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kurgan 2021 mock draft v.2


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Kurgan 2021 v.2 (If I was doing it… NOT predictive)

 

I usually do one of these closer to the draft, but screw it, I’ll do one now.  This is pre-FA and all that jazz, so I will have a blank slate in which to do not only the FA signees (within reason) but draft based on what I think might happen + what I would do in this situation.

I will do one later when we know more about the off-season in reality and what we look like closer to the draft, but here is Coach Kurgan’s FA plan and draft.

Let’s deal with the albatross first.  I am not shoving Ben out the door.  I am making it clear the window is closing, and that I am paying him for 2021, and we will revisit after the season.  Same with Pouncey.  We will revisit with him as well.  But, we are making it clear that we are going to keep the defense intact as possible for life after Ben, and that we have to try to balance being competitive this year with the future.

We will also be addressing the run game.  We can debate this on another thread, but I feel like the running issue is not a RB issue that can be solved with one high draft pick.  First, we will scheme and call running plays.  Second, we will fix technique flaws.  Then, we will fix personnel up front.  Once we do that, we will look at the RB position for answers, but this is not the time.  (Scheme-technique-personnel being one of the most used football coaching adages.)

I am not going to pretend to be a financial capologist, but I can say off the bat that Bud Dupree, Mike Hilton, James Connor and Matt Feiler will be allowed to go make $$.  I will also cut/release/not-resign Avery Williamson, Tyson Alualu, Sean Davis, Vince Williams, Chris Wormley and in a surprising move, Eric Ebron.  (I know this may fly in the face of what I said above, but I don’t think we can afford the Dupree, Hilton, Connor or Feiler with our cap issues and what we have to deal with coming up.  The others are necessary for our financial as well, as I do not want to carry dead money into 2022.  I think we are good without those guys.)

All of this will be with the premium idea to sign 4 guys that I think I can get to stay to help us and on team friendly terms:  Alejandro Villanueva, Cam Sutton, Zach Banner and Juju.  Villy will sign for 1-3 years to fit the Ben timeframe, Banner bet on himself and he knows we gave him a chance to win the job and will again, Sutton will be cheaper than Hilton and a better cover guy to be our new nickel DB, and Juju since he will be the franchise when Ben goes, is a good WR, likes Pitt, and is still young.  (Also, in perfect clarity, last time I did this, I kept Hilton and Ebron so I swapped Villy and Juju this time.)

In addition to all of this, I will do the ERFA and RFA deals, and bring some low level FA and cut and tinker here and there.  I’ll get a cheap NG type player, a role player RB and comp for Ola as Edge #3 (Late note:  One guy I would add is Blake Bell, TE.  The Belldozer is pure blocking TE these days, and just what we need.  Athlete enough, but takes over Vance’s spot in the TE corps.)

Position Review/Draft Need

  • 1-QB-Ben’s last ride, Rudolph, Haskins
  • 4-RB-Snell, McFarland, Samuels, role player FA
  • 1-WR-In this scenario, I have everyone back.
  • 5-Gentry, Blake Bell
  • 4-OT-Old Villy, off injury Banner, Chuks
  • 6-IOL-Pounce, DDC, Dotson
  • 5-DL-Heyward, Tuitt, young guys, FA NG
  • 4-Edge-Watt, Highsmith, Ola, FA type
  • 3-ILB-Bush, Spillane, UG3, Allen
  • 5-CB-Haden, Nelson, Sutton, Layne, Pierre
  • 3-S-Minkah, Edmunds

So, I have a whole range of mid numbers.  Some are high because of depth (Edge/RB/IDL), others are high because of age (IOL/CB), or uneven play (OT/TE).

So, as I make my targets list, I have to look at both now and in the future.  A back might play early, as might a TE situationally, or a true base NG, but the rest are for depth or for the future.  I have a QB, RBs, a starting OL and most of the defense back.

The basic plan I am looking or is what do I need to compete in 2021?  A highlight TE or RB maybe, but I am razor thin at CB, Edge and IOL.  I am 1 or 2 injuries away from being barebones.

