Well we all know how the draft worked out for us. We went heavy on defense and got deeper for the 2017 season.
But how did our stinking rivals do?
Let’s start with the J – E – T – E?
How do you misspell the team name if its’ four letters. Tony Richardson managed to do that when announcing a Day 2 pick. Nice Job Tony!
SUCK – SUCK – SUCK!
The Jests actually got a hell of a player with their first round pick – Jamal Adams, the LSU safety. That should help them build their defense. They can put him next to Calvin Pryor and…
Oh…what’s this they are trying to trade Calvin Pryor and Sheldon Richardson. Um…that’s just a rumor right. Nope. The jests showed everyone their dissatisfaction with Pryor by making their 2nd round pick…another safety – Marcus Maye.
Maye is another good player. But more importantly it shows that the Jests are rebuilding and done with former 2014 first rounder Calvin Pryor.
So that worked out for them…
The next 2 picks would be receivers ArDarius Stewart and Chad Hansen. Frankly, nothing to get too excited about. But in the 5th round they did nab Clemson Tight End Jordan Legett probably their best pick.
Legett, Hansen and Stewart are probably salivating at catching passes from journeyman Josh Macon or sandwich meat Bryce Petty.
The jests are horrible at QB. And they did nothing to address it in the draft.
Their final four picks were Edge Dylan Donahue (obviously missing on the edge fishers available early), RB Elijah McGuire, and CBs Jeremy Clark and Derrick Jones. That’s 4 DBS!!!
Expect the Jests to suck in 2017. Despite adding some talent to their secondary they had an underwhelming offseason.
How about the Bills….
Well they fired their general manager, Doug Whaley the day after the draft. It was somewhat expected that they were going to make the move before the draft…they officially said “we will be moving in a new direction”
New direction? Maybe the draft is a good place to start in that direction? Just me?
I wonder if new direction actually means drafting a QB who can compete in the NFL.
The Bills were sitting at 10 and decided that QB was not a big need of theirs. Both Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson were on the board at 10 – so the Bills traded with the Chiefs all the way back to 27 and while they did get a 2018 first round pick in the trade, they missed out on drafting a QB that could seriously compete for the starting job. Mahomes was the Chiefs pick and Watson was off the board a few picks later.
The Bills took LSU CB TreDevious White with their first pick, WR Zay Jones and OG Dion Dawkins in the 2nd round. But did not even look for a QB until the 5th round when they took Nathan Peterman.
The Peterman selection prompted a dialogue from Kiper and ESPN’s talking heads about Peterman competing for the starting job with Tyrod Taylor and Cardale Jones…
Of course Peterman can compete with those guys! So can an UDFA!
That’s how bad the QB position is in Buffalo. Either Taylor, Jones or Peterman will be their Qb in 2017….poop
The Bills don’t care about the QB position and that’s why they have the longest playoff drought in the NFL.
It’s enough to cause your fan base to throw dildos on the field!
The Bills also took a pair of LBs in Matt Milano and Taylor Vallejo before their day was through.
Let’s face it…it’s not the Bills or Jests that have us worried. It’s the Patriots.
The good news. The Patriots didn’t have a lot of picks – in part because of a pretty aggressive offseason.
The Patriots also didn’t trade Jimmy Garappolo, which was rumored to be on their plate and would have helped them pick up an early pick.
So the Patriots, who I can only guess were devising new ways to cheat in the first two rounds, didn’t show up until the 3rd round.
They took Derek Rivers with that pick, a pass rushing specialist from Youngstown State. In the 4th round They took another pass rusher in Deatrick Wise, Jr. So obviously the Patriots were focussed on improving their pass rush.
Thankfully they only had two other picks, both tackles, Antonio Garcia in the 3rd and Connor McDermott in the 6th.
But the reality is the Patriots were very aggressive this offseason before the draft.
And the Dolphins have their fins full.
Hopefully the depth we built will help us put them away for good!
Finsmob Unleashed 
Now we know why the Jets drafted two safeties.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/m/ca894955-66ce-331c-bf19-4ec9efa53990/ss_jets-can%E2%80%99t-get-rid-of.html
Now? That’s been out there since the draft.
I didn’t hear that. People were saying why keep stocking up on a deep position?
First – Asiata ain’t knockin’ Suh on his ass. Be serious.
Second – Suh goes against the RG, Asshat plays LG
Third – I could see Suh and the D-line testing Asshat’s limits and see what happens.
From the videos I saw he played both sides. What I like about him is he a guard, not a tackle or center who can play guard, he’s a fucking guard! LOL
Bushrod is our RG
I didn’t say he wasn’t. Just said Asiata is a guard who has played on both sides.
Must be getting some winds from PA. Not tornado like but some strong wind gusts. Probably 25-35. However, it’s a part of nature cleansing itself and bringing in the new. We start seeing more animals and birds. It’s a cool thing to watch.
JMO, but I foresee Asiata playing RG. He’s a road-grater with a need to improve in pass-protection… you don’t put that kind of guy at LG with a right-handed QB in Tannehill.
