Bear Hands

Take anything with a grain of salt right now. Just posted this in another thread: He had that huge interception at the end of the title game. Some fun notes: 2X team captain, was named team MVP for the best defense in the country. Described as a player coach and influencer, per the DB coach, he "changed the mindset of everybody on our team" Former wide receiver so has the aggressive/ballhawk mentality (this kid doesn't drop INTs) 6 INTs, 2 pick sixes last year, 3 picks took back for 70+ yards Played 20% outside, 80% slot, had good capabilities blitzing. 5 TFL, 2 sacks Only flagged for 1 PI in college (in the title game) covering Polk Seems like he was a BIG part of that team and its leadership.

The Sainristil note had me start to look into him a bit and he does sound pretty great, and then remembered his huge interception at the end of the title game. Some fun notes: 2X team captain, was named team MVP for the best defense in the country. Described as a player coach and influencer, per the DB coach, he "changed the mindset of everybody on our team" Former wide receiver so has the aggressive/ballhawk mentality (this kid doesn't drop INTs) 6 INTs, 2 pick sixes last year, 3 picks took back for 70+ yards Played 20% outside, 80% slot, had good capabilities blitzing. 5 TFL, 2 sacks Only flagged for 1 PI in college (in the title game) covering Polk Seems like he was a BIG part of that team and its leadership.

He had a lot of buzz around him due to his potential. Included the size and speed combo, coming from the same program that produced Brown and Metcalf, 50/50 ball capabilities, lots of the YT "scouting" channels really hyped him and he was liked by a wide range of folks on team boards around the league. Also had a ton of visits lined up, there wasn't much proven given the OIe Miss offense he was in, just one year of real production in it catching balls from Dart.

They're just posturing - I highly doubt they trade. If anything they take Marv Jr and use their crap ton of capital to move up in the first for Verse or Latu.

Mingo was hyped, and honestly, an internet fave because of his size & DK comps (even if they didn't hold a tone of water), but I don't think people anticipated he'd be as high as 39. DJJ was the one where everyone was truly like "who?" and being a trade up, it still just felt so unecessary. Oh..a 25 y/o guy OLB who's only played the position for a year, little to no production w/character concerns...but he can set the edge. Nice.

Was a typo - the OP corrected it later but yeah, Burton has some character concerns. Have seen that mentioned by more than just a few spots (The Athletic, Ringer, and here to name a few)

Some interesting stuff in here. Bolded what I found notable/related to us. Source:

It's all over the place. Should make it fun. Excited to see the reactions in this joint come next Friday haha

33- AD Mitchell WR Trade 39 and 240 to JAX, receive: 48, 96, 153 and 2025 4th 48 - Marshawn Kneeland EDGE 65 - Malik Washington WR 96 - Trey Benson RB 101 - Beaux Limmer C 141 - Newton CB TCU

While we're talking trades- a random trade I thought of that could be much more stomach-able, let's say Nix is still available at 39, LVR calls, gives us 44 and 112 (top of R4)...that could be interesting.

I would like that trade framework, but around pick 39 while keeping 33. Buut that would be tough to figure out bc you have the full night to negotiate 33; whereas 39, you'd be banking on no one trading up for a QB between 34-38. Rams have a lot of picks and they like trading. Could be an interesting partner, 52 and 83 + a future 3rd are valuable picks, not a bunch of pennies for a dime situation.

Unpinning with the draft being nearly upon us. 1 week 3 days away from draft time.

In one side- I’m not drafting him due to his limitations as a route runner and ability against zone. On the other— am drafting him due to his ceiling, physicality, 50/50 ability and deep speed.

