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Build a FRANCHISE draft year 2 (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter AwesomeAuger
- Start date
Upshaw has a been a huge disappointment so far for where he was drafted...Ravens took him hoping he would develop some ability to pressure QB but he hasn't at all.. He does do well against the run and plays the edge well
mlbnfl
Footballguy
Yeah I see Ansah's weight certainly isn't ideal. I read some blurb from one person, before Ansah was even drafted, that he could play 3-4 DE and ran with it. Probably needed to do more research on that. Is there never a way it would ever work as constructed (assuming I get a typical 34 DE for the other end)? Also could you explain what Von Millers role is because honestly I am unaware. I just feel it might be tough to switch to 4-3 and pickup two more LBs but it sounds like I could make the switch with Aldon perhaps staying at LB in some fashion? Thanks for any advice.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
QB - B. Foles is a good quarterback but I definitely would not consider him a top tier quarterback yet. I know it could be debated that Foles should be an A, but I personally don't grade him that highly... yet.
RB - A-. Lynch is a back who can give your offense 300 punishing carries per year. It seems like he's been around forever but somehow he'll be only 28 at the start of the season.
WR - B-/C+. Brown I have a grade of B+. He's a WR1 but not a top-end WR1. Maclin is a B player when healthy but he is coming off an ACL and I suspect he won't truly be back to 100% until the 2015 season. Regardless, this is a solid core.
TE - B- with A potential. Eifert's lack of use last season is the main reason for the B-. He definitely has the potential and pedigree to have a higher grade but I don't like giving high grades to players with limited resumes.
OL - B. Smith is a solid A player and has the potential to be an A+. Dotson is a solid B+ player. I love your bookend tackles but your interior may be weak.
DL - B+. You have 3 really good run stuffers.
Edge - C+. Morgan gets a B+ grade. Jones gets a D+ grade.
LB - B. Mayo is a very good, 3 down linebacker (B+)
CB - B. Brown was a target of mine and he's a above average starter. Rhodes I really don't know much about and the Vikings aren't really a team that I follow. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now.
S - ?
Overall I'd give your offense a B+. Your defense gets a B-. I think your defense may struggle against pass heavy teams as Morgan is your only real threat as a pass rusher and your defensive lineman aren't great at generating pressure. On the other hand, trying to run the ball against this defense would be a nightmare..
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Von Miller plays SLB in their base 4-3 and I believe Smith could probably fulfill that role. The Broncos have a lighter defensive end and a power end. The lighter defensive end the past year was Shaun Phillips and I'd envision Suggs playing this role. The power end as its name suggests is a bigger, stouter player. The Broncos used Derek Wolfe there before his injury. Wolfe played at 280-285ish so Ansah would still have to gain some weight. However, a 3-4 end usually weighs around 300 pounds. Ansah's frame could probably allow him to get up to 280-285 pounds (he's 270 now)... but 300? Definitely not.
That's just my take on the situation.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Nucker is on deck and it's currently Instinctive's pick. Nate is there a way to stop the clock once it becomes Nucker's turn? I really don't want any team to have more than one outstanding pick at a time.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Also the Saints are absolutely thrilled to be getting Briggs this late. Yes, he's old but I believe he can play at a high level. He obviously won't be in the league for much longer but for this upcoming season, I'd still say he's a B level player.
mlbnfl
Footballguy
So sounds like no matter how its sliced pretty much Suggs and Ansah don't fit together in any scheme, especially considering I have Aldon...oops. Not sure which way to go here. Gotta think about it.
deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
Is the timer not on today?
mlbnfl
Footballguy
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Yeah, sorry about that guys. I feel like if we have a team with more than one outstanding pick, then it starts to become a pretty significant disadvantage. We've been drafting at a good pace so I'm not worried about not being able to finish the draft.
Nucker101
Footballguy
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Meecrob
Footballguy
Adding in my own ratings now that I have some time to do it:
QB: A- RG3 is one of the best young QB's in the league, definitely a guy you build a franchise around for a decade.
RB: A+ Ill take Jamaal Charles over any RB in the league right now. Both as a runner and as a weapon out of the backfield.
WR: B Decker is an A but not quite in the "elite" category, Williams had a great rookie year especially towards the latter half ill give him a B, Sanders is a solid player as well hes more of a C+/B-, overall so far id give this group a B.
TE: A+ Cameron is in the Elite class, The only TE I would take over him today is Graham.