Rough tiers are:

  1. 1. IOL, TE* (I have 3 for 3 on IOL and no depth.  I also need a franchise C.  TE is early IF the right guy is there and he is a player right away.)
  2. 2. CB, OT, TE* (Haden is 32 and FA, as is Nelson.  Sutton is my only NB, Layne is unproven and Pierre is a UDFA… OT is thin with Villy being on a short deal and Banner being hurt… TE, see above, but will not make it past comp 4 in my world.)
  3. 3. NG, Edge (Depth needed but PT blocked.  We only play with a NT 30% of the time, and Edge is Watt/Highsmith for the next 12 years)
  4. 4. RB, ILB, S (Projects and depth needed…)

Plan… Tiers 1 and 2 will be taken before comp rd 4 UNLESS someone from 3 or 4 fall in a DDC slide.

Last pre-draft note:  For 1.24, I am going to use the Steeler checklist.  Underclassman, P5, High athlete (we don’t have SPARQ scores).

 

1.24—Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina.  6’1” 205.  

Checks all the boxes AND has NFL bloodlines that the Steelers love.  Press man corner, well versed in SEC CB play against future NFL stars.  Left on an island against the opponent’s best WR.  Loves press coverage, has played off, can play some zone.  Dude is long and physical, and I think his reputation of being ‘grabby’ is both lazy and unwarranted.  He is tasked in covering the best of the best in college ball, and does get some DPI, but that is to be expected.  Want him to be better on run support, but is willing.

As far as strategy here, there are 3 CBs that are worth drafting here and we will not have a shot at Surtain or Farley.  I had 3 names I was willing to draft here; Jalin Mayfield (OT, Michigan) or Pat Friermuth (TE, Penn State).  As much as I love Mayfield and think he is a good pick, in this scenario where I keep Villy and Banner, he would be taking a redshirt year.  If Banner is good, Mayfield might not play for a while.  So, it was Horn or Friermuth for me.  And, as much as I would have loved the TE, I am left thinking that all of the things that Ebron did for Ben last year, Claypool or Juju can do.  Ebron was a big WR, and that is basically Claypool with the added bonus of a down field threat.  I could see Pat being a Heath like long term TE here, but I am terrified of CB depth AND 2022 with Haden and Nelson being FA.  I know we can resign Nelson, but I have to see if Horn can be a lockdown corner we need.  I also feel the pain of 1st round CBs, but Horn is no Artie Burns.  He has the tape, the pedigree and the comp level to blossom for us.  He is CB #4 to start, can play on dime on day 1.

 

2.56—Josh Meyers, IOL Ohio State.  6’5” 312

Gotta take our franchise C here and also 2021 depth for IOL.  Dude is scheme and position versatile and presents as the best case for us right here as he can be depth in 2021 and take over when Pounce moves on.  Big dude with high pedigree, he can play in shotgun stuff and under stuff, and has a lot of games played for a young guy.  A heavyweight figher in close, he doesn’t lose the middle and is OK enough to get to the next level.  He is not a flashy athlete or SPARQ monster, but a smart football player who has played in huge games.

With RBs and the top 3 TE gone, I was honestly all in on IOL here.  It was Meyers, Trey Smith (UT) or Landon Dickerson (Alabama).  Smith has injury issues AND is not a C, and Dickerson is ALL Center.  While Dickerson was tough NOT to take, I wanted a guy that was able to be flexible with positions and schemes while being a real steddy eddy on the line.

 

3.88—Spencer Brown, OT Northern Iowa.  6’9” 321

Big, huge, small school guy that fits our mold for what we want to do.  Fits our third round gamble mode, and is a guy that is moldable clay with the traits we look for.  Dominated at his level and has technique issues but can be a redshirt guy that gets work and then can take over after Villy sails off.  Monster in pass pro, eats up rushers and turns them off.  Not great in run blocking right now, but offense and scheme dictate this. Can work hard on sleds and fix these issues.  Worth a gamble for 2022+ once we know what is up with Banner/Villy and even Chuks.  Hopefully new OL coach can have a Villy-type resurgence on him.

This worked out too well.  Knowing I needed OT and TE here, I was watching Hunter Long (TE, BC) and Brady Christenson (OT, BYU).  I was hoping Brown would fall, and he did.  Once Long went at 86, Brown was the target.  Debated Trey Sermon for a moment, but tried to stay in tier.

