2024 Free agency and draft thread

[shopson67]

I think Mason Graham goes to the Jags at 5, they really need a boost on their interior D-Line.
I just don’t see the Panthers going with Jeanty if he’s available given how much their D needs help at each level. I could see the Bears taking him though if he doesn’t end up with the Raiders. Raiders, Bears, Cowboys, Broncos and Steelers are the main teams I could see taking a RB in the first round.
It’s always hard to guess who will become a standout player at this point - this class seems pretty deep with edge rushers and D-Line, I hope my Falcons get a good one at 15, I think Jalon Walker would be good for the Falcons with his versatility, but I bet he’s gone then. But this is a deep class of edge rushers. One guy I don’t get the love for is Shemar Stewart though, he didn’t produce nearly enough in college to be a 1st round pick, seems like people love his potential and athleticism but it didn’t translate into results in college - sort of reminds me of a defensive version of Anthony Richardson, a guy who never did much in college but was drafted high based on his skills and potential, and we know how that’s turned out.

Yeah, those traits based evaluations without matching production can be risky bets. It seems all the edge rushers beyond Carter have concerns or at least questions.

Jalon Walker is interesting, as teams may see him as more of pass rusher than an off ball LB. My Rams need a LB, but other than maybe Campbell I don't see a fit of the top rated guys. Since they don't have a 2nd, they really need to get value out of their 1st rounder in my opinion and not just reach for a need that could be filled in round 3 or later. Speights and Landman will likely be their starters regardless.

 

[jarntt]

Browns’ NFL Draft plans come into focus with massive Giants implications

NFL draft rumors are heating up with the big weekend less than a month away.

nypost.com

I still think Sanders drops

 

[cdumler7]

I’ll go ahead and post a mock draft now, I may post another as we get closer to draft day, here we go

1 Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2 Browns - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
3 Giants - Travis Hunter, WR/CB Colorado
4 Pats - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn St
5 Jags - Mason Graham, D-Line, Michigan
6 Raiders - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise St
7 Jets - Armand Membou, O-Line, Missouri
8 Panthers - Jalon Walker, Egde/LB, Georgia
9 Saints - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
10 Bears - Will Campbell, O-Line, LSU
11 Niners - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
12 Cowboys - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
13 Dolphins - Kelvin Banks, O-Line, Texas
14 Colts - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn St
15 Falcons - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
16 Cards - Kenneth Grant, D-Line, Michigan
17 Bengals - Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
18 Seahawks - Tyler Booker, O-Line, Alabama
19 Bucs - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
20 Broncos - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
21 Steelers - Derrick Harmon, D-Line, Oregon
22 Chargers - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
23 Packers - Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
24 Vikings - Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina
25 Texans - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
26 Rams - Grey Zabel, O-Line, North Dakota St
27 Ravens - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
28 Lions - James Pearce, Edge, Tennessee
29 Commanders - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
30 Bills - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
31 Chiefs - Walter Nolan, D-Line, Ole Miss
32 Eagles - Josh Simmons, O-Line, Ohio St

So there it is, what does everyone think?

I like the pick for the Broncos. There are a few names though I would probably consider over that of Hampton. Loveland getting to the Chargers would be sad to see. I know we just signed Engram but his is a short-term deal and Payton loves 2 TE looks if he has the talent to do them. They really stress a defense out when you can run those formations with huge success.

I'm also a huge Mykel Williams fan. I know he didn't have the best year ever but I think he would be a great addition to the edge room for the Broncos. Not the biggest need, but they do not have a great edge guy of that size/strength and I think VJ could do a lot with another guy added to that rotation.

I'm also a big Walter Nolan guy. Worried about some of the off the field stuff, but with 3 IDL guys for the Broncos FA's after this season they need some young talent added to the room that can develop into a starter.

Again I like Hampton. It hits the biggest need on the team with a big time player. I just think those others paired with a RB taken in the 2nd round could have a bigger impact overall on the roster.

 

[jarntt]

Meet Desmond Watson — the 464-pound lineman who could become heaviest player in NFL draft history

The NFL could reach new numbers this year, but not exactly in a way one would initially think.

nypost.com

 

[Clayton]

I’ll go ahead and post a mock draft now, I may post another as we get closer to draft day, here we go

1 Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami
2 Browns - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
3 Giants - Travis Hunter, WR/CB Colorado
4 Pats - Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn St
5 Jags - Mason Graham, D-Line, Michigan
6 Raiders - Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise St
7 Jets - Armand Membou, O-Line, Missouri
8 Panthers - Jalon Walker, Egde/LB, Georgia
9 Saints - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
10 Bears - Will Campbell, O-Line, LSU
11 Niners - Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
12 Cowboys - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
13 Dolphins - Kelvin Banks, O-Line, Texas
14 Colts - Tyler Warren, TE, Penn St
15 Falcons - Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
16 Cards - Kenneth Grant, D-Line, Michigan
17 Bengals - Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas
18 Seahawks - Tyler Booker, O-Line, Alabama
19 Bucs - Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
20 Broncos - Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
21 Steelers - Derrick Harmon, D-Line, Oregon
22 Chargers - Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
23 Packers - Shavon Revel, CB, East Carolina
24 Vikings - Nick Emmanwori, DB, South Carolina
25 Texans - Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
26 Rams - Grey Zabel, O-Line, North Dakota St
27 Ravens - Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
28 Lions - James Pearce, Edge, Tennessee
29 Commanders - Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
30 Bills - Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
31 Chiefs - Walter Nolan, D-Line, Ole Miss
32 Eagles - Josh Simmons, O-Line, Ohio St

So there it is, what does everyone think?

