Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

You're certainly entitled to your opinion about what he'll be in the NFL, though I disagree with you on that. But what I really don't get is why I keep seeing comments like these that basically suggest he was overrated in college, or didn't live up to the hype. It seems people have a very short memory.

He was absolutely the best back in the country as a sophomore, and the only reason he didn't win the Heisman is because he didn't have a QB, and thus LSU didn't win enough games to get him the votes. He was every bit what we thought he could be during that time. He also ran for a thousand yards as a freshman, despite not being a full time starter til about midway through the season.

Last year, he was hurt. And yet, he STILL ran all over people when he was on the field, even though it wasn't at the level of the previous year. Yes, Derrius Guice was outperforming him this past year. Derrius Guice was healthy. Guice also is probably the new title holder of best RB in the NCAA.

So to make Fournette out to be some over-hyped media darling is not fair, or accurate, in my humble opinion.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

It is. He ran well over little people. There aren't many of those in the NFL. He's not what we need so who cares anyway?

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

I just saw a mock draft that had Budda Baker coming to us at 32. I really like Baker as a safety prospect, especially since he's a single high type of guy. If this holds true, which safety do we move on from...if any? Is everybody sold on Vacarro?

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

I've never been sold on Vaccarro after his first season. I would rather have Peppers at SS.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Vaccarro will never be a true SS imo
He fits well in 3 safety sets though

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Baker will get smoked in single high sets if left alone because of his limited height...

With today's game of flag football on the perimeter, just don't see taking him that high...

The safety to turn the light on for the Saints is SS Josh Jones in the mid/late third round...

Reminds me of a Steve Atwater type; let him tutelage behind Vaccaro; eval Kenny V next season, and you'll have a great candidate for the next season...

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Just did 2 through 3 rounds

Miller board
1: R1P11
LB REUBEN FOSTER
ALABAMA

2: R1P32
EDGE DEREK BARNETT
TENNESSEE

3: R2P10
QB DESHAUN WATSON
CLEMSON

4: R3P12
G DAN FEENEY
INDIANA

5: R3P39
WR JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER
USC




fans speak board

1: R1P11
CB MARSHON LATTIMORE
OHIO STATE

2: R1P32
EDGE TACO CHARLTON
MICHIGAN

3: R2P10
TE O.J. HOWARD
ALABAMA

4: R3P12
WR COOPER KUPP
EASTERN WASHINGTON

5: R3P39
RB JOE MIXON
OKLAHOMA

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

The Seahawks play plenty of single high safety. Baker is the same height as Earl Thomas and around the same speed. Disciplined in coverage as well.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

FOOLING AROUND ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON...

17: R1P17
RB CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY
STANFORD

32: R1P32
LB T.J. WATT
WISCONSIN

51: R2P19
TE ADAM SHAHEEN
ASHLAND COLLEGE

76: R3P12
CB FABIAN MOREAU
UCLA

81: R3P17
DE TREY HENDRICKSON
FLORIDA ATLANTIC

101: R3P37
S JOSH JONES
NC STATE

103: R3P39
DL TANOH KPASSAGNON
VILLANOVA

177: R5P33
WR CHAD HANSEN
CALIFORNIA

TRADES

TRADE PARTNER:
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
SENT:
ROUND: 1 PICK: 11
ROUND: 6 PICK: 12
ROUND: 7 PICK: 11
RECEIVED:
ROUND: 1 PICK: 17
ROUND: 3 PICK: 17
ROUND: 4 PICK: 7


TRADE PARTNER:
DENVER BRONCOS
SENT:
ROUND: 2 PICK: 10
ROUND: 4 PICK: 7
RECEIVED:
ROUND: 2 PICK: 19
ROUND: 3 PICK: 37
ROUND: 5 PICK: 33

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Ran over little people? Tell that to Florida, whom he ran over for just about 300 yards over two games against them in his freshman and sophomore years (he only handful of carries against them this year, due to injury). Or the 130 yards he put up against that stout Wisconsin defense last year, on a bum ankle. I'll cut to the chase. The only team he didn't run all over was Alabama, and that is simply because QB and his line gave him zero chance. That happens to every player, at every level. No matter how good he is, he can't make something out of nothing, when he can't even get a crack of daylight.

So basically, you think he's over hyped because he was playing in college, right? Well if that's the case, so much for the draft. We can go ahead and delete the hundreds of pages worth of draft talk on this forum, because all of these players have been playing "little people" and they will surely suck at the next level. Hey, at least we have that Canadian football pipeline to sustain us.