I didn't want to play with trades for us, and don't want to move from 33, but one scenario I thought of that could be compelling: Nix is available... CAR receives: 52 (R2), 83 (R3), a future 3rd/4th LAR receives: 39 (R2), 142 (R5) We keep 33. Only go a notch down in the 2nd. We have 33, 52, 65, 83, 101, 141 - basically 5 top-100 picks. That trade scenario is what I think could be money, you keep #33, gain capital for an additional impact guy and future pick. Barely lose much at all, still grab the WR we want, maybe double dip, grab Benson at RB. It really opens the draft up for us. Polk, Malik, Benson, Sinnott, Rice, Baker, etc. Minor thought - ok, aight I'm out for today ha

Thanks, yeah I tried to make it more of an overall-look, first-ish round mock, & my favorite prospects read rather than just pushing in names for each round 2-7. For Kool-Aid: I had done some snooping around on team boards and elsewhere to gather fan sentiment and perceived GM tendencies. McKinstry just sounds like a Baalke-type target. That fanbase would love to be aggressive (trade up for Bowers or Odunze) but they doubt he would do it. They're a bit sour on coaching and management right now and convinced he's going DB. Sounds like GB could also be eyeing him if they don't go front-7. For WR: I just have a hard time selling myself on any of the remaining WRs over other talent at 33 & 39 after McConkey and AD. They're either more high percent slot dudes or outside types w/size restrictions or developmental needs. Polk and Malik are the ones that perk my interest the most, but they're in that 2nd to high-3rd range. And to address a certain guy - Given how interested it seem we are in Legette, I am really trying to reconsider him so have done my best with warming up to the idea. WR Board: 1. Marv Jr. 2A/B. Naber/Odunze 3. Brian Thomas Jr. 4. Ladd McConkey 5. Adonai Mitchell 6-15ish. I really can't make up my mind Coleman is good but his testing left a lot of people questioning his speed/quickness and ability to create separation in the NFL. Big potential there but unsure if the fit is right for what Bryce needs. Roman Wilson and Malik Washington (especially) could both be legit. Really good prospects, but they're going to be high percent slot - so there's consideration to that as well. Polk I like - plays every spot at WR, he has great physicality, catches through contact, strong route running, and good enough in-game quickness to win man v. man. Is he worth it at 39? I'm preferential to him but the other talent at 39 was higher. Pearsall I like (high-floor), top route runner & hands, but he's not a game-breaker or winning teams games. I can see why teams will have him graded highly though. Legette has the explosive speed and athleticism - there's mad potential which could make him a good choice but is going to need work with route running. His combine gauntlet was a bit rough and he needs to polish off his short area techniques against zone. Franklin and Worthy are both burners with focus drops, light-framed, & don't play through contact well. Both scare me as their profiles are what tends to bust pretty consistently. Baker I can't overlook, I just love the way he plays Burton is apparently a headcase and was in the doghouse for at least 2 of the 4 schools he played for. He could be a guy scratched off some team boards entirely.

I’ve officially over analyzed them all and don’t know who I like anymore ha. AD, Ladd, Polk, Pearsall, Malik Wash, & Baker are who I’m preferential to right now.

Haha well, appreciate your honesty. You can see Wiggins was considered in my alternates as I have him graded similarly, but Worthy, Tampa, Nubian..they’re more late 2nd for me. The one position-selection stigma this year is safety. Any GM taking a safety before #50 this year is on something. The value just hasn’t been there..for the past 5 years. Worthy I don’t want to touch personally. Kneeland is a fringe 1st grade for me. ~34 overall so not a reach for me, but respect your opinion. Cheers.

I loved watching him the past 2 seasons and was a big fan of his and Odunze headed into the season. Then Odunze blew up beyond comprehension. So I'm saying this as a fan - I do have some reservations. He caught 3 of 26 tight window targets outside the numbers in 2023. So, when he had a stickier CB or was displaced, he didn't beat them or come down with it. Compare this to another outside target like Polk (who's a notch slower), and there's a guy who was physical and able to pull the ball in while being disrupted and through contact. Franklin could be a nasty vertical threat, but it's a notable flaw and you don't want a one-dimensional guy this high. You can see it in his upper body. This also was made VERY apparent in the gauntlet drill at the combine--it wasn't pretty. He would also would have random drops out of nowhere on what should be sure-thing catches. He just doesn't seem to trust his hands as much as other WRs. He would go from looking like a 1st rounder one play, to MV-S the next. So he's exciting, gets vertical, but it's a gamble for how he fares man-man against pro-level comp. He did add meat over the offseason (was up to 183 lbs from 176 at his pro day) and maintained his combine speed. So maybe this kid adds muscle and thrives. Would be damn exciting that's for sure, but could be frustrating at times.

