I’ve gone over the major needs positions in the last few weeks (OL, DE, LB, CB), and today I’m going to kind of give you the best of the rest. Today I’ll look at safeties, DT’s, and a couple of TE’s. I can’t believe the draft is TOMORROW! We’ve talked and discussed all these prospects for months and months and now it will all be over in one long weekend. I hope we ALL enjoy the draft, and it gives us a lot more optimism heading into the 2017 season.
Malik Hooker S 6’1” 206 Ohio State
We know the guy has talent, but he’s basically a one year wonder. Hooker played in 6 games his Freshman season, and then really put himself on the map with a great Sophomore season, starting 13 games for Ohio St. He finished with 74 tackles (43 solo), 5.5 TFL’s, 4 passes defensed, and a whopping 7 INT’s (3 returns for TD’s). Obviously Hooker has off the charts ball skills, but he is a prospect that is still very new at the safety position, and still has a lot of learning to do as to how to play the position. He will likely be off the board before we pick, but you never know. Hooker was unable to perform at the combine and his pro day due to having sports hernia and labrum surgeries. He is the top rated safety on NFL.com at 6.7
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Jabrill Peppers S 5’11” 213 Michigan
Polarizing figure for sure. Some here think he’s the best thing sliced bread. Others feel he’s a man without a true position. In any case, the guy has terrific athletic ability. He was used in various ways at Michigan, and in some ways, the fact that he didn’t get to concentrate on one position may have hurt him with some teams, and helped him with others that seek his versatility. Peppers started his Sophomore and Junior years. He finished his last year with 66 tackles (46 solo), 13 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 1 pass defensed, and 1 INT. So what you see here are not elite safety stats, and the 1 pass defensed and 1 INT indicate coverage is not his best suit. Possibly not his fault due to the way he was used, more like a LB near the LOS. In any case, as it’s been said by many experts, his best chance to succeed will be for a team that has a specific plan for him. Peppers did very well at the combine (besides the drug test), running a 4.46 40. He happens to be an elite return man, and that’s a plus for him as well, but I don’t think he’s a guy you just throw out there as a safety and expect him all of a sudden to be able to cover. NFL.com has Peppers rated at 6.06.
Oh, and Peppers was found to have a diluted drug test sample at the combine, which means once he signs, he will be in the NFL’s substance abuse program. He was just thirsty, give the guy a break, will ya! Anyone remember the last Gibril?
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Budda Baker S 5’10” 195 Washington
Baker was a 3 YR starter for the Huskies. His Junior season, Budda finished up with 70 tackles (48 solo), 9.5 TFL’s, 3 sacks, 5 passes defensed, 1 FF, and 2 INT’s. Baker is a former HS sprinter, and he did well at the combine, running a 4.45, a 6.76 cone, and a 4.08 20 yard shuttle. Budda is definitely undersized, and I’m sure many wonder if he can hold up in the NFL. Definitely too small to match up with TE’s, Baker maybe a deep safety who can also play some small nickel. The guy has tons of heart, and likes to mix it up, but I’d be worried about his size, which is nearly maxed out at 195 lbs. NFL.com has Baker rated at 5.91
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Obi Melifonwu S 6’4” 224 Connecticut
Help us Obi Meli Fonwu! You’re our only hope! 4 YR starter at Connecticut. Obi finished his Senior season with 118 tackles (73 solo), 3 passes defensed, 1 FR, and 4 INT’s. This guy is a freak athlete. Ran a 4.4 40, jumped out of the combine with a 44” vertical, and nearly set the broad jump world record with a 144” jump. OK, so he has elite size and athleticism. What could be wrong? He’s a little slow to react what he’s seeing, and hasn’t shown good instincts. He does however, have the size to match up very well with TE’s, and that’s the type of defender I’ve been looking at for quite some time. He’s compared to the Bengals safety George Iloka who I pined for here in that draft, but he’s Iloka on steroids. He may not be ready to start now, he may take time to develop, but I’d love to see this kid on the Dolphins. NFL.com has Obi rated at 5.77
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Josh Jones S 6’1” 220 N.C. State
3 YR starter at NC State, Jones completed his Junior season totaling 109 tackles, (62 solo), 4 TFL’s, 1 sack, 8 passes defensed, 1 FF, 1 FR, and 3 INT’s. Jones has great size and speed, and showed up well at the combine running a 4.41 40. Very aggressive player with excellent leaping ability to challenge receivers. Loves to hit, but sometimes foregoes proper wrap up technique and looks to just lay the lumber. Can play in the box or in CF. I like his size and attitude, and could be a nice 2nd or 3rd RD pick. NFL.com has Jones rated at 5.88
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Malik McDowell DT/DE 6’6” 295 Michigan St.
