2020 NFL Draft Previews

McKinney is my top pure S. I don't like the depth here this year with a couple of exceptions.

Lamb my top WR.

I have Okudah(slightly lower than most) and Henderson(higher than most) neck and neck for top CB. Mid round note I like Lavert Hill's skillset to play slot corner at the next level.

My top OT is Wills. You guys are probably tired of reading it.

Thomas and Becton are really close. Becton is a tough evaluation. He's really raw and I have long term durability concerns. He does seem to be working hard and transforming his body though. Every time we 'see' him he's dropped weight and in better shape. If you hit on him it could be epic, but if you miss it's a disaster for the franchise. I have a high grade on Wirfs but I think his best position could be OG based on concerns I have with his balance playing in space.

Outside of Young it's a weak DE class. Epenesa is probably the 2nd guy.

ER/OLB group is weak as well. Chaisson and Baun are probably the best and I have them lower than most.

Strength of the TE group is in the Round 3-4 area with Bryant's leading the way. Trautman and Okwuegbunam follow.

WR group is nuts. We'll just have to wait and see how they come off the board based on what teams value/need in size/speed/skillsets. Talent level is so deep it's historic.

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We got Slayton at the back of Round 5 last year in a good WR class. But not as good as this one. We'll get another this year.

That he was high on Wirfs and Wills.

Thank you.

Wills... If a trade down, next best tackle after wills...

In comment 14846246 Giant John said:

Quote:

What group you putting Simmons in?

LB

Of the 4, one will be a Pro Bowler/All Pro, two will be very solid starters, and one will be a bust (at least as a tackle).

The Giants need to figure out who they think is #1 and should be picked at 4, which two players they might settle for in a trade down, and which one will be a bust. Even the potential bust might be desirable in the bottom of round 1.

If everything works out, they get their #1 guy in a trade down and extra picks too.

wait three weeks for the tackles review? You're killing us Sy!

Thanks for all you do. Looking forward to your reports.

Always a treat to read your Draft Previews.

Can't wait!

And looking forward to your Our Lads draft guide. I think I’ve purchased one every year beginning in 1987.

One of the best parts of BBI! Looking forward to your writeups

In comment 14846101 Torrag said:

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Donovan Peoples Jones has really impressed me with his tape. And I don't think Harbaugh's offense or his QB's did him many favors.

Yeah, I’m a fan as well, though I’m not ready to blame the Patterson for DPJ not having great numbers. He was injured the first half of the season, but he’s gonna be an interesting prospect for scouts to grade.

I look forward to reading them.

Reading your reviews gets me excited about the draft. Im starved for anything right now. Thanks in advance.

In comment 14846150 Earl the goat said:

Quote:

Becton at 1. From the discussion I had with him in early December

You posted about Becton, I remember, in like November, right? Right about when I started to get excited about him...but back then I thought maybe we could steal him with our 2nd rounder...man has he flown up the rankings! Now I am perfectly happy with him at #4...there simply aren't many humans on the planet with his size and athletic qualities....he is going to be dominant in pass and run game...Plus he is still developing his skill set...give him a year or so in an NFL strength&conditioning program, look out! I see him becoming even more dominant...I "heart" him for our NYG!!!

This is my wet dream= we trade back with LAC at #6 for their second rounder (#37)...the two QB's go off the board at #4 and #5 and we are left to snag Becton at#6, then at picks #36 and #37 (with a little luck) we can snag Zack Baun (edge and gonna be a star!) and Cesar Ruiz(best Center in the draft and can play in any system) Ruiz is a plug and play starter from day 1...that's 3 HUGE holes filled with the rest of the draft left for more talent acquisition!!! Cant wait for April 23...

I have been looking forward toward your positional rankings for weeks. Last years WR rankings introduced me to Darius Slayton. After watching several highlight videos I immediately saw why you had him ranked so high.

I was very disappointed when the Giants passed on him in round 3 and their first 5th round pick, I wanted him in round 4 but I was thrilled to land Julian Love. I was ecstatic when the Giants still landed him with their second 5th round pick. IIRC you had him ranked as the fifth best WR in the draft which was much higher than every other expert. Man were you right about him.

