The Depth Of The Draft

[manxman2601]

A great article on the depth of the draft.

Screw your elite drafts, I’ll take a deep draft any time « Seahawks Draft Blog

But some early headscratchery aside, this draft will get awesome in a hurry. You are going to see 1st round names going in the 2nd round, 2nd round names going in the 3rd round, and some 3rd round names going in the 5th round. This draft is as unpredictable as anyone has seen in recent memory. And the reason it’s unpredictable is because there might be 60 players who get talked about as top 32 round picks, and maybe 150 players who get talked about as top 60 picks.

The receiver and tight end class are incredibly deep. As many as six tight ends could carry top 60 grades, and the list of top 100 receivers grows by the day. Stedman Bailey and Markus Wheaton are great prospects. They could go 25th overall, or they could go 125th overall. There is just a sea of viable receivers this year.

Some of the best pass rushers are among the least heralded: Jordan Hill, John Simon, Quanterus Smith, Armonty Bryant, Brandon Jenkins, Tank Carradine, David Bass, Corey Lemonier, Alex Okafor. The first round will be dominated by defensive lineman, but the options remain deep long after despite that.

I think the depth of this draft merits some discussion. For example, the Dolphins could improve themselves in a hurry with three picks in the first round and a half. Or isn't it strange that with all the picks the Patriots have had over the years, that when we hit the deepest draft in years, we go in with very few picks. How does the depth affect draft day trades? etc.

 

[manxman2601]

One more worrying thought. Seattle absolutely nailed the draft last year and they're are on the threshold of being one of the best teams in the NFL. Imagine how good they might become if they nail this draft too.

 

[Sciz]

One more worrying thought. Seattle absolutely nailed the draft last year and they're are on the threshold of being one of the best teams in the NFL. Imagine how good they might become if they nail this draft too.

Well they better hope Clemons recovers quickly from his Jan 17 ACL reconstruction, or they'll wish they had grabbed a real defensive end last year rather than an undersized pass rusher.

 

[manxman2601]

Well they better hope Clemons recovers quickly from his Jan 17 ACL reconstruction, or they'll wish they had grabbed a real defensive end last year rather than an undersized pass rusher.

That undersized pass rusher got more sacks than any other pass rusher drafted last year. As he was considered a reach, I'd say that furthers the argument that Seattle nailed the draft rather than detracting from it.

 

[Sciz]

That undersized pass rusher got more sacks than any other pass rusher drafted last year. As he was considered a reach, I'd say that furthers the argument that Seattle nailed the draft rather than detracting from it.

I suppose there's an argument to be made if you have one specific part-time need to fill, but I'd consider a 15th overall pick that is never a 3-down player to be a failure, especially when they now have a need for a full-time player at the same position. And from what we've seen from Irvin in a full-time role, there's been more evidence that he'll never be able to play on running downs that that he has the potential to.

 

[patsinthesnow]

One more worrying thought. Seattle absolutely nailed the draft last year and they're are on the threshold of being one of the best teams in the NFL. Imagine how good they might become if they nail this draft too.

They are a RG/RT and a legit WR away from being the best team in the NFL imo. It all depends on how you view Wilson, but I see him as a top 5 QB in the not too distant future. Defensively, they have the best S duo, the best CB trio if Thurmond returns healthy, young LBs, and a solid DL.

They'd be dumb not to draft Cooper and then the best WR available in round 2.

 

[patsfaninpa]

They are a RG/RT and a legit WR away from being the best team in the NFL imo. It all depends on how you view Wilson, but I see him as a top 5 QB in the not too distant future. Defensively, they have the best S duo, the best CB trio if Thurmond returns healthy, young LBs, and a solid DL.

They'd be dumb not to draft Cooper and then the best WR available in round 2.

Top 5? That's a reach of major proportions. Rodgers, Brady, Brees, Mannings and Big Ben are my top 6. Flacco and Matty Ice are knocking at the door. Teams will do a better job of defensing these running qb's next year. They will have their de's pin them in the pocket and force them to throw in traffic. Let's see how good they are then. The Pats did a good job of this. Unfortunately, we had Tavon Wilson and Ebner at safety that day and gave up two bombs. Doubt that happens with McCourty and Gregory back there.

 

[Pats0204]

I think one of the byproducts of the depth of this draft (and it is very deep IMO) is that you will likely see fewer trades. Thoughts?

 

[everlong]

Maybe it pushes a guy like Keenan Allen down to the bottom of the first round as teams pick another position first and the Patriots get an absolute steal at 29 (unlikely yes). Same thing with a guy like Datone Jones at the hybrid 4-3 DT/3-4 DE.

As far as picks if the Pats aren't going to franchise Welker and if you can't get Vollmer at the dollar amount you want you trade him for a first or perhaps even and 2nd + 3rd to a team that is in need of an LT which Vollmer has shown he can play. Use one of the picks on Menelik Watson, who I know you love, or Kyle Long to replace the depth on the line and the other where seen fit.

 

[manxman2601]

Maybe it pushes a guy like Keenan Allen down to the bottom of the first round as teams pick another position first and the Patriots get an absolute steal at 29 (unlikely yes). Same thing with a guy like Datone Jones at the hybrid 4-3 DT/3-4 DE.

As far as picks if the Pats aren't going to franchise Welker and if you can't get Vollmer at the dollar amount you want you trade him for a first or perhaps even and 2nd + 3rd to a team that is in need of an LT which Vollmer has shown he can play. Use one of the picks on Menelik Watson, who I know you love, or Kyle Long to replace the depth on the line and the other where seen fit.

A choice of Datone Jones, Keenan Allen or Menelik Watson you say.......

