Just so it is slightly easier to understand how I grade players. Similar to a tier system. I have had teams/services ask for more specific grades based on schemes and situations, thus these grades are more general-based.
*Grading Scale:
90+ Elite, All Pro
85-89: Immediate starter, building block for a decade, franchise player
80-84: First round talent, starter and/or majority of the snaps each week
77-79: Day 2 pick, starter within their first 16-24 games as a pro
75-76: Fourth rounder, has starter traits but needs development
71-74: Fifth/Sixth rounder, should develop in to weekly contributor over rookie contract
68-70: Draftable, hopeful for special teams impact and long term development
67 and under: UDFA
______________________________________________
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
WHERE THEY STAND
I am including the defensive ends they have, as their front has a very 3-4 look to it. BJ Hill and Dalvin Tomlinson moved to their more natural positions after the Damon Harrison trade during the 2018 season. Both are solid players but it can be debated neither are a true fit for the nose tackle spot. Tomlinson is penciled in there for now but he is more of a penetrator that struggled to be stout over his first 2 years. Pierre Olsen was signed from ARI and he will compete for the starting 5-tech spot with RJ McIntosh, a high upside player that got his feet wet towards the end of last yea after missing a lot of time with a sickness. The group is thin and it looks like they will be bringing in more veteran talent before training camp.
TOP 25
1: Quinnen Williams – Alabama - 6’3/303
Grade: 86
Summary: Third year sophomore entry. Was off the radar entering 2018, as his impact as a redshirt freshman in 2017 wasn’t until late in the year. When it comes to his play on the field, Williams helped his stock as much as any player in the class. 2018 All American. He was a dominant force week after week, the standout defender on a loaded Alabama defense. Williams is a tough assignment to block because he can alter his approach snap to snap. It is hard to find such elite levels of play across multiple styles. The speed-to-power will immediately become one of the best in the league. A scheme that will let him penetrate through different lanes and angles will benefit from Williams in a way where their entire defense will be elevated. He is a big time difference maker right away.
*It is possible Williams falls right in to the waiting arms of NYG at 6 if the teams ahead of them are pursuing more edge presence and someone grabs a QB. While his size isn’t anything to write home about, Williams would be an ideal fir for the NT in Bettcher’s scheme. He is all about penetration via power and speed but can more than hold his own against double teams in the running game. He still has some growing to do and when all is said and done, I think he has a strong chance at being the best player in this class.
NFL Comparison: Kawann Short / CAR
2: Dexter Lawrence – Clemson – 6’4/342
Grade: 85
Summary: Junior entry. A blue chip recruit that made an impact right away, winning the ACC Freshman of the Year Award in 2016. He then went on to earn two straight 1st Team All ACC placements even though his production wasn’t anything noteworthy. Lawrence can be a missing piece to a defense that struggles against the run. His mere presence demands attention from multiple bodies and he is no slouch when it comes to pursuing the ball. Even though he is almost always the biggest and most powerful player on the field, Lawrence needs to shore up techniques and be more consistent. He is not an every down player, but certainly one that can dominate in stretches.
*If there is one non-QB I think NYG may be looking at with their 17th pick, it’s Lawrence. He fits the bill with what Gettleman wants up front and the trade of Harrison left that NT role wide open. Lawrence was the piece that made that loaded Clemson front go. I can remember seeing him play as a true freshman and at that moment in time, I said he was ready for the NFL. There is a rare combination of size, speed, and power to go along with more awareness and intelligence than you may think. Big time potential here that can change a defense right away.
NFL Comparison: Haloti Ngata / RET
3: Christian Wilkins – Clemson – 6’3/315
Grade: 84
Summary: One of the best defenders in Clemson history that has been a dominant force since 2015, where he was a Freshman All American. The three time All-American and two time Nagurski Award finalist was moved around the defensive line over the years but what never changed was his impact on the game. The sheer volume of plays made from the trenches over the years is incredibly rare. The coach’s favorite, when all is said and done, can be put anywhere along the line and it is as close to a guarantee as it gets that he will produce. He is a winning football player that makes others better and will be a defensive coordinators favorite, most versatile toy.
