2018 NFL Draft

[Rack Em]

Could end up with Penny too....

Penny Hardaway?

 

[IrishLion]

The more I think about it, the more I believe that Mayfield is the best QB in the draft.

His "red flags" are: (1) Got too drunk and tried to run from the cops one time, and (2) gets so competitive that he talks a lot of shit and grabs his crotch.

I'd be more concerned about his height and his ability to see the middle of the field if I were an NFL GM. I'd laugh off those character "red flags" after having seen all the warning signs that went with Johnny Football. Not even the same ballpark IMO.

When you factor the positives/negatives of the top 4/5 QB's, I think Mayfield has the best case for his positives over the negatives.

Darnold has the size and the arm, but he's a basket case that can't protect the football under pressure, and is prone to turnovers even if the protection is good.

Allen has the size and the arm, but he can't hit the broad side of a barn, and he was downright miserable against the only decent teams he played against in college... and then he basically blamed having bad teammates for it.

Rosen has enough size, a great arm, played in a system that probably makes him most-ready for the NFL, and is super intelligent... but he's fragile as hell, doesn't mitigate that with pocket mobility, and could rarely string together good performances in college.

Mayfield has the arm strength, the accuracy, mobility, and most importantly, he proved that he is a true "gamer." Does that mean anything? Johnny Football was a "gamer." The difference is that Mayfield actually KNOWS his offense, does his homework, and puts the work in during the week. Johnny Football didn't. Mayfield's red flags? Less concerning than JFF and Jameis Winston (and probably Cam Newton, too). The only thing he lacks is the size, but his OL at Oklahoma was mammoth, and so he ran an offense that required anticipation/timing throws to the middle of the field, just like he'll need to do in the NFL.

I think Mayfield has already proven that he can overcome the deficiencies and questions about his game. The other QB's haven't done that yet.

 

[ACamp1900]

Penny Hardaway?

Yeah man, our fast break would be boss-hog...


The SDSU back... I like him, could be a steal...

 

[ACamp1900]

The more I think about it, the more I believe that Mayfield is the best QB in the draft.

I wouldn't really argue much here, I would add that I do think his success will depend more on where he goes than the others... I'd also add the Big 12 QB thing has me a bit worried, kind of hard to ignore that history. I do think the kid is special though, love his fire.

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

If this is Jonathan Bostic, then you can put ILB back on the board for the Steelers 1st round pick.

Yeah, but he can't be worse than the LBs (Spence, Fort, Matakevich) they threw in there after Shazier got hurt. His signing and te GM saying he doesn't think it's a great draft for LBs just makes me think that they'd be willing to wait a bit on the ILB until day 2. It all depends whether you think Evans or Vander Esch are worth a first or not. OLB might be the way they go with Dupree being kind of disappointing and then needing to decide whether they pick up his 5th year.

I also think that they realize how important having a good QB is and want to make sure they are covered after Roethlisberger retires. He's said he wants to play another 3 years but I would be surprised if he does.

 

[IrishLion]

I wouldn't really argue much here, I would add that I do think his success will depend more on where he goes than the others... I'd also add the Big 12 QB thing has me a bit worried, kind of hard to ignore that history. I do think the kid is special though, love his fire.

That's a fair point. He could get ruined by a coaching staff that forces him into a system that prefers a big, play-action style QB.

I think his perfect landing spot would be New Orleans, for obvious reasons, but his stock is too high for that to work.

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

Justin Reid, Jaire Alexander, Leighton Vander Esch, Dallas Goedert, Malik Jefferson, Ronnie Harrison, and Mike Gesicki are viable options at pick 28. I don't think the FA signings will change the draft strategy.

I think the signings will give them more freedom to pick who they think is best instead of having to absolutely draft a safety or ILB in the first round. I hope they trade down so that they can grab another pick and make up for the ones they traded but I doubt they do. I'm interested to see how the Steelers play it.

 

[zelezo vlk]

Yeah, but he can't be worse than the LBs (Spence, Fort, Matakevich) they threw in there after Shazier got hurt. His signing and te GM saying he doesn't think it's a great draft for LBs just makes me think that they'd be willing to wait a bit on the ILB until day 2. It all depends whether you think Evans or Vander Esch are worth a first or not. OLB might be the way they go with Dupree being kind of disappointing and then needing to decide whether they pick up his 5th year.

I also think that they realize how important having a good QB is and want to make sure they are covered after Roethlisberger retires. He's said he wants to play another 3 years but I would be surprised if he does.

