So I've basically been in an NFL Draft coma all weekend, so I haven't been around. That said, I'm surprised at how many of you didn't like the draft.
Shaq is a stud (by the way, at least 3 kids drafted by the name of Shaq this year), didn't love the fit when we need tackles and receivers, but the former group had been picked dry and the latter had a lot of similar talent remaining at the time.
But Shaq was definitely the best talent left at that point. He's kinda a safety hybrid, but so was TD. What this means is less nickel (which we ran something like 70% of the time) and we can stay in our base defense and still defend the pass. Blackburn, Klein, and Glanton were all ok against the run, but were so bad against the pass we only had a 3rd LB in on those other 30% of snaps.
I liked the Funchess pick, especially since we traded immediately in front of Atlanta and three ahead of New Orleans to get him. The WR run started after our first pick with another 4 going between 26 and 40. With Strong's wrist injury, Funchess was the only top WR left at that point. The Rams said they had six teams calling them, and the Falcons (Gonzalez) and Saints (Graham) were sitting right there and have been looking to replace the big, reliable targets they lost.
I honestly don't get the Benjamin comp. for Funchess, aside from them both being huge targets. Benjamin plays to every bit of his 6-5 frame, using his size and strength to high point and outmuscle his opponent. Funchess plays smaller, for better or worse. Doesn't high point or use his size as well, but is much more shifty and a good bit faster. He was injured at the combine, but I don't buy the 4.47 time either. Game speed looks like someone in the 4.5s, which is damn good for someone his size. Dave said he only had 18 first round grades, and we got two of them in Thompson and Funchess. Can't argue with that.
I actually knew a bit about Daryl Williams because I researched him after we worked him and fellow Oklahoma lineman Tyrus Thompson (whom I didn't want just because of his name) as one of our final visits before the draft. Road grader, don't have as much to say about him but he looks like a solid RT and a good value-pick in the 4th. Another guy Gettleman got a round later than his perceived value.
The 5th round was hilarious. Of course by this point we traded everything but our compensatory picks. You're not allowed to trade these, but I'm sure Gettleman would've tried to if he could've kept his 4th. But closing the draft with a linebacker and running back is just so Panthers.
Mayo: yeah I've got nothing. Seems like a hard worker and he's got a great story. Dude couldn't afford rent so he lived in a shed in college. Used an extension cord from his landlord's house to power his phone and a lamp.
Artis-Payne: Rivera literally said we'd address running back in the draft (then again, we do that every year), so here he is: Cam from Auburn. I mean his twitter handle is @TheRealKillaCam
Another guy I've got basically nothing on: small but strong for his size, excels in the read option.
I loved the trades, we've drafted so well under Gettleman (not to mention how well we've done at finding UDFAs) that there just isn't room for another dozen rookies to make the team. Consolidate the picks, get guys your really want. Loved it.
