2017-18 CFB SEASON / '18 NFL DRAFT

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Quenton Nelson - G - Fighting Irish

Bob McGinn Football's Mark Eckel reports "half the scouting world" are concerned about Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson's athleticism.

Multiple scouts brought up his performance against Miami where "That (R.J.) McIntosh guy got some leverage and pushed him a couple times that concerned me about him being a top-10 pick." On the other hand, An AFC personnel director with "20-plus years of experience" said Nelson was the best guard he has scouted. A different scout brought up a unique tidbit on Nelson saying "The O-line coach at Notre Dame (was Harry Hiestand, now with the Bears) is one of the best in the business. Every year he’s got somebody that comes out high in the draft and doesn’t produce as well in the NFL." Nelson is largely regarded as one of the safest picks in the draft and someone who should have immediate success in the NFL, but the questions about his athleticism are legitimate. Rotoworld's Thor Nystrom has Nelson as his fourth overall player on his Top-400 big board and expects him to be a top-10 selection.
Source: Bob McGinn Football

Apr 22 - 3:40 PM

That’s why I’ve always been doubtful about the idea of us drafting him. He doesn’t seem like a great fit for our scheme.

The issue with me regarding Nelson has never been his ability or lack of. I think he’s a tremendous player indeed, and he’d be a huge upgrade for us. My main issue has to do with the fact that this year... There’s so much talent at the guard position, and I truly believe that the 3rd best guard in this year’s class will become a perennial pro bowler in the league. We can trade back to late first or early second and come away with a Wynn or Hernandez; and still be able to get additional picks to improve our roster as a whole. Either by getting a 2019 first round pick or a couple more second and third rounders in this year’s draft. Nelson vs more draft capital is my issue considering the talent level (OG) in this year’s draft.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

D.J. Chark - WR - Tigers

Bob McGinn Football's Mark Eckel has LSU D.J. Chark as his seventh-ranked wide receiver.

An anonymous scout said "If you like the deep ball, or least a guy that can at least scare the (bleep) out of the safety, he will be that guy. He will bring it every time to the lid of the coverage. He can run all day." Chark is viewed as a top-tier field-stretcher after recording the fastest 40-yard dash time (4.34) among wide receivers at the NFL combine. After turning in a relatively uneventful career at LSU due to poor quarterback play, Chark exploded at the Senior Bowl for 5-160-1 and tested well at the combine. He is now in play to be an early Day 2 selection and has taken visits with the Bills and Broncos.
Source: Bob McGinn Football

Apr 22 - 4:38 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Josh Allen - QB - Player

A source he "trusts" who is "very well-connected" and "very often right" told MMQB's Peter King the Browns won't take Wyoming QB Josh Allen with the No. 1 overall pick.

It should be a breath of fresh air for Cleveland fans; analytically, Allen barely belongs in the first round let alone in conversation for the No. 1 pick. King published a mock draft in his MMQB article, and sent USC QB Sam Darnold to the Browns at No. 1. We agree and also expect Cleveland to take Darnold.
Source: SI.com

Apr 23 - 2:23 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Derrius Guice - RB - Player

MMQB's Peter King reports the Eagles want to trade out of the Nou. 32 pick.

The Eagles aren't scheduled to pick again until No. 130 after trading their second- and third-round picks to Cleveland (Carson Wentz) and Buffalo (Ronald Darby), respectively. Philly likely wants to move down to grab more picks. The No. 32 pick is the final selection offering a five-year contract, so the Eagles' pick should attract a lot of interest at the end of Thursday night.
Source: SI.com

Apr 23 - 2:52 AM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Baker Mayfield - QB - Player

According to SI's Peter King, the Cardinals "don't like Baker Mayfield, they love him."

In fact, King has the Cardinals trading up from No. 15 to No. 5 to draft Mayfield in the spot currently owned by Denver. It would be a steep price for Arizona to pay, almost certainly including next year's first-round pick. To date, Mayfield has been the favorite to go to the Jets at No. 3 overall. King has the Jets passing on Mayfield in favor of UCLA QB Josh Rosen.
Source: MMQB

Apr 23 - 2:31 AM

[ChrisPozz]

“Wavy” MRI at Combine forces Rasheem Green to show his knee is fine

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/04/23/wavy-mri-at-combine-forces-rasheem-green-to-show-his-knee-is-fine/

[ChrisPozz]

49ers expressing interest in Hobart WR Brandon Shed, per report

http://www.49erswebzone.com/articles/115399-49ers-expressing-interest-hobart-brandon-shed-per-report/

Hobart was also the home of Bucs G/C Ali Marpet.