I haven't watched his play in a few years, but he was terrible with the Bears. Bostic had some of the worst play recognition/instincts I've ever seen in a linebacker. I know that fans of his teams the past few years haven't been happy with him either, so take that for what it's worth.

 

[Rack Em]

ACamp,

Since Chubb may be getting picked at #2 by the Giants, how would you feel about the Browns trading down at #4 and getting Tremaine Edmunds or Fitzpatrick around #8 or #10?

Here's my rationale for doing that. At least 3 QBs are going to go in the top 6-7 with Chubb, Barkley, and Nelson filling out the rest of the top 6-7. So that (almost slam dunk) leaves both Fitzpatrick and Edmunds (who I think is going to be a freak at LB in the NFL) as the best available players in the 8-10 range. I think the Browns could add another pick or two in the 2nd or 3rd round, which they could use as fodder for trading back into the first round if someone like Calvin Ridley or Da'Ron Payne would slip past #20. Both of those guys would fill big needs. So, in theory, the draft could look like this for the Browns:

#1 - Darnold (QB)
#8 - Fitzpatrick/Edmunds (DB/LB)
#20 - Ridley (WR)
#33 - Guice (RB)
#35 - Donte Jackson (CB)

I'm just spitballing here, but I think a haul like that would be nuts if they can't grab Chubb at #4.

 

[Armyirish47]

Mel Kiper has updated the big board once again in an ESPN Insider article linked below.
Mel Kiper 2018 NFL draft Big Board - Top 25 prospects ranking, position by position top 10s

Yuge takeaways:
Nelson now a top 3 player overall while McGlinchey lingers as a top 25 player.

Smythe has emerged as top 10 TE option, so Tight End U come on down!

Aaaaaaaaaand that's it.


I'm guessing we have 5 players drafted and the rest sign on as undrafted free agents. Maybe Martini gets a late round flyer?

 

[ACamp1900]

If we lose out on Chubb I’d be cool with that Rack, tho I’m hoping NYG trade out... I think they will

 

[Rack Em]

If we lose out on Chubb I’d be cool with that Rack, tho I’m hoping NYG trade out... I think they will

Yeah that'd be ideal. But if I were Dorsey, I'd be working this contingency plan hard and having it basically lined up come 8:00pm eastern on draft day.

#1 - Darnold
#4 - Chubb
#33 - Ronald Jones/Sony Michel/Derrius Guice
#35 - Jaire Alexander or Trenton Thompson (to address either CB or DT)

Man what a time to be alive if this happens ^

 

[koonja]

Fun fact, I'm friends with and went to college with Dorsey's son, Bryant Dorsey.

I don't know John personally, only met him once, but his son is one of the smartest people I know.

 

[ACamp1900]

Yeah that'd be ideal. But if I were Dorsey, I'd be working this contingency plan hard and having it basically lined up come 8:00pm eastern on draft day.

#1 - Darnold
#4 - Chubb
#33 - Ronald Jones/Sony Michel/Derrius Guice
#35 - Jaire Alexander or Trenton Thompson (to address either CB or DT)

Man what a time to be alive if this happens ^

I'd be happy with any QB they think is best and any RB they think is best in the 2nd or beyond... with that said I'm coming out of the closet today... I'm no longer hiding it:

If I had my choice of RBs in this draft (excluding Barkley as I'm not willing to take one that high) I'd take Rashaad Penny.

 

[OhioIrish31]

I'd be happy with any QB they think is best and any RB they think is best in the 2nd or beyond... with that said I'm coming out of the closet today... I'm no longer hiding it:

If I had my choice of RBs in this draft (excluding Barkley as I'm not willing to take one that high) I'd take Rashaad Penny.

Hearing a lot of chatter about Ward (the CB out pOSU) at four. Don't know much about him. Seems like there might be a little concern around Fitzpatrick as an every-down CB. I hope Chubb is there at four and they take him.

 

[ACamp1900]

Hearing a lot of chatter about Ward (the CB out pOSU) at four. Don't know much about him. Seems like there might be a little concern around Fitzpatrick as an every-down CB. I hope Chubb is there at four and they take him.

I'd leave Fitz at safety and put Randall back at CB... but yeah, at this point I want Chubb at four. I am seeing a lot of Ward and James talk too...