OL: B- Mack is an A+ Center, Kalil a B LT, Sherrod is a C level player, I can use him at guard or RT and will see how my guards go in order to determine where to play him later.
Offense overall I see as an A-, pairing an elite RB with a strong passing game and a decent o-line should be hard for even the best D's to stop, bad D's should get dominated.
Defense:
DL: C Right now only have Antonio Smith who is a B level player, assume I will fill the other spots with C/D type players then this group will be a C
LB's: B+ On the outside Mathis and Mercilus should provide an elite pass rush, so for the OLB's in this 3-4 ill go with an A grade. Inside Dansby is a great player, B+ for him and assume ill find a C guy to pair with him.
S: B- Cyprein had a solid rookie season, I like his potential long term, will need to find another guy here
CB: B Carr and Hall are not top tier guys but are both very solid, Carr has showed some flashes in certain games of being a top tier guy, but has also been inconsistent. Hall is still playing at a high level, but getting older.
Overall Defense B-: Very strong pass rush and a solid but unspectacular secondary, will need to fill in with some run stoppers at DT and DE.
FUBAR
Footballguy
Decker isn't an A. He's good / B, but not a #1 IMO. You have five good receivers though, so it balances out.
Don't see how Cameron can be an A+. A, sure. Only Graham and a healthy Gronk would merit A+ consideration.
If your OL was better, I'd give your offense an A. As is, it's a B+ unless Griffin bounces back to his potential.
Don't see how Cameron can be an A+. A, sure. Only Graham and a healthy Gronk would merit A+ consideration.
If your OL was better, I'd give your offense an A. As is, it's a B+ unless Griffin bounces back to his potential.
Meecrob
Footballguy
Offense:
QB: A+ There is no QB I would rather start a franchise around, hence the #1 pick
RB: A Forte is great as a runner and receiver
WR: A Marshall is an elite player, Hilton is a A- or B+ at worst.
TE: ?
OL: B- Dunlap and Fluker are solid but not amazing tackles Fluker as a RT is a beast, Dunlap played extremely well last year covering Rivers blind side, Wood is a B level Center, will need to find some guards.
Overall Offense: A- Take Luck and give him weapons like Marshall, Hilton, Forte so far the o-line is better than anything he has had in Indy, I expect great things from this offense, still need to find a TE.
Defense:
DL: A- Kyle Williams is an Elite DT, Peppers is not what he once was but still a B+ player. I love Hunts potential as a "JJ Watt light".
LB: A- Lavonte David is Elite, Brown and Ellerbe are both solid. Overall a very talented and young group.
S: A- Whitner had one of the beast years of any safety last year, vastly improved his coverage ability and is a hammer in the run game. Polamalu, like Peppers, is not what he once was, but still playing at a high level.
CB- B- Williams is a solid B or B+, need to find another corner.
Defense overall: A- This D should be able to generate pressure from the D-line with Peppers/Williams/Hunt. Lavonte David is an impact player in both coverage and stopping the run. The secondary is older but Williams, Polamalu, Whitner are all great all around players. With Kyle Williams, Peppers, Polamalu, and David this D should have a very high "Football IQ" factor as well.
Meecrob
Footballguy
Fair enough; again just my own opinions. I see Cameron, Graham, Gronk, Davis, as the top 4 overall TE's.
For Decker, hes averaging about 85/1100/12 over the last 2 years. To me that's good enough to get an A.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Obviously, you like your players. That's why you drafted them. I do personally think you are overrating your players. Decker and Cameron I have at B level players. Cameron is a good receiving threat but he's not a good enough blocker to be an A. Decker is a very good WR2 but I don't view him as a WR1. Williams is a C+ on my board. Mack is an A but not an A+. Mercilus has upside but I don't see how you can give him more than a C right now.
Overall, I still like your offense and would give it a B+ assuming you can shore up your interior line adequately.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
I give your offense an A- and your defense a B/B+ which isn't far off from your grades. Very nice team.Meecrob said:
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deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
I agree a little more with this take. I had Mercilus as a C- on my board. Decker, I had as a B/B+, definitely not an A.AwesomeAuger said:
Cameron was an interesting case as he obviously is not yet a complete TE, but has excellent receiving ability. I had him at a B+. Could see this grade rise over the next year or two if he continues to develop.
TWill was a C+ on my board as well.
Outside of those players, I generally agree with the rest of Meecrob's ratings for his team.
Meecrob
Footballguy
Just referring to his size and athletic ability with that reference, they are similar in that regard, not production wise obviously.
deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
Still some decent talent out there. Could start to see some separation between teams moving forward.