Has played both DE and DT, and will likely continue to do so in the NFL. That kind of versatility will only help him. 3 YR starter, McDowell in his Junior year totaled 34 tackles (20 solo), 7 TFL’s, and 1.5 sacks. Not very explosive, the big guy ran well enough posting a 4.85 40 at 295 lbs. Only put up 23 reps, but he’s got those long arms. Interesting prospect with elite size, He needs a lot of coaching, and probably endurance training. He fades away at times during games, and is it heart, or exhaustion? Some scouts think he can be a dominant player, so he may be in play for us. Most likely a 1st RD pick. NFL.com has McDowell rated at 6.22
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Chris Wormley DT/DE 6’5” 298 Michigan
Another versatile big man who can play both inside and outside. Wormley was a 4 YR starter at Michigan, and finished his last season with 36 tackles (18 solo), 7.5 TFL’s, and 5.5 sacks. Wormley didn’t perform at the combine because of a hamstring injury, but did very well at his pro day. Wormley ran a 4.86 40, a 4.59 20 yard shuttle, a 1.62 10 yard dash. and a 31.5” vertical. Needs to work on his pass rushing skills (as many prospects do) His defensive coordinator loved the kid, so that’s a plus. Good leader with good character. NFL.com has Wormley rated at 5.83
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Montravius Adams DT 6’4” 304 Auburn
4 YR starter at Auburn. Turned in an impressive season, totaling 43 tackles (26 solo), 8 TFL’s, 4 sacks, 1 FF, 2 FR’s, and 2 passes defensed, and 1 INT. Played his last season with an improved motor compared to his Junior season. Not necessarily a starter at the moment, could be a good rotational guy at the present. NFL.com has Adams rated at 5.68
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Bucky Hodges TE 6’6” 257 VA Tech
3 YR starter at VA Tech, Hodges has the prototypical TE size. Hodges totaled 48 receptions for 691 yards for a 14.4 YPC avg, and hauled in 7 TD’s in his Junior season. Hodges ran an impressive 4.57 40, an equally impressive 39” vertical and 134” broad jump. This kid is obviously an excellent athlete who can make the high point catch. Not a great route runner, and is a converted QB. Needs to hit the weight room too, not very powerful at the present. Still, he offers definite potential down the line, and wouldn’t be a bad choice if the Dolphins are truly looking for a TE in this draft. NFL.com has Hodges rated at 5.72
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Jeremy Sprinkle TE 6’5” 252 Arkansas
Sprinkle was a 3 YR starter at Arkansas. In his Senior season, Sprinkle finished with 33 receptions for 380 yards for an 11.5 YPC, and 4 TD’s. Besides being a good receiver, Sprinkle is also an accomplished blocker. Has long arms to keep defenders off, and is a willing blocker. Has run after catch ability and flashes a good stiff arm. Needs to hit the gym, but lots of prospects do. A good mid RD pick if we’re looking for a TE. NFL.com has Sprinkle rated at 5.54
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Remember, the draft begins at 8PM on Thursday, 4/27. Don’t miss it, and if you’re working a 13 hour day like me, you’ll STILL have time to get home and relax (YEAH RIGHT!) before we pick at #22. I have to say, we all have our opinions here, and I value all of yours, really. Just because we don’t agree on everything doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate and respect each other. Enjoy the draft, GO DOLPHINS, and ZERO IN!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Stanger,
I could probably make either work, but the Jets game would probably be easier for me. I may have my son with me this year.
Would be great to meet the apple of your tree…….and — even if glad you are flexible — seems we are lining up for the Yets based on preferences.