Why does it matter to me? Because I've been reading absurd comments about him for months. I'd swear Fournette stole everyone's girlfriend/wife, or left coal in their stockings. The arguments against him are just so petty. "Ran over little people". Really? Is it possible to have an objective opinion based on some sort of tangible evidence, instead of dismissing them out of hand with juvenile arguments?

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Ran over little people? Tell that to Florida, whom he ran over for just about 300 yards over two games against them in his freshman and sophomore years (he only had a handful of carries against them this year, due to injury). Or the 130 yards he put up against that stout Wisconsin defense last year, on a bum ankle. I'll cut to the chase. The only team he didn't run all over was Alabama, and that is simply because his QB and his line gave him zero chance. That happens to every player, at every level. No matter how good he is, he can't make something out of nothing, when he can't even get a crack of daylight. I remember the Saints holding Emmitt Smith to negative rushing yards in a win against the Cowboys in '98. He had a pretty good line, too, you might remember.

So basically, you think he's over hyped because he was playing in college, right? Well if that's the case, so much for the draft. We can go ahead and delete the hundreds of pages worth of draft talk on this forum, because all of these players have been playing "little people" and they will surely suck at the next level. Hey, at least we have that Canadian football pipeline to sustain us.

Why does it matter to me? Because I've been reading absurd comments about him for months. I'd swear Fournette stole everyone's girlfriend/wife, or left coal in their stockings. The arguments against him are just so petty. "Ran over little people". Really? Is it possible to have an objective opinion based on some sort of tangible evidence, instead of dismissing a player out of hand with juvenile arguments?

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Actually I am not sold on any of of our penciled in safeties as true safeties by definition.

Bubba is good but at 32 seem like a reach to replace Byrd move the media guru. Nothing against Bubba even at 5'9" with 30" arms his instincts might be the best in the daft. Want to take Bubba in the 2nd I could live with it. Actually think he may fall to 3rd due to his height. He probably wont be alone either. Adoree' Jackson and Jourdan Lewis both might suffer same fate. In our division, which may have the tallest WR on average than any other division in the NFL, height is a major concern of mine.

Besides with so many teams picking in the top ten of round 2 looking for QBs this should be a hot pick to trade and get over paid for and still get a solid player in round 2 to fill a need and pick up a few later round picks to make this Cook trade more fan friendly.

my short list

Jabrill Peppers SS/FS/OLB/KR Michigan 6002 205 4.42 #5 rSo
Christian McCaffrey RB/WR/KR Stanford 5115 205 4.48 Jr.
Zach Cunningham MLB/OLB Vanderbilt 6032 230 4.67 #41 rJr
Garret Bolles OT/OG/DT Utah 6050 296 4.97 #75 Jr
Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU 5111 191 4.48 Jr
T.J. Watt OLB/DE/TE Wisconsin 6044 252 4.69 #42 rJr

invest in the future and take huge gamble on players?

Haason Reddick, ILB, Temple 6014 237 4.54 #58 rSr
Obi Melifonwu FS/SS/OLB UConn 6037 224 4.40 #20 rSr

Besides we traded up for a FS/CB in the second last year.

later in the draft day 2/3

Josh Jones SS/FS/LB N.C. State 6013 220 4.41 #11 rJr
Jones as a SS i really like

Rayshawn Jenkins FS Miami 6010 214 4.51 #26 rSr

Trade back and get some picks and draft these two would be a step in the right direction. Instant impact on special teams while you work on their number one flaw. Aggression is a huge assets that they have yet learned to control it a bit.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

BPA. Not a big fan. This is how my latest fell.

11. TE Howard
32. G Feeney
42. CB Tabor
76. DE Kpassagnon
103. WR Darboh
196. OT McDermott
229. LB Bullough

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

This was more to my wishes.
11. CB Lattimore

32. LB Barnett

42. S Baker

76. DE Kpassagnon

103. OT Bisnowaty

196. C Toth

229. WR Ross

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

First Pick Sim with trades

A few trades up and down and the last few are a bit shot in the dark but wouldnt be unhappy


Round 1 Pick 14 (PHI): Taco Charlton, DE/OLB, Michigan (A-)
Round 1 Pick 32: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson (A+)
Round 2 Pick 10: Evan Engram, TE/WR, Ole Miss (A-)
Round 2 Pick 13 (ARI): Obi Melifonwu, SS, Connecticut (B-)
Round 3 Pick 12: JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Southern California (B+)
Round 3 Pick 39 (COMP): Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma (A+)
Round 4 Pick 13 (ARI): Rasul Douglas, CB, West Virginia (A+)
Round 5 Pick 13 (ARI): Kyle Kalis, OG, Michigan (D)
Round 6 Pick 12: Josh Harvey-Clemons, SS/OLB, Louisville (B+)
Round 7 Pick 11: Storm Norton, OT, Toledo (B)

