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All encompassing 2022 draft thoughts thread

TheRealJoker said:
This draft is deep at DE and CB. Not so much on QUALITY DAY 1 STARTING OL.
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I think it's the O-line that is deep, and CB is the thin position. Especially considering the injury issues with Stingley and Booth. Still not sure if the Washington duo of McDuffie and Gordon are what Lovie is looking for. I've seen as many as 9 different O-linemen mocked in the 1st round. Not all of them will go in the 1st, but that suggests starting caliber players as rookies available @ #37. I think there are another half dozen or so that can start right away, maybe still available @ #68.
 
Mental health increasingly becoming a significant factor in NFL Draft evaluations
By Dan Pompei
4h ago
Draft prospects are evaluated first by game tape. How they perform in tests of speed, quickness and strength also influences their stock. Body measurables are important. Medical exams can be critical.

And now, more than ever, mental health is a significant factor.

“The biggest thing that has been emphasized in the past year or so is the mental health issue,” one veteran head coach said. “Anxiety has impacted so many players.”

It has been standard for team evaluators to dedicate one meeting every April to medical reviews and another to security issues. This year, for the first time, one team has dedicated a meeting to the psychological makeup of players, according to one prominent front-office person.
“There’s more awareness than in the past,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “Our organization has been front and center with the Kicking The Stigma campaign. We’re all more cognizant that people have issues and need help.”

The NFL’s emphasis on mental health is reflective of a changing world.

At least two players were overcome by stress at the combine in March and backed out of commitments, sources say. In team interviews, many prospects acknowledged taking anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants. Many more are taking stimulants for attention deficit disorder. Others say they use marijuana to address stress.

The front-office members of an NFC team met with a sports sociologist in the offseason to learn more about how young people are coping — and struggling to cope.

Running back Ricky Williams and wide receiver Brandon Marshall were pioneers in raising awareness for mental health in the NFL. Williams was open about suffering from social anxiety, and Marshall shared that he has borderline personality disorder.

A number of players currently in the league have shared their mental health struggles. Among them are A.J. Brown, DJ Chark, Randy Gregory, Everson Griffen, Hayden Hurst, Lane Johnson, Darius Leonard and Solomon Thomas. On a broader scale, public revelations by gymnast Simone Biles, tennis player Naomi Osaka and swimmer Michael Phelps have empowered athletes to come forward with mental health struggles.

“It used to be taboo to talk about it,” said agent Peter Schaffer, who helped Gregory, one of his clients, identify his social anxiety. “Now it’s not embarrassing to say, ‘I had it and I beat it and I want to make sure others who are going through it know they have support and a path.’”

A scouting director said he has found out about some players’ mental health issues by researching their social media feeds.
“With this generation, it’s embraced,” he said. “It’s almost a celebration, not an embarrassment as it may have been perceived in the past. And the league is trying to embrace it.”

There is no doubt young people are more open about mental health issues than previous generations were. But more of them also may be afflicted.

About 13 percent of 350 players on one team’s draft board are flagged for mental health concerns.
THE REST OF THE STORY
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Mental health increasingly becoming a significant factor in NFL Draft evaluations
By Dan Pompei
4h ago
Draft prospects are evaluated first by game tape. How they perform in tests of speed, quickness and strength also influences their stock. Body measurables are important. Medical exams can be critical.

And now, more than ever, mental health is a significant factor.

“The biggest thing that has been emphasized in the past year or so is the mental health issue,” one veteran head coach said. “Anxiety has impacted so many players.”

It has been standard for team evaluators to dedicate one meeting every April to medical reviews and another to security issues. This year, for the first time, one team has dedicated a meeting to the psychological makeup of players, according to one prominent front-office person.
“There’s more awareness than in the past,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard said. “Our organization has been front and center with the Kicking The Stigma campaign. We’re all more cognizant that people have issues and need help.”

The NFL’s emphasis on mental health is reflective of a changing world.

At least two players were overcome by stress at the combine in March and backed out of commitments, sources say. In team interviews, many prospects acknowledged taking anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants. Many more are taking stimulants for attention deficit disorder. Others say they use marijuana to address stress.

The front-office members of an NFC team met with a sports sociologist in the offseason to learn more about how young people are coping — and struggling to cope.