He was a LG as a Ute (not how my cousin Vinny says it)
Correct, but he is BRUTAL. That screams RG to me in the pros… paving the way for the J-Train.
He can also move, he’s not a phone booth guy.
Agreed… he’s got decent feet to fit our ZBS.
That’s why we drafted him. Adds more pure power inside and has some athleticism. Didn’t think we’d get him where we did. Could be a gem. 🙂
He reminds me of the road grader Jamie Nails was for us, who played LG.
We talk about McMillan, and I’ve said it too, being slow to react to plays, but I think he gets ansy and reacts to fast, instead of letting the play come to him. In the first video half way down the page, http://www.steelersdepot.com/2017/03/2017-nfl-draft-player-profiles-ohio-state-lb-raekwon-mcmillan/ over and over he gets out of position by picking a hole too soon. Stay at home and stay with your assignment. There’s no reason to pick a side of a block too soon, the RB is just going to go to the other side.
The play at the 4:15 mark, it’s 3rd down he’s in shallow coverage, then gets off of the receiver and stops the QB short of the marker, beautiful play by just staying at home. I mean come on man, this is football not rocket science. I could stay with my assignment better than some of these guys at times 🙂 , they all want to make the big play, fuck that do your job.
The 4:50 mark, there’s no communication between the LBs 2 guys take the back and leave the QB to run free, not McMillan’s fault, he was looking forward.
As the game goes on he gets better and better, more disciplined. He just needs to be coached up a little bit and he’s going to make a good LB for us. I like the pick now, he’s got all the physical skills to play the position at a high level, he just needs to let the play come to him, if he does that the big plays will come to him. I don’t remember watching another player that changes his style so much during a game, he’s really an acquired taste, and I’ve acquired it 😉
Tim
They reported the Jets were trying to trade Sheldon Richardson and Calvin Pryor during the draft. I was surprised no one bit.
Pryor has been a disappointment, but they aren’t going to cut him, they’ll just phase him out after this year. Richardson can play, so he must be a pain in the ass.
Or too expensive.
I heard about Richardson, not Pryor. Weird.
Did you watch ESPN or NFL Network?
I’m going to try to acquire Chucky Harris now 😉 If used correctly he can be a big asset this year, just try to get him off the field when it’s running time. Against the cheats that will be difficult.
Steve
I read that the Jets might cut him before the season is over if he doesn’t play better
Maybe even before the season starts
Ouch
is he a free agent now?
h forget it
next year he is a free agent
Doesn’t anyone read my posts anymore!
I literally referred to the rumors about trading Pryor and what the Jets confirmed by making safeties their first 2 selections
Its an odd move for the Jests – bc Honestly while Pryor hasn’t been good he hasn’t been Dion Jordan bad
I project Asiata to play LG like he id at Utah….but what do I know
I think all the OG’s will be in competition for both spots. Bushrod hasn’t won the job, and he could also play LG. I think it’s between Steen, Larsen, Asiata and Bushrod for the 2 spots
If Parker doesn’t get his ass in gear, we may not pick up his 5th YR option either
Speculate away but Gase has stated that Bushrod is our RG.
Sammy and Juice. Parker better play to his draft status.
I’m a speculatin’ SOB. Can’t help myself
Piggy I saw your post about Pryor
Maybe I just didn’t care about what the Jets were doing. LOL
There is a natural inclination for all of us to treat jests reports like a vile of herpes
I don’t know what Harris’ problem is, he doesn’t seem to hustle, but when he does he’s a dog. When he doesn’t he looks like Tankersley. He plays like he’s saving himself for something or he’s not in shape. He does seem like he can turn it on when he wants to though.
Parker’s 5th year option isn’t for two years. He’s 24 years old he has plenty of time to take the next step. Man a lot of you are ready to give up before it even gets started.
Some guys need a kick in the ass. It’s all good just Zero In.
Here’s my speculatin’ on Raekwon.
I think he’s going to make it really hard for a vet to win a starting job. He’s the type of player that’s hard to deny (from a coaches perspective). Something tells me he’ll embrace “the Grind”.
Agree
Maybe Parker can play LG since Asiata will be the RG.
Lets hope he hasn;t been dieting this offseason and put on 200 pounds
follow the bouncing ball…
we need a left guard
we drafted a left guard
now everyone thinks hes a right guard…sheesh
Guys, esp. Steve
I apologize … I guess I was drinking a little too much whisky in celebration of this great draft and the great prospects for the Dolphins this year. (Gee I hope that gets me some sympathy for my blunder.)
I inadvertently mixed the scouting report on MacKenzie Alexander with the one for Cordrea Tankersley, 2 Clemson CBs drafted in consecutive years. It was of course MacKenzie Alexander whom QBs avoided, so much that he had no INTS.
Tankersley of course had 9 INTS in 2 yrs, so obviously QBs were not avoiding him.
I humbly retract my erroneous statement and regret my temporary confusion..
I hope everything else in my “report” of watching Clemson games in my living room was correct.
Tim and I mentioned right away they weren’t avoiding him.
