JonJon
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We had an excellent draft
I may be in the minority here, but I am very excited about what we came away with in the draft and I believe we just got much better at key positions. We are light years better at CB and RB. Not only that, but we found players that can fit specific roles for areas that were lacking, such as punt/kick return specialist and big red zone targets. Here is my breakdown:
1st Round pick 22
Felix Jones RB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will provide big play ability at the running back position and also as a receiver out of the backfield. Will share the load with Barber. Excelled in this role in the SEC. Will also provide spark as a kick returner and provide great field position for the offense. Many complain that he is only a back up. I do not see it this way. Marion Barber may see the first play of the game, but our running attack is a shared duty. Jones will not be on the bench very long. If Felix Jones can be anything like the other Julius Jones was as a rookie, look out.
1st Round pick 25
Mike Jenkins CB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will probably start out as a situational Nickel/Dime package CB, but has the potential to be a pro bowl starter. Great move here. He has decent speed and fluid hips. Also has great ball skills and should generate turnovers. He may also provide a spark as a punt returner.
We had to give up a 5th and 7th to get him, but if we didn’t make that move, we would have had to settle for a lower profile prospect. Jenkins, along with McKelvin and DRC, was considered the top prospects of trhe CB class.
2nd Round
Martellus Bennett TE
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will be a red zone demon. His height and leaping ability will make him very difficult to defend in the red zone. Can make the acrobatic catch. He has soft hands and fair speed for an athlete his size. He will also be a force in the blocking schemes. He destroyed line backers off the line in college and should help pave running lanes on the outside edge. I envision him being similar to Keyshawn Johnson in terms of height, speed, and catching. If he can be anything close to Keyshawn as a red zone receiver and blocker, we may have a steal.
4th Round
Adam Jones CB
Ideal Scheme/Role: I know we didn’t actually draft him but there is a great potential and risk involved, and we did give up a 4th rounder this year. He will probably start out the season as the Nickel CB but I think we will be the starter along side Newman before the season is over. He plays aggressive and should generate turnovers from either CB spot.
He should be the primary punt returner and also share the kick return load with Felix Jones. Talk about a dynamic return duo!
4th Round
Tashard Choice RB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Third down/ short yardage power back. I really like Choice and I feel much better about having him knowing that we drafted Felix Jones. I wouldn’t have been quite as happy if he was the only running back selected though. He is a tough runner much like Barber, but is has a bit more power with a bit less elusiveness. He will get the tough yards that we need and also pound the defense. The most impressive thing about Choice to me is, he NEVER fumbled the ball while at Georgia Tech. That is an impressive statistic. He is a great value in the 4th round and probably should have gone in the 2nd.
5th Round
Orlando Scandrick CB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Developmental CB that may see time as a Dime Package CB, but will more than likely play special teams. He will replace Nate Jones on the roster. Even though he is a developmental guy like Jacques Reeves was, he has more upside than Reeves had and probably better speed. Some scouts had him projected as a 2nd to 4th round talent. He won’t have an impact this season, but could be a value Nickel CB in a few years once his technique is refined.
6th Round
Erik Walden OLB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will provide depth at the LB position and will probably back up DeMarcus Ware. Because of his pass rushing skills, he may be worked into certain packages that take advantage of his special skill set, but he will not be a full time starter. He does have a good motor and is good enough to generate pressure. May also contribute as a special teamer.
I may be in the minority here, but I am very excited about what we came away with in the draft and I believe we just got much better at key positions. We are light years better at CB and RB. Not only that, but we found players that can fit specific roles for areas that were lacking, such as punt/kick return specialist and big red zone targets. Here is my breakdown:
1st Round pick 22
Felix Jones RB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will provide big play ability at the running back position and also as a receiver out of the backfield. Will share the load with Barber. Excelled in this role in the SEC. Will also provide spark as a kick returner and provide great field position for the offense. Many complain that he is only a back up. I do not see it this way. Marion Barber may see the first play of the game, but our running attack is a shared duty. Jones will not be on the bench very long. If Felix Jones can be anything like the other Julius Jones was as a rookie, look out.
1st Round pick 25
Mike Jenkins CB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will probably start out as a situational Nickel/Dime package CB, but has the potential to be a pro bowl starter. Great move here. He has decent speed and fluid hips. Also has great ball skills and should generate turnovers. He may also provide a spark as a punt returner.
We had to give up a 5th and 7th to get him, but if we didn’t make that move, we would have had to settle for a lower profile prospect. Jenkins, along with McKelvin and DRC, was considered the top prospects of trhe CB class.
2nd Round
Martellus Bennett TE
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will be a red zone demon. His height and leaping ability will make him very difficult to defend in the red zone. Can make the acrobatic catch. He has soft hands and fair speed for an athlete his size. He will also be a force in the blocking schemes. He destroyed line backers off the line in college and should help pave running lanes on the outside edge. I envision him being similar to Keyshawn Johnson in terms of height, speed, and catching. If he can be anything close to Keyshawn as a red zone receiver and blocker, we may have a steal.
4th Round
Adam Jones CB
Ideal Scheme/Role: I know we didn’t actually draft him but there is a great potential and risk involved, and we did give up a 4th rounder this year. He will probably start out the season as the Nickel CB but I think we will be the starter along side Newman before the season is over. He plays aggressive and should generate turnovers from either CB spot.
He should be the primary punt returner and also share the kick return load with Felix Jones. Talk about a dynamic return duo!
4th Round
Tashard Choice RB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Third down/ short yardage power back. I really like Choice and I feel much better about having him knowing that we drafted Felix Jones. I wouldn’t have been quite as happy if he was the only running back selected though. He is a tough runner much like Barber, but is has a bit more power with a bit less elusiveness. He will get the tough yards that we need and also pound the defense. The most impressive thing about Choice to me is, he NEVER fumbled the ball while at Georgia Tech. That is an impressive statistic. He is a great value in the 4th round and probably should have gone in the 2nd.
5th Round
Orlando Scandrick CB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Developmental CB that may see time as a Dime Package CB, but will more than likely play special teams. He will replace Nate Jones on the roster. Even though he is a developmental guy like Jacques Reeves was, he has more upside than Reeves had and probably better speed. Some scouts had him projected as a 2nd to 4th round talent. He won’t have an impact this season, but could be a value Nickel CB in a few years once his technique is refined.
6th Round
Erik Walden OLB
Ideal Scheme/Role: Will provide depth at the LB position and will probably back up DeMarcus Ware. Because of his pass rushing skills, he may be worked into certain packages that take advantage of his special skill set, but he will not be a full time starter. He does have a good motor and is good enough to generate pressure. May also contribute as a special teamer.
