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I agree. If Stroud is taken #1 overall, I’m taking Anderson at 1.2 & Richardson or Hooker much later.I would not feel good about taking our second choice QB at no. 2 overall. I’d rather gamble and look for someone to fall at 12 and use 1.2 for a strong value pick.
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Since posting the above, I looked into Stroud's history and found it coincidentally interesting that in the opening game of the 2021 season, he suffered an A/C shoulder separation of his right throwing shoulder. He missed 1 game, but played noticeably subpar for several games. Prior to that in fall camp, he also suffered a grade I rotator cuff of that shoulder. From then on, his HC very much limited any designed runs for him for his protection.I won't make you wait. It's simple. No one has bothered to do a compprehensive long-term collegiate or NFL comparison study. The Packers did a very limited "observation" of this subject and concluded that the smaller players spent more time on the Injury reports than did the larger players. But I wouldn't necessarily accept this isolated observation as valid.
If we are going to speak of Bryce and his injury history..........which is not being discussed at all for some reason, let's take a look. Oct of last year, he sustain an A/C shoulder separation when he was tackled and landed on his shoulder. He missed only 1 game. In the NFL, the most common mechanism for a QB to sustain an A/C separation is when a tackler comes down with his full weight on the QB, driving his shoulder into the turf.
What is concerning is that I have found that Young has sustained at least 4 A/C separations in the past, albeit apparently grade I. But in the NFL those NFL defensive players will be likely expected to place much more weight behind any similar trauma to the shoulder.
linkWhen asked why he doesn’t run the ball more often, Stroud said that he would run under the right circumstances and mentioned that he is trying to run the plays head coach Ryan Day and offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson call for him.
“I mean, if it’s there, I’m gonna run. I feel like I do a good job running. But the plays that we call, I’m gonna run them to the best ability,” Stroud said after Ohio State’s Oct. 30 win over Penn State. “I’m not gonna go and do my own thing. That’s how you lose games.”
According to Wilson, Ohio State doesn’t call many designed runs for its quarterback, primarily to maintain Stroud’s long-term health. The redshirt freshman signal-caller separated the AC joint in his shoulder during the season opener with Minnesota. He appeared to suffer the injury after he landed awkwardly during a scramble early in the game.
“Quite honestly, there’s always the run option for him in some games, but with the shoulder the way he had it, we were trying to minimize some hits, risk and reward,” Wilson said Tuesday. “He’s a very capable runner. I just think coming off the shoulder that he had early, we just try to be smart.”
Even if Stroud hadn’t injured his shoulder, Day said an Ohio State quarterback’s primary focus is to throw the football. While he understands the significance of having Stroud be a dual-threat player, he wants the Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native to utilize his passing ability more than his running ability.
“Guys have run here before, and when it’s appropriate, we do. But also, it’s clear that we don’t run it as much as some of the other places. And I tell people that in recruiting. We’re not gonna come here and just run you into the ground,” Day said Tuesday. “It’s a long season. And we’ve got really good players on offense. So when the time is right and we need to do it, we gotta do it. But at the same time, putting our guys at risk for a long season is not something we do here. And I believe strongly in that. That quarterback position is a very important position.”
Explains concern. Chargers did same thing with Herbert after rib injury but kept playing him anyway. Made him less mobile more of a target and he took a beat down rest of season. He had to have shoulder surgery afterwards. Coaching is a big influencer that can be traceable to medical. Nice work again on part of CloakSince posting the above, I looked into Stroud's history and found it coincidentally interesting that in the opening game of the 2021 season, he suffered an A/C shoulder separation of his right throwing shoulder. He missed 1 game, but played noticeably subpar for several games. Prior to that in fall camp, he also suffered a grade I rotator cuff of that shoulder. From then on, his HC very much limited any designed runs for him for his protection.
link
Agreed about KanceyOh I wasn’t coming for you or anything just my thoughts. The thing with Kancey is if he does struggle in the run game it seems like that pick would just exacerbate our biggest issue on defense. I'd be excited to have him on the team no doubt I'd just worry about that. But worth noting that one of his college coaches coached Aaron Donald who is also an underweight DT so there's that.