Not quite as defensive as i would have gone but taking value when its there

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Your Picks:
Round 1 Pick 16 (BALT): Jamal Adams, SS, LSU (A-)
Round 1 Pick 32: Takkarist McKinley, OLB/DE, UCLA (A-)
Round 2 Pick 10: Evan Engram, TE/WR, Ole Miss (A)
Round 2 Pick 11 (PHI): Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford (A)
Round 2 Pick 15 (BALT): Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech (A-)
Round 3 Pick 12: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida (A)
Round 3 Pick 39 (COMP): Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama (A-)
Round 6 Pick 12: Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State (C)
Round 7 Pick 11: Storm Norton, OT, Toledo (B)

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Bored so went again

Round 1 Pick 21 (DET): Taco Charlton, DE/OLB, Michigan (A)
Round 1 Pick 32: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson (A+)
Round 2 Pick 10: Evan Engram, TE/WR, Ole Miss (A-)
Round 2 Pick 11 (PHI): Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford (A)
Round 2 Pick 21 (DET): T.J. Watt, OLB, Wisconsin (A)
Round 3 Pick 12: Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado (B+)
Round 3 Pick 21 (DET): DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State (B)
Round 3 Pick 39 (COMP): Davis Webb, QB, California (B)
Round 6 Pick 12: Robert Davis, WR, Georgia State (C)
Round 7 Pick 11: Tedric Thompson, SS, Colorado (C-)

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

What bothers me about Taco Charlton is he's only had one year of success at the position; know the scheme changed, but to see such a bump in one season, just a little uneasy...

And despite all the great moves off the edge, he still had limited production (sacks)...

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Yeah that's what i've read but his size puts him over a few of the others that are closely matched in rankings. Alot of the rushers are 250lb and you could see them getting mauled often. If we were still 3-4 then they would probably come into play a bit more for me

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Three things:
1. We don't need an RB of that'll go that high in the draft. We have a decent running back already and our needs are really on the other side of the ball -even with some pretty nice free agent signings.
2. Name a team with a premier back that has taken the ring in recent history. Pro ball has evolved past that, if it ever was really there. You might pull up Skittles, but he was a product of a great offensive system that no way resembles our great system and a fantastic defense. Nuff said about fantastic defenses....
3. It's just plain fun to mess with LSU fans. :D

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Ravens and Seahawks

Giants also had a good 1+2 punch with Bradshaw and Jacobs
As do the Pats

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

I like a 1-2 punch. A big back to wear down a D opens up the play action and helps with the time of possession in games. I absolutely love a punisher running up the gut of a D slowly tearing them down, if LF could play a role like that I got no problems at all. Hell I like the back from Texas (talk about a bruiser)but whether we ever get a pure power back in a Payton run O I highly doubt but it would help Brees or life after Brees a little easier.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

As I've gone through my mocks, regardless of whom I've chosen, they're always seems to be multiple good players available. The Saints staff will have to try to screw this one up.

S Peppers
TE Njoku
LB McMillan
DE Kpassagnon
C/G Pocic
WR Golladay
CB Robinson

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

That's what Chris Ivory was for us, he would just punish anyone trying to stop him at all times. Unfortunately for him, Ingram was available and Ivory was constantly injured. The only thing that consistently stopped Ivory was his own hamstrings, Ingram has developed into a great core player which I think a lot of people overlook.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Sure, I'll take a stab at it. Why not?! Let me preface this by saying this is not necessarily who I want, but what I think we will do based on rumors, speculation and tendencies.

R1P11 EDGE TACO CHARLTON MICHIGAN

R1P32 S OBI MELIFONWU UCONN

R2P10 CB FABIAN MOREAU UCLA

R3P12 QB NATHAN PETERMAN PITTSBURGH

R3P39 EDGE TYUS BOWSER HOUSTON

R6P12 RB ELIJAH MCGUIRE UL LAFAYETTE

R7P11 G ISAAC ASIATA UTAH

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

When did I say I wanted the Saints to draft him? I've said exactly the opposite, a number of times. I was speaking about what kind of player he is, while people like you made statements about him that you can't back up with anything.

So you made a false comment about him playing against "little people", I gave you reasons why that is BS, and you come back with "we don't need a RB"? When I never suggested we did?

