Chris
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
- Messages
- 40,150
- Reaction score
- 26,472
- Points
- 135
Thats what Im hoping too
-
Changing RCF's index page, please click on "Forums" to access the forums.
2017 Draft Prospects Thread
- Thread starter AZ_
- Start date
Thats what Im hoping too
ajz20
Draft Guru
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2008
- Messages
- 11,611
- Reaction score
- 13,558
- Points
- 123
I am on the boarder with the last draft. I like Ogbah and Coleman long term, perhaps Nassib but some high level players were passed on in multiple rounds, and you can get qb's with Kessler's ability in rounds 6-7, so we basically threw away a third rounder in a expansion type rebuild.
Also I expected more from the young wr's drafted, but perhaps with the horrible qb play and o line play, it is expected. The O linemen have not impressed me. I would give it an incomplete. Have to do better this year for this rebuild to work.
SixPACK
All-Star
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2009
- Messages
- 6,607
- Reaction score
- 6,021
- Points
- 113
Everyone's favorite 2 people:
Answering 25 questions on the 2017 NFL draft
**(I put the ones that can actually relate to us, kinda): BROWNS SPECIFICALLY ARE IN BLUE COLOR
1. Is this draft better on offense or defense?
Kiper: This is a defensive draft. It's incredibly strong there -- 15 of my top 25 prospects are defenders, including eight of the top 10. And it's deep too, with pass-rushers and defensive backs galore. On offense, this draft is lacking in premier talent at positions that are usually picked in the top five: offensive tackles and quarterbacks. There just isn't much there.
2. Who are the quarterbacks we'll be talking about on the first night of the draft?
Kiper: There's really only one guy right now, and he might not even enter the draft. That's North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky, a fourth-year junior who is in his first season as the starter. Trubisky has thrown 28 touchdown passes to only four interceptions, but he's still green -- with another year of seasoning, he could be the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft. He's not ready to play right away in the NFL.
I don't see any other first-rounders in the group. Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer, a third-year sophomore, has to go back to school. Clemson's Deshaun Watson has taken a step back this season. Underclassmen Luke Falk and Patrick Mahomes could use another year in school, and they don't project as first-rounders.
3. Would you go so far as to call this a bad QB class, Todd?
McShay: I'll say this: It's not a great year to be drafting early and needing a quarterback. There's some depth (depending on how many underclassmen declare), but I don't see any elite prospects among those I've reviewed so far. My top five quarterbacks are all underclassmen -- and I hope most of them return to school (Watson, my No. 2 QB, has already declared). Mel is right, Kizer needs another year. Trubisky has only 12 starts. Miami's Brad Kaaya can continue to get bigger/stronger. Falk comes with too many questions ranging from system to frame.
4. Which prospect-to-player comparison do you think is most spot-on?
McShay: Dalvin Cook and Chris Johnson. The Florida State RB has the speed, suddenness and big-play ability that Johnson had when he was still in his prime. Cook has 15 touches of 25 yards or more this season, tied for second among Power 5 running backs.
5. If you had to put your money behind one guy from this class to be the NFL's next great pass-rusher, who would it be?
Kiper: There's no question it's Texas A&M's Myles Garrett, who is No. 1 on my Big Board. He has everything teams want in a premier edge rusher. At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, he's going to be a star. Others to keep an eye on: Alabama's Tim Williams and UCLA's Takkarist McKinley. All could go in the top 10.
6. What should the Browns do with the first pick: best player or best QB?
Kiper: The Browns have too many needs. It has to be the best player, and as I mentioned above, there's no surefire top quarterback in this class. Cleveland needs everything. No way should the Browns reach for a quarterback in this draft.
8. By the time it's April, Mel, who are people going to be saying, "Oh, Kiper loves that guy!"
Kiper: It's Alabama's Reuben Foster. He could be the best of the stellar group of Crimson Tide inside linebackers to be picked in the first round recently (Rolando McClain, Dont'a Hightower and C.J. Mosley). Foster is a complete player. Top five isn't out of the question, which is rare for an ILB. He's that good.
9. How about you, Todd?
McShay: LSU safety Jamal Adams. He hasn't gotten a ton of love nationally, but he's one of the most complete players in this draft class. He has everything you want -- intelligence, toughness, ball skills and explosive tackling ability. Plus, he's a really good leader.
