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Draft Pick Watch


HoosierCat

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I will say I liked how Vigil was coming along toward the end of the season. Agree that FNR needs to go but probably won't because loyalty or leadership or whatever.

New name starting to drift about in Bengals circles as a possible choice at 9: Michigan DE Taco Charlton. For anyone who needs more than the name "Taco" to be sold on him, here's nfl.com:

Quote

OVERVIEW

Vidauntae "Taco" Charlton continually improved during his Michigan career. The first-team All-Ohio selection "crossed the border" from Pickerington, a Columbus suburb, to play for the Wolverines (along with tight end Jake Butt). He played mostly on special teams as a true freshman (two tackles), then saw his playing time increase in 2014 (19 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks, one start). Though Charlton started just three games as a junior, he was a strong contributor on passing downs (30 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 5.5 sacks). Everything came together for him in 2016, garnering first-team All-Big Ten honors after leading Michigan with 9.5 sacks among his 13 tackles for loss.

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

 Rare combination of size, length and athletic traits as a rusher. Long-levered frame with athletic, knotted calves. Brings freaky athletic traits to table and is still growing into his body. Flashes instant reaction time off snap and up the field thanks to his twitch. Has enough upfield juice to push offensive tackles into hasty retreat. Generates pop through speed-to-power element. Very good flexibility throughout. Able to sink and swerve around corner if he gets early lead in race to the edge. Possesses hip swivel combined with shoulder turn to slip and flip around the corner of an offensive tackle he's engaged with as a pass rusher. Rushes with forward lean that keeps his momentum downhill. Uses rip-and-stab move and an ominous spin move that could turn into a dominant rush trait in the NFL. Elongated lateral slides can open into sprint very quickly to chase run play bouncing outside. Length gives him a shot at dramatically increasing his play-making ability against the run. Hand usage is improving.

WEAKNESSES

 Despite talent and traits, production and overall play has been uneven at Michigan. Earned full-time starting nod in just his final season. Needs more weight-room work. Consistency of anchor at point of attack in question. Can be rooted out of his gap by power. Can do better job of using his length to keep blockers off of him. Doesn't make enough plays on other side of the line against run. Needs to show a nastier play demeanor at all times. Scouts question whether he has enough toughness for trench battles if bumped inside or to 5-technique. Held back by his inconsistent play speed. Excessive leaning and narrowing of his base during the play causes balance and footwork inconsistencies. Needs better readiness to take on move blockers.

SOURCES TELL US

 "Really, really talented player. You won't always see it on every play so that is going to be a coach's job to get that out of him. Rushers with his size and athleticism are hard to find and they usually go very early in the draft." -- AFC executive

NFL COMPARISON

 Chandler Jones

BOTTOM LINE

 "Inconsistent" has been the buzzword that has followed Charlton since coming to Michigan, but he began the process of shaking it during his senior season. Charlton is an ascending prospect with the size, length, athleticism and pass-rushing potential that NFL general managers dream of. What you see today might not be what you get. While his production coming out of college will be modest, he could become a substantially better player as a pro if he's committed to the weight room and willing to absorb coaching. High-impact defensive end with all-pro potential is his ceiling. His floor is solid starter.

-Lance Zierlein

 

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I don't know what they get for AJ.   I linked an article to some previous QB trades for first round picks.  

There's two stunning thoughts after reading.   1.  Teams do stupid things for QB potential and First round draft picks are overrated a lot of times.

I would guess 80% of the time as I was reading through it was remembering the said Qb and thinking "Wow they traded a first for that guy?" then almost immediately being equally shocked that actual player obtained by the First Round pick is a lot of time guys most won't remember.

I think the reality is with these owners is they can look at an Unrestricted FA like Brock last year and risk real money or they can take a similar risk on potential and give up nothing financial for on paper value draft picks. 

AJ's value to a team is increased because any team acquiring him CAN control him for two years without any sort of new deal.   Now, I would guess any team acquiring him would rework a deal but I'm guessing it will avoid the huge guaranteed piles of money and cap crushing risk.

 

 

 

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Another name being bounced around, Stanford DE Solomon Thomas. (note NFL comparison below)

Quote

OVERVIEW

Thomas spent five years in Australia in his youth, but his return to the States allowed him to develop first into one of the top high school players in the country (top 25 recruit nationally) and then one of college's top defensive linemen. After a redshirt season, Thomas was named honorable mention All-Pac-12 in 2015 (39 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks). He had four tackles, two for loss, and a sack in the Cardinal's win over Iowa in the Rose Bowl. The redshirt sophomore kicked his game up a notch in 2016, receiving multiple All-American honors and winning the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Thomas led the team with 62 tackles, 15 for loss, while sacking the quarterback eight times. Thomas' bowl performance against North Carolina opened a lot of eyes, as he was all over the field in the Cardinal's win in a way that isn't even reflected in an impressive stat line (seven tackles, two for loss, sack)