Pass rusher high is never a problem for me or historically. Interior lineman have become far more important against modern defenses. draft wise though..I’m looking at the specific players available, and I just think they’re a block above the offensive skill players for me so stayed committed to my rankings. The value is just too high. I was flirting with Wiggins and Colson as other options, but the other offensive skill players were a peg below minus Pearsall for me. But I’m not sure the team has heavy interest in Ricky. I’m just not a fan of Worthy. My alarm bells just go off with that kid.

He’s a tough one for me. I could honestly see him as high as the teens and as low as the 40s. Weight and injuries are the concerns, but if he clears that hurdle for teams, I can see how he’s viewed as the CB2. He’s damn good but he’s a love/hate type personality too.

Some more musings- WRs: I loved watching Troy Franklin throughout the season. I'm a big fan, but he does concern me a tad with his ability to play through contact and to make contested balls at the NFL level. He's got big play ability and is a better route-runner than let on, but I could see a slight slip for him. Brenden Rice is a real possibility for us as well. He's got the experience playing outside in a big offense, for the top QB in this draft. They had some OL issues this past year and he had to learn to develop a bit more skills and learn to gain separation a bit better. He's also one of the best guys at never quitting until the whistle blows at WR this year. IDL: Both LSU kids are legit. Wingo and Smith - watch out for how high they go. The media has been a bit quiet with this DT class but I think it has a lot of quality prospects. Other IOLs I like for us: Sedrick Van-Pran, Tanor Bortoloni, Beaux Limmer, Zak Zinter Developmental QBs of choice: Austin Reed & Jordan Travis Travis is a dual-threat, four year starter with a strong arm. Reed is a fiery guy - big competitor with a good enough arm. Not great, but in that above-average range - note: he took over for Zappe - is a bit more of an athlete than him with a better arm (power+accuracy wise). Overall: My biggest draft crushes boil down to Trey Benson RB, Malik Washington WR & Ben Sinnott TE

I guess it depends on where we view the tier shift. For me, after AD and McConkey, I have a lot of guys like Frazier, Colson, Kneeland, Fiske stacked a bit higher than Coleman, Pearsall, Legette, Wilson, etc. But you're right, it's hard not to see us address it at 33 or 39. If the draft falls this way, it may lead into a trade package scenario using 65 & one of our 5ths for a late 2nd and 6th.

