Sherm Sticky
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With the trade I just want to bump this for Acamp...
2016 NFL Draft
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pkt77242
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ACamp1900
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NDdomer2
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And, in ur opinion, Goff or Wentz are franchise qb's?
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That's because those regimes sucked at drafting. They would have fucked up the picks even if they hadn't traded down. Neither of these QBs are absolute studs like a Luck Newton Winston ect. I would much rather trade down gather picks and take a QB whose just as much of a project like Paxton Lynch.
ACamp1900
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I still have to wonder how people think the gap between Goof and Wentz and everyone else is so great to justify taking them that high when the others are going to be there later... forget trading up for them, just taking them period. I have worried about that this whole time.
Not to say Goff or Wentz can't be studs, obviously they could be, anyone pretending to know is full of it. Thing is though, the same could very well be said about Lynch, Cook or Hackenberg...
I just don't see this huge gap between the top couple guys and everyone else like we saw in years past...
Not to say Goff or Wentz can't be studs, obviously they could be, anyone pretending to know is full of it. Thing is though, the same could very well be said about Lynch, Cook or Hackenberg...
I just don't see this huge gap between the top couple guys and everyone else like we saw in years past...
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Agreed. I like Lynch the best of the three to be honest. Lynch has even more physical upside than Wentz so why not pick him if you're going to sit either for a year regardless.
pkt77242
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I think that Goff is going to be a very good QB. I think his floor is Alex Smith (but with a little stronger arm) and his ceiling is Drew Brees (but obviously taller).
Wentz is a different story. His floor is David Carr and his Ceiling is Ben Roethlisberger. A higher ceiling but a much lower floor.
I personally think that Goff is probably a top 10 pick most years and probably a top 5. Wentz on the other hand is only a top pick in a weak QB year such as this one.
The truth is that the other "top" QBs this year have some major issues and are even more of a project (Lynch and Hackenberg) or seem to have a pretty low ceiling (Cook) than Wentz.
zelezo vlk
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I also like Goff
dang227
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Don't know but I have seen them make this move over and over and it hasn't worked. Word is they are looking to move down further. Their front office literally has no experience. They have the same shitty scouts on staff from last year, Sashi Brown was part of that debacle too and Andrew Berry is 28 years old. I don't give two shits that any of them went to Harvard. That doesn't mean they know football. They already had 10 draft picks. If they pick a QB at 2 and he's a bust so be it. Obviously the Rams and Eagles think those two are franchise. I'll admit I am not big on Wentz but Cook has never completed over 59% of his passes in a season in the slow ass BIG10 and Lynch is raw as hell. The best franchises draft football players based on film not players based on workouts and analytics. Can this football office do that? I am not sure and as a long suffering fan it's a real downer.
dang227
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I agree there is not much difference in the two but Lynch dinked and dunked at Memphis. Who knows if he can read defenses. Geoff was the one I was intrigued with but he is no guarantee also.
Sherm Sticky
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2016 NFL Draft
Sadly Lynch, Hackenberg and Cook could all still go in the first round. At Least one but probably two of them will, doubtful all three. But teams will move back up at the bottom of the first to get them.
I mean did anyone see EJ Manuel going in the first? Or Ponder going in the top half of the first? Ponder might be a loser as a starting QB. But he is a winner in life if you know what I mean.
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Sadly Lynch, Hackenberg and Cook could all still go in the first round. At Least one but probably two of them will, doubtful all three. But teams will move back up at the bottom of the first to get them.
I mean did anyone see EJ Manuel going in the first? Or Ponder going in the top half of the first? Ponder might be a loser as a starting QB. But he is a winner in life if you know what I mean.
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Well we were never getting Goff anyways. I think you're putting too much emphasis on Sashi Brown and the rest of the front office. This decision went directly through Hugh Jackson. He clearly must have not felt that Wentz wasn't worth the number 2 pick, or he prefers someone like Lynch. Or possibly he thinks they all suck and wants to "punt" this draft and go for one of the better options next year.
This team is going to be terrible next year weather the QB is RG3, Goff, Wentz or Lynch. so unless Hugh really believes one of them is the long term answer there is no reason to burn the pick on someone when you can acquire assets and actually lay the foundation of the team.
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GoIrish41
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I couldn't get past the idea that Big Ben is a higher ceiling than Brees (and a taller version at that).