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS

 Angular build, well-built frame. His mother, father and uncle were all collegiate athletes. Lined up at multiple positions. Has ravenous approach to the game. Gets out of the blocks quickly and attacks with early, skilled hands. Stays hungry and wants to feast. Powerful for his size. Shows ability to win with power or quickness. Outstanding athleticism. Fluid in his play. Transitions from move to move. Unpredictable pass rush. Attacks both the edges and can crank up a bull rush. Uses swipes, rips and arm-over to unlock his rush. Hands and feet work in unison. Has lightning-quick spin move he can access to unhinge from block and find new life in his rush. Violent disengagements from blocks leave no doubt blocker is whipped. Relentless approach combined with athleticism makes block recoveries extremely difficult in run or pass. Refuses extended engagements to blockers and works himself free. Will sniff out gaps and make himself skinny into the backfield. Very good pursuit speed and range as playmaker.

WEAKNESSES

 Considered a "tweener" by scouts, who believe he could struggle to keep enough weight on his frame to play along interior. Length is below average as five-technique. Plays with inconsistent pad level. Needs to get bigger and stronger through his lower body. Tends to play taller as play rolls along and can get washed out of plays by strong down blocks. Hands are quick but need more consistent pop behind them. Overall play strength can be improved. "Big and strong" across from him causes some issues. Gets engulfed at times. Snap-count guesser with seven offsides penalties in 2016.

SOURCES TELL US

 “He’s damn good. I don’t think he gets drafted as early as you do because he’s not big enough for inside and he’s not as long as you like on the outside. You have to figure out where you will play him, but he won’t stop. He’s going to be really productive.” -- Director of scouting for AFC team

NFL COMPARISON

 Justin Smith

BOTTOM LINE

 Explosive defender who combines strength, quickness, and a muscle-car motor to drive him around the field making play after play. Has the hands and feet to be a quick-win specialist and the size to fit as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end who can reduce inside for pass-rush downs. He has all the athletic traits to become a high-impact player and possesses more than enough skill and talent to believe he will continue to elevate his game as a pro. Thomas has the potential to become the best defender from this draft class and a future all-pro.

-Lance Zierlein

 

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I like that little Hooker and would love to see the Bengals actually take a safety early on.
They all can't be 5th round specials that teams overlooked like Iloka.
That being said, as much of fan I am of that little Hooker, can't say as I would be thrilled with another 1st round pick sitting his first season.

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5 hours ago, HoosierCat said:

Pre-injured DB likely available at 9? I think I found our pick, fellas!

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000781610/article/malik-hooker-undergoes-surgery-wont-work-out-at-combine

Reportedly out 4-6 months. PUP opportunities are unlimited! 

Probably needs a year off, good pick, outsmarted the league again.

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Food for draft thought:

The Bengals have resigned Bullock and also have a project kicker in their employment.    There has been a lot of publicity for Justin Tucker's kicking exploits from the Pro Bowl this past week.    Kicking a 75 yarder in practice (outdoors).   Kicking a ball through a basketball hoop 60 yards away.     Freakish type stuff.

We saw first hand in Baltimore what a weapon he is.   So?   How high would you draft a guy that projected to be next Tucker?  Or even that Radier's kicker.

Justin was undrafted.   Raider's kicker was a first rounder.    I believe our former kicker, Nuge was 2nd rounder.

I mean if you could get to the point of a ball being kicked from the 50 and have a reasonable chance at 3.  That's a hell of a weapon. 

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That is exactly my point in making all efforts to get that guy.  It just doesn't appear they care about it.
I know they have to have someone on the roster and really hope they address it in the draft.

In looking at the kickers in this years draft class, all 3 of the top kickers have the ability to hit from beyond 50.
They have been given those chances in college and made good on them.
I would say the earliest should be in the 4th round for a kicker, but that depends on the team in my opinion.

If your team doesn't typically play rookies, maybe a rookie kicker gets that shot and has greater impact than another player sitting the bench.
If that is the case then maybe taking a kicker in the 3rd makes a difference from an early impact standpoint.

I don't know who has or hasn't declared, but I would take any of these three:
Carlson (Auburn)
Gonzalez (Arizona St.)
Pineiro (Florida)

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49 minutes ago, AMPHAR said:

  Kicking a ball through a basketball hoop 60 yards away.    

 

Did he actually do that?  Holy crap, that's amazing.  

Bengals' way regarding kickers:  One's as good as the next, so pick one and stick with him, it's just easier that way.  Bringing guys in, holding tryouts, evaluating them - that's all just a lot of work.  

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1 hour ago, COB said:

Did he actually do that?  Holy crap, that's amazing.  

