2014 Combined Rookie Draft Board (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

I'll be working on context and commentary for a full article throughout the evening, but I wanted to get the board up as soon as it was completed for those with ongoing drafts. It's possible that I'll make a few minor tweaks as I write out my reasoning by position, but I don't expect anything significant.

The link to download a copy of the spreadsheet is below.

Full feature with commentary here

CBD 1.0.xlsx

 

[5-ish Finkle]

\mm/

You're the man.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Can you talk to me about why you rated Telvin Smith as you did? Mostly opportunity based?

Got to see him play a decent bit. Have to be honest....the size worries me.

 

[RaiderBones]

Thanks Jene. Great as always.

 

[JoeSteeler]

anyone been able to open on Ipad?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Full feature with commentary

 

[Jene Bramel]

Can you talk to me about why you rated Telvin Smith as you did? Mostly opportunity based?

Got to see him play a decent bit. Have to be honest....the size worries me.

Every other off the line of scrimmage linebacker with a fifth round grade or better vexes me. Telvin Smith was proud of himself for getting to 219 pounds in his post-draft interviews. It's a great situation for him in Jacksonville, but a frightening one.

Nearly all opportunity based. I'm also open to the argument that I've underrated Shazier. I think he's the most likely IDP to move up significantly by the end of the week.

 

[J Giles Band]

Full feature with commentary

Great work Jene!

Fwiw, the full feature player table looks a bit off... Would it be possible at some point to get the full feature with commentary in PDF format like you did last year?

Thanks!

 

[jonboltz]

As I wrote in the pre-draft series, I think we're getting closer and closer to changing the paradigm of the linebacker position in IDP leagues.

Just need leagues that are willing to tailor the scoring of linebackers to reflect the best players. I.e., If I am joining a new league, the first thing I do is to go back and view the 2012 linebacker final stats, and if Von Miller isn't at the top, I become very resistant to joining that league.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

As I wrote in the pre-draft series, I think we're getting closer and closer to changing the paradigm of the linebacker position in IDP leagues.

Just need leagues that are willing to tailor the scoring of linebackers to reflect the best players. I.e., If I am joining a new league, the first thing I do is to go back and view the 2012 linebacker final stats, and if Von Miller isn't at the top, I become very resistant to joining that league.

Yep yep.

 

[tfritz]

Yes, great work, just what I needed to finish my draft preparations, thanks for the job

 

[ummich10]

Can you talk to me about why you rated Telvin Smith as you did? Mostly opportunity based?

Got to see him play a decent bit. Have to be honest....the size worries me.

Every other off the line of scrimmage linebacker with a fifth round grade or better vexes me. Telvin Smith was proud of himself for getting to 219 pounds in his post-draft interviews. It's a great situation for him in Jacksonville, but a frightening one.

Nearly all opportunity based. I'm also open to the argument that I've underrated Shazier. I think he's the most likely IDP to move up significantly by the end of the week.

Jene,

What do you mean by Smith's situation as "frightening"?

Thanks, this thread is very timely for me, draft is going on right now.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Can you talk to me about why you rated Telvin Smith as you did? Mostly opportunity based?

Got to see him play a decent bit. Have to be honest....the size worries me.

Every other off the line of scrimmage linebacker with a fifth round grade or better vexes me. Telvin Smith was proud of himself for getting to 219 pounds in his post-draft interviews. It's a great situation for him in Jacksonville, but a frightening one.

Nearly all opportunity based. I'm also open to the argument that I've underrated Shazier. I think he's the most likely IDP to move up significantly by the end of the week.

I think you may be underrating Shazier....if we were talking about the Steelers defense from 6-8 years ago. Things in the NFL have changed though. They're basically running the Nickel as their base now. He'll certainly see the field in all subs, since he can cover, but I don't think we can just assume the had and Timmons are "Timmons/Farrior all over again" and figure on near elite production for both.

I wonder/worry that one of the two of them is going to be put into coverage extensively. If I had to guess, if it happens it'll probably be Shazier. Timmons can cover too, but he is a fantastic interior blitzer. Don't think they'd want to limit his opportunities to do that.