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Hmmm... That,... Is a terrible picture of her.
I'm on mobile cut me some slack.
pkt77242
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phillyirish
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You guys already fucked up Quinn, please don't do it to Stanley too.
dublinirish
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Browns are playing Moneyball, they would probably be happy with a slew of mid round picks, they have so many holes
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Notre Dame was well represented at the NFL Combine this winter, but those players also made waves at Notre Dame’s Pro Day in March. We caught up with Rick Serritella from NFL Draft Bible to get his thoughts on some of Notre Dame’s players and their futures.
Serritella has been considered a trendsetter in NFL Draft coverage and has also worked for USA Today, ESPN, CBS, NBC and the Wall Street Journal. NFL Draft Bible was established in 2002 and the first media outlet to broadcast live video and podcast shows from inside the NFL Draft.
Ronnie Stanley – Offensive Line
The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder will go off the board in the first round of next week’s NFL Draft, but how early is the question. Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil has been considered the first tackle to go, but with the recent trades and how teams evaluated Stanley, the Las Vegas native might be the first offensive lineman off the board.
“Ronnie Stanley’s stock is rising,” stated Serritella. “I live in New Jersey and there has been some talk that he might go to the Giants, but I think he could come off the board before that. From what I understand, there is a handful of teams that actually value Ronnie Stanley over Laremy Tunsil and I don’t know if that’s been reported in the mainstream media much. There are teams that have a higher grade on Stanley”
Some scouts and experts have expressed concerns about Stanley’s work ethic, but those just aren’t there for Serritella after doing research on him.
“I had a little bit of a chance to spend some time out in Las Vegas and here’s a guy who took Bishop Gorman basketball and football to State Championships,” he explained. “He is an athlete. He is a dancing bear, literally. He is pass protection proven, where I feel Tunsil comes from a little bit more run-oriented scheme.
“I know there are questions about if Ronnie is a soft player. I don’t believe that to be true. I think he is a highly competitive person.”
The film speaks for itself on Stanley and one NFL team spent time with him immediately after Notre Dame’s Pro Day.
“On the field, I think he is one of the safest picks in this year’s draft,” said Serritella. “From my understanding, the Lions were out there with the GM, head coach and the offensive line coach, Ron Price. He actually put Stanley through a bunch of drills after the workouts. The Lions have really shown a lot of interest in Stanley.”
Will Fuller – Wide Receiver
Fuller blew away the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine running a 4.32, but teams are still concerned with his drops. Serritella is high on Fuller’s overall game and doesn’t see the drops as a deal breaker.
“That’s the concern you’re going to hear,” Serritella said of Fuller’s hands and drops. “He does have some drops on film and people are going to point the hand size of only 8 ½ inch hands. But, then people see the 4.3 40 and they think he is just a speed burner and a guy that can blow the top off a defense. I think Will Fuller actually runs some pretty good routes. I think if you study his route running abilities, you will see a pretty polished player.
“I think when you talk about his hands, it’s overrated. I really wouldn’t be too worried about that. Do I think he is a No. 1 guy? No, I am not going to use a top 15 pick on him. Can he be a good No. 2? Absolutely and that warrants a back end of the first round pick or a top 40 pick for sure.”
With no true clear top receiver in the class, Fuller could be the top receiver off the board and it wouldn’t surprise anyone, but he could also be the fifth or sixth.
“This receiver class, I don’t feel like it’s an elite class up at the top of the class, but I think it’s good depth,” Serritella stated. “There are some talented players and Will Fuller is one of them. I am not sure, I go back and forth on how I wake up in the morning. Some days I feel like he is a first round pick and some days I feel he is Top 40 or top half of the second round pick.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if zero receivers went in the first round to be honest. I think that’s a distinct possibility. Now will that happen, probably not, we will probably see one or two go. I think Fuller has a good chance of being one of those guys.”
Sheldon Day – Defensive Line
One of the most intriguing players in the NFL Draft, Sheldon has been projected as high as the first round and as low as the fourth round by experts. As Serritella states, the 2016 class is extremely deep at defensive tackle and it will depend on what teams value when it comes to picking an interior lineman.
“We had a chance to speak with him at the Senior Bowl, where I felt he had an outstanding week of practice,” said Serritella. “A lot of these underclassmen have kind of taken the shine away from Sheldon Day, because here is a guy who was really in our first round mix on our board for the last year or two. Now what you’re seeing is a very talented, very deep defensive tackle class. I think as many five defensive tackles could go in the first round and I think another five could go in the second round.
