2026 Draft

[Garthshort]

As for the absolutes.... then drafting a RT @ 3 is a serious no-no, lol...

In all areas of life I live in the grey...I'm pretty damn sure gravity means I ain't gonna float off the planet if I jump with all my strength... way damn sure... but why take chances??

You don't take a Center @3...but suddenly we got a 15 time all pro that lead blocks the sneak for a six yard average and plays every single snap of a 17 year career while motivating, pushing, and leading his line mates into a perpetual top 3 ranking...
Damn....maybe taking a center at 3 ain't so bad.....

If my memory is correct, the year we drafted Simmons, Wirfs was drafted AFTER Noel (or the OT the Giants drafted) because one was a LT and the other was a RT. TB caught a break.

 

[GatorAZ]

Can’t tell if this is edited or not:
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[Shane]

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Looks like a non contact knee injury waiting to happen....

 

[HairZach]

Looks like a non contact knee injury waiting to happen....

Yep, way too fast.

I prefer my runningbacks slow and linear, that way they only get contact knee injuries.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I did see that and I'd be happy with it. Kiper also now has Downs #2 to the Jets.

Downs reminds me of Eric Berry for the Chiefs, who I think was a top 10 pick for them. I don't think he's an Ed Reed, Sean Taylor type prospect. But I can see the Ed Reed comparisons with similar size, athletic ability, smarts, and playmaking ability. It's just that Ed Reed is probably the best I've ever seen.

When Chip Kelly was OSU's OC 2 years ago, they had packages on offense for Downs. He's that dynamic of a ball carrier. He was rarely used as a punt returner, but he did have return on of his few for a TD. I looked it up. He had 4 PR's for Bama, 1 for a TD, 6 for OSU, 1 for a TD. A 20% punt return for TD is pretty good. Maybe he is more like Ed Reed than I thought.

I’ve seen Eric Berry as well on the inter webs. And one said Polamalu. I’d be good with either.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Brian Dawkins maybe? Versatile & major ballhawk.

Then I’m drafting that guy at 3.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

Then I’m drafting that guy at 3.

That's the conundrum. We all realize that safety isn't a premium draft position. But I'm guessing if you polled all the GMs, scouts, etc., 95%/(at least a very high %) would say Downs is the best player in the draft. If you could draft the best player in the draft, why wouldn't you? Especially when there are no standouts at the premium positions.

I remember an interview with Bill Belichick and he was asked who the 1 player was he hated going against on the defensive side of the ball. His answer was Ed Reed, a safety. I'm not saying Downs is going to be Ed Reed, but if you can get that type of player over a RT that might end up at OG, I don't see there being much of a question. There are no questions about Downs as a player.

 

[oaken1]

That's the conundrum. We all realize that safety isn't a premium draft position. But I'm guessing if you polled all the GMs, scouts, etc., 95%/(at least a very high %) would say Downs is the best player in the draft. If you could draft the best player in the draft, why wouldn't you? Especially when there are no standouts at the premium positions.

I remember an interview with Bill Belichick and he was asked who the 1 player was he hated going against on the defensive side of the ball. His answer was Ed Reed, a safety. I'm not saying Downs is going to be Ed Reed, but if you can get that type of player over a RT that might end up at OG, I don't see there being much of a question. There are no questions about Downs as a player.

My question...

Would he be considered a top 10 pick in any other year??
If the answer is yes, most certainly!...then go get him.
Because none of these offensive tackles would have gone top 15 last year.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

That's the conundrum. We all realize that safety isn't a premium draft position. But I'm guessing if you polled all the GMs, scouts, etc., 95%/(at least a very high %) would say Downs is the best player in the draft. If you could draft the best player in the draft, why wouldn't you? Especially when there are no standouts at the premium positions.