And on Hooker idk I'm mostly just tired of the mid round flyer QB route. It's never worked for us before
I find the best way to watch prospects is to watch a guy like Anderson's tape when they highlight him. But also watch guys Too' Too' and Dale while you're watching Anderson.I'm a fan of best man wins. Not of starting a rookie just because he's a high draft pick. I watch a lot of scouting videos too. Problem with them is that too many of them are rating highlight reels. Negative reels are hard to come by without watching every game.
You got potential
I'm only using PFFs ranking system. They have Kancey at 14 overall. I liked the idea of getting the top edge and 2nd ranked DL to shore up the front 7. The Texans drastically need safety help and he was the BPA at that spot in this particular mock draft. I can't just take the players I like best. The simulator has 31 other teams drafting with the settings set highest for team needs and player ranking. I have randomness set to zero for my mock drafts. For the most part, I drafted BPA in areas of need.
I'm not worried about Hooker's age or injury. ACLs aren't the career-threatening injuries they were 20+ years ago and the Texans have a ton of holes to fill, especially on defense. Hooker was also very good value where I drafted him.
The whole mock draft thing is just mental masturbation and a way to have fun. It passes the time on a cold February day in NE Ohio while I recover from a separated shoulder.
Yep,Oh sorry, I forgot TE.
I am not advocating wiping all 11 starters my friend, just 3 or 4 will do.
More of a John Randle. Lacks elite production of Aaron Donald (half as many sacks) not as thick and strong but has the twitch. Think because of Aaron Donald he could get drafted higher? Haven’t seen enough tape or learned enough about his character to really know for sure. Combine will be key. Not only measurements and testing but interview. If he knocks it out of the park, could be top 10.You were all over Donald, how would you consider Kancey compares to Donald?
Highest I have seen him is 7th best quarterback. Long ways to go before hes considered a round one.You stat sheet watchers should have Haener as a clear first rd pick
30+ college starts
72% completions
Broke passing records held by the Carr brothers at Fresno
Career 68 TDs to only 18 ints
Threw for about 10,000 yards total and was always above 8 y/a
Will probably measure about 6'1 200lbs
Senior Bowl MVP
If it did that to your shoulder.. are you concerned about your mental?I'm only using PFFs ranking system. They have Kancey at 14 overall. I liked the idea of getting the top edge and 2nd ranked DL to shore up the front 7. The Texans drastically need safety help and he was the BPA at that spot in this particular mock draft. I can't just take the players I like best. The simulator has 31 other teams drafting with the settings set highest for team needs and player ranking. I have randomness set to zero for my mock drafts. For the most part, I drafted BPA in areas of need.
I'm not worried about Hooker's age or injury. ACLs aren't the career-threatening injuries they were 20+ years ago and the Texans have a ton of holes to fill, especially on defense. Hooker was also very good value where I drafted him.
The whole mock draft thing is just mental masturbation and a way to have fun. It passes the time on a cold February day in NE Ohio while I recover from a separated shoulder.
Nice stat sheet.You stat sheet watchers should have Haener as a clear first rd pick
30+ college starts
72% completions
Broke passing records held by the Carr brothers at Fresno
Career 68 TDs to only 18 ints
Threw for about 10,000 yards total and was always above 8 y/a
Will probably measure about 6'1 200lbs
Senior Bowl MVP
Donald is more dominant and stronger.You were all over Donald, how would you consider Kancey compares to Donald?
And four good ones on the D. Should be very doable between the draft and FA.Yep,
Center/TE/WR/RB would be a great start.
I think Haener will have a better chance at an NFL QB career. Since when do we just look at a player's athletic ability and disregard what they accomplish on the field?You stat sheet watchers should have Haener as a clear first rd pick
People gave up on Geno Smith when he was in NY (the Giants & Jets), too. I think an organization like the Seahawks could turn Wilson around, once out of the NY limelight.I wouldn't touch Wilson with a 10 foot pole. He's an immature prima donna. No thank you.