 

4.129—Tommy Tremble, TE Notre Dame.  6’4” 245

MAN CRUSH ALERT!!!!  I have crushed on Tremble since HS days.  He is what we need in the TE room.  Guy who was recruited as a ‘flex TE,’ was losing time to Cole Kmet and said he would change his personality and mindset.  Turned into a DEVESTATING run blocker and fearless lead blocker/FB for the new Irish power attack.  But, retained some of the stuff that made him valued as a flex guy, as he a good route runner and can get open.  Will not burn you, but will get open and make catches.  But, most importantly, will kill you in run blocking.  We need a dirty blocker, and with Blake Bell will make a helluva tandem.  Can play right away in some sets as a blocker, and can do everything that Vance McDonald did.

OK, I cheated on this one.  I reached to take him, but I love what he brings.  I know some of you guys would have preferred Yeboah (Ole Miss) or even McKitty (UGA) as more flex/Ebron weapons, but I want to scheme run stuff, and Tremble can do that.  I am not worried about the pass game, we have CC and even JW for those Ebron routes, but we now have guys that can BLOCK.  For the RB guys, Patterson (Buffalo) and Hubbard (OKl State) were still there, but…

 

4.142—Khyiris Tonga, NG BYU.  6’4” 322

This one is simple.   With Wormley and Alualu getting axes, I needed a base 3-4 NG.  I realize that Davis and Buggs are on the roster, but neither are true NG, and we haven’t had one in a while for the 30% of the time we are in base.  So, meet the new run stuffer.  Tonga is a 0 tech nightmare that brutalizes centers.  Not real good when asked to slip gaps (see the Coastal Carolina game) but best when asked to create double teams to keep backers clean.  Does have a bit of pass rush juice.

Ok, so I stayed on schedule and was able to use this extra pick to elevate a tier pick.  And, while I fully expect us to not take a traditional NG (we didn’t last year when we had a chance) I am taking one here.  Edge was my other tier 3, and there was no one that got my attention once Koonce went in Rd 3, only a huge DE from Northern Iowa that I couldn’t bring myself to take.  Or Hubbard.

 

6.206—Jamar Watson, Edge Kentucky.  6’3” 250

Watson is a Joker type of player that was an edge rusher, mix DE and even slot corner player that plays a hybrid role.  I like him here as a guy that is a bit different than what we normally use edges for.  He does not really have a defining ‘it’ role or skill, but is a smart and heady football player that has a diverse tool belt in order to play both in space and on the line.  Has some run stuffing potential, but more of a pass rusher or drop guy.  I like him here as a guy that can compete with Ola for #3 in a clear role, as the drop OLB.  Highsmith/Watt are the guys, but if Watson comes on, he can play the OLB that hangs or drops, but he is good enough to not have to be a specialist.

Worked out OK here… knew it was going to be an EDGE, and I had my eye on Rumph (Duke) but he went in the 190s.  Athletic freak Reed Blankenship (Mid Tenn) went 201, and that would have been tough to pass up.  Still some RBs I like (Verdell, Mitchell, Boyd, Marable), but there are a bunch knotted together, and one has to make it to 226, right?

 

6.226—Elijah Mitchell, RB ULL.  5’11” 217

Man Crush Alert (not as big as Tremble, but…).  I love this dude.  First saw him on watching tape of Dotson.  Just this blur that is one step and go, and doesn’t waste time.  See hole, hit hole.  No elite speed or moves, just a ball carrier that totes the hell outta the rock.  Offense changed this year to more QB Read stuff, but he was just as effective.  Straight line, downhill, willing to run over people.  Measurables will get him killed, but you know ball players when you see them.

Saw Boyd and Verdell go, and got nervous, but swooped in to take him here.  Add him to the pile of bodies with Samuel, Snell, McFarland, Vet FA, and see what happens.  I think fixing the running game is a 2 year process, and he is a good back to work in a committee with what we have.  Only other back I liked was Marable (CCU) but he already said he was coming back to Coastal, so I didn’t want to cheat.  Larry Roundtree (Mizzou) was also around.  Marco Wilson (Florida) would have been an interesting CB/S prospect, but 1) as a UGA guy, I have to hate UF and 2) the whole shoe thing.

