Wow, I think they owe Mr. Reid a royalty on this. Plagiarism at it's
finest!
Streetr
On Thu, Apr 29, 2021 at 9:00 AM Russell Goodman <GoodmanR@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
If you're interested in additional fun names connected to this year's
draft, here's a good piece from today's Athletic:
https://theathletic.com/2550066/2021/04/29/wulfs-den-your-guide-to-the-best-player-names-in-the-2021-nfl-draft?source=user-shared-article
Boomer Steeler Russ!!
RUSS GOODMAN
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-----Original Message-----
From: steelers_pb-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <steelers_pb-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
On Behalf Of David Reid
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 6:29 AM
To: Steelers List <steelers_pb@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [steelers_pb] 2021 Mini Draft Preview
Here’s some thoughts that I’ve had married with some comments and takes
from the dwindling number of contacts I have in the pro and college
games….. as usual, a few high profile names will be missed out of this, but
I’ll update things as and when players are picked and I’ll watch some tape
and provide a more focused review once it’s over.
This draft is a nightmare. Instead of a pool of 2,000-2,500 prospects to
grade and mine, some people tell me that teams have only had 600 players to
scout this year. The result of this is that it is a top heavy draft and
that players will be drafted from round 5 onwards who would in a normal
year be free agents. Teams with multiple early picks, teams stockpiling
picks next year have an advantage here because anything outside of the top
150 carries a great risk. Teams would be wise to stockpile picks in the top
half of this draft and trade low picks either in moves to get up in the
draft this year or for picks next year. It’s a mess.
QB - You know the names and positives of the top prospects, so I won’t go
through them here. Each of them has a flaw though and all of them have
benefitted from the systems they played in. I don’t think Trevor Lawrence
is in that Andrew Luck / Elway class that scouts rave about historically, I
think he has issues throwing from the pocket when he’s pressured and will
telegraph throws at times. Zach Wilson doesn’t have a great frame, has an
injury history and again lacks pocket presence, I have concerns about him
on several levels. Trey Lance is inexperienced and has inconsistent
mechanics, he’ll take time, but I really like his potential, he is made for
today’s NFL. Mac Jones lacks mobility and arm strength and has a low
ceiling, again the scheme allowed him to throw to dynamic, wide open
receivers and you wonder if he can get the ball into tight windows. Justin
Fields needs to work on his reads and cracks under pressure sometimes,
again, he too benefitted from a superior sporting cast. I can’t figure this
out. I know that of the five, some or all of them may bust out. Again, the
plan has to be to protect them, surround them with a supporting cast and
play them only when they are ready to play. Take some pressure off them. To
fail on these three points will doom these players.
Sleeper - Davis Mills, Stanford - I’m not sure he’s a sleeper anymore,
he’s a developmental pro style passer with injury question marks and will
make poor decisions at times, but there’s real talent here.
RB - This is an interesting group and teams picking them need to be
careful as each prospect has flaws. Najee Harris reminds me of another
former Alabama RB in Mark Ingram, he doesn’t strike me as a big play
threat, but rather a big power back who is patient and reliable in all
three phases - the Matt Forte comparison is also one I agree with and I
loved Forte at Tulane. Teams must understand what they have with him.
Travis Etienne is athlete, a home run hitter and the way he explodes and
can cut at high speed is incredible and as a receiver he is excellent too.
Was he a product of their system, though? I wonder if he is a Dalvin Cook
type who can carry it 25-30 times a game, or an Alvin Kamara type who
doesn’t get the volume of carries between the tackles but is a chunk player
in the passing and running game. His pass protection is lacking which may
be a turn off for certain teams (and you know who I’m referring to here….)
I love Javonte Williams, he’s a smaller power back and defenders have to
really be sharp to get him on the ground, there are flaws, he needs to make
better decisions and his pass protection needs work, but he’ll be good -
someone compared him to a cross between Frank Gore and Josh Jacobs and I
like that. Outside of these three, Kenneth Gainwell has size concerns but I
like the versatility, Michael Carter is a short guy who punches above his
weight, I like him but he’s not a grinder between the tackles, neither is
Trey Sermon, but their outside skills are good. Keep an eye on Kylin Hill
who is as explosive as they get.