“I think a team is a going to get Sheldon Day somewhere in the late second or early third round and I think he slides that far because of his lack of height. What you’re getting is a guy that not only stuffs the run, but has shown the ability to get after the quarterback. What that means to me, he translates as a three down player. Some of the defensive tackles that will go ahead of him, you can’t say the same about them.”
Size is one thing Day doesn’t have compared to some of the other defensive tackles, but his versatility is something most defensive tackles don’t have on their resumè.
“Some teams might be turned off by the height, but you factor in his versatility,” Serritella explained. “He has played up and down the defensive line for Notre Dame. The versatility is a valuable asset. This guy will be one of the bargain picks of day two.
“Any team with a defensive line need, I think you are getting a player that teams can plug and play from day one.”
Nick Martin – Center
Martin and NFL have had a good relationship for the last two seasons, so it’s no surprise Nick Martin is highly thought of in NFL circles. In terms of draft position, it might depend on need combined with value for Martin.
“I see Nick Martin probably in the day two range if not early day three,” stated Serritella. “I think he gets picked by the end of the third round, top 100 pick. I love his footwork, love his point of attack and he really excels in driving one-techs back. I think you see a guy that might not look like a top-caliber player, but you turn on the film and he definitely proved capable at the Senior Bowl.
“When you talk about arm size for offensive linemen, he has pretty arm size, especially for the center position. He is really a guy that is lunch bucket guy. I see him as a round three guy personally, but he is a guy that can come in day one and start.”
In terms of value and need, center is a position teams aren’t putting a high value on according to Serritella.
“The running back position has been devalued and I think the center position has been devalued, because there is a perception that a lot of the centers are just guys that are too slow to play tackle or guard,” said Serritella. “You have seen guys move from tackle to center in recent years. Center has been devalued, but I don’t think you can under value a center who can really look up pre-snap reads and figure out what the defense is doing.”
CJ Prosise – Running Back
One of the most intriguing names in the NFL Draft is CJ Prosise. In his first year at running back, Prosise put up gaudy numbers in the first half of the season, but injuries slowed that production down, as well as his draft stock.
“He is a guy that has really been all over the map,” stated Serritella. “Early on in the season, I loved him before the injury. I think he is the 3rd or 4th round mix. I could realistically see his range being from round three to round six. I think with a zone blocking team like Arian Foster, he could fall in the fourth round.
“He does run a little upright and I know that turns off some teams. Some teams love him; some teams have him off their board entirely. I think he fits perfectly into a zone blocking scheme, one cut and up. I think he has some good hands out of the backfield.
“He had a strong combine and he really improved his stock at the Pro Day.”
RomeoOkwara2Romeo Okwara – Defensive End
One name to keep an eye on during day three of the draft will be Romeo Okwara. The athletic defensive end put up impressive testing numbers at the NFL Combine and Pro Day, which caught the attention of NFL scouts.
“I do see him getting drafted just based on his upside,” explained Serritella.” 83 3/4 wingspans, one of the biggest wingspans in the draft and he ran a sub-5.0 40 at 273 pounds. Then you add his his athleticism of having a 33-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump.”
Okwara has also impressed those around the NFL and he didn’t even do anything, as his name has been brought up by others. NFL scouts and coaches have been impressed with just how many times Okwara’s name has come up and will also help his draft stock.
“You talk about about who his teammates point to when they give praise to the other players, whether it was during the season or during the draft process,” said Serritella. “Everyone says this kid is hardworking, full of energy and that comes up. It comes up when you talk to coaches and players. That goes a long way, especially with NFL when they do their due diligence. They are sniffing around the Notre Dame program and this kids name is constantly coming up with positives. Hardworking, high energy, first one tot practice and the last one to leave.
“He is probably a late day three guy. I could see him somewhere in the sixth round range.”
KeiVarae Russell – Cornerback
Serritella loves Russell and if it wasn’t for the injury, the Washington native might be projected even higher. Russell had been hyping up his testing numbers and Pro Day reflected the hype to NFL scouts.