FWIW, mock drafts are supposed to be mocked. I can see why Cowboys fans dont want a WR but its very plausible.

Anyways, Will Campbell to the Bears...I don't know. You'd have to be really, really confident in his ability to play LT. Bears have Thuney at LG. Braxton Jones has a pass blocking PFF grade of 80.8 which is solid. I don't like the pick.

I'm guessing you like Mike Green. I could see him going 15. Just not sure about off the field stuff. Thats a good range for him.

Jihaad Campbell as a prospect...I dont get it. If he was rd1 why did Alabama have him playing out of position? He wasn't a good coverage/instinct LB. Maybe a good/great Edge but its all projection.

Simmons at 32 is interesting. He has top 10 pick upside. It would be weird if he got past the Texans (Texans not taking oline seems wild to me)

 

[Xeliou66]

FWIW, mock drafts are supposed to be mocked. I can see why Cowboys fans dont want a WR but its very plausible.

Anyways, Will Campbell to the Bears...I don't know. You'd have to be really, really confident in his ability to play LT. Bears have Thuney at LG. Braxton Jones has a pass blocking PFF grade of 80.8 which is solid. I don't like the pick.

I'm guessing you like Mike Green. I could see him going 15. Just not sure about off the field stuff. Thats a good range for him.

Jihaad Campbell as a prospect...I dont get it. If he was rd1 why did Alabama have him playing out of position? He wasn't a good coverage/instinct LB. Maybe a good/great Edge but its all projection.

Simmons at 32 is interesting. He has top 10 pick upside. It would be weird if he got past the Texans (Texans not taking oline seems wild to me)

Interesting stuff. Yeah I would be good with a Mike Green pick, but really any of the Edge guys other than Shemar Stewart (who barely produced in college and shouldn’t be a round 1 pick) would be cool with me as a Falcons fan - if Jalon Walker happened to be available I would happily take him as he’s a versatile defender and was a standout in college, I’m fine with Mykel Williams, James Pearce etc as well at Edge, or the Falcons could go interior D-Line as there are a few of those guys that are first round caliber this year, or possibly even secondary which we could use a boost at as well. I would be good with the Falcons taking most of the people I’ve seen them projected to take.
I almost had Simmons going to the Texans, but I’m honestly not sure whether the Texans will go O-Line or receiver to start off, they need help at both. If I do another mock soon I’ll probably have the Texans go O-Line.
I’m really just speculating and tossing out possibilities I think could happen, I’m far from certain about any of it, only thing I’m pretty sure of is Cam Ward to the Titans at 1 and I think Jeanty doesn’t get past the Raiders at 6. But who the hell knows at this point?
Thanks for your feedback.

 

[dtgold88]

Interesting stuff. Yeah I would be good with a Mike Green pick, but really any of the Edge guys other than Shemar Stewart (who barely produced in college and shouldn’t be a round 1 pick) would be cool with me as a Falcons fan - if Jalon Walker happened to be available I would happily take him as he’s a versatile defender and was a standout in college, I’m fine with Mykel Williams, James Pearce etc as well at Edge, or the Falcons could go interior D-Line as there are a few of those guys that are first round caliber this year, or possibly even secondary which we could use a boost at as well. I would be good with the Falcons taking most of the people I’ve seen them projected to take.
I almost had Simmons going to the Texans, but I’m honestly not sure whether the Texans will go O-Line or receiver to start off, they need help at both. If I do another mock soon I’ll probably have the Texans go O-Line.
I’m really just speculating and tossing out possibilities I think could happen, I’m far from certain about any of it, only thing I’m pretty sure of is Cam Ward to the Titans at 1 and I think Jeanty doesn’t get past the Raiders at 6. But who the hell knows at this point?
Thanks for your feedback.

I thought it was good stuff....I don't even try as don't pretend to have a clue about most of these guys. In general, I usually just prefer my team take someone I've heard of who produced for a top team and/or in a top conference.

as to our top pick? I don't hate our FO like so many fans so very least I'll give benefit of the doubt unless becomes clear they missed.

 

[Clayton]

Interesting stuff. Yeah I would be good with a Mike Green pick, but really any of the Edge guys other than Shemar Stewart (who barely produced in college and shouldn’t be a round 1 pick) would be cool with me as a Falcons fan - if Jalon Walker happened to be available I would happily take him as he’s a versatile defender and was a standout in college, I’m fine with Mykel Williams, James Pearce etc as well at Edge, or the Falcons could go interior D-Line as there are a few of those guys that are first round caliber this year, or possibly even secondary which we could use a boost at as well. I would be good with the Falcons taking most of the people I’ve seen them projected to take.
I almost had Simmons going to the Texans, but I’m honestly not sure whether the Texans will go O-Line or receiver to start off, they need help at both. If I do another mock soon I’ll probably have the Texans go O-Line.
I’m really just speculating and tossing out possibilities I think could happen, I’m far from certain about any of it, only thing I’m pretty sure of is Cam Ward to the Titans at 1 and I think Jeanty doesn’t get past the Raiders at 6. But who the hell knows at this point?
Thanks for your feedback.

