Bob Henry
Footballguy
As the NFL draft continues, I'm updating our depth charts pick by pick. The tricky part is figuring out where some of these players will end up playing. These days, there is so much positional flexibility and defensive schemes that play both fronts or use special schemes. So, it's especially tricky to project some players with respect to depth charts since we haven't even had a chance to see these newly drafted players working with their new teammates in camp. Mostly, it's beat writer speculation and some coach speak. In other words, things will probably change between now and August/September.
How you can help.. if you see players who appear out of position on the depth charts - discuss it here, shoot me a PM or use the email link on the depth charts page to let me know. This thread would be my preference as it gives me a one stop shop and allows all of you to opine on the conversation and everyone benefits. I'm sure our resident IDP gurus will chime in and help. JB is always money in the bank for me this time of year.
Some players have interesting landing spots, so I'll just kick start the conversation by listing a few. Also, if you haven't made Sporting News Today (their FREE daily web paper) part of your rotation, I recommend starting today. They use our friend Russ Lande as their draft guru, but they also have an army of local beat writers who pen regular columns on their respective teams. Today's edition talks about each pick for each team, how they'll fit into their new team and when. It's a good start for this conversation, if nothing else.
1st round players
Orakpo - rush end, but also talk about him getting some SLB snaps on early downs (from TSN Today)
Maybin - all indications point towards him being a situational pass rusher to start
Raji - split time with Pickett at the nose, but the Packers have flexibility now, so both could play against teams like the Vikings or Bears (boosting their run defense)
Jenkins - exceptional versatility and talent, will the Saints be tempted to play him at safety, seems like a natural to play nickel/dime initially, if not start right away - but where - corner or safety?
Cushing - hearing he'll compete with Diles at SLB, possibly get some work at end (surprised me)
Ayers - slotted him at DE due to lack of competition there, but Ayers said the Broncos talked to him extensively about playing outside backer in their new 3-4 front. So, what will it be? Both?
Matthews - expect him to play anywhere, but a lot of sp. tms at first; compete with a slew of players at the outside spots in their new 3-4
Hood - can play end, giving the Steelers youth and depth on their line, but he could also get some snaps behind Hamption in the middle
2nd round players
Delmas - could play either spot, has coverage skills, and can be a thumper from the safety spot. I have him a top the Lions depth chart. I'd be shocked if he doesn't win a starting spot against Pearson or Bullocks. Listing him now as FS/SS - anybody feel differently?
Chung - like Delmas, can cover and support the run, will probably figure into the Patriots various packages.. seems like a swing safety to backup and contribute at both spots
Laurinaitis - depth/starter in the middle (competing with Draft), but Pino is long in the tooth and there's talk he could be better suited at SLB as a rookie then possibly move inside. JB - your thoughts? We were discussing his limitations briefly yesterday. Is this a good/bad fit for fantasy?
Brown - pass rusher opposite Peppers, likely to rotate with Johnson
Sintim - one of my favorite all-around backers in this draft, has pass rush ability, can play in/out, likely to start as depth at W/M - my guess
Barwin - rotate with Antonio Smith, then presumably as a nickel rusher opposite Mo with Smith sliding inside to tackle
Mitchell - leave it to Al.. WTF. I don't know much about him, to be honest, guessing he'll get a shot at either spot to potentially start right away
McBath - CB/S - think he needs to bulk up, but could compete and play at safety.. anyone have anything here?
Veikune - college 4-3 end moving to 3-4 LB in Cleveland, developmental, but no expectations for him to start or contribute immediately
Moore - a nice replacement for Milloy at SS.. will compete with Fudge and DeCoud.. he could have immediate impact as a rookie
Moala - run stuffer DT the COlts needed, should play right away in rotation and possibly start
Kruger - another DE likely to play the hybrid role or 3-4 LB with Ravens - grooming him to play opposite Suggs. Anyone have anything here?
Martin (Sherrod) - a tweener? S/CB.. could figure into nickel/dime now and potentially compete to start inside or outside. Anyone?
Smith (Sean) - heard the Dolphins want him to stay at corner to potentially shore up their defense for Owens and Moss. Love this pick.