I've got a book for y'all so I will go ahead and write in the first: TL;DR This is just my perspective, overall approach and best take at a mock (up to pick 39) given what I've seen, read, and heard around. Based on my own player takes, intel, visits, who's trending, who's falling, and just my gut feeling with this draft. After pick 39, I have targets that I like for us and have listed them out in no particular order. BH's Panthers 2024 Draft Primer & Mock Here we go... OVERALL APPROACH/SUGGESTIONS: I want one thing from this Front Office: Patience Let it come this year and get the best possible impact starters at 33 and 39. Don’t hyper-focus on filling our vacancies, accept that there will be some remaining after the draft. Get the best talent possible that matches the type of players we want. This is not about a specific position. This is about the best, highest impact player we can find. However, I get a sense priority is helping Bryce, so this could be offensive heavy with a DB and/or pass rush addition. That's fine, but don't let the need outweigh the talent available. NOTABLE ISSUES/CONCERNS: Center: Sure, I guess Corbett can start, Mays serve as backup, but there’s a long term need here. All Receiver Spots: Johnson is the presumed X (and more) but he’s not a certainty long term. Also-I hesitate to throw a rookie outside if it’s a prospect after AD/Ladd. Thielen/Mingo have issues with age or waiting to break out. We either need a guy that can create separation and play multiple spots (or) a potential X that can be eased in different ways via motion/crossers/etc. RB: An all-around type who can become the new centerpiece - A pass-catching back seems a must at minimum for Canales. ILB: Shaq and Jewell aren’t a long term duo, don't think this is resolved. OLB: Clowney, Wonnum, DJJ, Barno…could use an upgrade long-term/a better rotational pass rusher CB: Horn/Jackson/Hill/Bootle is serviceable but could see us going CB earlier than expected OL Depth: This never hurts Developmental QB: A guy for QB3/PS, not a priority, but could be a R7 or UDFA snag OVERALL DRAFT NOTES: It is a nice blue chipper top-15, then there’s a BIG tier shift. But that next tier holds in grade until late Round 2, Early 3rd. It is a great draft in that range. The top IOL talent is going to be similar/if not more coveted than the WR talent in R1 The IDL talent will be way more sought after than is being let on (Newton, Murphy, etc.) Mr. 4.21 falls a bit, speed be damned This class is DEEP at receiver and I foresee impact options in the mid-rounds Deep class at IOL, WR, and DB. Sneaky decent at RB, sneaky good at DB. There will be long term IOL starters in the 3rd-4th round I’m projecting 3-4 trades in the 1st round Nix is a Round 2 guy. Penix, late 1st (still like him). I just don’t see them in the top-15. MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1 1 - CHI - Caleb Williams QB USC Not much to say. This is happening barring Caleb doing something career-ending. 2 - WAS - Jayden Daniels QB LSU I believe they prefer Daniels at the end of the day. He flashed some serious pocket potential while being a high-end playmaker with his legs. If he hits, it will be above and beyond, so just roll the dice. A new era in DC begins. 3 - NE - JJ McCarthy QB Michigan This is a popular trade down spot, but I think it’s QB 1,2,3, with a bit of a surprise. The Pats have a lot of needs at the start of their rebuild, but if a franchise QB presents himself, you grab him. I just think they go with another Michigan product instead of Maye. This is a gut feeling here. 4 - AZ - Marvin Harrison Jr WR OSU Another popular trade down spot, but nope. I’m not biting that Arizona moves down with MH available. They just traded back last year. Now, in need of weapons, they land themselves a TOP weapon, arguably the best player in the draft. No need to get cute. *5 - MIN (from LAC) - Drake Maye QB UNC TRADE #1. The Giants and Vikings are clearly vying for a QB and this Chargers pick is the one I see being the target spot they both call about. For the Chargers, their need to give Herbert a legit weapon is serious, but on the other side, people are questioning if Harbaugh goes skill guys high. I just think MIN makes a major offer too good to pass up. So, MIN is up–O’Connell & Jefferson get their guy. This would be an incredible situation for Maye, and for a team approaching a make or break season with their staff. LAC lands another 1st with some big spots to fill. 6 - NYG - Malik Nabers WR LSU With their top QB targets gone, the