A Holistic Look At This Draft

[manxman2601]

Now that draft season is kicking off with declarations and bowl game acceptances, I thought I'd give my general view on the draft, not necessarily a prospect specific look. I think you're all aware of which prospects I like.

1. I don't really like this draft - in fact I'm quite keen to get on to '27, I'm so meh about '26.

2. The main reason for this is the lack of impact starters I see. I don't see this as a draft that transforms the team, particularly at the front end although depth is a different matter. There are some exceptions.

3. I do really like the depth possibilities in the draft, particularly on defense. There's an opportunity to find quality depth at NT, EDGE, S, LB and nickel with some starter upside although, again, I'm not sure many of them will amount to becoming key starters you want to build your roster around.

4. There are still people to declare so this might change for the better (Pierre, Goosby, Freeling, Jelani Mcdonald) to name a few that could get me more excited. However, the reverse is also true - a lack of declarations could make the draft even worse.

5. I think there are some potential fallers like Sonny Styles, Kenyon Sadiq, TJ Parker and maybe even Rueben Bain that could save our first round hopes.

6. If they don't fall, we're likely looking at the best of the second rounders in the first.

7. Which makes me think that this is the year to trade away a first for a key quality veteran, preferably a pass rusher. Or trade back.

8. The current 3rd and 4th rounds, are for me, the sweet spot. There are a lot of guys in this range I really like. Whether they'll stay there throughout the process is another matter.

9. On the positive side, I do think our needs match up well with the strengths of this draft - Interior OL, LB, S, backup secondary and maybe even TE or backup NT. EDGE is the big gaping hole for me though.

10. I think my lack of excitement about this draft is why I've been drawn to the older prospects. Good solid prospects.

11. There's a long way to go so maybe I'll cheer up. I hope so.

 

[manxman2601]

I suppose what I'm saying is that this draft won't move us from good to great. A younger good and/or deeper good is where I see us ending up. That's absolutely fine, it's just not transformational.

 

[Dec54]

I suppose what I'm saying is that this draft won't move us from good to great. A younger good and/or deeper good is where I see us ending up. That's absolutely fine, it's just not transformational.

You have depressed me now Manx and I was heading out later for a slap up dinner and a glass or two of wine.

 

[manxman2601]

You have depressed me now Manx and I was heading out later for a slap up dinner and a glass or two of wine.

Have a third glass. That'll cheer you up

 

[hornetfb85]

Haven’t dove into this draft fully yet. What I’m seeing as our glaring weaknesses at the moment are solidifying the OL and pass rush.
So maybe we trade back a bit into the early 2nd and focus on specific traits. Maybe a Joshua Joseph or R Mason Thomas whose main trait is pass rush. Take a shot that one is a difference maker. Then look at solidifying either the G or C spot. I know everyone is wanting to move off of Onwenu, but frankly I just don’t see it. Is he worth his contract, nope, but are they going to create another hole on the OL by getting rid of him??? I just don’t see it. Some will disagree, but I’m not seeing it.
Drop back a bit and maybe pick up a 2027 mid rounder.
Take Joseph’s or Thomas
Then Lew, Parker or maybe Cayden Green for the IOL

 

[stelfans]

Agreed. I think it will be a good draft to build depth but i wont expect big time players coming from it.
Maybe in the OL, but then again, subject to underclassman declaring.

 

[mayoclinic]

Too early to tell. I'm more half-full than half-empty right now, but a lot will depend on who declares.

Not a bad year to get quality starting talent at RT, IOL, WR, DT, LB, CB and S.

Had year for QB and EDGE. Meh for RB and TE.

Really, the main disappointment for me is EDGE rushers.

 

[manxman2601]

Too early to tell. I'm more half-full than half-empty right now, but a lot will depend on who declares.

Not a bad year to get quality starting talent at RT, IOL, WR, DT, LB, CB and S.

Had year for QB and EDGE. Meh for RB and TE.

Really, the main disappointment for me is EDGE rushers.

It’s not that early, the season is pretty much over. Sure, draft season will bring forward some surprises, but the film is in the bag.

There’s certainly talent to be had, I only question whether it’s good talent rather than quality transformational talent. I lean towards the former. But as you say, there’s still time.

 

[manxman2601]

woohoo! Another draft pick!

