So. With all the QB discussion, the Barkley discussion, and the Chubb discussion, I thought for the sake of more discussion I would mention one of my favorite players in this draft...Tremaine Edmunds.
I have liked him for a while, but recently he has been shooting up the draft boards. I happen to think he will have a bigger impact than Chubb and i think when all is said and done he may be the best defensive player in this draft. I think he will have an amazing day at the combine as well.
He is somewhat of a "unicorn" at the LB position. 6'5, 240lbs yet plays off the line, in coverage, rushes the passer. Most guys his size and speed are glorified DE's at the collegiate level. He is also only 19 yet has been a starter for 2 full seasons. He actually played (sparingly) as a 17 year old freshman. That is very uncommon.
I feel like there is a guy like Chubb every year. Edmunds is much more unique. I can't remember the last time there was a LB prospect much like him. When you considering the type of scheme we are likely to run (hybrid 3-4, 4-3) and our lack of linebackers, he may be the prefect fit.
I am no expert when it comes to judging instincts, so I will leave it to SY'56 to give us a true evaluation. However, i would like to know BBI's opinion of Edmunds.
Tremaine Edmunds - (
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I do believe he still is a project but with a high ceiling.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/tracker#dt-tabs:dt-by-grade - ( New Window )
I didn’t realize this, but he already has one so in the NFL.
Here is what the guy that breaks down game footage for VT said after I shared David Te's scouting report on him:
I think what makes Tremaine most attractive to scouts is his ability to play with the correct leverage when fitting in holes. He does a great job of taking on blockers with the correct shoulder, shedding, and making tackles.
The key part to his draft status will be how NFL scouts feel his skillset will translate. If they see him as a 3-4 strongside OLB, his pass coverage issues (good in man, not so good when dropping into zone coverage- tendency to stay way too shallow looking at the QB) will lower his Q rating. If they see him as a 3-4 weakside OLB, did he show enough as a natural leverage pass rusher to justify (Bud didn't use him in that role much- instead he liked to bring Tremaine on delays) using a top pick. 4-3 OLBs don't have nearly the same draft value. I don't think Tremaine is a 4-3 inside LB. He could be a 3-4 ILB, but again, 3-4 ILB isn't a high value draft position (kind of like strong safety on defense or running back on offense.)
I don't begrudge Tremaine going to the NFL. I think he is an NFL-caliber talent, and could be a star because he brings that unique length and speed to the table. Also, I don't know if another year in Bud's defense clears up any of those questions, unless Bud uses him more as a stand-up situational pass rusher off the edge (which I doubt given than all those red-shirt freshmen DEs will be fighting for PT next year.) At the same time, there are a ton of factors beyond things that Tremaine can control (team needs, how he is seen to fit within scheme, his age-Tremaine is really young for a draft eligible guy) that may cause him to drop out of top round money.
Imo, we have to take players that have the instincts, attitude, technique, mental toughness, etc. now especially early in the draft and stop hoping they learn it on the fly in the NFL with limited practices. Edmunds may be a beast in the NFL but I am not investing in a player that lacks instincts and is hesitant when the play is at him. If I am taking a player 2nd overall I want a guy that going to dominate and not have glaring holes.
The exception is QB. QBs are just a different animal. I have been on record as saying I would take Barkley over these QBs because there is just too much doubt right now. I also said that once we got Shurmur I felt more confident in taking a QB because Shurmur would actually have a plan to get them ready unlike this past year that gave Webb a 0% chance to succeed by basically making it impossible for him to do anything from the get go by having the all important Josh Johnson take meaningful reps away from him never giving him the necessary reps to improve.
Red flag...his instincts and impact between the tackles are both below average.
the Skins get him !
Sometimes the LB is going against the grain sorta say to make the hit. It takes some instinct out of the player because of the funneling concept.
Just adding, this in because its quite possible in a different defense Tremaine could look and feel more instinctual. He just isn't playing in an instant read and react defense.
Are there any pro LBs in the draft that are better?