 

7.244—Lamont Wade, DB Penn State.  5’9” 190.

Have him listed as a DB because I am not sure what he is.  Short, well built SS/NB type who hits hard and runs a 4.4.  He is a big hit waiting to happen, and plays 6 inches taller than he is.  Fast dude who played 2 deep safety for PSU who could cover ground and hit, but it is tough to see him playing there on Sundays.

Guys, this safety class is WEAK.  I wanted to get some comp for Dangerfield, but there is nothing early or late to excited about.  Every safety is a box safety which we already have with Allen and Edmunds.  No FS to be had.  This guy is intriguing due to speed, and I could see him being a Hilton-esque player.  I have to get bodies in the backfield, but there are no CB or S to get excited about late.  The best I could do is a tall small school developmental CB, but we get those UDFA.  Anyway, let’s throw this guy deep and see if he can play centerfield some.

 

7.253—Tuf Borland, MIKE Ohio State.  6’1” 232.

2 down 1950’s style mike backer who will cream you in the A-B gap and punish you.  Smart and tough football player who is worth a ticket late to add to the ILB room that is missing an old school thumper.

ILB needed a body to compete with Bush, Spillane, UG3 and Allen.  A type we don’t have, a rugged dude who will cream you.  Backup to Spillane at least to start, is a 2 down player and can help on special teams.

 

UDFA Class:

  1. 1. Feliepe Franks, QB Arkansas.  6’6” 220.  Big arm, escapablity.  Well traveled but can compete for PS.
  2. 2. TJ Vasher, WR Texas Tech.  6’6” 210.  Big body WR that is a completive catcher.
  3. 3. Shane Simpson, RB UVA.  6’ 195.  Transfer from Towson.  Wanted to try big boy football and did well.  Another one cut runner with some wiggle.
  4. 4. Tony Carter, FB LSU.  6’1” 260.  Requiste training camp FB so D. Watt doesn’t have to do all the goaline/ST reps.
  5. 5. Dylan Soeher, TE Iowa State.  6’7” 283.   Big willing blocker with decent hands.  More new faces in the TE room.
  6. 6. Tommy Doyle, OT Miami-OH.  6’8” 326.  Another mammoth project tackle to battle the incumbents in camp.
  7. 7. Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE Wisconsin.  6’7” 293.  Project 5 tech.
  8. 8. Mac McCain III, CB North Carolina A+T.  6’ 175.  Dominant first two years, then tore up his knee.  Dominant man press corner.
  9. 9. Cameron Kay, LS Troy.  6’2” 234.  Nations #2 Long Snapper.
  10. 10. Pressley Harvin III, P Georgia Tech.  6’ 255.  Chunky boomer who had to punt a lot the last 4 years.

 

After draft thoughts:

In this scenario, we are talking about trying to win in this window but not forsaking the future.  We didn’t add any starters, but we shored up some positions.  QB remains unchanged, and the RB slot will be done by committee until we fix scheme and technique.  TE turns over with the loss of Ebron but adding a main blocker and a move/H back will help some.  WR remains unchanged as JJSS, JW, DJ and CC get better and dominate snaps.  Up front, we will battle for the starting 5 with 6 bodies that have played in the NFL and two backups/projects. 

Defensively, we stuck some rags in the leaking positions and set ourselves up to a succession plan at CB.  We are still a little iffy in places, but our first 11 are the best in the league.  We have a true NG again, and some dynamic players.

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13 hours ago, kurgan said:

Kurgan 2021 v.2 (If I was doing it… NOT predictive)

 

I usually do one of these closer to the draft, but screw it, I’ll do one now.  This is pre-FA and all that jazz, so I will have a blank slate in which to do not only the FA signees (within reason) but draft based on what I think might happen + what I would do in this situation.

I will do one later when we know more about the off-season in reality and what we look like closer to the draft, but here is Coach Kurgan’s FA plan and draft.

Let’s deal with the albatross first.  I am not shoving Ben out the door.  I am making it clear the window is closing, and that I am paying him for 2021, and we will revisit after the season.  Same with Pouncey.  We will revisit with him as well.  But, we are making it clear that we are going to keep the defense intact as possible for life after Ben, and that we have to try to balance being competitive this year with the future.

