2025 Draft Prospects

[CloakNNNdagger]

Loveland is the guy I'm pounding the table for even if it means trading future picks to trade up 5-6 spots for. Guys a difference maker.

I'd be very cautious going all out like that for Loveland. He sustained a shoulder injury last season which required surgery (Jan 29). What has not been widely reported is that he underwent not only a labrum repair, but also a high grade A-C joint separation reconstruction. His surgeon has said that he should be a "full go" by late July.

It needs to be noted that ~70% of players undergoing arthroscopic SLAP repair (which Loveland had) returned to sport. Of those, ~70% returned to previous level of play.

 

[steelbtexan]

I'd be very cautious going all out like that for Loveland. He sustained a shoulder injury last season which required surgery (Jan 29). What has not been widely reported is that he underwent not only a labrum repair, but also a high grade A-C joint separation reconstruction. His surgeon has said that he should be a "full go" by late July.

It needs to be noted that ~70% of players undergoing arthroscopic SLAP repair (which Loveland had) returned to sport. Of those, ~70% returned to previous level of play.

That means he should fall to 1-25.

I'll take my chances on a farm boy.

That's if the team Docs clear him.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

That means he should fall to 1-25.

I'll take my chances on a farm boy.

That's if the team Docs clear him.

"Medically cleared to play" is a phrase that continues to be misinterpreted by many. It only means that the player has passed some limited testing that allows the player to see the field again. That decision is not limited by his risk of re-injury.............and the decision leaves return performance level essentially a mystery, in that it does not in any way imply or predict the player's return level of performance,

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Draft prospect Kyren Lacy dies at 24
Published April 13, 2025 11:19 AM

Former LSU receiver and 2025 draft prospect Kyren Lacy has died. He was 24.
Via WAFB.com, it is suspected that Lacy died by suicide.

Lacy faced charges of negligent homicide and felony hit and run after a December 2024 car accident that claimed the life of a 78-year-old man. A grand jury was due to begin hearing evidence in the case on Monday.
Lacy played three years at LSU after starting his career at Lousiana.

We extend our condolences to Lacy’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches. And we urge anyone having suicidal thoughts to seek help immediately. Family and friends are always ready to listen and help. Other services are available, such as the 988 Lifeline.

It’s that simple — dial 988 on your phone and someone will be there to assist you.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Draft prospect Kyren Lacy dies at 24
Published April 13, 2025 11:19 AM

Former LSU receiver and 2025 draft prospect Kyren Lacy has died. He was 24.
Via WAFB.com, it is suspected that Lacy died by suicide.

Lacy faced charges of negligent homicide and felony hit and run after a December 2024 car accident that claimed the life of a 78-year-old man. A grand jury was due to begin hearing evidence in the case on Monday.
Lacy played three years at LSU after starting his career at Lousiana.

We extend our condolences to Lacy’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches. And we urge anyone having suicidal thoughts to seek help immediately. Family and friends are always ready to listen and help. Other services are available, such as the 988 Lifeline.

It’s that simple — dial 988 on your phone and someone will be there to assist you.

More details from THE GUARDIAN.................


Lacy, who led LSU in receiving touchdowns with nine last season, had declared for this month’s NFL draft. But his sports career had been overshadowed by his alleged involvement in a incident in December that killed a 78-year-old man in Louisiana. Lacy was allegedly driving recklessly – speeding and passing in a no-passing zone – when a motorist who was swerving to avoid Lacy’s Dodge Charger crashed head-on into another vehicle. Herman Hall, who was involved in the head-on crash, died after being taken to hospital.

Authorities said Lacy fled the scene of the crash without calling for help. Lacy was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle. He was released on $151,000 bail.

On Sunday, Ory told ESPN that he was “very confident the evidence, after being fully collected and reviewed, would lead to a declination of charges”. He added that “we will be demanding a full and transparent review of how this investigation was conducted and why.”

Lacy played in 12 games for LSU last season and was second on the team in catches with 58 and yards receiving with 866.