Brian in NY says:
April 27, 2017 at 7:18 pm
Players I would be happy about drafting any of this players in the first, in no particular order:
Forrest Lamp
Charles Harris
Malik Hooker
Kevin King
Rueben Foster
Hassan Reddick
Derrick Barnett
Jordan Willis
Buddha Baker
I would be
Budda worries me a little. I love the way he plays though, he’s got big heart, I just worry about him staying healthy. I think he could help us at FS and small nickel
I can see him being just like Sanders from the Colts. A really good player but could not stay healthy due to the nature of the position
Exactly Ken
Bri
Yes, it was Phil Savage
Carroo is behind Landry, Stills and Parker. Oh the horror. LOL
Budda should be a nickel/dime and deep safety not a box guy. The way the game is played these days is there are many more DBs than LBs on the field.
I agree, but he likes to hit, just like Bob Sanders did, and that’s where the health concerns come in
Indy was a small, quick defense. I don’t think Budda has to be Sanders in our defense.
We have R. Jones. When thinking draft I almost feel like fans forget about him. LOL
He doesn’t, but it’s the way he plays, he plays all out, and likes to hit. It’s his style, not necessarily a need for him to be that way.
Sweaty trotters
ok … for a beer … who goes first overall?
My prediction is Garrett.
Pretty sure it’s Garrett
Spunky Roberts
It was just Omar on QAM, but he’s still pretty good when it comes to players unless a mancrush is involved. He wants trade down. He said “some of those guys you might consider picking at #22 will be there at #52.”
Omar’s got no skin in the game though…it takes nerves of steel to trade down as THE MAN and risk missing your guy that you THINK will be there 10-15 spots later.
Still get two picks and less risk if they are lower ones. And these guys have job security now, or at least Gase does. With that comes a certain freedom.
Tim
What’s wrong with having the best or one of the best safety tandems in the NFL?
Nothing, who is that?
You said we have Reshad Jones as if we don’t need another safety?
https://twitter.com/theflyingpig44/status/857744717043437568
LOL
If I’m CLE I take Garrett at #1 and take the BQB available at #12. Is Trubisky really better than Watson?
The QBs will change the 1st round if anything will change the the 1st rd. LOL
They probably take garret 1
And use their resources to trade up to 5 or 6 and take Trubinsky there
Really I think if the Browns don’t walk away with Garrett and the qb of their choice (not just best on board at 12) they have failed
One of the few times I’ve seen a team in position to get the best pass rusher and best Qb and they already have an all world LT in joe Thomas
But he Browns will screw it up
Trubisky isn’t even a 1st round talent, if they trade up to get him, then they’ve forever Browned it.
Garrett has been leaked as their pick.
Aiight gentlemen, start your engines
Fuck Yes… Here we go !!
so happy no more Chris Berman.
Grudin is a funny mofo.
FEST
Will be Titans (Sun, Oct 8) or Yets (Sun, Oct 22), both start at one. If you have not already voted, the poll is up. Will be the night before meet-up and Chef Warrens tailgate as usghe.
Need to get a rough number to reserve the group ticket section, but don’t worry if you are not sure cause they let you adjust down when payment is due a like 8 weeks before the game.
ALREADY IN (for either game)
Pig
PhinDog (+2 or +3)
Mike E (+1)
Son (+1…..and # will grow)
Rock
Chef Warren (+1)
Stanger (+1)
Phelonius (plus something)
Toba (+1)
OD
Brian in NY (+1?) (Jets works better)
POSSIBLE
Ken (Jets probable, Titans unlikely)
Herd
Howie
New add is Brian in NY — and he might bring his son with him.
Busy time on the board next few days……please ask whoever stops in cause of the draft about the Fest. Sooner we get a # for the group section the better our seats will be for the same price.
It must feel weird for Goodell to be booed so strongly every year. He must feel like crying in a way.
He handles it well. Joked about it this year
Garrett it is
No real surprise there though I would have picked Allen
ok Mike E and I are 1/1. who goes second? I say Solomon Thomas to the Bears.
Who is it that didn’t say Garrett?
IMO kinda dumb trade by Chicago
Did they pick yet? Think it’s Trubisky?