We will also be addressing the run game.  We can debate this on another thread, but I feel like the running issue is not a RB issue that can be solved with one high draft pick.  First, we will scheme and call running plays.  Second, we will fix technique flaws.  Then, we will fix personnel up front.  Once we do that, we will look at the RB position for answers, but this is not the time.  (Scheme-technique-personnel being one of the most used football coaching adages.)

I am not going to pretend to be a financial capologist, but I can say off the bat that Bud Dupree, Mike Hilton, James Connor and Matt Feiler will be allowed to go make $$.  I will also cut/release/not-resign Avery Williamson, Tyson Alualu, Sean Davis, Vince Williams, Chris Wormley and in a surprising move, Eric Ebron.  (I know this may fly in the face of what I said above, but I don’t think we can afford the Dupree, Hilton, Connor or Feiler with our cap issues and what we have to deal with coming up.  The others are necessary for our financial as well, as I do not want to carry dead money into 2022.  I think we are good without those guys.)

All of this will be with the premium idea to sign 4 guys that I think I can get to stay to help us and on team friendly terms:  Alejandro Villanueva, Cam Sutton, Zach Banner and Juju.  Villy will sign for 1-3 years to fit the Ben timeframe, Banner bet on himself and he knows we gave him a chance to win the job and will again, Sutton will be cheaper than Hilton and a better cover guy to be our new nickel DB, and Juju since he will be the franchise when Ben goes, is a good WR, likes Pitt, and is still young.  (Also, in perfect clarity, last time I did this, I kept Hilton and Ebron so I swapped Villy and Juju this time.)

In addition to all of this, I will do the ERFA and RFA deals, and bring some low level FA and cut and tinker here and there.  I’ll get a cheap NG type player, a role player RB and comp for Ola as Edge #3 (Late note:  One guy I would add is Blake Bell, TE.  The Belldozer is pure blocking TE these days, and just what we need.  Athlete enough, but takes over Vance’s spot in the TE corps.)

Position Review/Draft Need

  • 1-QB-Ben’s last ride, Rudolph, Haskins
  • 4-RB-Snell, McFarland, Samuels, role player FA
  • 1-WR-In this scenario, I have everyone back.
  • 5-Gentry, Blake Bell
  • 4-OT-Old Villy, off injury Banner, Chuks
  • 6-IOL-Pounce, DDC, Dotson
  • 5-DL-Heyward, Tuitt, young guys, FA NG
  • 4-Edge-Watt, Highsmith, Ola, FA type
  • 3-ILB-Bush, Spillane, UG3, Allen
  • 5-CB-Haden, Nelson, Sutton, Layne, Pierre
  • 3-S-Minkah, Edmunds

So, I have a whole range of mid numbers.  Some are high because of depth (Edge/RB/IDL), others are high because of age (IOL/CB), or uneven play (OT/TE).

So, as I make my targets list, I have to look at both now and in the future.  A back might play early, as might a TE situationally, or a true base NG, but the rest are for depth or for the future.  I have a QB, RBs, a starting OL and most of the defense back.

The basic plan I am looking or is what do I need to compete in 2021?  A highlight TE or RB maybe, but I am razor thin at CB, Edge and IOL.  I am 1 or 2 injuries away from being barebones.

Rough tiers are:

  1. 1. IOL, TE* (I have 3 for 3 on IOL and no depth.  I also need a franchise C.  TE is early IF the right guy is there and he is a player right away.)
  2. 2. CB, OT, TE* (Haden is 32 and FA, as is Nelson.  Sutton is my only NB, Layne is unproven and Pierre is a UDFA… OT is thin with Villy being on a short deal and Banner being hurt… TE, see above, but will not make it past comp 4 in my world.)
  3. 3. NG, Edge (Depth needed but PT blocked.  We only play with a NT 30% of the time, and Edge is Watt/Highsmith for the next 12 years)
  4. 4. RB, ILB, S (Projects and depth needed…)

Plan… Tiers 1 and 2 will be taken before comp rd 4 UNLESS someone from 3 or 4 fall in a DDC slide.

Last pre-draft note:  For 1.24, I am going to use the Steeler checklist.  Underclassman, P5, High athlete (we don’t have SPARQ scores).