Guess we'll see. If the revamped DL can do a better job there than they have the last 2-3 years then maybe both Steeler ILBs can be viable again. All guess work at this point.

 

[bamnation]

Thanks Jene - our draft started y'day so this is perfect for me!

Looking fwd to the next podcast!

 

[Spin]

As I wrote in the pre-draft series, I think we're getting closer and closer to changing the paradigm of the linebacker position in IDP leagues.

Just need leagues that are willing to tailor the scoring of linebackers to reflect the best players. I.e., If I am joining a new league, the first thing I do is to go back and view the 2012 linebacker final stats, and if Von Miller isn't at the top, I become very resistant to joining that league.

Yep yep.

Offtopic, what scoring would that include? I just looked at my 2012 for the league, it went Daryl Washington - 170, Luke Kuechly - 162.90, von Miller 162.90

Back ontopic, the draft board looks great, as is extremely invaluable during my drafts. Usually the only tool I bring during the dynasty rookie draft.

Thanks Jene

 

[BroadwayG]

Indeed. This is 2nd to none.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Can you talk to me about why you rated Telvin Smith as you did? Mostly opportunity based?

Got to see him play a decent bit. Have to be honest....the size worries me.

Every other off the line of scrimmage linebacker with a fifth round grade or better vexes me. Telvin Smith was proud of himself for getting to 219 pounds in his post-draft interviews. It's a great situation for him in Jacksonville, but a frightening one.

Nearly all opportunity based. I'm also open to the argument that I've underrated Shazier. I think he's the most likely IDP to move up significantly by the end of the week.

Jene,

What do you mean by Smith's situation as "frightening"?

Thanks, this thread is very timely for me, draft is going on right now.

That wasn't very clear, sorry.

I'm mostly concerned with Smith's durability over 1000 snaps. He plays more physical than his size and may be quick enough to evade blocks, but 1000 snaps in the front seven at 220 pounds is a lot different than 230-235.

 

[Maynard046]

Thanks Jene, great work as usual. I've got the Bramel combined board, Bloom 100, and RSP pre draft (can't wait for the post draft); I'm ready for my rookie drafts starting this weekend...

 

[BigSteelThrill]

As I wrote in the pre-draft series, I think we're getting closer and closer to changing the paradigm of the linebacker position in IDP leagues.

Just need leagues that are willing to tailor the scoring of linebackers to reflect the best players. I.e., If I am joining a new league, the first thing I do is to go back and view the 2012 linebacker final stats, and if Von Miller isn't at the top, I become very resistant to joining that league.

Yep yep.

Offtopic, what scoring would that include? I just looked at my 2012 for the league, it went Daryl Washington - 170, Luke Kuechly - 162.90, von Miller 162.90

Back ontopic, the draft board looks great, as is extremely invaluable during my drafts. Usually the only tool I bring during the dynasty rookie draft.

Thanks Jene

Are they within a couple points of #1, if so I wont pick the nits. That's plenty good enough.

If they aren't even a consideration of the #1 LB pick the following year, its a poor design.

 

[BuckeyeChaos]

Great stuff Jene!

I see Andrew Jackson didn't make your list. Do you not his situation, talent or both?

thanks!

 

[5-ish Finkle]

Great stuff Jene!

I see Andrew Jackson didn't make your list. Do you not his situation, talent or both?

thanks!

Prolly has more to do with him being dead for, like, 170 years. (Ohhh!! RIMSHOT!!!)

 

[FUBAR]

Great stuff Jene!

I see Andrew Jackson didn't make your list. Do you not his situation, talent or both?

thanks!

Prolly has more to do with him being dead for, like, 170 years. (Ohhh!! RIMSHOT!!!)

I'm hearing good stuff about his younger brother Stonewall. Heck of a defender.

 

[Todd44]

Kind of interesting to see you rank Hyde a tier above all the rest of the RBs, but Sankey is consistently going ahead of him in mocks. Short term/long term obviously... I've got the No. 3 pick in a 12-team rookie draft with IDPs so it's a question I'm pondering. Hopefully I can trade down, to be honest.