 

[everlong]

A choice of Datone Jones, Keenan Allen or Menelik Watson you say.......

Jones and Allen I've been high on for a long time as have you. Watson I'm going on your recommendation. I've been busy and still haven't had time to watch him. If by some miracle Jones and Allen were both there that would be a really difficult choice.

 

[manxman2601]

Jones and Allen I've been high on for a long time as have you. Watson I'm going on your recommendation. I've been busy and still haven't had time to watch him. If by some miracle Jones and Allen were both there that would be a really difficult choice.

I've never considered Keenan Allen before. It's rumoured that he won't run all that well at the combine and in that scenario I could certainly see him falling. Yesterday, Mayock said that Mingo was a late first round prospect. Ogletree had his DUI problem. And so on and so on. This draft is really interesting.

Damn Bill Belichick for getting rid of all our draft picks. I'd be having so much fun mocking two firsts, two seconds and two thirds.

 

[everlong]

I've never considered Keenan Allen before. It's rumoured that he won't run all that well at the combine and in that scenario I could certainly see him falling. Yesterday, Mayock said that Mingo was a late first round prospect. Ogletree had his DUI problem. And so on and so on. This draft is really interesting.

Damn Bill Belichick for getting rid of all our draft picks. I'd be having so much fun mocking two firsts, two seconds and two thirds.

I really like Allen and I don't care if he runs a 4.5 which honestly is about the only way he would make it to 29. He can move to any receiver slot on the field and be effective. He can block. He runs good routes. Can handle press coverage. Good body control in the air. More than being a deep threat I think he'll catch most of his passes 15-25 yards down the field which would extend the defense and open up the under routes for the other receivers.

Maybe Vollmer gets tagged and they pick up some picks and maybe Mallet gets dealt, not for the #6, and they snag a few more. The Mallet deal would likely be draft day though.

 

[patfanken]

I think the depth of the draft bodes well for the Pats, DESPITE the fact we have only 5 picks. People forget that this roster is VERY young. We do not need numbers this season, we need quality, and the depth of this draft makes it likely that we can grab 3 very solid players with our first 3 picks, even though they will be at the bottom of every round.

Don't forget we will have 5 players coming to the Pats that played very little or no part on last year's team (Demps, Armstead, Fletcher, Dowling, and Jake Ballard) All of these players are better prospects than who will be available in those middle rounds where we currently have no picks. So add the 5 picks to these 5 players and the Pats already have 10 "new" faces to add to a team that was one game from another superbowl....and that's before we get to add any vet FA's

 

[ralmat55]

Maybe Vollmer gets tagged and they pick up some picks and maybe Mallet gets dealt, not for the #6, and they snag a few more. The Mallet deal would likely be draft day though.

I would think that if Mallett is traded it would be well before the draft. If a team wants him to come in and compete to be their QB, they'd want him in their off-season program as soon as possible, you'd think.

 

[everlong]

I would think that if Mallett is traded it would be well before the draft. If a team wants him to come in and compete to be their QB, they'd want him in their off-season program as soon as possible, you'd think.

That's a good point. I was thinking of it from the Patriots perspective where you hold out to maximize the value when teams over draft the QB prospects in this draft leaving other desperate.

 

[DaBruinz]

Maybe it pushes a guy like Keenan Allen down to the bottom of the first round as teams pick another position first and the Patriots get an absolute steal at 29 (unlikely yes). Same thing with a guy like Datone Jones at the hybrid 4-3 DT/3-4 DE.

As far as picks if the Pats aren't going to franchise Welker and if you can't get Vollmer at the dollar amount you want you trade him for a first or perhaps even and 2nd + 3rd to a team that is in need of an LT which Vollmer has shown he can play. Use one of the picks on Menelik Watson, who I know you love, or Kyle Long to replace the depth on the line and the other where seen fit.

I'll be honest. It's my gut feeling that Kyle Long will be a bust. I think that the expectations for him will be more than appropriate and he won't live up to them.

 

[DaBruinz]

I think the depth of the draft bodes well for the Pats, DESPITE the fact we have only 5 picks. People forget that this roster is VERY young. We do not need numbers this season, we need quality, and the depth of this draft makes it likely that we can grab 3 very solid players with our first 3 picks, even though they will be at the bottom of every round.

Don't forget we will have 5 players coming to the Pats that played very little or no part on last year's team (Demps, Armstead, Fletcher, Dowling, and Jake Ballard) All of these players are better prospects than who will be available in those middle rounds where we currently have no picks. So add the 5 picks to these 5 players and the Pats already have 10 "new" faces to add to a team that was one game from another superbowl....and that's before we get to add any vet FA's

Just remember that the Pats have quite a few free agents as well. Some of whom had very big roles.

Besides Welker, Vollmer, and Talib, you have Arrington, Edelman, Woodhead, Cole, Martin, Allen, Josh Barrett, Deion Branch, Hoomanawanui, Jamey Richard, Donald Thomas, Trevor Scott, Niko Koutivedes and Tracey White.

The ones in bold were starters. The ones in blue had prominent roles on the team. 3 of the top 4 WRs, 3 prominent Special Teams coverage players and a primary back-up on the O.

That's 8 spots right away that the Pats need to fill. Either by re-signing these free agents, signing other free agents, or drafting players.

Oh, and though Hoomanawanui is a RFA, I don't see the Pats tendering him an offer. Not at $1.323 Million.

 

[manxman2601]

I'll be honest. It's my gut feeling that Kyle Long will be a bust. I think that the expectations for him will be more than appropriate and he won't live up to them.

I much prefer Menelik Watson.