This draft class will be a success if...

[gimmesix]

1. ... Jason Williams develops into a capable starting linebacker after a couple of seasons. I say capable because you don't go into the third round expecting to draft Pro Bowlers, but you do need to get guys who can start.
   
   
2. ... Robert Brewster becomes a starting-caliber offensive lineman after a few seasons. You just can't draft linemen in the first three rounds without expecting them to become starters because they don't have any other value.
   
   
3. ... Stephen McGee becomes a competent backup quarterback. He doesn't have to become a starter, just show after a couple of seasons that he's a reliable No. 2.
   
   
4. ... One of the fourth-round OLBs, Victor Strong-Butler and Brandon Williams, becomes at least a third-down pass rusher. We took two stabs in the round at finding another OLB who can rush the passer so one of these two has to pan out in that capacity.
   
   
5. ... DeAngelo Smith, Michael Hamlin and Mike Mickens prove to be better depth than Pat Watkins, Courtney Brown and Alan Ball. That might not seem like much of a challenge, but upgrading the depth in the draft is a big part of it.
   
   
6. ... David Buehler gets touchbacks on 30 percent of his kickoffs and puts almost 100 percent inside the 5 with good hangtime. To justify this pick, Buehler really has to make a difference in his specialty, and anything he adds in kick coverage is gravy.
   
   
7. ... Stephen Hodge develops into a quality backup ILB/safety/nickel linebacker and a special teams force. All we need to expect from Hodge at a position is not being a liability if he's called upon to contribute, but he's got to shine on special teams.
   
   
8. ... John Phillips at least makes the practice squad and takes the path to the roster that Tony Curtis and Rodney Hannah have walked before him. We have two starting-caliber tight ends and the third has shown some strong receiving skills, so I don't think we should be upset if Phillips doesn't earn a roster spot. It's more about having someone who can if Hannah isn't up to the task, IMO.
   
   
9. ... Manuel Johnson makes the practice squad. I kind of view Johnson as a throw-in, a UDFA that we took because we had an extra pick, so anything he gives us beyond being a camp body would make the pick a success.

Some of these players might exceed those expectations (and some possibly won't meet them), but I think we have to be realistic on what to expect from them based on where they were picked.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

I think Manuel Johnson has major potential. He's bigger than Amendola (and Welker) and faster than both. Probably has better hands than Amendola, slightly worse than Welker and probably about the same quickness as Amendola, but slightly less quick than Welker (who is amazing). I really like this guy in the slot. If he can deal with the physicality of the game at the NFL level, learn the playbook, and act like he belongs, I really like what we've got here. He's got great hands and he can get open deep and underneath, coaches love that.




YAKUZA

 

[Q_the_man]

This draft would be a success if one player from this draft becomes a HOFer..........or 3 players play 6 or 7 years, including a couple probowls...of course all with us..

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think Manuel Johnson has major potential. He's bigger than Amendola (and Welker) and faster than both. Probably has better hands than Amendola, slightly worse than Welker and probably about the same quickness as Amendola, but slightly less quick than Welker (who is amazing). I really like this guy in the slot. If he can deal with the physicality of the game at the NFL level, learn the playbook, and act like he belongs, I really like what we've got here. He's got great hands and he can get open deep and underneath, coaches love that.

He did make a ton of big plays in college, it seemed like.

Of course, you wonder if that was due to Ds focusing on the Kellys and Iglesiases, but still.

 

[gimmesix]

I think Manuel Johnson has major potential. He's bigger than Amendola (and Welker) and faster than both. Probably has better hands than Amendola, slightly worse than Welker and probably about the same quickness as Amendola, but slightly less quick than Welker (who is amazing). I really like this guy in the slot. If he can deal with the physicality of the game at the NFL level, learn the playbook, and act like he belongs, I really like what we've got here. He's got great hands and he can get open deep and underneath, coaches love that.




YAKUZA

I just think he's really going to have to show quite a bit at his position this year to make it.

It's not like it's impossible for him to beat out Sam Hurd or, especially, Isaiah Stanback, but those guys have other things going for them ... so Johnson is going to have to show he's the best among them at his position.

If he was more of a special teams contributor than I think he will be that could get him on the roster.

 

[dadymat]

1. ... Jason Williams develops into a capable starting linebacker after a couple of seasons. I say capable because you don't go into the third round expecting to draft Pro Bowlers, but you do need to get guys who can start.
   
   
2. ... Robert Brewster becomes a starting-caliber offensive lineman after a few seasons. You just can't draft linemen in the first three rounds without expecting them to become starters because they don't have any other value.
   
   
3. ... Stephen McGee becomes a competent backup quarterback. He doesn't have to become a starter, just show after a couple of seasons that he's a reliable No. 2.
   
   
4. ... One of the fourth-round OLBs, Victor Strong-Butler and Brandon Williams, becomes at least a third-down pass rusher. We took two stabs in the round at finding another OLB who can rush the passer so one of these two has to pan out in that capacity.
   
   
5. ... DeAngelo Smith, Michael Hamlin and Mike Mickens prove to be better depth than Pat Watkins, Courtney Brown and Alan Ball. That might not seem like much of a challenge, but upgrading the depth in the draft is a big part of it.
   
