Draft Talk: Let's look at 1-7 and DL possibilities

[davos]

So this is arguably the deepest part of the class and I just want to break something down defensive wise.  I can for sure see at least one trade happening before 8 so we'll see.  

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1. Cleveland (3-4)

-This looks like Garrett's landing spot no matter what happens with the team in the top position 

2. 49ers (4-3)

-They are transitioning to a 4-3 so I find this interesting.  They may target a rookie to become a rock on their line (Allen or Thomas) but other talents are possible like QB.  *edit: They have invested in DL recently so they are up in the air.  

3. Bears (3-4) *no go

-They have already heavily invested in their front 7 (Goldman, Bullard Floyd) so I think they will be looking elsewhere.  This team needs a major overhaul.  Hooker, Adams, or a QB could go here.   

4. Jaguars (3-4) *no go

-Their buzz is around similar guys we've been discussing a la Adams, Fournette, and Hooker.  They also quietly had a strong defense last year.  I see a focus on Fournette if his ankle checks out. 

5. Titans (3-4) *no go

-They seem to be fixated on finding a receiving weapon for Mariota, don't really see them going DL  

6. Jets (3-4) *no go

-Another landing spot for Fournette or a top DB (Lattimore/Humphrey).  They have Richardson, Leonard Williams, Wilkerson and McClendon...dont' see DL 

7. Chargers (3-4) *no go

-New city that doesn't want them, just went splashy with a top defensive lineman last year, I see elsewhere for their pick.  

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I see two teams barring trades that appear as ideal landing spots for Garrett, Allen, and Thomas.

I also see two potential spots without trades for Fournette.  If his ankle checks out and the Jags don't take him, I really do see a team trading ahead of us for him.  

That leads me to this point: We're trying to guess in our many mocks which top talent will still be available at 8 and I believe that player will be Solomon Thomas.  

 I personally think we will run to the podium if he is still available.  Just wanted to do this quick rundown because I see a lot of people grabbing guys ranked online in the 10-20 range being viable at 8 but being this high in the draft, I'm thinking in the other direction.

Solomon is a name to keep an eye on, could very well be available and would fit in really nicely here. 

Feel free to copy and paste the 1-7 portion with team notes/predictions/etc. 

[JawnyBlaze]

I wouldn't mind Thomas, but I'd be so disappointed if we don't get Fournette or at least Adams or Hooker (assuming we don't sign Berry). 

[davos]

Just now, JawnyBlaze said:

I wouldn't mind Thomas, but I'd be so disappointed if we don't get Fournette or at least Adams or Hooker (assuming we don't sign Berry). 

I see it as an unfortunate possibility

An argument can legit be made for every team ahead of us needing a boost in the secondary, and again, if Fournette won't need surgery, he is a top talent I just can't see lasting to 8.  

[panthers34]

If the 49ers are switching to a 4-3, I don't see how Allen would help them. They already drafted Buckner and Armstead the past two years in the first round who are both 4-3 DTs like Allen. I honestly think he could slip to 8 especially if a QB or 2 goes before we pick. We all know G-Man would really struggle with passing on a guy like Allen if he's there. 

[davos]

2 minutes ago, panthers34 said:

If the 49ers are switching to a 4-3, I don't see how Allen would help them. They already drafted Buckner and Armstead the past two years in the first round who are both 4-3 DTs like Allen. I honestly think he could slip to 8 especially if a QB or 2 goes before we pick. We all know G-Man would really struggle with passing on a guy like Allen if he's there. 

Fair point on the Niners.  

I also think Lynch & Shanahan are going to want to make a statement with their pick on a top guy who should have no problem making the NFL leap; that's usually not the QB.  Basically, people are mocking QBs to the Niners but I can see them making a surprising move.   

[Manos]

I'm not a huge fan of Thomas as a 4-3 DE. He just doesn't strike me as twitchy or big/long enough to be an elite passrusher. His motor and instincts are great but that only gets you so far in the NFL.

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[OldNorthPowell]

Honestly I believe Dalvin Cook (barring off field issues) is a perfect fit for the Panthers and may be their selection. If Thomas is the pick I will not be extremely mad but I will be scratching my head as Manos said I do not see him as a fit on our defensive line. I would like Fournette but Cook put up great numbers against solid to good defenses. Fournette struggled against good defenses. While some of that could be on LSU's offensive line it says a lot about him. Cook was more consistent in college and while he is not as great of a runner as Fournette he is a better pass catcher. Could relieve some pressure from Cam Newton on blitzes as a quick dump option.

[davos]

1 hour ago, Manos said:

I'm not a huge fan of Thomas as a 4-3 DE. He just doesn't strike me as twitchy or big/long enough to be an elite passrusher. His motor and instincts are great but that only gets you so far in the NFL.

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I understand the measurables but sometimes you've got to look at the consistency, intangibles, and production in college.  He was able to manhandle a lot of the higher level OLs in the college ranks.  

I do agree however we need that long, lean edge rushing type on this defense.  There's a good deal in the draft beyond Round 1 so we could double dip and get two guys to compliment each other.

[Mr. Miagi]

Big fan of Thomas, but bigger fan of Fournette and Adams

[JawnyBlaze]

2 minutes ago, Hammerin'Cameron1 said:

He's small he's going to get neutralized by NFL tackles

You can just look at Taco and Solomon and tell Taco is the baller of the two. Solomon Thomas is a lame.

Small? He's bigger than taco. 273 vs 265. He's a bit shorter, but Thomas is bigger. 

[Manos]

I understand the measurables but sometimes you've got to look at the consistency, intangibles, and production in college.  He was able to manhandle a lot of the higher level OLs in the college ranks.  

I do agree however we need that long, lean edge rushing type on this defense.  There's a good deal in the draft beyond Round 1 so we could double dip and get two guys to compliment each other.

I don't think he will be a bad player exactly, I just don't think he really fits as a 4-3 de. Honestly if he could add about 20lbs I think he would make a fantastic 3 tech DT. Don't know how his frame would handle that weight but I definitely think that is his best chance to be a great NFL player.

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[Mr. Miagi]

21 minutes ago, Hammerin'Cameron1 said:

He's small he's going to get neutralized by NFL tackles

You can just look at Taco and Solomon and tell Taco is the baller of the two. Solomon Thomas is a lame.

You obviously a dummmy boy. 

 

Thomas >>>>> Taco

[Mr. Miagi]

2 hours ago, davos said:

Fair point on the Niners.  

I also think Lynch & Shanahan are going to want to make a statement with their pick on a top guy who should have no problem making the NFL leap; that's usually not the QB.  Basically, people are mocking QBs to the Niners but I can see them making a surprising move.   

Yea, Fournette

[davos]

3 hours ago, Manos said:

I don't think he will be a bad player exactly, I just don't think he really fits as a 4-3 de. Honestly if he could add about 20lbs I think he would make a fantastic 3 tech DT. Don't know how his frame would handle that weight but I definitely think that is his best chance to be a great NFL player.

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What I see a lot of sites commenting is that he's a 2 down 4-3 DE who slides to 3-tech on passing downs.  Although, I see 3 down potential and a plug-and-play talent.

Also: I understand it's more than just weight+height combo when talking frame but don't forget our own Charles Johnson is 6'2 275.