2018 Draft Class Progress: Mid-Season Edition

[Chiefer]

How are those rookies doing halfway through the season?

Chiefs

No 1st round pick because of Mahomes, having one of the best seasons for a QB ever to start the year

2nd: Breeland Speaks DE/OLB - has been playing due to injuries but has been solid enough. Decent pressure but he has no bend so is played wide 9 to compensate. 

3rd: Derrick Nnadi DT/NT - has been out most reliable rookie. Solid on the inside and in run defense plays in our base packages.

3rd: Dorian O'Daniel LB/S - has made an impact when asked to play. Gets washed out against the inside run but he's great in pass coverage and attacking outside runs.(at least with limited snaps)

4th: Armani Watts S - was looking pretty good, had some clutch plays. But had a muscle core injury and out on IT

6th: Tremon Smith KR/CB - Kick returner due to injury he's been pretty good so far. Blazing speed

6th: Kahlil McKenzie G/OL - Conversion project, made the active roster but will be inactive all year

[vikingsrule]

CB Mike Hughes had a pick six in his debut. He's since been put on IR due to a torn ACL. He managed to get significant playing time as a rookie which says a lot because Zimmer hates playing rookie CBs. Hughes has a bright future.

OT Brian O"Neill is starting at RT due to injuries at LT. O'Neill looks good but struggles against power players. He needs to get stronger. I think he keeps the starting job once Reiff returns.

DT Jalyn Holmes has been getting more playing time due to injuries as a nickel pass rushing DT. Has one sack so far.

TE Tyler Conklin barely plays.

K Daniel Carlson missed two game winning field goals in Green Bay week 2, he was released and is now a Raider.

OG Colby Gossett is on the PS.

DE Ade Aruna is on IR.

LB Davante Downs made the team as the 6th LB. Plays on ST.

 

Overall, we've got two long term starters from this class in Hughes and O'Neil. The rest looks insignificant.

[ET80]

Texans didn't have a first or second - had to burn the 2nd to get rid of Osweiler (money well spent) and burned a first to draft Watson (again, money well spent).

3a. Justin Reid, S - Quite the find, as Reid has been a very important part of the Texans secondary. He's got a few INTs, played some good coverage from the slot as well as a FS. He's a big piece of this secondary, will be a contributor for a while.

3b. Martinas Rankin - Pushed into action due to injuries, and is overmatched in every possible way. Not fast enough for speed rushers, not strong enough for power rushers, not experienced enough for either. He's possibly a candidate for G, or a swing T one day. He's absolutely not the guy for a starting T role, LT or RT.

3c. Jordan Akins - Had a strong preseason, but hasn't really seen much action in the Regular Season. He's seeing more time now, and has a few catches, but he's an ancillary player at best, a move TE on a team with some strong WRs to throw to.

4. Keke Coutee - A steal in the 4th, the ideal slot WR for the Texans offense. Set an NFL record with 11 catches in his NFL debut, with 99 of his 109 yards coming after the catch. Has some hamstring issues he's working through, but due a bigger role with Will Fuller out for the season.

6a. Duke Ejiofor - Rotational pass rusher with one sack on the year. Good "do everything" guy who makes plays on ST, has a good set of tools for rushing the passer, but probably tops out as a key reserve/ST guy.

6b. Jordan Thomas - Really came up big last week while starting for an injured Ryan Griffin, with two TD catches vs the Dolphins. Gets open (I mean WIDE open) and runs well after the catch. Made some good blocks in the run game to boot, keeping backside lanes open for Lamar Miller. Probably worked his way into the starting lineup after that showing, was a complete TE out there.

6c. Peter Kalambayi - ST body. Pretty good in punt coverage.

7. Jermaine Kelly - IR.

So, we've got a key rotational figure in the secondary, a potential star at Slot WR, a future starting TE and a rotational pass rusher who does what's asked of him. Probably one of the better mid round hauls made by the Texans and Brian Gaine.

[INbengalfan]

For the Bengals

 

1.  Price has been out since week 2

2.  Bates has been really good.  Loked bad @KC, but so do veterans

3a.  Hubbard has been solid, but is always a half second late to making plays.  Did have a pick 6 to win a game vs. Dolphins

36  Malik Jefferson only plays special teams, which is scary, given the guys he's buried behind on the depth chart

4.  Mark Walton hasn't done much on offense, but does play STs

5  Andrew Brown  practice squad

5b.  CB Devontae Harris is currently on IR

5c CB Darius Phillips is just starting to get snaps at CB, based solely on injuries to guys in front of him

7a  QB Danny Woodside got cut, and isn't even on the PS after a DUI during camp

7b  OG Rod Taylor is on IR

7c  WR Auden Tate has not been active in a game, and recently was moved to practice squad due to injuries at other positions

[Chiefer]

35 minutes ago, ET80 said:

 

4. Keke Coutee - A steal in the 4th, the ideal slot WR for the Texans offense. Set an NFL record with 11 catches in his NFL debut, with 99 of his 109 yards coming after the catch. Has some hamstring issues he's working through, but due a bigger role with Will Fuller out for the season.

You think he's limited to just the slot?

