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- Apr 3, 2009
- 10,638
- 3,962
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Raider draft salvaged to some extent by picking up Mo Hurst in the 5th. Interesting that they then traded obvious bust Jihad Ward to the Cowboys. McKenzie has had one and only one great draft, and a history of bad reaches (Ward, Mario Edwards, Vanderdoes, DJ Hayden, Miller, etc.). With reasonable drafting on top of the Mack/Carr/Jacson draft we'd be contenders easily.
- Mar 11, 2009
- 10,524
- 1,348
- 25,680
With the draft over, some undrafted players were quickly scooped up. One of the more interesting QBs that comes to mind is Kurt Benkert of Virginia. He took a real circuitous route to the NFL. He started out at Eastern Carolina with a lot of potential. Got hurt, missed a year, then decided to get his degree as a priority (who does that?!), then transferred to Virginia, and played well for the Cavs in one season. He was also invited to the Senior Bowl, and made some nice long throws at the Combine. He was talked to by Green Bay, and a lot of people thought he'd go late in the draft because he has a good arm, and size, and sometimes fit the ball in a tight window. But he's also strictly a pocket passer, and tape made it look like he didn't go through reads quick, or well, yet. One might have thought with a more "normal" NCAA path (one good team, 3-4 years) he could have gone mid-rounds, or earlier on any other year except this one, stacked with QB talent. He fell out of the draft entirely, and within hours Atlanta signed him.
Matt Ryan is the obvious starter and expected to play almost every down next season. But behind him is Matt Schaub (nope, not retired yet), and Garret Grayson who has been on and off the practice squad. So this could be an ideal situation for Benkert. I don't expect him to be the next Tom Brady, but if he puts his nose to the grindstone he could someday play in this league, and I imagine we'll get a look at him in the pre-season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d46Hb27jQ2M
Matt Ryan is the obvious starter and expected to play almost every down next season. But behind him is Matt Schaub (nope, not retired yet), and Garret Grayson who has been on and off the practice squad. So this could be an ideal situation for Benkert. I don't expect him to be the next Tom Brady, but if he puts his nose to the grindstone he could someday play in this league, and I imagine we'll get a look at him in the pre-season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d46Hb27jQ2M
- Jun 17, 2010
- 5,139
- 237
- 17,880
Re: Re:
Love the brothers Griffin on the same team.
My 1st reaction to Seattle's RB pick in round 1 was "awful". Especially considering their recent & potential losses on defense (Sherman, Bennett, Avril & Chancelor both uncertain as they recover from neck injuries). I give Seattle a pass on NOT deafting an OLman at #18 & #27 spots because all the OLman worthy of being drafted at those spots had already been drafted. But after thinking on it, I rationalize that worse than losing all those defenders was their awful offensive production in 2017, and Seattle needs to take the pressure off Wilson by having a legitimate run threat. So how do they address the OL? Well, they sign free agent Fluker who is a run blocking force at RG. Pocic at LG is promising coming into his 2nd year. Brown is solid at LT. But RT is unresolved, so they draft the best run blocking TE in this draft in Dissly (UW). Defensively, Seattle has some young talent, but they added to it in this draft taking the USC DE who has a ton of athleticism & upside, the OSU S/CB Tre Flowers, & their best pick in LB Shaquem Griffin. Griffin was an immediate Twitter-viral feel good pick because he overcame his amputated left hand as a 4-year old kid, but he's a legit pick on top of that. He might actually be the steal of this draft. In hindsight, I think they got the priority right, and I initially had it wrong (not a first for me, HaHa.)jmdirt said:I think that he has the potential to be a great NFL RB, but was that (or should that have been) priority one for SEA?on3m@n@rmy said:
EDIT: Good to see both Griffin twins in SEA!
Love the brothers Griffin on the same team.
