Gauging Draft+Prospects Interest (Plus breaking down specific players)

[davos]

This draft could be the one that really catapults this team into a powerhouse if we nab some successful picks yet again.  I'm just kind of taken back by the lack of draft interest I've seen.  There's not much traffic in the draft forum (maybe bc it's a sub on the NFL board instead of the main) and outside of a few prospect threads like Henry and whatnot, I'm just not seeing much interest.

Am I seeing things wrong?  Is it by the lack of potential stars at skill positions?  Poor overall draft class? 

I'm just kind of curious to see people's general thoughts on the draft class and heck, maybe throw some quick mock scenarios or whatevs.  Figured if this is posted on the main board, we could gauge a better idea of what everyone's thinking about what we want, who we'll actually get, and whanot.

 

So...here's some guys I think look really interesting and could fit well:

 

Robert Nkemdiche (Defensive Tackle) Ole Miss

--

6'4 295, I imagine people will be looking at a lot of ends but I think we find a monster at DT again and he could very well be BPA when the pick comes.  And DG seems to like this class. If he's available at our pick, it would be very hard to pass up IMO. 

 

 

Keanu Neal (Safety) Florida

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6'1 216, This guy seems like he could go early (between 1 & 2) but think he would fit well into our defense.  He has a really good combo of quickness (hits top speed quick) and very solid in run support.  

 

 

Nick Vannett (Tight End) Ohio State

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6'5 256, Probably my favorite prospect in general this draft class.  Not saying he's my top choice overall but he just seems like he's on a great trajectory.  I'd prefer him over Dickson or any of the older FA possibilities if we grab another tight end somehow. 

 

 

Ryan Kelly (Center) Alabama

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6'4 302, This could be how Kalil fell into our laps.  Easily going to be a force in the NFL, is from a big school, and could easily be seen as a big ugly BPA.  Sure, he may not be an instant impact but he could maybe fill in as a backup guard as well.  Kinda throwing at the wall with this one but like the guy as a player.   

 

 

CJ Prosise (Running Back) Notre Dame

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6'0 220, This kid fits the mold and seems to have the skills required to be an every down back.  Good blocking but still needs to be coached up. He can probably get quicker with his cuts but he's a smooth and instinctive runner with size.  Kinda is David Johnson esque...some critique his short area quickness but he seems to meet the criteria you look for for a larger back. 

 

 

Tajae Sharpe (Wide Receiver) UMass

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6'2 190,

Sharpe is one of my favorite prospects in this draft class, but yes, a smaller school prospect.  I think he has the complete package to complete a trifecta with KB and Funchess.  Tall, quick+fast, great hands, and a great route runner.  He may be higher on GM’s lists than is shown on the interweb unless there's stuff not quite as advertised about him.

 

 

 

Dean Lowry (DE) Northwestern

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Was an immediate impact as a True Freshman in the Big-10.  I see him listed around as 6'5/6'6 265-280.  That's intriguing size and it seems he moves quick after beating defenders but seems somewhat minimal in pass rush moves but it's teachable stuff (DEs can be projects anyways).  Could be a really solid pick at the appropriate spot.   

 

 

....and some other Ohio State prospects haha:

Apple at CB, Elliot at RB, Chase Farris OG, Braxton Miller WR

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

Haven't had a chance to research this year's prospects yet but don't be surprised if we draft a TE fairly early. Maybe Hunter Henry as our 1st rounder?

A TE would serve as an upgrade over Ed Dickson, a threat when we use 2 TE sets and an eventual replacement for Greg Olsen.

[davos]

1 minute ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Haven't had a chance to research this year's prospects yet but don't be surprised if we draft a TE fairly early. Maybe Hunter Henry as our 1st rounder?

A TE would serve as an upgrade over Ed Dickson, a threat when we use 2 TE sets and an eventual replacement for Greg Olsen.

I tend to agree.  Given this draft class, I think the DT, TE, and RB talent could warrant early picks even though they may color some confused.  Elswhere...It seems to be another good class for Florida and Ohio State in my opinion.  It's also interesting how diverse player types are in the WR group. 

[KB_fan]

4 hours ago, davos said:

This draft could be the one that really catapults this team into a powerhouse if we nab some successful picks yet again.  I'm just kind of taken back by the lack of draft interest I've seen.  There's not much traffic in the draft forum (maybe bc it's a sub on the NFL board instead of the main) and outside of a few prospect threads like Henry and whatnot, I'm just not seeing much interest.

Am I seeing things wrong?  Is it by the lack of potential stars at skill positions?  Poor overall draft class? 

I've only officially been a member since just after the 2015 draft, but I was a lurker before then.

Certainly last year there was a lot more draft talk.... but what else WAS there to talk about?  There's still very definitely a super bowl hangover here.  Many of us are still trying to process why we lost / how we need to improve, and also just generally need some football down time.  Those things combined mean people haven't formed strong attachments to potential draft prospects yet.