He declared for the NFL draft just days after the accident, but slipped down many teams’ draft boards after the fatal crash, and did not play in LSU’s victory over Baylor in the Texas Bowl on 31 December.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Kyren Lacy’s lawyer vows to investigate “gross miscarriage of justice”
Published April 13, 2025 07:35 PM

Former LSU receiver and draft prospect Kyren Lacy died on Sunday. The apparent cause was suicide.

A grand jury was due to consider on Monday potential negligent homicide and hit-and-run charges against Lacy in connection with a December 2024 accident that claimed the life of a 78-year-old former Marine.

Following Lacy’s passing, his lawyer issued a blistering statement.

“Kyren’s was scheduled to have his matter heard before a grand jury tomorrow wherein we were very confident the evidence, after being fully collected and reviewed, would lead to a declination of charges,” attorney Matthew Ory said, via WAFB.com.
“From the very beginning, this so-called investigation took on the appearance of an overzealous, targeted effort — what can only be described as a witch hunt — fueled by who Kyren was and the public profile he carried. The decision by the investigating agency to charge him at all, in our view, was not only unjustified, it was disturbing. It’s imperative to understand the Lafourche Parish District Attorney, to this day, has not formally charged Kyren.

“Kyren was a young man with immense promise, and he was crushed under the weight of an irresponsible and prejudiced process. The negative barrage on social media, the circulation of his mugshot by nearly every news outlet rather than a standard photo, the recent civil lawsuit filed against him that named another defendant who mysteriously wasn’t charged with a crime, only him, and the overall tone of coverage painted a deeply biased picture before he ever had the chance to defend himself. There was never a presumption of innocence which was exemplified by the NFL pulling his draft card over mere accusations without affording him the slightest chance to defend himself. The pressure and perception likely became unbearable.

“Let us be absolutely clear: This is far from over. We will be demanding a full and transparent review of how this investigation was conducted and why. Those responsible for this gross miscarriage of justice must and will be held accountable.”

In fairness to the NFL, Lacy was not removed from the draft pool. While the situation likely would have impacted his draft position, he had not been excluded from the draft.

Regardless, the entire situation is a tragedy — especially if his suicide was caused by any of the stress he was experiencing. As mentioned earlier, anyone who needs help can readily get help. Dial 988, and someone will be there to assist you.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Former LSU wide receiver and NFL prospect Kyren Lacy dies from apparent ‘self-inflicted gunshot wound,’ authorities say
Wayne Sterling, CNN
4-5 minutes 4/13/2025

---

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Constable’s Office responded to a weapons disturbance call Saturday night where Lacy and a family member were involved in a verbal argument.

Lacy discharged a firearm into the ground, according to a release from the sheriff’s office, and left the scene in a vehicle before authorities arrived.

The police later spotted Lacy’s vehicle and tried to make a traffic stop, the release said. “Lacy then fled and a vehicle pursuit took place spanning several miles. … The suspect vehicle crashed.”

The sheriff’s office said when authorities tried to remove him from the vehicle to arrest him, they “discovered he had suffered what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” EMS pronounced him dead at the scene.

“Preliminary information indicates Lacy shot himself during the pursuit and prior to the vehicle crashing,” the release added.

The Harris County of Institute of Forensic Sciences will conduct an autopsy.
CNN has reached out to the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office, Lacy’s attorney and agent for comment.

“We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of former LSU Football student-athlete Kyren Lacy,” LSU said in a statement to CNN. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones, as well as his former teammates and coaches impacted by his passing.”

 

[Lucky]

In fairness to the NFL, Lacy was not removed from the draft pool. While the situation likely would have impacted his draft position, he had not been excluded from the draft.

Lacy was not invited to the NFL combine. Which he most surely would have if not for the vehicular death.

There was more nuance to this story. Lacy graduated in 2024 and was All SEC Academic in 2022. This had been Lacy's first offense, apparently. He went from a bright future to the prospect of losing his career and his freedom. Not to mention the guilt he surely felt. The family, lawyers, and agents should have guided Lacy into therapy. That didn't happen..A cautionary tale in many aspects.

