DawgTalkers.net Forums The Archives 2019 NFL Season 2019 NFL Draft Yep.. Draft talk

Some of those numbers or positions are off. Most of those LBers listed are either 3-4 OLBs and the rough equivalent of 4-3 DE, or they were in the past and their position just hasn't been updated. Robert Quinn isn't even on the Rams anymore, he's on the Dolphins. Is that a current list?

Anyway, your point more or less still stands. Pass rusher, CB, offensive tackle... all are positions that heavily factor into the passing game. Fullbacks and linebackers (true off the ball linebackers, not edge rushers) tend not to get paid nearly as much.. heck a lot of teams don't even carry a true fullback anymore.

Nope, it's not stupid and I agree with you. Every team uses 1 back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers as their most used offensive personnel and you better have guys that can cover those receivers. Also factor in depth.. injuries happen to every team.

At the same time, there is limited cap space and draft picks (and draft position gets worse as a team gets better), and every GM has misses in the draft and free agency. You have to make do with what you have. Sometimes this means prioritizing one position over another (let's assume we're debating between equally rated players.)

Put it this way.. what helps the team more in the long-run, a second shutdown corner or an elite left tackle? I'll take the latter personally, as offenses seem to be more consistently good in the long run (see Pats, Steelers, Saints, etc.) and I want to protect our #1 overall QB as much as possible.

A timely defended pass or interception can win a game, but at the same time, a sack or strip sack can lose the game just as well... and the QB tearing an ACL can ruin a season.

Doesn't mean I'm not looking for upgrades at CB, or any other position for that matter.

Am I prioritizing it with the big free agent signing and the first round pick... probably not with Denzel Ward already on the roster. That said, there are different philosophies toward building a team and as noted above, two corners are pretty much always going to be on the field and often three, so it's not a ridiculous idea either.

And, of course, availability plays into the equation. This last draft it could easily be argued that after QB, LT was our greatest need, but there simply weren't any sure-fire studs available after Solder in FA (and he's been disappointing.)

Anyone have an opinion on Montez Sweat? His listed weight is light, but it doesn't really show up on the tape. His length and ability to change direction are pretty impressive. He wrecked Arkansas last season.

I want to see more of Ogbah inside the rest of the year. Think it would mitigate his lack of bend some.

I'm not sure exactly how current those figures are. I was just using it as a basic example of pay structure by position.

Completely agree. Character and intelligence are underrated attributes, even in professional football. It helps a lot to get players like that in the locker room.

Sometimes I'm reminded of the idea.. loosely quoting here.. You're trying to build a team, not just collect talent.

You can go different ways with that, for example, factoring in how players interact with each other, how coachable they are, how they affect locker room camaraderie, etc.

You can also apply it to how players fit the schemes you're running as well as other personnel on the roster.

I used to be a "BPA" advocate ..... but I have changed my outlook.

We should always take the guy who improves the team the most.

It makes no sense to grab a QB when we have Baker. It would not improve the team dramatically to add a RB high in the draft. OT, OLB, WR, DT, and CB .... these are the areas we should address early in free agency, and the draft. Get the guy who improves the team the most.

It seems like every team says BPA, but then you see what they do on draft day and it sure seems like need comes into play as well. Teams factor these in to different degrees though.

Also you can trade up and down in the draft to more closely align BPA and need.

ASU WR Harry enters draft … Arizona State junior WR N’Keal Harry announced earlier today that he will forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2019 draft. The 6-4, 220-pound Harry is projected to be a late first round pick this spring after hauling in 73 receptions for just over 1,000 yards and 9 TDs this fall. Harry, the 6th underclassmen to declare for the upcoming draft to date, is currently listed as the 2nd rated WR on the GBN positional ranking as well as the 24th overall prospect on the GBN Big Board.

https://gbnreport.com

Michigan DE Gary to enter draft … No big surprise here as Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary has reportedly announced that he will be entering the 2019 draft where he projected to be a top 5-10 prospect. The 6-4, 280-pound Gary, who has the kind of athleticism to blow up the combine, posted 44 tackles, including 3.5 sacks and 4 other tackles for loss, despite missing 4 games with a shoulder injury.


https://gbnreport.com

Ole Miss WR Metcalf enters draft

The 6-4, 230-pound Metcalf was being talked about as a potential late first round prospect after a hot start to the 2018 season, but missed the latter half of the campaign with a back issue. Of course, the NFL is still waiting to hear from Ole Miss junior WR A.J. Brown who could be the first receiver off the board this coming April.

https://gbnreport.com

2019 Declared Underclassmen

Juniors and Redshirt Sophomores who have let it be known in one way or another that they will be entering the 2019 draft. Underclassmen have until the end of business on January 15th to apply to the NFL for inclusion in the upcoming draft.

