Will Hernandez (UTEP) - Combine

[funkytown]

For starters, Mark Ingram, wasn't a top 5 pick. He's also not in the same world as Elliott as a TB.

The other thing is, I just don't think Chubb is all that special either.

No but Ingram was a 1st rounder and Heisman trophy winner. But I agree nowhere on Zeke's level. Just using him as an example of a team that spent a 1st rounder on a solid starter and still used a pick on a "backup". They took that chance because they fell in love with Kamara. They knew what type of offense they had and how they would use him. It worked out great for them, but it wont always happen like that.

And I'm not as sold on Chubb either. My argument is not specifically for Chubb but for a top guy they really like that falls. 3rd or 4th round that fits the system. This team needs a solid backup. We currently do not have one, unless you count R. Smith. So I'm all for burning a 3rd to 5th on a back as opposed to signing the Alfred Morris or Darren McFadden's of the world.

 

[Sydla]

No but Ingram was a 1st rounder and Heisman trophy winner. But I agree nowhere on Zeke's level. Just using him as an example of a team that spent a 1st rounder on a solid starter and still used a pick on a "backup". They took that chance because they fell in love with Kamara. They knew what type of offense they had and how they would use him. It worked out great for them, but it wont always happen like that.

And I'm not as sold on Chubb either. My argument is not specifically for Chubb but for a top guy they really like that falls. 3rd or 4th round that fits the system. This team needs a solid backup. We currently do not have one, unless you count R. Smith. So I'm all for burning a 3rd to 5th on a back as opposed to signing the Alfred Morris or Darren McFadden's of the world.

But as I edited, Ingram was also much older than Elliott when they took Kamara. So age and RB breakdown could have factored in as well.

As the rounds progress, most state that the pool of players you would take in the later rounds grows. You simply have more options because the gaps between players aren't as great. So in the 3rd round, there will most definitely be guys on defense or at WR on the board.

Taking a TB would just be a foolish move at that point IMO. I have no problem with the Aldred Morris' of the world as a backup. He actually was pretty productive for us last year as a backup. I'd rather go that route than waste a prime pick on a TB.

 

[Rayman70]

No but Ingram was a 1st rounder and Heisman trophy winner. But I agree nowhere on Zeke's level. Just using him as an example of a team that spent a 1st rounder on a solid starter and still used a pick on a "backup". They took that chance because they fell in love with Kamara. They knew what type of offense they had and how they would use him. It worked out great for them, but it wont always happen like that.

And I'm not as sold on Chubb either. My argument is not specifically for Chubb but for a top guy they really like that falls. 3rd or 4th round that fits the system. This team needs a solid backup. We currently do not have one, unless you count R. Smith. So I'm all for burning a 3rd to 5th on a back as opposed to signing the Alfred Morris or Darren McFadden's of the world.

Nick Chubb not special..just a heady football player who understands vision and how to use his blockers.

 

[Pessimist_cowboy]

If smith, James , Ridley are gone I have no problem taking him@19

 

[Tristan]

Maaaannn, back in hawaii I used to play round robin with my training buddy and a few highschool football players, a couple of these guys were like 6'4" 280 lbs samoans that ran like wr's Im a 6'1" 200 lb Wr/db pointguard type who can dunk pretty easy, but trying to cover those guys 40 yards downfield was crazy like trying to guard a 300 lb samoan point guard who can handle the rock and dunk and spins alot, not fun or safe lol!
This dude looks just like those dudes, freak! Where do I sign up?

 

[Stash]

There's a gap between the ND kids. Nelson is the best OL in this draft, by far. Hernandez does not belong in the same conversation.

It's Nelson......... and then everyone else. He's got better size, technique, arms, can play OT possibly, and while Hernandez was shoving around mid-level talent at UTEP, Nelson was smacking Power 5 conference kids all over the place.

I'd definitely agree with that. It's not close. And I'm a big Hernandez fan.

Hypothetically, if Nelson slid to the #10 spot, would you get on the phone to move up?

If so, what would you be willing to give up to do it?

 

[Sydla]

I'd definitely agree with that. It's not close. And I'm a big Hernandez fan.

Hypothetically, if Nelson slid to the #10 spot, would you get on the phone to move up?

If so, what would you be willing to give up to do it?

Love Nelson but trading up for him would be insane IMO.

Now if he fell to like 14 or 15? Maybe.

 

[Stash]

Love Nelson but trading up for him would be insane IMO.

Now if he fell to like 14 or 15? Maybe.

I did some preliminary draft calculations and it would cost a lot just to move up those 9 spots to #10 overall. Pick #19, our third rounder, both fourths, a fifth and maybe another pick as well.

A lot.

I agree that the cost would likely be way too high, but a guy like him could make this line transcendent. The other part about him that I really like is that the guy could kick out and play left tackle if Smith were injured again. And that's a big concern for me because right now they have nobody that can man that spot.

 

[diefree666]

I did some preliminary draft calculations and it would cost a lot just to move up those 9 spots to #10 overall. Pick #19, our third rounder, both fourths, a fifth and maybe another pick as well.

A lot.

