The Official 2017 NFL Draft Thread
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King P
Legends Never Die
Five Players to Watch During Friday’s Combine Workout
The offensive linemen and running backs take to the field for the first workouts of the 2017 NFL Combine. Here are five players I’ll be watching.
1) Garett Bolles/T/Utah: I’ve mentioned Bolles' ascension up draft boards since the middle of December, and now its put-up-or-shut-up time. I expect excellent testing marks from Bolles, and he should be the premier blocker during position drills. Watch how quick and smooth he looks during pass protection drills and how he moves around the field with ease. Presently graded as our No. 1 offensive tackle, a good workout could push Bolles into the draft’s top 12 picks.
2) Taylor Moton/OL/Western Michigan: In many ways Moton is the anti-Bolles; he lacks the agility and lateral quickness of Bolles but is bigger and much more powerful. Because of this, Moton’s shuttle and three-cone times will be closely inspected, as will his change of direction and footwork. It will help determine whether or not Moton is a small-area guard or has the ability to line up at right tackle on Sundays. Confirmation of the latter will seal him as a top-45 choice.
3) Isaac Asiata/G/Utah: Asiata is possibly the most underrated guard in the draft and someone I feel could be a day one starter as a rookie. He’s a powerful lineman who plays with a nasty attitude and I’ll be looking for much the same from him as I am from Moton. Can Asiata move laterally with any quickness? Does he need to stop and gather when he changes direction? Showing sufficient lateral quickness and change of direction means he’ll be able to line up in a zone-blocking system, which will enhance his attractiveness to teams.
4) Chris Carson/RB/Oklahoma State: Eyebrows were raised when Carson received an invitation to the combine, but I expect him to test through the roof. His marks will include a broad jump near 11 feet and a 40-yard dash in the low 4.5s at 220 pounds. Watch his footwork during position drills. Is it smooth and quick, or must Carson slow and gather trying to change direction?
5) Curtis Samuel/RB/Ohio State: During our Shrine Game coverage I mentioned there was talk of Samuel possibly sneaking into the late first round, and he’ll show why on Friday. He’s expected to be one of the fastest running backs on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium and besides his quickness and ease of movement, I fully expect Samuel to be the best pass-catching deep threat from the running back group.
Notes:
The offensive linemen and running backs take to the field for the first workouts of the 2017 NFL Combine. Here are five players I’ll be watching.
1) Garett Bolles/T/Utah: I’ve mentioned Bolles' ascension up draft boards since the middle of December, and now its put-up-or-shut-up time. I expect excellent testing marks from Bolles, and he should be the premier blocker during position drills. Watch how quick and smooth he looks during pass protection drills and how he moves around the field with ease. Presently graded as our No. 1 offensive tackle, a good workout could push Bolles into the draft’s top 12 picks.
2) Taylor Moton/OL/Western Michigan: In many ways Moton is the anti-Bolles; he lacks the agility and lateral quickness of Bolles but is bigger and much more powerful. Because of this, Moton’s shuttle and three-cone times will be closely inspected, as will his change of direction and footwork. It will help determine whether or not Moton is a small-area guard or has the ability to line up at right tackle on Sundays. Confirmation of the latter will seal him as a top-45 choice.
3) Isaac Asiata/G/Utah: Asiata is possibly the most underrated guard in the draft and someone I feel could be a day one starter as a rookie. He’s a powerful lineman who plays with a nasty attitude and I’ll be looking for much the same from him as I am from Moton. Can Asiata move laterally with any quickness? Does he need to stop and gather when he changes direction? Showing sufficient lateral quickness and change of direction means he’ll be able to line up in a zone-blocking system, which will enhance his attractiveness to teams.
4) Chris Carson/RB/Oklahoma State: Eyebrows were raised when Carson received an invitation to the combine, but I expect him to test through the roof. His marks will include a broad jump near 11 feet and a 40-yard dash in the low 4.5s at 220 pounds. Watch his footwork during position drills. Is it smooth and quick, or must Carson slow and gather trying to change direction?