Randy says:
May 2, 2017 at 12:43 pm
ORob,
Our first round draft choice is a DE who struggles against the run…and will probably be used as a situational pass rush specialist and not even play on running downs. Our second pick is a LB who may not even be a starter, but he is a good tackler. Our third pick is a CB who is averse to tackling…whether or not you think CBs need to tackle or not….he doesn’t. Then, we drafted two DL who may not even make the roster. And, if they do, they most likely won’t be playing many snaps and will, more than likely, be PS guys. I don’t see where this FO did much of anything to address our run defense deficiencies in the draft. MAYBE some of these guys help our run defense in 2 or 3 years.
______________________________________________
Hi Randy,
I realize that Harris is weak against the run and may be used as a situational pass rusher however the word on the 2 DTs are big space eaters, they are strong against the run as is the MLB, we brought in Timmons and get Jones back along with mcdonald after 8 games. and yes i do believe CBs have to tackle, i don’t worry about Howard he’s a hitter, i don’t care for Maxwell’s tackling ability he seems contact shy, lippett was abused by the steelers but came up big in other games, at this point i think CB is the weakest position, maybe they can toughen Tank up
I know that it takes DTs years to perfect their craft “see Paul Soliai” with the loss of Earl Mitchell I believe these guys will have to step up this year to give phillips and suh a blow, we only have 5 DTs and there should be 4 DTs on the 53 so at least one will be on the roster in september . it is good to see that this front office recognizes this weakness and is trying to improve it, whether they do or do not improve the run defense remains to be seen, I seriously doubt they could do worse than last year and it sure looks good on paper.
I don’t think these 2 DTs are good against the run, just the opposite.
It’s not hard to get to 53 without cutting some familiar names.
TIM, PIGGY, MIKE E, et al; If Pouncey is unable to play at any point in the season, who do you see as his most likely replacement in the O-Line?
ALSO, right now according to a co-worker, the over/under number for Dolphins’ wins this season in Las Vegas is 7 and 1/2. IF Miami goes 8-8, you win! ANY FEEDBACK, all of you Kool-Aid drinkers?
OD
I would think Steen would be his replacement, but it depends on how the OG situation stacks up. Gase did say his “preference” at RG would be Bushrod. That leaves Larsen, Asiata and Steen to fight for LG. If Bushrod isn’t playing well, that leaves the door open for someone else at RG. At that point, whoever isn’t playing LG or RG, either Steen or Larsen would be the guy to replace Pouncey, at least at the current state of the roster.
Don’t forget about Parker. Drafting Catchy McBallsalot in the 7th round puts him on notice and with his increasing size, he’ll have to move to the area of greatest need
Steen would probably be Pouncey’s replacement
Pouncey’s health is the big question mark for me on the OL
Its really a difference maker on the OL
I think we just have to see how it unfolds
I don’t think we could have afforded to treat him like he must be replaced in free agency it with a high draft pick
But if he is injured for any extensive amount of time – I think our OL struggles
Asiata at LG, so Larsen to C.
Hyde says Damien signed his tender, I hadn’t heard that previously.
Now or in the future…..what other choice does he have? Would be different if was say Ajayi.
This team sure does have a young core……”Five of the seven Dolphins picks entered the draft as underclassmen. The exceptions were third-round choice Cordrea Tankersley and Asiata.”
To further that, one of them wasnt even red-shirted his first year. McMillian participated year, so he is really young.
I’d say Steen or Larsen would replace Pouncey. Urbik is a fall back.
Id play Parker at OT……. in OT eligible plays 🙂 Probably will need to send the RB to chip the DE on his side though.
That would be great
Play him at OT and then announce at every play that #11 is an eligible receiver
Bill’s decided not to pick up the 5th year on Sammy Watkins. Would have cost $13 mil, but that guy sure does have talent.
Lol😉you seem to be a day or 2 late to the party, groundhog day style.
I’m cool with being that and love the movie. And to me the number was key.
Miami Dolphins: B+ Grade
Goals Entering the 2017 NFL Draft: The Dolphins are in a weird situation with Ryan Tannehill, where they have to decide if he’s the answer for the long haul. They need to make sure he’s protected well in 2017, unlike last year, so adding a guard makes sense. On the other side of the ball, a pass-rusher and a linebacker are desperately needed.
2017 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Miami was very focused on addressing its needs, though I can’t say it reached for anyone while doing so. At least not with its first four picks.
Read more at http://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgradesteam.php#uuvKP8AtcECexyRF.99
They gave the jets an A, but Walter Football has the reputation similar to CNN, so…
This is from an article on the dolphins website “get to know Raekwon”
• Previous Ohio State players selected in one of the first two rounds by the Dolphins were first-round picks Ted Ginn Jr. (2007) and Eric Kumerow (1988).
After I read this I could only say “AHHHHH FUCK”
the 3rd time is a charm
Meh, they were both 1st rd picks, McMillian was a 2nd so that makes it different. 🙂
I dont think you look at them not picking up Watkins 5th year like you do some of the others.