 

[calishung7717]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1899625365061980448

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Lacy's attorney's claim from USA TODAY:

*******

Louisiana State Police said following the investigation that Lacy "recklessly passed multiple vehicles at a high rate of speed by crossing the centerline" into incoming traffic in a don't-pass zone on Louisiana Highway 20. Police added Lacy drove around the scene of the collision before fleeing and not reporting the crash.

Lacy's attorney, Matthew Ory, denied Lacy's involvement in the crash.

"The collision that resulted in the death of Mr. Herman was not caused by Mr. Lacy’s actions," Ory wrote in a statement in early February. "The accident occurred directly in front of him when a second vehicle in the oncoming lane crossed the centerline and collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle, in which he was a passenger. We are of information and belief that the vehicle that collided with Mr. Herman’s vehicle was issued a citation. At no time did Mr. Lacy’s vehicle strike the rear of Mr. Herman’s vehicle, nor did any of the vehicles Mr. Lacy passed collide with his. After the collision occurred in front of Mr. Lacy, he cautiously went around the vehicles after passage was safe.

"It is crucial to emphasize that Mr. Lacy did not cause or contribute to the crash. There was no suspicion of alcohol or drug use involved. Furthermore, contrary to some media reports, Mr. Lacy never 'returned' to the scene of the accident."

 

[badboy]

My link for the following is news break which most of you do not have so I am just going to post what it says. The night of the shooting, Lacy became involved in an argument with a family member and fired his gun into the ground. About a half hour later a LEO attempted a traffic stop and then gave chase eventually leading to Lacy shooting himself.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1899625365061980448

Savaiinaea in the NFL will not be an OT, most likely an OG. He is a big guy that does not have much ability to move quickly............forward or especially laterally.

 

[ghostlight]

Tyler Booker can do it all and is aserious Prospect for #25

 

[JB]

Tyler Booker can do it all and is aserious Prospect for #25

Why the 2023 Highlights? He's not a round 1 talent

 

[leebigeztx]

Loveland is the guy I'm pounding the table for even if it means trading future picks to trade up 5-6 spots for. Guys a difference maker.

Even though he can't block?

 

[leebigeztx]

Tyler Booker can do it all and is aserious Prospect for #25

He can't move his feet and allow guys in his body. That's gonna be a problem next level as it was with Kenyon

 

[leebigeztx]

Agreed, that’s why i’ll take a higher floor prospect round 1 over a higher ceiling prospect more often than not. Just because a guy has a high floor doesn’t mean he has a low ceiling.

EX: Egbuka over Higgins round 1 and for me Jackson over Savaiinaea (I know it’s a hot take but I think Jonah Savaiinaea is the highest ceiling interior OL in the draft).

Then of course there are the height/length/general athleticism thresholds I agree with…. happy to be wrong about an exception. Trust the process.

Ebuka isn't a high floor guy. A high floor guy is the wr from Tennessee

 

[TheRealJoker V2]

Ebuka isn't a high floor guy. A high floor guy is the wr from Tennessee

So the guy from Tennessee is a solid bet to be a productive contributor? That’s not how I see him. Boom or bust one trick pony imo.

 

[steelbtexan]

Even though he can't block?

They ran behind him over 100 times last yr. You dont run behind a guy that many times if he cant block. Go checkout his 2023 tape when he was fully healthy (He hurt his shoulder last yr) and he was a big part of why Corum/Edwards ran the ball so well.

 

[steelbtexan]

So the guy from Tennessee is a solid bet to be a productive contributor? That’s not how I see him. Boom or bust one trick pony imo.

But if he hits on that one trick there's fireworks. Also if he can learn to run a route tree. (I would only ask him to run 3-4 routes to begin with) he could be really special.

 

[steelbtexan]

He can't move his feet and allow guys in his body. That's gonna be a problem next level as it was with Kenyon

I originally thought Booker was a top 15 player in this draft. After seeing his feet, I would draft him at 3-79.