I will say that I do think Will Campbell should be a top 15 pick. I'm just not sure the Bears are the team.

 

[Clayton]

Mike Tice thoughts on OL:
Top tackle talent tier: Conerly Jr, Membou, Banks, Simmons
Maybe tackle: Campbell

Conerly Jr as the top OL
Don Jackson 'can't miss' G
Zabel 'LG or eventual C'
MBow 'best motor'
Booker Team specific
Ersey 'looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane'
Savaiinaea 'tested well. didn't play like it'

 

[Schmoopy1000]

Alright all you college player gurus!
I got a question for you.
Screw edge rushing LBs.
I want to know who you guys think is or could be the #1 all pro candidate MLB/ILB in this draft?
Who is that top guy in this draft?

 

[PDay8810]

Alright all you college player gurus!
I got a question for you.
Screw edge rushing LBs.
I want to know who you guys think is or could be the #1 all pro candidate MLB/ILB in this draft?
Who is that top guy in this draft?

so...three down guy.
hard to know, heart is hard to predict.

Bama's Campbell has the tools, tba

 

[Clayton]

I think Campbell is probably a pass rusher. Great frame and tackler. Bet on the athlete. That's there.

Schwesenger is boom/bust. I think he is converted from special teams and only has a year of lb experience but he was maybe the best in the country.

High end LBs seem like the hardest to project imo. Lots of teams proven wrong over the years

 

[Ragnarok]

Alright all you college player gurus!
I got a question for you.
Screw edge rushing LBs.
I want to know who you guys think is or could be the #1 all pro candidate MLB/ILB in this draft?
Who is that top guy in this draft?

Jihaad Campbell is the no doubt for me answer to that.

 

[Southieinnc]

Meet Desmond Watson — the 464-pound lineman who could become heaviest player in NFL draft history

The NFL could reach new numbers this year, but not exactly in a way one would initially think.

nypost.com

Wasn't he running track in college?

 

[Southieinnc]

Mike Tice thoughts on OL:
Top tackle talent tier: Conerly Jr, Membou, Banks, Simmons
Maybe tackle: Campbell

Conerly Jr as the top OL
Don Jackson 'can't miss' G
Zabel 'LG or eventual C'
MBow 'best motor'
Booker Team specific
Ersey 'looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane'
Savaiinaea 'tested well. didn't play like it'

My opinion is that Josh Simmons is the only true LT in the top 10 O-linemen.

 

[Clayton]

I think this is every LB (non pass rusher) drafted rd1 in the past decade:

Shaq Thompson
Stephone Anthony
Darron Lee
Haason Reddick
Jarrad Davis
Reuben Foster
Roquan Smith
Tremaine Edmunds
Leighton Vander Esch
Rashaan Evans
Devin White
Devin Bush
Isaiah Simmons
Kenneth Murray
Jordan Brooks
Patrick Queen
Zaven Collins
Jamin Davis
Quay Walker
Devin Lloyd
Jack Campbell

Reddik and Zaven Collins moved to pass rusher. Shaq Thompson and Jack Campbell solid and Roquan Smith great. Lots of teams setting their pick on fire.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

I dont care what round.
I just would like (as long as we are wishing) for the top MLB in the draft. if that is in the 2nd round or whatever even better.
I am just curious of the names of the top MLB prospects are.

 

[shopson67]

So, apparently the combine arm length measurements were incorrect lol. Suddenly Will Campbell is no longer such an outlier.

Milroe's hand size somehow grew a 1/2 inch at his pro day too. Tough to know what to believe anymore, so weird. Physical measurements should be the easiest part of the evaluation.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

So, apparently the combine arm length measurements were incorrect lol. Suddenly Will Campbell is no longer such an outlier.

Milroe's hand size somehow grew a 1/2 inch at his pro day too. Tough to know what to believe anymore, so weird. Physical measurements should be the easiest part of the evaluation.

It's also intriguing to see how many players are faster at their pro Days. Agree the measurements should be pretty easy to get right. If it's that much of a concern, teams can do their own measurements on the 30 player invite. Now I understand why coaches sit in the stands with their own stopwatch. Lol

 

[shopson67]

It's also intriguing to see how many players are faster at their pro Days. Agree the measurements should be pretty easy to get right. If it's that much of a concern, teams can do their own measurements on the 30 player invite. Now I understand why coaches sit in the stands with their own stopwatch. Lol

I think the combine is the best measure for the 40 times, as you at least have a common timer for everyone tested. Even if not perfect, the comparisons between prospects should be accurate.

When you spread that out to pro days, you have different timers and conditions at each and they all have reason to lean towards exaggeration for their prospects.