I remember an interview with Bill Belichick and he was asked who the 1 player was he hated going against on the defensive side of the ball. His answer was Ed Reed, a safety. I'm not saying Downs is going to be Ed Reed, but if you can get that type of player over a RT that might end up at OG, I don't see there being much of a question. There are no questions about Downs as a player.

How far can we trade down and still get him?

 

[ASUCHRIS]

We are so desperate for top end talent we need to do whatever it takes - I think some prominent institution did a breakdown of the top 100 players in the league - the NFC West had like 25 guys, 1 of which is a Card. Just beyond brutal.

I and many others have been saying for YEARS that we need top end talent. Monti has had 28 draft picks, and hasn't picked ONE bonafide star.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

I guess I'm wrong about scouts opinion on Downs. I just read an article on ESPN where they polled 10 NFL execs on who is the best player regardless of position and Arvell Reese was #1 with 5 votes, followed by Love then Downs.
Reese was a wrecking ball the 1st half of the year but slowed down. They did change his role slightly, but his production definitely dropped. I did notice that when he hit people, they knew they were hit. He was a people mover.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

I guess I'm wrong about scouts opinion on Downs. I just read an article on ESPN where they polled 10 NFL execs on who is the best player regardless of position and Arvell Reese was #1 with 5 votes, followed by Love then Downs.
Reese was a wrecking ball the 1st half of the year but slowed down. They did change his role slightly, but his production definitely dropped. I did notice that when he hit people, they knew they were hit. He was a people mover.

It's just astounding we have the #3 pick in the draft, and there isn't a stud/no brainer LT/CB/D-lineman available. So depressing.

 

[Garthshort]

It's just astounding we have the #3 pick in the draft, and there isn't a stud/no brainer LT/CB/D-lineman available. So depressing.

There probably is, but the experts don't know who it is. If they spread their choices around, one (or more) can claim that they nailed it. Same with the GM's.

 

[ASUCHRIS]

There probably is, but the experts don't know who it is. If they spread their choices around, one (or more) can claim that they nailed it. Same with the GM's.

Yes, but you usually have at least 4-5 well defined future studs in every draft. Not so much this year.

 

[Chopper0080]

It's just astounding we have the #3 pick in the draft, and there isn't a stud/no brainer LT/CB/D-lineman available. So depressing.

Honest question…how is Bailey not as good of a prospect as Abdul Carter
Who went 3 last year?

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Honest question…how is Bailey not as good of a prospect as Abdul Carter
Who went 3 last year?

I'm not educated enough to answer that question, but this thread seems to have some good insight:

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Specific to Bailey vs. Carter:

"I was a big fan of Carter last year and I believe he probably has the edge in regards to pure athleticism, but I'd still have them on the same tier as a prospect. I think Bailey has a better blend of power/speed with really polished finesse moves to go with it. Carter was able to rely more on his freak athleticism to win at the point of attack, whereas Bailey is a more well-rounded edge rusher. They both have All-Pro potential in their future, but if I had to pick between the two, I'd lean slightly towards Bailey."

Comparing the 3 flavors:

"We have three edge rushers who are completely different from each other and all can be really special. I think Bailey is the safest option, great tools for pass rusher high motor just wants to kill his guy the most traditional pass rusher prospect of the three. Bain will end up being one of the best interior rushers in the nfl which is a position that will increase in value. I don’t think he can hang with elite tackles in the nfl just on his measurable. Reese has the highest ceiling but has limited reps showing his pass rush ability , his athleticism and him playing as a linebacker means he can chases down mobile QBs . You can play 4-3 ,3-4 hybrid defense with him on the field which if you have the right coordinators can be really cool."