*My initial grade on Wilkins was one of the top 2 overall grades in the entire class. I have a thing for this kid and while I will stick to my board when draft time rolls around, I’d be ecstatic if he ended up in blue. And you know what? His best role in college was at the 5-technique and that is the gaping hole on this defensive line. While further scouting exposed some power-deficiencies, Wilkins is a true gamer that will wear several hats for a defense. A scheme that likes to switch things up and move guys around, Wilkins can be a stud. Top notch kid and a true culture-builder.
NFL Comparison: Gerald McCoy / TB
4: Ed Oliver – Houston – 6’2/287
Grade: 84
Summary: Junior entry. The only three-time All American in school history. Chose Houston over top tier programs out of high school. An ultra-productive player that has been one of the most explosive, dangerous defensive linemen in the country since he stepped on the field. Elite, rare-level speed and quickness for the position that can impact the game in ways that very few can at any defensive position. An ideal 3-technique from a speed and burst perspective that will need to improve his staying-power and stay-at-home defense so he isn’t a one-trick pony. Elite ceiling but carries plenty of risk as well.
*One of the more polarizing prospects in the class. Part of me wants to throw all of my chips in the middle of the table for Oliver because I have never seen a DT move like him, ever. The other part of me says he won’t be able to handle NFL lineman and there just isn’t enough discipline in his game. At the end of the day, whichever team drafts him needs a very specific plan for him. You need to get him moving laterally, alter his pre-snap positions, and let him pursue. Houston mis-used him in 2018 and showed the world he can’t just live inside and bull rush. The explosion and quickness can be a weapon, but there is more to it than just that. Does he fit with NYG? I’m not sure because I don’t think Bettcher has ever used a guy like this. But there is no denying the upside to impact this defense, and this league, in a big way.
NFL Comparison: Geno Atkins / CIN
5: Dre’Mont Jones – Ohio State – 6’3/281
Grade: 83
Summary: Fourth year junior entry. After a couple years of promising flashes, Jones broke out in 2018 with a 1st Team All Big 10 performance that included 8.5 sacks and 13 TFL. Jones is a standout athlete that can be moved around the defensive line. His size and athleticism can cause matchup problems for any blocker depending on the situation. He has some work to do on his strength/power game, but the tools and skill sets are there. If he continues to stay on his current trajectory as a versatile inside defender, Jones has the upside of a Pro-Bowl caliber player.
*There is something about Jones that makes me think NYG is going to go after him at #17 if the chips fall their way. He is a true fit for the 5 technique spot, one that will add a big time pass rush presence to a front that is starving for sacks. Jones is arguably the most efficient and prolific mover in this group when it comes to short areas and technique. His frame can handle more weight and in time he could be one of those rare 3-4 DL that grabs 8-10 sacks a year.
NFL Comparison: Trey Flowers / DET
6: Jerry Tillery – Notre Dame – 6’6/295
Grade: 82
Summary: A former high school offensive tackle that was highly touted on that side of the ball, Tillery made the move to the defensive side right away at Notre Dame. After some questionable character hiccups early in his career, he grew up and molded himself in to a fine and potentially elite prospect. Tillery is a really unique blend of tools and skills that don’t come around often, plain and simple. He finished his career as an All American, causing plenty of disruption as a pass rusher, run defender, and on special teams. He is the kind of defender that can simply beat quality offensive linemen even when they do everything right because he has such a physical advantage. The path he has been on since the start of 2017 and the progression he has shown is on the path to stardom.
*Occasionally I will get nervous about defensive tackles that are this tall, as they just have such a hard time with leverage battles. Not Tillery. He plays low, strong, and fast. What he has become over the past 2-3 years makes me think this kid is going to be one of the draft-weekend bargains. He flashed stretches of sheer dominance via power and athletic ability multiple times and while I wish he was more consistent, he has “pro” written all over him. Another good locker room presence kid that will be in the league a long time and offer big time upside.