So you are advocating trading for Wilson and waiting 9 years to see quality play? Wilson is very immature and I don't care to risk it.I think Haener will have a better chance at an NFL QB career. Since when do we just look at a player's athletic ability and disregard what they accomplish on the field?
People gave up on Geno Smith when he was in NY (the Giants & Jets), too. I think an organization like the Seahawks could turn Wilson around, once out of the NY limelight.
Yes, that's exactly what I said. Thanks for keeping everything in context.So you are advocating trading for Wilson and waiting 9 years to see quality play?
Good post. I was being very sarcastic in my other post. Doesn't come across well in text.Yes, that's exactly what I said. Thanks for keeping everything in context.
I wasn't suggesting the Texans take a flyer on Wilson. They're not at the point where they can bring in reclamation projects. I specifically pointed to a mature organization like the Seahawks that have proven to be a place where players can turn their careers around (Geno Smith, Marshawn Lynch, Quandre Diggs).
This is who I would focus on. Steal early 4th.
Take a shot on Wilson and if it doesn't, draft a QB in 2024.I think Haener will have a better chance at an NFL QB career. Since when do we just look at a player's athletic ability and disregard what they accomplish on the field?
People gave up on Geno Smith when he was in NY (the Giants & Jets), too. I think an organization like the Seahawks could turn Wilson around, once out of the NY limelight.
I would give up a 4th that could become a 3rd if Wilson plays well.So you are advocating trading for Wilson and waiting 9 years to see quality play? Wilson is very immature and I don't care to risk it.
Geno Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
Check out the stats for Smith. 1 decent season in 9 years and he's on his 4th team, along with 2 years as a backup to Wilson. Not a bad player to learn under.
You may well be right about getting out of the NYC limelight. What do you think a team would have to give up for Wilson? I'd offer a straight up trade for Cooks.
Which college QBs do you like going into the 2023 season? Be specific, don't just say "draft a QB in 2024". Who are you expecting to have a great 2023 NCAAF season?Take a shot on Wilson and if it doesn't, draft a QB in 2024.
Sounds like a Texans to me.Since posting the above, I looked into Stroud's history and found it coincidentally interesting that in the opening game of the 2021 season, he suffered an A/C shoulder separation of his right throwing shoulder. He missed 1 game, but played noticeably subpar for several games. Prior to that in fall camp, he also suffered a grade I rotator cuff of that shoulder. From then on, his HC very much limited any designed runs for him for his protection.
link
In this orderWhich college QBs do you like going into the 2023 season? Be specific, don't just say "draft a QB in 2024". Who are you expecting to have a great 2023 NCAAF season?
Do you think it was the Seahawks who turned Geno around? I’m wondering if Geno will regress to the mean.People gave up on Geno Smith when he was in NY (the Giants & Jets), too. I think an organization like the Seahawks could turn Wilson around, once out of the NY limelight.
Hate the Cowboys getting Bijan.NFL Mock Draft 2023: Who our college football writers think each NFL team should select
- https://theathletic.com/4209782/202...tball/?source=freeweeklyemail&campaign=602288
- Chris Vannini, Max Olson, Nicole Auerbach, Justin Williams, Audrey Snyder, Antonio Morales, Scott Dochterman, Grace Raynor
- 16 min read
The NFL Draft is 10 weeks away. Eight members of The Athletic’s college football staff who covered these athletes for several years have lent insight into pulling together their NFL mock draft: Nicole Auerbach, Max Olson, Chris Vannini, Grace Raynor, Audrey Snyder, Justin Williams, Antonio Morales and Scott Dochterman. For this mock, no pick trading was allowed.
As a reminder, there are only 31 selections in the first round this year, after the Dolphins forfeited their selection.