FWIW, these guys love Bailey:

1. "Bailey has an elite first step that allows him to beat tackles off the line with quickness. He packs a violent first punch at the POA and can knock linemen who are much heavier off of their pass set. His pass rush repertoire is extensive and very polished, as he has above average rip, swipe, and spin moves he can use when he does not beat them with speed, plus an improving speed-to-power move."
2. "Against the run, Bailey consistently plays through the whistle and can out-leverage much bigger linemen in order to disrupt running backs in the backfield. His first-step agility allows him to sidestep tackles and create early wins. He does a good job jabbing to create space on the outside and prefers to work out around blocks instead of through them."
3. "Bailey can afford to add more mass into his frame without sacrificing his quickness as a pass rusher. Against top competition, he may struggle to use long-arm power moves given the size mismatch. Bailey can lose some rush lane integrity on his pursuit of the quarterback, especially when running wide. He will need to continue to improve his counter moves if he wants to maintain his rate of pressure on the quarterback."
4. One of the stats we track is "expected pressure rate." This compares a player's actual pressure rate to the rate expected vs alignment, situation, and other factors. Bailey's pressure rate was 24% vs an expected rate of 12%. The 12% differential was the biggest for any EDGE prospect in this year's draft class.

In any event, I don't think I'm taking a RT over these guys.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Honest question…how is Bailey not as good of a prospect as Abdul Carter
Who went 3 last year?

Conference?

The talking heads (some of whom watch much more college ball than I) don’t seem to hold him the same esteem.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I'm not educated enough to answer that question, but this thread seems to have some good insight:

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Specific to Bailey vs. Carter:

"I was a big fan of Carter last year and I believe he probably has the edge in regards to pure athleticism, but I'd still have them on the same tier as a prospect. I think Bailey has a better blend of power/speed with really polished finesse moves to go with it. Carter was able to rely more on his freak athleticism to win at the point of attack, whereas Bailey is a more well-rounded edge rusher. They both have All-Pro potential in their future, but if I had to pick between the two, I'd lean slightly towards Bailey."

Comparing the 3 flavors:

"We have three edge rushers who are completely different from each other and all can be really special. I think Bailey is the safest option, great tools for pass rusher high motor just wants to kill his guy the most traditional pass rusher prospect of the three. Bain will end up being one of the best interior rushers in the nfl which is a position that will increase in value. I don’t think he can hang with elite tackles in the nfl just on his measurable. Reese has the highest ceiling but has limited reps showing his pass rush ability , his athleticism and him playing as a linebacker means he can chases down mobile QBs . You can play 4-3 ,3-4 hybrid defense with him on the field which if you have the right coordinators can be really cool."


FWIW, these guys love Bailey:

1. "Bailey has an elite first step that allows him to beat tackles off the line with quickness. He packs a violent first punch at the POA and can knock linemen who are much heavier off of their pass set. His pass rush repertoire is extensive and very polished, as he has above average rip, swipe, and spin moves he can use when he does not beat them with speed, plus an improving speed-to-power move."
2. "Against the run, Bailey consistently plays through the whistle and can out-leverage much bigger linemen in order to disrupt running backs in the backfield. His first-step agility allows him to sidestep tackles and create early wins. He does a good job jabbing to create space on the outside and prefers to work out around blocks instead of through them."
3. "Bailey can afford to add more mass into his frame without sacrificing his quickness as a pass rusher. Against top competition, he may struggle to use long-arm power moves given the size mismatch. Bailey can lose some rush lane integrity on his pursuit of the quarterback, especially when running wide. He will need to continue to improve his counter moves if he wants to maintain his rate of pressure on the quarterback."
4. One of the stats we track is "expected pressure rate." This compares a player's actual pressure rate to the rate expected vs alignment, situation, and other factors. Bailey's pressure rate was 24% vs an expected rate of 12%. The 12% differential was the biggest for any EDGE prospect in this year's draft class.

In any event, I don't think I'm taking a RT over these guys.

Perhaps I’m wrong about the talking heads. I just haven’t seen a lot of fanfare for Bailey like we did for Carter.

 

[Garthshort]

Honest question…how is Bailey not as good of a prospect as Abdul Carter
Who went 3 last year?

Another honest question, as I don't know the answer. How did Abdul Carter do as a rookie?