Pryor hasnt been awful but he didnt seem to gel well with that system so im sure them not picking up his 5th year is about getting ready to move on from him, and when i think depends on if they can get a trade going with another team or if they wind up having such a crowded secondary that they need to move on this year. Otherwise i think they will ride out this year and if he turns things around they might extend him. I would take a shot on him for sure, in fact id buy in now, while the price is low and wouldnt even mind offering a trade to get him. It wouldnt be a kings ransom id be willing to give up but the extra 7th we picked up or even a 6th would justify the risk imo. Worst that could come of it is we cut him like the Jets probably would and we also get a former 1st round talent (i remember a lot here wanting to draft him that year) in exchange for a 6th to 7th round dev project. I think he is probably more talented than Aikens or Thomas, not sure he would be as good a ST contributor, but that might be part of the evaluation for keeping him. Hell he is probably better than Allen and has more upside for sure. Let the bunch of them duke it out and then keep the better of the bunch.
As for Watkins i think his is a factor of injury worries. 5th year would be fully guaranteed for injury, which makes that a scare proposition when he has been significantly injured in almost all of the season of his young career. They aren’t looking to move on from him and they are probably going to focus on extending him and building the risk of his injury into the contact language just to have more security for themselves. I doubt you see any attempt to trade him, and wont trade him unless someone just throws down something too good to pass up. I dont think they will actively shop him though. I also dont think that indicates they will let him hit FA after his 5th year, though they are kinda at his mercy, or at least will have to use the FT to keep it from being his decision. If he plays and remains healthy they always have their in their back pocket to tag him and work out an extension, so there really still isnt a big threat of him leaving, they just didnt want to go into this next season with 18 in a locked state they couldnt get out of. They want it on their terms.
If it wasnt for the rumors they were shopping Pryor during the draft, i probably would have said the same about him, that the Jets were going to let him ride through the season, with little to no attempts to get rid of him, and if everything worked out like they wanted, then they extend him or FT him, and if not they let him hit FA. They though ARE actively shopping him so i wouldnt be surprised for whatever the Jets do, to happen this year instead of next.
Well we at least know what they did not think he was worth for the 5th year. That’s gotta hit him from an ego standpoint. And might be a sign that they figure he is not worth a 2nd contract…..and whether they admit or not they are rebuilding.
Ohio State has a weird track record of NFL prospects. They produce a lot of them for sure, but its about 50/50 on them working out. The U, on the other hand, almost defies logic some seasons having a team that was just not very good and yet still putting in prospects in large numbers, many of which pan out too.
I think we had the best AFC East draft, but i did like the Jets and Bills draft pretty good. B o B- for theirs and the Pats, they really didnt have much to evaluate, so to look at it i brought in their trades that involved giving up picks to betterevaluate and i think their draft was probably still a C to C+. Kony Ealy to me really helped their score, but they had a trade or two that im just not understanding, given the player/position that they ultimately took, they could have had a great deal better players just a couple picks after their original spot and they really didnt pick up picks that led to real value for them, so their was to me easily the worst, but not completely awful either considering.
Seems the cheats are gearing up to try and win while Brady is still around. What isnt know, is if Belicheat hangs on after Brady. They’ve never done business like this before. Does king cheat not care about the future?
stangerx says:
May 3, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Well we at least know what they did not think he was worth for the 5th year. That’s gotta hit him from an ego standpoint. And might be a sign that they figure he is not worth a 2nd contract…..and whether they admit or not they are rebuilding.
———————————–
I believe the Bills are perpetually re-building. They are always either changing coaches, or changing GM’s, hell they recently changed ownership didnt they? They dont seem to be able to keep their players they draft, and are constantly drafting to replace (like Gilmore this year). They are a mess in general, but i dont think Watkins says anything about them that isnt said by other signs. Watkins is just a worry that they will tie upguaranteed money in a guy that might be hurt agan, when a safer method of retaining him gives them more security.
Like i said, i dont think this is the normal case of not picking up a 5th and what that means, this is more just a smart business decision. I think they feel he is worth a second contract but they want to make sure these injuries can stop for the span of a season first before they commit. The FT would allow them to ride another year before locking him down without him having a choice in the matter, they also could work out a more long term 2nd contract that has some injury language or less guaranteed money to offset the risk.
Hi Steve, I don’t know these guys at all, i just read somewhere that both were huge space eaters good against the run and pass rushers, that’s what prompted my post, in the real scheme of things it’s the LBer’s responsibility to stop the run and the DT to fill gaps and keep OL off our LBers.
the point i was trying to make was; it would appear that the focus of the draft had our 30th ranked run D in mind
steveccnv says:
May 3, 2017 at 12:02 am
I don’t think these 2 DTs are good against the run, just the opposite.
Let’s hope at least one of these DTs emerges to rotate with Suh and Phillips.