“My guys told me this kid improved his draft stock more than anyone at the Notre Dame Pro Day,” stated Serritella. “The NFL teams were hanging around afterwards and anxious to speak with him. I know he ran a 4.43 in his first 40 and strained his hamstring on the second 40. He went out and jumped 40 inches in the vertical and like an 11-foot broad jump. You talk about explosiveness, his short shuttle and three-cone times were as impressive, if not better than any cornerback in this draft.
“When you have short area explosiveness, you can change directions very quickly and pivot on a dime. To me, that’s cornerback characteristics. You can keep up with speed receivers.”
Russell improved his stock so much that teams might not wait on him to fall into their laps later, but rather teams might be willing to pull the trigger earlier.
“Before the injury, Russell was a guy we thought very highly of,” Serritella stated. “He has size and speed. There are very few cornerbacks in this year’s draft class that can compare in my opinion. I think that due to the injury his draft stock has really taken to that mid-round range. I think we have a round four grade on him right now. I’ll tell you what, if I am an NFL team and need help at cornerback, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone has an itchy trigger at the end of day two. If they like Russell, they might want to make sure they get him at the end of round three instead of waiting till day three.”
Elijah Shumate – Safety
One player that has quietly been impressing NFL teams is safety Elijah Shumate. Much like Day, Shumate has shown the ability to play multiple positions and flexibility is something NFL teams put a premium on.
“I think he is going to get drafted,” Serritella said. “I think he is a day three guy. Safeties are one of the tougher evaluations with the way the college game is played. It’s hard to evaluate safeties sometimes and the beauty could be in the eye of the behold or the scheme of the team.
“Shumate can play free safety, strong safety or you can line him up at slot corner. When you talk about that versatility, he will be a valuable backup at the next level. I like what he brings to the table in terms of closing speed and he is a pretty solid tackler in my opinion.”
The New Jersey native played mainly strong safety for the Irish his last two seasons and that is where Serritella feels his best fit is at the next level.
“If I had a to choose a best position for him, it would be strong safety,” Serritella stated. “I can definitely see a team using a late round selection on him with his versatility. The Patriots have I think 11 draft picks and seven are in the sixth and seventh rounds. They need secondary help and they like versatile guys who can play different positions, so maybe that’s a potential landing spot for him.”
ChrisBrownChris Brown – Wide Receiver
Notre Dame fans know how far Chris Brown has come as a player and leader in his four years in South Bend, but NFL teams are definitely realizing the potential of the South Carolina native. Brown had a big Pro Day, but has been impressive in interviews with all 32 NFL teams.
“Fifth round is right around where we have him,” said Serritella. “He had a strong Pro Day and ran in the 4.4 range. He is a little bit taller than Will Fuller, but maybe not as fast and all that. Almost as fast, though. I think he is little more raw and not as polished as Fuller. He probably needs to sharpen up his route running and expand his route tree.
“What you have with Brown is a guy where you take him on day three. He might fill out the bottom end of the deep chart his first year or two and eventually develops into a contributing guy. I think the difference between Fuller and Brown is that Fuller is an instant impact contributor. I think Brown is more of guy that might need a year or two to develop until he really makes a contribution at the next level.
“When you talk about 6-foot-2, 4.4 range and the athleticism to go along with his production. I think day three day is right where he goes.”
Jaylon Smith – Linebacker
The Fiesta Bowl was tough for Notre Dame fans to watch, but after the fact it has been tough to see Jaylon Smith’s recovery process with not much positive news coming out over the past three months. Smith had a medial re-check earlier this month, but not much news has generated from that report, so the likelihood of good news is slim.
“When I hear nerve damage, that’s a scary word and the first thing that comes to mind is Navarre Bowman,” explained Serritella. “We saw how his career ended, so it’s a scary proposition for any team picking on day one. NFL is very short on patience and I don’t know how many teams are willing to wait a year or two to maybe see a return on their investment. Marcus Latimore is another guy that comes to mind. For me personally, if I am an NFL decision maker and there is nerve damage, I know he has put out videos of him squatting 600 pounds, but if the medical reports come back with nerve damage, I don’t see how you can even think about him until day three. That’s just me and maybe different teams have different medial reports.”
Smith has gone from arguably the top player in the draft to literally it’s anyone’s guess where he is drafted. With the recent trades, two teams have a surplus of picks in early rounds, so you might see them take a chance on Smith, but it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
“It’s a shame, because you talk about a fall from the top,” stated Serritella. “A potential top five pick to probably a day three pick in my opinion. Maybe one of these teams like the Tennessee Titans, they now have six picks in the top 76. The Cleveland Browns have a boatload of picks and both teams are trying to build for the long haul. They aren’t going to win right away, so maybe they have the patience and roll the dice in the second or third round.