5) Curtis Samuel/RB/Ohio State: During our Shrine Game coverage I mentioned there was talk of Samuel possibly sneaking into the late first round, and he’ll show why on Friday. He’s expected to be one of the fastest running backs on the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium and besides his quickness and ease of movement, I fully expect Samuel to be the best pass-catching deep threat from the running back group.
Notes:
- While there’s been no official word as of yet, the talk here today is that receiver Mike Williams of Clemson is unlikely to run the 40 at the combine and will wait until Clemson's pro day.
- Aviante Collins of TCU could end up as the fastest offensive lineman on Friday, as he’s expected to run in the low 4.8s.
- Tight end Mike Roberts of Toledo won’t participate in the bench press at the combine due to a shoulder spasm suffered during training. It’s not a big deal and won’t hamper his running, jumping or pass catching during Saturday’s workout. As of last night, Roberts had official interviews completed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers. Roberts interviewed with the New York Jets during the Shrine Game then a week later at the Senior Bowl.
- Tight end Eric Saubert of Drake, star of the Shrine Week, has been dealing with a bad hamstring for more than a month and is not expected to run on Saturday. I’m told he’ll to be good to go for his pro day later this month.
King P
Legends Never Die
Taco Charlton May Not Make It Out of the Top 10
During the lead up to the NFL Draft, there are always prospects that have a steady climb up draft boards and mock drafts. A player who could be a candidate for that this year is Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton. In speaking with five teams, they think that Charlton will probably go in the top half of the first round and definitely has a shot at being picked in the top 10.
There are numerous reasons why Charlton is viewed to have high first-round potential. One is the the skill set. Teams like Charlton's speed and athletic ability. He also has size with measurements around 6-foot-6, 270 pounds.
Here is how one scouting director broke him down: "Honestly, he may not make it out of top 10. He's got a LOOOT of people showing him love right now; 6-6, 270, athletic and pass rush production will do that. The way he's getting pushed up, I'm assuming folks are overlooking some of the instinctive shortcomings and banking on the good kid with huge upside. We have him graded higher than Derek Barnett and Solomon Thomas."
Charlton hasn't gotten a lot of hype, but that could change after his combine workout. Teams think that if he gets out of the top 10, he should go in the early teens. Charlton is currently third in our 2017 NFL Draft Defensive End Prospect Rankings.
During the lead up to the NFL Draft, there are always prospects that have a steady climb up draft boards and mock drafts. A player who could be a candidate for that this year is Michigan defensive end Taco Charlton. In speaking with five teams, they think that Charlton will probably go in the top half of the first round and definitely has a shot at being picked in the top 10.
There are numerous reasons why Charlton is viewed to have high first-round potential. One is the the skill set. Teams like Charlton's speed and athletic ability. He also has size with measurements around 6-foot-6, 270 pounds.
Here is how one scouting director broke him down: "Honestly, he may not make it out of top 10. He's got a LOOOT of people showing him love right now; 6-6, 270, athletic and pass rush production will do that. The way he's getting pushed up, I'm assuming folks are overlooking some of the instinctive shortcomings and banking on the good kid with huge upside. We have him graded higher than Derek Barnett and Solomon Thomas."
Charlton hasn't gotten a lot of hype, but that could change after his combine workout. Teams think that if he gets out of the top 10, he should go in the early teens. Charlton is currently third in our 2017 NFL Draft Defensive End Prospect Rankings.
King P
Legends Never Die
Raiders Plan Draft Focused on Defense
The once-great Oakland Raiders franchise returned to relevance last year as the talented young Raiders made the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 campaign. The Raiders' season was derailed by the injury to starting quarterback Derek Carr, but Oakland's defense also wasn't in Super Bowl form as the 26th-ranked unit in the league. Sources with the Raiders told WalterFootball.com that upgrading the defense will be the priority for their 2017 draft class with early-round picks targeted to upgrade the middle of their defense.
