Yeah that’s where I’m at right now and on board with taking a high stab at one of them, regardless of mixed feelings when looking too closely at them one by one.
Yup you're gambling that your staff, FO etc can offset their concerns or weaknesses
For Williams it's adjusting to an actual NFL scheme and speed. They ran a mickey mouse offense that was simple and predictable. Basically some version of a slant, wheel route with a go Then you have things like this. This is a good idea of what I mean. You'll never see something like in the NFL. These splits are insane. He's a very talented kid but there are a lot of adjustments that will need to be made you might not think of initially or watching his highlight reel. And hoping him and his family aren't "too much" once he's signed.
you're betting on Penix's health, ability to get the ball out quicker and your staff/fo ability to keep him clean with top tier protection
Betting that JJ will be able to handle more volume while being as efficient. Betting that he'll improve on deep stuff and isn't shook by clever disguise in the 2nd/3rd level post-snap
Betting on Maye's accuracy, mechanics and pressure to sack #'s improve.
Betting on Daniels not being a one hit wonder in 4 previous years. 5th year prospect that only flashed before playing behind a top tier OL and throwing to two top 20 prospects and other talents.
Betting a lot on Nix if you draft him 1st RD.
Interesting trying to recall a past year entering the draft where the top 3 picks were more anticipated (likely?) to all be at QB. Who knows if that actually happens, but seems it’s more common to be debates between player A vs. player B at the top, and not a third QB so close on their heels. 1983 and 2004 are well heralded for what those QBs did after the fact, but neither had three guys in the top 10, let alone 1-2-3.
2012 immediately came to mind. I know Tannehill had a decent amount of hype behind him. I had a high 2nd on Cousins so was surprised he didn't receive more hype that year. One of the more valuable picks recently. Above average starter for a decade + is a score after the 2nd RD. But yea that one obviously didn't go 1 2 3 but close. RT went top 10.
Is this year just the perfect storm of need, premium of position, and maybe less blue chip talent elsewhere than usual? And of course, a group of guys at the position who aren’t reaches by most standards. Curious your take and always appreciate your draft insight
Big-time perfect storm. Yea, NEP highlight that by being in the top 3 for the first time in decades. Big-time perfect storm. These guys aren't saviors, right. But they're very good prospects. As always it's a gamble, like I mentioned above.
Pats have 0 excuses this year though. None. Our biggest areas of need are QB, WR & OL. Which also happen to be the strongest groups coming out this year in terms of position groups. All 3 are top heavy and deep. Best of the draft.
Very good - CB
Above average - DL
Weak - RB, Saf, LB, TE
So yea it's not the most well-rounded draft but there's plenty of talent. Particularly at premium positions (qb, wr, ol, dl, cb)