Running back Ricky Williams and wide receiver Brandon Marshall were pioneers in raising awareness for mental health in the NFL. Williams was open about suffering from social anxiety, and Marshall shared that he has borderline personality disorder.

A number of players currently in the league have shared their mental health struggles. Among them are A.J. Brown, DJ Chark, Randy Gregory, Everson Griffen, Hayden Hurst, Lane Johnson, Darius Leonard and Solomon Thomas. On a broader scale, public revelations by gymnast Simone Biles, tennis player Naomi Osaka and swimmer Michael Phelps have empowered athletes to come forward with mental health struggles.

“It used to be taboo to talk about it,” said agent Peter Schaffer, who helped Gregory, one of his clients, identify his social anxiety. “Now it’s not embarrassing to say, ‘I had it and I beat it and I want to make sure others who are going through it know they have support and a path.’”

A scouting director said he has found out about some players’ mental health issues by researching their social media feeds.
“With this generation, it’s embraced,” he said. “It’s almost a celebration, not an embarrassment as it may have been perceived in the past. And the league is trying to embrace it.”

There is no doubt young people are more open about mental health issues than previous generations were. But more of them also may be afflicted.

About 13 percent of 350 players on one team’s draft board are flagged for mental health concerns.
THE REST OF THE STORY
Click to expand...

The question is do teams still draft players with mental health issues and do these mental health issues cause them to drop say from rd 3 to rd 6?
 
OptimisticTexan said:
The Texans must gain the following positions thru the 2022 NFL Draft:

LG, DE, RB, WR1, SS, and FS. That’s 7 of their current 11 picks.
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Why must they?

Why can’t it be spread out over 2 years?

I want them to be as competitive as the next fan but I am just thinking that the draft in 2023 will the “must have to file hole” and shoot to make the playoffs that year.
 
Lucky said:
I agree, except I have 2024 as the playoff year. Just not filling all the holes in one draft.
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I would like the mindset of the team to try to make playoffs for the season starting 2023. The season starting 2024 we have to make the playoffs. I think it is in line with what you are saying.

If we don’t make the playoffs it may be time to find a new GM and HC.

Glad to see I agree with you. I must be doing something right today.
 
TexansFan15 said:
No DBs? I’d change it from 3 OL to 1-2, and get DBs. We need to be better at defending the pass.
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did you happen to watch our offense last year? There were games we didnt even cross the 50 until the 3rd quarter. Offense should be tge priority with at least 2 of the 1st 3 picks…imo, the 1st 2.
 
Texansphan said:
Too many good receivers to ignore in this draft.
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Yep and I'm thinking a guy like WanDale Robinson will be there at #80 due to the depth of the draft. Bo Melton and Kyle Phillips should be there at #107, they're very good receivers in their own right.

Fix the trenches. If you want to fix the run game you need to find a good TE too. I'm glad to see they brought Ruckert in for a visit.
 
steelbtexan said:
Yep and I'm thinking a guy like WanDale Robinson will be there at #80 due to the depth of the draft. Bo Melton and Kyle Phillips should be there at #107, they're very good receivers in their own right.

Fix the trenches. If you want to fix the run game you need to find a good TE too. I'm glad to see they brought Ruckert in for a visit.
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I think there is good depth in the interior oline. That kid from Oklahoma is going to be there in the 4th/5th rd. I think he can play tackle, but I'm certain he can play guard at a high level. Dude only allowed 30 pressures in 4 years and all those snaps.
 
leebigeztx said:
I think there is good depth in the interior oline. That kid from Oklahoma is going to be there in the 4th/5th rd. I think he can play tackle, but I'm certain he can play guard at a high level. Dude only allowed 30 pressures in 4 years and all those snaps.
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Hayes who played LG last season or Robinson who was an OG that they moved to OT? Robinson wasn't impressive against Oregon. Hayes was though.

If getting WanDale and Ruckert meant drafting Hayes instead of Salyer, I wouldn't be thrilled but would understand the thinking.
 
steelbtexan said:
Hayes who played LG last season or Robinson who was an OG that they moved to OT? Robinson wasn't impressive against Oregon. Hayes was though.

