Funny thing about that for the Falcons... they only have 6 roster spots remaining. Not gonna be a hell of a lot of UDFA news here.
All I know is that the Eagles got a Punter (needed) and a couple corners that I thought were gonna be drafted. No one else really registers for me.
I don’t know about the FAs, but I sure think that the Steelers had what could be a franchise altering draft. My only regret after this draft is that Khan wasn’t the GM at least 5 years ago.
Quick takes on Atlanta's draft: 1) Atlanta certainly didn't "win the draft", but what they did fits perfectly with the rest of the offseason. When you put it all together, it's impressive. 2) If you're down on their draft because they didn't take a top quarterback, remember this: Desmond Ridder can turn around and hand the ball to Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier as well as any quarterback in the league. 3) GM Terry Fontenot likes unicorns. Bijan Robinson is certainly a top ten talent in this draft class, but I don't know if any other team would have used a top ten pick to take him. Two years ago he took TE Kyle Pitts at #4. No one had ever taken a tight end in the top five before. 4) They didn't draft a WR at all. At least for now that means there's probably an opening at the #5 overall WR spot for a prospect like 2021 late rounder Frank Darby or 2022 undrafted rookie Jared Bernhardt. But there are already rumors flying of experienced WRs that may be released from their current teams. Atlanta might still pick up a "real" free agent in addition to the two undrafted free agent WRs that we're hearing the team has already signed. But even if they don't, bear in mind that Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson frequently lined up out wide when both were healthy in 2021 and were the team's #1 and #3 receivers (with departed free agent Russell Gage at #2). Trading for Jonnu Smith means Pitts can split out in 2-TE packages, and adding Bijan Robinson means Patterson can go back to that utility role he played so well in 2021. So even if the WR group looks thin - with Drake London, Mack Hollins, Scotty Miller and special teams ace KhaDarel Hodge the only experienced receivers projected to make the roster - Pitts and Patterson give it added depth.
So far only one Atlanta signing has registered for me. My UDFA linebacker choice in the mock (the one we autoassigned to one of the missing picks) is apparently signing with the Falcons.
Look at CBS and ESPN. They dgaf about the signings. Usually they have something ready to go because people want to keep track. This time, they figured it wasn't worth the effort because there weren't many names unsigned.
Can’t believe the Colts got Jaylon Jones so late. Saying this half in jest, but don’t be shocked if a couple years down the road he(7th) has outplayed Julius Brents(2nd).
But your point is valid We've been pulling about 2 starters from each draft. Competitive teams need more playmakers from college.
New Steeler Keeanu Benton: Mike Tomlin told me he wants goons out there Wisconsin nose tackle Keeanu Benton says he knows just what kind of player Steelers coach Mike Tomlin drafted him to be. Benton said after the Steelers drafted him in the second round that Tomlin told him the Steelers want tough, physical players, and that Benton fits the bill. “Just talking to Coach Tomlin, the main thing I had taken away from that was he wants goons out there, and he wants somebody who’s not afraid to get his nose dirty, and I feel like I am the best option for that guy,” Benton said, via Steelers.com. Tomlin said that is what he told Benton, although he doesn’t know that he wants Benton calling himself a “goon” publicly. “That’s an accurate description,” said Tomlin, “but I’ll give him some media training so he can keep some of our private conversations private.” Benton was a four-year starter at Wisconsin who earned a reputation as a tough player to block in the Big Ten. The Steelers think he brings the kind of toughness they need. PFT _______ _______________ lol
The Los Angeles Rams closed out the 2023 NFL Draft by using the No. 259 overall pick to select defensive lineman Desjuan Johnson, otherwise known as the new Mr. Irrelevant. A five-year contributor at Toledo, Johnson emerged as a full-time starter in his final two seasons with the Rockets and went on to finish his collegiate career with two second-team All-MAC campaigns, 210 tackles (45.5 for loss), 14.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. Bestowing the final pick of each year's draft with the Mr. Irrelevant moniker has been a tradition since 1976, but the label has perhaps never come with bigger footsteps to follow after Brock Purdy, pick No. 262 in 2022, defied all expectations for the 49ers. Purdy ascended to become San Francisco's starter last season after injuries to both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, and he went on to win his first seven starts (including playoffs), while throwing for 1,920 yards, 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. His run stopped with a torn UCL and loss in the NFC Championship Game, but all signs point to him having the lead to be Kyle Shanahan's new QB of the future as he rehabs his way back. Johnson won't see the same spotlight playing along the defensive line as a QB would have, but the Rams will be hoping he makes the roster and makes an impact alongside other rookie linemen like third-round defensive tackle Kobie Turner. And he could have no better mentor than seven-time All-Pro Aaron Donald. Perhaps he'll one day score a sack on his Mr. Irrelevant predecessor -- the two will see each other twice a year in the NFC West. NFL.com ___________ ______________________ Proud and happy for him. I hope he puts Toledo back on the map some day soon... not that hairy legged Lebanese guy.