For the record, while you might not point to a lot of teams that won the Superbowl with a premier running back, there are very few teams that ever win it without a good running game. Teams just don't employ a feauture back as much as they used to. But as you see with guys like Adrian Peterson, Jamaal Charles, or Arian Foster over the last several years, if you have a really good one, you feature that guy. And those Running backs helped their teams win without much of a QB. There is no doubt that you have to have a QB (except for Denver two years ago) to win it all, but if you can have an elite running back, it makes you that much better. But I never said we should be the team to draft Fournette.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

One thing the simulator has taught me about this draft is how deep it really is and what can fall through for us at Pick No. 11...

If I were the Saints, I'd be ready with several scenarios to trade back and pick up more picks...

Here's my thoughts on the Top 10...

Black and Gold Blog: What will the Saints options be at No. 11?

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Okay, I'm of the opinion that if Reuben Foster is off the board when we pick at No. 11, and even if he is, I've got concerns about that shoulder that needs to be re-evaluated pre-draft by our own people, then we should trade back as I really like several players in the second round...

20: R1P20
EDGE TACO CHARLTON
MICHIGAN

32: R1P32
CB FABIAN MOREAU
UCLA

42: R2P10
TE ADAM SHAHEEN
ASHLAND

51: R2P19
S JOSH JONES
NC STATE

76: R3P12
DL EDDIE VANDERDOES
UCLA

103: R3P39
RB MARLON MACK
SOUTH FLORIDA

196: R6P12
LB JORDAN EVANS
OKLAHOMA

229: R7P11
G COREY LEVIN
CHATTANOOGA

TRADES
TRADE PARTNER:
DENVER BRONCOS
SENT:
ROUND: 1 PICK: 11
RECEIVED:
ROUND: 1 PICK: 20
ROUND: 2 PICK: 19

Note: I ignored Lattimore in the first round as I don't believe he'd be there when we pick at No. 11; if he did fall, that'd be a different tale...

Ultimate GM and On the Clock Premium: Fanspeak's NFL Tools!

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

used fan speak for all settings and got LEONARD FOURNETTE and had to make this pick work

11: R1P11
RB LEONARD FOURNETTE
LSU

32: R1P32
OT GARETT BOLLES
UTAH

42: R2P10
CB QUINCY WILSON
FLORIDA

76: R3P12
WR CHRIS GODWIN
PENN STATE

103: R3P39
S JOSH JONES
NC STATE

196: R6P12
FB FREDDIE STEVENSON
FLORIDA STATE

229: R7P11
LB JORDAN EVANS
OKLAHOMA

The footballs gods we nice to me on the defensive picks

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Just ran a new mock...

Round 1, Pick 11: Derek Barnett - DE
- With his production in college, and readiness for the NFL, should give us a solid, young DL able to put pressure ad get sacks for many seasons

R1, P32: Teez Tabor - CB
- PFF has him ranked as the 3rd best CB, and has allowed a passer rating of 41.2 over the last three seasons. For reference, the passer rating for throwing the ball into the dirt every play is 39.6
https://www.profootballfocus.com/dra...or-cb-florida/

R2, P10: Obi Melifonwu - S
- Huge dude, Kam Chancellor clone. We love our three safety sets, and could use someone to pair with Vaccarro and Bell. PLus word was that Payton liked him

R 3, P12: Zay Jones - WR
- Some young blood for our WR core with Cooks now gone. Led NCAA with 158 catches last year and was one of the top performers at the Senior Bowl. Has some height at 6'2 and comes with high football character.

R3, P39: Rasul Douglas - CB
- tall corner at 6'2 with production, especially given West Virginia's 3-3-5 defense they run. Was one of the top performers at the Senior Bowl during the week. Gives us more depth at CB

R6, P12: Eric Saubert - TE
- discussed Saubert before. Had a great East-West Shrine week. Had some drops in hsi career but also made great plays. High reward TE for the 6th round

R7, P11: Tarik Cohen - RB
- NFL.com referred to him as Sproles 2.0. Rewatch this video for proof

Thoughts?

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Great work jjasso007! I like that you included a little blurb for each pick... It helps everyone learn a little bit about different players.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Obi Melifonwu - S

was billed and he made his pay day at the draft. I had some doubts to all the numbers hype before the draft but he shut me up. He either is one of those guys that just looks to play slower than he does or he does play slower than he clocks.

Brings me to my main question he still has not answered. Instincts? This would answer that question about play speed. Is he a read and react type of player? Which is not a bad thing as a safety as long as you believe he has the ability to reduce his reaction response to what he is seeing. This why he played SS so much

I will point out this is one smart kid. He may need to stop thinking so much and learn to trust what he sees.