If getting WanDale and Ruckert meant drafting Hayes instead of Salyer, I wouldn't be thrilled but would understand the thinking.
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I think you can get Hayes and Salyer in the 3 and 4th rd.
 
Mr teX said:
did you happen to watch our offense last year? There were games we didnt even cross the 50 until the 3rd quarter. Offense should be tge priority with at least 2 of the 1st 3 picks…imo, the 1st 2.
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Don't disagree, but I think Lovie is going to want a defensive player with one of the firsts and if Hutchinson or Thibodeaux is there, one of these will be the pick; and will be a perfect compliment on the weak side to Greenard's strong side.

I've been looking at what's going to be available 3rd round and 4th round and I'm impressed with how deep this draft is.

My plan would be to find small trade downs at 13 and 37 and not get greedy and satisfied with getting multiple picks in rounds 3 and 4. If Hutchinson and Thib go one two, trading down with 3, staying in top 10, will get a 2nd.

If we get Green in the 1st, then in the 3rd there's (possibly) Salyer, Cole Strange (interviewed by Texans), Chris Paul and Ed Ingram (also interviewed by Texans) all likely available in the 3rd.

And a lot of RB's in the 3rd and 4th.

And WR's are deep into the second and third day, with prospects such as Alex Pierce, Skyy Moore, Tyquan Thornton, Danny Gray, Kevin Austin, Jaques E zzard, Braylon Sanders.

And not to mention CB may be the deepest position in the draft with fine prospects all the way to the 7th round. And with a few good SS prospects available on the third day.

This is a deep draft, although not top heavy.
 
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Number19 said:
Don't disagree, but I think Lovie is going to want a defensive player with one of the firsts and if Hutchinson or Thibodeaux is there, one of these will be the pick; and will be a perfect compliment on the weak side to Greenard's strong side.

I've been looking at what's going to be available 3rd round and 4th round and I'm impressed with how deep this draft is.

My plan would be to find small trade downs at 13 and 37 and not get greedy and satisfied with getting multiple picks in rounds 3 and 4. If Hutchinson and Thib go one two, trading down with 3, staying in top 10, will get a 2nd.

If we get Green in the 1st, then in the 3rd there's (possibly) Salyer, Cole Strange (interviewed by Texans), Chris Paul and Ed Ingram (also interviewed by Texans) all likely available in the 3rd.

And a lot of RB's in the 3rd and 4th.

And WR's are deep into the second and third day, with prospects such as Alex Pierce, Skyy Moore, Tyquan Thornton, Danny Gray, Kevin Austin, Jaques E zzard, Braylon Sanders.

And not to mention CB may be the deepest position in the draft with fine prospects all the way to the 7th round. And with a few good SS prospects available on the third day.

This is a deep draft, although not top beavy.
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I don’t think we will have buyers for the 3rd pick unless the Giants want to leapfrog the Jets for a very specific player. Probably won’t happen but would get us their 3rd and 4th round picks in value
 
The one thing which concerns me about Gardner is his size. Lovie's Tampa 2 requires CB's to be aggressive defending the run game as well as defending the pass. CnnnD says Gardner appears to be small boned, raising the question how durable will he be against NFL talent. Is this risk acceptable for the #3 pick? #13? Maybe, but #3?
 
Number19 said:
Don't disagree, but I think Lovie is going to want a defensive player with one of the firsts and if Hutchinson or Thibodeaux is there, one of these will be the pick; and will be a perfect compliment on the weak side to Greenard's strong side.
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You think the Texans will take Hutchinson/Thibodeaux if Neal is there?
 
thunderkyss said:
You think the Texans will take Hutchinson/Thibodeaux if Neal is there?
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They have brought in Hutchinson, Thibodeaux and Ekwonu for their 30 prospect visits. They've also brought in Travon Walker and Green. Neal and Jermaine Johnson are not on the latest list.

So, I'm guessing, and could be wrong, that Neal is not under consideration.
 
thunderkyss said:
You think the Texans will take Hutchinson/Thibodeaux if Neal is there?
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Personally, I don't.
When you think of it, a possible future pro bowl caliber Left tackle is more valuable than a possible future pro bowl caliber edge.
This is one reason Texans won't consider a Safety at #3.
Thing is, Jags and Lions will likely be thinking the same thing.
I won't be surprised if both Neal and Ekwonu fall in the top 3.
 
