2014 NCAA Season / 2015 NFL Draft

[BINGO]

Cedric Ogbuehi - T - Aggies

ESPN's Mel Kiper ranks Texas A&M senior T Cedric Ogbuehi as his No. 1 senior tackle.

"Following the same path as recent No. 6 overall pick Jake Matthews, Ogbuehi spent his junior season at right tackle and will come back as a senior and play on the left side. The highly athletic tackle was No. 2 on my first 2015 Big Board," Kiper wrote. Ogbuehi's decision to stay in school could make him a wealthy man, if all goes well this season. Last season he received a first-round grade from the NFL draft advisory board, and it's possible he could be a top-10 selection in the 2015 draft. The last two Aggies to play the position went in the top 10, which is somewhere Ogbuehi hopes to be selected.
Source: ESPN Insider

Jun 13 - 6:42 PM

 

[supreme_clientele81]

I was surprised to see him go back to school. Greene has skillz.

Finally seeing my guy Goodley get some love. I have a feeling he's going to be my Donte Moncrief of 2015.

With all the talent at WR next year and DGB potentially not playing this season do you think that DGB will be available late 1st round? Where would DGB have to fall for it to be to much to trade up too? Me personally if he sniffs the teens I feel we should go get him.

This question isn't limited to Sick either I would like input from everyone.

 

[NinerSickness]

With all the talent at WR next year and DGB potentially not playing this season do you think that DGB will be available late 1st round? Where would DGB have to fall for it to be to much to trade up too? Me personally if he sniffs the teens I feel we should go get him.

Agreed. DGB is a Julio Jones kind of prospect. Even with his behavioural issues, he probably would've been a top 10 pick if he played this season. He's a better pure prospect than Sammy Watkins. The dude NEEDS to be a 49er IMO. I like a lot of the prospects in the next draft, but DGB would make a bigger instant splash than anyone else. Trade up as far as necessary to get him IMO. Especially if one of the rookie CBs the Niners drafted this year shows something good this season.

 

[numone9er]

Agreed. DGB is a Julio Jones kind of prospect. Even with his behavioural issues, he probably would've been a top 10 pick if he played this season. He's a better pure prospect than Sammy Watkins. The dude NEEDS to be a 49er IMO. I like a lot of the prospects in the next draft, but DGB would make a bigger instant splash than anyone else. Trade up as far as necessary to get him IMO. Especially if one of the rookie CBs the Niners drafted this year shows something good this season.

In weary of trading up for a player with so many question marks. There is no doubting his potential, but even you recognize that there are a lot of solid players in next years draft class (potentialy). So why would we trade up so high for a player with question marks when we can get somebody else for less that can contribute on the field without questionable character concerns? Don't get me wrong, I'm with you on his potential, but trading up as "far as necessary" should not be our goal IMO.

 

[NinerSickness]

...even you recognize that there are a lot of solid players in next years draft class (potentialy). So why would we trade up so high for a player with question marks when we can get somebody else for less that can contribute on the field without questionable character concerns?

Because a lot of those solid players would be lateral moves. The Niners are already a great team. A lot of good, first-round talents in this draft would have equal or less production than the players already slotted to start. There are a lot of positions that rookies are not going to improve next year because the team is already really good to great there. Like:

OL
RB
ILB
OLB
Safety

That leaves CB, #2 TE (depending on Vance), WR and possibly DL if some of the young guys don't work out. Those are the only positions a rookie is realistically going to improve. However, I think it's highly unlikely a rookie TE or DL is going to be better than Vance & one of the DEs currently on the roster like Ray & Tank. So that leaves CB & WR.

CB doesn't have one guy everyone is saying could be a HOFer one day. WR does. DGB is the only prospect who's head-and-shoulders more talented than everyone else in his class. That's why I'm all DGB-or-bust this season. And ESPECIALLY because whoever gets him will be buying low (due to him missing a season).