1. Chicago Bears: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
I would have traded back, but the rules are the rules, and I’m a rule-follower! So I’ll go with a game wrecker who can be the face of the franchise. Carter is so powerful and disruptive on the interior. I don’t think you can go wrong with either Carter or Alabama’s Will Anderson, but I keep thinking back to something Bears coach Matt Eberflus said about the three-technique: “We call it the engine that makes everything go.” If that’s how he sees the value of the position, then you’ve got to go Carter here. He’ll make everything go. — Auerbach
2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
In this trade-free mock draft, the Texans are happy to sit back and get their guy at No. 2. Young is the difference-maker this new coaching staff needs to build around. His poise and accuracy are special, and he totally played up to the hype in his two seasons as an SEC starter. The size concerns are valid, but you’d be a fool to talk yourself out of drafting Young. — Olson
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
Anderson was the best defensive player in college football for each of the last two years and would’ve been drafted in this same spot a year ago if he were eligible. He racked up 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks over three seasons with the Crimson Tide. With J.J. Watt off into retirement, Anderson could slide in perfectly as a top-level pass rusher. — Vannini
4. Indianapolis Colts: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
Indianapolis is taking a quarterback — that much seems set in stone. And if the Colts don’t trade up to get Bryce Young, it means they are likely deciding between Levis and C.J. Stroud. A case can be made for either, but based on his NFL measurables and his style of play, Levis seems to fit that Manning/Luck mold the Colts have favored in the past. — Williams
5. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Tyree Wilson, DL, Texas Tech
Head coach Pete Carroll has stressed the importance of the Seahawks becoming more dynamic up front defensively, especially with division foe San Francisco 49ers so dominant in that aspect. Wilson has the type of frame (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) and athleticism to be the disruptive force the Seahawks need. He recorded 14 tackles for loss last season, a top-30 total in the FBS, which is made more impressive considering he missed the final three games of the season. — Morales
6. Detroit Lions (from L.A. Rams): Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Illinois led the nation in scoring defense, and Witherspoon and the secondary were the key to the Illini’s defensive emergence. Witherspoon always was assigned the opponent’s best receiver, no matter if it was field, boundary or slot. According to Pro Football Focus, Witherspoon was targeted 63 times and allowed just 22 catches for 206 yards and no scores. Plus, he can bring the thunder. Witherspoon has the potential to become a shutdown corner and the toughness to further restore the roar in Detroit. — Dochterman
7. Las Vegas Raiders: C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State
If an Aaron Rodgers–Davante Adams reunion is a no-go, here’s a franchise quarterback who fell into my lap. Yes, there was a ton of talent around Stroud at Ohio State, including a star-studded receiving corps. That detail doesn’t diminish the value of his arm talent and production. After putting up 40-plus touchdowns against six interceptions in back-to-back years, it’s time for Stroud to start working with another superstar wide receiver. — Snyder
8. Atlanta Falcons: Myles Murphy, DE, Clemson
The Falcons finished second-to-last in the NFL in sacks this season, with just 21. Improving the pass rush through the draft will be crucial, and Murphy is the right player to help. A Georgia native and product of nearby Clemson, he is fast, powerful and smart. He benched about 275 pounds as a 14-year-old high school freshman and ran a 4.65-second 40-yard dash as a high school senior. Now 6 foot 5 and about 275 pounds, Murphy finished his Clemson career as a two-time all-conference honoree with 139 tackles (37 for loss), 17 1/2 sacks and six forced fumbles in 38 games with 27 starts. — Raynor
9. Carolina Panthers: Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida
The Panthers desperately need some stability at the quarterback position, and while Young, Levis or Stroud would have been nice, Richardson is a less proven but still logical choice. He has the tools, he’s mobile with a big arm and he can be coached up at the next level to play with more precision. — Raynor
10. Philadelphia Eagles (from New Orleans): Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
Porter started 31 games over the past four years and developed into a shutdown corner. His physicality initially caused him problems in college, but improved in his ability to eliminate penalties while not losing his edge. Porter had 20 pass breakups and 113 tackles during his collegiate career. He grew up in NFL locker rooms and has dissected the game with his dad for as long as the younger Porter can remember. With this selection, he’ll become the first Penn State defensive back selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. — Snyder
11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., T, Ohio State
The Titans are in desperate need of reinforcements on the offensive line, and Johnson gives them the top tackle prospect in the draft. He has the length and athleticism required to play on the edge at the NFL level, but he has experience at both guard and tackle from his time at Ohio State. Tennessee has a number of holes up front, and Johnson should be able to plug one right away. — Williams
