Drafting RB in the 1st:
Lots of debate over drafting an RB in the first. Some feel it was essential,
some feel the OL needed to be addressed first. Its a bit of chicken vs. the egg
debate, but much like most debates these days not one where you can easily sway
the opposing view. Guess what, the Steelers drafted a 1st Rd RB and he's
playing for us regardless so lets hope for the best. I know you can draft an RB
late, or not at all a la Fast Willie, but if you look at the numbers I believe
the stat is that 80% of the 1,000 yard backs in the last decade have been
drafted in the first three rounds. Regardless of what you think there are alot
of factors that will go into making this decision a good one, not just Harris
being a beast: 1. The OL the team has faith in has to at least be average 2.
Canada has to improve the offensive gameplan 3, Ben has to buy into that plan,
let the run game develop and largely call what the OC wants 4. All the weapons
must produce. Ben has ALOT of targets all of which will want the ball. Spread
it around and keep the defense honest. We shall see if the plan works sooner
than later
Speak of first round debates...
5th year tender:
Most people believe that Edmunds was a reach in the first round. I am one of
those. So was DHB by the Raiders, but he was able to find a role on this team.
Many can't separate his draft position from his production. The team picked up
Minkah's 5th year option, no brainer. They declined Edmunds. Does that mean he
is a bust, no. The pay scale for 5th year options has gone up and is close to
franchise costs. Thats alot of money to sink into both safety positions.
Edmunds has not made the splash plays that Minkah has, but he is a solid
tackler and has improved year to year. Not everybody can be a Pro Bowler on
your roster. I think the team may still try to sign him to a lesser contract,
depending on if any of the younger safeties step up in camp. He is not
spectacular, but he is solid and on a D where you have Haden, TJ, Heyward,
Tuitt and Fitzpatrick that should be ok. Judge him by his play, not where he
was drafted.
Draft Grades:
I do love mock drafts just for the crazy differences in the picks and
scenarios. It is entertaining , especially the national media mocks who really
don't know the team well.
While I enjoy mock drafts draft grades are exceptionally silly. What was NE
graded for drafting Brady, or Pittsburgh graded for drafting Brown. There are
tons of legit out of the league busts, not 4 years starters like Edmunds, and
there are UDFA's that sign big second contracts. Any real grade can't be done
for 3-4 years. Would I have gone RB, TE , C , yes, but not in that order. The
team , as usual, did what they felt was best and they know far more than me and
that is hard for me to admit ; )
Almost every pick has been labeled a reach or a steal by some outlet after the
draft.
The pre draft stuff and post draft analysis keeps me buys. Not we have to wait.
A rookie minicamp her or there, but I think things will be slow until July.
As always, cautiously optimistic about the draft haul and season.
Scott in Jersey