NFL Comparison: Cameron Heyward / PIT
7: Renell Wren – Arizona State – 6’5/318
Grade: 78
Summary: Fifth year senior. 2018 was the only season where he was a full time starter and it ended in him earning Honorable Mention All Pac 12 honors. Wren was moved around the line early in his career, but he settled in at the nose tackle in 2018 where his elite power and reach was a difference maker in the middle of their line. Wren was a fun player to watch because of how much he imposed his will and presence on centers. I almost felt bad for a few of his opponents, as it just looked unfair. Wren won’t be a pass rusher early in his career, but any team that wants consistent presence along the inside will want this guy. High upside pick because of his naturally dominant traits.
*If you watch Dexter Lawrence play and fall in love with the push he gets at the point of attack, you almost have to like Wren and what he brings to the table. He finally found his home at nose tackle in 2018 after being moved around too much early in his career. Wren won’t be an every down player but he is the kind of guy you want on your side when you need to stop the run. He demands a lot of attention and he was arguably the most consistent force at the point of attack when it came to sheer movement and presence I saw all year.
NFL Comparison: Malik Jackson / PHI
8: Gerald Willis III – Miami – 6’2/302
Grade: 77
Summary: Fifth year senior that began his career at Florida. After a few run-ins with the coaching staff, Willis was kicked out of the Gators program and landed at Miami. After more personal issues in 2017 that kept him on the scout team, he came back on fire as a fifth year senior and put together an All American season. Willis is a three technique that has shown more than enough ability and potential. He is a true disruptor that makes the offensive line adjust to him, not the other way around. If he can stay clean and drama free, he is some simple development away from being a dangerous force.
*There will be extra screening needed here, as Willis has had multiple issues off the field and his coachability has been questioned. That said, the performance he put together in 2018 was, no doubt, 1st round caliber. This is the kind of player that can change a defensive front right away. I do think his best role is a 3 technique where he can shoot gaps and disrupt, but there is more to his game than just that. One of the wildcards of this entire class.
NFL Comparison: Akeem Spence / MIA
9: Jeffrey Simmons – Mississippi State – 6’4/301
Grade: 76
Summary: Junior entry. Two time 1st Team All SEC and a 2018 All American. Simmons was soaring his way in to round 1 territory in the eyes of some but a torn ACL while training for the combine grays his 2018 in a big way. In addition he had an arrest a few years ago that included violence against a woman, something the NFL as a whole has really tried to come down on. While that won’t impact his playing status in the pros, it is noteworthy. On the field, Simmons is a really impressive specimen. He has plenty of straight line speed and a body that makes scouts drool. However I see a lot of issues in his game, most notably reaction-based quickness and leg stiffness. Throw in the injury and I just don’t see him where others do although I think someone will gamble on the upside early day 2.
*The ACL injury is part of the grade but even then, I had him as a borderline first round talent leaning towards the top of round 2. I like Simmons and his athletic-freakness, but I never saw the elite player that some are talking about. I see too much stiffness and a lack of leverage that can eat a player up in the NFL. The off field stuff from years ago really isn’t a part of the equation for me. Simmons is a slid 3 technique prospect that likely won’t factor much in 2019 until late in the year. I would rather someone else take the chance on him.
NFL Comparison: Leonard Williams / NYJ
10: Isaiah Buggs – Alabama – 6’3/306
Grade: 76
Summary: Former junior college player that was a major get for the program prior to 2017. A two year starter that has been a steady pass rush presence from inside the tackles, as he led the team with 9.5 sacks in 2018. While Buggs won’t impress many with tools, he may be the most technique-savvy and smartest player along the ‘Bama front. The coaching staff loves how he takes things in and applies them to games and that stood out to me. Buggs is a safe, reliable player that won’t be a star but I bet he has a 10-year career.
