Draft talk: OT or WR in R1

[Vindicate]

There is someone like that. The 6'8", 344 lb LT from Rutgers called Hollin Pierce. It takes about 24 hours to run around him. Of course, at that size, that's about how long it takes him to get to the 2nd level.

To be fair to him, he's actually a pretty good blocker when dropping back in a true pass set, my concern is how slow he is when moving in space.

Good God that's massive lmao. Hell, if BB were here, with Pierce being a Rutgers guy, it wouldn't surprise me if he was in consideration (I assume he isn't 1st rnd material, though?)

Are LT's expected push to the second level as much as interior line players do? I don't know much about OL play, so pardon if that's a dumb question.

 

[manxman2601]

Good God that's massive lmao. Hell, if BB were here, with Pierce being a Rutgers guy, it wouldn't surprise me if he was in consideration (I assume he isn't 1st rnd material, though?)

Are LT's expected push to the second level as much as interior line players do? I don't know much about OL play, so pardon if that's a dumb question.

In a gap scheme which McDaniels tends to run, no. They hold the block on the DE opposite them while the interior line does the pulling.

One more point on Pierce. Only 4 draftable OTs had a PFF grade of above 79 in both run blocking and pass blocking. Pierce was one of them.

 

[Vindicate]

In a gap scheme which McDaniels tends to run, no. They hold the block on the DE opposite them while the interior line does the pulling.

One more point on Pierce. Only 4 draftable OTs had a PFF grade of above 79 in both run blocking and pass blocking. Pierce was one of them.

After doing some more reading, I'm very intrigued. Would he be a good Day 2 pick? What I like about his profile is his proof of improvement - while he is a project of a player, he's well into that project and has a record of improving year-over-year. I could see Vrabel enjoy working with a guy like that.

 

[manxman2601]

After doing some more reading, I'm very intrigued. Would he be a good Day 2 pick? What I like about his profile is his proof of improvement - while he is a project of a player, he's well into that project and has a record of improving year-over-year. I could see Vrabel enjoy working with a guy like that.

I think he's seen as more as a 4th round prospect. When I saw his size I sort of dismissed him but he dominated at the Shrine Game and on watching more tape I really came to like him in pass pro where he can really lock down a pass rusher. But I still have questions. He is slow in space to the extent that a linebacker or DB he's trying to block can just run around him. Keep him in a phone booth or power blocking on the line of scrimmage and he's much better. How he'll fair against speedier edge rushers in the NFL is still not certain but he's certainly taken on all challenges he's faced to this point and I like him more than I used to. Still not convinced I want to entrust Maye's safety to him quite yet but as a developmental backup I'd be absolutely fine with that.

 

[VJCPatriot]

A few years ago, I found there's a sharp dropoff in 1st/2nd team All Pros after the top 10 (sharp dropoff in chances after 1st or 2nd QB picked iirc with obv exceptions). Last year I wanted Alt as my top pick (my irrational pick was MHJr), but the QB position was way too important, so I understand why they went that way. I still would've picked Alt even in retrospect (I'm sure a very unpopular opinion).

Watching that Chargers game, it seemed like Herbert could've cooked a turkey back there sometimes. On the other side from Alt is Rashawn Slater (#13 in 2021 when Pats picked Mac at #15) was the 3rd highest rated T in PFF this year (1st was a 7th rounder in a top shelf line full of 1st or 2nd rounders).

I would rather have Maye over Shadeur Sanders or Cam Ward but that's just me.

Would rather have the elite QB and a serviceable OT rather than an elite OT and serviceable QB.

There aren't any so called all-pro standouts at OT in the 2025 class but there are several who should be starters in this league.

I don't mind taking one of them after a slight trade down.

Then the Patriots could trade back into the bottom of the first for a starting quality WR as well such as a Golden, Egbuke, or Harris.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Good God that's massive lmao. Hell, if BB were here, with Pierce being a Rutgers guy, it wouldn't surprise me if he was in consideration (I assume he isn't 1st rnd material, though?)

Are LT's expected push to the second level as much as interior line players do? I don't know much about OL play, so pardon if that's a dumb question.

A guy from Rutgers? Of course BB would overdraft him in Rd1. Did we forget about Cole Strange already?

Let's try drafting guys around where they are supposed to go instead of overpaying and reaching for guys.

That will help maximize our draft value. If you know he's not going to go early but you like him, use the later pick.