I think part of playing good run defense is being able to keep your core players on the field and on the same page which we struggled with last year. We had different guys in the lineup almost every week and not as part of the plan, but out of need. There were times when we would bottle up the run and then get gashed due to missed tackles and guys seeming to not be in the right place. Let’s hope some of the guys we added, getting some guys back and staying relatively healthy will improve the overall defense.
i guess i never heard much about it when it happened but this Holley Heap tragedy is brutally sad.
Devastating. A few of us discussed it a couple of days after it happened. I can’t imagine being Todd.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/05/03/report-damien-williams-wants-more-than-rfa-tender-from-dolphins/
JMO – He should just get his ass to Davie and play for the contract he was offered. It’s still early, but sitting out isn’t going to win him any points with Gase, that much I can assure you
Unless another team gives him an offer, he has no leverage.
Actually, if the info in the article is correct, the RFA signing period is over, so that means he can’t play anywhere else but for the Dolphins. He’s just bitching for a raise.
Oh I see, no team other can offer him a deal? So it’s earn $1.8M which is a 3x raise for him for a reserve back or get 0. Hmmm…
His choice is play next year or not play next year. He’ll be a FA in 2018 either way.
Godchaux is a good pass rusher, and a good gap penetration in run support. He needs to work on his technique and stop being lazy off the field by putting in the necessary time in the weight room to get stronger. They guy can play and he has athletic ability outside what ya should be able to get in the 5th round. I think we either got a really good pick there, or a guy who is just going to get cut prematurely when Gase gets tired of his approach to his profession.
I still dont know much about Taylor, other than what i have read from scouting pages which leads me to believe he is going to really have to refine his technique and develop his strengths (which is his physical strength) to continue to be successful in the NFL. Right now i would think he is almost the opposite of Godchaux, having a lot more physical strentgh to shed bockers and clog up the running lanes, but a lot less ability to be successful with anything but bull rushes against the pass. He ma never have the chance to dominate that Godchaux will but he is less likely lose his job out of lack of effort as well.
Tim
Yes, he has no choice to play anywhere else but in Miami for the $1.8M, or sit out.
Who owes who a beer?
He’s not going to get a a bigger deal. In fact his role may decrease if Drake takes off.
Hate to tell Damian this but when cuts start coming, there will be people who can fill his spot as well as he can, so not signing that tender isnt in his best interest. Also by that time most other teams have also filled their positions and would not need to sign him, as he would require a vet minimum and the UDFA’s would be cheaper.
In fact one might be on the team already. Deveon Smith has been described as a RB that isnt overly efficient anywhere outside the tackles but he seems to be a pretty good receiver and he can block pretty well. I think he fits what we want from a 3rd RB better than Williams, though Williams does do a really good job in receiving situations and has some quickness bouncing it outside.
Look at the way he drives through tackles. Thats old school running, lean your head down, cover up the ball and keep your legs driving.
As an RFA there was no compensation needed for another team to sign him other than making him an offer Miami wouldn’t match and no team offered that. So even as a UDFA next year why would he think it will happen then? The market he’s looking for isn’t there for him. It’s definitely in his best interest to sign his tender and keep building on what’s he’s been doing to showcase he’s even better than that. Holding out accomplishes nothing, he’s not getting a bigger deal.
I want Williams to be on the team this year. 6 TD’s last year in a back up roll. He is pretty damn good for a backup. He should toe the line and sign the tender and start working out with the rest of the team! Come on Damian, you have ZERO options now. Sign and play yourself into a bigger contract next year. Booohoooo only 1.8 Million….jeeze it will only take me 15 years to make that much money.
that being said, it will take me 10 years to earn ONE Tannehill game check…
Thats the point, he can be on the team, he just has to sign the tender. Team did their part, he needs to reciprocate.
Tannehill will make this year (in base salary ONLY, not prorated bonus, work out bunus, etc, JUST GAME CHECKS approx. 32,000 PER PASS ATTEMPT. not completion ATTEMPT based upon his previous years attempts. That number goes up to 51K per completion based upon his past record. Our society is fucked up.
And how much will Suh get per tackle and sack? How much per hour for Bill Gates or Brad Pitt? You are real good at something and it comes with a price tag.
Bushrod is actually a more natural LG. But, it’s very possible he wants to stay at RG after taking one for the team and learning the position on the fly last year…and now maybe that’s where he feels comfortable and doesn’t want to switch to LG and do it all over again, I’d actually prefer him at LG, but I’d let him stay at RG if I was Gase because he’s a veteran and did kinda come in and put in the work. He was inconsistent most of the year, but he was a solid veteran guy who said and did the right things. He wasn’t disastrous…he just wasn’t all that good…but he did improve as the year went on. Make the young kid with younger knees and no seniority fit in.
****
That said: Asiata can play either side. He plays like a RG…but those old stereotypes are going away in the NFL. He’s also athletic enough to make the long pull. I’d guess they’re just fine with giving him a chance at LG and see if he takes it. They will try guys in different positions and different player combinations in TC and see what works best. Certain guys…usually your veterans or high draft picks…just have an inside track sometimes. Unless Asiata comes in and just blows everybody away in TC at RG and looks like an all pro, you hope he settles in at LG if Bushrod wants to stay at RG. As I have said though, it is kinda hard for a third rounder to come in, start immediately and play really good on the OL. Guard is the most physical position on the field. Larsen is the insurance if Asiata can’t get on the field right away. He is also an option at C. I would guess we will see a lot of tinkering with the OL in TC and the PS. I’m looking forward to it….love that shit.