Giants could trade. They also have OL needs. And QB needs...and a few others. So, I could definitely see NY moving around. Thing is, Nabers is a player that’s just too good to pass on. Take him and elevate the offense entirely, 7 - TEN - Joe Alt LT Notre Dame TEN is a weird team. HC-Callahan, QB-Levis, RB-Pollard/Spears, WR-Hopkins/Ridley. I guess that’s what they’re rolling with after being big FA spenders. Alt has been an easy pick in mocks, but it’s for a reason. Would be a huge get and they see if Levis has “it” in 2024. *8 - IND (from ATL) - Rome Odunze WR WASH TRADE #2. I see a team getting aggressive if Rome is available here. Could also be LAC with a trade back up for a top WR. The Colts may seem set with Pittman/Pierce/Downs but I still see a big void for a playmaker there. Big-move time for Indy to help out AR, they give ATL an offer too good to pass up. 9 - CHI - Dallas Turner Alabama DE/ED Poles stated their intentions to land one of the draft’s blue chip players so I don’t see them moving down. Turner is the cleanest of the pass rush candidates. I don’t have a doubt he can fit Eberflus’ defense and there have been plenty of hints in Chi-town that this is the guy they’re targeting. 10 - NYJ - Taliese Fuaga OT/G Oregon State They’ve now got Mike Williams and Tyron Smith in house. Defensively, the front-7 is looking strong with Reddick and QW. On Offense, Rodgers has the vets he likes…but this is also a team going all in. They need to protect Aaron at all costs and Smith & Moses don’t make me THAT comfortable. Also, just looking at the talent, he’s a great prospect at 10. Can play G and T, high ceiling, high floor. *11 - LAC (from MIN) - JC Latham OT/G Alabama The Chargers have shown strong interest in Latham and he fits the Roman offense quite well. Fans would be super ticked to not get a WR high, but it could very well happen. 12 - DEN - Brock Bowers TE UGA I’m not quite sure what the Broncos have in mind this offseason other than their rumored uniform change. I’m also unsure about Nix or Penix going this high. Payton has high standards and I don’t see them reaching. Brugler reported they’re a dark horse team for Bowers, and honestly, a top TE kind of makes sense for Payton’s offense. They need some semblance of offense if they’re not getting a top QB. Great cornerstone piece, don’t see Bowers going much lower. 13 - LVR - Quinyon Mitchell CB Toledo The Raiders are in a spot where the fanbase is getting pretty antsy for an answer at QB. However, this new regime has Telesco and Antonio Pierce at the helm. Telesco loves getting sure things (new MO for the Raiders), and Pierce is all defense. This selection gives them a stout CB1 across from Jack Jones. Pair that with the DL they’re growing with Crosby, Wilkins, Tyree & Koonce, they could go from good to great on D. 14 - NO - Troy Fautanu OT/G Washington Their defense is in decent shape but if they want that offense to get more consistent, they would be wise to take advantage of the upper tier in this OL class. Especially with the Ryan Ramczyk news, Fautanu is an NFL LT. Could be a good fit here. 15 - ATL (from IND) - Jared Verse DE/ED FSU ATL trades down to a spot where they can still land a much needed pass rusher in this class. Verse stays in the Southeast. 16 - SEA - Byron Murphy II DT Texas Murphy is a stout defender and can get at the QB. He’s one of “my guys” and think teams will covet him come draft time. His quickness and movement is next level. Also reportedly a super high football IQ & film rat type. Not an apparent top need in SEA but something that makes a lot of sense. Get a top DL target that they’ve reportedly been eyeing. Love love love the fit. 17 - JAX - Kool-Aid McKinstry CB Alabama A bit of a surprise he goes before Arnold but this is more due to what I think Baalke will drum up. Baalke is also not a WR guy – they seem to be eyeing the DB class pretty closely, Kool-Aid in particular. Seems high, but it’s a gut feeling with Ballke being weird. 18 - CIN - Olu Fashanu OT Penn State This could be a wise direction with Burrow’s history. Sure, Trent Brown is signed and will be their LT, but Fashanu has some positional flexibility and this would make a lot of sense value wise (and for the future) 19 - LAR - Laiaitu Latu OLB/DE UCLA This would be a pretty great scenario for LAR. Would really help shore up that front-7. 