FUBAR
Footballguy
Won't grade my own work, but I like the Lions so far:
brown - sitton - ramirez, - warmack - bushrod You won't find many better O Lines.
Flacco Solid, overpaid but we don't care about salary
Crabtree, Wheaton Deep threat and one of the best young WRs in the game IMO.
Reed Big fan. Concussion questions, but if healthy he's the #5 TE in the league and young
XXX ???
XXX - Atkins - Marks - M Johnson Having the 1.01 helps, but I like this line a lot.
Ayers - XXX - XXX ??? ???
Munnerlyn - Ryan Two solid cover guys
Church - Rolle Two solid veterans, Rolle provides veteran leadership
Big fan of the Lines on this team. I could run behind these guys, though I hope to get a better RB than me.
As much as Auger seems happy to have gotten Briggs, I'll take and be very happy with Rolle. Pro bowl player with a few years left. Safeties can play for a while.
brown - sitton - ramirez, - warmack - bushrod You won't find many better O Lines.
Flacco Solid, overpaid but we don't care about salary
Crabtree, Wheaton Deep threat and one of the best young WRs in the game IMO.
Reed Big fan. Concussion questions, but if healthy he's the #5 TE in the league and young
XXX ???
XXX - Atkins - Marks - M Johnson Having the 1.01 helps, but I like this line a lot.
Ayers - XXX - XXX ??? ???
Munnerlyn - Ryan Two solid cover guys
Church - Rolle Two solid veterans, Rolle provides veteran leadership
Big fan of the Lines on this team. I could run behind these guys, though I hope to get a better RB than me.
As much as Auger seems happy to have gotten Briggs, I'll take and be very happy with Rolle. Pro bowl player with a few years left. Safeties can play for a while.
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FUBAR
Footballguy
Thanks. I've been reluctant, though the last Titans pick was between him, Lofton and Silo.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
This is where the older vets start to become values. Briggs and Rolle are both good values at this point I believe.Won't grade my own work, but I like the Lions so far:
brown - sitton - ramirez, - warmack - bushrod You won't find many better O Lines.
Flacco Solid, overpaid but we don't care about salary
Crabtree, Wheaton Deep threat and one of the best young WRs in the game IMO.
Reed Big fan. Concussion questions, but if healthy he's the #5 TE in the league and young
XXX ???
XXX - Atkins - Marks - M Johnson Having the 1.01 helps, but I like this line a lot.
Ayers - XXX - XXX ??? ???
Munnerlyn - Ryan Two solid cover guys
Church - Rolle Two solid veterans, Rolle provides veteran leadership
Big fan of the Lines on this team. I could run behind these guys, though I hope to get a better RB than me.
As much as Auger seems happy to have gotten Briggs, I'll take and be very happy with Rolle. Pro bowl player with a few years left. Safeties can play for a while.
Regarding your team I'd give them these grades:
QB - B
RB - ?
WR - C. Crabtree is a B/B+. Wheaton is an unknown but for now I would give a D.
TE - A if healthy.
OL - Brown is an A. Sitton is an A+.Bushrod is a B-. Warmack has upside but for now I'd give an average grade of a C. He has A upside if he puts things together though. Ramirez... I think benefits from Manning. I'd give him a C though.
DL - B+. Atkins is an A. Marks is a solid player.
Edge - B+/A-. Johnson is a good player... This grade kind of assumes you're telling the truth and taking Clowney.
LB - C Ayers is a solid B player... we'll see who else you get but I don't see much talent left at LB.
CB - B-. Both were solid last year and while I wouldn't consider either of them a liability, I wouldn't consider either a strength.
S - B-. Like your corners, both aren't liabilities but I wouldn't consider a particular strength.
Overall, on offense I'd give you a B. Defensively, I'd also give you a B. Overall, this is a balanced team with both your OL and DL being your biggest strengths.
FUBAR
Footballguy
Auger - thinking you're grading on the past more than building a team going forward. Understand the reluctance to give a prospect who didn't do much last year a high mark, but giving a player a D is akin to saying you're predicting a bust. Even with the comments, that grade is way too low. It's not just my grades, you've put Brady over Wilson. You also put Bennett over Eifert and Cameron. 
Of course, you can counter that people overrate youth, and there's some truth to that.
Though I'm at a complete loss as to how you can grade Chiefs higher than the Lions on both offense and defense.
Of course, you can counter that people overrate youth, and there's some truth to that.