- Jun 17, 2010
- 5,139
- 237
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Successful UDFAs is another feel-good happening, like Alpe pointed out. Watching those UDFAs in preseason to me is actually one of the most fun aspects of preseason. Here is another UDFA, this one a WR from Last-Chance U to possibly sign with Seattle:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...n-iii-reportedly-signs-contract-with-seahawks
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...n-iii-reportedly-signs-contract-with-seahawks
Re: Re:
I'm not sure if Elliott, Bell, Hunt, Gurley, et al could get out of the back field behind last years Oline. They did add a few free agents, but... Wilson had 600 'run for his life' yards so maybe Penny can tickle 1000, and as has been typed, take some pressure off of Wilson.on3m@n@rmy said:My 1st reaction to Seattle's RB pick in round 1 was "awful". Especially considering their recent & potential losses on defense (Sherman, Bennett, Avril & Chancelor both uncertain as they recover from neck injuries). I give Seattle a pass on NOT deafting an OLman at #18 & #27 spots because all the OLman worthy of being drafted at those spots had already been drafted. But after thinking on it, I rationalize that worse than losing all those defenders was their awful offensive production in 2017, and Seattle needs to take the pressure off Wilson by having a legitimate run threat. So how do they address the OL? Well, they sign free agent Fluker who is a run blocking force at RG. Pocic at LG is promising coming into his 2nd year. Brown is solid at LT. But RT is unresolved, so they draft the best run blocking TE in this draft in Dissly (UW). Defensively, Seattle has some young talent, but they added to it in this draft taking the USC DE who has a ton of athleticism & upside, the OSU S/CB Tre Flowers, & their best pick in LB Shaquem Griffin. Griffin was an immediate Twitter-viral feel good pick because he overcame his amputated left hand as a 4-year old kid, but he's a legit pick on top of that. He might actually be the steal of this draft. In hindsight, I think they got the priority right, and I initially had it wrong (not a first for me, HaHa.)jmdirt said:I think that he has the potential to be a great NFL RB, but was that (or should that have been) priority one for SEA?on3m@n@rmy said:
EDIT: Good to see both Griffin twins in SEA!
Love the brothers Griffin on the same team.
- Jun 17, 2010
- 5,139
- 237
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Re: Re:
Then drafting is always a bit of a crap shoot, but reaching increases chances they player drafted will not work out, then they need they reached for ends up remaining a need in future drafts. That is part of Seattle's OL problem. In the past 4 or 5 years they have drafted more OL guys than any other team, most of those guys were reaches, and all of them with more than 2 years NFL experience except for Britt are gone (if Cable had remained OL coach I'd wager he would have ruined Ifedi, backup Ohdiambo, and probably Pocic as well. Ifedi & Ohdiambo have 2 years experience, Pocic one year). The other part of Seattle's OL problem is that in those previous 4-5 years they have also passed on 1st-2nd round OL talent to take defenders, because why? I think because either Cable was asked to do more with less talent, OR he was cocky enough to think he could do more with less and told staff so and LET them draft other needs (the latter is what I think) instead of being more assertive and sticking up for what he should have. There is a reason OL coach Cable was fired, and that may be part of it. [The other part of Cable's firing is Carroll was publicly critical of Cable & the offensive unit by saying "we should be better at that by now", referring to Ifedi's habit of holding penalties after letting defenders by. Carroll admitted that it is tougher pass blocking to protect Wilson because of Wilson's escaping style and OLmen need to "feel" when they need to let go to not get the penalty. Even solid LT Duane Brown had to adjust to Wilson's style. But all of that is another story.]
I'd say you are probably right that none of those RBs would have done well with that OL. Even Lynch in his prime would have had a tough time. And true the OL is a priority. And Penny at RB will not turn them into an offensive world beater. But my point is drafting OL in round 1 at #18 or #27 overall would have been a serious reach. Drafting the RB Penny was not a reach. So they were smart to not draft only based on need, but instead based on athleticism that fit another need of lesser priority. That is pretty much the standard most coaches "say" they try to apply on draft day to ultimately end up with a roster of worthy players, even if it means they must delay when they target the higher priority need.jmdirt said:I'm not sure if Elliott, Bell, Hunt, Gurley, et al could get out of the back field behind last years Oline. They did add a few free agents, but... Wilson had 600 'run for his life' yards so maybe Penny can tickle 1000, and as has been typed, take some pressure off of Wilson.on3m@n@rmy said:My 1st reaction to Seattle's RB pick in round 1 was "awful". Especially considering their recent & potential losses on defense (Sherman, Bennett, Avril & Chancelor both uncertain as they recover from neck injuries). I give Seattle a pass on NOT deafting an OLman at #18 & #27 spots because all the OLman worthy of being drafted at those spots had already been drafted. But after thinking on it, I rationalize that worse than losing all those defenders was their awful offensive production in 2017, and Seattle needs to take the pressure off Wilson by having a legitimate run threat. So how do they address the OL? Well, they sign free agent Fluker who is a run blocking force at RG. Pocic at LG is promising coming into his 2nd year. Brown is solid at LT. But RT is unresolved, so they draft the best run blocking TE in this draft in Dissly (UW). Defensively, Seattle has some young talent, but they added to it in this draft taking the USC DE who has a ton of athleticism & upside, the OSU S/CB Tre Flowers, & their best pick in LB Shaquem Griffin. Griffin was an immediate Twitter-viral feel good pick because he overcame his amputated left hand as a 4-year old kid, but he's a legit pick on top of that. He might actually be the steal of this draft. In hindsight, I think they got the priority right, and I initially had it wrong (not a first for me, HaHa.)jmdirt said:I think that he has the potential to be a great NFL RB, but was that (or should that have been) priority one for SEA?on3m@n@rmy said:
EDIT: Good to see both Griffin twins in SEA!
