Mitch
Crawled Through 5 FB Fields
Round One:
1.Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee): Jared Goff, QB (California)
I might be wrong, but I was more worried they would take Carson Wentz, who, imo, has the bigger ceiling and upside because of how big, strong and athletic he is. I also believe that Wentz plays with greater bounce and spirit.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland): Carson Wentz, QB (North Dakota State)
I don't blame Sam Bradford for wanting a trade. Being a lame duck stinks---and any time he makes a mistake, particularly in Philly, not only will the boo birds bellow, the chants for "Carson" will be deafening. Clearly, the Eagles' organizational dysfunction continues to manifest itself because you just don't drop $20M a year on 2 FA QBs and then trade a bundle to go up to the 2nd pick to draft a QB. Even worse, they don't even realize they should cut their losses and try to get something in return for Bradford---and now that door appears totally shut with the Broncos who might have given them the 3rd rounder they traded to acquire Paxton Lynch.
3. San Diego Chargers: Joey Bosa, DE/OLB (Ohio State)
While I like Bosa, I felt Ronnie Stanley was a far greater need and better value. This pick surprised me. The Chargers will remain in the AFC West cellar if they don't protect Rivers and open holes for Gordon.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott, RB (Ohio State)
I think this was a perfect match. The lack of pass rushers is a worry---but they will draft a DE/OLB rusher early in Round 2. And if the Cardinals draft an edge player in Round 3 or 4, I wonder if they could get a 6th or 7th rounder from the Cowboys for Alex Okafor (Texas connection).
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, DB (Florida State)
I wasn't as high on Ramsey as the pundits. He is versatile and that's a plus. The Jags are building a very good roster---can Gus Bradley translate that into more wins?
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, T (Notre Dame)
They always let the draft come to them and they always have an outstanding sense of BPA. This was a great pick, imo.
7. San Francisco 49ers: DeForest Buckner, DL (Oregon) (Twitter link via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald)
My issue with this pick is that tall DT/DEs are great for disrupting passing lanes, but they have a hard time tackling---and the name of the game is tackling. It's what's kept Calais Campbell from being an All-Pro. Now they have bookend 6'7" DT/DEs from the same school. Taller DT/DEs are easier to down block because of their length, as well.
8. Tennessee Titans (from Miami via Philadelphia and Cleveland): Jack Conklin, T (Michigan State)
Solid pick and very good working of the draft by the Titans especially now that the issues with Laremy Tunsil are further exposed.
9. Chicago Bears (from Tampa Bay): Leonard Floyd, OLB (Georgia)
This pick mystifies me. Floyd is no Vonn Miller---can he even rush from RDE on passing downs? And in their base defense, can he even hold the edge? He'll make his chase plays, but won't teams run right at him?
10. New York Giants: Eli Apple, CB (Ohio State)
This pick mystifies me even more---I cannot possibly believe that Eli Apple is a top ten pick in this draft. Plus, the Giants forked over huge bucks for Janoris Jenkins and they have DRC, who is way better than Apple at this point. Maybe the Giants will cut DRC? If so, I would welcome him back to the Cardinals on a friendly cap number---i think he has matured a great deal and is much more physical than in the past, when he can stay healthy.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago): Vernon Hargreaves III, CB (Florida)
Wasn't the BPA, but was BNP (best need player)---and they were probably surprised he was still on the board.
12. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DL (Lousiville)
They wanted Hargreaves, but wound up with a higher impact player in Rankins, imo. Rankin is a finisher.
13. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia): Laremy Tunsil, T (Ole Miss)
Like The Who sang, "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." This pick continues to prove what a dysfunctional organization the Dolphins are. Not that Tunsil lacks talent, but with their dubious o-line history, not only should this pick have been avoided, news is they aren't even going to play him at tackle. So, if you are drafting a guard, why not take the highest character guy in the draft, Cody Whitehair? They could have even traded down, added a pick and drafted a better fit.
14. Oakland Raiders: Karl Joseph, S (West Virginia)
Love this pick. The Raiders are getting seriously good.
15. Cleveland Browns (from Los Angeles via Tennessee): Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor)
Dysfuntion continues to reign over the Browns. they get one of the best QB coaches in the NFL---and they are pinning their hopes on RGIII? They have a chance to draft Carson Wentz and they go "hot potato" with that chance? It's absolutely preposterous decision making, which is why the Browns will remain in the AFC Central cellar for another 5 years at least. That said, I like Coleman a lot. Good playmaker.