Have you all seen DGB catch fades in the end zone? He's a nightmare to defend in the end zone. He's 6'6 with hops, long arms & knows how to sue his body. Kaepernick likes throwing fades. The Niners are good between the 80's; they need help in the red zone.

 

[numone9er]

Because a lot of those solid players would be lateral moves. The Niners are already a great team. A lot of good, first-round talents in this draft would have equal or less production than the players already slotted to start. There are a lot of positions that rookies are not going to improve next year because the team is already really good to great there. Like:

OL
RB
ILB
OLB
Safety

That leaves CB, #2 TE (depending on Vance), WR and possibly DL if some of the young guys don't work out. Those are the only positions a rookie is realistically going to improve. However, I think it's highly unlikely a rookie TE or DL is going to be better than Vance & one of the DEs currently on the roster like Ray & Tank. So that leaves CB & WR.

CB doesn't have one guy everyone is saying could be a HOFer one day. WR does. DGB is the only prospect who's head-and-shoulders more talented than everyone else in his class. That's why I'm all DGB-or-bust this season. And ESPECIALLY because whoever gets him will be buying low (due to him missing a season).

Have you all seen DGB catch fades in the end zone? He's a nightmare to defend in the end zone. He's 6'6 with hops, long arms & knows how to sue his body. Kaepernick likes throwing fades. The Niners are good between the 80's; they need help in the red zone.

I understand your point, but what about guys like Justin smith , Iupati, and RayMac who we might need to find replacements for? And just because people don't think any CB is going to be a hall of famer doesn't mean they won't at the very least be "a heck of a football player". I really like the CB's in next years class.

 

[BINGO]

Stefon Diggs - WR - Terrapins

ESPN's Mel Kiper says Maryland junior OW Stefon Diggs' "exceptional change-of-direction quickness reminds a little bit of Peter Warrick."

"There might not be a more elusive target in the college game than Diggs," writes Kiper. Diggs suffered a fractured fibula in October. Prior to the injury, he was one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the country, so we hope his joystick quicks weren't lost on the operating table. Diggs hinted at playing four years with the Terrapins last August. If he has a big season, it'll be interesting to see if Diggs' tune changes.
Source: ESPN Insider

Jun 14 - 11:13 PM

 

[BINGO]

Nelson Agholor - WR - Trojans

USC junior WR Nelson Agholor ranks as Mel Kiper's No. 3 underclassmen wide receiver.

Agholor led the Trojans in receiving last year with 56 catches for 918 yards (16.4 avg) and 6 TDs. He also had 18 punt returns for 343 yards (19.1 avg) with 2 TDs and 10 kickoff returns for 175 yards (17.5 avg). "Lean, fluid, explosive," Kiper wrote. "Agholor isn't a quick-twitch, change-of-direction runner with the ball in his hands, but he's extremely fast after the initial burst. He doesn't appear to have huge hands to eat up the pass away from his body, but he still catches it at a distance from his chest and has good form." Agholor would be well served by packing on muscle onto his wiry frame.
Source: ESPN Insider

Jun 14 - 11:28 PM

 

[BINGO]

Devin Funchess - TE - Wolverines

Michigan junior TE Devin Funchess is the No. 1 draft-eligible underclassmen TE, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper.

"A tight end often in name only, like Tyler Eifert at Notre Dame or Eric Ebron at North Carolina, you'll see the long-armed, 6-5 Funchess across the formation at X or Y, and he can be used out of the slot, too," Kiper wrote. "What you won't see him do is block very often, but that's not a worry for the Wolverines, and it won't be for NFL scouts, either." Funchess posted 49 receptions for 748 yards and six TDs last season. If Michigan's QB play is better in 2014 than it was in 2013 -- as expected -- and Funchess takes another developmental step forward, he should easily surpass those numbers this fall. "He's a weapon in the passing game, a power forward working against smaller defenders, and a guy who can stretch the field and can also run after the catch on short stuff," Kiper wrote.
Source: ESPN Insider

Jun 15 - 12:17 AM

 

[BINGO]

Austin Hill - WR - Wildcats

If Arizona redshirt senior WR Austin Hill recovers fully from a torn ACL suffered last spring, he "could push for a spot among the top 100" in the 2015 draft, according to CBS Sports' Dane Brugler.

