Hey guys...DavidinBMNY asked a couple questions about the 2015 Draft Class early this morning and I just saw. Sorry about that, I was at a Crossfit competition all day and just returned. I created the new thread to ensure you eventually see it, apologies if this creates an "unnecessary thread".
Please keep in mind I am still in the first half of the evaluation process. I have not yet looked in to small school prospects, as that is something I do in early December. I also have not seen everyone yet, not even close actually. But I will answer as best I can for the sake of discussion:
How will this class stack up with the 2014 group? Until I have a list of underclassmen that declare, I can't really say for sure. But again, for the sake of discussion I'll say the senior class is lesser than what we had last year as a whole. I don't think it's a poor class...and as Reese says...there are very good players in EVERY class no matter what.
The OT class has a chance to be a very good one, especially if a few key underclassmen come out. You could have 4-5 guys that earn legit top 10 grades.
I like the QBs in this group more than last year's as well...and thats including the fact that I will NOT give Winston a high mark.
Where the real strength of this class can be is at RB, especially if the 6-7 underclassmen come out. Passing league? Whatever. You put a Gurley, Gordon, Abdullah, Coleman, or Yeldon (and others) in to your offense, you are immediatly better. In some cases, A LOT better (looking at NYJ, NE, JAC, OAK, CAR).
Defensively, I am still trying to gauge a few things. But I am really struggling to find the edge rushers that I like every week, and there is only one safety that I think is a big time player. There is a strength at LB (the 4-3 kind) and a handful of DTs that I will have graded in the 1st round.
I am not a huge fan of comparing classes, especially this time of year but I think the 2014 group had a more depth to it than we've seen in awhile. This group may be more top heavy, especially on offense however.
Peat, Ogubuehi, Scherff, Erving and Drango
What round and where do you think these guys will ultimately get picked? I realize its way early
2 - Scherff
3 - Ogbuehi
4 - Erving
5 - Drango
Spacing indicates how far these guys are from each other. Peat is likely my top graded LT so far...although Flowers from Miami has 2 really good tapes to his name so far. Scherff is the most physically dominant and there are some unbelievably intriguing physical tools to work with. I actually think he could make a move to G and be a Pro Bowler in year 1 or 2. Ogbuehi and Erving have both struggles, but I wasn't too high on Erving coming in anyway, although many are. Ogbuehi is still new to the LT position, he just looks uncomfortable. Looking forward to seeing him in 4-5 weeks to see if he progressed. Drango hasn't impressed yet. Doesn't have a power game and his feet are marginal in addition to not really being tested yet as a result of that passing scheme. I thought he had a below average game against West Virgnia.
I've seen a good amount of Mississippi State and I really like Benardrick McKinney. Where do you think he goes and who is your top 4-3 LB?
Oh and for what reason will your Winston grade be low? Off the field stuff or on the field stuff? Thanks!! Draft isn't even close, but I can talk about it year round.
I still have a ways to go on the 2015 LB prospects. Some of the more popular ones I don't like that much. I do think Perryman will be a solid pro though.
McKinney from Mississippi State is an elite athlete. He can physically do things that most LB prospects cannot, so thats worth something. Is he smart? Does he always play hard? Can he diagnose? I'm not sure I see the 'football player' in him as much as I want in a LB. But I will see him 2-3 more times.
Ramik Wilson (Georgia) and Jake Ryan (Michigan) are guys I like...always around the ball, good tacklers.
I love how he flies around with a reckless abandon but still shows the ability to break down with conrol and tackle the ball carrier in open space. One of the more talented cover LBs as well. My issue is obvious...he is small and not very stout against blockers. He may need a specific scheme and role at the next level, most likely the weak side in a Tampa 2. He could be a slightly lesser Lavonte David.
Laken Tomlinson/G/Duke
Area - I'm in Tampa so we don't hear/see much about the Canes up here. So I'm not too familiar with him. Haven't paid attention to a lot of college football this year. Going to try and take a look at most of these guys around Christmas time.
Sy - If you had to compare Benardrick to a current NFL player who would it be? To me he plays similar to Vontaze. He's a good 3 or 4 inches taller then Vontaze. He's the heat seeking missile that Vontaze is. Haven't read much about him, but from everything I've read he seems to not be the headcase that Vontaze is.
McKinney off the top of my head compares to...maybe Karlos Dansby? Nice size/speed and can bring it physically. Not sure he has the quick thinking Dansby has though.
Solid comparison I could definitely see a young Dansby there.
Flowers is a Guard, not a tackle IMO.
Thanks
If the Giants end up picking between 10 and 20, Drango is someone they should definitely consider him. He can play T or G and already has great size at 6'5 315 lbs.
Link - ( New Window )
I've seen Beasley about as much as any prospect in the nation to this point. I love his edge rushing ability, he may be the most explosive guy in the nation. When his timing is right, he can out-move any blocker. He's still on the weaker side, as he won't push guys around with his hands at all. He's gotten better at holding ground as a run defender and there is a presence about him when he tackles a ball carrier. Really physical guy that just needs a couple mor eyears of big time strength training. He is likely the highest upside edge rusher in this class.
for the Giants!
Here are my notes on him
Love his desire to get open and to go after the ball.
Has great ball skills and separation skills.
Is deadly after the catch. Fit in any offense
Has size (6ft 3in) and physicality for the position.
Polished, his routes and shakes shows his dedication to his craft.
No superstar but a lot of solid guys who will make an impact on Sundays