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Quentin Johnston, WR, TCU
We got Young at No. 2. Now we’re getting a go-to receiver for the franchise QB. It’s not hard to upgrade at this spot from last year’s crew of Brandin Cooks, Chris Moore, Nico Collins and Phillip Dorsett. Johnston is a freak athlete at 6 foot 4 and 215 pounds who is still just scratching the surface of his pro potential and should impress at the combine. Young can certainly throw it up to Johnston and trust he’ll win on 50/50 balls, but the long wideout is also adept at making plays in space. — Olson
13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, T, Georgia
The Jets desperately need help on the offensive line, and lo and behold, they’ve got an opportunity to grab one of the best offensive tackles available. The Jets ranked among the worst teams in the NFL in both pass blocking and run blocking, per PFF. Enter Jones, who played in every game of Georgia’s back-to-back national championship seasons, starting all 15 games in 2022. The 6-foot-4, 314-pound tackle is just what the Jets need at a position that’s been recently held back by injuries and inconsistent play. They’ve got to fix the offense, and it starts up front. — Auerbach
14. New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
The Patriots need a cornerback, and the 6-foot-2, 201-pound Gonzalez is arguably the best in this class. The former Oregon Duck had four interceptions in 2022, the most on his team and third-most in the Pac-12. His 118 return yards on those four picks were the most by an Oregon player since Steve Smith in 2001, and he earned first-team coaches’ All-Pac-12 honors in 2022. — Raynor
15. Green Bay Packers: Peter Skoronski, T, Northwestern
Forget about a difference maker at tight end or a safety, both needs that must also be addressed. If Green Bay’s offensive line doesn’t improve, nothing else matters. Yes, the franchise has done well in later rounds with offensive linemen — and the Packers last drafted an offensive lineman in the first round in 2011 — but picking this early gives the Packers a shot at landing a stud tackle for years to come. Injuries to David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins have made it clear just how irreplaceable elite linemen are. Regardless of who the quarterback is, the Packers can’t miss on an opportunity to invest in 2024 and beyond by taking Skoronski, who could also turn out to be a reliable guard. — Snyder
16. Washington Commanders: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
The Commanders need cornerback help, and this is a loaded class for that position. Smith is a physical cornerback with good ball skills, recording six interceptions and 18 passes defended for the Gamecocks. He finished ninth in the country in passes defended per game in 2021 and allowed multiple catches just twice in 11 games that year. His speed is good but not great. — Vannini
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The thought here was either offensive line or corner. Most of the top offensive linemen were taken, so we’re betting on traits and athleticism here to continue the recent run on cornerbacks. Ringo is raw and will lose some battles in coverage, but he has the size and speed to win his fair share, too. — Morales
18. Detroit Lions: Siaki Ika, DT, Baylor
The Lions won eight of their final 10 games but were 28th or worse in the most important defensive categories, including last overall in total defense. With a pair of talented rush ends in Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston, Detroit needs a two-down run stuffer in the worst way. Ika has that ability with his 6-4, 360-pound frame to tie up blockers and quick enough footwork to close gaps. — Dochterman
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
The run on cornerbacks continues, and I’m a little surprised by it. I would have thought Ringo or Smith might still be available. Alas. Instead, we’ll take the player who we think should have won the Thorpe Award, given to college football’s best defensive back. Forbes had three pick sixes last season, bringing his total to six in his collegiate career, an NCAA record. The Bucs need help in the secondary, the area expected to be hit hardest by free agency this offseason. Forbes is the kind of corner that quarterbacks avoid. — Auerbach
20. Seattle Seahawks: Bryan Bresee, DT, Clemson
We’re doubling down on the Seahawks’ desire to improve the defensive front. With Wilson, the edge has been addressed. Now Bresee is the pick to cause havoc in the interior. Bresee was rated the No. 1 player in the country during the 2020 recruiting cycle and lived up to that hype as a true freshman. Injuries have hampered him the past two seasons, but there’s enough evidence to believe in his pedigree when healthy. — Morales
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
Addison dealt with injuries during his final college season at USC, so his numbers weren’t as prolific as they were when he won the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt in 2021. His talent was still apparent, though. Addison has good speed and is a smooth, technically sound wideout. If Keenan Allen becomes a cap casualty, then the Chargers (and Justin Herbert) could use a talent like Addison. — Morales
22. Baltimore Ravens: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
Let’s assume for now that Lamar Jackson is coming back in 2023 and get him another pass catcher. The Ravens have some talent at wideout but ended up finishing the season with Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins starting in a playoff game. Smith-Njigba had a tough year, but it’s still tough to pass on him here. He looked like a potential top-10 pick going into 2022 before his hamstring injury and still has a bright future as a playmaker in the slot. — Olson
