Game Plan for our 1st & 2nd Round Picks

[CalPolyTechnique]

This won't be popular but I've never played by the rules (jaywalked across my street just this morning...).

Here's my game plan for what I would do with our picks in R1 (#10) and R2 (#44).

R1 (#10) Jaelen Phillips DE (U. of Miami)
Yes, I mean it. The decision to take Phillips at #10 is driven by three things: 1) I always value a Top DE > Top CB; 2) this draft class is heavy with quality CB prospects; and 3) I am sold on Phillips being a difference maker at the NFL level. He's got one of the best motors I've seen in memory and is a technician at a young age ala the Bosa brothers. You can never have too many pressure players. Phillips is the perfect player to fill the LEO role in Quinn's defense as he played both on the line and standing up at Miami. I've seen him consistently mocked in the early 20s over the past few months but I think he'll ultimately go in the teens if we don't take him at #10.

R2 (#44) ***TRADE***
Given the fact we passed on the consensus Top 2 corners in Surtain and Horn in R1, I would trade up in R2 from #44 to ensure we secure a top CB talent as it is a pressing need. Dane Bruglar says he has 11 CBs in his Top 62 players. We have an immediate need for a corner to play on the outside so I don't consider guys like Molden or Samuel Jr.. Using Draftek's NFL trade chart, I would try and package #44 and our R3 (#99) pick to move up to the top of R2 (#34-36 based on the trade value) with the idea of selecting Greg Newsome (Northwestern) or Eric Stokes (U. of Georgia).

 

[ultron]

Damn that Phillips dude’s arms are bigger than my legs

 

[Malhavoc]

On talent alone Phillips is a top 10 prospect. But his commitment to the sport and the concussions have to considered. Too much of a gamble for me but I do like the player.

 

[Gaede]

Argh. I could get down with this. But the concussions are just too much for me. That doesn't tend to get better over time.

 

[morasp]

I like the idea, Orlando Scandrick said that an upgraded pass rush is the quickest path to an upgraded defense.

 

[visionary]

Like the player but I’m really really concerned about his health issues and almost quitting football

he may quit if he has another concussion and suddenly you have nothing to show for a top 10 pick

big gamble IMO

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

On talent alone Phillips is a top 10 prospect. But his commitment to the sport and the concussions have to considered. Too much of a gamble for me but I do like the player.

Those are legit concerns but I believe the issue with the concussions is that he had a string of them (I believe 3) in 2017/2018. I've read a couple of articles/watched a couple of interviews of him where he explained where his head was at (no pun intended) and how he recommitted to football. Obviously, anyone can say the right things, but if you watch the guy play and see the vigor in which he chases plays down backside it does not comport with someone that doesn't have passion for football or is just going through the motions.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Those are legit concerns but I believe the issue with the concussions is that he had a string of them (I believe 3) in 2017/2018. I've read a couple of articles/watched a couple of interviews of him where he explained where his head was at (no pun intended) and how he recommitted to football. Obviously, anyone can say the right things, but if you watch the guy play and see the vigor in which he chases plays down backside it does not comport with someone that doesn't have passion for football or is just going through the motions.

Beasley quite football during his first TC

 

[visionary]

Beasley quite football during his first TC

but he wasn’t a top 10 pick

 

[DoctorChicken]

I wouldn’t hate that draft. Phillips is a big gamble though.

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I would also add that Phillips "retiring" happened back in 2018. He had to sit out the 2019 season in Miami due to transferring rules.

 

[Bizwah]

I believe there's a better chance of us taking Phillips at 44 than 10. The concussions are a real concern.

 

[reddyuta]

sorry but that's a big no.a dude eith concussion issues at such a high impact position should not be drafted at 10,heck I wouldn't even draft him at 44.

 

[JBS]

Perfect world, game plan for me would be defensive back - defensive back

Surtain / Moehrig is my top choice

 

[Sydla]

It’s outside the box but I think Phillips at 10 is too risky.

Again it blows that we are sitting there at 10 and there isn’t a couple of stud DTs in this class that would fit at that spot.

 

[Rockport]

This won't be popular but I've never played by the rules (jaywalked across my street just this morning...).

Here's my game plan for what I would do with our picks in R1 (#10) and R2 (#44).

R1 (#10) Jaelen Phillips DE (U. of Miami)
Yes, I mean it. The decision to take Phillips at #10 is driven by three things: 1) I always value a Top DE > Top CB; 2) this draft class is heavy with quality CB prospects; and 3) I am sold on Phillips being a difference maker at the NFL level. He's got one of the best motors I've seen in memory and is a technician at a young age ala the Bosa brothers. You can never have too many pressure players. Phillips is the perfect player to fill the LEO role in Quinn's defense as he played both on the line and standing up at Miami. I've seen him consistently mocked in the early 20s over the past few months but I think he'll ultimately go in the teens if we don't take him at #10.

R2 (#44) ***TRADE***
Given the fact we passed on the consensus Top 2 corners in Surtain and Horn in R1, I would trade up in R2 from #44 to ensure we secure a top CB talent as it is a pressing need. Dane Bruglar says he has 11 CBs in his Top 62 players. We have an immediate need for a corner to play on the outside so I don't consider guys like Molden or Samuel Jr.. Using Draftek's NFL trade chart, I would try and package #44 and our R3 (#99) pick to move up to the top of R2 (#34-36 based on the trade value) with the idea of selecting Greg Newsome (Northwestern) or Eric Stokes (U. of Georgia).

Probably could trade down and still get Phillips.

 

[morasp]

Phillips is ranked 32 how about Trade back add a second or third take Horn or Newsome and use the extra pick and our second to move up for Phillips.

 

[Teague31]

If healthy and right Phillips is an elite talent at a premium position. But man, there is bust potential. Hate to take such a swing at 10 but if he hits....

 

[Cowboyny]

I think Phillips is one of the best edge players in the class, but there is just too much risk to use a top 10 pick on him. On the field some believe he is a liability against the run, where off the field you have multiple medical issues to go through

 

[cowboyec]

what the hell.