Official UDFA thread

[tukafan21]

3 hours ago, ForJimmy said:

We don’t have a first.

I am very much of the mindset that we should and in the end, will, trade our 2025 First to get into the 2024 First round to get WR or TE when one worthy of it starts to slide.

We have a very good base in place now, and if Bryce turns into the QB the team expects him to, that 2025 pick should be expected to fall in the 25-32 range as that would mean making it to the second round of the playoffs (which is what generally happens in the 2nd year of the top rookie QB's who are meant to be "the next thing").

If that's the case and a pass catching option falls to the 15th-ish or later spot, trading the 2025 First along with other picks as necessary makes the most sense.  

If Young pans out as the team hopes, our best Super Bowl window starts in 2024 and is realistically most open for 3 seasons while he is still getting his rookie cap hit numbers, as once he signs that new deal, year 5 has a much higher cap hit.  Short of Top 5 WR draft picks, even Elite WRs are still #2's in their rookie year and blow up in that second season. 

We can't wait until that second year of the key 3 year window to draft our WR, we need them to grow with Young in that first year so they are hitting their strides in year 2 and 3 of the window.

That means our 2025 first round pick must be used next offseason to acquire a true #1 WR, even if it means trading for another player which I'd be fine with if someone is worth it.

Now if TMJ or Mingo absolutely blow up this year and show that true #1 potential, it changes things, but I think we still should be using that 2025 First in a trade in someway next offseason.

Edited April 30, 2023 by tukafan21

[Jackie Lee]

46 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Coaching staff clearly likes him and thinks he can make the team

was a 30 visit guy 

It's apparent we took advantage of the deep 5th year senior Covid class. Eku was projected 5th round by NFL.com. Family is in Asheville but he's from Somoa, so Luvu will probably be stoked. 

[ladypanther]

30 minutes ago, tukafan21 said:

I am very much of the mindset that we should and in the end, will, trade our 2025 First to get into the 2024 First round to get WR or TE when one worthy of it starts to slide.

1 year at a time!

[MHS831]

18 minutes ago, ladypanther said:

1 year at a time!

I agree.  Besides, giving away firsts to move up for TEs?  Not smart. 

[TheSpecialJuan]

Per Dane Brugler’s The Beast draft guide: 

-Eku Leota graded as 5/6th round pick 

-Jalen Redmond graded as 5/6th round pick 

-Rejzohn Wright graded as 4/5th round pick 

[ForJimmy]

2 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Per Dane Brugler’s The Beast draft guide: 

-Eku Leota graded as 5/6th round pick 

-Jalen Redmond graded as 5/6th round pick 

-Rejzohn Wright graded as 4/5th round pick 

Where did he project DJ Johnson?

[Black&BlueBubba]

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

Just now, Black&BlueBubba said:

 

 

[Jackie Lee]

20 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

Where did he project DJ Johnson?

He was the 21st ranked DE right behind Byron Young who went two spots ahead. Serious drop off after that. We went for need, and the only possible regret with that is we chose Johnson over KJ Henry who was also available

[TheSpecialJuan]

22 minutes ago, ForJimmy said:

Where did he project DJ Johnson?

4/5th rounder 

Ex-Vikings GM Rick Spielman who now does a CBS sports podcast said he really liked DJ Johnson and thought he was a good pick 

[Jackie Lee]

1 minute ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

 

I watched some Cam Peoples highlights yesterday and didn't seem like anything special considering the type of power guy we could use. 

[Cdparr7]

I really hope Fitt made the right calls. I guess this year will tell who had more pull in the draft room when Matt was here.

[Black&BlueBubba]

Here is Eku beating the 38th overall pick by Atlanta.  
 

Yeah it’s one play but he is no slouch. He tore is pec and missed a bunch of time his senior year.  Probably why we had him in for visit   It’s healed now since he hurt it Oct 1st and was playing at Senior Bowl  

 

Edited May 1, 2023 by Black&BlueBubba

[Rocky Davis]

12 hours ago, MHS831 said:

Can I borrow your crystal ball?  Of course they probably aren't NFL players--most aren't.  The story is in the journey, not the destination. 

Yes, my ball is your ball.