*One of my favorite day 3 targets here, not because I think he will blossom in to a star, but because I think he will be Mr. Reliable for a long time. I actually think he has Patriots written all over him. Buggs can fit in nicely to multiple inside roles and I don’t see his physical shortcomings being an issue with his style of play.
NFL Comparison: Matt Ioannidis / WAS
11: Daylon Mack – Texas A& M – 6’1/338
Grade: 74
Summary: Former junior college player that was a major get for the program prior to 2017. A two year starter that has been a steady pass rush presence from inside the tackles, as he led the team with 9.5 sacks in 2018. While Buggs won’t impress many with tools, he may be the most technique-savvy and smartest player along the ‘Bama front. The coaching staff loves how he takes things in and applies them to games and that stood out to me. Buggs is a safe, reliable player that won’t be a star but I bet he has a 10-year career.
*For a team that is looking strictly for a two down run stuffer, Mack’s grade can certainly be moved in to day 2 territory. He has the kind of body that simply won’t be moved by single and double teams alike. I’m not quite sure what his deal was in 2016 and 2017, but the 2018 version of him showed flashes of dominance. He might be a guy that you need to keep in check with his diet and work ethic, but there will be a starting role for him somewhere.
NFL Comparison: Brandon Williams / BAL
12: Kingsley Keke – Texas A& M – 6’3/288
Grade: 74
Summary: Three year starter that progressed well over his career. Finished as the team’s 2018 sack leader. Keke is a really twitchy athlete with the length and easy bend that can give interior blockers a fit in pass protection. He is inconsistent, a lot of disappearing for stretches but when he plays to his upside, he can wreck a game. He will need time to develop his body but he has solid rotational pass rusher written all over him.
*His best fit is likely in a 4-3 scheme we he can shoot gaps and use the quick footed, long-armed frame to his full advantage. He can’t be trusted as an every down run defender but there is enough he can do against the pass to warrant a highly-used spot. May have to wait a year or two for him though, he needs body work.
NFL Comparison: Larry Ogunjobi / CLE
13: Greg Gaines – Washington – 6’1/312
Grade: 73
Summary: Fifth year senior. Three year starter that has been one of the staples of Washington defense for years. He was All Pac-12 all four seasons, ending his career on the 1st Team. Gaines primary role at the next level will be inside gap run stuffer. He can control two at a time and demand attention. But he proved he can’t be slept on from a playmaking perspective. For a player that doesn’t exactly specialize in burst and movement, he makes a lot of plays away from the starting point. He is as blue collar as it gets and will be a safe bet to provide solid 2 down run defense.
*Similar to Mack above, there are some teams that may have a day 2 grade on Gaines based on the need for more run defending presence. He is a rock in the middle that plays hard and smart. A really reliable, yet limited, player that NYG may want to give a hard look to on day 3 if they want a NT presence that brings something different to the table than Tomlinson.
NFL Comparison: Brandon Mebane / LAC
14: Armon Watts – Arkansas – 6’5/300
Grade: 72
Summary: After a really quiet career leading up to 2018, Watts broke out and led the Razorbacks with 7 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. He is still a bit of an unknown but its hard not to be drawn to him when re-watching his tape. He has a lot going for him when it comes to size and power. There are some red flags from earlier in his career when it comes to attitude and effort, but this kid took a turn this past yea off and on the field. Someone may be getting a huge bargain on day 3.
*Big, mean, physical and quietly very skilled. Watts has the look of a kid that enters training camp and starts tossing veterans around and wrecking havoc. Where he was for the first three years is a little unknown besides the fact that he didn’t work hard, but something seems to have changed and 2018 was a glimpse of what this kid might be in the NFL.
NFL Comparison: Ashawn Robinson / DET
15: Tito Odenigbo – Miami – 6’3/300
Grade: 72
Summary: Fifth year senior. After playing three years at Illinois where he never quite stood out, Odenigbo transferred to Miami for the 2018 season and started to shine as the year progressed. After breaking his way in to more playing time, Odenigbo finished the year with 5 TFL over the final 5 games. His quick and easy power comes natural and the pad level he can play with generates even more effort for blockers to put out. Odenigbo is a but of an unknown by the flashed some really solid traits and should be drafted.