16. Detroit Lions: Taylor Decker, T (Ohio State)
Excellent match---player and team.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Keanu Neal, S (Florida)
There goes my favorite defensive player in this draft and kudos for Dan Quinn and the Falcons for adding this catalyst and tone setter.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Ryan Kelly, C (Alabama)
I think he is one of the more over-rated prospects in this draft. Was hoping to fall in love with him when watching tape, but kept seeing conspicuous flaws, particularly in pass pro.
19. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson, DE/OLB (Clemson)
Good thing Rex has such deep-rooted ties to Clemson or Robert Nkemdiche would have been a Bill, where, imo, he would have been a better fit than Lawson in their scheme. I love Lawson's motor, I am just not sure if he has enough quicks to consistently win one on one battles in the NFL.
20. New York Jets: Darron Lee, LB (Ohio State)
I don't get what in the world the Jets are doing at the QB position and why they wouldn't want Paxton Lynch, who basically fell into their laps. Clearly Todd Bowles does not have the luxury of having a GM like Steve Keim on his side. Lee is an intriguing player with loads of athletic ability, so he will help. But with talks with Fitzpatrick going nowhere and no one behind him, passing on Lynch was a mistake, imo.
21. Houston Texans (from Washington): Will Fuller, WR (Notre Dame)
I think Fuller is the best deep threat in the draft---the problem is he's wildly raw in other areas of WR play.
22. Washington (from Houston): Josh Doctson, WR (TCU)
Made to order for their offense and such an accurate passer as Cousins.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Laquon Treadwell, WR (Ole Miss)
Excellent match---player and team. These Vikings are surging.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: William Jackson III, CB (Houston)[/COLOR][/B]
I think they played this smartly. Their top WR choices were off the board and so they took the best cover CB.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Artie Burns, CB (Miami)
This is the first time in ages I don't feel Steelers' first round draft envy, as I do not believe Burns is a 1st round pick because he is so unrefined and streaky.
26. Denver Broncos (from Seattle): Paxton Lynch, QB (Memphis)
This is what perennial winners do---they make their move at the right place, right time. Imo, Paxton Lynch is way better than Osweiler was coming into the draft and will be a better pro. I am kind of stunned that Lynch dropped this far---he's got all of the preferred measurables and skills, and is a legitimate double threat. Love that he was driven to tears when he got the phone call---says a lot about his character. The rich just got richer.
27. Green Bay Packers: Kenny Clark, DL (UCLA)
B.J. Raji retires so they tab Clark. Again, excellent match.
28. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City): Joshua Garnett, G (Stanford)
I know this move was heavily scrutinized---but I really like this pick for them. For one, i think he can eventually be the most dominant interior lineman in this draft, and by moving up and not giving up too much, they bought a 5th year with him.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Nkemdiche, DL (Ole Miss)
Another one of the excellent matches in the first round, player and team.
30. Carolina Panthers: Vernon Butler, DT (Louisiana Tech)
It does not speak well for the CBs in this draft that they didn't pick one here---which further confirms why the Cardinals were wise to pick a DT. These guys read the draft as well as anyone. Butler is a baller---not quite as athletic or quick twitchy as Nkemdi, but just as powerful at the point of attack. Had he shown a little more agility in his pass rush, i would have preferred him over Nkemdi.
31. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Germain Ifedi, T (Texas A&M)
The Seahawks picked up an extra 3rd rounder by moving down, which gives them 3 of the last 10 picks in the 3rd round---which in this draft could be a bonanza. It also could give them the means to trade up in Round 2 or 3, which I believe they will try to do. That said, I bet they regret their decision today because, i bet they gambled that Robert Nkemdiche and/or Vernon Butler would be on the board for them. Ifedi could play tackle but he seems better suited to play guard and if that is the case this did not help the Seahawks start to solve their left tackle issue. I am surprised they didn't go with Jason Spriggs of Indiana who some compare to the Pats' Nate Solder.
I tired to switch over to NFL Network, but I found the ESPN coverage was a lot more edgy than in recent years---they were offering very candid appraisals of each picks strengths and weaknesses. Riddick was driving me nuts with his motor mouth, though. So I kept flipping back and forth. I really like Eisen, Mayock, Davis and David Shaw (Stanford)---put Gruden with them and i would only flip over to hear what Mel has to say every now and then. I still like listening to Mel after all these years, even though i disagree with him on a number of his opinions. I think I will always be grateful for all the times he took my phone calls in the old days. At times it felt like one fan talking to another---he never really spoke down to me and always seemed interested in hearing my take on certain players, seemingly just as much as I was interested in hearing his.