23. Minnesota Vikings: Lukas Van Ness, DE, Iowa
The Vikings won 13 games last year despite fielding the league’s No. 30 scoring defense and No. 31 pass defense. They’re also an estimated $21 million over the cap, per Spotrac, and most of their defensive line money is tied up at tackle. Van Ness is a physical marvel who didn’t start at Iowa because the Hawkeyes had two high-character seniors ahead of him. But Van Ness played more regular-season snaps at defensive end than any other Iowa defender. His upside is limitless, and he can play on the edge or over the guard in pass rush situations. — Dochterman
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
There’s no such thing as giving Trevor Lawrence too many weapons as the Jaguars continue to build after being one of the best stories in the NFL last season. The ever-versatile Mayer is arguably the best tight end in this class and gives Jacksonville both a strong blocker and a dangerous pass catcher. If Evan Engram returns to Jacksonville, the Jags will have an elite one-two punch at the position. But if the Jaguars lose Engram to free agency, Mayer gives them a nice insurance policy. — Raynor
25. New York Giants: Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
The most glaring weakness for the Giants last year? The wide receiver group. Daniel Jones needs weapons. He needs playmakers. He needs a No. 1 receiver. The 2022 Biletnikoff winner has the speed and hands to be that guy. It feels like Hyatt has merely scratched the surface of his potential — the limited route tree in Josh Heupel’s offense is either a positive or a negative, if you think long enough about it — and he can be one of the most explosive rookie receivers in the NFL in the right offense. — Auerbach
26. Dallas Cowboys: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Jerry Jones loves himself some big-name running backs (Emmitt Smith, Herschel Walker, Ezekiel Elliott), and this could be the time for a refresh while also saving cap space. Tony Pollard made the Pro Bowl, but he is set to be a free agent and fractured his left fibula in the playoffs; Ezekiel Elliott could be cut for salary cap purposes. Robinson was the best running back in college football with 1,580 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns as a junior last year. He’s also a threat out of the backfield, with 60 catches in his Texas career. With Mike McCarthy taking over the offense, Robinson would be a useful and versatile weapon. — Vannini
27. Buffalo Bills: Brian Branch, S, Alabama
Robinson was absolutely going to be the pick here, but Branch helps resolve another need. Pro Bowl safety Jordan Poyer is a free agent this offseason. Whether or not he returns, it makes sense to find his successor. Branch is a really intriguing chess piece with his ability to confidently play several roles in the secondary at a high level. Getting Branch this late in the first round feels like a steal. — Olson
28. Cincinnati Bengals: BJ Ojulari, Edge, LSU
Cincinnati has done well to bolster its defensive front through free agency, but with big pay days on the horizon for the likes of Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, among others, the Bengals won’t have that same luxury in the coming years. I’m tempted to take Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave, but Burrow proved his team can take a one-year flyer on someone like Hayden Hurst and make it shine. And with the current slate of QBs in the AFC, you can never have enough pass rushers. — Williams
29. New Orleans Saints (from San Francisco through Denver): Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
The Saints got back into the first round thanks to the Sean Payton trade, and they need to reload inside with four defensive tackles potentially heading to free agency. Smith could be the perfect answer with his unique mix of size, strength and speed at 6-foot-3, 337 pounds. He was No. 1 on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List heading into the 2022 season, and he is going to light up the combine at the end of the month. At Michigan, he earned All-Big Ten First Team honors in 2022. He needs to improve his pass rush and his consistency, and the Saints will need to do their due diligence on a gun charge from an October traffic stop (he pled guilty to a misdemeanor), but his ceiling is incredibly high. — Vannini
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Trenton Simpson, LB, Clemson
I really wanted Bijan Robinson, but since no trades are allowed in this mock draft I turned to the linebacker talent pool. Expect Simpson to turn heads at the combine. A member of Feldman’s Freaks List, Simpson could be yet another valuable weapon on an Eagles defense that looks to be loaded for years to come. — Snyder
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Will McDonald IV, Edge, Iowa State
One of the most prolific pass rushers in Big 12 history, McDonald has an explosive burst off the edge. With 34 career sacks, McDonald tied the league record and was a three-time all-Big 12 selection. He has 35-inch arms to go on a 6-4, 241-pound frame, and he uses that length to get separation off the edge. If McDonald sneaks into the first round, he would mark the first Cyclone with that distinction since 1973. — Dochterman
Just coincidentally this guy has HTown connections that preceded Caserio in Houston.I believe Nick finally has the situation in Houston under control and he fin ally got the HC of his choosing.