POS PLAYER SCHOOL CL
DE Nick Bosa Ohio State JR
DT Ed Oliver Houston JR
DE Rashan Gary Michigan JR
WR N'Keal Harry Arizona State JR
WR DK Metcalf Mississippi RSO
FS Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Florida JR
RB Rodney Anderson Oklahoma JR

https://gbnreport.com/2019-declared-underclassmen/

If anyone has seen the 1979 film 'Being There', you know why I chuckle every time I see this name.

Linebackers, please.

I know it is early, but I just looked at about a dozen mocks, here's where they have us going in round 1.

DT - 5
LT - 3
WR - 2
OLB - 2
CB - 1

Devin White is my current choice. I think he'll play OLB in the 4-3, but he's versatile enough to go inside if needed.

I would go with White too.

Some big college games on Sat. Any players we should be watching for the Browns? I'm looking for a WR or anybody that will help us.

I think it will be pretty DL heavy early. There are good DT and Edge prospects all over the games...almost too many to mention.

If you think we need an OT, Jonah Williams from Alabama and Trey Adams from Washington are two of the better prospects from what I've read.

A couple CBs that are playing are Byron Murphy (Washington) and DeAndre Baker (Georgia).

WR - Marquise Brown from Oklahoma. Dude is small but super fast. I like Parris Campbell from OSU as well - explosive, fast, and somewhat big.

I liked Clayton Thorson (QB from Northwestern) last year before he got injured. He hasn't been quite the same this year - I'd have guessed he'd have gone 1st or 2nd round last year, this year probably 3rd or 4th round. Might be too high for us to consider a QB tho.

Off the top of my head that's all I can come up with. There are more, I'm sure

I think that anyone expecting Dorsey to invest a 1st round pick in a WR will be disappointed.

Tryeek Hill was a 5th rounder.
Kelse was a 3rd.
Conley was a 3rd.

Dorsey's 1st and 2nd round picks appear to have been OL, DL, and DB. (and 1 QB)

Leopards don't usually change their spots, and we can definitely use help at T, DT, and CB.

I think we'll look at free agency for a WR who can play day 1, and maybe a later round "tools" guy. I think a lot depends on how Callaway and Perriman finish this season, as well. I think the team wants to keep Higgins, and I would think that he will want to come back. (and he is an RFA) We also have Willies, who showed promise.

I can definitely see us adding another guy like Callaway, who drops in the draft, and who Dorsey feels can be "redeemed".

It'll be fun to see how things go.

Our run defense is horrific. With the plethora of DL in this draft you can bet on it.

Hoping to get marquis brown in the second.

Take LB or OT or DT in the first.

Respectfully, I'm not sure that is an accurate statement. We were routinely getting gashed with Schobert, Mitchell, and Randall out with injuries. We were playing 2 deep safeties to protect against the deep threat. Combine that with Schobert's absence, and we were vulnerable to the run. Since the return of Schobert and Randall, we have been playing better against the run. I think the expansion of playing time for Zettel, who may not be the pass rusher Garrett is, is better against the run, has helped too.

I agree, a DT to compliment Ogunjobi is a high priority.

I haven't watched a lot of film this year, but this is my favorite WR product.

Woah! Slow down!

Zettle is spelling Garret to keep him fresh, he is not a better defender at anything. During the series where Williams had a lot of the starters on the bench, they marched down and scored a TD last week.


Scheme may play into it, but I believe we are dead last in rushing yards on 1st down. An obvious running down, Ogunjobi is a fantastic pass rusher, but he is weak in the lower body. Obviously he is too good to not have him out there, but we need to upgrade DT2 at a minimum.

I'd also throw in that I was high on Ogbah, but no, he is a rotational player if we decide to upgrade.


DL is stacked in this draft. If I were a betting man, I would bet we take one.