 

[manxman2601]

I was thinking about who is the most Vrabel-esque of the potential picks open to us in the first round. I'm ignoring need because we don't really know if Vrabel is a needs based drafter yet with only one draft under the belt (Campbell says yes, Henderson and Jared Wilson less so).

For me, the most Vrabel-esque prospect at the back end of the first round is CJ Allen. On-field leader, violent defender, big school (three of our top 4 picks came from LSU, Ohio State and Georgia), young, professional mindset, tone-setter and reliable, especially as a tackler.

I'm not predicting he's the best pick or that Vrabel will ignore need and pick him. I'm just saying he's a great fit for the Vrabel culture, possibly the best fit, and it wouldn't surprise me if he's the pick because of it.

 

[mayoclinic]

Vrabelesque? Certainly.

"Most Vrabelesque"? Not so certain we can identify who that is at this point, if ever.

Agree it wouldn't shock be, but not to the point where I'm zeroed in on him.

 

[manxman2601]

Vrabelesque? Certainly.

"Most Vrabelesque"? Not so certain we can identify who that is at this point, if ever.

Well without being a mind-reader, sure. But we can form our own opinions on it.

 

[manxman2601]

I don't know which of the Indiana RBs this is or whether they are draft eligible. I'm posting it merely to say that we should stock up on Indiana players on day 3 because they are just so well coached and assignment sound.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I don't know which of the Indiana RBs this is or whether they are draft eligible. I'm posting it merely to say that we should stock up on Indiana players on day 3 because they are just so well coached and assignment sound.

Henderson was elite in pass protection at Ohio State. Then he got to the NFL and the blocking assignments were against much faster and stronger guys. Now Stevenson plays a lot of 3rd down snaps since he is bigger and more dependable at blocking.

 

[manxman2601]

Henderson was elite in pass protection at Ohio State. Then he got to the NFL and the blocking assignments were against much faster and stronger guys. Now Stevenson plays a lot of 3rd down snaps since he is bigger and more dependable at blocking.

Actually he wasn't. I remember the scouting reports saying that and I remember repeating them but I checked PFF this year and his pass blocking grade was actually quite bad which translated onto the field this year. It's why I like PFF - it gives you an objective, rather than a subjective, view.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Thanks. I didn't know that.

 

[manxman2601]

Thanks. I didn't know that.

Neither did I until I looked at it this year.

 

[p8ryts]

Now that draft season is kicking off with declarations and bowl game acceptances, I thought I'd give my general view on the draft, not necessarily a prospect specific look. I think you're all aware of which prospects I like.

1. I don't really like this draft - in fact I'm quite keen to get on to '27, I'm so meh about '26.

2. The main reason for this is the lack of impact starters I see. I don't see this as a draft that transforms the team, particularly at the front end although depth is a different matter. There are some exceptions.

3. I do really like the depth possibilities in the draft, particularly on defense. There's an opportunity to find quality depth at NT, EDGE, S, LB and nickel with some starter upside although, again, I'm not sure many of them will amount to becoming key starters you want to build your roster around.

4. There are still people to declare so this might change for the better (Pierre, Goosby, Freeling, Jelani Mcdonald) to name a few that could get me more excited. However, the reverse is also true - a lack of declarations could make the draft even worse.

5. I think there are some potential fallers like Sonny Styles, Kenyon Sadiq, TJ Parker and maybe even Rueben Bain that could save our first round hopes.

6. If they don't fall, we're likely looking at the best of the second rounders in the first.

7. Which makes me think that this is the year to trade away a first for a key quality veteran, preferably a pass rusher. Or trade back.

8. The current 3rd and 4th rounds, are for me, the sweet spot. There are a lot of guys in this range I really like. Whether they'll stay there throughout the process is another matter.

9. On the positive side, I do think our needs match up well with the strengths of this draft - Interior OL, LB, S, backup secondary and maybe even TE or backup NT. EDGE is the big gaping hole for me though.

10. I think my lack of excitement about this draft is why I've been drawn to the older prospects. Good solid prospects.

11. There's a long way to go so maybe I'll cheer up. I hope so.

I'm thinking trade Barmore with our #1 to move up in the 1st.

 

[manxman2601]

I'm thinking trade Barmore with our #1 to move up in the 1st.

Would anyone take him with this hanging over his head?

 

[p8ryts]

Would anyone take him with this hanging over his head?

It will get settled.