Though I'm at a complete loss as to how you can grade Chiefs higher than the Lions on both offense and defense.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
My system isn't perfect and like I said in my original grading post, I'm not an expert and my word is not law. What you are reading is juts an amateur's opinion. Also part of my grading involves projecting how the rest of the draft unfolds which is highly variable.Auger - thinking you're grading on the past more than building a team going forward. Understand the reluctance to give a prospect who didn't do much last year a high mark, but giving a player a D is akin to saying you're predicting a bust. Even with the comments, that grade is way too low. It's not just my grades, you've put Brady over Wilson. You also put Bennett over Eifert and Cameron.
Of course, you can counter that people overrate youth, and there's some truth to that.
Though I'm at a complete loss as to how you can grade Chiefs higher than the Lions on both offense and defense.
Having said that, I think giving Wheaton a grade of a D is fair. C is an adequate starter and D is a below average starter/useful role player. What about Wheaton makes you think he is currently an adequate starter?
As for Brady over Wilson, I already explained my reasoning behind that. Brady has been so consistently good whereas Wilson has a limited resume and has benefited from having an elite defense and ground game to support him. Can Wilson carry an offense on his own? I think so but I'm not entirely sure. I am sure with Brady though. Even though I give Brady the higher grade right now, like I said before, I would absolutely trade Brady for Wilson. Wilson has enormous potential but these grades are more geared towards how good players are now and how good they will be for a 2-4 year window. The further in the future, the more variables that are introduced into the situation and the harder it is to project.
Maybe most people disagree with Bennett over Eifert and Cameron. It's hard to grade players completely out of context of scheme. Bennett is one of the rare tight ends who is both a punishing blocker and a good receiver who has the speed to attack the seam. Eifert and Cameron are better receiving threats but both are significantly inferior in my mind with respect to blocking. Maybe in their roles on their offenses, they'll essentially be playing a large slot receiver. If that's the case, then maybe they are better than Bennett in that type of role. However, when I think of a tight end's responsibilities, blocking is a large part of that and Bennett is one of the best at it.
I will admit in general I tend to be really harsh towards players with very limited resumes. The reason behind that is I'm not a hardcore talent evaluator and I don't spend hours and hours watching tape. Even if I've seen a game or two of a relatively unproven player, can I really be confident in my evaluations to take a firm stand for him based on what my amateur eyes saw in a very limited sample size?
FUBAR
Footballguy
That's fair. We're just taking different perspectives. I'd probably also grade just a little differently. I guess I assumed we graded the same, which is a bad assumption. IMO:My system isn't perfect and like I said in my original grading post, I'm not an expert and my word is not law. What you are reading is juts an amateur's opinion. Also part of my grading involves projecting how the rest of the draft unfolds which is highly variable.Auger - thinking you're grading on the past more than building a team going forward. Understand the reluctance to give a prospect who didn't do much last year a high mark, but giving a player a D is akin to saying you're predicting a bust. Even with the comments, that grade is way too low. It's not just my grades, you've put Brady over Wilson. You also put Bennett over Eifert and Cameron.
Of course, you can counter that people overrate youth, and there's some truth to that.
Though I'm at a complete loss as to how you can grade Chiefs higher than the Lions on both offense and defense.
Having said that, I think giving Wheaton a grade of a D is fair. C is an adequate starter and D is a below average starter/useful role player. What about Wheaton makes you think he is currently an adequate starter?
As for Brady over Wilson, I already explained my reasoning behind that. Brady has been so consistently good whereas Wilson has a limited resume and has benefited from having an elite defense and ground game to support him. Can Wilson carry an offense on his own? I think so but I'm not entirely sure. I am sure with Brady though. Even though I give Brady the higher grade right now, like I said before, I would absolutely trade Brady for Wilson. Wilson has enormous potential but these grades are more geared towards how good players are now and how good they will be for a 2-4 year window. The further in the future, the more variables that are introduced into the situation and the harder it is to project.
Maybe most people disagree with Bennett over Eifert and Cameron. It's hard to grade players completely out of context of scheme. Bennett is one of the rare tight ends who is both a punishing blocker and a good receiver who has the speed to attack the seam. Eifert and Cameron are better receiving threats but both are significantly inferior in my mind with respect to blocking. Maybe in their roles on their offenses, they'll essentially be playing a large slot receiver. If that's the case, then maybe they are better than Bennett in that type of role. However, when I think of a tight end's responsibilities, blocking is a large part of that and Bennett is one of the best at it.