I was really high on him after watching Mahomes film. He had a lot of talent and athletic ability(even though everybody said patrick had no talent at Texas tech) I know Mahomes is very happy for him

[Spartacus]

1. Jaire Alexander, CB & 2019 First Rounder (Saints) - Has looked like a future blue chip talent when on the field. Contests nearly every ball thrown his way and with his athleticism is able to cover nearly any WR without problem. I have no doubt if he can stay healthy and not regress that he is a future pro bowler. Considering we snagged him and an extra 1st round pick this was an amazing first pick. 

2. Josh Jackson, CB - When given the chance has looked solid. Hasn't seen much time because the Packers CB room is surprisingly stout right now with Williams, Alexander, Breeland, and King. When Williams is gone or injured I expect him to get more time. 

3. Oren Burks, LB - Hasn't looked great so far but has shown flashes occasionally. Great special teams player. 

4. J'mon Moore, WR - Honestly in his first year he has busted pretty bad. Suffered from drops all preseason and seems to have been passed up by our next two WR picks. 

5a. Cole Madison, G - Had some sort of issue. Was not at camp and not sure if we will ever see him play in the NFL. 

5b. JK Scott, P - Been good and bad. Needs to work on his consistency but has been an upgrade over our previous punter. 

5c. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR - Has shown flashes of brilliance using his extreme athleticism. Has been a surprisingly good route runner. So far, he looks the part and may play an integral role for a long time for the Packers if he continues to grow. 

6. Equanamiuos (Spelled Wrong) St Brown, WR - Like MVS he has also shown flashes of what he can become. Has made a couple plays this year and he may also be a large part of the WR plans going forward. 

7. All look like 7th rounders. Not worth talking about for another couple years at least. 

This has been a great draft class so far. It looks like hits at both CBs drafted with one having blue chip potential and the other having at least #2 potential. A utility LB, a starting punter, at least two rotational WRs that look really good so far. We will see in 3 years who took the next step and who looks worse but you can't ask for much more considering that we also snagged an extra 1st round pick for next year. 

[ET80]

11 minutes ago, Chiefer said:

You think he's limited to just the slot?

I was really high on him after watching Mahomes film. He had a lot of talent and athletic ability(even though everybody said patrick had no talent at Texas tech) I know Mahomes is very happy for him

He CAN develop into a boundary guy (he might have to with the injury to Will Fuller) but it's one of those "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of deals. Rookie WRs from spread offenses have a steep learning curve as is, no need to interfere with his development right now.

[animaltested]

Would rather post about the 2016 draft...

 

1. RB Rashard Penny - 3rd on the depth chart, sporadic touches. Less about him, more to do with Carson being a beast, and Mike Davis being an awesome 2nd RB. I figure he will get more touches down the road as the season grinds on. Pretty much a redshirt season. Very disappointing. 

3. DE Rasheem Green - Flashed big play talent in preseason, has been hurt all season. Could be a solid contributor down the stretch once he gets healthy.

4. TE Will Dissly - Was a beast early in the season, both catching and run blocking. Then shredded his knee. Damn shame.

5. P Michael Dickson - Awesome. 

6. T Jamarco Jones - Onto IR in Preseason

6. DB Tre Flowers - Starting Corner since game 1. He has been playing solid. Doesn't get beat over the top, but does get worked underneath, and misses tackles. Making the transition from safety to corner so gets a little benefit of the doubt. 

6. Edge Jacob Martin - Has been getting on the field a lot in the last 4 weeks on pass rushing downs. Him and Clark on the field together get a lot of heat on the edges. Not a bad pick that late in the draft.

7. Alex McGough - Practice Squad.  

[Forge]

49ers: 

1) Mike McGlinchey - Honestly, holding up better than I thought he would. Still struggles in pass pro sometimes, but he's an absolute beast in the run game. Not sure that he ever becomes an elite pass protector, but he's probably going to be what I thought he was heading into the draft - a very solid / good right tackle who ends up starting in one or more places for like a decade. 

2) Dante Pettis - Meh. Didn't love the pick, and he's spent the last few weeks injured. His route running is legit, and damn pretty, but he also struggles mightily making contested catches. Going to be really hard to get a good feel for him throughout the rest of the season though with CJ as the quarterback. 

3) Fred Warner - Started since day one. Has had some ups and downs. Looks decent though. Very happy with this selection so far. 

4) Tarvarius Moore - Well, he's pretty solid on special teams. He's played almost no snaps on defense however, so he's a complete unknown at this point in time. Little disconcerting with how bad the secondary has struggled this year that he hasn't at least been given a shot to play. 

5) Kentavius Street - IR stash. Pouring one out for Baalke. Won't know until next year. 

6) DJ Reed - He's had a bad fumble or two on kick returns. Minimal time playing his natural slot corner position. We cross trained him at Free Safety, and now with Colbert on IR, he's starting at free safety. Don't love playing him there as I think several people in the 49er forum don't feel that's where he should be playing, but it kind of is what it is. 

7) Marcell Harris - Hated this pick, he's largely been an IR stash so far this year and hasn't played. He was designated to return, and I Think that is coming up this week or next. Given the injuries in the secondary, possible that he gets some time to show what he can do, but given his highly limited experience actually playing football, doubting much develops. 