1.Los Angeles Rams (from Tennessee): Jared Goff, QB (California)
I might be wrong, but I was more worried they would take Carson Wentz, who, imo, has the bigger ceiling and upside because of how big, strong and athletic he is. I also believe that Wentz plays with greater bounce and spirit.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (from Cleveland): Carson Wentz, QB (North Dakota State)
I don't blame Sam Bradford for wanting a trade. Being a lame duck stinks---and any time he makes a mistake, particularly in Philly, not only will the boo birds bellow, the chants for "Carson" will be deafening. Clearly, the Eagles' organizational dysfunction continues to manifest itself because you just don't drop $20M a year on 2 FA QBs and then trade a bundle to go up to the 2nd pick to draft a QB. Even worse, they don't even realize they should cut their losses and try to get something in return for Bradford---and now that door appears totally shut with the Broncos who might have given them the 3rd rounder they traded to acquire Paxton Lynch.
3. San Diego Chargers: Joey Bosa, DE/OLB (Ohio State)
While I like Bosa, I felt Ronnie Stanley was a far greater need and better value. This pick surprised me. The Chargers will remain in the AFC West cellar if they don't protect Rivers and open holes for Gordon.
4. Dallas Cowboys: Ezekiel Elliott, RB (Ohio State)
I think this was a perfect match. The lack of pass rushers is a worry---but they will draft a DE/OLB rusher early in Round 2. And if the Cardinals draft an edge player in Round 3 or 4, I wonder if they could get a 6th or 7th rounder from the Cowboys for Alex Okafor (Texas connection).
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey, DB (Florida State)
I wasn't as high on Ramsey as the pundits. He is versatile and that's a plus. The Jags are building a very good roster---can Gus Bradley translate that into more wins?
6. Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley, T (Notre Dame)
They always let the draft come to them and they always have an outstanding sense of BPA. This was a great pick, imo.
7. San Francisco 49ers: DeForest Buckner, DL (Oregon) (Twitter link via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald)
My issue with this pick is that tall DT/DEs are great for disrupting passing lanes, but they have a hard time tackling---and the name of the game is tackling. It's what's kept Calais Campbell from being an All-Pro. Now they have bookend 6'7" DT/DEs from the same school. Taller DT/DEs are easier to down block because of their length, as well.
8. Tennessee Titans (from Miami via Philadelphia and Cleveland): Jack Conklin, T (Michigan State)
Solid pick and very good working of the draft by the Titans especially now that the issues with Laremy Tunsil are further exposed.
9. Chicago Bears (from Tampa Bay): Leonard Floyd, OLB (Georgia)
This pick mystifies me. Floyd is no Vonn Miller---can he even rush from RDE on passing downs? And in their base defense, can he even hold the edge? He'll make his chase plays, but won't teams run right at him?
10. New York Giants: Eli Apple, CB (Ohio State)
This pick mystifies me even more---I cannot possibly believe that Eli Apple is a top ten pick in this draft. Plus, the Giants forked over huge bucks for Janoris Jenkins and they have DRC, who is way better than Apple at this point. Maybe the Giants will cut DRC? If so, I would welcome him back to the Cardinals on a friendly cap number---i think he has matured a great deal and is much more physical than in the past, when he can stay healthy.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago): Vernon Hargreaves III, CB (Florida)
Wasn't the BPA, but was BNP (best need player)---and they were probably surprised he was still on the board.
12. New Orleans Saints: Sheldon Rankins, DL (Lousiville)
They wanted Hargreaves, but wound up with a higher impact player in Rankins, imo. Rankin is a finisher.
13. Miami Dolphins (from Philadelphia): Laremy Tunsil, T (Ole Miss)
Like The Who sang, "meet the new boss, same as the old boss." This pick continues to prove what a dysfunctional organization the Dolphins are. Not that Tunsil lacks talent, but with their dubious o-line history, not only should this pick have been avoided, news is they aren't even going to play him at tackle. So, if you are drafting a guard, why not take the highest character guy in the draft, Cody Whitehair? They could have even traded down, added a pick and drafted a better fit.
14. Oakland Raiders: Karl Joseph, S (West Virginia)
Love this pick. The Raiders are getting seriously good.
15. Cleveland Browns (from Los Angeles via Tennessee): Corey Coleman, WR (Baylor)
Dysfuntion continues to reign over the Browns. they get one of the best QB coaches in the NFL---and they are pinning their hopes on RGIII? They have a chance to draft Carson Wentz and they go "hot potato" with that chance? It's absolutely preposterous decision making, which is why the Browns will remain in the AFC Central cellar for another 5 years at least. That said, I like Coleman a lot. Good playmaker.
16. Detroit Lions: Taylor Decker, T (Ohio State)
Excellent match---player and team.