 

[leebigeztx]

So the guy from Tennessee is a solid bet to be a productive contributor? That’s not how I see him. Boom or bust one trick pony imo.

So you're drafting Kevin Dyson over Randy Moss in 98? You drafting the safe, solid guy.

 

[steelbtexan]

So you're drafting Kevin Dyson over Randy Moss in 98? You drafting the safe, solid guy.

Speaking of WR's, I'm coming around on Luther Burden. He's a playmaker. They used him differently in 2024 than they did in 2023. Go take a look at some of his 2023 tape and tell me what you think. He can run a good part of the route tree and is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. I've got him behind Golden/McMillan. Although he's better with the ball in his hands.

 

[leebigeztx]

They ran behind him over 100 times last yr. You dont run behind a guy that many times if he cant block. Go checkout his 2023 tape when he was fully healthy (He hurt his shoulder last yr) and he was a big part of why Corum/Edwards ran the ball so well.

There is a reason why balanced te's are very, very hard to find. At Michigan, he was more wr than blocker, but that's OK if he can punish and be a matchup problem. Like nobody talks about the greatest tes in the last 20 yrs because of blocking. Gronk and Kittle are the best 2 way tes in the last 20. The key to me is not being a liability in the run game. Sharpe, Witten, Gonzo, Gates,Kelce and Jimmy Graham were not great blockers, but they were a matchup problem and willing blockers. That's all you need to exploit the rules today. Willing blocker and a menace in the passing game. So I would probably just draft Taylor in the 2nd rd or Gunnar Helm in the 4th or Fannin Jr

 

[Errant Hothy]

Even though he can't block?

I have no idea where this narrative is coming from.

 

[leebigeztx]

So the guy from Tennessee is a solid bet to be a productive contributor? That’s not how I see him. Boom or bust one trick pony imo.

That trick is explosive though. The draft in which the chose Metchie over Pickens and Pierce was a mistake to me. I wanted them to get Williamson, but Lions got him a pick before. Everyone on this board tried to convince me Metchie, with no special traits was a better player than his teammate who was 20 ypc and double digit tds or crazy ass Pickens. Even Pierce, who again is was 20ypc in college was worth the pick before Metchie because he is big and fast. Can he run the route tree? Nope, but he can run 3 or 4 that makes him way more dangerous than even a healthy Metchie. Ebuka is more refined than Thornton of the Vols, but he can take the top off. So you run fly routes, daggers, and comebacks. That's what the Steelers did with the guy from ole miss who eventually went to the dolphins. When you got that heat opposite of Nico along with Kirk, defenses play you differently.

 

[TheRealJoker V2]

So you're drafting Kevin Dyson over Randy Moss in 98? You drafting the safe, solid guy.

That’s cute. Let me know how many Randy Moss’s couldn’t catch more than 26 passes in a season….

Moss went 90 1647 yards and 25 (!) TDs in a single college season. The most receptions Thornton had in a season was 26.


And just because a guy has a high floor (Egbuka) doesn’t mean he lacks a ceiling. Egbuka produced more than most throughout his career on teams filled with top end talent at WR. It’s because he’s pretty freaking good himself. Better than Kevin Dyson obviously.

Just quit while you’re behind because you’re not getting ahead with this awful take….

 

[TheRealJoker V2]

That trick is explosive though. The draft in which the chose Metchie over Pickens and Pierce was a mistake to me. I wanted them to get Williamson, but Lions got him a pick before. Everyone on this board tried to convince me Metchie, with no special traits was a better player than his teammate who was 20 ypc and double digit tds or crazy ass Pickens. Even Pierce, who again is was 20ypc in college was worth the pick before Metchie because he is big and fast. Can he run the route tree? Nope, but he can run 3 or 4 that makes him way more dangerous than even a healthy Metchie. Ebuka is more refined than Thornton of the Vols, but he can take the top off. So you run fly routes, daggers, and comebacks. That's what the Steelers did with the guy from ole miss who eventually went to the dolphins. When you got that heat opposite of Nico along with Kirk, defenses play you differently.