Marks - fills big need, but not sure how much he'll contribute right away
Brown (Cody) - DE moving to OLB in Cardinals goofy scheme, he could play right away in that hyrbid S/DE role
Please add any thoughts you have to help us get our Depth Charts nailed down as much as possible at this early stage of the season.
Enjoy day two!
How you can help.. if you see players who appear out of position on the depth charts - discuss it here, shoot me a PM or use the email link on the depth charts page to let me know. This thread would be my preference as it gives me a one stop shop and allows all of you to opine on the conversation and everyone benefits. I'm sure our resident IDP gurus will chime in and help. JB is always money in the bank for me this time of year.
Some players have interesting landing spots, so I'll just kick start the conversation by listing a few. Also, if you haven't made Sporting News Today (their FREE daily web paper) part of your rotation, I recommend starting today. They use our friend Russ Lande as their draft guru, but they also have an army of local beat writers who pen regular columns on their respective teams. Today's edition talks about each pick for each team, how they'll fit into their new team and when. It's a good start for this conversation, if nothing else.
1st round players
Orakpo - rush end, but also talk about him getting some SLB snaps on early downs (from TSN Today)
Maybin - all indications point towards him being a situational pass rusher to start
Raji - split time with Pickett at the nose, but the Packers have flexibility now, so both could play against teams like the Vikings or Bears (boosting their run defense)
Jenkins - exceptional versatility and talent, will the Saints be tempted to play him at safety, seems like a natural to play nickel/dime initially, if not start right away - but where - corner or safety?
Cushing - hearing he'll compete with Diles at SLB, possibly get some work at end (surprised me)
Ayers - slotted him at DE due to lack of competition there, but Ayers said the Broncos talked to him extensively about playing outside backer in their new 3-4 front. So, what will it be? Both?
Matthews - expect him to play anywhere, but a lot of sp. tms at first; compete with a slew of players at the outside spots in their new 3-4
Hood - can play end, giving the Steelers youth and depth on their line, but he could also get some snaps behind Hamption in the middle
2nd round players
Delmas - could play either spot, has coverage skills, and can be a thumper from the safety spot. I have him a top the Lions depth chart. I'd be shocked if he doesn't win a starting spot against Pearson or Bullocks. Listing him now as FS/SS - anybody feel differently?
Chung - like Delmas, can cover and support the run, will probably figure into the Patriots various packages.. seems like a swing safety to backup and contribute at both spots
Laurinaitis - depth/starter in the middle (competing with Draft), but Pino is long in the tooth and there's talk he could be better suited at SLB as a rookie then possibly move inside. JB - your thoughts? We were discussing his limitations briefly yesterday. Is this a good/bad fit for fantasy?
Brown - pass rusher opposite Peppers, likely to rotate with Johnson
Sintim - one of my favorite all-around backers in this draft, has pass rush ability, can play in/out, likely to start as depth at W/M - my guess
Barwin - rotate with Antonio Smith, then presumably as a nickel rusher opposite Mo with Smith sliding inside to tackle
Mitchell - leave it to Al.. WTF. I don't know much about him, to be honest, guessing he'll get a shot at either spot to potentially start right away
McBath - CB/S - think he needs to bulk up, but could compete and play at safety.. anyone have anything here?
Veikune - college 4-3 end moving to 3-4 LB in Cleveland, developmental, but no expectations for him to start or contribute immediately
Moore - a nice replacement for Milloy at SS.. will compete with Fudge and DeCoud.. he could have immediate impact as a rookie
Moala - run stuffer DT the COlts needed, should play right away in rotation and possibly start
Kruger - another DE likely to play the hybrid role or 3-4 LB with Ravens - grooming him to play opposite Suggs. Anyone have anything here?
Martin (Sherrod) - a tweener? S/CB.. could figure into nickel/dime now and potentially compete to start inside or outside. Anyone?
Smith (Sean) - heard the Dolphins want him to stay at corner to potentially shore up their defense for Owens and Moss. Love this pick.
Marks - fills big need, but not sure how much he'll contribute right away
Brown (Cody) - DE moving to OLB in Cardinals goofy scheme, he could play right away in that hyrbid S/DE role
Please add any thoughts you have to help us get our Depth Charts nailed down as much as possible at this early stage of the season.
Enjoy day two!
