2018 Draft Prospects Thread

Jack Brickman said:

I think Njoku was the best TE prospect in the draft last year. His yards after contact in college was absolutely insane. Like video game level insane. I believe he averaged like ten yards after contact, which is barely a realistic number. He's more raw than Howard, and Howard is certainly a more complete player when you factor in blocking. Engram is basically a big, athletic WR who happens to play TE. That also probably explains why he's dog shit at blocking. He's a WR.

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IIRC, Njoku also finished the year really strongly in blocking. Seems like whenever he'd have a great game and really flashed on the field, Hue would mention "I really should play him more" only to cut his snaps in half right after. I'm still really high on his long term potential, he does things out there that not many other TEs do.

howler1313 said:

IIRC, Njoku also finished the year really strongly in blocking. Seems like whenever he'd have a great game and really flashed on the field, Hue would mention "I really should play him more" only to cut his snaps in half right after. I'm still really high on his long term potential, he does things out there that not many other TEs do.

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I wasn't saying Njoku was a bad blocker, but Howard was known for basically being great at blocking and everything else. He was a fantastic prospect across the board. Njoku I think was a better overall potential prospect, but he also required a bit more development, whereas I think Howard was more or less ready to step in and produce on day one.

Jack Brickman said:

I wasn't saying Njoku was a bad blocker, but Howard was known for basically being great at blocking and everything else. He was a fantastic prospect across the board. Njoku I think was a better overall potential prospect, but he also required a bit more development, whereas I think Howard was more or less ready to step in and produce on day one.

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Here was the tweet I was looking for. I'd say Njoku is a surefire breakout candidate next year with better coaching, but, well...

View: https://twitter.com/evansilva/status/937784027599265792

Took a look at some offensive lineman last night I expect to be drafted in the second day. Any of these first four would be excellent additions.

Some very interesting names/projects.

Martinas Rankin - Miss. St. - Really impressive agility and quickness to put himself in good position. Future LT if he's able to gain a bit more strength and utilize better hand placement and punch. Good second round pick. - Film


Brian O'Neill - Pitt - Played WR in high school, didn't become an OL until 2015. Rare athleticism for his size, but obviously the refinement will come with good coaching. Definitely a candidate for the second round. - Film


Desmond Harrison - West Georgia - Started at Texas and got kicked off for drug tests by Charlie Strong. Another guy with rare athleticism who has dominated lesser competition. Probably fits into the third round range right now with the potential to go higher in the off-season. - Film


Brandon Parker - North Carolina A&T - Massive dude at 6'8 who comes off the line like a tight end. Huge wingspan and very quick feet but often finds himself off-balance. Lots of projection, and a late second through fourth round pick. - Film


Kolton Miller - UCLA - Has been Rosen's blindside protection, but left me a little unimpressed with his speed off the line and into his drop step. Better suited for the right side.

I wish the draft was tomorrow.

Is there anything out there for this qb class that shows accuracy and catchable ball stats/rate?

Los216 said:

View: https://twitter.com/Chris_Renkel/status/951134120196935680

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Good, Najee Harris looks like the #1 back in Bama. No reason to return for a backup job.

Scarborough seems like a Samaje Perine candidate who goes on the third day but helps an NFL team in a committee.

I'm still on my crusade about the Browns linebackers. In this piece, Schobert is 9th in the NFL, Collins 10th, and Kirksey is 11th. Doesn't need to be a position to focus on early in the draft.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2752307-nfl1000-ranking-the-top-inside-linebackers-of-2017-season

Soda said:

I'm still on my crusade about the Browns linebackers. In this piece, Schobert is 9th in the NFL, Collins 10th, and Kirksey is 11th. Doesn't need to be a position to focus on early in the draft.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2752307-nfl1000-ranking-the-top-inside-linebackers-of-2017-season

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I agree with you. I generally think we are set at starting LB for the next few years, and I imagine we both wouldn't mind a depth piece or two added either through the draft or FA>

I did read something towards the end of the season that I kind of agree with, though. Can't remember who said it, but they basically said they want linebackers who make plays, not just make tackles. We need more plays out of them rather than them just being fundamentally sound. Hopefully that will happen as Schobert should continue to improve, Collins should be healthier, and our young DL should improve and make things easier for the LBs.

Soda said:

I'm still on my crusade about the Browns linebackers. In this piece, Schobert is 9th in the NFL, Collins 10th, and Kirksey is 11th. Doesn't need to be a position to focus on early in the draft.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2752307-nfl1000-ranking-the-top-inside-linebackers-of-2017-season

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Tank Carder will also be returning for depth, who had been a starter for most of 2016 over Davis and expected playing time in 2017.

One depth linebacker who excels in coverage would be smart... but just depth.

Randolphkeys said:

Tank Carder will also be returning for depth, who had been a starter for most of 2016 over Davis and expected playing time in 2017.

One depth linebacker who excels in coverage would be smart... but just depth.

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I think Tank will be camp fodder unless he's brought back to be strictly Special Teams.

Los216 said:

I think Tank will be camp fodder unless he's brought back to be strictly Special Teams.

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That's what a second team linebacker does... special teams with help if injuries hit. Browns fans should look back at how heavily injuries effected the season, especially at linebacker. If healthy, it was a very strong group.

Maintaining drives on offense would have helped the injury problems on defense as the year went on.