Metchie was an unpopular trade up at the time. Then cancer happened.

Egbuka is a 4.4 guy and it shows on film. He can stress defenses plenty. If he went to a school without top half of 1st round WRs playing with him like some of these prospects he’d show it even more.

More to winning at Wide Receiver than just speed. Please find all the WRs in Randy Moss’s stratosphere than ran faster than him on this list.

10 Fastest Wide Receiver 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History

A look at the fastest 40-yard dash runs by receivers in NFL combine history.

www.si.com

 

[ghostlight]

I liked the video however mocks are moving him down to mid 2nd at this time and could slide to 3rd. My #1 is still Kevin Banks even if need to trade up to get him.

 

[Decim8]

The more breakdowns I watch of zabel, the more I want the Texans to draft him

 

[steelbtexan]

There is a reason why balanced te's are very, very hard to find. At Michigan, he was more wr than blocker, but that's OK if he can punish and be a matchup problem. Like nobody talks about the greatest tes in the last 20 yrs because of blocking. Gronk and Kittle are the best 2 way tes in the last 20. The key to me is not being a liability in the run game. Sharpe, Witten, Gonzo, Gates,Kelce and Jimmy Graham were not great blockers, but they were a matchup problem and willing blockers. That's all you need to exploit the rules today. Willing blocker and a menace in the passing game. So I would probably just draft Taylor in the 2nd rd or Gunnar Helm in the 4th or Fannin Jr

I'm a big fan of Taylor and Loveland. Not a fan of Helm's, If I drafted Fannin I would use him as a big slot and H-Back, rarely as a TE. I see Loveland and Taylor in the same light as blocker (Avg/slightly above avg/willing) and Loveland is a better route runner and has a better feel in the passing game. Both have great hands. Taylor is also very good and a likely longtime starter. I wouldn't complain if Taylor was the pick at 1-25. I know many on this MB think that's too high for him. But I see a 10 yr above avg starter with both Loveland and Taylor. As a plus Taylor has great NFL bloodlines.

 

[Porky]

Kyren Lacy’s lawyer vows to investigate “gross miscarriage of justice”
Published April 13, 2025 07:35 PM

Former LSU receiver and draft prospect Kyren Lacy died on Sunday. The apparent cause was suicide.

A grand jury was due to consider on Monday potential negligent homicide and hit-and-run charges against Lacy in connection with a December 2024 accident that claimed the life of a 78-year-old former Marine.

Following Lacy’s passing, his lawyer issued a blistering statement.

“Kyren’s was scheduled to have his matter heard before a grand jury tomorrow wherein we were very confident the evidence, after being fully collected and reviewed, would lead to a declination of charges,” attorney Matthew Ory said, via WAFB.com.
“From the very beginning, this so-called investigation took on the appearance of an overzealous, targeted effort — what can only be described as a witch hunt — fueled by who Kyren was and the public profile he carried. The decision by the investigating agency to charge him at all, in our view, was not only unjustified, it was disturbing. It’s imperative to understand the Lafourche Parish District Attorney, to this day, has not formally charged Kyren.

“Kyren was a young man with immense promise, and he was crushed under the weight of an irresponsible and prejudiced process. The negative barrage on social media, the circulation of his mugshot by nearly every news outlet rather than a standard photo, the recent civil lawsuit filed against him that named another defendant who mysteriously wasn’t charged with a crime, only him, and the overall tone of coverage painted a deeply biased picture before he ever had the chance to defend himself. There was never a presumption of innocence which was exemplified by the NFL pulling his draft card over mere accusations without affording him the slightest chance to defend himself. The pressure and perception likely became unbearable.

“Let us be absolutely clear: This is far from over. We will be demanding a full and transparent review of how this investigation was conducted and why. Those responsible for this gross miscarriage of justice must and will be held accountable.”

In fairness to the NFL, Lacy was not removed from the draft pool. While the situation likely would have impacted his draft position, he had not been excluded from the draft.

