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 
It’s a good pick
We need to pressure Brady
Now I’m curious to see if we can get Foster or peppers or even lamp in the 2nd
Or Cunningham
What Ken said.
Huh….Ok…..Well good night guys.
So is Harris actually a good pick or are most of you trying to convince yourselves now that he’s a Dolphin?
He was in play as one of the pass rushers
I’m a little surprised he went before takk
There you have it, the pass rusher to add depth and future.
STRENGTHS Long legs with well defined bubble. Has loose, fluid hips. Explodes out of his stance in search of gap work vs. run game. Lateral quickness makes it a challenge to reach him or cross his face for offensive linemen. Good first step quickness. Plays with energy and keeps it cranked up until the whistle blows. Runs with high knees and athletic, long strides in the open field. Basketball standout in high school who uses nimble feet for an effective spin move. Can unleash spin counter in either direction. Plays on either side of the line and can play with a hand down or standing up. In 2015, led team in sacks, tackles for losses and hurries and was second in tackles. Uses early speed-to-power to create movement before attacking the tackle’s inside shoulder. Showed some ability to drop in space when called upon.
Plays with energy and keeps it cranked up until the whistle blows. I don’t see that.
Welcome to Miami
Yeah like I said earlier, all those of you who like Reddick, he is a pretty similar player except he is more of a legit DE prospect. Feels like a solid pick to me too. I’m just dad I didn’t get to see the taco meltdown lol
Glad
Well , we didn’t get Obi , but apparently we got Chewbacca
Obi is next
Glad it wasn’t Taco
STRENGTHS Long legs with well defined bubble.
Those are good strengths for a stripper too.
Lol
For some reason I don’t like using the adjective “solid” for a #22 overall pick. “Solid” is more of a 4th round adjective.
I guess Foster has the bodies of several children buried in his back yard…… or Branch doesn’t inspire the coaches as a starter.
Again, what Ken said. Lol
Oh here we go, can’t take a pass rusher at #22. LOL
a pass rusher is a great pick at #22 or anywhere in round 1.
Mike E. says:
April 27, 2017 at 1:41 pm (Edit)
OK, just for fun, put down the player you want at #22, and then who you think we take.
WANT – Haason Reddick
TAKE – Charles Harris
What was my reply? 🙂
Good call
Giants Cook oe njoku
Engram before njoku is a surprise
Bucs taking Howard had Giants fans sitting in the bath tub with sharp objects.
Pig, I just didn’t hear his name come up often, so I was wondering.
He’s not exactly flashy
But I started to hear his name come up the last couple of days
People Compare him to wake
Harris has a great first step get off, he’s raw, but we have good coaching….he’ll be a playmaker & more importantly usually a 3 down player!
And Wake as a mentor as well
Told ya Engram was better than most here were giving credit.
Whoa Engram before Njoku
Weird pick for Giants
It’s not a surprise to me Piggy. I was saying that earlier today. He’s a really good TE
Well I guess we will draft a NT! or resign Big Paul!!!!!!!!!!!
because we must be going back to a 3-4?
You left Foster and Lamp on the board?????????????????????
Rhino,
He’s not the guy I’d have picked, but at #22 I think it was a good value pick. He’ll probably never be a big sack guy…8, maybe 10 a year, but he will probably be a solid starter for years. That’s my guess.
I suppose… but even your evaluation sounds like “settling”. In other words, we didn’t go for a guy who can change a game… just be consistent for a long time.
Tim
Did you say it was a good call?
I am officially speaking for Randy. And some people just call me a mouthpiece
Ken,
I figure it’s always best to just let your lawyer speak.
NOT SURE what Harris can do to improve our awful run defense. One of the ESPN panelists commented “second round talent.” But I have faith in the Gase-Grier team. And I sure as hell DO WANT TO IMPROVE OUR PASS RUSH!! So let’s keep an open mind and hope that this kid is the real deal!
———————
HOPING FOR a stud O-Lineman in round 2 that can play both G and C (like Elflein of Ohio State).–Then we can take the best LB available in Round 3. Hope that passing on Foster and Lamp doesn’t come back to bite us in the ass!