Played high school basketball and played 5 positions in football in high school. Bigger guy with SOME movement skills. Runs a lot of deep routes but not a lot of varied routes overall. Impressed several scouts at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl game week. Had 2 different QBs this year and was a reason for his numbers being down this year compared to last. Didn't have as many opportunities for YAC as you might think either IMO. Ball got on him and it was contact and tackle. Ball was often late getting to him I noticed. Intriguing physical ability as a go-up-and-get-it or a shield catch kind of guy but you've got to feel comfortable that you can work with him on the technical stuff.

[ChrisPozz]

Peter King mock draft suggests 49ers giving serious consideration to Notre Dame OT Mike McGlinchey

https://www.ninersnation.com/2018/4/23/17270304/peter-king-mock-draft-49ers-pick-mike-mcglinchey-roquan-smith

McGlinchey is one of the safest lineman on either side in this draft IMO. Very, very clean movement skills. Not my personal overall type of tackle but he grew on me the more I watched him. I'm not completely sold because of the power deficiencies he has and when you really break him down he might only have a chance at very good to elite on the right side for some teams but that'll be up to each individual team to decide. I'd ask any team getting him what do you have in mind for him and how are you going to play him? As a guy he's one of my favorite in this draft. One day if he isn't one of the top guys on your team and one of the most reliable, I'd be shocked. He'll easily be one of the most reliable rookies for you. He's a home run as a guy and would be a fantastic add to a OL room.

[ChrisPozz]

Chewbacca, R2-D2 to announce 49ers day 3 picks
Meanwhile, the Bucs have a parrot announcing picks.

https://www.ninersnation.com/2018/4/23/17270554/chewbacca-r2-d2-announce-49ers-day-3-draft-picks

I say it every year. My dream draft proceedings are to have one camera, one person on stage, preferably the commish or someone from the league office, one microphone/stand, minimal lights, and I'll concede that music can be optional. That's it. Nothing more. Hats and jerseys given out are fine.

[ChrisPozz]

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[ChrisPozz]

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[ChrisPozz]

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[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Sam Hubbard - DL - Buckeyes

A director of college scouting for an NFC team told NFL Media's Lance Zierlein that Ohio State DL Sam Hubbard is "going to end up being a good pro" with a few adjustments.

The scouting director doesn't believe Hubbard will be ripping down the universe right out of the NFL gates, but rather notes that the 6-foot-5, 270-pounder "just needs to add a little more muscle and find a go-to move that he can win with as a rusher." Hubbard has his fair share of fans in the evaluating community and a first-round pick cannot be ruled out for Thursday.
Source: NFL.com

Apr 23 - 12:44 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

I truly believe that the knee injury he sustained in high school hindered his development. This kid should have been a poor man’s version of Jadeveon Clowney. I had high hopes for him but he never really lived up to his true potential (I think due to that knee):

Josh Sweat - DL - Seminoles

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that "some NFL clubs have moved [Florida State edge rusher Josh Sweat' down their draft boards or in the case for some teams completely off the board" due to concerns over his health.

While the 6-foot-4, 251-pound Sweat rocked the NFL Scouting Combine with a composite testing score ranking in the 95th percentile of NFL edge rushers, it would appear that there's still real worry in some corners over his surgically-repaired left knee. Florida State coddled that knee by degrees this past season -- Sweat was not an everyday practice participant -- and Rapoport notes that "not being able to practice every day raises concerns." The Saints, Redskins, Giants and Titans all hosted the edge rusher for predraft visits this spring. Rotoworld's Thor Nystrom ranks him as the No. 26 overall prospect in the 2018 class even baking in those health question marks, while Nystrom colleague Josh Norris slots him in slightly more conservatively as the No. 45 overall prospect in the pool.
Source: NFL.com

Apr 23 - 2:57 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Baker Mayfield - QB - Sooners

Scouts who spoke with Bob McGinn Football had vastly different opinions on the personality of Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield.