Love the brothers Griffin on the same team.
Then drafting is always a bit of a crap shoot, but reaching increases chances they player drafted will not work out, then they need they reached for ends up remaining a need in future drafts. That is part of Seattle's OL problem. In the past 4 or 5 years they have drafted more OL guys than any other team, most of those guys were reaches, and all of them with more than 2 years NFL experience except for Britt are gone (if Cable had remained OL coach I'd wager he would have ruined Ifedi, backup Ohdiambo, and probably Pocic as well. Ifedi & Ohdiambo have 2 years experience, Pocic one year). The other part of Seattle's OL problem is that in those previous 4-5 years they have also passed on 1st-2nd round OL talent to take defenders, because why? I think because either Cable was asked to do more with less talent, OR he was cocky enough to think he could do more with less and told staff so and LET them draft other needs (the latter is what I think) instead of being more assertive and sticking up for what he should have. There is a reason OL coach Cable was fired, and that may be part of it. [The other part of Cable's firing is Carroll was publicly critical of Cable & the offensive unit by saying "we should be better at that by now", referring to Ifedi's habit of holding penalties after letting defenders by. Carroll admitted that it is tougher pass blocking to protect Wilson because of Wilson's escaping style and OLmen need to "feel" when they need to let go to not get the penalty. Even solid LT Duane Brown had to adjust to Wilson's style. But all of that is another story.]
- Aug 9, 2012
- 2,223
- 0
- 11,480
The Lions Didn't listen to me. They didn't draft a pass rusher. They probably didn't want to reach. It could be Patricia is going to scheme a pass rush.
They now have all the pieces to get the running game going though. First round interior Olineman and second round running back, not to mention Blount. Perhaps this is the year the Lions have a 100 yard rusher? I think Stafford certainly hopes so.
They now have all the pieces to get the running game going though. First round interior Olineman and second round running back, not to mention Blount. Perhaps this is the year the Lions have a 100 yard rusher? I think Stafford certainly hopes so.
Re: Re:
The current roster shows Brock Osweiler & David Fales as your back-ups. Gase has said he likes what he sees in Fales. As for Osweiler? Well...I can tell you he was so good for us last season that Elway cut him. Lol. Osweiler has apparently now become your traditional "journeyman" QB.ferryman said:
Re:
And Taylor hasn't been that impressive in his 3 starting seasons with the Bills either (8800 yds, 62%, 92.7 rating), nor winning much or they wouldn't have traded him away. Btw, Mayfield becomes the first walk-on to ever be drafted numeral uno:
http://www.bcsnn.com/big-xii/253-baker-mayfield-goes-from-walk-on-to-1-overall-draft-pick.html
I can't imagine Mayfield not at the helm at the beginning of season, or at least sometime early on, unless he performs very badly in preseason. If he does well in preseason, it would be hard to justify sitting the #1 OA pick, especially if Cleveland is stinking up the joint (nothing new there).
Same with Darnold & Allen. I can't see either one not getting the chance to compete for the starting job. The Jets just have currently on their roster Bridgewater & McCown, and Teddy B is a big uncertainty with that rebuilt knee. The Bills have McCarren & Peterman (are you kidding me?). Man...if Allen can't beat out these two stiffs then there's something wrong with his high draft pick.
The most perplexing situation I think is Chosen Rosen going to the Cardinals where injury-prone Sammy B and Glennon are on the roster. I can't figure out if Rosen was drafted to compete against Bradford for the starting job or if he's going to be the back-up and they'll just wait for Bradford to get injured again (like with Taylor, if Bradford was that good the Vikings wouldn't have traded him instead of going full steam for Kirk Cousins...no surprises there).