I will admit in general I tend to be really harsh towards players with very limited resumes. The reason behind that is I'm not a hardcore talent evaluator and I don't spend hours and hours watching tape. Even if I've seen a game or two of a relatively unproven player, can I really be confident in my evaluations to take a firm stand for him based on what my amateur eyes saw in a very limited sample size?
A - STUD
B - 2nd tier player, very good, no need to replace but isn't a true stud.
C - You'll get by with him, but upgrade when you can.
D - Shouldn't start. Might fill a bit role, but barely. You'll want to replace soon.
E - Look to replace ASAP.
If I'm evaluating guys who haven't done it on the field yet, I'm going to judge how I think they'll do, most likely scenario. For example, I'd give Hunt a B- right now because I think he'll likely be a decent pass rusher but I have questions. It seems you'd give him a D.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
I would absolutely give Margus Hunt a D right now.That's fair. We're just taking different perspectives. I'd probably also grade just a little differently. I guess I assumed we graded the same, which is a bad assumption. IMO:My system isn't perfect and like I said in my original grading post, I'm not an expert and my word is not law. What you are reading is juts an amateur's opinion. Also part of my grading involves projecting how the rest of the draft unfolds which is highly variable.Auger - thinking you're grading on the past more than building a team going forward. Understand the reluctance to give a prospect who didn't do much last year a high mark, but giving a player a D is akin to saying you're predicting a bust. Even with the comments, that grade is way too low. It's not just my grades, you've put Brady over Wilson. You also put Bennett over Eifert and Cameron.
Of course, you can counter that people overrate youth, and there's some truth to that.
Though I'm at a complete loss as to how you can grade Chiefs higher than the Lions on both offense and defense.
Having said that, I think giving Wheaton a grade of a D is fair. C is an adequate starter and D is a below average starter/useful role player. What about Wheaton makes you think he is currently an adequate starter?
As for Brady over Wilson, I already explained my reasoning behind that. Brady has been so consistently good whereas Wilson has a limited resume and has benefited from having an elite defense and ground game to support him. Can Wilson carry an offense on his own? I think so but I'm not entirely sure. I am sure with Brady though. Even though I give Brady the higher grade right now, like I said before, I would absolutely trade Brady for Wilson. Wilson has enormous potential but these grades are more geared towards how good players are now and how good they will be for a 2-4 year window. The further in the future, the more variables that are introduced into the situation and the harder it is to project.
Maybe most people disagree with Bennett over Eifert and Cameron. It's hard to grade players completely out of context of scheme. Bennett is one of the rare tight ends who is both a punishing blocker and a good receiver who has the speed to attack the seam. Eifert and Cameron are better receiving threats but both are significantly inferior in my mind with respect to blocking. Maybe in their roles on their offenses, they'll essentially be playing a large slot receiver. If that's the case, then maybe they are better than Bennett in that type of role. However, when I think of a tight end's responsibilities, blocking is a large part of that and Bennett is one of the best at it.
I will admit in general I tend to be really harsh towards players with very limited resumes. The reason behind that is I'm not a hardcore talent evaluator and I don't spend hours and hours watching tape. Even if I've seen a game or two of a relatively unproven player, can I really be confident in my evaluations to take a firm stand for him based on what my amateur eyes saw in a very limited sample size?
A - STUD
B - 2nd tier player, very good, no need to replace but isn't a true stud.
C - You'll get by with him, but upgrade when you can.
D - Shouldn't start. Might fill a bit role, but barely. You'll want to replace soon.
E - Look to replace ASAP.
If I'm evaluating guys who haven't done it on the field yet, I'm going to judge how I think they'll do, most likely scenario. For example, I'd give Hunt a B- right now because I think he'll likely be a decent pass rusher but I have questions. It seems you'd give him a D.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
You can't win games with upside. You win games based on ability.
FUBAR
Footballguy
EttorefromRome
Footballguy
The Jacksonville Jaguars would like to select Mackenzie Bernadeu, OG, at 17.02. Seattle is on the clock right now. Thank you
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
True but unrealized upside is more abundant than realized upside. I understand taking gambles but you have to balance downside also.
Yep.. This is where it should get fun
FUBAR
Footballguy
sure. The next 10 or so rounds will be an interesting mix of age, adequacy, and potential.
Instinctive
Footballguy
Carolina Panthers
OFFENSE
QB: Ryan Mallett
I see him as a future starter. Given how long I waited to take a QB, I can live with it. With the OL and the Defense, I'm looking at him like the Ravens with a rookie Flacco.
