Colts are He has had a hell of a pre-draft process. Pushed himself up to probably at least here. I had him as one of three names I had to consider before finally landing on Coleman for Buffalo. At least it's not for Houston this time
Thanks! I figured it was worth sacrificing a sixth (I have another) to make sure I got him. At this point the value seemed too good to risk getting sniped - particularly since the pick was being offered for trade and anyone else could have jumped in and snagged him. I'm sort of stuck with a guessing game on defense as mock GM for a new head coach and DC. The DC has said the Falcons will play a base 3-4 this year but no one has said whether it's single gap or two gap. Based on the team's other moves this offseason, I'm working on the scenario that it's going to be a single gap system. Smith should be a good fit, and I would have him work in rotation with Ta'Quon Graham at one of the ends. They have similar skill sets, and they both lost 2022 to knee injuries and worked their way back to form throughout 2023.
Yes @Torgo Handling any team with a new Head Coach or new coordinator leaves one feeling a bit like they're guessing, unless I suppose the new coach has a long history at the position. I'm handling Seattle in another exercise. And to some degree I'm just making it up as I go since it's a first time head coach and new OC/DC. Trying to pull a few elements from the Ravens defensive scheme and project a portion of the offense as somewhat similar to what the university of Washington ran last year. Am I doing a good job? Not entirely sure. But I like the players I'm adding. And I think any coordinator worth their salt can find a use for them.
@EvertonBears - We are in about the average area where Matt may not make it back to the draft, so you can be ready to make your pick at 4.
@ShanePHallam How big of a separation or drop (possibly tiered) do you have within the top of your DL grouping? Byron Murphy Texas Jer'Zhan Newton Illinois T'Vondre Sweat Texas Braden Fiske Florida State Kris Jenkins Michigan Mike Hall Ohio State
I think Murphy is in his own tier, potential top 15 pick. Newton/Sweat as back end first guys. I think Newton probably makes it in, Sweat just out. Then I have the next three tiered with Kneeland and Maason Smith. I think all have different strengths, but are in that 45-70 range.
If I can also answer, all of them have flaws. Murphy is the front runner in a weak DT class. There are some guys after this list with better arm length and more versatility. The thing about Darius Robinson, although not on your list, prove the underwear olympics is just litmus paper. He was destroying people in Mobile. Further along once they are taken I got some other interesting guys I would like to discuss with this group.
Honestly I think this is a relatively strong DT class but it's not at the very top but at the day 2, early day 3 section where there is more talent than usual. EDIT: But it depends on how you classify some of the linemen. If you are certain they can't play inside well then well that removes a name.
High IQ both in intelligence and Football intelligence. He is a pick that you know will work hard in both his education of football on and off the field.
But in fairness, most of us were pretty certain Jonah Williams was going to be a solid pro for many of the same reasons Edit: I remember hearing he studied opponents film at a level that would rival Peyton Manning
I have the same top 6 with a slightly different order. I could easily see a team like the Chargers making a move down from 5 in a trade with the Vikings and taking Sweat (if he's still there) with that 23rd pick. Newton comes in at 3, but I keep coming back to the idea that Jenkins may be the one out of the remaining 4 that makes the most hay as a pro. It will be interesting to see what Hall does once he gets into an NFL weight room. If he can get continue to grow out his build some, the toolkit is there for a solid DT. If he can't, he's situational at best with the potential to be end of the bench. You just can't overcome the power differential. You either adapt or croak. Byron Murphy T'Vondre Sweat Jer'Zhan Newton Kris Jenkins Braden Fiske Mike Hall
Taking my kid to a local hockey game tonight so it's looking like I need to leave another list for the next pick. Who wants it?
