2016 NFL Draft Prospect Thread ...............

[WillSaints81]

I don't like to judge Senior Bowls for how a player does. How they do in conference games is a bigger indication of how they will succeed or not.

I also learn something new. A DT isn't exactly all about getting to the qb but clogging holes and stopping the run. Yet I saw RBs running like crazy against Baylor which is why I'm not high on someone like Billings.

Maybe I did my evaluations wrong and were looking for DTs who could get to the qb and disrupt plays as opposed to what a DT is really supposed to do.

[hagan714]

Originally Posted by WillSaints81

I don't like to judge Senior Bowls for how a player does. How they do in conference games is a bigger indication of how they will succeed or not.

I also learn something new. A DT isn't exactly all about getting to the qb but clogging holes and stopping the run. Yet I saw RBs running like crazy against Baylor which is why I'm not high on someone like Billings.

Maybe I did my evaluations wrong and were looking for DTs who could get to the qb and disrupt plays as opposed to what a DT is really supposed to do.

I agree with you. in a 34 or a 43 you need that space eater at NT.

Play at NT will make or break a DL. The saints have DT but no NT that requires respect much less a double team. The saints have a bunch of rotational player that can work. But the sum of the parts does not equal a starter. Kevin Williams still has it but he can no longer be a full time starter. The dudes teeth are starting to leave groves in the turf.

I see quality DT/DE deep and often in the draft

Jarran Reed, DT/DE, Alabama 6034 313 5.14 - I see possible all pro Kevin Williams type of potential.
A'Shawn Robinson DT Alabama 6032 312 5.18 - Do I see a one trick pony here?
Vetron Butler NT/DT/DE LA Tech 6032 325 5.06 - DE skill set? not sure yet, but dam he is looking good
Chris Jones DT/DE Mississippi St 6045 308 5.12
Adam Gotsis, DT/DE, Georgia Tech 6046 285 4.88 - I really like this kids upside
Jihad Ward DT/DE Illinios 6051 296 4.98
Matt Ioannidis, DT/DE, Temple 6036 303 5.08
Quinton Jefferson DT/DE Maryland 6040 289 5.02


NT this year. None are a finished product but still have a ton of upside.

Austin Johnson NT Penn State 6043 325 5.27
D.J. Reader NT Clemson 6030 340 5.04 - guys this big are not suppose to be this fast or quick.

I have a hard time judging NT from spread football governed conferences and a rule of thumb is most do not pan out. Like OL they are fundamentally a mess and need a ton of work on the basics.

Sacks are over rated glamor points in the trenches and I see them as icing on the cake for DL. Almost every sack is a result of units play to allow it to happen.

But first and for most defense against running game has to well coached at this point in players development. They must have gap integrity.

Still hope the saints reach out and talk to my favorite bad boy of the draft who will be a late or by all odds be a UDFA because he was kicked off the team. For reasons I can respect. He did not start the fight, his friends did, according to reports. When enough was enough he put an end to it. This is NT mentality not the soft fluffy cuddly kitty stuff you get out of John Jenkins. That was my knock on him when we drafted him. One year of attitude does not cut it. either you are nasty or your a care bear. So here is one of my steals in the 2016 draft

Josh Tupou, NT, Colorado 6030 325 5.08

Two year starter with no games missed. Loves doing the dirty work in the trenches. Get this kid in and see what you got. He is a space eater with pride and attitude. May not be an all pro but I would not be surprised to see him have a long and productive career in the NFL. At least talk to the kid. I got a long list of swing and misses on these types but I do get one or two every other year.