Usually you move up for QBs unless you have a weak class otherwise
Might be lattimore, sine the first round CB class took a hit
That’s what I was thinking. Get Trubisky before the Browns trade back up
Yep trubisky
Dumb by SF, the Bears got a king’s randsom.
Looks like I had it backwards.
SF got 3 and 4 this year, 3 next year, just to move one spot. How is that not big time for SF
LMAO 😂
Lets start a QB run before #22.
Lololololololol
Trubisky is good for us, going this early, now lets get the QB run going.
LOL……… here we go!!!
how stupid is that pick by the Bears? Why pay Glennon all that money in the FA offseason and then draft a QB #2 and waste picks to trade up? STUPID.
Very stupid
That’s why they’re picking in the top of the draft, stupid is as stupid…
I don’t mind them picking Trubisky…i had him mocked to them myself several times, but to trade from 3 up to 2, waste some quality picks, AND waste 14 mill on a backup guy in Glennon…just a train wreck of GM work right there.
lol. Poor browns
Chicago has set the crazy market😂
Watson will be soon.
Yeah totally
Now teams are on notice – get your qb or else
Wow, Browns are probably very pissed, unless their Trubisky love was a smoke screen
I don’t think it was
I just think they were planning on moving up
So they win for losing, Trubisky is a huge reach.
And Trubisky is stupid too, did anyone just see the highlight of him running down the sideline and getting cracked by the DB instead of stepping out of bounds?
Lol @Clev
If they loved Trubinsky
It’s over now
Trubisky is probably happy he’s in CHI
It’s a luxury to not be the best player in the draft this year
ok I am 1/2 LOL
who is next? now the 49rs take Solomon Thomas?
I’m scared that makes the browns trading 12 to NE even more of a possibility.
LOL
Stop!
I’m scared that makes the browns trading 12 to NE even more of a possibility.
The pats are gonna be good no matter what.
3 for a quarter 😛
That means the jets can’t trade their pick either since trubisky is out
Maybe there was a possibility of Trubisky of going number 1
Mike E. says:
April 27, 2017 at 8:19 pm
Did they pick yet? Think it’s Trubisky?
—————-
Props to Mike E…..they put out three names on NFL network after the trade and that was not one of them.
Main reason I said Trubisky was the Bears need a QB, and they knew CLE was going to trade up, so they paid a ransom to beat them to the punch
Now it makes sense.
They still only moved up one spot though and thought was Browns v Jets lower down. You nailed it…..just take the compliment. 🙂
I was rooting for the Bears not to get the pick in time so they fell back to 3
Then they had to trade up again
If you trade up and know the pick
Why do you wait for the last 2 mins to get card in
We all lose sleep bc of this dumb shit
Lol
ok my pick is right on this one and SF looks brilliant for getting their guy and some extra picks as a bonus fro the Bears being stupid. so I am 2/3 LOL.
Oh a homer by the 9ers.
At least Chicago setup a sellers market😂
Da Bears, Dumb Bears.
ok Jax now takes Fournette.
I think the Jags take Fournette
I hope the Browns draft 28 WRs again this year with the rest of their picks they don’t need to trade up and get a qb
ok so I am 3/4 and very happy for the Jax Jags. I think they are building a quality team.
This is where I expect the Browns to trade up to get Trubinsky
But maybe they like Watson or Mahomes?
I don’t think they expected the Bears to take him
And now they have regrets
“the 49ers received the third-round pick (No. 67 overall) and the fourth-round pick (No. 111 overall) and a 2018 third-round pick.”
I like Fournette, but listening to him talk is like listening to a bunch of bees bouncing off the walls.
I feel like he swallowed a doorbell
LOL x 2
LMAO
Well good thing for the Jags talking isn’t required to carry the rock.
Jonathan Allen
so i guess Malik Hooker or Jamal Adams.to the Titans. So I flip a coin and pick Hooker…
I would take Adams before hooker
I would too. They also need a WR1 but it is too high with Ross hurt.