20 - PIT - Amarius Mims OT UGA I was thinking WR, but I see Pittsburgh being patient considering the value of those available and depth of the class. This is a super valuable selection. Excellent fit here since Dan Moore is just a backup (as he should be) and Broderick Jones can go to LT. Huge upside pick, big boy to plug in at RT. Tomlin & Khan went to his pro-day and have shown interest. Steelers’ MO is always traveling to meet their 1st round selections. 21 - MIA - Graham Barton C/G/T Duke They have a handful of needs after a cap-casualty filled offseason. Priority should be stabilizing that offensive line. Would be a strong pick here to shore things up in front of Tua. Barton is going to go higher than you think, and he happens to fit McDaniel’s offense super well. I can definitely see him gone before the commonly hyped Powers-Johnson. 22 - PHI - Terrion Arnold Alabama CB Philly is a popular spot for edge rushers and DBs…and I’m not really changing that pattern if Arnold is available here. He would be a really good fit in that defense. 23 - LAC - Brian Thomas Jr. WR LSU This would be quite the scenario for LAC. Trade down, take one of the most coveted OLs tailored for their system, and then land Brian Thomas Jr. This “fall” is simply because of the talent in the top-15ish, but is still a huge get. He has excellent potential and this is an easy pairing. Guys like Latu, Murphy, Fautanu, are legit talents at coveted positions. Don’t think this type of range is out of reach for Thomas. 24 - DAL - Jackson Powers-Johnson C Oregon Dallas is moving into a semi-rebuild situation. Needs include an LT, C, DB, WR2, LB, quite a few. But the Jones family has already hinted at OL being a huge draft target. Guyton could be good here, but I’m leaning JP-J at center. 25 - GB - Darius Robinson ED/DL Missouri The Packers are a team with particular standards at DL, OL and DB where you can take certain guys off their list. They also draft young. I’m unsure if a lifelong Lions fans is knocked off, but Darius Robinson would still be a really solid fit on defensive for them. Watch out - he could go higher. *26 - LVR (from TB) - Michael Penix Jr. QB Washington TRADE #3. With the top IOLs going off the board, I see a field of DBs available that fit TB (Wiggins, DeJean), but this could be a spot where TB fields calls. It’s a good moment for the Raiders or Broncos to make the jump and grab the guy they want at QB. 27 - AZ - Chop Robinson EDGE Penn State Pass rusher is a big need and I find it hard to see Chop slip much further after his testing this offseason. The upside is tantalizing and the Cards need a better defensive identity after skipping on WA Jr last year. Reminds me of some of the guys Gannon had in Philly. 28 - BUF - Ladd McConkey WR UGA Allen needs a guy to throw to that can do it all. AD Mitchell has been a popular choice for them but McConkey could add a dynamic weapon that Josh simply hasn’t had yet. Add him with Kincaid and Cook, that offense could start rolling in an effective and different way. 29 - DET - Johnny Newton DT Illinois Detroit’s biggest problem, in their biggest moments, was taking over the LOS in big games. This is the type of dude that can help them get over this hurdle. So, the Packers take the Lions fan, the Lions take a Bears fan. Definitely a Campbell guy and would make Hutch’s job much easier. 30 - BAL - Tyler Guyton OT Oklahoma Fresh off a big year, the league MVP now has Derrick Henry in house. I think it would be smart to give them a boost up front. This happens to fill a moderate need, but more importantly, it’s just smart for a team gunning for a SB. They lost some in the front-7 and could use a defender, but they have more picks for that. 31 - SF - Cooper DeJean DB Iowa I had thought Jordan Morgan here for a bit, but DeJean offers a lot for the 49ers. He really fits the blend of athleticism and high football IQ that the 49ers love on defense. Would fit really well communicating with Warner pre-snap. 32 - KC - Adonai Mitchell WR Texas To our dismay, Mitchell goes a pick before ours to the SB champs. This would be a nice complimentary piece to Rice and Hollywood. Helps give Mahomes one of the more diverse groups he’s had since he had Hill. ROUND 2 33 - CAR - Zach Frazier G/C West Virginia 6’3 316 If this is how it falls, I’m not running to the podium for any offensive skill players -- it allows top talent to become available. I love everything I’ve been hearing and reading about Frazier. I’m not going to act like I’m some film guru with IOLs but he has some brute force and doesn’t get knocked back much. And reading about his toughness and leadership is awesome – I would recommend searching for articles on him. Hefty experience