   
6. ... David Buehler gets touchbacks on 30 percent of his kickoffs and puts almost 100 percent inside the 5 with good hangtime. To justify this pick, Buehler really has to make a difference in his specialty, and anything he adds in kick coverage is gravy.
   
   
7. ... Stephen Hodge develops into a quality backup ILB/safety/nickel linebacker and a special teams force. All we need to expect from Hodge at a position is not being a liability if he's called upon to contribute, but he's got to shine on special teams.
   
   
8. ... John Phillips at least makes the practice squad and takes the path to the roster that Tony Curtis and Rodney Hannah have walked before him. We have two starting-caliber tight ends and the third has shown some strong receiving skills, so I don't think we should be upset if Phillips doesn't earn a roster spot. It's more about having someone who can if Hannah isn't up to the task, IMO.
   
   
9. ... Manuel Johnson makes the practice squad. I kind of view Johnson as a throw-in, a UDFA that we took because we had an extra pick, so anything he gives us beyond being a camp body would make the pick a success.

Some of these players might exceed those expectations (and some possibly won't meet them), but I think we have to be realistic on what to expect from them based on where they were picked.

so what you are saying is that if the players we drafted dont suck then it was a good draft and if they do suck then it was a bad draft......right....got it

 

[AsthmaField]

It wouldn't surprise me if J. Williams and S Hodge both end up our starting ILB's. I think one will replace Brookings when he retires and the other will fill Brady James' shoes once he comes up for his next contract. They both have the physical talent to do it.

I can also see Brewster replacing Kosier in a year or two. He has very quick feet and is all heart.

As for Brandon Williams and Victor Butler... I think it is a longer road for them to a starting position. Ware will likely be here until he retires and Spencer (IMO) is going to become a good strongside backer for us. I suppose there is a chance one of them becomes better than Spencer, but it is more of a longshot I think. One or both might be rotational guys that can give the starters some rest... at least that's what I'm looking for. Anything more and I'd be pleasently surprised.

I also think there is a chance that both Mike Hamlin and Deangelo Smith become starters for us. They both have the right attitudes and both fit today's idea of a safety. Smith, having played corner certainly has the range and speed to play FS and Hamlin could end up at SS. They're both ballhawks, which is something the coaches are looking for and something we've been missing back there for eons.

Will they both become starters? We just don't know... but they have the ability to and they fit the mold team's are now looking for.

Mickens has a lot of what it takes to play corner in this league, and if he can stay healthy, I can easily see him being at least a 4th corner for us. His saavy and ball skills remind me some of Dre Bly when he was coming out. He sure has the intangibles to be a big asset. If he plays as our 4th corner, he'll see the field a lot because in today's game you just about have to have 4 corners that can play.

Manuel Johnson is a bit of a longshot, I think. The WR position is pretty full and Dallas doesn't particularly seem to be looking for someone to develop in the slot like I wish they would. He seems to have the quickness and hands needed to be successful in the slot but the odds seem to be against him a little here. If he's got a big enough heart, he just might manage to stick.

The TE Phillips has a long road ahead of him too... but the opportunity is there for him if he impresses enough. He clearly won't be the 1 or 2 TE, but the chance is wide open for him to nab the 3rd TE spot. If he blocks well enough, I think he'll make the 53 in Sept. I think he'll be dependable in the passing game... he runs good routes and can catch well... but the blocking is where I think he'll have a hard time.

And finally, Buehler should make the squad if his kickoffs are what we're told they are. The team is prepared to carry 2 kickers and if he proves himself worthy, he'll make the squad.

Maybe it's an optimistic view, but I think a LOT of these guys are going to make the team and they are going to contribute some this season and some of them will become starters in future seasons. I honestly do.

 

[gimmesix]

so what you are saying is that if the players we drafted dont suck then it was a good draft and if they do suck then it was a bad draft......right....got it

Well, some have a greater degree of nonsuckage to achieve.

 

[Jon88]

so what you are saying is that if the players we drafted dont suck then it was a good draft and if they do suck then it was a bad draft......right....got it

I think that is exactly what he is saying...

 

[gimmesix]

Maybe it's an optimistic view, but I think a LOT of these guys are going to make the team and they are going to contribute some this season and some of them will become starters in future seasons. I honestly do.

Your view is definitely a bit more optimistic than mine. I see a lot of depth and maybe a couple starters.

 

[Joe Realist]

Maybe this draft becomes a success if all the players flop and Jerry hires a GM.

 

[Jon88]

Maybe this draft becomes a success if all the players flop and Jerry hires a GM.

All the players flopped for almost 10 years and Jerry still stayed at GM. Not gonna happen.

 

[dadymat]

Well, some have a greater degree of nonsuckage to achieve.

:laugh2:

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Dude. We got David Bueller. This draft is already a success.

 

[Boyzmamacita]

All the players flopped for almost 10 years and Jerry still stayed at GM. Not gonna happen.

This cracked me up for some reason. Maybe it's the exaggeration aspect of it.

 

[CATCH17]

He did make a ton of big plays in college, it seemed like.

Of course, you wonder if that was due to Ds focusing on the Kellys and Iglesiases, but still.

Or when you're in a conference where defense is optional and your team just so happens to be much more talented than your competition AND you run a spread offense.