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 
This is very good for us…more and more offense
Yep keep it going.
wow Ross, well they do need a WR after losing both their other two besides AJ.
Stanger: I would have gone all Hulk if we drafted McCaffrey
At #22?……you know where he got picked. And dude is like a swiss army knife.
Wow a lot more offensive players than I expected in top 10. I bet there is gonna be run on defense soon
Still since it hasn’t happened yet we are going to have good chances at a lot of the players we all like
Watson sounds like to whom ever just traded up
Bills go Watson or OJ Howard, imo
Watson about to go to the Chiefs
2 QBs, 2 RBs 3 WRs in the top 10 is a dream for us
Chiefs traded
Buffalo has lost their DBs so with both Hooker and Lattimore available i hope they do NOT take Deshaun or OJ.
12 picks to go
And players like
Allen
Hooker
Foster
Barnett
McKinley
Still on board
And OJ Howard
oh i do hope deshaun goes to KC.
WOW a trade up, does the Walrus get his McNabb 2.0 in Watson?
Kc will take Watson. 12 picks till ours and i think there are at least that many def players you guys have touted still around.
Defense heavy draft huh?
Left ?!
oh damn… Chiefs with a HUGE move… going for Foster likely. They must love him AND his piss samples.
It’s for a qb
I don’t think so but WTF do I know?
but, come to think of it.. Lattimore might be the pick. They need help in the defensive backfield for sure, especially the way the AFC West offenses have been going.
Yeah this has to be Watson. That’s a huge trade up
Or Mahomes
But probably Watson
I wonder if Browns go qb at 12
And moves Buffalo behind us woot woot
Defense heavy yes Ken that’s why teams are scrambling to get offense because it’s offense weak draft
If Allen drops to us do we take him?
Piggy, you think they are going for a QB? I’d be thrilled if they do. Just helps our cause even more.
I think you have to consider it
But I think he will be off the board soon
Wow, chiefs giving up next years #1. This is gonna be brilliant or wreak of desperation.
losing their next year’s first round pick? That is a steep price to pay.
Has to be Watson to get in front of Cleveland.
WTF
Reach
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now Browns take Watson at 12
Omg mahomes
Piggy is a winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Sounds like Donnavan mcnabb. Pick
Mahomies
That’s insane
wow there are safeties and LBs and DEs galore available to us now!!!
Lets see… QBs from TxTech… hmmm…. in fact, Big 12 QBs all play Madden cuz the conference has lost its defensive balls. Its the video game conference (I have to watch this shit every saturday here in Tx)
The saints are going defense I hope it’s not Barnett
Allen, lattimore or hooker are likely to go before Barnett
Mahomerrated?
If Ireland was still here he’d trade up to 12 and take a guy pegged for the 2nd round. lol
soooo, anything interesting happening tonight?
Saints have to be taking Jonathan Allen
With all this Defensive talent dropping to us, do we trade picks from next year & a player now to get another 1st round defensive guy NOW? just a thought…..
Depends on who is there at 22 IMO
That is actually a good idea unless haaaaassssaaaan is there for us.
Did Allen get photographed with a gas mask or what??
He’s small
The D talent isn’t dropping to us yet. The deft has been O heavy, but we are going to see a big D run here now in the next 10 picks.
Lattimore to the Aint’s?
Don’t the Saints need DL help? AND DB help? I think they might like Lattimore or Hooker right here. They did not get that guy they were fishing for in FA.
Worried this is Barnett
Boulder yes, depends on who’s there, but was an interesting scenario that crossed my mind.
Allen is small for traditional DL or NT
But still disruptive
Yay not Barnett
great pick for Saints at a place of need.
ok that’s fine, we did not really need him.
Please don’t trade to pats
Yeah it’s my waking nightmare come true
Omg are they really going g to be able to get Allen and Garrett
Look them taking Allen instead of trading to the pats would be very welcomed
ten picks left and a lot of the guys you guys have been talking about are still siting there.
If Barnett and Reddick are both there who do we take?
Barnett would be my pick
GDP I would make the pick at this point unless the offer is huge
Thanks Naples on the outside the box idea if a couple D studs are still hanging there for us @ #22 & #23
Browns might take OJ Howard
NFL network is playing “eye of the Piggy”
I’d take Barnett over Reddick
Trade with houston
Qb?
Damn they did trade but it was to Houston thank God
well i thought houston wanted mahomes so maybe they are going for Watson here.