I am hoping that the Giants land an OT in round 1, preferably with a trade down with the Dolphins, Chargers, Panthers, Jaguars, or even the Raiders, and then another developmental type in round 3, 4, or 5. Out of Ben Bartch, Matt Peart, Hakeem Adeniji, Robert Hunt, and Alex Taylor who do you like the most for the Giants in the 3-5 round range as someone who could develop into a starter. I was going to include Ezra Cleveland but I don't think he falls all the way to the Giants 3rd round pick.

I would love to see the Giants trade down to 6 with the Chargers acquiring their 2nd and 4th this year and a day two pick next year.
1st OT Tristan Wirfs Iowa
2nd ER Zack Baun Wisonsin
2nd C Cesar Ruiz Mich
3rd WR Antonio Gandy Golden
4th OT Ben Bartch
4th LB Akeem Davis-Gaither Appalachian State

A morale boost that's sorely needed. I hope we get to see them play eventually. A lot of exciting prospects.

I'm with you on the WR class, but while you can assess potential, predicting what they'll do in the NFL is a lot tougher.

I'll go out on the limb; the most talented WR in this year's draft (Though not necessarily the best.) is Denzel Mims. Unreal potential, but he needs work, and sometimes seems to lose interest. But when he's on, he's fantastic, with otherworldly measurables: 6'3", long arms, 4.38 40, incredible 6.66 3-cone. No one else in this draft has the potential ceiling he has.

If he can get his head screwed on right and keep it that way, he can be anything he and his coaches could imagine.

not only for the magnificent work you do for all of us, BUT ALSO for including the two hints of hints (re OT and WR) that will keep us speculating for weeks. Drive the traffic! Relieve the boredom!! Keep teasing us!!! Thank you!!!!

Really an important draft . Picking 4th overall .
With plenty of holes to fill we are in desperate need
of a impact player on Defense so with Young likely
out of the picture and the O_line in dire need of a
LT and a Center it will hard to pass up on a LT
prospect . That said a slight trade down would be the
best case scenario for the Giants and hopefully
get an extra 1st or 2nd round pick ,
My favorite would be Simmons he can do it all and
he is a play maker

In comment 14846634 CT Charlie said:

Quote:

not only for the magnificent work you do for all of us, BUT ALSO for including the two hints of hints (re OT and WR) that will keep us speculating for weeks. Drive the traffic! Relieve the boredom!! Keep teasing us!!! Thank you!!!!

Charles, you are good! You really rang the bell this time.

In comment 14846106 Sy'56 said:

Quote:

In comment 14846091 Torrag said: Quote: One sneak peak. Tell us something to wet our appetites. Maybe about this crazy WR class? Strongest WR class I have ever done. The three year average of WRs drafted is 31. I have 49 draftable WRs in this class. I don't think that many will be drafted - but we could easily see 40+ Jerry Jeudy? Not number one. Not number 2. And someone is tied with him at number 3.

CBS Sports, for example, has 37 WRs ranked within the top 255 slots.

And another 33 WRs in their overall ranking of 500 NFL Prospects.

So, if my count is correct (never a sure thing), that's 70 WRs in their Top 500


Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14846106 Sy'56 said:

Quote:

In comment 14846091 Torrag said: Quote: One sneak peak. Tell us something to wet our appetites. Maybe about this crazy WR class? Strongest WR class I have ever done. The three year average of WRs drafted is 31. I have 49 draftable WRs in this class. I don't think that many will be drafted - but we could easily see 40+ Jerry Jeudy? Not number one. Not number 2. And someone is tied with him at number 3.

Can't wait to get your take on Quintez Cephus

Bucky Brooks or whatever his name is from NFL Network said he had 22 WRs going in the first 3 rounds. That’s incredible.

I think I’m coming down with the Sy Rona virus. Can’t wait for the cure. Thanks for doing these Sy.

David Syvertsen
@Ourlads_Sy
·
5m
The biggest concern I have with Isaiah Simmons revolves around which coach gets their hands on him.

He can't just play LB. He can't just play S. He can't just play the EDGE. Most schemes don't have a role for someone like this and there are warts in his game in traffic.

David Syvertsen
@Ourlads_Sy
·
3m
I do think the #giants will lean LB Simmons or an OT.

With Martinez + Connelly inside and Peppers in the hybrid LB/S role - where do you put Simmons?