17. Atlanta Falcons: Keanu Neal, S (Florida)
There goes my favorite defensive player in this draft and kudos for Dan Quinn and the Falcons for adding this catalyst and tone setter.
18. Indianapolis Colts: Ryan Kelly, C (Alabama)
I think he is one of the more over-rated prospects in this draft. Was hoping to fall in love with him when watching tape, but kept seeing conspicuous flaws, particularly in pass pro.
19. Buffalo Bills: Shaq Lawson, DE/OLB (Clemson)
Good thing Rex has such deep-rooted ties to Clemson or Robert Nkemdiche would have been a Bill, where, imo, he would have been a better fit than Lawson in their scheme. I love Lawson's motor, I am just not sure if he has enough quicks to consistently win one on one battles in the NFL.
20. New York Jets: Darron Lee, LB (Ohio State)
I don't get what in the world the Jets are doing at the QB position and why they wouldn't want Paxton Lynch, who basically fell into their laps. Clearly Todd Bowles does not have the luxury of having a GM like Steve Keim on his side. Lee is an intriguing player with loads of athletic ability, so he will help. But with talks with Fitzpatrick going nowhere and no one behind him, passing on Lynch was a mistake, imo.
21. Houston Texans (from Washington): Will Fuller, WR (Notre Dame)
I think Fuller is the best deep threat in the draft---the problem is he's wildly raw in other areas of WR play.
22. Washington (from Houston): Josh Doctson, WR (TCU)
Made to order for their offense and such an accurate passer as Cousins.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Laquon Treadwell, WR (Ole Miss)
Excellent match---player and team. These Vikings are surging.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: William Jackson III, CB (Houston)[/COLOR][/B]
I think they played this smartly. Their top WR choices were off the board and so they took the best cover CB.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers: Artie Burns, CB (Miami)
This is the first time in ages I don't feel Steelers' first round draft envy, as I do not believe Burns is a 1st round pick because he is so unrefined and streaky.
26. Denver Broncos (from Seattle): Paxton Lynch, QB (Memphis)
This is what perennial winners do---they make their move at the right place, right time. Imo, Paxton Lynch is way better than Osweiler was coming into the draft and will be a better pro. I am kind of stunned that Lynch dropped this far---he's got all of the preferred measurables and skills, and is a legitimate double threat. Love that he was driven to tears when he got the phone call---says a lot about his character. The rich just got richer.
27. Green Bay Packers: Kenny Clark, DL (UCLA)
B.J. Raji retires so they tab Clark. Again, excellent match.
28. San Francisco 49ers (from Kansas City): Joshua Garnett, G (Stanford)
I know this move was heavily scrutinized---but I really like this pick for them. For one, i think he can eventually be the most dominant interior lineman in this draft, and by moving up and not giving up too much, they bought a 5th year with him.
29. Arizona Cardinals: Robert Nkemdiche, DL (Ole Miss)
Another one of the excellent matches in the first round, player and team.
30. Carolina Panthers: Vernon Butler, DT (Louisiana Tech)
It does not speak well for the CBs in this draft that they didn't pick one here---which further confirms why the Cardinals were wise to pick a DT. These guys read the draft as well as anyone. Butler is a baller---not quite as athletic or quick twitchy as Nkemdi, but just as powerful at the point of attack. Had he shown a little more agility in his pass rush, i would have preferred him over Nkemdi.
31. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Germain Ifedi, T (Texas A&M)
The Seahawks picked up an extra 3rd rounder by moving down, which gives them 3 of the last 10 picks in the 3rd round---which in this draft could be a bonanza. It also could give them the means to trade up in Round 2 or 3, which I believe they will try to do. That said, I bet they regret their decision today because, i bet they gambled that Robert Nkemdiche and/or Vernon Butler would be on the board for them. Ifedi could play tackle but he seems better suited to play guard and if that is the case this did not help the Seahawks start to solve their left tackle issue. I am surprised they didn't go with Jason Spriggs of Indiana who some compare to the Pats' Nate Solder.
I tired to switch over to NFL Network, but I found the ESPN coverage was a lot more edgy than in recent years---they were offering very candid appraisals of each picks strengths and weaknesses. Riddick was driving me nuts with his motor mouth, though. So I kept flipping back and forth. I really like Eisen, Mayock, Davis and David Shaw (Stanford)---put Gruden with them and i would only flip over to hear what Mel has to say every now and then. I still like listening to Mel after all these years, even though i disagree with him on a number of his opinions. I think I will always be grateful for all the times he took my phone calls in the old days. At times it felt like one fan talking to another---he never really spoke down to me and always seemed interested in hearing my take on certain players, seemingly just as much as I was interested in hearing his.
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