LMAO @ Brownies
They are so crushed about Trubinsky
They don’t know what to do
Okay, all caught up so I can join the conversation. Working on the 2nd bourbon. Another QB off the board.
Piggy, maybe watson?
I guess Cleveland figures anyone can play QB
Damn the brwns are just fleecing the Texans lol
ALL the LB’s are still on the board and a bunch of the DE’s. What are they going to do?
WOW Clev gets both of the Texans first and second round picks next year.
Browns playing money ball. Dumbasses. At some point you actually have to pick players.
I bet their war room is just a GM hiding under his desk
I can’t believe Hue Jackson didn’t grab Watson…SMH….and I’m not even a Watson fan.
The run on EDGE players is about to happen…
Agreed
Another QB taken lol thank you Houston
great pick for Houston
Nice
Let Foster keep droppjng.
I bet they thought the cards are gonna take Watson
yes that is a great spot for DeShaun as he will start Day 1.
Watson has great IQ for the game. Could be impactful similar to Russell Wilson.
very apt comparison.
Cleveland will take Kaaya or Peterman maybe
https://twitter.com/theflyingpig44/status/857770632427208705
Ha!
No question defense has to start coming off the board
Allen, Jonathan DE 6’3″ 286 Alabama 6.8
Charlton, Taco DE 6’6″ 277 Michigan 6.3
McDowell, Malik DT 6’6″ 295 Michigan St. 6.2
McKinley, Takkarist DE 6’2″ 250 UCLA 6.2
Barnett, Derek DE 6’3″ 259 Tennessee 6.1
Brantley, Caleb DT 6’3″ 307 Florida 6.1
Wormley, Chris DE 6’5″ 298 Michigan
all still on the board
Think we have legit shot at Takk, Barnett, Foster or Reddick
Rhino,
I think Watson is gonna be a really good player. Smart move by Houston IMO
With that defense he just has to not be awful
Howard still on the board but probably not much longer
Reddick, Haason LB 6’1″ 237 Temple 6.3
Foster, Reuben LB 6’0″ 229 Alabama 6.3
Williams, Tim OLB 6’3″ 244 Alabama 6.0
Harris, Charles OLB 6’3″ 253 Missouri 6.0
Davis, Jarrad LB 6’1″ 238 Florida 5.9
Cunningham, Zach LB 6’3″ 234 Vanderbilt 5.9
Watt, T.J. OLB 6’4″ 252 Wisconsin
Man, still on the board. What are they going to do?
I kind of think Foster and Reddick are the top of that group
Barnett and Takk are 2 guys that complicate things
DeShaun beat Alabama for the National Championship.
I think Watson’s picks are the problem of trying to do too much. But I understand the concern when you got #7 overall pick Williams to throw to
Isn’t Watson’s arm weak?
no
I would not call it weak but it is not the strongest I would call it average
Watson has to be relieved to be anywhere but Cleveland…WHEW….lol
D – Howard would be a great pick for the Cards. Give Palmer and whoever else is QB there for the next decade a great TE
Yeah I’m thinking Howard now
The Cards need to replace Calais Campbell so they might take Allen.
2 years in a row Cleveland passes on a top prospect QB. Wonder how much longer that FO will be around for?
That’s a good thing for them, after the QBs they’ve been taking. They need a team first, no sense in getting a QB that’s going to get beat up.
Cards need aQB too.
I think that’s why houton made that trade with browns
They have Palmer and there will be good crop of QBs next season
Humphrey, Marlon CB 6’0″ 197 Alabama 6.1
Conley, Gareon CB 6’0″ 195 Ohio St. 6.0
White, Tre’Davious CB 5’11” 192 LSU 6.0
Jackson, Adoree’ CB 5’10” 186 USC 5.9
Jones, Sidney CB 6’0″ 186 Washington
Jones is injured – He’s going to last quite a while, maybe even undrafted
Cards also need OL and TE may also be in play here
I have a feeling the DE has too many “tweeners” … its a label that sound cooler than it actually ends up being on the field. I think people would rather have a LB who can cover TEs. Now THATS valuable.
Hooker, Malik S 6’1″ 206 Ohio St. 6.7
Peppers, Jabrill S 5’11” 213 Michigan 6.0
Baker, Budda S 5’10” 195 Washington 5.9
Jones, Josh S 6’1″ 220 N.C. State 5.8
Still on the board
If I were the cards I would wait for that guy from UCLA next year.
There goes Reddick
Boooooo
Wow, another crazy draft already. Just getting home and no matter how rough the QB looks, they still go early. Awesome for us.
i don’t like Budda Baker.