"He’s not half-cocked. He’s humble. I think he’s an outstanding competitor," one scout said, an opinion which was not held in the least by another evaluator whom McGinn spoke with. That second source offered up that Mayfield is a "cocky little [expletive]" and believes that the quarterback is "a little bit too full of himself." Or as another scout put it, the signal-caller is "a little bit obnoxious." We've heard varying views on Mayfield's personality throughout the predraft process, so nothing here comes as a huge surprise. He very well may land as a top-five pick come Thursday.
Source: Bob McGinn Football

Apr 23 - 2:42 PM

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

He’s the player I’m most afraid of in terms of facing him twice a year. I’m praying that the Cards don’t end up drafting him.

Lamar Jackson - QB - Cardinals

An NFL scout told Bob McGinn Football that NFL defensive coordinators will be "scared to death" to face Louisville QB Lamar Jackson.

"The dynamic athletic ability doesn’t even need to be talked about," the scout said. "What he doesn’t get enough credit for is the type of passer he is and the (pro-style) system he runs. When he’s in the pocket he stays in the pocket." Another evaluator who dished on Jackson with McGinn doesn't see matters in quite the same light when it comes to the signal-caller's standing as a passer, telling him that "[h]e’s a one-read guy, his accuracy is inconsistent and he holds the ball forever." NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier on Monday that Jackson had an official predraft visit with the Patriots two weeks ago and that New England was "intrigued and impressed." Jackson is heading toward a likely top-20 selection on Thursday.
Source: Bob McGinn Football

Apr 23 - 3:09 PM

[ChrisPozz]

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30 is on the high end in comparison to people in the scouting community not paid by NFL teams.

Also, I wouldn't have expected anything differently but seeing they have 4 first round grades on QBs bums me out a little bit. 2 would've excited me with this staff. 3 would've been in the forgiving category but 4 is starting to stretch things for me personally. 5 would've made me sweat. 6 is a fire able offense.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

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30 is on the high end in comparison to people in the scouting community not paid by NFL teams.

Also, I wouldn't have expected anything differently but seeing they have 4 first round grades on QBs bums me out a little bit. 2 would've excited me with this staff. 3 would've been in the forgiving category but 4 is starting to stretch things for me personally. 5 would've made me sweat. 6 is a fire able offense.

This time last year we knew that the 2018 draft was going to be special at the QB position. Which is why I was okay in drafting a non QB with our #2 pick at that time. Then we ended up trading for JG and the winning streek begun causing us to play ourselves out of the #2 pick. We would have been in perfect position to draft one of those four QBs (I have or project 3 them developing to be a better player than JG 3 years from now). But then again, a second round pick for a very good QB is still considered a steal in my eyes so I’m not knocking ShanaLynch for executing that trade and derailing my 2018 QB plan I had in mind for the past 3 years.

[ChrisPozz]

Let me clarify my last statement a little bit better for the record.

I'm bummed they have 4 first round grades on QBs this year because I'm really only a Josh Rosen in the first guy; albeit a fan who is scared of the personality stuff because it's not a terrific match to my own personality and all the things that go with that if I'm building a team from the ground up. But ultimately the throwing stuff is too good and there's enough coaches out there I respect that I think that could work alongside him.

I really like Darnold the guy and all that comes with that with him. He's just not the right fit for me to take the plunge on if I have to find the right coaches that are best suited to work with him. It's not the project I'd want to take on. If someone ELSE could find the right coaches for him then I'm on board with Darnold because he's very much someone I wouldn't mind being around day in and day out and having the Darnold experience rub off on other guys I bring in.

As far as the grades go. The reason why I said 2 would've excited me is because it fall in line with how I see this class and, obviously, I feel good about the work I've done given what I've been able to work with to get to these places with each. I'm not so against Darnold in that I'd tell them, "How could you put a first round grade on Darnold?" If they feel like they can get him the help he needs I'm ok with a coaching staff telling me that depending on the staff and the leeway I'm willing to give them. I'm willing to go that far with Darnold. He just wouldn't be for me if I'm running the board.

As I also said if you want to tell me there's a 3rd guy you'd be willing work with - say Josh Allen - I would tell you it scares the pants off me but ultimately I can forgive that move alone. If I put the Josh Allen stuff and stack it up against other QB evaluations that I disagreed with then that's when I start to have a major problem with your QB eye, though. But having a 3rd first round grade on a QB still falls in the forgiving range for me ON ITS OWN even though I only want to work with 1 but am ok if someone ELSE wants to work with Darnold.

If you're telling me you've got 4 guys you'd take in the first round that's where we start to get problems. That's a major stretch at that point. At that point I'm telling you I think you're wrong, I don't get the value, and that it's more than just finding the right people that are a good fit for him.