Bengals' way regarding kickers:  One's as good as the next, so pick one and stick with him, it's just easier that way.  Bringing guys in, holding tryouts, evaluating them - that's all just a lot of work.  

I haven't seen the video but headlines of the stories suggest that he did.   He's the Steph Curry of kickers apparently.   Undrafted is the crazy part.

In a related and unrelated note:  Pacman in previous hard knocks with Cowboys and Bengals would catch punts from the Jugs machine consecutively while never letting go of previous balls.   I think he has his personal record up to 9 or something.    He's basically holding like 7 footballs and trying to field a punt to catch 8 and 9.  

I would rather watch that kinda of stuff instead of the pro Bowl.    Having long snappers snapping balls into moving targets etc.  I think they had a skills comp this year but I missed it not sure what it entailed.

 

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3 hours ago, ArmyBengal said:

That is exactly my point in making all efforts to get that guy.  It just doesn't appear they care about it.
I know they have to have someone on the roster and really hope they address it in the draft.

In looking at the kickers in this years draft class, all 3 of the top kickers have the ability to hit from beyond 50.
They have been given those chances in college and made good on them.
I would say the earliest should be in the 4th round for a kicker, but that depends on the team in my opinion.

If your team doesn't typically play rookies, maybe a rookie kicker gets that shot and has greater impact than another player sitting the bench.
If that is the case then maybe taking a kicker in the 3rd makes a difference from an early impact standpoint.

I don't know who has or hasn't declared, but I would take any of these three:
Carlson (Auburn)
Gonzalez (Arizona St.)
Pineiro (Florida)

Same. If as projected they get two 4th round comps, burn one on one of these guys. It's not like they're worse off if he doesn't work out, salary impact isn't even worth considering if he's cut and if he turns out to be a Tucker, kickers are still affordable. In terms of bang for the buck and draft value, a franchise K (if there is such a thing) in the 4th would probably have a bigger impact than drafting the next JJ Watt in the first.

That said, COB's probably right.

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16 hours ago, AMPHAR said:

In a related and unrelated note:  Pacman in previous hard knocks with Cowboys and Bengals would catch punts from the Jugs machine consecutively while never letting go of previous balls.   I think he has his personal record up to 9 or something.    He's basically holding like 7 footballs and trying to field a punt to catch 8 and 9.  

Awesome, now if he could learn to be a decent human being we would be onto something.  I know that's secondary, but just saying.
Sorry for the rant, I'll return us to wishing death upon police, spitting on nurses, and cool things like smacking bitches.

Speaking of that, I need to go smack my bitch up !!!
THANKS PACMAN !!!

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Hooker's gonna drop, Bengals' can't afford to risk another injury situation, despite the upside, the guy only started for a season in college. They've gotten killed with 1st rounders and injury issues the last 4-5 years obviously.  

I can see a DE/DT, maybe one of the 2 OT's that would warrant a pick that high, maybe a WR or even a RB.  

Solomon Thomas makes the most sense to me, as far as what the Bengals' value, at this point.

There's only one CB in this draft who rates anywhere near their pick (FSU's Wilson), assuming Lattimore is a top 5, and Hooker is the only other possible S (can't see Adams dropping that far, or the Bengals' drafting a S). 

If Thomas is gone, could see them going for someone like Mike Wilson possibly.

Eh, Combine is not even near, so whatever, but that rarely changes the top 10 much.

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http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000784163/article/daniel-jeremiahs-top-50-prospects-for-2017-nfl-draft-20

Sure to the first in many revisions.   A top 50 list.    

I like this list.    Players 6-11.   I would be happy with at No. 9.    Foster, Fournette, Davis, Williams, Thomas.  

Fournette and Williams would be my first choices.  Foster used to be my least favorite but I like the comparisons and write up enough he's grown on me.  Davis being from a small school is the only 1 I'd be unsure of at 9.

However, it's really the listing of players late 30s or early 40s that looks even better.   A lot LB prospects,  a tackle once thought to be top 10. 

 

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I'm curious which of the RB's is going to fall.
I think there is going to be a very solid RB sitting there when the Bengals pick in the 2nd round.

I still like Foster the most.  He's the player I really want.
A not so distant second player is Mike Williams to pair with AJ on the outside and push Boyd to the slot.
Bring LaFell back to solidify things for another season and that's one heck of a 1-4 WR corps.

I still wouldn't be surprised with any of the listed DE's though and think that's what the team will do regardless.

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1 hour ago, ArmyBengal said:

I still wouldn't be surprised with any of the listed DE's though and think that's what the team will do regardless.

I wouldn't complain but more often than not, when the Bengals are this high up, they look to the offense. Just looking from 9 on on that list, I could easily see Williams, Cook or Ramczyk.

The evil little imp that lives on my right shoulder wants Ramczyk just for the lulz.

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