They may be similar in physical size but I think that's about it. You're talking about "thee" #1 OA vs a 6th rd, 180th picked player in Taylor. Have you seen Mayfield's insane college stats? In 4 yrs (1 season with Texas Tech & 3 with the Sooners) - 14,320 yds, 129 TDs, 68% pct, 176 rating! (Taylor in 4 yrs with VT only threw for 7000 yds, 57% pct & 137 rating). Mayfield has a very strong arm and uncanny accuracy.Alpe d'Huez said:
And Taylor hasn't been that impressive in his 3 starting seasons with the Bills either (8800 yds, 62%, 92.7 rating), nor winning much or they wouldn't have traded him away. Btw, Mayfield becomes the first walk-on to ever be drafted numeral uno:
http://www.bcsnn.com/big-xii/253-baker-mayfield-goes-from-walk-on-to-1-overall-draft-pick.html
I can't imagine Mayfield not at the helm at the beginning of season, or at least sometime early on, unless he performs very badly in preseason. If he does well in preseason, it would be hard to justify sitting the #1 OA pick, especially if Cleveland is stinking up the joint (nothing new there).
Same with Darnold & Allen. I can't see either one not getting the chance to compete for the starting job. The Jets just have currently on their roster Bridgewater & McCown, and Teddy B is a big uncertainty with that rebuilt knee. The Bills have McCarren & Peterman (are you kidding me?). Man...if Allen can't beat out these two stiffs then there's something wrong with his high draft pick.
The most perplexing situation I think is Chosen Rosen going to the Cardinals where injury-prone Sammy B and Glennon are on the roster. I can't figure out if Rosen was drafted to compete against Bradford for the starting job or if he's going to be the back-up and they'll just wait for Bradford to get injured again (like with Taylor, if Bradford was that good the Vikings wouldn't have traded him instead of going full steam for Kirk Cousins...no surprises there).
And that couldn't be very long with Bradford's injury history.
Josh Allen will get a chance to compete for the starting job.This is their guy; they traded two of their 2nd round picks with TB to move up and snatch him. Let's get ready to rumble....
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/04/29/brandon-beane-on-josh-allen-if-he-wins-starting-job-he-wins-it/
Josh Allen will get a chance to compete for the starting job.This is their guy; they traded two of their 2nd round picks with TB to move up and snatch him. Let's get ready to rumble....
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/04/29/brandon-beane-on-josh-allen-if-he-wins-starting-job-he-wins-it/
- Jun 17, 2010
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Rosen is much more pro-ready than Mahomes was, so Rosen is in better position to compete for the starting job. Therefore, I think Rosen & Bradford (ok, & Glennon also so as not to hurt his feelings) will compete. If that's the case, it will be interesting to see how Bradford handles that. Will Bradford whine about it, be a lousy teammate, or be a good teammate and mentor to Rosen no matter what?
- Jul 25, 2012
- 12,970
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- Apr 3, 2009
- 10,638
- 3,962
- 28,180
- Mar 11, 2009
- 10,524
- 1,348
- 25,680
There are two questions with Mayfield starting week 1.
• If the Browns were so certain of that, why even waste any time, or a 3rd round pick, getting Taylor?
Unless...
• How is Mayfield going to react when the Browns start the season 2-7 with him starting?
Then can then bench Mayfield, hope it didn't damage his confidence too badly, and have a solid backup in Taylor who can hopefully salvage the season at least a little while Baker now learns? I don't know the historical success in that.
Makes more sense to me for Mayfield to watch Taylor struggle, and learn form other teammates on what it's like to be a professional, as I'm not so sure he gets that just yet. Then, after a handful of games, toss him to the wolves. We'll see though.
Then again, this is the Browns we're talking about. No clue what their plans actually are.
Agree that it's a matter of time before Bradford gets hurt, sad to say. Then Rosen plays. Sam's always been a good sport, so I can't imagine him getting bitter about anything. Glennon will never start (with success) in the NFL.
Darnold's in a similar situation in NY, with McCown, then Bridgewater. I just think he needs more time than Rosen, maybe Mayfield too. But the clock has to be ticking fast on McCown, maybe Teddy too.
As to Allen, he's the guy most in the drivers seat. I don't know how accurate he is, or how quick he'll adapt to the speed of the NFL or move through his reads, but as soon as he's really ready, he'll be their starter. McCarran has shown promise, but probably not much more than Peterman (or Glennon) for that matter.
The one thing I don't get though is what's the logic for rushing a guy into the starting position just because you drafted him high? What if he's not ready? Have him play anyway because you gave up a lot to get him? It's a real mixed bag looking back who actually stepped right into playing well, and who didn't. Who benefited from sitting some, versus who didn't. I think in each case you have to approach and evaluate each player on a case by case basis.
