Day 3 - The Remix
On the final morning of the 2017 NFL Player Draft, I posted and described a table detailing which teams were in a lot of trouble that day. It discussed how the declining number of prospective players available to fill the projected team needs and the erosion of talent as the "top" players at each position were taken the prior two days were putting several teams in a tough spot. (Please check out the original article for table details).
Here is a look at how some teams responded on Day 3 of the draft:
- Quarterback: Many teams were projected to have a need at QB and the NY Giants were one of them. They made it loud and clear they were not going to bring in one of the hot "brand name" QBs when they took Barkley at #2 overall when all but Baker Mayfield were available. Instead, they struck immediately on Day 3 (Likely in response to the above analysis, hmmmmmm? OK, not, but I can dream, right?) and picked up Richmond Spider Kyle Lauletta, a QB mentioned as one of the top second tier QBs.
- Offensive Guard: This was considered a rich draft for Guards and, depending on how you look at it, the Niners agreed or disagreed by ignoring this need in the Draft and signing UDFA OG Najee Toran (UCLA). We will see how that works out for them.
- Tight End: There were a lot of fourth round TEs selected but not one was selected by the Saints or Lions, the teams with the largest need at that position. We saw the likes of Ian Thomas, Chris Herndon, Will Dissly, Durham Smythe and Dalton Schultz, all I feel can be serviceable TEs, go in the fourth.
- I like what New Orleans did by going out and picking up Cam Serigne from Wake Forest at last call when the bar was closing. Definitely picked up a solid UDFA.
- The Lions picked up DeAndre Goolsby as an UDFA. On paper, he seems the part but we will see if he is still around during minicamp.
- EDGE (DE or OLB): Of the three teams in need of pass rushers, all were repeat offenders in terms of Day 3 procrastination but two got smart really quickly picking up players in Round 4.
- The Lions added De'Shawn Hand who, if he can flip the switch and return to the mindset of the 5 star top recruit who arrived at Alabama as a freshman.
- Just 14 picks later, the Niners picked up one of my favorite Day 3 players in Kentavius Street (NC State) who has a motor that just never shuts down.
- The Jets felt like they didn't need to "waste" a pick on a pass rusher and loaded up at DT picking up two in the draft and two as UDFAs.
- Cornerback: As always, there was a great need for coverage men in this draft so when the Sun rose on Day 3, teams with definite needs had to act and act fast.
- Kansas City was in need after jettisoning Marcus Peters and went with Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith in the 6th round. I would be lying if I said I knew a single thing about him but a brief view of his Youtube video vs. Houston Baptist shows quick feet and good speed, albeit vs lessor competition.
- Not one to conform to thinking of others, the Vegas Raiders snapped up Nick Nelson (Wisconsin) with the 10th pick of the 4th round. I was fortunate enough to watch a bit of him during my "Battle of the Cornerbacks" (which I will video and share on YouTube next year), Originally at Hawaii, he transferred and brought his aggressive, rugged style of play with him. If he can leave his NCAA uber grabby style with the Badgers, he can have a great impact.
- The Seahawks are looking pretty boomless what with the state of their formerly legendary defensive secondary. They have great faith in "the system" because, not only did Pete Carrol and company NOT take a CB in the draft, they also refused bringing in no CBs as UDFAs. I'm sure Carroll and company feel they know what is best for their team so here's hoping!
- The Bears decided to stand pat when it came to drafting a CB but went on a spree to being in Rashard Fant (Indiana), Michael Joseph (Dubuque) and Kevin Toliver of LSU. Time will tell if their scouting department will be revered or cursed this time next year.
The recap above is not exhaustive, but just enough to provide an update to the prior article!
Shameless Self-Promotion!!!
Follow me on Twitter @boombearjr
or at my Facebook page: Boombearjr Football Analysis (also @boombearjr).
Continue to watch this space for more NFL Draft commentary.
No comments:
Post a Comment