Hill caught 81 passes for 1,364 yards and 11 touchdowns in earning All-Pac-12 Second Team honors in 2012; he missed last season. "Hill possesses broad shoulders and a well-built frame, overall," Brugler wrote. "He shows above-average initial burst off the snap to quickly get into his route but tops out quickly. He is a savvy route-runner who shows good lateral burst and balance to generate separation with his cuts. The majority of his production, however, came out of the slot where Hill was able to physically dominate smaller cornerbacks and rarely saw press coverage." After shredding his knee last spring, the WR re-dedicated himself to the weight room. Brugler writes that he wasn't "a nifty athlete prior to the ACL tear," but believes he'll be in the top 100 mix if he just gets back to that physical level. Tony Pauline reported earlier this week that scouts are calling Hill a second-rounder.
Source: CBS Sports

Jun 14 - 8:36 PM

 

[NinerSickness]

Devin Funchess - TE - Wolverines

Michigan junior TE Devin Funchess is the No. 1 draft-eligible underclassmen TE, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper.
Jun 15 - 12:17 AM

Well crap. You can probably forget about my earlier Devin Funchess post then.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Amari Cooper - WR - Crimson Tide

Alabama junior WR Amari Cooper ranks as Mel Kiper's top underclassmen WR.

"There probably isn't a better receiver in the country at adjusting to a ball in the air and making a contested catch," Kiper wrote. "But Cooper isn't just a down-the-field guy; he's an explosive (and underrated) runner after the catch, and does a good job setting up defenders as well." Cooper must stay healthy this year after hobbling through 2013 and putting up only 43 catches, 736 yards and four touchdowns, but he's arguably the most talented WR in college, a player NFL.com's Bucky Brooks last month called a "prototypical No. 1 receiver" in the NFL. "[Cooper] eats up space as a route runner and is both smooth and explosive in his breaks, with little wasted motion," Kiper wrote. "That lack of wasted motion is part of the reason he so consistently beats people over the top."
Source: ESPN Insider

Jun 11 - 9:21 PM

Huge, huge fan of Cooper as most people here know. One of my favorite WR prospects in a while, too.

 

[clyde_carbon]

Well crap. You can probably forget about my earlier Devin Funchess post then.

People have known about Funchess for a while now.

 

[NinerSickness]

I have to say that Vic Beasley is the way-too-early favourite for my bust pick. I think the talk of him as an elite DE is absurd. I don't remember the last time I saw a guy people talk about going in the top 10 to 15 that was incapable of moving an offensive lineman even if he were driving a smart car. Beasley's all about timing the snap and trying to jump around the tackle. He's agile, but I don't see any power. And he's downright bad at setting the edge (even for a college DE).

Vic Bealey reminds me of faster-but-smaller version of Everette Brown. An ACC pass rusher with no power who tries to spin / slip by O-linemen & can't set the edge.

Vote no on Vic Beasley.

 

[NinerSickness]

Byron Jones, UConn, is the most complete corner in the draft. He doesn't have a weakness I can pinpoint.

I've concluded that you're just either really, really, really, really bad at this or you're trying to get too cute. Byron Jones is the most complete corner in college football? I went back & watched him, and the dude seems like he has a high center or gravity & gets beat on the inside move quite easily. And I know you completely ignore this aspect, but the guy isn't really very agile.

Byron Jones is a safety prospect (and not a great one at that). I doubt he'll ever even play CB in the NFL at all much less be the best prospect in the draft. He might not be the best CB prospect on his own team. I'm not being snarky on purpose; I'm just astounded at how ridiculous the aforementioned claim was. I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you said Byron Jones but meant someone else...