Sources with the Raiders say the team badly needs an interior pass-rusher. Oakland was frustrated that double teams to Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin were effective at negating their ability to get to the quarterback. Thus, an interior pass-rusher is one of the their top draft priorities for the early rounds.
Aside from a pass-rushing defensive tackle, Raiders sources say the linebacker position needs more talent. Oakland will look hard at finding an improvement for middle linebacker in their first few selections.
The team feels all of the early-round picks can be devoted to the defensive side of the ball. They might get some offensive depth and competition later on, including some developmental talent for the offensive line. The Raiders want to re-sign free agent right tackle Menelik Watson to a 1-year contract, and sources say Watson is interested in returning on a short deal. That would help decrease the need to address Carr's blocking.
While the Raiders might do some minor signings or late picks for their offense, the focus of their offseason will be on upgrading their defense including their early-round picks.
The once-great Oakland Raiders franchise returned to relevance last year as the talented young Raiders made the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 campaign. The Raiders' season was derailed by the injury to starting quarterback Derek Carr, but Oakland's defense also wasn't in Super Bowl form as the 26th-ranked unit in the league. Sources with the Raiders told WalterFootball.com that upgrading the defense will be the priority for their 2017 draft class with early-round picks targeted to upgrade the middle of their defense.
Sources with the Raiders say the team badly needs an interior pass-rusher. Oakland was frustrated that double teams to Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin were effective at negating their ability to get to the quarterback. Thus, an interior pass-rusher is one of the their top draft priorities for the early rounds.
Aside from a pass-rushing defensive tackle, Raiders sources say the linebacker position needs more talent. Oakland will look hard at finding an improvement for middle linebacker in their first few selections.
The team feels all of the early-round picks can be devoted to the defensive side of the ball. They might get some offensive depth and competition later on, including some developmental talent for the offensive line. The Raiders want to re-sign free agent right tackle Menelik Watson to a 1-year contract, and sources say Watson is interested in returning on a short deal. That would help decrease the need to address Carr's blocking.
While the Raiders might do some minor signings or late picks for their offense, the focus of their offseason will be on upgrading their defense including their early-round picks.
King P
Legends Never Die
Titans Leaning Defense at No. 5; Offense at No. 18
ESPN's Chris Mortensen broke the news Thursday that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks was being discussed in trade talks with the Titans and Eagles. Mortensen also reported that the Titans appeared to be the most likely suitor for Cooks. It makes sense that Tennessee has interest, as the Titans could use more weapons for young franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota. In speaking with Titans sources, however, it sounds like their draft plan is to target a defensive back with their selection at fifth overall and an offensive player at No. 18 if they don't make a trade for Cooks.
The Titans like the defensive back talent in the 2017 NFL Draft, and Tennessee needs to improve the back end of their defense. The Titans like cornerbacks like Alabama's Marlon Humphrey and Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore. However, it sounds like they like safeties Jamal Adams from LSU and Malik Hooker from Ohio State more. With the fifth pick, it sounds like Tennessee's inclination is toward a safety over cornerback. The value is better at safety and on the defensive side of the ball. I currently have the Titans drafting Jamal Adams in my mock draft.
If Tennessee doesn't deal the 18th pick for Cooks, the Titans sound inclined to help their offense with that pick. The players that sound like options there are Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams, Alabama tight end O.J. Howard, and Washington wide receiver John Ross. If the Titans trade down from pick 18, then Western Michigan's Corey Davis could be in play. Trading down could tempt Tennessee because they don't have a second-round pick. However, the Titans do have multiple third-round picks that they could use to move back into Round 2.
