couldn't do much in his conference championship. I hate to say it, but Paxton Lynch was your man. IMO he's the only QB who's gonna perform well in his first year. Invest in a kid that will fit your system but will take time to develop. Hope RG3 stays healthy and your backups can handle what's coming next. I'd say your best bet would be Christian Hackenburg. Kid has power, size, and accuracy, but will take time to get used to the NFL.

DERRICK HENRY! Come on! There's a lineman and rb right there. Jonathan Williams is another nice, 5th round pick.

Scooby Wright III would be a great steal. Considered the best LB in CFB the past 2 years until he got hurt halfway through the season. Guy is strong and has a lot of stamina too. Fell in the draft because of his injury.

@tour2ma said:

Have you met OldAg69? If not, he'll be along shortly I am sure.

I'm not sure if you are referring to the fact that I like Derek Henry or that I am a South Carolina fan, because both do not sit well.

If it's about Derek Henry, I think he can at least agree that the kid was a monster runner and you have to give him credit for that. Good kid too.

As for being a South Carolina fan, I think USC fans are more upset towards Aggie fans than vice versa. I think fans are still pissed that they came and whooped us at home and then gave us a heartbreaker last year. Not only that, they like to come to our capitol and have their little screaming and stomping session, which disrupts and makes fans very angry.

Either way, I'm sure he'll be fine.

I know I'm a South Carolina fan but Pharoh Cooper is a gem that likely won't be picked until late 3rd or 4th round. All these picks we're saving up makes me hope we land him. Quality receiver. Unbelievable acceleration. Good speed. Red Zone threat. Good hands. If we find a QB with some accuracy to get it to him he'd be a hidden gem for us.

Should be the Browns pick. As a guy who's seen him run a lot, he's not only the Heisman winner, but he is a truck at 6'3" 238lbs. The kid is a massive blocker and can reinforce and protect the QB (something we desperately need). Watch his highlights. I think he's exactly what this offense needs to stop being so one-dimensional.

@tinythinker said:

Second and one in the red zone, a couple of chances to take a shot for the win and if not to tie for overtime. Not bad.

...

1st and goal, even better odds.

Don't jinx yourself, man. It's not over until it's over. Who knows. They still have time for 4 plays if we score.