 

1.24—Jaycee Horn, CB South Carolina.  6’1” 205.  

Checks all the boxes AND has NFL bloodlines that the Steelers love.  Press man corner, well versed in SEC CB play against future NFL stars.  Left on an island against the opponent’s best WR.  Loves press coverage, has played off, can play some zone.  Dude is long and physical, and I think his reputation of being ‘grabby’ is both lazy and unwarranted.  He is tasked in covering the best of the best in college ball, and does get some DPI, but that is to be expected.  Want him to be better on run support, but is willing.

As far as strategy here, there are 3 CBs that are worth drafting here and we will not have a shot at Surtain or Farley.  I had 3 names I was willing to draft here; Jalin Mayfield (OT, Michigan) or Pat Friermuth (TE, Penn State).  As much as I love Mayfield and think he is a good pick, in this scenario where I keep Villy and Banner, he would be taking a redshirt year.  If Banner is good, Mayfield might not play for a while.  So, it was Horn or Friermuth for me.  And, as much as I would have loved the TE, I am left thinking that all of the things that Ebron did for Ben last year, Claypool or Juju can do.  Ebron was a big WR, and that is basically Claypool with the added bonus of a down field threat.  I could see Pat being a Heath like long term TE here, but I am terrified of CB depth AND 2022 with Haden and Nelson being FA.  I know we can resign Nelson, but I have to see if Horn can be a lockdown corner we need.  I also feel the pain of 1st round CBs, but Horn is no Artie Burns.  He has the tape, the pedigree and the comp level to blossom for us.  He is CB #4 to start, can play on dime on day 1.

 

2.56—Josh Meyers, IOL Ohio State.  6’5” 312

Gotta take our franchise C here and also 2021 depth for IOL.  Dude is scheme and position versatile and presents as the best case for us right here as he can be depth in 2021 and take over when Pounce moves on.  Big dude with high pedigree, he can play in shotgun stuff and under stuff, and has a lot of games played for a young guy.  A heavyweight figher in close, he doesn’t lose the middle and is OK enough to get to the next level.  He is not a flashy athlete or SPARQ monster, but a smart football player who has played in huge games.

With RBs and the top 3 TE gone, I was honestly all in on IOL here.  It was Meyers, Trey Smith (UT) or Landon Dickerson (Alabama).  Smith has injury issues AND is not a C, and Dickerson is ALL Center.  While Dickerson was tough NOT to take, I wanted a guy that was able to be flexible with positions and schemes while being a real steddy eddy on the line.

 

3.88—Spencer Brown, OT Northern Iowa.  6’9” 321

Big, huge, small school guy that fits our mold for what we want to do.  Fits our third round gamble mode, and is a guy that is moldable clay with the traits we look for.  Dominated at his level and has technique issues but can be a redshirt guy that gets work and then can take over after Villy sails off.  Monster in pass pro, eats up rushers and turns them off.  Not great in run blocking right now, but offense and scheme dictate this. Can work hard on sleds and fix these issues.  Worth a gamble for 2022+ once we know what is up with Banner/Villy and even Chuks.  Hopefully new OL coach can have a Villy-type resurgence on him.

This worked out too well.  Knowing I needed OT and TE here, I was watching Hunter Long (TE, BC) and Brady Christenson (OT, BYU).  I was hoping Brown would fall, and he did.  Once Long went at 86, Brown was the target.  Debated Trey Sermon for a moment, but tried to stay in tier.

 

4.129—Tommy Tremble, TE Notre Dame.  6’4” 245

MAN CRUSH ALERT!!!!  I have crushed on Tremble since HS days.  He is what we need in the TE room.  Guy who was recruited as a ‘flex TE,’ was losing time to Cole Kmet and said he would change his personality and mindset.  Turned into a DEVESTATING run blocker and fearless lead blocker/FB for the new Irish power attack.  But, retained some of the stuff that made him valued as a flex guy, as he a good route runner and can get open.  Will not burn you, but will get open and make catches.  But, most importantly, will kill you in run blocking.  We need a dirty blocker, and with Blake Bell will make a helluva tandem.  Can play right away in some sets as a blocker, and can do everything that Vance McDonald did.