Regardless, the entire situation is a tragedy — especially if his suicide was caused by any of the stress he was experiencing. As mentioned earlier, anyone who needs help can readily get help. Dial 988, and someone will be there to assist you.

This is why people hate lawyers. Play dangerous games, win dangerous prizes. I’ll reserve my sympathy for the 78 yr old victim.

 

[steelbtexan]

That trick is explosive though. The draft in which the chose Metchie over Pickens and Pierce was a mistake to me. I wanted them to get Williamson, but Lions got him a pick before. Everyone on this board tried to convince me Metchie, with no special traits was a better player than his teammate who was 20 ypc and double digit tds or crazy ass Pickens. Even Pierce, who again is was 20ypc in college was worth the pick before Metchie because he is big and fast. Can he run the route tree? Nope, but he can run 3 or 4 that makes him way more dangerous than even a healthy Metchie. Ebuka is more refined than Thornton of the Vols, but he can take the top off. So you run fly routes, daggers, and comebacks. That's what the Steelers did with the guy from ole miss who eventually went to the dolphins. When you got that heat opposite of Nico along with Kirk, defenses play you differently.

Agreed, imagine how much different this team would've looked if Caserio had picked Pickens over Metchie. Man I remember how bad I wanted Pickens.

There are 6 guys in this draft that meet what you're talking about. Golden/Williams/Bond/Burden/Kyle Williams/Thornton IMHO.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

These prospects have been confirmed to attend the draft in Green Bay.

1)	Tyler Booker	G	Alabama
2)	Jihaad Cambell	LB	Alabama
3)	Will Campbell	T	LSU
4)	Abdul Carter	DE	Penn State
5)	Jaxson Dart	QB	Mississippi
6)	Matthew Golden	WR	Texas
7)	Mason Graham	DT	Michigan
8)	Travis Hunter	DB/WR	Colorado
9)	Ashton Jeanty	RB	Boise State
10)	Will Johnson	DB	Michigan
11)	Tetairoa McMillan	WR	Arizona
12)	Jalen Milroe	QB	Alabama
13)	Josh Simmons	T	Ohio State
14)	Malaki Starks	DB	Georgia
15)	Shemar Stewart	DE	Texas A&M
16)	Cameron Ward	QB	Miami (Fla.)
17)	Mykel Williams	DE	Georgia

 

[Porky]

I would t mind Thornton as a bonus. He’s a bit of a one trick pony so I have him around the 5th round. But his one trick has real value…and it’s possible he becomes more, but you can’t count on it. He’s not even in the same universe as Emuka imho.

If we drafted more of a possession guy like Higgins, I’d be all for bringing in Thornton or another WR with burner capabilities to add some juice when called for. I would be opposed to coming out of this draft only with Thornton. That would be a fail for me.

 

[Porky]

These prospects have been confirmed to attend the draft in Green Bay.

1)	Tyler Booker	G	Alabama
2)	Jihaad Cambell	LB	Alabama
3)	Will Campbell	T	LSU
4)	Abdul Carter	DE	Penn State
5)	Jaxson Dart	QB	Mississippi
6)	Matthew Golden	WR	Texas
7)	Mason Graham	DT	Michigan
8)	Travis Hunter	DB/WR	Colorado
9)	Ashton Jeanty	RB	Boise State
10)	Will Johnson	DB	Michigan
11)	Tetairoa McMillan	WR	Arizona
12)	Jalen Milroe	QB	Alabama
13)	Josh Simmons	T	Ohio State
14)	Malaki Starks	DB	Georgia
15)	Shemar Stewart	DE	Texas A&M
16)	Cameron Ward	QB	Miami (Fla.)
17)	Mykel Williams	DE	Georgia

I see at least 5 on a quick glance that could slide to round 2. This draft isn’t top heavy outside a few clear studs. Not a lot of difference from the teens on down to mid 2nd round to me.

 

[Lucky]

Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe invited to Green Bay. Adjust you mocks accordingly.