Bushrod would have been more natural if they had put him at LG last year. It would have been an easier transition and i think he would have acclimated better/quicker, but his time at RG and getting use to playing with James on that side probably trumps what would have been a better position for him last year. Id keep him at RG and just let him keep improving from where he left off last year.
Agreed!
Quick rundown on the UDFA WR’s we picked up. I really like this group.
Francis Owusu – Big guy who can fly, 6’2 225 but ran a sun 4.4 40 at his pro day. I have seen some of his tape and he looks raw but he could take the top off a defense with that speed and he shows good hands as well. Check out this catch, this one has to be one of the best catches i have ever seen.
I think he has a decent shot to make the team. We could use another bigger bodied receiver and another guy who could be lined up wide and just told to go, would open us up for some deep packages with he and Kenny on the outsides, Landry in middle and Parker running a deep post.
Damore’ea Stringfellow Another kinda bigger receiver at 6’2 220, not blazing fast but not slow either (4.54) but he is a guy who uses that size to make catches. He is a catch radius kinda guy, if its near him he is going to catch it, he is really good at going up for the ball at its high point and just beating the defender for the pass. He has made some amazing contested catches, and he has great body control and has brought plenty of passes out of bonds back for completions. Very good red zone receiver too. I could also see him making the team.
Drew Morgan is a receiver who reminds me a lot of Landry. He isnt stright line fast, or overly big bodied, but 6′ 190 isnt small either. His 4.74 40 seems slow but again, Landry put up those kind of number s and just like with Landry, he is more quick than straight line fast and he is elusive. He is also very scrappy and does a good job of decoying his route on top of running really precises ones. He also commits to blocking much better than most receiver and seems to always get good position to open windows for throws. He had the highest catch percentage in the SEC last year. Again, this is going to be a tough competition for the final WR spots and i really dont know i feel we can “give” it to any of our incumbants outside of our starting 3.
Malcom Lewis is the smallest guy of the UDFA’s at 5’10 190, but he is pretty fast putting up a 4.44 40 at his pro day. He seems to have had some issues getting playing time, from injuries that kept him off the field to just being deep in the depth chart he doesn’t have a lot of collegiate level snaps to his name. He has been fairly productive when he has had the ball thrown to him though, with a 10+ yard reception average in most the years he played. He has some time spent as a return man so there is possible he could make it based upon his ST contributions but id say he has the longest climb to make the team.
D,
Isn’t that what I said? Lol
No you said he IS a more natural LG, im saying he might would have been but i dont think he would be more natural there now, i think RG is more natural for him, or at least i didnt think we were saying same thing, the conclusion of him player RG this coming year was the same though lol.
I think the coaches felt LG would be an easier transition for Tunsil with Bushrod being a vet.
Tim,
Yeah, that’s certainly a possibility too. It may also have been because they thought Dallas Thomas was gonna lock down the LG position in his third year and weren’t real confident in their RG options.
Yeah there was a lot of experimenting going on last year and 3 guys being waived in-season. Hopefully we’re starting to hone in on guys we trust even if not all of them are top talents. Sometimes you just need the right group playing together. Just stay healthy! It’s really difficult when you have injuries to 2-3 guys in almost every phase of the team. At least it was for us because we had some depth issues or young guys maybe not ready to be the guy yet.
I think that LG and RG arent so much as to what kind of player you are, you are right those are old school understanding of the positions, but if you have spent a decent amount of time on the left side of the ball, a switch to the right isnt as easy and people throw it around like it is.
Asiata having most recently been a LG, would have to adjust to RG again, and its possible with the fact he had played there previously it all comes back to him, just depends on how long he has been on the left and quite frankly how good he was when he was on the right, i haven’t seen any tape of him on the right, have any of you? I know what i saw out of him at LG was really solid, and i would go mucking around with that without there be significant need to.
I could swear some highlights I saw from him were playing both sides. Maybe I was buzzed. LOL
However, he can definitely play physical and has trap and pull athleticism. He can move his feet, seal guys off and get out into the 2nd level. I’m sure he has some warts falling to the 5th rd, but the size and skill is there to develop. We deserve that to happen. 🙂
And you better see him coming or else…
D,
Oh I see. He’s still a natural left side player. He’s adjusted to playing on the right side, but your natural side is always your natural side. That’s why it’s your “natural” side. It’s what you are just naturally able to do easier or, well, more naturally. It doesn’t change. That doesn’t mean he’d be better there…just that he could do it more naturally. I still want them to replace him, actually. I hope Larsen or somebody comes in and relegates him to backup.
***
Now, can we debate what instinctual means? Or maybe the oldie but goodie….if there’s a difference between an H-back and a TE!? Lol
Bushrod was a tackle before last season. Am hoping that means he will be better at G this year (seems that transition more important), whichever side it is…..even if he does not start.