Sleeper - Pooka Williams Jr, Kansas - One of those players that someone in
the game tipped me off about and asked me to take a look, he is tiny and
won’t be a feature back, but he is as explosive as any runner in the draft
and is a great receiver too. He is made for the Matt Canada’s off this
world…….
WR - Ja’Marr Chase strikes me as a phenomenal prospect with elements of
Larry Fitzgerald, Steve Smith and DeAndre Hopkins in his game. Like Fitz,
he just wants the ball when it’s in the air and will box out anyone to get
to it. The Alabama pairing of Smith and Waddle are unimpressive physically
and that is a concern, but have those sudden movements and explosive
playmaking ability that you get from the likes of Tyreek Hill and others.
Kadaruis Toney is similar but there are off the field concerns with him, I
love Rashod Bateman’s route running, a creative offensive co-ordinator will
get a lot out of Elijah Moore who has Antonio Brown comparisons, on the
field at least. Terrace Marshall is a deep threat who struggles some in
traffic and Rondale Moore is going to be great. Again, he’s small, and
lacks polish, but he’s just a game changing playmaker. Amari Rodgers is the
son of Tee Martin. I have nothing other to add to this, other than it makes
me feel incredibly old.
Sleeper - D’Wayne Eskridge, Western Michigan - Again, I’m not sure if he
is a classic sleeper because those who have seen him are raving about him,
he’s still learning the game but he has an awful lot too offer as a
playmaker and can really motor after the catch.
TE - I don’t look a Kyle Pitts as a traditional TE, but he’s a mismatch
against a defense wherever you line him up. Great athlete who stretches the
field and will block, excellent hands, he’s going to be a Calvin Johnson
type of threat on the field. Pat Freiermuth has drawn Heath Miller
comparisons, but he reminds me of a Gronk type because of his size and lack
of acceleration. Brevin Jordan needs to pay attention to detail, but he has
good potential and Tommy Tremble needs to get sharper but he has talent
too. Trey McKitty is the best pure blocker in this draft who can catch.
Hunter Long is a hit the seam, turn around and catch it guy.
Sleeper - Ben Mason, Michigan - A TE/FB/H-back, special teams type who
will stick because of his versatility.
T - Penei Sewell is still developing technically, but his physical skills,
balance and instincts for the position are flawless. He’ll be a Pro Bowler,
Rashawn Slater can play any position along the line and play it well,
Christian Darrisaw needs a mean streak, Teven Jenkins has some problems
with speed, but he’s powerful and athletic and dominates in the run game.
Sam Cosmi and Liam Eichenberg lack power but is technically sound, Cosmi
frequently comes up in conversations around the more overrated players in
the draft. Walker Little has major medical concerns but he has the ability
and athleticism to start at left tackle and I’d be happy with Dillon Radunz
on my team either at tackle or guard and James Hudson can play left tackle.
too.
Sleeper - Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa - Classic developmental project,
great athlete.
Interior linemen - Alijah Vera-Tucker is a classic guard who should be a
good one for the next decade. Alex Leatherwood might be suited at guard in
the long term as might Jaylen Mayfield, but both can start at tackle
too.Wyatt Davis is solid too. At center, Landon Dickerson’s injury prone
which raises alarms for me but he’s very solid. Creed Humphrey is a safer
option, Quinn Meinerz is intriguing coming from a lower level of
competition as he does, Josh Myers is tough and smart without being too
athletic.
Sleeper - Meinerz isn't a sleeper, but it should be interesting how he
copes with the rise in competition.
EDGE - The strength of the D-line is in the edge group, the DT group is
awful. Jaelen Phillips is the best 4-3 DE for me, great motor on him, Azeez
Ojulari is a classic 3-4 OLB/DE with the speed and bend around the edge,
Zaven Collins would have been the best pass rusher in the NFL if he played
on the 1996 Steelers, quick and versatile, he can play inside or outside,
there’s a legitimate Urlacher comparsion there, so keep an eye on him.