 

[Number19]

As we get closer to the draft, I'm beginning to lean more favorably to drafting OL at 25. Mostly because I'm thinking we can get a better WR at 58 than we can get an OLman at that draft position.

My OL pick for 25 has been Donovan Jackson, but seeing the recent support for Grey Zabel, I thought I'd take a closer look and compare the two using a well known, though maybe controversial, grading site.

Functional Athleticism: Zabel has the edge, grading 8/10 to Jackson's 7/10.

Competitive Toughness: the two are tied at 8/10.

Anchor Ability: Jackson has the edge, 8/10 to 7/10.

Power at Punch: Jackson has a large edge, grading 8/10 to Zabel's 6/10.

Balance: Zabel 8/10; Jackson 7/10.

Hand Technique: Jackson 8/10, Zabel 7/10.

Flexibility: Zabel 8/10, Jackson 7/10.

Pass Set: the two are tied at 8/10.

Length: Jackson 7/10, Zabel 3/10.

In 3 of the 4 categories I consider most important to start at OG as a rookie, Anchor Ability, Power at Punch and Hand Technique, Jackson has a clear advantage. In the 4th, Pass Set, the two are tied. I want a plug and play starter at 25. Zabel is not a fit at OT and will be moved inside and he simply is not ready to start as a rookie.

For now, I'm sticking with Jackson as my choice at 25.

 

[Texansphan]

As we get closer to the draft, I'm beginning to lean more favorably to drafting OL at 25. Mostly because I'm thinking we can get a better WR at 58 than we can get an OLman at that draft position.

My OL pick for 25 has been Donovan Jackson, but seeing the recent support for Grey Zabel, I thought I'd take a closer look and compare the two using a well known, though maybe controversial, grading site.

Functional Athleticism: Zabel has the edge, grading 8/10 to Jackson's 7/10.

Competitive Toughness: the two are tied at 8/10.

Anchor Ability: Jackson has the edge, 8/10 to 7/10.

Power at Punch: Jackson has a large edge, grading 8/10 to Zabel's 6/10.

Balance: Zabel 8/10; Jackson 7/10.

Hand Technique: Jackson 8/10, Zabel 7/10.

Flexibility: Zabel 8/10, Jackson 7/10.

Pass Set: the two are tied at 8/10.

Length: Jackson 7/10, Zabel 3/10.

In 3 of the 4 categories I consider most important to start at OG as a rookie, Anchor Ability, Power at Punch and Hand Technique, Jackson has a clear advantage. In the 4th, Pass Set, the two are tied. I want a plug and play starter at 25. Zabel is not a fit at OT and will be moved inside and he simply is not ready to start as a rookie.

For now, I'm sticking with Jackson as my choice at 25.

Top post dude.

 

[Lucky]

As we get closer to the draft, I'm beginning to lean more favorably to drafting OL at 25. Mostly because I'm thinking we can get a better WR at 58 than we can get an OLman at that draft position.

Hammer meet nail.

 

[Texansphan]

As we get closer to the draft, I'm beginning to lean more favorably to drafting OL at 25. Mostly because I'm thinking we can get a better WR at 58 than we can get an OLman at that draft position.

My OL pick for 25 has been Donovan Jackson, but seeing the recent support for Grey Zabel, I thought I'd take a closer look and compare the two using a well known, though maybe controversial, grading site.

Functional Athleticism: Zabel has the edge, grading 8/10 to Jackson's 7/10.

Competitive Toughness: the two are tied at 8/10.

Anchor Ability: Jackson has the edge, 8/10 to 7/10.

Power at Punch: Jackson has a large edge, grading 8/10 to Zabel's 6/10.

Balance: Zabel 8/10; Jackson 7/10.

Hand Technique: Jackson 8/10, Zabel 7/10.

Flexibility: Zabel 8/10, Jackson 7/10.

Pass Set: the two are tied at 8/10.

Length: Jackson 7/10, Zabel 3/10.