H-back is where someone lines up its not a roster spot
Next
Maybe it does always remain your natural side, IF you played on that side as long as Bushrod has. If he had played left side for a couple of years though, and he moved to the right for a couple, its hard to say whats his natural side though.
Goes back to the Pouncey is a natural OG argument, yeah maybe if they had taken him and moved him back to OG when he got to the NFL, he would still be a natural OG, but so much time is past, his “natural” position has changed, way more natural for him now to be an OC.
Bushrod undoubtedly has still spent WAY more time playing from the left, but i dont know that LG, being he has never played there, will be easier to pick up than just continuing what he knows from playing 16 games at RG, so i concede the point of natural position you sir, and i rephrase to “RG in our system is going to be most familiar”, being its recent muscle memory not historical.
Incidentally i played almost exclusively on the left side of the OL throughout my time in football, though i spent a little time as the OC. I played on the right side to fill in due to injury, and hated every minute of it. it felt all kinda odd from watching for the snap out of my left peripheral to first step instincts being backwards, to what hand i used to control the block, all backwards and wierd.
D,
But that’s why you do all that stuff in TC and PS. You want, at the very least, to see what sort of versatility your rookies and new guys have just in case you may need them to fill in for an injured guy, so you throw them at different positions when you get them into camp. Practice will tell you how you can use him. Teams want swing guys if at all possible, so you wanna see what they can do and also get them some reps on both sides.
Yeah i dont mind them trying them out on other spots, but i like them to focus on their primary position being something thats an easier fit. Philbin went against the grain trying to make versatility when he should have played to strengths and brought versatility along slowly. I think he permanently fucked up Thomas, though i also believe Thomas was a little fucked up on his own to begin with.
Randy, it’s funny how football has become so specialized. An H-back is really just a FB who isn’t just a I-formation lead blocker but a guy who can do a lot of different things as a backfield blocker and receiver. I guess Moose Johnston was an H-back. LOL
H-Back to me is more of a deep TE. I guess you could say call it the evolution of the FB or a full back set wide, since he is in the backfield with a running back, but they aren’t usually a lead blocker and they also are more versatile than a FB, even in the running game.
Then you have slot backs, which were part of the fun and gun system, where the WR’s were lined up set back a little more outside where the H-Back would line up and on either side of the offense
And what was Roger Craig? One of my favorite backs of all time.
What year? He was a FB and RB, depending on which year your are talking about. I-Back is what he would be considered after Rathman got there.
Tim,
I just get a kick out of the 5 conversations some of us have been having for decades! Were we talking about this when Crash Jensen was running around just hitting people and catching some passes? Was he an H-back? Lol
I dont know if anyone knows or knew what Crash was, other than a big fan favorite.
D — TIm and Randy go way back before I joined the crew. When did you……what was happening when you did? In my case only reason Randy even started talking to me was cause I thought Jake Long could be a HOF guard and was better suited to it.
You probably joined before me though i lurked on the SS WAY before i actually engaged people.
I wasn’t trying to one-up you on board time while pointing out that TIm and Randy have been here much longer. Was just wondering what was going on when you did join. Which board for instance. Been a bunch of them and lots of stuff on each one. 🙂
Yeah I think he started it. LOL
Wait decades, were we blogging when Crash was still playing?
Randy,
I hear ya. And what do we hear each and every year? “We’re going to identify our best 5 O-Linemen and put them on the field together”. TC is when the identifying begins, and I don’t care where anybody is playing… just get the best 5 on the field and give them time to gel with one another in time for the regular season.
Nothing is ever set in stone at this stage of the offseason.
Particularly not set in stone this year. And I hear hoof beats of some big ugly who will at least be competing in camp.
^^^
D,
That’s why you throw guys out there and see what they can do. Everybody’s different. And, as you had mentioned earlier, you can never just assume a guy can flip sides. Fans act like every guy should just be able to do it. It is not that simple. Some guys simply cannot do it and be functional at a high level.
stanger,
I started talking to you because you seemed like a genuine good dude and could talk about football will still being respectful.
***
The Jake long arguments are all a blur to me. I had so many. It’s all Tim’s fault. He started all the HOF talk 2.7 seconds after we drafted him! Lol
lol — but you only did when it was only you and me versus the board on Long would be better at guard. No ego involved in that at all — and you are one good dude — just the way it happened……and this was pre-first, first.
D, put Randy’s comment this way, when you ride a skate board you’re either goofy foot or regular, you don’t switch back and forth with what is more comfortable.
M13,
I agree. I just hope they can identify those 5 and let them play together as soon as possible. It is kind of just the way it is in the NFL but just think how long it’s been that we’ve had a starting 5 on the OL that have played with each other for any length of time. It’s been years. It’s the unit that requires more coordination and familiarity than any other on the field to work right, and we haven’t had it in a long time. You can’t win consistently that way.
Indeed! I’d like to see some family chemistry going on. Seems our O-Line has been a revolving door for nearly two decades… and it’s frustrating to me. Let’s get that fixed for good.