Texansphan said:
Personally, I don't.
When you think of it, a possible future pro bowl caliber Left tackle is more valuable than a possible future pro bowl caliber edge.
This is one reason Texans won't consider a Safety at #3.
Thing is, Jags and Lions will likely be thinking the same thing.
I won't be surprised if both Neal and Ekwonu fall in the top 3.
Click to expand...
Well, Neal is going to be there at #3. So, barring a trade down, you're predicting Texans take Neil?
 
Number19 said:
Well, Neal is going to be there at #3. So, barring a trade down, you're predicting Texans take Neil?
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Most likely. Ekwonu has to be a consideration as well.
I have a feeling Hutchinson may be there at #3.
I can see Lovie pounding the table at that point but a high quality LT prospect should take precedence.
I predict AH finds a home with the Jets.
 
Texansphan said:
Most likely. Ekwonu has to be a consideration as well.
I have a feeling Hutchinson may be there at #3.
I can see Lovie pounding the table at that point but a high quality LT prospect should take precedence.
I predict AH finds a home with the Jets.
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Everything I read has Hutchinson going to the Jags. Their #1 need seems to be Edge.

Detroit's #1 need seems to be Safety. Their #2 need is Edge. Thibodeaux could be their pick. Or Trevon Walker?

I've been looking at team needs this evening, comparing the latest, two separate lists. Surprisingly for me they were both in agreement.

Here we are 1 week from the draft and two teams, the Panthers at #6 and Seattle at #9, still have QB as their number one need. The Seahawks really like Willis. Will they chance him falling to them, or will they leapfrog Carolina? Will the Jets or Giants trade down? Will Carolina trade up to #3 to prevent being leapfrogged?

Oh, the intrigue.
 
leebigeztx said:
Are you playing Salyer at G or T? The Hughes will be there in the 4th-5th
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OG, look at how well Georgia ran the ball in the 2nd half against Alabama after struggling in the 1st half. Reason: They moved Salyer from LT (Where he was doing a fine job against Anderson) to RG. The run game really picked up in the 2nd half. He really impressed me with his ability to pull. I think he can do the same at LG because he played LT.

Who is Hughes?
 
We don’t know what the Texans are truly thinking right now. They could very well be thinking safety. Lovie did have a one on one meeting with Sauce. They could also be thinking about trading that pick for additional picks. Nick did hinted today that they more and likely will be making a trade.
 
Number19 said:
The one thing which concerns me about Gardner is his size. Lovie's Tampa 2 requires CB's to be aggressive defending the run game as well as defending the pass. CnnnD says Gardner appears to be small boned, raising the question how durable will he be against NFL talent. Is this risk acceptable for the #3 pick? #13? Maybe, but #3?
Click to expand...

Read that too and was going to comment or inquire more information, but point taken (don’t want to get into Biology, bone density/muscle mass etc). He’s been fighting “tag” as undersized his whole playing career. Coming out of High School was 6-2 159lbs that’s lanky. Probably combination of genetics and diet. Think he’s just a late bloomer, his strength and weight will undoubtedly increase, but hate to lose that quickness and sudden acceleration, that’s what gives him Sauce.
 
Texansballer74 said:
We don’t know what the Texans are truly thinking right now. They could very well be thinking safety. Lovie did have a one on one meeting with Sauce. They could also be thinking about trading that pick for additional picks. Nick did hinted today that they more and likely will be making a trade.
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Caserio said specifically that trading #3 would be unlikely, but #13 would be easier to move (up or down).
 
Lucky said:
Caserio said specifically that trading #3 would be unlikely, but #13 would be easier to move (up or down).
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Agree and as there are no stand out QBs in this draft, the first three teams will likely draft at their slotted positions.
Jets are in a prime position to trade, especially if AH, TW or KT are still on the board. Or Sauce for that matter. I just don't see EN making it to #4.
 