Skill Positions: Reggie Bush, Doug Baldwin, Dwayne Allen
Bush is an electric player, and with a decent usage pattern we saw what he could do last year. I love that he gives me a top level receiving option out of the backfield. This offense is going to be built on running, play action, and screens. Doug Baldwin and Dwayne Allen are two of the best blocking players at their positions, and Baldwin is a safe outlet from the slot. Allen is my #4 TE - Graham and Gronk top the list, and Davis is a more athletic and experienced version of Allen. He's the complete package, and I think he fell WAY too far. Very excited for his work in blocking, play action, and receiving.
Offensive Line (LT-LG-C-RG-RT): Eric Fisher, Evan Mathis, John Sullivan, Mike Iupati, Tyler Polumbus
The interior of this line is, IMO, far and away the best run-blocking group in our entire draft so far. Not a question in my mind. The tackles, however, lack in that department. Taking a slight chance on former #1 overall pick Fisher, who started to get the hang of RT last year and is quite athletic. With the pass blocking skills of Polumbus, I think this is a top 10 overall line, maybe better, in our league. EVen if Fisher is never a road grader, it is my belief that he will be an asset in the screen and play action game (and the PA and screens will help him grow as a tackle by taking some air out of the pass rush).
DEFENSE
Line: Malik Jackson, Jared Odrick, Sheldon Richardson
Solid line, and one that I am happy with. It's not the best, but Richardson is a beast, and both Odrick and Jackson are above average at what I need them to do.
Linebackers: LaMarr Woodley, Brandon Graham
Both are OLB rushers. Not much else to say, nothing special.
Secondary: Darelle Revis, Chris Harris
Both top 10 corners in the league today. Quite happy to have them. I think Revis is the best.
Generally speaking, this team will be getting some heat on the passer, will be defending well on the outside, and will run the ball down your throat. Very ball-control style offense, and we will be taking some deep shots (deep threat to be named later haha). Play action and screens will be the bread and butter here.
I don't like the defense as much as I wish I did, or as I thought I would when I started with Richardson and Revis. Missed out on a couple guys here or there that I really think would have made this D dominant, but as is it ought to be above average.
As far as things go, I think this is one of the better teams, above average on both sides of the ball. My biased opinion (I picked my players, duh) is that this is the best OLine. Definitely the best run blocking one.
ETA: Chargers write up later
OFFENSE
QB: Ryan Mallett
I see him as a future starter. Given how long I waited to take a QB, I can live with it. With the OL and the Defense, I'm looking at him like the Ravens with a rookie Flacco.
Skill Positions: Reggie Bush, Doug Baldwin, Dwayne Allen
Bush is an electric player, and with a decent usage pattern we saw what he could do last year. I love that he gives me a top level receiving option out of the backfield. This offense is going to be built on running, play action, and screens. Doug Baldwin and Dwayne Allen are two of the best blocking players at their positions, and Baldwin is a safe outlet from the slot. Allen is my #4 TE - Graham and Gronk top the list, and Davis is a more athletic and experienced version of Allen. He's the complete package, and I think he fell WAY too far. Very excited for his work in blocking, play action, and receiving.
Offensive Line (LT-LG-C-RG-RT): Eric Fisher, Evan Mathis, John Sullivan, Mike Iupati, Tyler Polumbus
The interior of this line is, IMO, far and away the best run-blocking group in our entire draft so far. Not a question in my mind. The tackles, however, lack in that department. Taking a slight chance on former #1 overall pick Fisher, who started to get the hang of RT last year and is quite athletic. With the pass blocking skills of Polumbus, I think this is a top 10 overall line, maybe better, in our league. EVen if Fisher is never a road grader, it is my belief that he will be an asset in the screen and play action game (and the PA and screens will help him grow as a tackle by taking some air out of the pass rush).
DEFENSE
Line: Malik Jackson, Jared Odrick, Sheldon Richardson
Solid line, and one that I am happy with. It's not the best, but Richardson is a beast, and both Odrick and Jackson are above average at what I need them to do.
Linebackers: LaMarr Woodley, Brandon Graham
Both are OLB rushers. Not much else to say, nothing special.
Secondary: Darelle Revis, Chris Harris
Both top 10 corners in the league today. Quite happy to have them. I think Revis is the best.