I agree that the cost would likely be way too high, but a guy like him could make this line transcendent. The other part about him that I really like is that the guy could kick out and play left tackle if Smith were injured again. And that's a big concern for me because right now they have nobody that can man that spot.

`not sure that nelson could play LT. I think he could do RT pretty well in a pinch but LT - that requirement is much higher even now in the NFL. Nelson is by far the best Guard in the draft and at that position as sure a thing as you will find in this draft. But we should NOT move up to get him unless its only a couple of spots.

Hernandez will be an excellent Guard I think in the NFL. Possible Pro Bowler. The difference between him and Nelson though is large=and will always be there and is based on many factors., BEWARE OF FALLING IN LOVE AT THE COMBINE.

 

[cowboyec]

Id have 0 problem with Hernandez at 19....case where tape and combine match.

 

[Stash]

`not sure that nelson could play LT. I think he could do RT pretty well in a pinch but LT - that requirement is much higher even now in the NFL. Nelson is by far the best Guard in the draft and at that position as sure a thing as you will find in this draft. But we should NOT move up to get him unless its only a couple of spots.

Hernandez will be an excellent Guard I think in the NFL. Possible Pro Bowler. The difference between him and Nelson though is large=and will always be there and is based on many factors., BEWARE OF FALLING IN LOVE AT THE COMBINE.

As much as I like Nelson, I don't think Dallas has a reasonable shot at him. And even if they did, I think the cost of Nelson vs Hernandez is just too great.

Nelson is generational, but I don't think Hernandez is a bum either. It's just that he's strictly a guard.

 

[Rayman70]

I love the idea. This is a pretty decent RB draft too. I've been kicking that idea around for a few months but the idea keeps getting killed by most around here. Because we have Zeke some people believe we don't need to "waste" a pick on a backup running back. Well if we are talking 3rd or 4th round then most likely that player is going to be a backup, regardless of position. I'm all for it. The dream pick would be Sony Michel but he's gone before 50.

And it would be some great insurance in case Zeke has issues of anykind.

 

[Rayman70]

Hernandez is a larger Zack Martin with very similar skillsets. My LORD..to have 2 starting guards who are punishing and nasty would be almost like having another weapon.

 

[EPL0c0]

Will Hernandez is a run blocker first. THat was what UTEP did most. I think if DAL solidifies the OL w/ a strong G, it takes presure off of Tyron Smith to have to worry about the LG. I also think Dallas can get back to controlling the clock and keeping the defense as fresh as possible. Whether Hernandez or somebody else, w/ the multiple needs on D, improving the O could benefit the D greatly.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Hernandez is a larger Zack Martin with very similar skillsets. My LORD..to have 2 starting guards who are punishing and nasty would be almost like having another weapon.

I concur, and I really want him at 19. Can you imagine it? We'd be able to impose our will on defenses for as long as we want. This would be the best oline ever! Smith, Hernandez, Frederick, Martin, and Collins/ That would be insane! We could run it any time in any situation with Zeke with no fear of being stopped. Let's do it!!!! Come on Jerry! Get Hernandez at 19! BTW, we'd have the all important 5th year option. That would be awesome! We would have power on our offense like no one will have ever seen before!

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

I concur, and I really want him at 19. Can you imagine it? We'd be able to impose our will on defenses for as long as we want. This would be the best oline ever! Smith, Hernandez, Frederick, Martin, and Collins/ That would be insane! We could run it any time in any situation with Zeke with no fear of being stopped. Let's do it!!!! Come on Jerry! Get Hernandez at 19! BTW, we'd have the all important 5th year option. That would be awesome! We would have power on our offense like no one will have ever seen before!

Get Hernandez, and hear our offense roar!

 

[Risen Star]

The bottom line is if you take him at 19 and he becomes a quality starting OG for the next 10 years nobody's calling it a bad pick. I see people like totally disgusted with the idea of selecting him there. He's safe. The chances he busts are minimal. Especially playing on this offensive line.

This will be my mindset should it happen. I'll almost definitely want a different player but that's the draft.

 

[Risen Star]

Smith Hernandez Frederick Martin Collins

And Zeke Elliott behind them.

That's formidable.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

The bottom line is if you take him at 19 and he becomes a quality starting OG for the next 10 years nobody's calling it a bad pick. I see people like totally disgusted with the idea of selecting him there. He's safe. The chances he busts are minimal. Especially playing on this offensive line.

This will be my mindset should it happen. I'll almost definitely want a different player but that's the draft.

Exactly, I see this as similar to when we picked Travis Frederick. People were questioning how early we picked him, but we turned out to be brilliant for it. Similarly, I think Hernandez will be that way for us. 2 Zach Martins would be insane.

 

[tm1119]

The bottom line is if you take him at 19 and he becomes a quality starting OG for the next 10 years nobody's calling it a bad pick. I see people like totally disgusted with the idea of selecting him there. He's safe. The chances he busts are minimal. Especially playing on this offensive line.

This will be my mindset should it happen. I'll almost definitely want a different player but that's the draft.

This is where I’m at too...I was fighting it but the combine just solidified that he most likely going to be at least a staring G for a long time.

But do I actually want to draft a G at 19? No way.

And I still think Braden Smith is going way underrated. He is also a potential long time starter at LG and could easily be available at 50