Damien Williams WILL come to his senses… hopefully Sooner than later. OK?
😉
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I don’t remember blogging during the Crash ERA!
He Is one of my all time Favorites though!
I don’t remember him coming out of the backfield?
Thought he played WR?
Could be wrong 100% though?
OH MY, she can handle my rope anytime!!!
MIKE E: Thanks for answering my question RE: Pouncey’s likely replacement earlier today. As I think you know, I can NOT access this site when I’m at work. Still wondering if taking Tankersley in round 3 was the best move. WE HAD the option of trading up in the 3rd round and taking Pat Elflein, the all-american O-Lineman from Ohio State. Time will tell if Grier & Gase did the right thing. They’ve certainly earned the benefit of the doubt at this point. But if Tankersley “TANKS,” and Pouncey’s replacement does as poorly as last year, we will be in DEEP SHIT AGAIN!
Trade up and give up what ? We can’t keep giving up picks.. they stuck to the board and did a good job. Asiata is a mauler at a great pick.
I was just joking about blogging about Crash. I don’t think we were talking in the late 80! Lol
Thank you. Thought I might have put coffee in a microwave and went back in time. LOL
I don’t think Al Gore had invented the internet yet in the late 80s sooooo
Lol
LOL, not only that, he hadn’t created climate change yet either. Back then they called it global warming, but when that changed to more cold weather they changed it to climate change. Poor Al, he sits in his backyard with a speedo and parker ready for either one. LOL
The blogging era, the way I remember it, started with Ricky and his weed. The debates were endless. And then Cam Cameron happened… Our darkest hour.
Now here we are blogging through guys entire careers.
Mangold is still out there if Pouncey had a set back.
Problem with him is age and durability.
And his sister is a horse
You can almost bet Pouncey will have a set back of some sort. I believe he has a degenerative hip condition ala Bo Jackson.
OD, I was never that sold on Pat Elflein. I think we’ll see Asaita become an even better OL and in my opinion definitely better suited for our offense and ZBS combinations.
Tankersley could be a small reach but he has boom bust potential, and with good coaching and our system, I think they’ll find a way to get him some ballhawking opportunities that he’s flashed the best at in college. Worth the slight gamble of spending a comp 3rd round pick on…IMO.
Most people thought he was a steal. Nobody thought he’d last until #97. That was a pure BPA on the board move confirming Grier’s approach. This draft we basically stood pat with a small trade up to get Asiata. We held our ground and followed the board. Defense lead this draft, so BPA matched need.
Yep, and Gase has said what others have….you can never have enough good DB’s, Plus we say the mounting injuries in the secondary last year.
Was a good move, like many of the draft picks….no real pressure to start too much right away sans Harris occasionally….start grooming these guys with some good depth snaps and see where the new building blocks become foundations in 3+ years.
I thought he might go as early as 2nd round
Regardless of who lines up at RG and who lines up at LG, I just hope they pick the starting 5 early and give them more time to gel. Continuity on the line makes the total greater than the sum of its parts, and it’s been forever since we’ve had our starters pegged early and playing together for any length of time.
^ basically the exact same thing Randy already said.
Great point, but remember, these days coaches seem to move parts around more to “cross train” due to the inevitable injuries. Seems to be the thing more often now.
With that said, I think they’ll see fairly early on, as long as Pouncey is ready, who the starting 4 is anyways. 😉
Yeah, we’ve been doing this cross training crap for years now too. I say let the backups cross train all over the place, but get your 5 starters, play them early and often, and let the unit develop chemistry.
Pouncey is of course the huge concern in this scenario. Like you said, hopefully they’ll know with Pouncey early on. He is the engine that can really give this line some get up and go, but if he ain’t out there, it don’t make a lick of difference how good he is.
I hope Pouncey is healthy
Oink I hope so
Pouncey is still only friggin 27yo. I hope the Stem Cell procedure takes.
He needs to show he can get a full season in, that will go a long way for him & the franchise moving forward. I’d like to see him finish out his contract strong till 2020!
Me thinks he is a difference maker in the OL
FEST IS AGAINST THE YETS
Game is Sun, Oct 22 at one. So make your travel plans……earlier you book flights typical the cheaper. Like always, will get together the night before and Chef Warren will have his tailgate spread ready.
Looks like seats will be about $80 each, but the way they do it and as early as we are in might be better this year (one price across the sideline nosebleeds)…..and if not you can biotch about what I did after.
Seat Draft Day is May 11…….and we will be in. But need all you guys to firm up your numbers so can give a real reserve.
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 (+1 to +3)
Toba (+1)
OD
Brian in NY (+1?)
POSSIBLE
Ken (make that probable)
Herd
Howie
Getterdone
P-Dog, Son (with your crew), Brian — need to know about your plus numbers. OD — you want to sit with the boys? Not signing in blood yet, but…..need to set the reserve number one week from today. And please make sure anyone who wanders in that we haven’t seen in a while know.
NEW BLOG UP!