8) Jullian Taylor - 7th round pick made the team, and that's something, but has largely been inactive for most weeks on gameday. Looked okay at times during the preason against other team backs ups. 

9) Richie James - Another 7th round pick who made the team, so again, that's something. Really flashed well in the preseason at receiver, but has struggled to get on to the field during the regular season, even with Trent Taylor being banged up. Basically has managed 1 catch and 1 target so far this year. 

[Superman(DH23)]

1. Roquan Smith. 

Held out almost all of TC, saw no preseason time, didnt start week 1.  Since then has started every game and really seems to be coming along nicely.

2. James Daniel's

Had to move around a lot in TC due to injuries on the line.  Forced what I can't recall ever seeing before and that is a rotation on the line.  Just got his first start, and I doubt he ever looks back.  Gets by mostly on athleticism right now, but was known as a great technician in college so I imagine that will come around as well.

2. Anthony Miller

Kid looks like hes going to be something special, already has 4 TDs and even missed a game for his shoulder.

4. Joel igyiebuniwe

4 phase special reamer so far

5.  Bilal Nichols

Ryan Paces patented late round steal.  Has earned his reps, makes plays every game and is an integral part of the Bears 5 man do rotation.  Is following Akiem Hicks around everywhere and is going to be starting sooner than later.

6. Kylie Fitts.

Looked explosive in camp.  Game day inactive. Mack trade took away his pt.

7.  Javon Wims

Rave reviews in camp.  Big preseason.  Mostly game day inactive.

[RedGold]

6 hours ago, INbengalfan said:

For the Bengals

 

2.  Bates has been really good.  Loked bad @KC, but so do veterans

Glad to see on Bates.  Really wanted him in KC, he’s a keeper. 

[Tetsujin]

1) Minkah Fitzpatrick FS Alabama: Playing pretty well. SOME rookie mistakes, but overall, worth the selection.

2) Mike Gesicki TE Penn State: Making nice catches and plays in the passing game. He's no blocker, though.

3) Jerome Baker OLB Ohio State: He's made a few plays and can fly around to the ball, but needs to read everything better.

4) Durham Smythe TE Notre Dame: Hasn't seen many snaps. A blocking TE.

4) Kalen Ballage HB Arizona State: He's only been on 7 offensive snaps this season and hasn't been active for games. He took a wildcat snap vs HOU. Not really needed with Drake/Gore.

6) Cornell Armstrong CB Southern Miss: ST player

7) Quentin Poling LB Ohio: Practice Squad

7) Jason Sanders K New Mexico: 9/10 FG, 19/20 XP. SOLID. 

[FinSting]

8 minutes ago, freak_of_nature said:

 

3) Jerome Baker OLB Ohio State: He's made a few plays and can fly around to the ball, but needs to read everything better.

 

Baker is the new style of LB, 215 lbs and fast!

Sad stat:  in one game vs the Bengals, rookie Baker got the same sacks and Fins' first-round pick DE Charles Harris has in his entire two-year career. UGH. Thought Harris would be a sophomore sack stud, unfortunately he's not a force. 

[candyman93]

Our best rookies have been easily Nick Chubb and Denzel Ward.

 

Browns:

 

1. Baker Mayfield - Has his ups and downs. He’s had zero help from his o-line who give up the league high in sacks. His WRs also lead the league in drops.

1. Denzel Ward - Stud. However, his inexperience shows at times against higher end WRs.

2. Austin Corbett - Hasn’t done anything.

2. Nick Chubb - Has flashed brilliance at times. However, our incompetent play calling has denied him touches.

3. Chad Thomas - Hasn’t done anything.

4. Antonio Callaway - Homerun threat, but drops too many passes.

5. Genard Avery - Looked impressive in preseason, but has disappeared. 

6. Damion Ratley - Has made some catches, I like his potential.

6. Simeon Thomas - Not sure he’s even on the roster.

[Soko]

1a - Isaiah Wynn: Worked almost exclusively at tackle, likely would’ve been the third T on the roster (which is essentially a starter, given Cannon’s health) but he tore his Achilles in the preseason. IR’d.

1b - Sony Michel: Slow start, but he’s really come on lately. Needs to develop chemistry with Brady in the passing game, but he’s a legit runner. More powerful than I expected and has the quickness in tight spaces. Currently dealing with a minor knee injury after getting rolled up last week but should be back relatively soon. 

2 - Duke Dawson: IR’d. 

5 - JaWhaun Bentley: Might’ve been the best LB on the team when he was playing (Hightower had a very slow start to the season). Coming in as a guy expected to be a two-down thumper, he showed his aggressiveness in the run game and some surprising solid ability in the pass game. He went to IR in September.

6 - Christian Sam: IR’d. 

6 - Braxton Berrios: IR’d.

7 - Danny Etling: P.S.

7 - Keion Crossen: Fought hard for a roster spot and earned it, but is typically inactive. He is sitting behind UDFA hopeful, JC Jackson, who gets a little playing time.

7 - Ryan Izzo: IR’d.