If there's a 5th one then we've got a problem and have major differences. If you've got 5 guys AND you're someone that I feel has bumbled the QB position in prior years then that's where we start to have a major debate and I begin to question how much work you've done and/or what you think you're seeing.

If you're in rare air and you're telling me there's a 6th, and have previous statements that were poor on the QB spot, that's when we enter fire able offense territory for me like I said.

Lastly, that last post of mine had nothing to do with the Jimmy G. stuff. I haven't changed my mind on him. Ultimately I think this team still needs a THE GUY at that spot but I'm wasting my time putting Jimmy G. into too many of the discussions because he'll be their guy for the foreseeable future and most of my opinions have to work around that.

If anybody in the next week or so wants my two cents on if I'd make a move on a QB with Jimmy G. in the fold and all that I can go there but I haven't really done much Jimmy G. vs. a 2018 NFL Draft QB prospect because I don't think it'll get a lot of attention on this board. I feel like it'd get a lot of yawns if I went there.

[Bingo_AlphaMan]

Let me clarify my last statement a little bit better for the record.

I'm bummed they have 4 first round grades on QBs this year because I'm really only a Josh Rosen in the first guy; albeit a fan who is scared of the personality stuff because it's not a terrific match to my own personality and all the things that go with that if I'm building a team from the ground up. But ultimately the throwing stuff is too good and there's enough coaches out there I respect that I think that could work alongside him.

I really like Darnold the guy and all that comes with that with him. He's just not the right fit for me to take the plunge on if I have to find the right coaches that are best suited to work with him. It's not the project I'd want to take on. If someone ELSE could find the right coaches for him then I'm on board with Darnold because he's very much someone I wouldn't mind being around day in and day out and having the Darnold experience rub off on other guys I bring in.

As far as the grades go. The reason why I said 2 would've excited me is because it fall in line with how I see this class and, obviously, I feel good about the work I've done given what I've been able to work with to get to these places with each. I'm not so against Darnold in that I'd tell them, "How could you put a first round grade on Darnold?" If they feel like they can get him the help he needs I'm ok with a coaching staff telling me that depending on the staff and the leeway I'm willing to give them. I'm willing to go that far with Darnold. He just wouldn't be for me if I'm running the board.

As I also said if you want to tell me there's a 3rd guy you'd be willing work with - say Josh Allen - I would tell you it scares the pants off me but ultimately I can forgive that move alone. If I put the Josh Allen stuff and stack it up against other QB evaluations that I disagreed with then that's when I start to have a major problem with your QB eye, though. But having a 3rd first round grade on a QB still falls in the forgiving range for me ON ITS OWN even though I only want to work with 1 but am ok if someone ELSE wants to work with Darnold.

If you're telling me you've got 4 guys you'd take in the first round that's where we start to get problems. That's a major stretch at that point. At that point I'm telling you I think you're wrong, I don't get the value, and that it's more than just finding the right people that are a good fit for him.

If there's a 5th one then we've got a problem and have major differences. If you've got 5 guys AND you're someone that I feel has bumbled the QB position in prior years then that's where we start to have a major debate and I begin to question how much work you've done and/or what you think you're seeing.

If you're in rare air and you're telling me there's a 6th, and have previous statements that were poor on the QB spot, that's when we enter fire able offense territory for me like I said.

Lastly, that last post of mine had nothing to do with the Jimmy G. stuff. I haven't changed my mind on him. Ultimately I think this team still needs a THE GUY at that spot but I'm wasting my time putting Jimmy G. into too many of the discussions because he'll be their guy for the foreseeable future and most of my opinions have to work around that.

If anybody in the next week or so wants my two cents on if I'd make a move on a QB with Jimmy G. in the fold and all that I can go there but I haven't really done much Jimmy G. vs. a 2018 NFL Draft QB prospect because I don't think it'll get a lot of attention on this board. I feel like it'd get a lot of yawns if I went there.

I hope my previous post didn’t offend you in any way, Pozz. The way you responded was not Pozz like. Maybe I’m the one with the issue and reading the content of this post too deep. I can’t tell by the tone, but anyway... Yeah, when it’s dead—I say a couple weeks after the draft (worst time of the year in regard to football) just give us a layout just for the fun of it. There are 3 guys I would have preferred to be our QB than Jimmy G. But I’m content with him as a future. It could have been much worse I think with Kirk Cousins. I was so excited about the 2018 QB and looking forward to getting our franchise player this year in the draft.