He’s really a pass Rusher first and foremost
Not a run stopper
PIGGY; I watched Harris play in a couple of SEC games last season and came away thinking like you about him. As long as we get help later in our run defense, I think this pick likely will pay dividends, especially when our guys play the CHEATS.
NFL COMPARISON Connor Barwin
I like that comparison
well we at DE now have 2 good run-stoppers in Branch and Hayes plus two high-motor quick twitch guys in Wake and Harris. Plus Harris like to shoot gaps and disrupt the run game.
Foster
Cunningham
Takk
Peppers
Lamp
All with a good chance to drop into the 2nd
Hope lives on…lol
Conley to raiders. hmmm. yeah, that seems to work. 😉
Wow how very raider like
Conley? to Vegas? ok that is not a guy i wanted so never mind
I didn’t want him either, and it may be that there is nothing there but I’d be more likely to pass on a guy with that hanging over his head more so than peppers or foster
Mike E. says:
April 27, 2017 at 1:41 pm
OK, just for fun, put down the player you want at #22, and then who you think we take.
WANT – Haason Reddick
TAKE – Charles Harris
Reply
Tim Knight says:
April 27, 2017 at 1:50 pm
That’s a good one. So not to be the same I’ll go with this.
WANT – Haason Reddick
TAKE – Malik McDowell
I was close, I said good call, not good one, and I forgot you took McD just to be different. Good for you.
I’d love Dion Dawkins in RD 2
It’s a passing league but he can’t play the run. LOL
Picking Harris feels like taking your sister to prom. lol “Well, at least I got to go to the prom… my sister was a solid date”.
Wait, does everyone know she’s your sister? That’s important
Well, if YOU know she’s your sister, that’s even MORE important. lol
who did you want?
Foster of McKinley and I’d be drinking all night.
Fosters stuff almost has to be medical. Raiders wouldn’t have passed otherwise
Taking pass rushers with the natural bend off the edge always sucks. LOL
NOT!!!!!!!!!!!
I love the Giants pick in Engram. A 6-3 235 TE/H-back with 4.42 speed with their WR core. Deadly!
Manning better get rid of the ball in 2 seconds or he is toast.? I thought they were going OL
Who? That talent isn’t there.
Pick makes sense for the Raiders in so many ways
Harris pick feels that way because none of us really invested much into studying him. Watching him in SEC games he was pretty good on a team without much to distract teams from preparing to make him a non factor. He is a high motor guy who gives us something close to what we have in Wake. It was a good pick
The Cleveland Browns will own the entire 2018 draft
Pecker love just went limp. Sorry Piggy
Piggy pours a little beer on the ground for Peppers
hey the brownies can have Peppers … i don’t fear him at all
BUT I THINK the Browns’ water boy is scared shitless of Peppers!!
Goodnight folks! Catch ya tomorrow
Alright my draft dreams are broke!
I’m going to take y ball and got to bed!!!!!!!!!
who did you want?
Foster should have been the pick!
Rhino
Is your sister hot? That’s most important. Incest is best!
I hope you know I’m kidding, but I better tell you just in case
the hags either go OL or RB …Kamara?
ooops they traded the pick to the falcons
Harris started football late, has like 5-6yrs of organized football under his belt, and he’s what just 22? He’s very coachable, so I see a playmaker not all sacks, but tons of QB pressure lots of TFL’s, then some FF, & Int’s, and he’s stayed pretty healthy so far.
Wyoming remember when I was saying that we could draft tweeners and eventually move to 3-4, Harris was one of the guys I was thinking about when I was wondering if we might. If we take big Stevie and someone like Wise jr we will be pretty close to having that kind of draft
who is Atlanta drooling over to go up for?
YOUR SISTER!!
LMAO well done
MIKE E: May all your computers work tomorrow at your job. Talk yo youze guyz tomorrow!
Tim:
Lamp or Robinson were both there for Giants
They need a pure LT, those two are not that.
Takk gone M13 crys tonight
Cries
Rhino I would have picked Takk also but he is hurt.
That’s who I would’ve picked.
Would have been a solid pick as well
That really helps Atlanta. they had a need there.
Lol shit. Takk is mental
I love that he said “fucking” in his first moments as an NFL player
I was about to be upset about Takk off the board
But now in glad we didn’t pick him
Lol How can they not bleep that? Aren’t these things always on a delay?