While I agree with those saying this draft is DL heavy, we're not drafting at #1 anymore. We have a ways to go to see what position we will be drafting at.

At some point we'll have to ask ourselves if the #4 or #5 DL prospect is better than the #1 rated prospect at another position. I'm not sure where we'll be drafting or what the answer to that question will be, but I don't think the answer will be as simple as some are making it out to be.

SEC Championship Preview

By Colin Lindsay | November 30, 20180 Comment

#1 ALABAMA (12-0) vs #4 GEORGIA (11-1); 4:00 PM ET; Atlanta; CBS … No surprise that the SEC championship game could be the best conference title match-up this weekend. Indeed, this is the only game this weekend from which both teams can quality for the CFP playoff with a win so it has the feel of a real playoff game, although unbeaten and top-ranked Alabama would still likely get a playoff bid if the Tide did lose to upstart Georgia.

It is also no surprise that the dual between top-ranked Alabama and #4 Georgia will have – by far – the best array of likely prospects for the 2019 draft. Indeed, Alabama itself has as many as 4 top 15 prospects for the upcoming draft. Redshirt sophomore DT Quinnen Williams (#92, 6-3, 295) for example is the fastest rising player in the entire draft and could even ultimately be a serious challenger to be the #1 pick overall when all is said and down. Meanwhile, junior LT Jonah Williams (#73, 6-5, 300) is the consensus top offensive line prospect for this year’s draft with top 5-10 potential. Two more juniors – DT Raekwon Davis (#99, 6-6, 320) and FS Deionte Thompson – are considered to be top 10-15 candidates, while MLB Mack Wilson (#30, 6-2, 240), another junior, has late first or early second round potential.

At the same time, the Tide also features a number of quality second-day prospects including seniors like RB Damien Harris (#28, 5-10, 215), who could be the first back off the board this coming April, C/G Ross Pierschbacher (#71, 6-3, 310), OG Lester Cotton (#66, 6-3, 320), OLB Christian Miller (#47, 6-3, 245) and DE Isaiah Buggs (#49, 6-4, 285), along with juniors such as OLB Anfernee Jennings (#33, 6-3, 265), rising TE Irv Smith (#82, 6-4, 245) and RT Matt Womack (#77, 6-5, 325).

Georgia won’t have quite the impact on the 2019 draft as Alabama, but the Dawgs do have at least one solid opening round candidate in junior CB Deandre Baker (#18, 5-10, 185) who is one of the top 2-3 cover corner prospects in this year’s draft class. The UGA secondary also features a very good FS in junior J.R. Reed (#20, 6-1, 195) whose has second-day tools, while the rest of the defense is anchored by veterans like DE Jonathan Ledbetter (#13, 6-3, 280), OLB D’Andre Walker (15, 6-2, 245) and ILB Natrez Patrick (#6, 6-2, 245) each of whom has mid-to-late possibilities. On the other side of the ball, the Bulldogs feature a trio of big-play receivers in Terry Godwin (#5, 5-11, 185) and juniors Riley Ridley (#8, 6-2, 200) and Mecole Hardman (#4, 5-11, 185).

Of course, none of this includes sophomore QBs Tua Tagovailoa (#13, 6-2, 225) of Alabama, this year’s leading Heisman Trophy candidate, and Georgia’s Jake Fromm (#11, 6-2, 220), neither of whom are eligible for the 2019 draft, but who both figure to be front and center at the top of the QB rich 2020 draft class. Enjoy!

https://gbnreport.com/sec-championship-preview-2/

Big Ten Conference Championship game preview

By Colin Lindsay | November 30, 20180 Comment

#6 OHIO STATE (11-1) vs #21 NORTHWESTERN (8-4); Indianapolis; 8 PM ET; FOX … Ohio State’s hopes of making this year’s CFL playoff looked to be dead in the water after an embarrassing loss at Purdue in late October, but the Buckeyes are suddenly in the hunt again after last weekend’s resounding win over Michigan to claim the Big Ten East title. However, assuming Alabama and Clemson hold serve in their respective championship games, the Buckeyes will need an impressive win over 8-4 Northwestern as they appear to be in a dead heat with Oklahoma for the 4th and final CFP playoff spot.