Last year, Titans general manager Jon Robinson did a masterful job of getting a king's ransom for the No. 1 overall pick and followed that up by adding some very good young talent to the roster. First-round pick Jack Conklin, second-round pick Derrick Henry, and third-round pick Kevin Byard all impressed as rookies, with other players in the draft class flashing talent as well.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen broke the news Thursday that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks was being discussed in trade talks with the Titans and Eagles. Mortensen also reported that the Titans appeared to be the most likely suitor for Cooks. It makes sense that Tennessee has interest, as the Titans could use more weapons for young franchise quarterback Marcus Mariota. In speaking with Titans sources, however, it sounds like their draft plan is to target a defensive back with their selection at fifth overall and an offensive player at No. 18 if they don't make a trade for Cooks.
The Titans like the defensive back talent in the 2017 NFL Draft, and Tennessee needs to improve the back end of their defense. The Titans like cornerbacks like Alabama's Marlon Humphrey and Ohio State's Marshon Lattimore. However, it sounds like they like safeties Jamal Adams from LSU and Malik Hooker from Ohio State more. With the fifth pick, it sounds like Tennessee's inclination is toward a safety over cornerback. The value is better at safety and on the defensive side of the ball. I currently have the Titans drafting Jamal Adams in my mock draft.
If Tennessee doesn't deal the 18th pick for Cooks, the Titans sound inclined to help their offense with that pick. The players that sound like options there are Clemson wide receiver Mike Williams, Alabama tight end O.J. Howard, and Washington wide receiver John Ross. If the Titans trade down from pick 18, then Western Michigan's Corey Davis could be in play. Trading down could tempt Tennessee because they don't have a second-round pick. However, the Titans do have multiple third-round picks that they could use to move back into Round 2.
Last year, Titans general manager Jon Robinson did a masterful job of getting a king's ransom for the No. 1 overall pick and followed that up by adding some very good young talent to the roster. First-round pick Jack Conklin, second-round pick Derrick Henry, and third-round pick Kevin Byard all impressed as rookies, with other players in the draft class flashing talent as well.
Offense wasn't the problem. 2nd in the SEC last two years in scoring. It was the defense being one of the worst in the country thanks to an epic amount of injuries.
Also when you have that much high level NFL talent on the same team it typically leads to guys looking more to the NFL than college. That is why Tennessee looked a lot better in 2015 when these guys were sophomores than 2016 when they became draft eligible.
Obviously they play nothing a like. I'm talking strictly in terms of COMPETITIVENESS.
Dobbs has that same fiery competitiveness and dog in him that Brady has.
Same fierce eyes as well. You can tell a lot about a man from his eyes. And both Dobbs and Brady have that same fire in their eyes that lets you know these guys hate to lose. Insane competitors.
Laquon Treadwell 2.0
I knew there was a reason I was never impressed with him. Mike Williams is NOT a first round prospect.
Titans trying to get cooks wow that would be a good look for us....n then hopefully get Jamal Adams with our #5 pick
I'm loving our GM Jon Robinson he's been killing it so far
Eye Cue DA COLI GAWD
<--- Cleveland Browns winning that many, boi!
You building around a flawed QBTitans trying to get cooks wow that would be a good look for us....n then hopefully get Jamal Adams with our #5 pick
TUA TAGOVAILOA
Superstar
Don't get why ppl think Adams should go so high. Its easy to find those in the box safeties now
Same reason we drafted Elliot. Some guys are catalytic players and Adams' is one of them. Same reason Eric Berry just got 70 mil.
Maybe so but he's been improving I would like to see more improvement with his deep ball accuracy n we haven't really had good wrs for him ..I want to see how he looks with some better weapons n wrs who can actually get open.. his numbers for his 1ST two years are pretty good n comparable to some of the best qbs first two years...that's my qb
so I'm rolling wit em right now
TUA TAGOVAILOA
Superstar
I know he's a great leader and all but I'm not taking a safety with below average cover skills in the top 5 just b/c he has good intangibles. Eric Berry had no such concerns. Elliott had no weaknesses either. Pick up Eddie Jackson in the 3rd round if u want a great leader
TUA TAGOVAILOA
Superstar
This draft is pretty weak at the top though. Just has a ton of depth so I guess it wouldn't really be a bad pick in this draft, but I wouldn't do it. This safety class is deep