in both gap and zone, he’s ready to slot right into a team’s starting center position. A ton of snaps (2,400+ center snaps in 3 years), consistent force. Here you go, starting C. Excellent value and BPA. Other Considerations (value wise): Jordan Morgan OT/G Arizona, Edgerrin Cooper LB Texas A&M, Marshawn Kneeland EDGE WM, Junior Colson ILB Michigan 34 - NE - Jordan Morgan OT/G Arizona They land another one of the promising OLs to help keep McCarthy upright. Can see Morgan in the first but it was tough to fit him in. 35 - AZ - Kingsley Suamataia OG/T BYU Cards land EDGE, DB, and a WR. Time to focus on protecting their QB who’s finally returning to 100% this year. They have pieces, but they need more depth and a potential starter. 36 - WAS - Ricky Pearsall WR Florida (form. AZ State) Sun Devils are reunited in DC. Heck, don’t look past them trading #40 and more for Aiyuk to bring the whole squad back together. Best catch rate in the draft +10-yards, excellent route runner, 60/40 slot/flanker guy in college. The type of safety valve WAS needs for their high upside rookie QB in Daniels. 37 - LAC - Edgerrin Cooper LB Texas A&M High defensive upside for a coach that likes his aggressive, athletic LBs. Could be a strong fit in LA. 38 - TEN - Kris Jenkins Jr. Michigan DT Titans could use some flavor on defense and I think Jenkins is going to end up drafted much higher than presumed. Teams covet the fierce DL warriors at the end of the day and Jenkins has it in his blood. 39 - CAR - Marshawn Kneeland EDGE Western Michigan 6’3 267 Kneeland just bullies OTs. Makes them look silly. Has NFL-ready strength, a DIRTY bull rush, can play in the dirt, standing, and is excellent against the run. He just has a lot of traits that teams look for. He’s also just very fitting for a rotation like ours and he can do quite a lot. Once he’s off the board, the EDGE’s become a bit sparse or more speed-rush/one dimensional. (Do love Ellis though). We met with him, and I get a sense he’s a guy Morgan quite likes. Just a tough, powerful dawg here. Could be a big piece for a long time. Reminds me of Tuli last year who I loved for us (damn you Fitt) Alternate considerations: Junior Colson ILB Michigan, Nate Wiggins CB Clemson, Braden Fiske DT FSU, Xavier Legette WR South Carolina, Keon Coleman WR FSU, Ja'Lynn Polk WR Wash – REMAINING DRAFT TARGETS: LATE-2ND to EARLY 3RD: Trey Benson RB FSU 6’0 220 He is easily my favorite RB in the draft. He’s a home run hitter, gap and zone experience as a runner, a quick cutter, plays with balance and toughness. Just really like the fit as an all-around guy to come in and get the bulk carries. Instantly changes our offense in a big way. Ja’Lynn Polk WR Washington 6'1 203 Polk may not flash speed wise, but his ability to catch through contact and consistently get open is why I’m a fan. Experience at the X, Z and slot. Can get all over the place and when he had a game or so banged up, the Washington offense looked different. I get a sense he’s really liked by teams. Xavier Legette WR South Carolina 6’1 221 He plays like he’s 6’4 and has the jets to beat man. It makes sense why so many are drawn to the kid - well, that and being a Carolina boy. However, his late blooming, combined with his lack of short area skills are what get me a bit. He’s not going to get open quickly against base zone concepts, but he will bully guys for the ball and make plays. You either need to get him a running start or get him isolated in man to create opportunities. The team is obviously very interested and I can’t deny the potential. Not the biggest fan but he could be really good. I could see him in the 2nd if they like him THAT much, top of the 3rd, no problem at all. Malik Washington WR Virginia 5’8.5 191 I like this kid a lot. He’s a hair under 5’9 but I gotta say, his catch radius and the way he plays is larger than how it reads. I just love how absolutely tough he runs. His YAC skills, experience as a volume catcher, it’s just a lot to like. He will be a really good asset for any offense, and especially Bryce. I just love when you can get a guy that WAS his team’s offense. I get the same vibes that I did with Dell last year around Malik. Led CFS in multiple categories, has the experience and whole feel for the position. At minimum, instant impact slot machine. Maximum, he could get some snaps outside depending on the team we’re facing and just blow up year 1. Max Melton CB Rutgers 6'0 187 Melton has been flying under the radar a tad but I think we’re eyeing DBs and he could be one of