 

[Legacy]

The Giants #2 will be very expensive (2600 pts). I don't see anyone trading up for a non-QB. As for teams trading up for a QB, Buffalo has draft capital for a QB at #2 with six players in the first three rounds. Cleveland's #4 is less expensive (1800) for the Bills. Indy's #6 is cheaper (1600) and if Denver at 5 does not take a QB, sitting at 6 is just as good as 4 for QB. Buffalo's #12 is worth 1200.

Miami has three picks in the first three rounds . Denver has four picks in the first three rounds and just paid Keenum $37 m for two years, with $25 m guaranteed.

Giants could decide between Barkley and Chubb. The Giants were 26th in rushing last year.

I, too, see Fitz as a S, so James and Ward come into the conversation. The CB class is deep with starting talent into the second round, though some may not fit a team's scheme or better suited for a nickel CB.

The first round should see 5 QBs, 3-4 OTs and 3 OGs taken, if a team is deciding between QB and OL prospects in the first and filling the other need in the second.

 

[ND NYC]

overall chatter out here in NYC radio/papers is that Giants NOT going QB at #2.

it's trade down if given an offer they cant refuse and if no great offer, Chubb.

but who knows with all the pre draft smokescreens etc.

 

[GATTACA!]

Fun fact, I'm friends with and went to college with Dorsey's son, Bryant Dorsey.

I don't know John personally, only met him once, but his son is one of the smartest people I know.

Oh boy I need some inside info.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

2018 NFL Draft

Hearing a lot of chatter about Ward (the CB out pOSU) at four. Don't know much about him. Seems like there might be a little concern around Fitzpatrick as an every-down CB. I hope Chubb is there at four and they take him.

Ward had a great combine, grading out as the best DB. His only knock is size (5 foot 10).

Id personally rather have Fitz, a natural leader. Landon Collins type guys should be the reminder for any team thinking about taking Ward over Fitz.

 

[Legacy]

Interesting development.

Josh Allen shows off big arm, accuracy in front of big Browns contingent at Pro Day

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns closed out their quarterback workout week with a bang Friday at Josh Allen's dazzling Pro Day at Wyoming.

The Browns sent eight staffers to the school -- more than any team -- including Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, coach Hue Jackson, GM John Dorsey, assistant GM Eliot Wolf, offensive coordinator Todd Haley and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese.

Allen made their trip worthwhile as well as that of representatives from 15 other teams, including Giants coach Pat Shurmur, who has the No. 2 overall pick.

Question is, what did the Browns see? They had a whirlwhind week in which they worked out Rosen and Mayfield privately and attended the Pro Days of Darnold and Allen. It's a lot to process in a few days, and they'll need a time to let it all sink in. They'll also bring all four quarterbacks, and likely others, to the Browns facility for pre-draft visits.

Mayock also got great feedback from the Browns, Giants and Jets on Allen's processing speed, which is one of Hue Jackson's biggest criteria. If Allen is anything like Carson Wentz on the board, he'll be hard to pass up at No. 1

"He's as good as any quarterback in this draft if not better,'' said Mayock. "They said he's outstanding up at the board. He understands pass protections and keep in mind Carson Wentz did also.''

As for comparing him to Wentz, Mayock cited his superior arm talent, and "I got a great look at this big 6-foot-5, 235 pound guy who's a better athlete than Carson Wentz, believe it or not, watching him roll out left or right is just outstanding, and in today's NFL, you've got to live in the pocket and extend the play and this kid brings both of those to the forefront.''

He added, "that doesn't mean he's going to be a better quarterback but as a piece of clay to mold, this is pretty special.''

The NFL draft darling who couldn't get a college scholarship .
Allen received two scholarship offers after sending out over 1000 emails to FBS coaches. He received only two offers Eastern Michigan and Wyoming. E. Mich withdrew their offer after he visited Wyo.

 

[Legacy]

Rookie signing bonuses

Rookie signing bonuses

Signing bonuses for first round picks last year ranged from $20 mill for #1 (2/3 of Garrett's contract), dropping to $9 mill for #12 (Watson with the Texans), evening out to $6-4 million for picks #16-32. This year's signing bonuses are higher. A player significantly benefits from a signing bonus if they are in the top ten of the draft over the rest of the first round picks.

Based on last year's signing bonuses the cost for those bonuses to Buffalo for their #12 ($9 mill) and #22 ($6 m) is $15 million. Should Buffalo trade up, the cost of the signing bonus for the Giants #2 pick is $18 mill.