Also, I think the sense is after 3 years of Gettleman drafts is that we trust his judgment and his assessment of BPA.  Knowing that his picks are likely to be quite UNpredictable, may mean folks devote less time trying to predict and argue for which prospects will be on his board.   It's a lot harder to predict who will fall to us at #30....

I think you'll see the draft excitement here pick up after the combine ends, and once player visits start.  People will begin narrowing in on certain players or positions, especially once we see what Gettleman does in free agency.  We'll see how he fills in the "holes" on the team... that gives us a framework from which to approach the draft.

 

[KB_fan]

Based on what little research I've done, and playing around with the mock draft simulator last week, I like a lot of the guys you list as prospects.

I'm hoping we'll land good players in the following positions:  DE, DT, DB, TE, OT.  A center to train up to replace Kalil also would be great.  RB or WR depth would be excellent, but our picking players at either position will likely depend on who is available when we pick as we need guys who very specifically fit our scheme and offensive style.

[d-dave]

8 hours ago, davos said:

Robert Nkemdiche (Defensive Tackle) Ole Miss

--

6'4 295, I imagine people will be looking at a lot of ends but I think we find a monster at DT again and he could very well be BPA when the pick comes.  And DG seems to like this class. If he's available at our pick, it would be very hard to pass up IMO. 

Dude, this guy is so crazy talented.  But he has those MAJOR red flags with the whole falling out of a 4th floor window and synthetic weed...  I don't know if he'll fall because he is such a talent, but man, I'd love to have a trio of Short, Star and him.  

[top dawg]

What @KB_fan said, plus the fact that @Jeremy Igo has only given us one bone to chew on thus far.  I'm eagerly awaiting the next crumb---hint of information. 

If there are any arguments to be had, they'll spring up next month. Beware the Ides of March (LOL).

[top dawg]

Keep an eye on the visits, workouts,  and Bojangles.

[Bartin]

I really like Tyler Higbee from Western Kentucky at TE. Prototypical size with good athleticism and he is a solid and willing blocker with upside to develop as a very good receiver. Perfect to be the #2 TE and long term Olsen replacement. He should be there at our pick in the 3rd round. I don't think he'll last until the end of the 4th so we would have to get him in the 3rd round.

[Riverboat Ron]

To me OT, C, DE, DT and CB are solid in this draft. My mancrush for the past couple of weeks has been OT Jason Spriggs, but I could see us take Kalil's replacement this year.

[davos]

1 hour ago, Riverboat Ron said:

To me OT, C, DE, DT and CB are solid in this draft. My mancrush for the past couple of weeks has been OT Jason Spriggs, but I could see us take Kalil's replacement this year.

I can see the Kalil replacement being found as well even if Ryan has 2-3 years left in the tank.  It's great insurance regardless and let's him phase in. 

CB is the only class I haven't quite looked at more intently but it seems like a good one.  Artie Burns is a CB to watch, he could rise like Kevin Johnson did.  I went to VT so seeing Kendall Fuller so high on boards makes me curious; I've never been overly impressed with him. 

[davos]

7 hours ago, KB_fan said:

I've only officially been a member since just after the 2015 draft, but I was a lurker before then.

Certainly last year there was a lot more draft talk.... but what else WAS there to talk about?  There's still very definitely a super bowl hangover here.  Many of us are still trying to process why we lost / how we need to improve, and also just generally need some football down time.  Those things combined mean people haven't formed strong attachments to potential draft prospects yet.

Also, I think the sense is after 3 years of Gettleman drafts is that we trust his judgment and his assessment of BPA.  Knowing that his picks are likely to be quite UNpredictable, may mean folks devote less time trying to predict and argue for which prospects will be on his board.   It's a lot harder to predict who will fall to us at #30....

I think you'll see the draft excitement here pick up after the combine ends, and once player visits start.  People will begin narrowing in on certain players or positions, especially once we see what Gettleman does in free agency.  We'll see how he fills in the "holes" on the team... that gives us a framework from which to approach the draft.

 

I can see that.  I've always felt things pick up a few days leading up to the combine but can see the Super Bowl hangover still lingering quite mightily.  Ughhh.  Such an awesome year until that game. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

A center to eventually replace Kalil is a very real possibility.

[bleedsgreenandgold]

2 hours ago, Bartin said:

I really like Tyler Higbee from Western Kentucky at TE. Prototypical size with good athleticism and he is a solid and willing blocker with upside to develop as a very good receiver. Perfect to be the #2 TE and long term Olsen replacement. He should be there at our pick in the 3rd round. I don't think he'll last until the end of the 4th so we would have to get him in the 3rd round.

I like this kid too but not sure if that is better used towards a more pressing need.