 

[Bronx Bomber]

Kind of interesting to see you rank Hyde a tier above all the rest of the RBs, but Sankey is consistently going ahead of him in mocks. Short term/long term obviously... I've got the No. 3 pick in a 12-team rookie draft with IDPs so it's a question I'm pondering. Hopefully I can trade down, to be honest.

Cooks is the answer to your question. No need to ponder any longer

 

[Jene Bramel]

Great stuff Jene!

I see Andrew Jackson didn't make your list. Do you not his situation, talent or both?

thanks!

He's worth considering as a late round flyer / free agent, but I don't think he's cracking the lineup without a long term injury.

 

[blend]

Does Jimmie Ward's ranking change if he's a corner vs. a safety? I read that he's going to be a slot corner (he's classified as a corner on MFL). I'm unclear if he's doing that to help an eventual move to safety or if SF is converting him to a corner full time.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Does Jimmie Ward's ranking change if he's a corner vs. a safety? I read that he's going to be a slot corner (he's classified as a corner on MFL). I'm unclear if he's doing that to help an eventual move to safety or if SF is converting him to a corner full time.

There have been some solid slot corners over the years -- Richard Marshall, Chris Harris, etc. -- but he'll have to be elite on a per snap basis to be a CB2 or better. If he transitions to a Antrel Rolle, Ronde Barber, Tyrann Mathieu type role and still remains classified as a corner, he'll have a chance to be considered elite for sure.

 

[Borden]

Why do you have Dix so low?

The write basically just says, he was projected as the first safety off the board but wasn't. Just looking for a little more information.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Why do you have Dix so low?

The write basically just says, he was projected as the first safety off the board but wasn't. Just looking for a little more information.

I'm concerned they may use him as a deep safety rather than Burnett in subpackages. I think he'll have enough snaps as an interchangeable safety to have DB3+ value, but there may not be 60+ solo upside if he plays centerfield in the dime.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

Good stuff, Jene -- does Colt Lyerla officially ascend to the higher slot (or elsewhere?) now that he's signed with Green Bay?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Good stuff, Jene -- does Colt Lyerla officially ascend to the higher slot (or elsewhere?) now that he's signed with Green Bay?

Absolutely. If you believe he'll make the team, I'd be comfortable drafting even higher than that -- at the back end of that third round WR tier (Norwood-Huff) or slightly better.

 

[Borden]

I've read some good things and bad things about Ra'Shede Hageman. In Atlanta he should get some decent coaching from the vets but for dynasty purposes (next year and beyond) he seems like he some have a decent shot of getting a starting job. Do you think he has the upside to warrant a roster spot for a development year or do you think he he will have quiet enough year that I can pick him up for the waiver wire next year?

Also, what's your general take on him? *Open questions to everyone here not just Jene.

 

[Bojang0301]

I've read some good things and bad things about Ra'Shede Hageman. In Atlanta he should get some decent coaching from the vets but for dynasty purposes (next year and beyond) he seems like he some have a decent shot of getting a starting job. Do you think he has the upside to warrant a roster spot for a development year or do you think he he will have quiet enough year that I can pick him up for the waiver wire next year?

Also, what's your general take on him? *Open questions to everyone here not just Jene.

Probably going to be nose in their 3-4. Even if they go hybrid I would just avoid like the plague unless your league requires you to start a NT.

Apparently I was mistaken and going off draft day rhetoric. Rotoworld says they are playing him at LE. Still a 3-4 end which I tend to avoid but JJ Watt, Campbell, Jordan and Wilkerson have been pretty special playing there.

 

[BuckeyeChaos]

I've read some good things and bad things about Ra'Shede Hageman. In Atlanta he should get some decent coaching from the vets but for dynasty purposes (next year and beyond) he seems like he some have a decent shot of getting a starting job. Do you think he has the upside to warrant a roster spot for a development year or do you think he he will have quiet enough year that I can pick him up for the waiver wire next year?

Also, what's your general take on him? *Open questions to everyone here not just Jene.