 

[NinerSickness]

People have known about Funchess for a while now.

Well allow me to opinionate about another guy whose hype I'm sure I've missed & everyone already knows about...

Gator DT / DE Jonathan Bullard. I absolutely love how this guy moves. I see a lot of Corey Lemonier in the way he gets off the snap and has a lot of burst.

He could be the next Ray MacDonald (minus the knee injury). He hasn't really come into his own yet, but he looks to me like he has some unteachable gifts a team would love to use.

Bullard doesn't seem to be getting the kind of hype some of the other DT & DE prospects are getting. And with Florida's monumental collapse last season (which coincidentally started around the same time my guy Dominique Easley got hurt), he may have been overlooked. I hope he continues to go under the radar; he looks like a good one. Let's hope he has long arms 'cause Baalke loves him some albatrosses.

Have I sufficiently pointed out the obvious Clyde? You like? You no like?

 

[clyde_carbon]

Better. Much better. Funchess has been talked about as the top TE in the '15 class for a couple of years, now.

 

[NinerSickness]

Not as excited about your Terp boy Diggs. He's definitely nifty, but at his size I'd prefer a guy who's an absolute blazer like Brandin cooks. Diggs is a little skinny for my taste. But maybe he'll surprise me. Like we all know: it's WAY too early, and a bit obsessive to be breaking down players for a year from now.

After further review, I'm even more convinced Stephon Diggs is overrated. This is a guy who simply does not like contact. That's not going to work in the Niners' offense. He is a TERRIBLE blocker; and that might be putting it nicely. I don't see him as a guy who's gonna fight for balls or for extra yardage; he's gonna try to be cute & get his clock cleaned & a defender's gonna get in his head & he's gonna complain about not getting the ball. I just don't like the way he plays. He has a high floor IMO, and I think he'll be a good receiver, but a #1 guy he is not. No way.

Take Sammy Watkins for contrast. The guy was a burner (significantly faster than Diggs), but he's also a tough SOB. Diggs is more like Brandin Cooks minus the blazing speed; and that's not exactly a rare thing.

 

[I_am_1z]

I've concluded that you're just either really, really, really, really bad at this or you're trying to get too cute. Byron Jones is the most complete corner in college football? I went back & watched him, and the dude seems like he has a high center or gravity & gets beat on the inside move quite easily. And I know you completely ignore this aspect, but the guy isn't really very agile.

Byron Jones is a safety prospect (and not a great one at that). I doubt he'll ever even play CB in the NFL at all much less be the best prospect in the draft. He might not be the best CB prospect on his own team. I'm not being snarky on purpose; I'm just astounded at how ridiculous the aforementioned claim was. I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you said Byron Jones but meant someone else...

This is coming from a guy that liked Dre Kirkpatrick coming out; the guy who said he wasn't taught to backpedal. So, while you think that, I'm just going to trust my eyes. How easily the CB gets beat to the inside is actually the first thing I look at. If you have such qualms about Jones getting beat inside, I wonder if you ever even watched Justin Gilbert (your fave DB in 2014 if I'm not mistaken), who routinely gets beat inside.

 

[NinerSickness]

One interesting prospect this season is going to be DT Michael Bennett from Ohio state (no relation to Michael Bennett from Seattle). He's rated about where he should be right now. He's constantly being double teamed, and he looks like he gives really good effort.

I don't know how effective he'd be playing the 5 technique though. Like my guy Dominique Easley, I think he may be best-suited to play in a 4-3. I wouldn't expect the Niners to pay much attention to him.

Bennett & USC DT Leonard Williams are getting the most hype at DT this offseason. I much prefer Williams and his rare combination of length, strength & speed. He & DGB are the two most talented players in this draft class IMO. Both worth trading up to get IMO (although I'm hoping some of the young DL on the Niners are gonna make that prospect unnecessary).