them. Some great quickness and ability to keep up with NFL WRs. Ballhawk, put up good numbers, very instinctive. Jonah Ellis EDGE Utah & Bralen Trice EDGE Washington A double EDGE shoutout. For Trice - I was a fan going into this past season but his game just isn’t consistent enough against the run to take him super high. HOWEVER, this kid, similar to Ellis, just gets after the QB and both are exciting pass rushers. Given we have a rotation with Clowney, Wonnum, and maybe DJJ, these guys could come in and compete for snaps against Barno. They have the ceiling to turn into more starting caliber types sooner than later. LATE 3RD TO 4TH Javon Baker WR UCF 6’1 202 Another guy with a great catch radius and attitude after the catch. Can play multiple spots so fits in a few different ways. Have even seen Dionte Johnson comps–Not to mention, spent 2 years with Bryce Young so there could be some chemistry there even if they didn’t have a ton of statistical production together (he was behind quite the WRs at Bama in 2020) Honestly, if he and Bryce are tight, this could be a really strong prospect for us. Love his X-potential. Marshawn Lloyd RB USC 5’9 220 4.46 & Jaylen Wright RB Tennessee Lloyd is the next RB that I think could work really well for Bryce. Can catch, love his sudden change in direction combined with his acceleration at that size. Brings a lot to the table and would compete with Hubbard for the top snap count pretty quickly. Good blend of physicality and receiving ability. Wright is also right there with him, could go higher. Some great all-around ability, tough runner, big play ability, home run threat. He's like a jacked Kamara. Ben Sinnott TE Kansas State 6’4 240 I think Sinnott is the TE to land from this class after Brock. If he’s floating around in the 4th, I’d love to see us be aggressive and get him. Just don’t lose capital, get a package together that makes sense. Great production, was his team’s leading receiver (not the best offense), but like with Malik, I love when it’s a guy with the bulk volume experience for his offense. That’s a person who has already faced and handled a diverse set of players, and has likely matched up more along the way against NFL talent. Dru Philips CB Kentucky This is a DB prospect not to sleep on. Physical, athletic, strong, with speed…willing to go toe-to-toe with bigger WRs even at his height just under 5’11. Needs to shore up some of his tackling skills, but that’s why guys end up in the 3rd-4th. Strong potential. SLEEPERS/LATER ON Cornelius Johnson WR Michigan 6’3 212 4.44 He’s a guy who has grown on me during the process and watching McCarthy and Wilson. He plays with attitude against DBs, has a great speed + size combo, and NFL ready tools. He would be a strong developmental type to have behind Dionte and who knows, maybe he could have an impact early. Anthony Gould WR Oregon State & Jacob Cowing WR Arizona 5’8 170 These dudes are burners. Size may bring both down draft boards but they get vertical and are fun to watch. Both started 3 years+ and could be rather effective sooner than later. If we go with a bigger guy early, I wouldn’t look past adding either Gould or Cowing late rounds. Just take a flyer on one of these types. -- Okay, well that's it for now, may add more later. Cheers.

So, this is primarily from Florio...who's a bit annoying to say the least. But it's interesting speculation about the imminent punishment for the Falcons and the likelihood of it being a draft pick. Interestingly enough, there's a suggestion the Falcons could end up forced swapping 8 for 11 with the Vikings. Precedent being set last year with the Eagles and Cardinals for the tampering in the hiring of Gannon as HC. Eagles received pick 66 and the Cards dropped to pick 94 and received a 5th rounder this year. Wouldn't change our draft plans but could help the Falcons to miss out on a blue chip type like Turner or Odunze. Recent Articles: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/could-a-falcons-vikings-tampering-settlement-be-announced-just-before-round-one-of-the-draft https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2024/04/12/possible-atlanta-falcons-tampering-penalty-could-alter-arizona-cardinals-draft-plan/73304644007/ https://www.dailynorseman.com/2024/4/12/24128659/will-the-vikings-get-a-parting-gift-from-kirk-cousins

Only around 12-14 confirmed private-30 visits with under two weeks to go. Seems a bit more close to the chest this year. Interested to see who really liked and targeted when the draft dust settles.