Maybe? But I choose to believe, star’s finally aligned, whatever root cause, it simply made sense well as smart business decision. Just hope fans can remain patient this time around, allow him time needed to change Texan culture into winning experiences.Just coincidentally this guy has HTown connections that preceded Caserio in Houston.
I have no reason to doubt Meco is going to be an excellent HC. But it’s foolish. imo, to think there were no ulterior motives in the selection.
I wholeheartedly agree Nick made this decision with both eyes open just like the last two.
Agree with this. But I don’t think the last two coaches were fired because fans were impatient.Maybe? But I choose to believe, star’s finally aligned, whatever root cause, it simply made sense well as smart business decision. Just hope fans can remain patient this time around, allow him time needed to change Texan culture into winning experiences.
I like a lot of what Young brings to the table, especially in today's NFL where QBs are protected and advanced offense schemes that get rid of the ball more quickly. However, I am not in agreement with McShay that Young is a smaller version of Patrick Mahomes, although he has his type of skill set. And the reason is both size and arm, which are both sizable downgrades. I highly doubt Young will be able to shed tacklers as well as Mahomes, and he certainly won't be able to make the same throws flat-footed or on the run.Everybody has an opinion on Bryce Young number 1 do I agree not sure https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/02/18/bryce-young-patrick-mahones-comparison-todd-mcshay
Mahomes is an extra terrestrial…Everybody has an opinion on Bryce Young number 1 do I agree not sure https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/02/18/bryce-young-patrick-mahones-comparison-todd-mcshay
To me, Bryce Young is a smaller version of Patrick Mahomes,” McShay said. “He’s so poised inside the pocket. He has an understanding of where pressure is coming from. He can carry your football team.”
100%. Young doesn't have Mahomes arm strong and does not throw with the same type of leverage. Just because he can throw at different angles doesn't make him the best QB in football. Lazy indeed.Mahomes is an extra terrestrial…
this has nothing to do with Mahomes’ success. His ability to get the ball to the right player regardless the situation is uncanny. Backfoot, sideways, upside down, falling backwards, dropping back 30 yards, it doesn’t matter. He’s got the arm strength, arm talent, accuracy, anticipation & whatever he needs to make that throw when he needs to make that throw.
Bryce Young is going to have to do it his way, & I’m sure he’s capable. But he’s not the next Mahomes. No knock on him. Lazy on McShay.
Agree with this. But I don’t think the last two coaches were fired because fans were impatient.
I’ll be patient with Demeco, but I’ve run out of patience with Caserio.
Hiring Demeco, for whatever reason, is a step in the right direction. But he’s got a long way to go to get back to even.
Let him gamble on those draft prospect medicals one more time….
Yep, Larry got his black HC, he's happy.Sounded like Larry in Stafford on phone with ticket sales, then DeMeco? Shall I say very vocal in community, he represents a large portion of loyal but disgruntled fans who can finally, embrace positive direction for the good folks down on Kirby.