They don’t care
They are draft hug drunk
yikes Takk seems unstable
Harris started football late, has like 5-6yrs of organized football under his belt, and he’s what just 22? He’s very coachable, so I see a playmaker not all sacks, but tons of QB pressure lots of TFL’s, then some FF, & Int’s, and he’s stayed pretty healthy so far.
***Harris WAY better for us than Tak and his Misi like injury bugs.
Cleveland is pulling a Minnesota
say what you want… I like Tak and his East Bay mentality. “Chip on Shoulder” guys are the reason for the motor.
My 7 year old just heard that. Lol. Take reminds me of that guy from the program who would make up stuff about the opponents just to psych himself up.
Yeah I bet he is hell in a locker room lol
Harris was a good pick not many here know him, just wasn’t one of our focus guys. He was mayocks 7th overall guy wasn’t he?
He was expected to go high
But then again a lot of defensive players were expected to go high
I’m just glad to see youth in defense and building up front on D
But he’s kind of a low key pick
“Solid pick” as Ken would say
Clearly Buffalo is trying to stop Miami’s relentless QB (lol… had to say it)
Missouri has been a factory for pass-rushing defensive linemen in recent years. Since 2011, players like Aldon Smith, Sheldon Richardson, Kony Ealy, and Shane Ray have all been snapped up with premium draft picks after wrapping up their careers in Columbia.
Don’t forget Michael Sam.
I think you forgot to mention one notable Missouri pass rusher that didn’t last too long in the NFL…
Yeah it’s their offensive players that seem flaky. They run a really pussy assed spread, not a lot of balls to that offense but their defensive standouts have generally been coached well
Imo we were about to take Davis before Detroit snagged him. May be wrong, but I know we liked him
Maybe, but he had injury concerns too.
I think White might end up being a really good player too. Good pick.
We all heard Harris was in the picture not only for us but in the 1st rd. Nothing crazy about this pick at #22. I’m always a fan of pass rushers. Harris is what 6-3 255? He’ll be 265 within a year. He gives us a young edge guy to groom under Wake even if not the left side. He’s a pass rusher with a high motor and exceptional first step. No he’s not a run defender. But do you beat Brady stopping the run?
Taco goes to Dallas
Now the most obnoxious fans in the NFL get to make Mexican food jokes every week
There goes everyone heartburn
I didn’t mention Sam because he was destined to “flame” out anyways. He was too busy being a ‘pecker checker”!!!
GD, Davis had sprained ankles and only THIS YEAR at UF, he didn’t have and injury history.
Steelers taking Watt
Watt before Cunningham is crazy to me
But he is a good 3-4 pick
Will there be no guards taken in the first round? Lol
Njoku not a QB lol Cleveland is starting to be a QB tease. Maybe they actually like Osweiler
Hence why they will be near the top of the draft next year
Browns have a TE but no one to throw the ball
Working on the direct snap to the TE this offseason
LOL
WOW, High accolades!
https://www.seccountry.com/missouri/charles-harris-2017-nfl-draft-missouri-football
Good pick Miami. Welcome Charles Harris!
This is exactly what Minnesota did a few years ago and they didn’t take QB either
Foster is gone
49ers picked him
If they don’t Pats will. It’s just their luck
Well they don’t have a 1st or a 2nd so not likely
I forgot about the trade
Room Harris with Wake. Just saying.
Sheesh NFL, why not just play highlights from the Rooney funeral
I don’t get taking Watt this high.
Nope
Who is Reuben Froster?
The new drink at Hardee’s
Foster in San Fran…will he be the next Willis? Meh
Harris has been reported to us by the Herald I think for the past couple of weeks, they said the team really liked him, and most likely why the pick went in so quick. He looks a lot like Wake with the bend around the end.
Yes he was definately mentioned as recently as a couple of days ago
Yep!
Probably one of the guys we met with that never got reported, which means they kept it quiet for a reason.
That’s a solid pick for SF. Medical issues have to be worse than anything I have heard before, but probably not end of a career bad. Great value pick
Harris isn’t a 40 guy, but he is a backfield quick step edge rusher. He reminds me of Terrell Suggs.