“I just find it hard to believe that a team is going to be willing to risk it with nerve damage. That’s really the dangerous buzz word that you’re hearing. Again, we don’t have that confirmed and don’t have access to that medical report, but that’s some of the stuff you’re starting to hear.
“You hear talk of it, but I haven’t spoken to a team personally that has taken him completely off the board. You hear it out there, but I can’t confirm that one way or another for sure.”
Note: Ishaq Williams – Defensive Line
“I am actually partnering up the College Gridiron Showcase and Ishaq was down there,” Serritella said. “I had a chance to speak to them about Ishaq. He had one of the best practices of all of the players down there.”
ISD FREEBIE
Serritella has been considered a trendsetter in NFL Draft coverage and has also worked for USA Today, ESPN, CBS, NBC and the Wall Street Journal. NFL Draft Bible was established in 2002 and the first media outlet to broadcast live video and podcast shows from inside the NFL Draft.
Ronnie Stanley – Offensive Line
The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder will go off the board in the first round of next week’s NFL Draft, but how early is the question. Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil has been considered the first tackle to go, but with the recent trades and how teams evaluated Stanley, the Las Vegas native might be the first offensive lineman off the board.
“Ronnie Stanley’s stock is rising,” stated Serritella. “I live in New Jersey and there has been some talk that he might go to the Giants, but I think he could come off the board before that. From what I understand, there is a handful of teams that actually value Ronnie Stanley over Laremy Tunsil and I don’t know if that’s been reported in the mainstream media much. There are teams that have a higher grade on Stanley”
Some scouts and experts have expressed concerns about Stanley’s work ethic, but those just aren’t there for Serritella after doing research on him.
“I had a little bit of a chance to spend some time out in Las Vegas and here’s a guy who took Bishop Gorman basketball and football to State Championships,” he explained. “He is an athlete. He is a dancing bear, literally. He is pass protection proven, where I feel Tunsil comes from a little bit more run-oriented scheme.
“I know there are questions about if Ronnie is a soft player. I don’t believe that to be true. I think he is a highly competitive person.”
The film speaks for itself on Stanley and one NFL team spent time with him immediately after Notre Dame’s Pro Day.
“On the field, I think he is one of the safest picks in this year’s draft,” said Serritella. “From my understanding, the Lions were out there with the GM, head coach and the offensive line coach, Ron Price. He actually put Stanley through a bunch of drills after the workouts. The Lions have really shown a lot of interest in Stanley.”
Will Fuller – Wide Receiver
Fuller blew away the 40-yard dash in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine running a 4.32, but teams are still concerned with his drops. Serritella is high on Fuller’s overall game and doesn’t see the drops as a deal breaker.
“That’s the concern you’re going to hear,” Serritella said of Fuller’s hands and drops. “He does have some drops on film and people are going to point the hand size of only 8 ½ inch hands. But, then people see the 4.3 40 and they think he is just a speed burner and a guy that can blow the top off a defense. I think Will Fuller actually runs some pretty good routes. I think if you study his route running abilities, you will see a pretty polished player.
“I think when you talk about his hands, it’s overrated. I really wouldn’t be too worried about that. Do I think he is a No. 1 guy? No, I am not going to use a top 15 pick on him. Can he be a good No. 2? Absolutely and that warrants a back end of the first round pick or a top 40 pick for sure.”
With no true clear top receiver in the class, Fuller could be the top receiver off the board and it wouldn’t surprise anyone, but he could also be the fifth or sixth.
“This receiver class, I don’t feel like it’s an elite class up at the top of the class, but I think it’s good depth,” Serritella stated. “There are some talented players and Will Fuller is one of them. I am not sure, I go back and forth on how I wake up in the morning. Some days I feel like he is a first round pick and some days I feel he is Top 40 or top half of the second round pick.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if zero receivers went in the first round to be honest. I think that’s a distinct possibility. Now will that happen, probably not, we will probably see one or two go. I think Fuller has a good chance of being one of those guys.”