OK, I cheated on this one.  I reached to take him, but I love what he brings.  I know some of you guys would have preferred Yeboah (Ole Miss) or even McKitty (UGA) as more flex/Ebron weapons, but I want to scheme run stuff, and Tremble can do that.  I am not worried about the pass game, we have CC and even JW for those Ebron routes, but we now have guys that can BLOCK.  For the RB guys, Patterson (Buffalo) and Hubbard (OKl State) were still there, but…

 

4.142—Khyiris Tonga, NG BYU.  6’4” 322

This one is simple.   With Wormley and Alualu getting axes, I needed a base 3-4 NG.  I realize that Davis and Buggs are on the roster, but neither are true NG, and we haven’t had one in a while for the 30% of the time we are in base.  So, meet the new run stuffer.  Tonga is a 0 tech nightmare that brutalizes centers.  Not real good when asked to slip gaps (see the Coastal Carolina game) but best when asked to create double teams to keep backers clean.  Does have a bit of pass rush juice.

Ok, so I stayed on schedule and was able to use this extra pick to elevate a tier pick.  And, while I fully expect us to not take a traditional NG (we didn’t last year when we had a chance) I am taking one here.  Edge was my other tier 3, and there was no one that got my attention once Koonce went in Rd 3, only a huge DE from Northern Iowa that I couldn’t bring myself to take.  Or Hubbard.

 

6.206—Jamar Watson, Edge Kentucky.  6’3” 250

Watson is a Joker type of player that was an edge rusher, mix DE and even slot corner player that plays a hybrid role.  I like him here as a guy that is a bit different than what we normally use edges for.  He does not really have a defining ‘it’ role or skill, but is a smart and heady football player that has a diverse tool belt in order to play both in space and on the line.  Has some run stuffing potential, but more of a pass rusher or drop guy.  I like him here as a guy that can compete with Ola for #3 in a clear role, as the drop OLB.  Highsmith/Watt are the guys, but if Watson comes on, he can play the OLB that hangs or drops, but he is good enough to not have to be a specialist.

Worked out OK here… knew it was going to be an EDGE, and I had my eye on Rumph (Duke) but he went in the 190s.  Athletic freak Reed Blankenship (Mid Tenn) went 201, and that would have been tough to pass up.  Still some RBs I like (Verdell, Mitchell, Boyd, Marable), but there are a bunch knotted together, and one has to make it to 226, right?

 

6.226—Elijah Mitchell, RB ULL.  5’11” 217

Man Crush Alert (not as big as Tremble, but…).  I love this dude.  First saw him on watching tape of Dotson.  Just this blur that is one step and go, and doesn’t waste time.  See hole, hit hole.  No elite speed or moves, just a ball carrier that totes the hell outta the rock.  Offense changed this year to more QB Read stuff, but he was just as effective.  Straight line, downhill, willing to run over people.  Measurables will get him killed, but you know ball players when you see them.

Saw Boyd and Verdell go, and got nervous, but swooped in to take him here.  Add him to the pile of bodies with Samuel, Snell, McFarland, Vet FA, and see what happens.  I think fixing the running game is a 2 year process, and he is a good back to work in a committee with what we have.  Only other back I liked was Marable (CCU) but he already said he was coming back to Coastal, so I didn’t want to cheat.  Larry Roundtree (Mizzou) was also around.  Marco Wilson (Florida) would have been an interesting CB/S prospect, but 1) as a UGA guy, I have to hate UF and 2) the whole shoe thing.

 

7.244—Lamont Wade, DB Penn State.  5’9” 190.

Have him listed as a DB because I am not sure what he is.  Short, well built SS/NB type who hits hard and runs a 4.4.  He is a big hit waiting to happen, and plays 6 inches taller than he is.  Fast dude who played 2 deep safety for PSU who could cover ground and hit, but it is tough to see him playing there on Sundays.

Guys, this safety class is WEAK.  I wanted to get some comp for Dangerfield, but there is nothing early or late to excited about.  Every safety is a box safety which we already have with Allen and Edmunds.  No FS to be had.  This guy is intriguing due to speed, and I could see him being a Hilton-esque player.  I have to get bodies in the backfield, but there are no CB or S to get excited about late.  The best I could do is a tall small school developmental CB, but we get those UDFA.  Anyway, let’s throw this guy deep and see if he can play centerfield some.

