Princely Umanmielen is still the name of the draft IMO and the cool thing is he'll actually get drafted.
He was on my shortlist. Almost took him with the Raiders with the last despite taking Jeanty. Just because the depth is also a mess.
LOL. I knew you'd take it that way but I didn't want to elaborate then because I wanted to hear this response. I really meant that unlike some all-time names in the past we mock that don't get drafted, this one will, likely before the final day.
Oh I have no idea if he will, honestly. But he was invited to the combine. So that’s a good sign. What little tape I found, the dude looks explosive. If he wins, he wins quickly.
Falcons draft recap: Short version is that while Atlanta has had a hell of a lot of roster turnover this offseason, they really don't have holes to fill going into the draft. With that in mind, for this mock I went for the versatile upgrade on defense in the first round and used my other picks to look ahead to 2026 and beyond. Round 1 = Jihaad Campbell, LB/edge, Alabama. Keep in mind he joins Kaden Elliss in the LB group, and Elliss is already an effective pass rusher. The Falcons also added Leonard Floyd in free agency, last year's third rounder Bralen Trice returns from IR, and Arnold Ebiketie showed solid development last year. But the most important additions for Atlanta is the coaching staff. Nate Ollie and Mike Rutenberg joining new DC Jeff Ulbrich should do wonders for developing Atlanta's pass rush, and they have a lot of good young prospects to work with. Round 2 = Josh Conerly, Jr, OT, Oregon. Atlanta now has a left-hander at QB, which means RT is critical for pass protection. Kaleb McGary is in the final year of his contract and has been a solid run blocker, but not so hot on pass protection. LT Jake Matthews is getting up there in age. We have other stop-gaps (Elijah Wilkinson, swing tackle Storm Norton) but I wanted to take steps now to protect the QB going forward. Round 4 = traded 118 and 242 (seventh round) for 149 (fifth round) and a future fourth rounder. Jaylen Reed, S, Penn State. (This is pick 149 after trading down.) Reed was on my list of candidates for pick #118, so getting him after trading down felt like a steal. Immediate contributor on special teams, likely future starter at safety. Round 7 = Korie Black, CB, Oklahoma State. Good defender on a bad team. DEMON on special teams (blocked two field goals, plays gunner in punt coverage). Good size, great workout numbers (4.35, 39" vertical) and versatile. I'm surprised he was still on the board - I had him listed for pick 149 but took Reed instead.
The Jets traded to get this extra pick to pick one of 2 players. Both of them still there. This is the far more painful, but necessary choice. NY Jets select Ryan Fitzgerald, PK, FSU Big problem area for Jets. Zeurlein was atrocious for 2 straight years and was solely responsible for 4 losses during his time. New regime, new everything... it is time to invest an otherwise useless 7th round pick to help this team get the 3 points like every other freaking team out there. .
Irish said to skip him as he isn't feeling well and will make them before UDFA. @Lyman followed by @Dcat and @RTTRUTH with Mr. Not-So-Irrelevant.
There are still a handful of kickers that could get drafted and most teams find them in UDFA nowadays anyways. Ravens did essentially say Tucker is done though. GM said if the value is right with their board they'll draft a kicker. OUCH.
It would be unfortunate for the Ravens to go from the best kicker in the game for a very long time to a journeyman. I think Ravens should take who they believe to be the best PK in the draft, and maybe they don't miss a step. Yeah this kid sounds special. Worth an extra 7th in case he live up to the billing. 13 for 13 last year 90% in 23 and hits 50+ yards like it's 30.