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It's hard to get killed from the bench, which is where I'd keep him until and unless he hands-down won the starting job. Besides the change in scheme, a play caller can help his QB beat pressure with bootlegs, quick throws, screens and moving pockets, spreadiing defenses out and keeping them in nickel or dime defense, etc.NFL Draft Buzz has nothing but praise to say about Bryce Young. But, they do point out one thing that the Texans are sorely lacking at the moment. A solid offensive line to protect him. It can be fixed, but it's most likely going to take a full season to get it right. Can Young stay alive long enough for the O'Line to jell? That is the question. I've been opposed to drafting him due to his lack of size, but it would be fun to watch if he can bring the same excitement to the team that he's had in Alabama. Here's the paragraph in his write up I'm referring to.
"The only major negative we can find to Young is his susceptibility to injury, and while playing behind an elite (for the most part) Tide offensive line he's been able to stay on the field - behind a subpar basement-dwelling pro line things could turn bad, quickly. This is a potentially serious issue - any team that drafts him will need to have the team to keep him upright. Despite this we still consider Bryce Young to be the best player in the class and easily worthy of the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft."
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Bryce Young Quarterback Alabama | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 93.6 Rank: #1 Forty: 4.52 Bryce Young has the ability to become a generational talent at the next level. He has impressive arm talent, excellent overall accuracy, elite mobility, an...www.nfldraftbuzz.com
So he made two bad choices?They were both fired because of incompetency, no other reason.
Can you point out one positive accomplishment of either coach during their time here?
He is ahead of the curve as far as I am concerned.
Sounds to me like the resident critic has your ear.![]()
He didn't make the choices on any HC's or Gannon would be the HC.So he made two bad choices?
I know, I know… hands tied. Doing what the boss said. But he can fire them at the drop of a hat.
snake bit. Setting the bar low.
because I don’t think like you? C’mon man.
Don't know what McShay is talking about. Because Young's Oline was so strong, he infrequently was pressured..................and when he was, he tended to "decompensate" resulting in very poor accuracy. He's going to see a lot more pressure in the NFL.Everybody has an opinion on Bryce Young number 1 do I agree not sure https://www.si.com/nfl/2023/02/18/bryce-young-patrick-mahones-comparison-todd-mcshay
“When you study the tape—and I love C.J. Stroud, and I think he has a chance to be a really good player… To me, Bryce Young is a smaller version of Patrick Mahomes,” McShay said. “He’s so poised inside the pocket. He has an understanding of where pressure is coming from. He can carry your football team.”
Agreed. He’s useless. Sooner we let him go, sooner we get a real GMHe didn't make the choices on any HC's or Gannon would be the HC.
Why is he useless? IYOAgreed. He’s useless. Sooner we let him go, sooner we get a real GM
You said he can’t hire his HC.Why is he useless? IYO
Plenty of cap space and draft picks = a much brighter future than they've had in years.
What does a real GM look like in your mind?
Those are mostly fair critiques, some not so much like trying to eliminate two 400 yard games from his resume just because ...reasons....
but I was looking for some actual dislikes of what has been seen on film and not something that can just be looked up on the internet for a list of negatives.
But I'll match your negatives with:
Good Size and build
Very Good arm strength and has shown he can make all NFL throws
Great athlete for the position
Not just a scrambler, but also can be a designed runner
Him being a one year starter is a positive (had he played the way he did as a multiple year starter he wouldn't be thought of as a top QB)
He improved as the season went on and showed progress. While you look at his last two games as a possible aberration, many--including myself--see them as him showing the improvement you'd expect to see out of a guy who started all year for the first time
There are specific instances on film where Richardson made the wrong read earlier in the year, but saw it again later in the season and made the correct adjustment
This shows growth and coachability
I'm not drafting anyone and neither are you. We are just discussing prospects on a MB. All of these guys have "unrealized potential". The reason Mills went third round is because in that draft the GM's in the league didn't think he was worth taking a chance on in the first round for whatever reasons. We will see where Richardson ends up.