Probably going to be nose in their 3-4. Even if they go hybrid I would just avoid like the plague unless your league requires you to start a NT.

Apparently I was mistaken and going off draft day rhetoric. Rotoworld says they are playing him at LE. Still a 3-4 end which I tend to avoid but JJ Watt, Campbell, Jordan and Wilkerson have been pretty special playing there.

No, he will play DE. He plays way to high to play NT. Totally not his game.

 

[Borden]

Thanks fellas.

Went and watched some breakdown of him. It's not very impressive, definitely not FF purposes. He looks like a 3-4 end for sure. Needs lots of work but SF could coach him up enough to get him into a strong rotation but I don't think he's worth the roster spot this year.

 

[SelenaCat]

Jene,

How would you adjust your QB tiers for a 2QB or QB+Superflex league in comparison to the other positions? I know the top 3 QB's should go in the top half of the first round, but where would you put your second and third tiers? Top of the second and maybe third/fourth rounds?

 

[The Man With No Name]

Rotoworld) Jaguars signed fifth-round OLB Telvin Smith to a four-year contract. Analysis: We might look back at Smith as one of the

bigger value picks in the 2014 draft. He has good length at 6-foot-2 7/8 to contribute immediately in nickel packages as a cover linebacker and pass rusher. With only Geno Hayes ahead of Smith on the depth chart on the weak side, he could become a three-down linebacker sooner rather than later. Smith "stood out" at rookie camp

 

[TheMathNinja]

When is 2.0 coming, Jene?

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

I can't speak for the good Doctor, but I have a 2.0 about 90 minutes after lunch every day...it's like clockwork and I know not to schedule any meetings during that time.

When is 2.0 coming, Jene?

 

[womb]

June update would be much appreciated.

 

[bigreese82]

on the site under "THE LATEST" its saying it was updated on the 5th but its not showing up

 

[SelenaCat]

June update would be much appreciated.

Though I'd skip a June update if it meant extra updates in August.

 

[Wrecking Crew]

on the site under "THE LATEST" its saying it was updated on the 5th but its not showing up

I too am looking forward to 2.0 and how the early ADP might tweak it a bit

 

[SelenaCat]

As an aside, is there any chance you could also include your QB draft slots for 2QB or Superflex leagues? It's not too hard to extrapolate, but I'd certainly be interested in where you'd rank those talents considering the increased value of the position in those leagues.

 

[Pura Vida]

As I wrote in the pre-draft series, I think we're getting closer and closer to changing the paradigm of the linebacker position in IDP leagues.

Just need leagues that are willing to tailor the scoring of linebackers to reflect the best players. I.e., If I am joining a new league, the first thing I do is to go back and view the 2012 linebacker final stats, and if Von Miller isn't at the top, I become very resistant to joining that league.

Yep yep.

Offtopic, what scoring would that include? I just looked at my 2012 for the league, it went Daryl Washington - 170, Luke Kuechly - 162.90, von Miller 162.90

Back ontopic, the draft board looks great, as is extremely invaluable during my drafts. Usually the only tool I bring during the dynasty rookie draft.

Thanks Jene

In our league, Von Miller was the 7th best non qb player in 2012. Here is a link http://football4.myfantasyleague.com/2012/options?L=35462&O=08 I love our scoring as defenders are just as important as offensive players.

 

[thaniz]

2.0 please.

 

[misfit74]

How can LB Telvin Smith's (lofty) ranking be justified given former SEA WLB's haven't historically produced well? I get the opportunity part in that starting WLBs typically have good IDP value, but in a Seahawks-based defense, such as what Gus Bradley runs in Jacksonville, can't we point to guys like KJ Wright (and others) for evidence that WLBs don't score particularly well compared with WLBs playing within other teams' schemes?

 

[Wrecking Crew]

I see 2.0 was released on the 26th - is the downloadable spreadsheet available for it?

 

[Jene Bramel]

I see 2.0 was released on the 26th - is the downloadable spreadsheet available for it?

Ah, forgot to post that I'd updated this. I'll get to that soon.

This update was done within our content system. I didn't generate a new spreadsheet. Sorry.