If you're in a rebuilding phase, definitely. If you're already a pretty good team, it would be hard to consistently get 3+ starters out of an average of 8 draft picks per year.
Top 5 Drafts for me (in no particular order): Philadelphia Eagles - The rich get richer. From top to bottom, they got the best value out of each selection. Best Pick: Nolan Smith - freak athlete who will not get rushed in, but should dominate by year 3. Worst Pick: Moro Ojomo - would have preferred an ILB with pick rather than another edge guy. Pittsburgh Steelers - They filled every hole they had left and let the draft fall into their laps. There was no panic and the trade to grab Jones was cheap. Best pick: Joey Porter Jr. - what seemed like a top-15 talent falling to 32 was a steal. Worst Pick: Cory Trice - I like the kid a lot but a S would have made a lot more sense IMO Cincinnati Bengals: for the 4th straight year, they put together a solid draft. They filled needs in what seems like they are preparing for these kids to contribute in a big way next year. Best Pick: Jordan Battle - in what is a known need, they get one of the top guys at the end of the 3rd. Worst Pick: Brad Robbins - I don’t mind the pick but they’ve already said he will compete for the starting job. I don’t understand drafting a ST guy unless you know he’s going to start. Chicago Bears: They drafted very well and if you factor in the trade from 1, they did everything necessary to surround Fields with talent. Best pick: Darnell Wright - Anytime you grab a franchise LT who is a monster in the run game, which is what the offense focuses around; it’s an instant A+ Worst pick: Gervon Dexter - I don’t hate the pick, but it was a reach. They are building both lines but a guy like Byron Young (Alabama) may have been the better pick. Indianapolis Colts: I loved their draft and almost every pick made sense. Trading back twice in round 2 and still getting a guy they loved was a big plus. Best Pick: Adetomiwa Adebawore - High motor kid with tremendous hands and bull rushing technique. Will be able to lock inside and create problems as well. Worst Pick: Darius Rush - I’m just not a fan of him going when he did. His film never really impressed either.
On that list you posted, the Steelers and the Eagles nailed it. I really love how the Eagles consistently have a good trench on both sides of the ball... and in my opinion, thats why they win. Just look at tape of the QB or RB sneaks at the goal-line and watch the push they get... its one of the best ive seen in my life. My mom could run through and behind the holes they create. Nice post.
One other announcement position switch that slipped past me yesterday while I was at dinner with family - the Falcons listed Jovaughn Gwyn as a center. He only played RG in college. I don't think that necessarily improves his odds of ever seeing the field, and it's only at best a slight improvement to his odds of making the roster. But it puts the rest of the practice squad guys on notice that there's a new candidate in the mix for scout team center.
The Eagles taking so many players from the same school has its pros and cons. In general, I don't like it. If it starts to fall apart, the implosion will escalate quickly. And several of these players do have significant questions surrounding them. Keeping them part of the Eagles culture rather than their own subculture within the locker room will be more important than it might seem. The positive side is that for those players who do have questions, they come in the door with a support network of teammates - and peer pressure to keep it together and stay focused. This helps.
When the complaint is the Eagles went (their) BPA instead of need with a late 7th, how could I truly complain? FYI I didn't draft a LB for them either. lol
I think it helps that there are many solid vets there and that they haven't so far just stepped into starting roles but instead into a rotation or in depth. Eagles had a lot of input on Georgia and Alabama the last few years but as Howie said, he's not gonna avoid players just because he already took some from the same school. But yes there is a bit of a risk there.
One late pick that I loved... the Cowboys drafted the son of one of their scouts, and he didn't know they were going to take him. Great moment in their war room. That and the puppy adoption thing (one of the pups peed on Daniel Jeremiah's shirt) were my two highlights of the late part of the NFL-N broadcast.