Generally speaking, this team will be getting some heat on the passer, will be defending well on the outside, and will run the ball down your throat. Very ball-control style offense, and we will be taking some deep shots (deep threat to be named later haha). Play action and screens will be the bread and butter here.
I don't like the defense as much as I wish I did, or as I thought I would when I started with Richardson and Revis. Missed out on a couple guys here or there that I really think would have made this D dominant, but as is it ought to be above average.
As far as things go, I think this is one of the better teams, above average on both sides of the ball. My biased opinion (I picked my players, duh) is that this is the best OLine. Definitely the best run blocking one.
ETA: Chargers write up later
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Instinctive
Footballguy
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
This is completely not objective, but I think the Skins have a superior offensive line.
Here's my projected grade for your team:
QB - D. Mallett is being groomed behind Brady by the best coach in the league. Having said that, until he proves he deserves to play and start in this league, I can't give a backup quarterback above a D.
RB - B+. Bush has really matured as a runner and is a dual threat. Health is my main concern with him.
WR - D. Baldwin is a C but the remaining receivers in the draft all have their flaws.
TE - A. You're right, Allen is the complete package.
OL - A+. Your interior line is incredible. Fisher was taken first overall for a reason and has the tools to succeed. He's currently a C with A potential. Polumbus is a C. Even though your tackles get a grade of C, your interior line is so good, I'm giving your overall OL grade an A+.
DL - B+. Richardson is the star of the DL (A). I agree Odrick (B+) and Jackson (C+) are solid players who should serve you well.
Edge - B-. Woodley is a B player. It's tough to grade Graham because he's been effective in his limited role... but why hasn't he seen the field more? I'll give your defensive coordinator the benefit of the doubt and assume he can make Graham go from an effective part time player to an effective full time player.
LB - ?
CB - A+. You have one of the best, if not the best, duo in the league.
S - ?
Overall, I'll give your offense a C+. I know you have a plan to deal with your holes at QB and WR and your offensive line is awesome, but I can't overlook Mallett's inexperience. You have a strong defensive core and Revis provides your defense with a special advantage. I'll give your defense a B+ thanks in large part to Revis.
FUBAR
Footballguy
Panthers - really like your team except obviously the skill offensive players. Almost seems like a waste right now to have a GREAT interior OL but your RB won't exploit it as much as others would. If you had taken Lynch instead of Odrick you would have an A on offense even with Mallett and weak receivers. Hindsight is usually 20/20.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
I like Bush and think he's underrated as an inside runner these days.
I guess if you put it like thatThat's fair. We're just taking different perspectives. I'd probably also grade just a little differently. I guess I assumed we graded the same, which is a bad assumption. IMO:My system isn't perfect and like I said in my original grading post, I'm not an expert and my word is not law. What you are reading is juts an amateur's opinion. Also part of my grading involves projecting how the rest of the draft unfolds which is highly variable.Auger - thinking you're grading on the past more than building a team going forward. Understand the reluctance to give a prospect who didn't do much last year a high mark, but giving a player a D is akin to saying you're predicting a bust. Even with the comments, that grade is way too low. It's not just my grades, you've put Brady over Wilson. You also put Bennett over Eifert and Cameron.
Of course, you can counter that people overrate youth, and there's some truth to that.
Though I'm at a complete loss as to how you can grade Chiefs higher than the Lions on both offense and defense.
Having said that, I think giving Wheaton a grade of a D is fair. C is an adequate starter and D is a below average starter/useful role player. What about Wheaton makes you think he is currently an adequate starter?
As for Brady over Wilson, I already explained my reasoning behind that. Brady has been so consistently good whereas Wilson has a limited resume and has benefited from having an elite defense and ground game to support him. Can Wilson carry an offense on his own? I think so but I'm not entirely sure. I am sure with Brady though. Even though I give Brady the higher grade right now, like I said before, I would absolutely trade Brady for Wilson. Wilson has enormous potential but these grades are more geared towards how good players are now and how good they will be for a 2-4 year window. The further in the future, the more variables that are introduced into the situation and the harder it is to project.
Maybe most people disagree with Bennett over Eifert and Cameron. It's hard to grade players completely out of context of scheme. Bennett is one of the rare tight ends who is both a punishing blocker and a good receiver who has the speed to attack the seam. Eifert and Cameron are better receiving threats but both are significantly inferior in my mind with respect to blocking. Maybe in their roles on their offenses, they'll essentially be playing a large slot receiver. If that's the case, then maybe they are better than Bennett in that type of role. However, when I think of a tight end's responsibilities, blocking is a large part of that and Bennett is one of the best at it.