*Maybe my top sleeper along the DT group. If it weren’t for a few character red flags, I may have had him closer to the 4th round area despite a lack of experience in college. Odenigbo really showed me something when he got in to the steady rotation and I think there are NFL traits here that most schemes could use.
NFL Comparison: Davon Godchaux / LSU
16: Dontavious Russell – Auburn – 6’3/319: 71
17: Chris Slayton – Syracuse – 6’4/307: 71
18: Cortez Broughton – Cincinnati - 6’3/292: 71
19: Olive Sagapolu – Wisconsin – 6’2/340: 71
20: Trysten Hill – Central Florida – 6’3/308: 70
21: Albert Huggins – Clemson – 6’3/305: 70
22: Khalen Saunders –Western Illinois – 6’0/324: 70
23: Chris Nelson – Texas – 6’1/312: 70
24: Terry Beckner – Missouri – 6’4/296: 69
25: Daniel Wise – Kansas – 6’3/281: 69
**UDFA SLEEPER**
Roderick Young – North Texas – 6’1/299
There are a couple of really interesting prospects on the North Texas squad, but Young is a guy that flashed over and over. For those that fell in love with Khalen Saunders at the Senior Bowl, Young has to get some attention from you. Similar frame, similar style of play, and comes with a little more mobility. I think Young can be a solid addition to stash on the practice squad for a year or two and watch him blossom in to a disruptive nose tackle.
NYG APPROACH
The more you look at this depth chart, the harder it hits you that this team has holes everywhere. The defensive line, when it comes to the demands of a 3-4 scheme, is just fine when you look at the starting trio and like I said earlier, I think one more free agent will be signed in the coming weeks. However the depth, should someone go down, just isn’t there. I was a believer in McIntosh when they drafted him a year ago but the sickness he went through really put a hitch in his needed physical progression. At the top, I am not sold on Tomlinson being a guy that you overlook a really solid NT prospect should someone be there in the first. I thin the odds are that NYG will be pursuing an interior force with one of their first 3 picks.
Thanks Sy!!
Would prefer Q with Jaylon, Burns ,Zack Allen or Winovitz over the next couple picks.
Summary: A highly touted recruit, Mack started off his career with an impactful freshman season but was very quiet in both his sophomore and junior seasons. 2018 was a different story. He started all 13 games and like a true nose tackle, his impact wasn’t always seen on the stat sheet. Mack is a boulder in the middle of the line that consistently holds his ground if he isn’t pushing the pocket. There is more short area quickness to his game than assumed, as well. He will be a 2 down player in the NFL but one that can make a huge impact.
If it worked out like that, that'd be awesome
Summary: A highly touted recruit, Mack started off his career with an impactful freshman season but was very quiet in both his sophomore and junior seasons. 2018 was a different story. He started all 13 games and like a true nose tackle, his impact wasn’t always seen on the stat sheet. Mack is a boulder in the middle of the line that consistently holds his ground if he isn’t pushing the pocket. There is more short area quickness to his game than assumed, as well. He will be a 2 down player in the NFL but one that can make a huge impact.
That's why pencils have erasers, LOL.
Good work Sy, have you done the Edge rushers yet?
All that said, their draft board probably isn't set until after the in-person visits are completed as a finishing touch.
I actually agree with this Jon. And I have a feeling they have the Devins at LB graded out pretty close to QW... so a LB pick at 6 would not surprise me.
All that said, their draft board probably isn't set until after the in-person visits are completed as a finishing touch.
I can't help wishing for Oliver. I understand he may not be ideal for our system, and ultimately that's why we don't take him, but damn. He looks like an absolute force of nature.
The fact that he is a huge man that can do backflips may just be too traumatic for some of us Giants fans, and might disqualify him. :(
He's close....
If so, is it tempting to go back and find points?
Any examples?
