TheFinisher
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Reuben Foster | LB | Alabama
http://prod.images.Commanders.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/Commanders/assets/images/imported/WAS/photos/clubimages/2017/01-January/tempAP_99171583567--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg?width=620&height=465
While Foster's stock has been rumored to be slipping due to concerns of his network and personal circle outside of football, as well as some maturity issues, it would still be a major shock if he was still on the board at 28. However, these red flags combined with the devaluation of off-the-ball LBs could be enough to see him tumble. Foster is one of the best football players in this draft and while LB may not be at the top of this team's needs list, his value is simply too great to pass on. Violent hitter who can ignite the defense, he's the type of leader you want roaming the middle of the field. The team has stated Jaylon could play any of the three LB spots and by drafting Foster to play the Mike it would allow Jaylon to move back outside to his natural position where he's freed up as an edge/OLB.
Jabrill Peppers | SS | Michigan
Peppers is another top caliber talent who's draft stock is a bit of a mystery. Some draftniks maintain he's one of the top 10 players in this class and should be drafted accordingly, while others claim he's too much of a tweener and doesn't have a natural position in an NFL defense. His lack of production and forced turnovers also has raised some red flags. However, after going back and re-evaluating Peppers, I've come to the conclusion that Michigan just didn't put him in the position to rack up big time numbers. He was used as a Sam LB who was asked to set the edge and funnel action back inside. I have no doubts about Peppers' athletic ability to play SS here, and I love the passion he plays with. He's a RKG who is all about football and has been a superstar his entire career... I see no reason why he can't continue that at the next level. Reminds me in many ways of Brian Dawkins.
Malik McDowell | DT | Michigan State
In terms of physical talent, McDowell is the closest rival to Myles Garrett in this front 7 class. All of 6'6" 295lbs with long arms, McDowell is cut from the same cloth as former players like John Henderson, Kevin Williams and Richard Seymour. You saw McDowell absolutely dominate games throughout his career, as he slid all up and down MSU's line. While some projected him as a LE with the ability to kick inside on passing downs, his rare power, quickness, bend and leverage for his height would make him a nightmare as the 3-Tech within our defense, especially under a coach like Marinelli who has a track record of getting the most out of his lineman. Make no mistake about it the 3T is the most important position in this scheme and, while Collins flashed the ability to make some plays from the spot last year, McDowell has the potential to become a perennial All-Pro. If there is a War Daddy within our reach, this is the guy.
Derek Barnett | DE | Tennessee
The most productive DE in college football over the past 3 seasons, Barnett broke a 30 year old record in career sacks previously set by the great Reggie White. While the production to tough to argue against, scouts are concerned that Barnett doesn't possess the athletic traits necessary to ever be a dominant rusher. A below average combine furthered these concerns and there is talk that the SEC defensive player of the year could slip well into the 20s. While these are legitimate concerns, I believe Barnett's game translates well to the NFL. Just a year ago Joey Bosa was similarly critiqued after dominating the sport as a freshman and sophmore. The important similarities between Bosa and Barnett are that they are advanced technicians with their hands and land heavy blows, and are relentless in their desire to get to the Quarterback... which for some reason always gets devalued by draftniks. I think there's a significant drop-off between Barnett and the next tier of edge rushers and would jump at the chance to add him.
http://prod.images.Commanders.clubs.nflcdn.com/image-web/NFL/CDA/data/deployed/prod/Commanders/assets/images/imported/WAS/photos/clubimages/2017/01-January/tempAP_99171583567--nfl_mezz_1280_1024.jpg?width=620&height=465
While Foster's stock has been rumored to be slipping due to concerns of his network and personal circle outside of football, as well as some maturity issues, it would still be a major shock if he was still on the board at 28. However, these red flags combined with the devaluation of off-the-ball LBs could be enough to see him tumble. Foster is one of the best football players in this draft and while LB may not be at the top of this team's needs list, his value is simply too great to pass on. Violent hitter who can ignite the defense, he's the type of leader you want roaming the middle of the field. The team has stated Jaylon could play any of the three LB spots and by drafting Foster to play the Mike it would allow Jaylon to move back outside to his natural position where he's freed up as an edge/OLB.
Jabrill Peppers | SS | Michigan
Peppers is another top caliber talent who's draft stock is a bit of a mystery. Some draftniks maintain he's one of the top 10 players in this class and should be drafted accordingly, while others claim he's too much of a tweener and doesn't have a natural position in an NFL defense. His lack of production and forced turnovers also has raised some red flags. However, after going back and re-evaluating Peppers, I've come to the conclusion that Michigan just didn't put him in the position to rack up big time numbers. He was used as a Sam LB who was asked to set the edge and funnel action back inside. I have no doubts about Peppers' athletic ability to play SS here, and I love the passion he plays with. He's a RKG who is all about football and has been a superstar his entire career... I see no reason why he can't continue that at the next level. Reminds me in many ways of Brian Dawkins.
Malik McDowell | DT | Michigan State
In terms of physical talent, McDowell is the closest rival to Myles Garrett in this front 7 class. All of 6'6" 295lbs with long arms, McDowell is cut from the same cloth as former players like John Henderson, Kevin Williams and Richard Seymour. You saw McDowell absolutely dominate games throughout his career, as he slid all up and down MSU's line. While some projected him as a LE with the ability to kick inside on passing downs, his rare power, quickness, bend and leverage for his height would make him a nightmare as the 3-Tech within our defense, especially under a coach like Marinelli who has a track record of getting the most out of his lineman. Make no mistake about it the 3T is the most important position in this scheme and, while Collins flashed the ability to make some plays from the spot last year, McDowell has the potential to become a perennial All-Pro. If there is a War Daddy within our reach, this is the guy.
Derek Barnett | DE | Tennessee
The most productive DE in college football over the past 3 seasons, Barnett broke a 30 year old record in career sacks previously set by the great Reggie White. While the production to tough to argue against, scouts are concerned that Barnett doesn't possess the athletic traits necessary to ever be a dominant rusher. A below average combine furthered these concerns and there is talk that the SEC defensive player of the year could slip well into the 20s. While these are legitimate concerns, I believe Barnett's game translates well to the NFL. Just a year ago Joey Bosa was similarly critiqued after dominating the sport as a freshman and sophmore. The important similarities between Bosa and Barnett are that they are advanced technicians with their hands and land heavy blows, and are relentless in their desire to get to the Quarterback... which for some reason always gets devalued by draftniks. I think there's a significant drop-off between Barnett and the next tier of edge rushers and would jump at the chance to add him.