• If the Browns were so certain of that, why even waste any time, or a 3rd round pick, getting Taylor?
Unless...
• How is Mayfield going to react when the Browns start the season 2-7 with him starting?
Then can then bench Mayfield, hope it didn't damage his confidence too badly, and have a solid backup in Taylor who can hopefully salvage the season at least a little while Baker now learns? I don't know the historical success in that.
Makes more sense to me for Mayfield to watch Taylor struggle, and learn form other teammates on what it's like to be a professional, as I'm not so sure he gets that just yet. Then, after a handful of games, toss him to the wolves. We'll see though.
Then again, this is the Browns we're talking about. No clue what their plans actually are.
Agree that it's a matter of time before Bradford gets hurt, sad to say. Then Rosen plays. Sam's always been a good sport, so I can't imagine him getting bitter about anything. Glennon will never start (with success) in the NFL.
Darnold's in a similar situation in NY, with McCown, then Bridgewater. I just think he needs more time than Rosen, maybe Mayfield too. But the clock has to be ticking fast on McCown, maybe Teddy too.
As to Allen, he's the guy most in the drivers seat. I don't know how accurate he is, or how quick he'll adapt to the speed of the NFL or move through his reads, but as soon as he's really ready, he'll be their starter. McCarran has shown promise, but probably not much more than Peterman (or Glennon) for that matter.
The one thing I don't get though is what's the logic for rushing a guy into the starting position just because you drafted him high? What if he's not ready? Have him play anyway because you gave up a lot to get him? It's a real mixed bag looking back who actually stepped right into playing well, and who didn't. Who benefited from sitting some, versus who didn't. I think in each case you have to approach and evaluate each player on a case by case basis.
The Browns weren't so certain of drafting a QB when they signed Taylor back in March - the prediction was that they were going to select Chubb with the 1st OA and either Barkly or Ward with the 4th. Cleveland got real interested in Mayfield late in the game. The same thing can be said about the Cardinals: Why did they sign Sammy B to a 2 year *40 million* dollar contract (10 mil signing bonus!) and turnaround and draft Chosen Rosen with the 10th OA? Now Wilks is saying Rosen will get a chance to compete for the starting job:
https://cardswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/26/steve-wilks-leaves-door-open-for-josh-rosen-to-be-starting-qb/
And if Mayfield beats out Taylor in preseason how on Earth would you know if Cleveland would be 2-7? Conversely, if Taylor starts and they are 2-7 at that point there would be riots in the streets for Jackson to change QBs...you know how things work in Cleveland. Lol. And now we're learning that if Cleveland passed on Mayfield, NE was willing to trade the house away to the Giants for that 2nd pick to get him:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-patriots-mayfield-draft-20180501-story.html
Rushing a high-drafted QB into the starting role is more about, IMO, who they're competing against or backing up, and whether or not the franchise is winning. Last year with the top three QB picks; Trubisky (2nd), Mahomes (10th) & Watson (12th), only Mahomes didn't see any action until a meaningless season ending game against the Broncos (Trubisky replaced Glennon at week 6 when the Bears were struggling at 1-4 and Watson supplanted Savage at halftime of the season opener). If the team is struggling there's no way an owner can justify having a high-drafted & highly paid rookie QB sit the bench - the fans simply won't put up with that...nothing new there.
https://cardswire.usatoday.com/2018/04/26/steve-wilks-leaves-door-open-for-josh-rosen-to-be-starting-qb/
And if Mayfield beats out Taylor in preseason how on Earth would you know if Cleveland would be 2-7? Conversely, if Taylor starts and they are 2-7 at that point there would be riots in the streets for Jackson to change QBs...you know how things work in Cleveland. Lol. And now we're learning that if Cleveland passed on Mayfield, NE was willing to trade the house away to the Giants for that 2nd pick to get him:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-patriots-mayfield-draft-20180501-story.html
Rushing a high-drafted QB into the starting role is more about, IMO, who they're competing against or backing up, and whether or not the franchise is winning. Last year with the top three QB picks; Trubisky (2nd), Mahomes (10th) & Watson (12th), only Mahomes didn't see any action until a meaningless season ending game against the Broncos (Trubisky replaced Glennon at week 6 when the Bears were struggling at 1-4 and Watson supplanted Savage at halftime of the season opener). If the team is struggling there's no way an owner can justify having a high-drafted & highly paid rookie QB sit the bench - the fans simply won't put up with that...nothing new there.
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