When Indianapolis moved back to #6 ($14 mill) from #3 ($18 mill), they saved $4 million in signing bonuses. (Last year's figures, also not counting other picks' signing bonuses in later rounds). Trading back with Buffalo for #12 ($9 m) would save Indy another $5 mill. The difference in signing bonuses from #3 to #12 is $9 mill. Indy would, of course, acquire even more picks. The Colts currently have a total of nine picks, with six of those in the first four rounds.

Cleveland's two first round picks - #1 ($20 m.) and #4 ($17 m) - will cost more than $37 mill in signing bonuses alone.

 

[Irish#1]

Per Indy Star........Every team was at ND for pro day. Only GM there was Ballard. Clear indication that Q is a real possibility for the Colts.

 

[IrishSteelhead]

Per Indy Star........Every team was at ND for pro day. Only GM there was Ballard. Clear indication that Q is a real possibility for the Colts.

I want the Bears to get Q so bad, but the Colts are out of their minds if they dont take him.

Why spend so much money at QB if you let the guy get killed?

 

[Legacy]

Five QBs will be taken in the first round whether they are first round talent or need some development or not. Cleveland, NY Giants, NYJets, and Buffalo are most often considered to be taking QBs. Lamar Jackson is the fifth QB left with arguably a dropoff from him to QBs needing development.

Other QB-needy teams who have signed free agent QBs this offseason or have a QB who may retire and who may draft a QB in later rounds to develop include Denver, Miami, Arizona, LA Chargers, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, New England, Cincinnati, and New Orleans. One of those teams will choose Lamar Jackson.

Any thoughts on which of those teams select which of the QBs beyond the first four QBs? Who waits until next year's draft or next year's crop of FAs?

 

[ACamp1900]

I could see Rudolph going in the first too... I've seen some rankings, cbs I think was one, had him as the top QB... anyway, you know someone will chase.

 

[NewBrunswickIrish]

Five QBs will be taken in the first round whether they are first round talent or need some development or not. Cleveland, NY Giants, NYJets, and Buffalo are most often considered to be taking QBs. Lamar Jackson is the fifth QB left with arguably a dropoff from him to QBs needing development.

Other QB-needy teams who have signed free agent QBs this offseason or have a QB who may retire and who may draft a QB in later rounds to develop include Denver, Miami, Arizona, LA Chargers, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, New England, Cincinnati, and New Orleans. One of those teams will choose Lamar Jackson.

Any thoughts on which of those teams select which of the QBs beyond the first four QBs? Who waits until next year's draft or next year's crop of FAs?

Pittsburgh has sent Colbert (GM), Tomlin (HC) and Fitchner (OC) to both OSU's and Louisville's pro days to see Rudolph and Jackson. I wouldn't be surprised if they drafted one of those QBs. They have other needs but it depends on what they think Roethlisberger will do in the near future likely. He says he wants to play 3 more years but I'd be really surprised if he does.

Also, a LB like Evans refusing to run the 40 apparently has really bothered a bunch of teams and his other tests show that he's a mediocre athlete at best. I think the fear of having another Jarvis Jones on their hands might stop them from picking him first round. Pittsburgh could be a team that goes a number of ways so it will be interesting to watch them.

Also, Denver really should draft a QB. I think Keenum will come back to his backup level play this year.

 

[Legacy]

Despite needs in other areas with top non-QB talent available in the top ten, the first three picks (or Cleveland's fourth) expect QBs to be taken. I think 4-6 (Cleveland picks a QB with their first) could trade back and Buffalo is likely to trade up with the first round picks (12 & 22) to do so. They have to jump Miami at 11.

I don't know about Denver who may have Barkley, Nelson and the first CB at position of needs. (Expect CJ Anderson, RB could be cut if they pick Barkley.) Then Denver could pick the next best QB in the second round, instead of having $35+ million invested in QBs, which would be the case if they picked a QB at 5. As far as #5, Elway says they will be open to moving back and the Broncos "would be open for business" for #5. After their recent trade for Su'a Cravens, they have $11 million in cap space.

 

[ACamp1900]

Sounds like Buffalo is trying to move up to 2... please let this happen, it'll guarantee Browns will have their crack at their choice of QB and their choice of top defender... though even with that said they'll prob do something stupid and move back from 4 or draft Barkley....

 

[IrishLion]

Sounds like Buffalo is trying to move up to 2... please let this happen, it'll guarantee Browns will have their crack at their choice of QB and their choice of top defender... though even with that said they'll prob do something stupid and move back from 4 or draft Barkley....

Dorsey's bros think he's going to go Allen/Barkley lol