The reason I ask is, one of the things I like about you is that you dont follow trends. The grade is the grade and I'm wondering if your own grade doesnt always sit well with you and how much you allow yourself to negotiate with your own evaluation.
Thanks again
I think I know what you mean.
No I won't use bias to change a grade...although my numbers are not the Bible. They simply put guys in to tiers and then I rank them after that. So it is possible I would want a guy with an 83 grade over a guy with an 84, if that makes sense. Based not team need and scheme.
His best year at Clemson was at the 5 technique. I do fear his ability to hold up against the run but it is less important there that it is inside at 3 or 1. And I think a big part of what you want out of him is ability in pursuit and pass rush.
Just a quick question regarding the giants hole on the defensive line. Is it true to say the giants are looking for a nose of a 5 tech? Where do they prefer Tomlinson to play?
In my opinion...no inside info...I think Tomlinson underwhelmed when he took over the NT role post-Snacks trade. I'm not sure what NYG wants more of...but I do think Tomlinson can be moved around a bit.
The Giants had PJ Johnson of Arizona in for a top 30 visit. Is he a viable fifth or sixth round option if they don't take a DT earlier. His size and stats seem to warrant him being drafted.
One year guy. Really heavy hands attached to a good frame. Has some bad weight but he can move. I have some red flags on him character wise so it bumps him down to UDFA area.
I respect that. I won't dismiss anyone that has an elite grade on Q. The only thing that held him back in my eyes was an inconsistent use and maybe limited impact from his hands, an essential to DL play. And I have a hard time giving a 90+ to a guy that stated for a year, even if it was at Alabama
1) Work ethic - obviously it's a spectrum but i'm assuming this and inconsistent play might be viewed similarly and all things equal for talent and overall production might bring down a grade like 5 points?
2) Potential problems with the law - Assuming other things about the player check out and this is in isolation how do you look at this points wise? Given your grade key it is interesting because it wouldn't affect their floor / ceiling just an existential risk to playing at all
3) Likability - Thinking of Rosen here and people not going to his birthday party vs. Mayfield that might have had maturity concerns but teammates seemed to love. From what i've read this doesn't enter into your process but might again affect if they are on the field or not?
4) Leadership - This one is what i'm most interested in I guess because while it won't affect if a player is say a pro bowler vs. a starter but do you maybe give them a small bump for this like 1-2 points because when you draft them they will make others around them better and help the team?
I'm leaving out kind of intelligence / instinct because I think that is easier to see show up in other ways like in stats or on tape if you see someone make a play that you know most other players don't make.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
If the Giants came out of this Draft with:
LB Devin Bush
NT Dexter Lawrence
RT Greg Little/Dalton Risner
I'd be doing cartwheels in my media room.
To bad the kid from Auburn didn’t enter the draft
He’d be giving Quinnen a run for his money as top DT and should be best DT of next years draft
Thx again SY
Dexter was the real star of that Clemson line with all the attention he got from opposing offensive lines
Quote:
Very few guys get the 90 or above over the last few years from me. Barkley was one, Chubb was close but Q for me is a 90+. This kid is special. He lacks nothing to me. As a first year guy to wreak havoc as effortlessly as he did routinely beating double teams looking like a Ju Jitsu fighter with Sumo strength and Ninja quickness... He gets a 92 grade from me.
I respect that. I won't dismiss anyone that has an elite grade on Q. The only thing that held him back in my eyes was an inconsistent use and maybe limited impact from his hands, an essential to DL play. And I have a hard time giving a 90+ to a guy that stated for a year, even if it was at Alabama
Got it thanks for the clarification. In a way (at least in this case). I saw such dominance so quickly in year 1 I actually see it as a positive. Sure do you want a year 2 or 3 to solidify and build on year 1? Of course, but there is enough body of work IMO in a major program to be absolutely giddy about what he can be in the pros.
1) Work ethic - obviously it's a spectrum but i'm assuming this and inconsistent play might be viewed similarly and all things equal for talent and overall production might bring down a grade like 5 points?