Sheldon Day – Defensive Line
One of the most intriguing players in the NFL Draft, Sheldon has been projected as high as the first round and as low as the fourth round by experts. As Serritella states, the 2016 class is extremely deep at defensive tackle and it will depend on what teams value when it comes to picking an interior lineman.
“We had a chance to speak with him at the Senior Bowl, where I felt he had an outstanding week of practice,” said Serritella. “A lot of these underclassmen have kind of taken the shine away from Sheldon Day, because here is a guy who was really in our first round mix on our board for the last year or two. Now what you’re seeing is a very talented, very deep defensive tackle class. I think as many five defensive tackles could go in the first round and I think another five could go in the second round.
“I think a team is a going to get Sheldon Day somewhere in the late second or early third round and I think he slides that far because of his lack of height. What you’re getting is a guy that not only stuffs the run, but has shown the ability to get after the quarterback. What that means to me, he translates as a three down player. Some of the defensive tackles that will go ahead of him, you can’t say the same about them.”
Size is one thing Day doesn’t have compared to some of the other defensive tackles, but his versatility is something most defensive tackles don’t have on their resumè.
“Some teams might be turned off by the height, but you factor in his versatility,” Serritella explained. “He has played up and down the defensive line for Notre Dame. The versatility is a valuable asset. This guy will be one of the bargain picks of day two.
“Any team with a defensive line need, I think you are getting a player that teams can plug and play from day one.”
Nick Martin – Center
Martin and NFL have had a good relationship for the last two seasons, so it’s no surprise Nick Martin is highly thought of in NFL circles. In terms of draft position, it might depend on need combined with value for Martin.
“I see Nick Martin probably in the day two range if not early day three,” stated Serritella. “I think he gets picked by the end of the third round, top 100 pick. I love his footwork, love his point of attack and he really excels in driving one-techs back. I think you see a guy that might not look like a top-caliber player, but you turn on the film and he definitely proved capable at the Senior Bowl.
“When you talk about arm size for offensive linemen, he has pretty arm size, especially for the center position. He is really a guy that is lunch bucket guy. I see him as a round three guy personally, but he is a guy that can come in day one and start.”
In terms of value and need, center is a position teams aren’t putting a high value on according to Serritella.
“The running back position has been devalued and I think the center position has been devalued, because there is a perception that a lot of the centers are just guys that are too slow to play tackle or guard,” said Serritella. “You have seen guys move from tackle to center in recent years. Center has been devalued, but I don’t think you can under value a center who can really look up pre-snap reads and figure out what the defense is doing.”
CJ Prosise – Running Back
One of the most intriguing names in the NFL Draft is CJ Prosise. In his first year at running back, Prosise put up gaudy numbers in the first half of the season, but injuries slowed that production down, as well as his draft stock.
“He is a guy that has really been all over the map,” stated Serritella. “Early on in the season, I loved him before the injury. I think he is the 3rd or 4th round mix. I could realistically see his range being from round three to round six. I think with a zone blocking team like Arian Foster, he could fall in the fourth round.
“He does run a little upright and I know that turns off some teams. Some teams love him; some teams have him off their board entirely. I think he fits perfectly into a zone blocking scheme, one cut and up. I think he has some good hands out of the backfield.
“He had a strong combine and he really improved his stock at the Pro Day.”
RomeoOkwara2Romeo Okwara – Defensive End
One name to keep an eye on during day three of the draft will be Romeo Okwara. The athletic defensive end put up impressive testing numbers at the NFL Combine and Pro Day, which caught the attention of NFL scouts.
“I do see him getting drafted just based on his upside,” explained Serritella.” 83 3/4 wingspans, one of the biggest wingspans in the draft and he ran a sub-5.0 40 at 273 pounds. Then you add his his athleticism of having a 33-inch vertical and 10-foot broad jump.”
Okwara has also impressed those around the NFL and he didn’t even do anything, as his name has been brought up by others. NFL scouts and coaches have been impressed with just how many times Okwara’s name has come up and will also help his draft stock.
“You talk about about who his teammates point to when they give praise to the other players, whether it was during the season or during the draft process,” said Serritella. “Everyone says this kid is hardworking, full of energy and that comes up. It comes up when you talk to coaches and players. That goes a long way, especially with NFL when they do their due diligence. They are sniffing around the Notre Dame program and this kids name is constantly coming up with positives. Hardworking, high energy, first one tot practice and the last one to leave.
