DE/DT Discussion at 16/47 + Wildcards

[davos]

I'm getting familiarized with this class and figured to showcase some guys.  I'm not trying to give super in depth analysis as I am no expert, but figured to showcase the talent that will more or less be in our range.

First off, let's purge out the 5 or so likely gone: Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Josh Allen, Clelin Ferrell, Ed Oliver

Of the remaining pool, I can see some fluctuation in position as we get into the draft season so here's some guys I like for us. As a note, I really think the DT class could produce great talent this year.  Concerning the DEs...it's always a crapshoot and kind of a light class; also has a lot to do with the changing league, hybrid defenses, and lesser pure 4-3 teams.  

Also--this site is newer this year FYI, some decent analysis compared to the other sites out there and no bs autoplay videos like ESPN/CBS: https://thedraftnetwork.com/

PROSPECTS

DE

Rashan Gary

Michigan | 6'5 288 | Projection: 4-3 LDE who can slide inside to 1-Tech.  

Could very likely be gone but I think he could fit nicely here.  As things stand right now, my favorite prospect for us if he falls.

Montez Sweat

Miss State | 6'5 1/2 245 | Projection: 4-3 DE

There's a thread on him, I did notice people thinking he's a 3-4 OLB but he's a hands-in-dirt guy with good burst.  I am also seeing a handful of sites classifying him as a base-end.  He reminds me of Danielle Hunter on the Vikes ceiling wise and not so much a Bud Dupree or Shilique Calhoun 3-4 type.    

Quote

Montez Sweat projects favorably as a base 4-3 defensive end at the NFL level. Sweat illustrates textbook extension in his attack of blocks and his separation skills enable to him win at the line of scrimmage with consistency. Sweat’s lack of mobility through the hips will restrict him as a space defender, he needs to play with his hand in the dirt at all times to make the most of his linear explosiveness and skills stacking blockers.

Zach Allen  

Boston College | 6'5 285 | Projection: 4-3 RDE 

From what I'm reading up, this guy hustles and has a constant motor.  Didn't have monster production and is limited athletically, but seems like a solid pass rusher.  Sounds like he can serve some interior rush roles but his run defense wouldn't translate well inside.  

Fringe Consideration R2:

Brian Burns

FSU | 6'5 240 | Projection: 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE

He's more of a 3-4 OLB, but with the versatility these days and his pass rushing skills, could be one to consider, especially if we're going to change things up.  Could be a really interesting pick.  Could use him similar to how SEA does with their OLBs/DEs.  

Overall: I honestly don't see many DE prospects for us in the first 2 rounds.  It may be a good FA for them though

 

DT

Raekwon Davis

Alabama | 6'6 3/4 303 | Projection: 4-3 DT/3-4 DE

This is a guy I really like.  First off the size and strength is impressive.  I'm reading some quality stuff on him around the interweb and he looked great with Quinnen the other night.  Seems like just a tough SOB that can bully interior OLs.  Could play 3 tech but also dance him around next to Short on passing downs.

Derrick Brown

Auburn | 6'4 1/2 315 | Projection: Multi-tech DT

Versatile TFL machine at DT.  He's a big boy but appears to have some pretty nice movement/agility.  Can play alongside Short or at 3-Tech.  Definitely a fit.  

Christian Wilkins

Clemson | 6'4 310 | Projection: 4-3 DT/3-4 DE

Smart, good story, but most of all, production and NFL ready.  From what I've seen from Clemson, he's the most active/disruptor on their line in the trenches.  Ferrell gets the good moves and outside pas rush but this guy is the enforcer.  Why I like him: High floor, high ceiling.  

Terry Beckner Jr. 

Missouri | 6'3 303 | Projection 4-3 3 Tech DT 

This guy seems underrated and could be a 2nd round target as the process moves along

 

*Off the board: J. Simmons (Miss State), Gerald Willis (Miami), Jerry Tillery (ND)

 

 Wilcards/Other Positions:

Jonah Wiliams OT (Alabama) - LT or OG? Well we need both and he appears one of the top tackles.  Size is slightly under prototype LT but he looks capable.  

Devin White LB (LSU) - Stud LB, it's becoming a need this offseason and we could be in range for him

Noah Fant TE (Iowa) - Thomas looks quite promising but this guy is a monster and could be a very interesting pick for us.

Cornerbacks in general - There's about 4 guys that could be in range for us.  We may have Jackson and Bradberry, but we may look at a starter and could slide Jackson inside.  Also, we just need the secondary help so this wouldn't be a bad thing at all.  We need more instinctive guys in the secondary.  

 

There ya go.  Who do you guys like?

 

[ncfan]

Burns is closer to 230 pretty much identical size as Haynes just has the speed.  He's 100% a 3-4 OLB

Allen is interesting.  Dont think id take him in the 1st though

 

Raekwon is a Monster, like him a lot.