Certainly, the Buckeyes have the talent to merit a playoff berth as redshirt sophomore QB Dwayne Haskins (#7, 6-3, 215) has emerged as one of the top playmakers in the country and is very much in the Heisman discussion after throwing for over 4,000 yards and 42 scores during the regular schedule while completing 69% of his pass attempts. It’s still not clear whether Haskins is all that keen on heading to the pros this winter, but if he does he figures to be in the first-round mix with the tools to move up into the top ten with some solid performances in the pre-draft testing. If he does ultimately enter the draft, Haskins is likely to be joined in the opening round by junior DT Dre’Mont Jones (#86, 6-3, 290), one of the quickest interior defenders in college in a year of quick interior DTs in college football. For the record, Jones already has 7.5 sacks on the year and even chipped in a pass interception along the way. At the same time, Ohio State has several other second-day prospects including senior WR Parris Campbell (#21, 6-0, 210), Haskins’ go-to target who has 72 catches, including 11 for TDs this fall, along with junior OG Michael Jordan (#73, 6-6, 310) and senior RT Isaiah Prince (#59, 6-6, 310).

While Northwestern lacks the overall talent of Ohio State, the Wildcats won 7 of their last 8 games of the year playing smart, fundamental football and could give the Buckeyes trouble if the latter get caught looking ahead. Northwestern is led by veteran QB Clayton Thorson (#18, 66-4, 225), a solid second-tier prospect for 2019 who has bounced back nicely from a torn ACL suffered late last year. Thorson, a late second-day prospect for the upcoming draft, has already been invited to the Senior Bowl and could use a good outing against OSU to boost his stock even further. however, Thorson is the only Wildcat who figures to be a lock to be drafted this year, although several other players from the program including CB Montre Hartage (#24, 6-0, 195), OLB Nate Hall (#32, 6-2, 230) and OG Tommy Doles (#71, 6-3, 300) have at least some late-round or free agent potential.

https://gbnreport.com/big-ten-conference-championship-game-preview/

2018 Conference Championships

By Pigskin Paul Guillemette | November 30, 20180 Comment

BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP AT&T STADIUM ARLINGTON,TX SATURDAY NOON/ET ABC
TEXAS (9-3) vs. OKLAHOMA (11-1)

Many times a rematch of conference rivals can be a bore. But not this one, because the higher ranked team today was beaten by the lower ranked team back in October. It was a 48-45 shootout, with the Longhorns winning with a dynamic offensive display. With another Win, Texas will go to a New Year’s Bowl, and OKLAHOMA will be knocked out of any chance for a Final Four slot.

KYLER MURRAY/QB/Oklahoma, #1, has a strong chance to win the Heisman Trophy if he leads his team to a high scoring victory. Longhorn QB SAM EHLINGER, #11, is not draft eligible, and is nursing a lingering injury, but if he can play he’s a fun watch as well. I expect this will indeed be another high scoring affair, with the Sooners having revenge on their minds.
Draft Prospects in this one depend mightily on which underclassmen are going to choose to declare for the 2019 NFL Draft. The Longhorns have the two highest rated prospects on my Big Board in their two leading WR’s; #9 COLLIN JOHNSON, and #84 LIL’JORDAN HUMPHREY. They are both tall, strong guys who overpower smaller DB’s and outrun most of the guys trying to cover them. They will both need to have a big day if Texas is to put up enough points to outscore Oklahoma. On the other side of the field, Oklahoma features JR WR MARQUISE BROWN, #5, who is slight, (5’10/168), but is said to run in the low 4.3? range. And yes, he looks that fast out on the field, as well as quick.

The Sooners OL features serious pro prospects at both OG slots in #75 DRU SAMIA, and #72 BEN POWERS, both 300+ pounders who can move. Their Defense is so bad, it cost DC MIKE STOOPS his job last month, but they don’t look any better under Ruffin McNeill. I can’t recommend any serious prospects from that D, but the Sooners have one of the strongest legged kickers in the country in AUSTIN SEIBERT, #43, who handles Punts, (not that they Punt very often), Placekicks, and Kickoffs.