“He is probably a late day three guy. I could see him somewhere in the sixth round range.”
KeiVarae Russell – Cornerback
Serritella loves Russell and if it wasn’t for the injury, the Washington native might be projected even higher. Russell had been hyping up his testing numbers and Pro Day reflected the hype to NFL scouts.
“My guys told me this kid improved his draft stock more than anyone at the Notre Dame Pro Day,” stated Serritella. “The NFL teams were hanging around afterwards and anxious to speak with him. I know he ran a 4.43 in his first 40 and strained his hamstring on the second 40. He went out and jumped 40 inches in the vertical and like an 11-foot broad jump. You talk about explosiveness, his short shuttle and three-cone times were as impressive, if not better than any cornerback in this draft.
“When you have short area explosiveness, you can change directions very quickly and pivot on a dime. To me, that’s cornerback characteristics. You can keep up with speed receivers.”
Russell improved his stock so much that teams might not wait on him to fall into their laps later, but rather teams might be willing to pull the trigger earlier.
“Before the injury, Russell was a guy we thought very highly of,” Serritella stated. “He has size and speed. There are very few cornerbacks in this year’s draft class that can compare in my opinion. I think that due to the injury his draft stock has really taken to that mid-round range. I think we have a round four grade on him right now. I’ll tell you what, if I am an NFL team and need help at cornerback, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone has an itchy trigger at the end of day two. If they like Russell, they might want to make sure they get him at the end of round three instead of waiting till day three.”
Elijah Shumate – Safety
One player that has quietly been impressing NFL teams is safety Elijah Shumate. Much like Day, Shumate has shown the ability to play multiple positions and flexibility is something NFL teams put a premium on.
“I think he is going to get drafted,” Serritella said. “I think he is a day three guy. Safeties are one of the tougher evaluations with the way the college game is played. It’s hard to evaluate safeties sometimes and the beauty could be in the eye of the behold or the scheme of the team.
“Shumate can play free safety, strong safety or you can line him up at slot corner. When you talk about that versatility, he will be a valuable backup at the next level. I like what he brings to the table in terms of closing speed and he is a pretty solid tackler in my opinion.”
The New Jersey native played mainly strong safety for the Irish his last two seasons and that is where Serritella feels his best fit is at the next level.
“If I had a to choose a best position for him, it would be strong safety,” Serritella stated. “I can definitely see a team using a late round selection on him with his versatility. The Patriots have I think 11 draft picks and seven are in the sixth and seventh rounds. They need secondary help and they like versatile guys who can play different positions, so maybe that’s a potential landing spot for him.”
ChrisBrownChris Brown – Wide Receiver
Notre Dame fans know how far Chris Brown has come as a player and leader in his four years in South Bend, but NFL teams are definitely realizing the potential of the South Carolina native. Brown had a big Pro Day, but has been impressive in interviews with all 32 NFL teams.
“Fifth round is right around where we have him,” said Serritella. “He had a strong Pro Day and ran in the 4.4 range. He is a little bit taller than Will Fuller, but maybe not as fast and all that. Almost as fast, though. I think he is little more raw and not as polished as Fuller. He probably needs to sharpen up his route running and expand his route tree.
“What you have with Brown is a guy where you take him on day three. He might fill out the bottom end of the deep chart his first year or two and eventually develops into a contributing guy. I think the difference between Fuller and Brown is that Fuller is an instant impact contributor. I think Brown is more of guy that might need a year or two to develop until he really makes a contribution at the next level.
“When you talk about 6-foot-2, 4.4 range and the athleticism to go along with his production. I think day three day is right where he goes.”
Jaylon Smith – Linebacker
The Fiesta Bowl was tough for Notre Dame fans to watch, but after the fact it has been tough to see Jaylon Smith’s recovery process with not much positive news coming out over the past three months. Smith had a medial re-check earlier this month, but not much news has generated from that report, so the likelihood of good news is slim.
“When I hear nerve damage, that’s a scary word and the first thing that comes to mind is Navarre Bowman,” explained Serritella. “We saw how his career ended, so it’s a scary proposition for any team picking on day one. NFL is very short on patience and I don’t know how many teams are willing to wait a year or two to maybe see a return on their investment. Marcus Latimore is another guy that comes to mind. For me personally, if I am an NFL decision maker and there is nerve damage, I know he has put out videos of him squatting 600 pounds, but if the medical reports come back with nerve damage, I don’t see how you can even think about him until day three. That’s just me and maybe different teams have different medial reports.”