Dexter Lawrence- anchor NT, which is something that hurt us rhis year with Poe.

 

Noah Fant- dont think Id want him.  Too similar to Ian Thomas.  Freak pass catcher but raw blocker.

The other Iowa TE I like better late because his blocking and can take Manhurtz spot.

Kaden Smith is the TE I like overall in the class.  BIG, Solid Athlete, good hands, and solid blocker 

 

 

OTs 

Jonah Williams- will be long gone.

Dalton Risner- this kid is the one to watch, powerful, meanstreak, freak athlete.  Handled Sweat in their game vs Miss State.  Playing at K-State, he doesnt get the attention.  Would go top 3 in the draft if ge played in the SEC

 

[Thama]

I've seen Ferrell dropping to the mid teens a lot in mocks, with Gary being gone more consistently than Ferrell by pick 16. If either of those 2 drop to us it's a no brainer who the pick should be. Sweat physically looks the part but I can't help thinking he's going to be just a "decent starter". 

[davos]

Just now, ncfan said:

Burns is closer to 230 pretty much identical size as Haynes just has the speed.  He's 100% a 3-4 OLB

Allen is interesting.  Dont think id take him in the 1st though

 

Raekwon is a Monster, like him a lot.

Dexter Lawrence- anchor NT, which is something that hurt us rhis year with Poe.

 

Noah Fant- dont think Id want him.  Too similar to Ian Thomas.  Freak pass catcher but raw blocker.

The other Iowa TE I like better late because his blocking and can take Manhurtz spot.

Kaden Smith is the TE I like overall in the class.  BIG, Solid Athlete, good hands, and solid blocker 

I get it with Burns; also why I mentioned him being a fringe consideration.  Just some out of box thinking but he's pretty much a stand up edge rusher in a 3-4.  

Left Lawrence out but his fit really does make sense.  If Short returns to form, those two could make for a good combo interior.  

The other top DTs have some red flags. Simmons in particular.    

[ncfan]

1 minute ago, Thama said:

I've seen Ferrell dropping to the mid teens a lot in mocks, with Gary being gone more consistently than Ferrell by pick 16. If either of those 2 drop to us it's a no brainer who the pick should be. Sweat physically looks the part but I can't help thinking he's going to be just a "decent starter". 

Ferrell stock began to fall.

But had a Real strong showing vs Notre Dame that has shot him back up where they originally had him 

[Toomers]

Derrick Brown- Improve two positions at once. 

[ncfan]

2 minutes ago, davos said:

I get it with Burns; also why I mentioned him being a fringe consideration.  Just some out of box thinking but he's pretty much a stand up edge rusher in a 3-4.  

Left Lawrence out but his fit really does make sense.  If Short returns to form, those two could make for a good combo interior.  

The other top DTs have some red flags. Simmons in particular.    

Watch for Tillery from Notre Dame.  Solid athlete.  Many expecting his stock to take off  after the season

 

And while Quinnen Williams is dam good.  Raekwon has a big hand in Williams success.  Dude was a freakish monster last year and no one could block him in the last CFP.  Scouts liked him a Lot more than Payne and had him the top DT in this class or 2nd to Oliver.  With the depth of this class, and the attention he has drawn ti where he hasnt dominated.  His stock took a  step back and in our range

[davos]

14 minutes ago, ncfan said:

Watch for Tillery from Notre Dame.  Solid athlete.  Many expecting his stock to take off  after the season

Why I took him off my list is that I've seen in a few different places about him underachieving.  He looks the part and flashes but then disappears.  Very up and down.  He's also had some team issues and a suspension on his record as well.  He may test well physically but I can see him a guy being interviewed by a lot of teams to assess his attitude.  If it doesn't check out, free fall.  

[TheSpecialJuan]

I'll take 'em all 

[davos]

5 minutes ago, Toomers said:

Derrick Brown- Improve two positions at once. 

I keep forgetting that guy for some reason, would definitely add to the list.  He's not a talent you see annually. 

Provides flexibility on the line with a huge athleticism+size combo.  We need pass rush and he could provide it.  20 sacks in two seasons.  

 

[Seoul_Panther]

Regardless who your favorite DT is there will be a good one available at our pick if that Is the way we decide to go in R1.

[Seoul_Panther]

With all our needs TE would be very difficult to justify. I’m not even going to go there. Deionte Thompson, Deandre Baker, a DL or DT would all be fine. I’m beginning to think a 2nd RD OT would be preferable.

[Unionpanther]

I just saw 4 different mock drafts where we would be in position for dex from clemson or Christian. I'd love either on the line next season

[Seoul_Panther]

According to the five experts DL big boards Derrick Brown doesn’t make an appearance even once in any of their top ten IDL:

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/08/28/2019-prospect-rankings-interior-defensive-line/