I will admit in general I tend to be really harsh towards players with very limited resumes. The reason behind that is I'm not a hardcore talent evaluator and I don't spend hours and hours watching tape. Even if I've seen a game or two of a relatively unproven player, can I really be confident in my evaluations to take a firm stand for him based on what my amateur eyes saw in a very limited sample size?
A - STUD
B - 2nd tier player, very good, no need to replace but isn't a true stud.
C - You'll get by with him, but upgrade when you can.
D - Shouldn't start. Might fill a bit role, but barely. You'll want to replace soon.
E - Look to replace ASAP.
If I'm evaluating guys who haven't done it on the field yet, I'm going to judge how I think they'll do, most likely scenario. For example, I'd give Hunt a B- right now because I think he'll likely be a decent pass rusher but I have questions. It seems you'd give him a D.
QB - Grade B
RB - Grade B (only his 3rd year)
WR - Grade A
TE - Grade A-/B+
OL - Grade A/A- (I think this has to be one of the strongest components of my team other than WR)
DE - TBD
DT - Grade B (my tackles, barring injury should be good)
LB - TBD
CB - Grade B-/C+ (should serviceable for now, but always open for an upgrade)
S - TBD
Feel free to agree/disagree =)
EttorefromRome
Footballguy
I'd like to change Mike Daniels. He's listed as a DT, but my team will run a 3-4 and he will be a DE
A few things I'd liked cleared up/would like discussion on:
1. Is there a coach's draft? I am personally torn on this because I like to think that "I" am the head coach of my team, but I like the depth it adds. I suppose my ideal would be for us to have a two round draft for our offensive and defensive coordinators with each of us remaining as our head coach.
2. Since we are having a rookie draft (I'm assuming seven rounds) separately, should the vet draft only be 46 rounds? Or are we working with 60 player rosters?
3. Speaking of the rookie draft, the poll on the site indicates a one vote victory in favor of the same pick for every round. Is this the decision? It's at that point in the draft where knowing if I have a high second or not is a pretty big difference.
4. To what extent are we allowing trading during the rookie draft (can we trade during, can we trade players, do all trades have to be even, etc)
5. Do we have any idea about evaluations? I know auger wants to get a team of writers to judge this but how realistic is that? Would it be easier to recruit respected members of this forum instead? I really hope that we can get something worked out in this area because I was pretty disappointed at how this thing died last year.
1. Is there a coach's draft? I am personally torn on this because I like to think that "I" am the head coach of my team, but I like the depth it adds. I suppose my ideal would be for us to have a two round draft for our offensive and defensive coordinators with each of us remaining as our head coach.
2. Since we are having a rookie draft (I'm assuming seven rounds) separately, should the vet draft only be 46 rounds? Or are we working with 60 player rosters?
3. Speaking of the rookie draft, the poll on the site indicates a one vote victory in favor of the same pick for every round. Is this the decision? It's at that point in the draft where knowing if I have a high second or not is a pretty big difference.
4. To what extent are we allowing trading during the rookie draft (can we trade during, can we trade players, do all trades have to be even, etc)
5. Do we have any idea about evaluations? I know auger wants to get a team of writers to judge this but how realistic is that? Would it be easier to recruit respected members of this forum instead? I really hope that we can get something worked out in this area because I was pretty disappointed at how this thing died last year.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
1. I don't believe there was a decision on this. What's the general league sentiment? Personally I'd vote against this at this point. I'd have liked to have known my coach before drafting my team personally so I can fit players to their schemes. However, if the majority want a coach draft, I'd be willing to go with it.
2. The plan was 53 vet rounds + 7 rookie rounds but if interest wanes, we can cut it down to 46 vet rounds and 7 rookie rounds.
3. We've been at 27 votes for a while now. I think it's safe to end the poll now and that the same pick for every round wins.
4. There should be a 1:1 ratio in terms of picks/players so that each team ends up with the same number of players. I think allowing trades before the rookie draft starts is fine but once the rookie draft starts it'd be best to not allow trades. That way we can keep the pace reasonable.
5. I'd guess Cian would be down for it again. We would just need to convince 2 or 3 other writers/forum members to form a reasonably sized panel. I think a good time to ask around would be when we end the vet draft.
FUBAR
Footballguy
Change Bobbie Massie from T to G... er wait, they're all punters.
Really didn't like the Guard options, but Massie would be good there and there's some talk that Arizona may play him at G. Either way, he'll play it for us.