Smith has gone from arguably the top player in the draft to literally it’s anyone’s guess where he is drafted. With the recent trades, two teams have a surplus of picks in early rounds, so you might see them take a chance on Smith, but it’s all in the eye of the beholder.
“It’s a shame, because you talk about a fall from the top,” stated Serritella. “A potential top five pick to probably a day three pick in my opinion. Maybe one of these teams like the Tennessee Titans, they now have six picks in the top 76. The Cleveland Browns have a boatload of picks and both teams are trying to build for the long haul. They aren’t going to win right away, so maybe they have the patience and roll the dice in the second or third round.
“I just find it hard to believe that a team is going to be willing to risk it with nerve damage. That’s really the dangerous buzz word that you’re hearing. Again, we don’t have that confirmed and don’t have access to that medical report, but that’s some of the stuff you’re starting to hear.
“You hear talk of it, but I haven’t spoken to a team personally that has taken him completely off the board. You hear it out there, but I can’t confirm that one way or another for sure.”
Note: Ishaq Williams – Defensive Line
“I am actually partnering up the College Gridiron Showcase and Ishaq was down there,” Serritella said. “I had a chance to speak to them about Ishaq. He had one of the best practices of all of the players down there.”
ISD FREEBIE
ACamp1900
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The more I think on it the more I get antsy about all these mock drafts having Cleveland still taking a QB in the first (Lynch or Cook or whoever)... I see little reason to take ANY QB in this year's draft now because at this point one of two things is going to happen.
1.) RG3 will come back healthy and earn the spot long term anyway, thus ending any immediate need for a young QB
2.) It's a complete disaster this year and you have your pick of the top QBs next year (Watson obviously).. I mean come on, between Cleveland and Philly there is a legit chance The Browns have two of the top five picks next year...
In either of these scenarios you don't need a QB in this draft... just work to fill all the other holes please.
1.) RG3 will come back healthy and earn the spot long term anyway, thus ending any immediate need for a young QB
2.) It's a complete disaster this year and you have your pick of the top QBs next year (Watson obviously).. I mean come on, between Cleveland and Philly there is a legit chance The Browns have two of the top five picks next year...
In either of these scenarios you don't need a QB in this draft... just work to fill all the other holes please.
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ACamp1900
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Why the Cleveland Browns must tank in 2016: It's time they lose with purpose | cleveland.com
I've said this before here on IE, the Browns haven't been bad enough.. they've been stuck in wheel spin mode for years where they win just enough games to keep them out of the top of the draft but never enough to compete...
I've said this before here on IE, the Browns haven't been bad enough.. they've been stuck in wheel spin mode for years where they win just enough games to keep them out of the top of the draft but never enough to compete...
GATTACA!
It's about to get gross
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Agreed 100% the win now people drive me insane. Worthless wins are the reason we don't have Andrew Luck or Cam Newton.
longliveautrydenson
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Prediction: Cleveland sucks again next year, especially with the broken shell of RGIII at QB, but they hit on at least 4 picks this year and end up with a Top 3 pick next year. Simultaneously, DeShone Kizer leads ND to an 11-2 season, just barely misses the playoffs, and ends up third in the Heisman voting. He declares for the draft after getting a first round grade, and Cleveland takes the (sort of) hometown boy with their first round pick. Kizer, on the heels of two strong draft classes, leads Cleveland to a winning record in his third season, a playoff berth in his fourth and a Super Bowl victory in his sixth delivering the long-suffering city of Cleveland the championship that LeBron never could.
DeShone Kizer goes down as the greatest athlete in Cleveland sports history, surpassing LeBron in the minds of the Cleveland faithful.
OR the Cleveland Browns botch everything and suck until a meteor collides with the earth and ends football/humanity. This is the more likely scenario.
ACamp1900
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I am totally not willing to laugh at RG3 the way everyone else seems to be... let me see him this season and go from there... Having him re-establish himself as a front line QB in Cleveland would not shock me in the least (not saying I'm expecting it either, just that it's certainly and reasonably possible)
ACamp1900
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Kissing the Commish's ass so that he throws the city of Cleveland a freakin bone on this whole Josh Gordan suspension BS would be where I would start frankly...