2) Potential problems with the law - Assuming other things about the player check out and this is in isolation how do you look at this points wise? Given your grade key it is interesting because it wouldn't affect their floor / ceiling just an existential risk to playing at all
3) Likability - Thinking of Rosen here and people not going to his birthday party vs. Mayfield that might have had maturity concerns but teammates seemed to love. From what i've read this doesn't enter into your process but might again affect if they are on the field or not?
4) Leadership - This one is what i'm most interested in I guess because while it won't affect if a player is say a pro bowler vs. a starter but do you maybe give them a small bump for this like 1-2 points because when you draft them they will make others around them better and help the team?
I'm leaving out kind of intelligence / instinct because I think that is easier to see show up in other ways like in stats or on tape if you see someone make a play that you know most other players don't make.
Thanks in advance for any insight!
I grade them simply as football players first.
Once February rolls around and I get more background information, I deduct X amount if points based on severity of issues.
Drugs/law problems take over most importance and them come work ethic/coachability
Leadership or lack of leadership doesn't impact my grade too much, it is so subjective. QBs a different story.
To bad the kid from Auburn didn’t enter the draft
He’d be giving Quinnen a run for his money as top DT and should be best DT of next years draft
Thx again SY
I'm driving the Derrick Brown bus
Who did we go with at 6?
Oliver at 6, Lawrence at 17, Rosen for 37...
Oliver+ Lawrence = game changing duo vs. the run. The Yin and Yang of DL prospects: KA-BOOM!
The way Oliver chases and runs stuff down all over the field - bite my tongue for saying it, and I no way am I equating quality here - he reminds me of the young Lawrence Taylor. He has the crazed dogs mentality and effort.
The way Oliver chases and runs stuff down all over the field - bite my tongue for saying it, and I no way am I equating quality here - he reminds me of the young Lawrence Taylor. He has the crazed dogs mentality and effort.
The mentality is right...
90+ is rare territory, just FYI.
94
Lawrence + Oliver = Take No Prisoners!
Is that even remotely possible?
sign me up. Wilkins will be a great addition to somebody's locker room. I hope it's ours.
Looking back through the past couple of years:
Myles Jack (92)
Myles Garrett (92)
Jamal Adams (91)
Derwin James (90)
Saquon
Couple of guys were close; Rosen was 89. Jalen Ramsey 88, Joey Bosa 87, Vita Vea 87, Leonard Williams 89, Amari Cooper 87, Clowney (93)
Based on production and, IMV, overall athleticism and consistency, can't reconcile how you have Mack and Keke at the same grade. Keke just made more plays and was more disruptive.
Perhaps you are suggesting Mack created more opportunities for Keke...? ;)
- this is the only year I can think of where the displacement factor will be happening WITHIN the DL group.
So grab one at 6 and still have that catchers mitt ready!
If the Giants came out of this Draft with:
LB Devin Bush
NT Dexter Lawrence
RT Greg Little/Dalton Risner
I'd be doing cartwheels in my media room.
I really like those selections, and I think it’s very realistic. I would definitely take Bush at #6, if Q Williams, Bosa and Allen are off the board.
and what I prefer at 17 rather than defense is an OLIneman.
Who knows, but glad you held off on DT’s or I wouldn’t have landed Broughton as UDFA in BBI Mock.
17. C.Wilkins
37. D.Jones
With Hill, Tomlinson, McIntosh and Pierre that is a formidable defensive front
17. C.Wilkins- don't like his power game Lawrence/Tillery
37. D.Jones- RT Little/Risner
Question: how do you arrive at your player ratings? Do you take in as many games live during the season and then watch coaches tapes? Is it mostly the latter?
How do you weed out those players you spend less time on to focus on your identified top prospects? So much underbrush, stuff must get lost in the weeds.
I think it still points to the fact that every Draft is a Player Picker's Draft. Even though High Picks are expected to be ready to play at a high level (unlike Baseball and Basketball), you can't avoid avoid a player you love for a position you need.