The Longhorns have a plethora of Draft eligible players of note, (mostly on Defense), although a healthy ANDREW BECK/TE, #47, has been a nice alternate weapon this season, as a change of pace option to the star wideouts. The Longhorns front-3 may all get drafted next April. BRECKYN HAGER, #44, CHARLES OMENIHU, #90, and CHRIS NELSON, #97, are all pro-size, with HAGER being the spark plug and emotional leader of the defensive unit. If you can’t quite read HAGER’s number 44, you’ll still know it’s him because he looks a bit like CLAY MATTHEWS, with his long flowing, golden locks spilling out from under his helmet. They also feature two very good prospects on the Corners, in #2 KRIS BOYD, and #18 DAVANTE DAVIS, (JR). Both of these guys are at least 6′ tall, and at, or over, 200 lbs.
I like the Sooners to get their revenge, and win this one by a field goal. This looks like a close second to ‘Bama/Georgia, as a must watch game.

https://gbnreport.com/2018-conference-championships/

ACC Championship Game Charlotte, NC Saturday 8PM/ET ABC
CLEMSON (12-0) vs. PITT (7-5)

With all due respect to PITT, (which was 3-4 in mid-October, then won 4 in a row to capture the ACC Coastal Division), this game looks like little more than a warmup for Clemson, on their way to the Final Four, and an ultimate matchup with ‘Bama. I’ll bet DABO is losing sleep trying to figure out how to not let his team lose their concentration and edge in this one. I believe they will be ready. Tickets online are available for this one, for as low as $28.
PITT does have some pro prospects who will be toiling in this game. It may not be glamorous, but perhaps the best FB in the 2019 Draft Class is their FB, GEORGE ASTON, #35. RB QADREE OLLISON, #37, is a powerful, hard charging player, who should be a Day Three draftee. On Defense, DE DEWAYNE HENDRIX had his best season as a senior after beefing up to 275 lbs, but he may miss this game. LB OLUWASEUN IDOWU is a tackling machine, and likely will get an NFL contract as an URFA.

Clemson almost has an embarrassment of riches all over the field. I am not going to speculate on which of their Juniors might declare, but I will tell you that the entire DL group is heading to the NFL, and may all be drafted before Round 2 is completed, next April.

Just in case you’ve been in a cave all season until now, their DL group consists of: #99 CLELIN FERRELL/DE, #42 CHRISTIAN WILKINS/DT, #90 DEXTER LAWRENCE/DT, and #7 AUSTIN BRYANT/DE. Two other seniors on their D who deserve a watch are: #34 KENDALL JOSEPH/LB, and #2 MARK FIELDS/CB, who will likely be Day Three guys.

The Offense is even younger than their D, but OT MITCH HYATT has been a quality starter since his frosh year. Ring him up as a Round 3 Pick. And don’t forget former walk-on WR HUNTER RENFROW, #13, who reminds me a lot of former Tigers wideout ADAM HUMPHRIES, who now plays in the NFL for the BUCS.

PITT is a feisty crew and they play tough, but this is a mismatch. Expect a double digit victory for Clemson, and give PITT a lot of credit if they hang in there by anything less than 10 points at the half.

https://gbnreport.com/2018-conference-championships/

Buffalo's big lengthy WR Anthony Johnson has two BIG TD catches in the first if half of the Mac Championship game!

Two-point try no good. Still 19-7, Bulls.

Anthony Johnson has 5 receptions, 74 yards, 2 TD and it's still the second quarter.

Good job Jester. Thanks for the info. My Brothers, Sons and I will be jonesing on all the games Sat. Browns Sunday. Gonna be a great weekend.

You might consider going to one of those links then their home page and bookmarking it for next season. They do a "who to watch", I think, every week.

Then in the Pigskin Paul's page, he'll do a "Who impressed me" article afterwards.

Usually I suppress my 'grammar police' urges, I realize posters here are likely not professional writers. But when professional writers can't get common sayings correct, I can't help myself.

...when all is said and done, not said and down!

And they say editors are unneeded.

That would be proof readers.

I've seen a lot of proof they're needed.

#NFLDraft order following completion of 1PM games

1. 49ers
2. Raiders
3. Jets
4. Cardinals
5. Falcons
6. Lions
7. Giants
8. Bills
9. Jaguars
10. Packers
11. Browns
12. Bucs
13. Titans
14. Eagles
15. Bengals
16. Dolphins

https://twitter.com/Jason_OTC/status/1069345588800626688