I don't think he can handle ILB or EDGE exclusively and Peppers can't be the deep safety.

David Syvertsen
@Ourlads_Sy
·
1h
Darius Slayton was my #5 graded WR last year - he ended up being the 18th WR selected. 18th!!

The #giants are going to want to add another WR body this year but it will be late. Who is this year's version of a highly graded WR that will be around day 3?

James Proche / SMU

David Syvertsen
@Ourlads_Sy
·
34m
For those still hating on the #giants trade for Leonard Williams:

68th pick from last 5 drafts:

OLB Jachai Polite
S Justin Reid
DT Dawuane Smoot
CB Will Redmond
TE Clive Walford

Think about it....

David Syvertsen
@Ourlads_Sy
·
1h
What position do you put Simmons at? A Derwin James-type safety? Or Anthony Barr type OLB? A Brian Urlacher type ILB?

Maybe what ARI was hoping Deone Buchanon would be?

My fear with his grade is that the wrong coach gets his hands on him.

figure out the best role for Simmons on a Defense versus getting somebody to umm, you know...block.

In comment 14846739 Eric from BBI said:

Quote:

David Syvertsen @Ourlads_Sy · 5m The biggest concern I have with Isaiah Simmons revolves around which coach gets their hands on him. He can't just play LB. He can't just play S. He can't just play the EDGE. Most schemes don't have a role for someone like this and there are warts in his game in traffic. David Syvertsen @Ourlads_Sy · 3m I do think the #giants will lean LB Simmons or an OT. With Martinez + Connelly inside and Peppers in the hybrid LB/S role - where do you put Simmons? I don't think he can handle ILB or EDGE exclusively and Peppers can't be the deep safety.

Well I'm glad we have a head coach who is more interested in what a guy does well than what he can't do, as Simmons clearly does a lot well.

If he's our pick I'm more confident in this staff's approach because of that quote than recent staffs, and if Simmons is the pick, I think they'll put him in positions he'll be able to maximize all he does well.

Not much going on in the world to look forward to right now but everyone here is looking forward to your reports.
I am especially looking forward to your report on Wirts. I have seen him play multiple times and I think he's going to be great. I also believe he is a tackle.

In comment 14846794 Eman11 said:

Quote:

In comment 14846739 Eric from BBI said: Quote: David Syvertsen @Ourlads_Sy · 5m The biggest concern I have with Isaiah Simmons revolves around which coach gets their hands on him. He can't just play LB. He can't just play S. He can't just play the EDGE. Most schemes don't have a role for someone like this and there are warts in his game in traffic. David Syvertsen @Ourlads_Sy · 3m I do think the #giants will lean LB Simmons or an OT. With Martinez + Connelly inside and Peppers in the hybrid LB/S role - where do you put Simmons? I don't think he can handle ILB or EDGE exclusively and Peppers can't be the deep safety. Well I'm glad we have a head coach who is more interested in what a guy does well than what he can't do, as Simmons clearly does a lot well. If he's our pick I'm more confident in this staff's approach because of that quote than recent staffs, and if Simmons is the pick, I think they'll put him in positions he'll be able to maximize all he does well.

I think you may be bending thoughts into the head coaches head there. You have to look at the full palate when it comes to drafting -- you are not looking at one guy when you decide to use what a guy can do for you -- you are looking for your best option at the time of your pick. If you have to scratch your head to figure out what the best way to use a guy is -- maybe he's not the best guy if there are others there that give you a clearer option as to how you're gonna use them.

I just dont think Simmons is going to be the pick, and I also think you are leaving out some of the other options because you have been seduced by all the things Simmons can do. He does not have ideal measurables for the Giants. Read Sy's post. It's very clear that there would be an issue there as to the best way the Giants could use him.

Derek Brown may well have a higher grade than Simmons does, and Sy is also saying he has two OLmen graded high enough for the pick at 4.

their draft picks, except for trying to make DEs into LBs.

Simmons, however, would be a bold move. The somewhat similar skills of Simmons and Peppers suggests to me that they would play 3 safeties with both players being able to move forward as the in the box safety.

The other possibility is that Simmons becomes the Monster, Joker, Or Rover back. I don’t think that will happen as it forces you to rely on one key player and if he goes down, You have to scrap that defense until he comes back.

