Originally Posted by
TMC
I agree with a lot of what you said. I like this corner draft. It has a good mix. You have longer corners that can play the edge, smaller guys to fill the slot, good variety. And, I never think a rookie will come in and start from day 1. To me, that is a helluva expectation. Out of the 1500 or so players eligible for a draft each year, which gets whittled down to 700 or so by teams and even whittled down to 300 or so for the combine, fans usually only see the top 100 or so. There are so many guys that develop from the guys not seen. And, only about 30 rookies start (on average) in the league each season. It is roughly one per team. Last year, of the first round corners, two barely saw playing time (Dennard, Verrett), one stunk (Gilbert), and two had solid seasons (Roby, Fuller). Breeland (4th) and EJ Gaines (6th) were both better as rookies than Dennard, Verrett, and Gilbert. A lot of later picks saw playing time and many contributed. I am fine with waiting until the middle rounds and taking a corner. I like the players that are currently slated in that area. Of course, they could rise, but right now, I would rather spend a 3rd and 6th on corners than spend my first.
As for OLBs, there are some that are being downgraded because they lack some of the desired coverage traits, but they play with pretty good power at the point and have some pass rush potential. Of course, they won't burn elite 40 times and that will keep them in the 2nd/3rd/4th round range, but I am fine with that. I am also not opposed to spending a 2nd and 5th on OLBs. I think this draft offers good value. I go for a guy like Kikaha in the 2nd (good power and has pass rush potential but lacks coverage skills) and then hit a more athletic pass rusher like Trail later. To me, you are increasing your odds of getting one good player. I like that better than spending a first and then forgetting about the position. What if that first round guy takes 3 years to develop, like we are HOPING happens with Jarvis Jones and happened with Worilds (if you feel he developed). Not many Woodleys floating around in a draft.
I actually love the middle rounds of this draft. I wish the Steelers had 4 picks in the 40-80 range. I think they could do a lot of damage if they did. I would rather have that than the 22nd pick.