After watching him him this year in a couple of games I have my doubts. The 5th round label he came in with was silly. I would have not second thought a fifth for a second. A 1/2 guy? that's up to the scouts and coaches. 2/3 guy? i feel pretty good about. Let the front office decide.

I like Kevin King as CB with a future at FS. He came in a SS and spent the last two years at CB. So moving him to FS might not be crazy.

Obi Melifonwu vs Kevin King

32 - Obi Melifonwu
42 - Kevin King

I could accept it. What a huge gamble to make a complete change to the secondary.

Kevin King is my pick. I like his instincts more.

I predict both will be off the board before we pick in round 2. I would slightly surprised to see both gone by pick 32.

Kick in a 3rd on Adoree' Jackson CB/WR/KR/PR USC 5105 186 4.43 #2 Jr

Or add a solid developmental player while rolling the dice on the secondary 6th
Shaquill Griffin CB UCF 6001 194 4.39 #10 Sr

I am really warming up to idea of converting this CB to a FS
Quincy Wilson CB/FS Florida 6012 211 4.54 #6

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

11: R1P11
QB MITCH TRUBISKY
NORTH CAROLINA

32: R1P32
EDGE JORDAN WILLIS
KANSAS STATE

42: R2P10
CB CHIDOBE AWUZIE
COLORADO

76: R3P12
WR CHAD HANSEN
CALIFORNIA

103: R3P39
DL EDDIE VANDERDOES
UCLA

197: R6P12
RB AARON JONES
TEXAS-EL PASO

230: R7P11
G COREY LEVIN
CHATTANOOGA

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Hagan, have gotten to watch two games of Obi Melifonwu...

And I can see his appeal - as a Free Safety...

He's got some amazing recovery, can really close ground quick, and tall receivers will no longer have that extra foot of reach to catch jump balls...

Obi looked silky smooth and really is at his best when the field shortens in the red zone...

King is not even on the same planet...

Wouldn't be surprised if Big D takes him even earlier than pick 32...

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Oh I see the appeal and totally understand it. It is all about instincts. Like I said in anther thread is the saints went with him I hope they go in 100% with this gamble.

32 Obi Melifonwu FS/SS/OLB UConn 6037 224 4.40 #20 rSr
42 Kevin King CB/FS/SS Washington 6032 200 4.43 #20 Sr

Trade back into 2 with both 3s
Josh Jones SS/FS/LB N.C. State 6013 220 4.41 #11 rJr

Add another CB in 6 and 7

All a gamble but a giddy rated gamble in my book

Imagine

Obi Melifonwu FS
Josh Jones SS
Kenny Vaccaro

CB
Delvin Breaux
Kevin King
Vonn Bell
Sterling Moore
CB in 6 or 7

Can they come back
P.J. Williams
Damian Swann

Saints can go man all game long

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Rez brought up this kid's name a few weeks back. Honestly, I had never heard of him. From what you guys have seen of him on tape, he appears to be ready to make an impact at the next level.

Side note - he is a BIG dude.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Obi Melifonwu makes me a little nervous as a first round pick. Are the instincts there or the football IQ? He's a freakish athlete and a SPARQ monster but so was Stephone Anthony.

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

Football IQ is not an issue. trust me. This kid is probably one of the smartest kids in the draft. I think he thinks too much right now at this stage of the game and does not trust 100% what his eyes see. It shows with some of the angles he takes. Recovery speed can not always make up for that first mis-step. If I was not so sold on his football IQ I would be screaming against this pick.

King is the opposite. Instincts are rock solid. Football IQ is the question but it is high enough not shy away from picking him. At times he still looks like a SS in coverage. But starting opposite of Sidney Jones has given a ton of work to improve his game and it shows. He has the skill set to match up with any tall WR/TE

Both fall into the: Will time solve the issue? that is the million dollar question. I could live with the gamble on both

Re: Fanspeak 2017 NFL Draft Simulator
 

You make a valid point about high eval scores...

But how did Anthony go from an outstanding rookie to an afterthought his second season?

In my honest opinion and in just a word, Coaching.

Now, this Saints defensive staff, before one game played, I'll say is the best Payton has assembled in his tenure...

And I tell you my B&G brother and sisters, even if you just watch his youtube highlight film, his instincts and moves on the ball, especially in the red zone defense, his instincts remind me of a lot of a young Sammy Knight.

This guy just happens to be 6' 3" and a tremendous leaper...

Aaron Glenn and Dennis Allen get this kid to meet them halfway, Jairus Byrd will be an afterthought...