In comment 14847184 gidiefor said:

Quote:

In comment 14846794 Eman11 said: Quote: In comment 14846739 Eric from BBI said: Quote: David Syvertsen @Ourlads_Sy · 5m The biggest concern I have with Isaiah Simmons revolves around which coach gets their hands on him. He can't just play LB. He can't just play S. He can't just play the EDGE. Most schemes don't have a role for someone like this and there are warts in his game in traffic. David Syvertsen @Ourlads_Sy · 3m I do think the #giants will lean LB Simmons or an OT. With Martinez + Connelly inside and Peppers in the hybrid LB/S role - where do you put Simmons? I don't think he can handle ILB or EDGE exclusively and Peppers can't be the deep safety. Well I'm glad we have a head coach who is more interested in what a guy does well than what he can't do, as Simmons clearly does a lot well. If he's our pick I'm more confident in this staff's approach because of that quote than recent staffs, and if Simmons is the pick, I think they'll put him in positions he'll be able to maximize all he does well. I think you may be bending thoughts into the head coaches head there. You have to look at the full palate when it comes to drafting -- you are not looking at one guy when you decide to use what a guy can do for you -- you are looking for your best option at the time of your pick. If you have to scratch your head to figure out what the best way to use a guy is -- maybe he's not the best guy if there are others there that give you a clearer option as to how you're gonna use them. I just dont think Simmons is going to be the pick, and I also think you are leaving out some of the other options because you have been seduced by all the things Simmons can do. He does not have ideal measurables for the Giants. Read Sy's post. It's very clear that there would be an issue there as to the best way the Giants could use him. Derek Brown may well have a higher grade than Simmons does, and Sy is also saying he has two OLmen graded high enough for the pick at 4.

I don't think I'm bending any thoughts as far as the coach's head goes. He said what he said clear as day in reference to wanting to know what a guy does well as opposed to what he can't do. There's no misinterpreting his words.

I never said Simmons should be the pick based on what the coach said, and I'm not sure where the head scratching point you're making relates to anything I've said. I only said I was confident in this staff to use him to his strengths based on the HC's statement if indeed Simmons is the pick.

That's in no way saying he's a sure thing or safer bet than another player. Just that I feel he'd be used in the best possible way by this staff and I'd feel more comfortable if he's the pick, knowing this coach wants to put players in the best possible positions to succeed. No square peg round hole type of thing.

In comment 14846582 shocktheworld said:

Quote:

In comment 14846150 Earl the goat said: Quote: Becton at 1. From the discussion I had with him in early December You posted about Becton, I remember, in like November, right? Right about when I started to get excited about him...but back then I thought maybe we could steal him with our 2nd rounder...man has he flown up the rankings! Now I am perfectly happy with him at #4...there simply aren't many humans on the planet with his size and athletic qualities....he is going to be dominant in pass and run game...Plus he is still developing his skill set...give him a year or so in an NFL strength&conditioning program, look out! I see him becoming even more dominant...I "heart" him for our NYG!!! This is my wet dream= we trade back with LAC at #6 for their second rounder (#37)...the two QB's go off the board at #4 and #5 and we are left to snag Becton at#6, then at picks #36 and #37 (with a little luck) we can snag Zack Baun (edge and gonna be a star!) and Cesar Ruiz(best Center in the draft and can play in any system) Ruiz is a plug and play starter from day 1...that's 3 HUGE holes filled with the rest of the draft left for more talent acquisition!!! Cant wait for April 23...

That would be awesome. I would hope for whatever OT they have rated as #1 It may not be Becton.

I think all have their warts and none is perfect.

enough already. every year this team neglects the OL. every single freaking year. "we liked the corner better" or "the value wasn't there". how many years to do we have to hear that. we have a young QB and a stud RB. fix the fucking line and the rest will fall into place.

Protecting the franchise QB is the priority.

Drop back pick up 2nd rounder

-Wills/Becton
-Josh Ushe (26% pressure rate)
- Cesar Ruiz (best Center in draft)
-Michael Pittman/ Gandy-Golden

In comment 14848726 uconngiant said:

Quote:

I think all have their warts and none is perfect.