I always take a hooker first oh wait a minute
You guys know that if we had done it, the usual suspects would be saying it’s a great trade for us and saying if you like a guy that you trade up and get him lol
Name one, Mike E 😉
Wow Corey Davis @ #5??? yikes
So far so good for us. 🙂
Didn’t see Corey Davis at that pick. Hmmm
ok i said they needed a wideout and yes it is too early to pick Corey Davis … unless you want him. Rishard was their best WR so they def needed a WR1.
Catch you guys later, gotta zoom home !
Time for the Jests to F’k Up!
getterdone — and looks like that will be the Fest game. Interested?
Interested, but I just don’t w3ant to let you down again…..will let ya know soon hopefully.
Right now just reserving……payment isn’t till like August. That is the real deadline. Just trying to come up with a rough number now. Gonna list you as a “possible” unless you tell me not too.
Should have added at payment deadline can cut down to whatever number so long as it is more than the minimum…..and we are already way above that. Real Q would be you want in for one or two with the full back out option?
They will take Watson and that is a mistake none of the QBs are that good this year
Davis is a good player
But I would have taken a defensive player there
They had a lot of good options there
More QBs, Wrs and Rbs that go the better for us……so looking good so far.
Easy to know when the pick is in…….just listen for the boos.
So what do the Jets do? I say DB.
Jests should take Adams
yes they should, but are they smart enough to do that?
so now the Jets pick Deshaun ? I would hate that being a Clemson grad, but they also need a CB so maybe it’s Marshon Lattimore.
We have to take a break now, because the jets pick is coming up, they’ve never said that about our pick.
Looks like Adams to the Jets – bummer
ok well i don’t think one player will make us lose to the Jets.
Assholes
Thanks Stanger my friend
Jamal Adams is going through The Heinz color pallet. Going from mustard yellow to relish green.
That guy is going to make their secondary really solid
Well i had Adams going next to the Chargers so i guess they take Malik Hooker.
Lattimore to the Bolts?
I think the Panthers end up with Hooker
Rivers gets Mike Williams
Will we be the 1st team to make him a star?
Think Carolina takes Maccaffrey
Then bengals take Allen
Which means Foster will drop
Phillip Rivers just had an orgasm
More talent we could use being pushed our way 🙂
wow that is cool…i didn’t think they would go offense… but i love this guy from my Tigers.
Mitch Trubisky #2?? I can’t “BEAR” to watch!! 13 total starts in college (8-5 record). THAT’s what I call A REACH!! Guessing both Mahones and DeShaun Watson will have more productive careers.
BACK TO PLAYOFF HOCKEY for a few minutes,
LOL @ Steve on will the Phins be Mike Williams coming out party this year…..SMH!
NO, we’ll have Jones back and Howard will be a year wise & healthier. 🙂
This is really going a lot more offensively than expected… we should get a very good D player if that what they doing
so Jonathan Allen to the Panthers? or do they take a RB to take over. McCaffrey or the FSU guy?
McCaffery…wow another RB WTF?
Yeah!!!
Now let’s see what the bengals do
Overdraft of McCaffrey imo
Yes, and he’s the Peppers for Offense, doesn’t really have a position, too small to be an RB, can’t break tackles.
He’s gonna be good for them
They need a safety valve like him
No. 8 overall for a safety valve?
I would have been real happy if we got him……but that was at #22.
McCaffrey not a big surprise to Panthers. He’ll fit their offense very nicely.
wow that is really really high for McCaffery but I am happy for him not getting passed over. He is kinda light though.
Bills may get Reddick dropping right in their lap….ugh! 😦
Lattimore is who they want.
Bengals also need WR and supposedly RB. Hear they ain’t happy with Hill …
Bungels take Hooker now?
Here’s the first spot where Foster could go…….but just the first of many.
Bengals take either Ramczyck or Lattimore. I don’t think they need Allen at that position, but they lost half their OL to FA..
Let’s hope he doesn’t play when when they play us.
All these teams we have to play are getting better with this draft. yikes.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bills take OJ Howard… their QBs need someone who can get the ball in traffic AND block.
Ross is going to the bengals?
3 WRs and 2 RBs in the top 9 is amazing
Hue Jackson licking his chops for Watson likely falling to him now @ #12
KC just traded up
So nope
Nailed it !!
WTF Cincinatti???? I thought they’d take Allen for their DL all day. damn!?