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 
FUCK
…and I don’t mean the page turn.
Reddick
Cards take Reddick…..good
Good? That sucks!!!
And the St. Louis Cardinals just hit a HR!
FUCK!!!!!!!
Damnit! here goes the run right before we pick.
How long is OJ Howard going to stay on the board
How about Lamp?
Cook?
There a few good offensive prospects on the board
Shit. oh well Barnett is still left.
I wasn’t a fan of Reddick for the Phins situation….IMO
Me neither
But he’s not a bad player
Still lots of good talent on the board this draft has gone very well for us so far
Really well
mf13ss says:
April 27, 2017 at 9:45 pm
And the St. Louis Cardinals just hit a HR!
———
So much for ‘coding’ picks, LOL. I see we’re tipping picks off outright before they’re announced!
Eagles Allen or Hooker….but, ya never know.
Eagles will probably take Foster
Think they go WR? Or TE
Howard with ertz would be sick
Dont they have another Decent TE already ?
OJ Howard may last until 23 with the Giants
yikes the Eagles have tons of needs … might take Hooker here.
That was awesome to see Reddick just now though
Eagles should take Conley. people in Philly don’t give a shit about “issues”. lol
Fucm
Fuck!
That sucks
Barnett
Eagles take Derek Barnett. No surprise there.
Kind of makes sense
The guy who broke Reggie whites sack record
shit i liked Barnett.
Whoa Barnett….good, I wasn’t wanting him either for Miami.
Huh….Barnett
Well there goes Barnett
Colts and Ravens are threats to take another big Defensive name off the board.
P’m ready to pull the trigger and trade up for OJ Howard right now.
He may be there at #22, lot’s of defense coming off now
He may but the value is there right now. Best player in the draft to my mind, ‘cept maybe the first pick.
Taco for us then? Or Harris?
No taco
Or burritos
Not crazy about Taco
Colts should be all over Foster like a bum on baloney
No Taco please
Barnett doesn’t look really thrilled to be a. Eagle lol
Colts OL ? RB ??
Yo no quiero Taco en Meeami
No aqui
The colts need a TE after letting Allen go to the patsies …Howard or Njoku? Or they could take Ramczyk to protect Luck. Nah they are too stupid to protect Luck.
I had casino buffet for lunch today, no Taco.
What’s wrong with Jonathan Allen? wasn’t he “supposed to” go before Barnett?
7 picks to go
Lamp?
Foster?
Allen?
Hooker?
Howard?
I run no those are the top 5 left
Any other suggestions
And Takk
Forgot him
Allen and Hooker are almost looking like the fallers we love.
Bronco will take Howard before Miami, even Bucs could.
Bucs want Cook
That is what I think too
I think Broncos need OL more than anything else.
If you hear “trade to Dolphins” you will know who we will be taking.
Taco had a private visit, he a Michigan alum, he’s a pretty good run support DE hmmmm Sounds like some stars are lining up
agreed
Lol I’m beginning to want it to happen just to watch y’all cry
Takk is still there for us and Malik McDowell. I was not impressed with McD’s interview.
He said whoever takes him gets an ANIMAL! 🙂
I like his size and strength but will he be indifferent and apathetic?
D says:
April 27, 2017 at 9:55 pm
Barnett doesn’t look really thrilled to be a. Eagle lol
Reply
Why, he’s from Philly, played HS ball in PA didn’t he?
Just seemed to act that way
here come the colts…..
Gringo taco?
Colts go for a Hooker
They paid a heavy price
A good hooker never last too long
ahhh concern over his shoulders. Like Foster.
hooker…that is a weak pick for the Colts.
I was never interested in Hooker
wow! didn’t even consider this for Colts, but the value may have been to high to not do it.
Rockphin Allen is sliding due to a shoulder issue.
I love it! Once again the draft does not go the way of the mocks. LOL
Ozzie Newsome WILL pick either of Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, or OJ Howard. BET!
I wouldn’t be surprised if they took Lamp either
But I agree – he knows a good player
They need pass rush
Barnett is from TN GD not philly
Unbelievable that Howard is still In the board
Lets pull the trigger.
LOL @ Piggy, yeah you can get a Hooker for a lot cheaper than that
Honestly that hooker went lower than expected
Almost in the back end and that is always extra
Now the Raven Fuk us yet again….SMH!!!
Baltimore will take OJ
Gruden can’t hide his contempt for Kiper. lol
Balt needs WR but i dont see any round worthy around … am i missing someone ? Ozzie also loves TEs
Cb also a need for years if i remember correctly
I hope Ravens take Ramczyk
yes they need him.
Don’t the ravens need OL.
Ravens have owned us on the field… and they have been a thorn for us in the draft (that might be drama lol).
Ozzie probably picks one of those two because they are safe picks
D, my bad, I thought he came from Philly area as a kid….I got him confused with another cat.
Do we take Foster or Lamp if they are both there?
Foster
No on Lamp, maybe Foster….IMHO
Allen would be acceptable.
He’s got 2 bum shoulders
I’ve got bum shoulders
Bum knees
Bum hips
Bum back
Bum ankles
Bum wrists
And I still go to work
Doesn’t matter!!!
Didn’t seem to affect his play.
WOAH! Ozzie took a ‘Bama player, but not one of their BIG 3!
Humphrey…..sheesh….lol
Alright
Wow!
ok they can have frickin Marlon Humphrey.
Ok still really good talent out there
5 picks till Miami on the clock
Wow we are getting hella lucky
Wash i have no clue at this point. Need WR and possibly want a qb. But again i dont see those at this point.
I doubt horse face would let Howard get past them
I think Denver might take Lamp
Yep Or Ramsyck (however ya spell it)
Washington takes Foster imo
agreed
Allen & Foster sliding__________________________
ten Howard
tB cook
Den Lamp
det Allen
Miami – Foster!!!!
My guess for next 5 picks
I forgot redskins
Fuck em – they don’t get a pick
I approve of this message.
What’s wrong with Jonathan Allen’s shoulders specifically?
They are on his knees
Totally weird
LMAO
He’s got feet below his knees.
Someone posted here an article that showed the U’s players were over achievers, while ‘Bama’s players were under achievers. I think maybe some GMs read it too.
Redskins Howard?
I bet Synder fuks the Bucs & grabs Cook
is there a player left that is so talented that they outperform the “rumors” or “concerns” (like a Randy Moss or Dan Marino) ??
Foster
Mixon ?
Mixon Not for us though
Yes…Malik McDowell
Allen for George Allen….oh wait
OK, shoulder knees off the board
It took him so long to go down those stairs
BTW, I really like McDowell over Allen…js 😉
OJ Howard and Foster are there, I’m taking Howard.
We’re going to get a good player.
Here goes Howard
Titans might be last threat to take Foster
The QBs did what we wanted them to do, WRs too.. 🙂
Titans quick to deliver the pick….Howard now?
Makes sense.
If we can trade back a few spots (no later than the Seahawks), DO IT. Either of Takk or Reuben Foster will be there, and we get an additional pick (probably a 3rd Rounder).
kinda where I was going with wanting 2 studs or gain more picks
Mike E, I’d like Howard too, but I’m sure they want Howard for Mariota
Titans might take Howard.