Hmmmm, if any OT were "perfect" he'd be the first or 2nd ranked player on Sy's board. 2nd only because Chase Young is so freaking good and the Buckeyes have produced 2 the best edge players in recent memory in the Bosa brothers, and Young looks every bit as good.

fourth overall pick, I doubt DG would trade down unless the offer is outstanding, well above book value.

Because it's quite possible the Giants prefer only one guy and want that ONE.

reminds me of Derrick Brooks. Worst thing you can do to him is move him all over the place. I hope whoever drafts him doesn't do that.

In comment 14850464 Amtoft said:

Quote:

reminds me of Derrick Brooks. Worst thing you can do to him is move him all over the place. I hope whoever drafts him doesn't do that.

As much as I like Simmons I am concerned that he is a poor fit for our scheme.

Yep. That's usually the case. Maybe two. Which is why I'll be surprised if we do trade down past #6. Maybe #9.

I'm firmly convinced we're locked into an OT in Round 1 after Free agency and seeing the vast majority of projections that have the Top 7 OT/OC all be gone before #36.

Sorry, I can't see us entrusting Jones development and Saquon's best years to the #8 OL in this Draft.

The Cleveland's/Wilson's/Niang's of the world aren't getting it done in my book.

In comment 14850713 Torrag said:

Quote:

Yep. That's usually the case. Maybe two. Which is why I'll be surprised if we do trade down past #6. Maybe #9. I'm firmly convinced we're locked into an OT in Round 1 after Free agency and seeing the vast majority of projections that have the Top 7 OT/OC all be gone before #36. Sorry, I can't see us entrusting Jones development and Saquon's best years to the #8 OL in this Draft. The Cleveland's/Wilson's/Niang's of the world aren't getting it done in my book.

Yup. DG actually cited pick 8 in his example scenario during his combine presser as not wanting to trade down too far. He probably wants 5,6 or 7. 9 would be absolute limit but even then I think he'd use Jax as leverage and then go with Chargers,Miami, or Carolina.

The OTs go quick in the mocks. Sometimes all 4 gone by 11. Usually all gone before 18.

In comment 14850696 Jay on the Island said:

Quote:

In comment 14850464 Amtoft said: Quote: reminds me of Derrick Brooks. Worst thing you can do to him is move him all over the place. I hope whoever drafts him doesn't do that. As much as I like Simmons I am concerned that he is a poor fit for our scheme.

This issue with this statement is - we don't know the new scheme. And it sounds like this staff is very in to the concept of get good players and build schemes around them.

Anything and everything is on the table.

We will play a ton of man coverage. That is one thing that seems to be consistent. If that is true then how would Simmons not be a fit? I am not the biggest Simmons fan. I get why people love him and I get why some are concerned. If we play a ton of man we need someone to match up with not just TEs but RBs as well. I personally think the best "position" for Simmons would be a defense that plays with that rover position. Basically, let Simmons move all over the damn place and do multiple things.

If I had to put him into one position I think Safety makes the most sense in the NFL. I know Sy said he has him as a LB if he was to put him into a group. But you can view Simmons as that big nickel that we used to play where he would be a safety basically playing a LB role.

I know people were somewhat disappointed in him in the bowl games because they wanted to see him closer to the LoS but I think 8t really showed what he is capable of. If he was to be a FS for us (not saying he should be) then I think we'd all love it because of his IQ and speed. He'd eliminate a ton of downfield shit. He'd impress a lot but he is so much more than that.

You’re a great follow on Twitter, and I enjoy reading your draft previews each year. Looking forward to it !

Based on the sound bites, he’s a fit. They want to be multiple, they want to change the defense based on what the offense brings to the table, etc. A lot of times when you hear that, it’s a whole lot of air and coaches fall back into routine the second they get punched in the mouth. We saw it with the last staff. On offense, we heard all sorts of shit about how Shurmer would use Saquon in the passing game and be creative with him. That was until our OL buckled and they ran non stop inside zone and check downs. On defense, Peppers was supposed to be this chess piece that allowed us to confuse offenses with how he was deployed, he was a solid role player before injury.

I see the things that Simmons did at Clemson and I 100% see what people see in him. However, I’m jaded enough to worry that a coaching staff will just stick him in at nickelbacker and that will be that once the bullets start flying. We need more than a nickelbacker at 4.