 

7.253—Tuf Borland, MIKE Ohio State.  6’1” 232.

2 down 1950’s style mike backer who will cream you in the A-B gap and punish you.  Smart and tough football player who is worth a ticket late to add to the ILB room that is missing an old school thumper.

ILB needed a body to compete with Bush, Spillane, UG3 and Allen.  A type we don’t have, a rugged dude who will cream you.  Backup to Spillane at least to start, is a 2 down player and can help on special teams.

 

UDFA Class:

  1. 1. Feliepe Franks, QB Arkansas.  6’6” 220.  Big arm, escapablity.  Well traveled but can compete for PS.
  2. 2. TJ Vasher, WR Texas Tech.  6’6” 210.  Big body WR that is a completive catcher.
  3. 3. Shane Simpson, RB UVA.  6’ 195.  Transfer from Towson.  Wanted to try big boy football and did well.  Another one cut runner with some wiggle.
  4. 4. Tony Carter, FB LSU.  6’1” 260.  Requiste training camp FB so D. Watt doesn’t have to do all the goaline/ST reps.
  5. 5. Dylan Soeher, TE Iowa State.  6’7” 283.   Big willing blocker with decent hands.  More new faces in the TE room.
  6. 6. Tommy Doyle, OT Miami-OH.  6’8” 326.  Another mammoth project tackle to battle the incumbents in camp.
  7. 7. Isaiahh Loudermilk, DE Wisconsin.  6’7” 293.  Project 5 tech.
  8. 8. Mac McCain III, CB North Carolina A+T.  6’ 175.  Dominant first two years, then tore up his knee.  Dominant man press corner.
  9. 9. Cameron Kay, LS Troy.  6’2” 234.  Nations #2 Long Snapper.
  10. 10. Pressley Harvin III, P Georgia Tech.  6’ 255.  Chunky boomer who had to punt a lot the last 4 years.

 

After draft thoughts:

In this scenario, we are talking about trying to win in this window but not forsaking the future.  We didn’t add any starters, but we shored up some positions.  QB remains unchanged, and the RB slot will be done by committee until we fix scheme and technique.  TE turns over with the loss of Ebron but adding a main blocker and a move/H back will help some.  WR remains unchanged as JJSS, JW, DJ and CC get better and dominate snaps.  Up front, we will battle for the starting 5 with 6 bodies that have played in the NFL and two backups/projects. 

Defensively, we stuck some rags in the leaking positions and set ourselves up to a succession plan at CB.  We are still a little iffy in places, but our first 11 are the best in the league.  We have a true NG again, and some dynamic players.

Very thorough and considered. Not sure I agree with all decisions, but hey. 
Realistic draft too, but I'd be a little disappointed if we ended up with S.Brown 
as our OT addition. I'd prefer a flip of J.Carman and T.Hill for example, over 
Myers and Brown, but just my opinion.

If we don't draft higher rated backs early, I also like Mitchell later.

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@kurgan 

He's a good man and thorough. - The Big Lebowski

It's a well thought out offseason. I like it. It seems realistic. I would kind of expect a major drop in the defense in your scenario(which may happen regardless). I think losing Bud and Hilton is too much. Those guys are really important to what the defense does. I think we could adapt without them, but the defense of last year wouldn't hold up without them. 

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On 1/25/2021 at 9:15 AM, MOSteelers56 said:

@kurgan 

He's a good man and thorough. - The Big Lebowski

It's a well thought out offseason. I like it. It seems realistic. I would kind of expect a major drop in the defense in your scenario(which may happen regardless). I think losing Bud and Hilton is too much. Those guys are really important to what the defense does. I think we could adapt without them, but the defense of last year wouldn't hold up without them. 

Thanks!!

True, but at what cost??  Hamstringing the offense doesn't seem to make much sense.  I don't think we can afford Dupree or Hilton, TBH without losing everyone else.  Then you are talking about losing more offensive pieces.  I get the idea of keeping the defense strong, but not for losing all the offense.

Also, keeping HIlton and Sutton means you think Sutton can play outside corner at some point for Haden/Nelson.  You aren't going to resign both, and if you do, you have to have a plan for both.

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