In 3 of the 4 categories I consider most important to start at OG as a rookie, Anchor Ability, Power at Punch and Hand Technique, Jackson has a clear advantage. In the 4th, Pass Set, the two are tied. I want a plug and play starter at 25. Zabel is not a fit at OT and will be moved inside and he simply is not ready to start as a rookie.

For now, I'm sticking with Jackson as my choice at 25.

Makes me wonder why a consensus big board has Zabel at #28 and Jackson at #37

 

[steelbtexan]

Makes me wonder why a consensus big board has Zabel at #28 and Jackson at #37

One reason is Zabel is the best C prospect in this draft. Another reason is Zabel has so much more room to improve his game. I would be fine with either of these guys and really hope they draft Banks, but I think Caserio will have to trade up to get him. That's if they go OL at 1-25.

 

[Number19]

Makes me wonder why a consensus big board has Zabel at #28 and Jackson at #37

One reason, Zabel is usually graded at OT and OG's usually are rated lower than OT's. A better question would be to ask is Zabel over rated as a first round prospect?

 

[Texansphan]

One reason, Zabel is usually graded at OT and OG's usually are rated lower than OT's. A better question would be to ask is Zabel over rated as a first round prospect?

I think he is a plug and play LG - and that suits Texans position wise.
Now it's up to FO to figure out if he is a fit for the new OCs scheme

 

[Lucky]

Makes me wonder why a consensus big board has Zabel at #28 and Jackson at #37

Zabel got a big jump after his very good Senior Bowl. The way I see these guys is Jackson was an OG that proved he could handle OT. Zabel was an OT that has yet to prove he can handle IOL. I would flip these rankings and feel pretty good about it.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Zabel got a big jump after his very good Senior Bowl. The way I see these guys is Jackson was an OG that proved he could handle OT. Zabel was an OT that has yet to prove he can handle IOL. I would flip these rankings and feel pretty good about it.

That's a more important factor than many don't take into account. I can easily see Jackson effectively handling LT for the Texans..............if not immediately, then shortly.

 

[leebigeztx]

That’s cute. Let me know how many Randy Moss’s couldn’t catch more than 26 passes in a season….

Moss went 90 1647 yards and 25 (!) TDs in a single college season. The most receptions Thornton had in a season was 26.


And just because a guy has a high floor (Egbuka) doesn’t mean he lacks a ceiling. Egbuka produced more than most throughout his career on teams filled with top end talent at WR. It’s because he’s pretty freaking good himself. Better than Kevin Dyson obviously.

Just quit while you’re behind because you’re not getting ahead with this awful take….

I'm not comparing Thornton to Moss, I'm comparing a safe guy like Ebuka to a big fast guy like Thornton. I'm not saying Ebuka is a bum, I'm just saying I think this offense lacks explosive speed. Again, I wanted BT Jr at 25 because of this ,but they traded a 2nd rd pick for a rented possession wr. They sorely lack explosion to back the defense off.

 

[leebigeztx]

Agreed, imagine how much different this team would've looked if Caserio had picked Pickens over Metchie. Man I remember how bad I wanted Pickens.

There are 6 guys in this draft that meet what you're talking about. Golden/Williams/Bond/Burden/Kyle Williams/Thornton IMHO.

You can take Bond off your board

 

[leebigeztx]

I'm a big fan of Taylor and Loveland. Not a fan of Helm's, If I drafted Fannin I would use him as a big slot and H-Back, rarely as a TE. I see Loveland and Taylor in the same light as blocker (Avg/slightly above avg/willing) and Loveland is a better route runner and has a better feel in the passing game. Both have great hands. Taylor is also very good and a likely longtime starter. I wouldn't complain if Taylor was the pick at 1-25. I know many on this MB think that's too high for him. But I see a 10 yr above avg starter with both Loveland and Taylor. As a plus Taylor has great NFL bloodlines.

I wouldn't take Taylor in 1st rd

 

[leebigeztx]

I have no idea where this narrative is coming from.

That's not his thing. He's more of a receiving te, but he looks willing. His feet and hands don't match, but he tries