Cowboyny
Well-Known Member
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My goal for this year's draft was to help the run defense and get more explosive on offense. Didn't accomplish this, but it doesn't mean it was a terrible draft either:
-Things I liked
Adding a legitimate #2 pass rusher. We haven't drafted a player this advanced as a pass rusher in years. To think the rush packages we can now put together is very intriguing.
Drafting a potential #1 CB. Yes, there is some risk taking a player coming off of an acl injury, but if healthy gives the team a lot of flexibility for the future. Keep in mind, Bland is a fa after the season. Don't care if he comes back slowly as we have him for 4 seasons.
Blue is a legitimate, explosive, homerun type of back. Has to get better protecting the football, but he potentially becomes our new Pollard/Felix Jones. When you watch him play, he give off Gibbs vibes to me, although not as talented. He also like that they paired him with a power back late. They are in good shape at the position with multiple options.
Drafted a true, massive run NT. I think he is better that that Kentucky NT we drafted late a few years back and might be that space eater we desperately need.
-Things I disliked
Using a top 15 pick on a Guard. This has nothing to do with the player, but they really to come away with a #2 receiver. I said for weeks, if they don't take one early, probably better off not taking one at all. Was there a huge hole at RG? Think they has some solid options and could of taken a Guard later.
Why trade up for a linebacker that has questionable instincts and lack of size? Our only hope is that Eberflus is good at developing the position. We has similar concerns with Marist last yr, but he played better then we originally thought.
Not a fan of the Right Tackle drafted, I guess you never have enough offensive lineman, especially at the tackle position.
Final Thoughts
I was expecting a 2-3 rebuild as all needs couldn't be addressed in one draft class. They potentially added 4 future starters, which in any draft class means that it was successful. Yes, we need another receiver, but a short-term solution can be found. Think next year, receiver remains a top need, with Safety, Linebacker and still more help inside the DL.
My early grade would be a C+ as they did land a few day 1 starters that should help, but didn't do enough to help their run defense and address the #2 WR position.
.
-Things I liked
Adding a legitimate #2 pass rusher. We haven't drafted a player this advanced as a pass rusher in years. To think the rush packages we can now put together is very intriguing.
Drafting a potential #1 CB. Yes, there is some risk taking a player coming off of an acl injury, but if healthy gives the team a lot of flexibility for the future. Keep in mind, Bland is a fa after the season. Don't care if he comes back slowly as we have him for 4 seasons.
Blue is a legitimate, explosive, homerun type of back. Has to get better protecting the football, but he potentially becomes our new Pollard/Felix Jones. When you watch him play, he give off Gibbs vibes to me, although not as talented. He also like that they paired him with a power back late. They are in good shape at the position with multiple options.
Drafted a true, massive run NT. I think he is better that that Kentucky NT we drafted late a few years back and might be that space eater we desperately need.
-Things I disliked
Using a top 15 pick on a Guard. This has nothing to do with the player, but they really to come away with a #2 receiver. I said for weeks, if they don't take one early, probably better off not taking one at all. Was there a huge hole at RG? Think they has some solid options and could of taken a Guard later.
Why trade up for a linebacker that has questionable instincts and lack of size? Our only hope is that Eberflus is good at developing the position. We has similar concerns with Marist last yr, but he played better then we originally thought.
Not a fan of the Right Tackle drafted, I guess you never have enough offensive lineman, especially at the tackle position.
Final Thoughts
I was expecting a 2-3 rebuild as all needs couldn't be addressed in one draft class. They potentially added 4 future starters, which in any draft class means that it was successful. Yes, we need another receiver, but a short-term solution can be found. Think next year, receiver remains a top need, with Safety, Linebacker and still more help inside the DL.
My early grade would be a C+ as they did land a few day 1 starters that should help, but didn't do enough to help their run defense and address the #2 WR position.
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