 

[Shane]

Another honest question, as I don't know the answer. How did Abdul Carter do as a rookie?

He absolutely sucked and is a head case to boot

 

[oaken1]

I'm not educated enough to answer that question, but this thread seems to have some good insight:

xc_hide_links_from_guests_guests_error_hide_media

Specific to Bailey vs. Carter:

"I was a big fan of Carter last year and I believe he probably has the edge in regards to pure athleticism, but I'd still have them on the same tier as a prospect. I think Bailey has a better blend of power/speed with really polished finesse moves to go with it. Carter was able to rely more on his freak athleticism to win at the point of attack, whereas Bailey is a more well-rounded edge rusher. They both have All-Pro potential in their future, but if I had to pick between the two, I'd lean slightly towards Bailey."

Comparing the 3 flavors:

"We have three edge rushers who are completely different from each other and all can be really special. I think Bailey is the safest option, great tools for pass rusher high motor just wants to kill his guy the most traditional pass rusher prospect of the three. Bain will end up being one of the best interior rushers in the nfl which is a position that will increase in value. I don’t think he can hang with elite tackles in the nfl just on his measurable. Reese has the highest ceiling but has limited reps showing his pass rush ability , his athleticism and him playing as a linebacker means he can chases down mobile QBs . You can play 4-3 ,3-4 hybrid defense with him on the field which if you have the right coordinators can be really cool."


FWIW, these guys love Bailey:

1. "Bailey has an elite first step that allows him to beat tackles off the line with quickness. He packs a violent first punch at the POA and can knock linemen who are much heavier off of their pass set. His pass rush repertoire is extensive and very polished, as he has above average rip, swipe, and spin moves he can use when he does not beat them with speed, plus an improving speed-to-power move."
2. "Against the run, Bailey consistently plays through the whistle and can out-leverage much bigger linemen in order to disrupt running backs in the backfield. His first-step agility allows him to sidestep tackles and create early wins. He does a good job jabbing to create space on the outside and prefers to work out around blocks instead of through them."
3. "Bailey can afford to add more mass into his frame without sacrificing his quickness as a pass rusher. Against top competition, he may struggle to use long-arm power moves given the size mismatch. Bailey can lose some rush lane integrity on his pursuit of the quarterback, especially when running wide. He will need to continue to improve his counter moves if he wants to maintain his rate of pressure on the quarterback."
4. One of the stats we track is "expected pressure rate." This compares a player's actual pressure rate to the rate expected vs alignment, situation, and other factors. Bailey's pressure rate was 24% vs an expected rate of 12%. The 12% differential was the biggest for any EDGE prospect in this year's draft class.

In any event, I don't think I'm taking a RT over these guys.

Bailey seems like a solid pick that would slide right into a starting spot across from Sweat..
I been convinced Monti would go OT in round 1...but the way the talent lays out...get Bailey at 3...then get a QB or the OT from ASWho at 34...
Then in the third either go QB or IOL

 

[HairZach]

We brought in a bunch of Miami guys, maybe we take a chance on Bain. I have a feeling the Jets take Bailey.

 

[MadCardDisease]

With the Jets trading away Johnson, I'm guessing they now almost guarantee targeting one of the elite pass rushers with the #2 overall pick.

 

[Garthshort]

We brought in a bunch of Miami guys, maybe we take a chance on Bain. I have a feeling the Jets take Bailey.

Since they just traded a DE for a DT, pretty sure they will go for a PR. One of the three, leaving us to choose from the safety, two of the PR's or an OT. So, if Bailey was our guy and he's gone I expect Monti to trade back, 5-10 range. (Sorry, I missed the above post).

 

[Krangodnzr]

With the Jets trading away Johnson, I'm guessing they now almost guarantee targeting one of the elite pass rushers with the #2 overall pick.

Let's hope Aaron Glenn falls in love with Bain's intangibles.