Kwity Paye might deceive those looking for a pass rusher but he’s a great
run stuffer, Jayson Oweh’s speed is incredible but needs to play up to his
numbers, if he does, he will be one of the best players in this draft, Joe
Tryon has the tools but needs to put it all together, Greg Rousseau is boom
or bust, Carlos Basham and Rashad Weaver are versatile too.
Sleeper - William Bradley-King, Baylor - A high energy 3-4 type who can be
disruptive.
DT - Christian Barmore of Alabama is the best of a bad bunch, but is a
borderline first round pick. He’s raw and needs work but has a great motor.
Levi Onwuzurkie has good hands, Marlon Tuipulotu is stout. Milton Williams
needs to get stronger. Davion Nixon is a one gap scheme player, but is
disruptive. These are the only ones who look like they could go in the top
75 picks or so. Milton Williams is a workout warrior but isn’t a great
player at this point. Tyler Shelvin is the best NT in this draft, closely
followed by Alim McNeill.
Sleeper - Jaylen Twyman, Pitt - He got swamped at times last year, but he
has good pass rush moves that are worth a look late and should fit into a
rotation on the next level.
LB - Micah Parsons sat out last year, but was one of the most instinctive,
ball hawking LB’s I’ve seen in recent years, he’s the kind of player you
build a defense around. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is safety-sized and will
make mistakes, but his range and ability are top class. Jamin Davis is a
run and hit LB who needs to work on taking on blockers, Nick Bolton
struggles in coverage and is undersized, but is very productive, Chazz
Surratt needs to work on his take on ability too, but he’s a tackling
machine and very intelligent, Pete Werner needs some work, but is versatile
and has great range, he did a lot on that defense. Jabril Cox has split
opinions, some think he is limited, others think he has a lot of upside and
can be coached up.
Sleeper - Dylan Moses, Alabama - Destined for greatness before a knee
injury made him a serious medical risk. If the knee checks out, he’s worth
a shot in the middle of the draft.
CB - An interesting group with a lot of split opinions about them, I like
Jaycee Horn, maybe he needs to play with a little more discipline, but he’s
a great man cover corner, Patrick Surtain II isn’t strong, but is very
smooth, Greg Newsome has durability concerns, but can start if healthy,
Caleb Farley has a big upside to go with injury concerns, Asante Samuel Jr
is versatile, Elijah Molden is undersized but capable.
Sleeper - Darren Hall, San Diego State - A tough, press corner and
athletic. needs work on technique.
S - Trevon Moehrig is athletic and productive and can tackle and cover
which is a rarity in the game today, he’s a really good player and a really
safe pick.Jevon Holland is solid and one of my favourite players in this
draft is Richie Grant, he has some minor things to tidy up, but he’s a
disruptive force who makes play after play on the ball, smart, intelligent
and a leader, I loved watching him in college. Hamsah Nasrildeen is a box
enforcer too and Elijah Molden is undersized, but has talent.
Sleeper - Damar Hamlin, Pitt - Solid all around.
K/P - Evan McPherson and Jose Borregales are draftable kickers, Max Duffy,
James Smith, Drue Chrisman and Pressley Harvin III are draftable punters,
we should start seeing them off the board from round 6 onwards.
Finally, a list of 10 players who caught my eye through the season and who
really intrigue me as to where they will be picked and the teams and
schemes they will wind up with, they would have been All-Dave team
considerations back in the day…..
Trey Lance, QB North Dakota State
Javonte Williams, RB North Carolina
Kylin Hill, RB Mississippi State
Rondale Moore, WR Purdue
Quinn Meinerz, C Wisconsin-Whitewater
Creed Humphrey, C Oklahoma
Rashad Weaver, DE Pittsburgh
Pete Werner, LB Ohio State
Asante Samuel Jr, CB Florida State
Richie Grant, S Central Florida
And, in an incredibly packed field this year, "the name of the draft"
award goes to DiCaprio Bootle, CB, Nebraska