Texansphan said:
Agree and as there are no stand out QBs in this draft, the first three teams will likely draft at their slotted positions.
Jets are in a prime position to trade, especially if AH, TW or KT are still on the board. Or Sauce for that matter. I just don't see EN making it to #4.
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I've looked at this a lot (like everyone else), and I can't find the sweet spot for movement. After the 1st CB is off the board? After the 2nd OT? The 3rd edge rusher? I've said this since last fall. There are no top 10 QBs. Maybe the Panthers will be pigeon-holed into taking one at #6. But they'd much prefer moving down 10 spots to do it.
 
Lucky said:
I've looked at this a lot (like everyone else), and I can't find the sweet spot for movement. After the 1st CB is off the board? After the 2nd OT? The 3rd edge rusher? I've said this since last fall. There are no top 10 QBs. Maybe the Panthers will be pigeon-holed into taking one at #6. But they'd much prefer moving down 10 spots to do it.
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Except Seattle really likes Willis and QB is considereal their #1 need. Would they take a QB at 9 when pundits say he is not a 9. And what about Atlanta who reportedly is po'ed at not getting Watson. They like Willis as well. And the Panther's #1 need is QB.

The QB's in this draft are not top 10 QB's. But will necessity take over? We can't get lucky (no pun intended) for a change, can we?
 
Number19 said:
Except Seattle really likes Willis and QB is considereal their #1 need. Would they take a QB at 9 when pundits say he is not a 9. And what about Atlanta who reportedly is po'ed at not getting Watson. They like Willis as well. And the Panther's #1 need is QB.

The QB's in this draft are not top 10 QB's. But will necessity take over? We can't get lucky (no pun intended) for a change, can we?
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Maybe QB’s are not 10 worthy but when has that ever stopped a team from selecting one?

More layers of intrigue this draft than any in history given flux in free agency, players demanding trades (Watson was the catalyst) Vegas/Hollywood prime time media ratings monster and event planning bonanza. For once, what happens in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas!
 
Lucky said:
The fact that there are rumors that Seattle likes Willis means they like someone else. Carroll likes Matt Corral, and has picks #40 & #41 to move up to get him.
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could certainly be putting out false rumors to throw other teams off their true intention or draw trade interest.

yet Seattle is one quirky city with a bunch of strange cats living there who constantly do the unexpected, Carrol is rebuilding @ 70 no telling what’s all there :koolaid:
 
beerlover said:
could certainly be putting out false rumors to throw other teams off their true intention or draw trade interest.
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I have a feeling that Willis is getting the Brady Quinn treatment. All these teams supposedly like him (according to the media). Then on draft day, he starts tumbling down. Willis may not be ready to play until 2024. How many organizations can wait that long? Willis falling out of the 1st round may be the biggest story of Day 1.
 
Lucky said:
I have a feeling that Willis is getting the Brady Quinn treatment. All these teams supposedly like him (according to the media). Then on draft day, he starts tumbling down. Willis may not be ready to play until 2024. How many organizations can wait that long? Willis falling out of the 1st round may be the biggest story of Day 1.
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Carolina has Sam Darnell and Seattle has Drew Lock. A consensus of pundits seems to believe neither is a long term solution at the position, but also believe that both teams can be patient in easing a draft pick into starting.

So the question is, are these teams willing to settle for a second choice? If these teams aren't targeting a particular player and are concerned with not getting their man, then no trade will happen.
 
Number19 said:
Carolina has Sam Darnell and Seattle has Drew Lock. A consensus of pundits seems to believe neither is a long term solution at the position, but also believe that both teams can be patient in easing a draft pick into starting.
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I don't see there being patience in Carolina or Seattle. The coaching seat is on fire for Matt Ruhle. And Pete Carroll wants to contend before he turns 75. Plus, I don't think Willis is a fit for either system. I think the media has pumped up Willis from the beginning, and he's in for a fall.
 
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Lucky said:
I don't see there being patience in Carolina or Seattle. The coaching seat is on fire for Matt Ruhle. And Pete Carroll wants to contend before he turns 75. Plus, I don't think Willis is a fit for either system. I think the media has pumped up Willis from the beginning, and he's in for a fall.
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What I'm reading is that Willis is the most like Russell Wilson, so I assume he is a fit for their system. And he has the highest ceiling.

That said, Carroll may also be looking to go more run-heavy and could be looking to address both LT and RT positions.

Not holding my breath for a trade, but the possibility is there.
 
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