12. If my team needs a ______, we're in luck in this draft.
Kiper: Pass-rusher. The class is littered with talented rushers -- for both a 3-4 and 4-3 scheme. The next-deepest positions: tight end and center.
13. What about offensive line: Is there a cornerstone blindside protector in this draft?
McShay: This is not a great offensive tackle class. Alabama's Cam Robinson is my top-ranked offensive tackle (No. 15 overall), but I wouldn't classify him as a cornerstone blindside protector. There are more right tackles and offensive guards -- such as Wisconsin's Ryan Ramczyk and Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp -- in this class than there are true left tackles.
14. Leonard Fournette is the most talented running back prospect since when?
McShay: Adrian Peterson in 2007. Yes, Fournette has some durability concerns (an ankle injury has hobbled him all season), but the same was said for Peterson when he was leaving Oklahoma.
15. Which teams could target Fournette?
Kiper: Running backs have been devalued, but I'd be surprised if Fournette slipped out of the top eight. Not many of the teams projected to pick there need a RB, so why not Cleveland? Fournette is that good, and the Browns could do much worse than a plug-and-play, three-down back. Maybe it's Carolina, who has aging backs. The Panthers have bigger needs, though. It might have to be a team that likes Fournette enough to trade up. Maybe Philadelphia for the second straight season. Maybe the Lions or Giants, who are among the worst running teams in the league.
16. Who are the guys we'll all be calling "freaks" after the NFL combine?
McShay: Myles Garrett is the top all-around physical freak in this class. He'll test off the charts for a pass-rusher. Two others: UCLA outside linebacker Takkarist McKinley and Virginia Tech tight end Bucky Hodges. McKinley has elite speed for an edge guy; Hodges, a former quarterback, is long, fast and athletic.
19. What about the underclassman with nothing left to prove to NFL scouts?
Kiper: LSU's Leonard Fournette. There's only so much tread on the tires of running backs. He's going to be a star on day one.
22. Who's going to catapult up boards like Carson Wentz did last year?
McShay: Washington wide receiver John Ross could be an early pick if he leaves school -- and runs as fast as expected. I'm also interested to see if the two Ohio State defensive backs Mel just mentioned (Lattimore and Hooker) decide to return to school for a second season as full-time starters, or if they bolt after the upcoming playoff. Both need more game experience, but both are very talented.
25. Which team needs to hit a home run in this draft?
Kiper: C'mon, it's Cleveland. The Browns haven't won a game! They have to get some talent, and luckily for them, they have the picks to do it (including two in the first round). The Browns have to hit on some stars in the second year of their total analytical approach. One more that's interesting: Tennessee, which is on the cusp of being really good. The Titans have two first-round picks -- they have the Rams' pick from the Jared Goff deal -- and they could use one of those to beef up their secondary.
Answering 25 questions on the 2017 NFL draft
**(I put the ones that can actually relate to us, kinda): BROWNS SPECIFICALLY ARE IN BLUE COLOR
1. Is this draft better on offense or defense?
Kiper: This is a defensive draft. It's incredibly strong there -- 15 of my top 25 prospects are defenders, including eight of the top 10. And it's deep too, with pass-rushers and defensive backs galore. On offense, this draft is lacking in premier talent at positions that are usually picked in the top five: offensive tackles and quarterbacks. There just isn't much there.
2. Who are the quarterbacks we'll be talking about on the first night of the draft?
Kiper: There's really only one guy right now, and he might not even enter the draft. That's North Carolina's Mitch Trubisky, a fourth-year junior who is in his first season as the starter. Trubisky has thrown 28 touchdown passes to only four interceptions, but he's still green -- with another year of seasoning, he could be the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft. He's not ready to play right away in the NFL.
I don't see any other first-rounders in the group. Notre Dame's DeShone Kizer, a third-year sophomore, has to go back to school. Clemson's Deshaun Watson has taken a step back this season. Underclassmen Luke Falk and Patrick Mahomes could use another year in school, and they don't project as first-rounders.
3. Would you go so far as to call this a bad QB class, Todd?
McShay: I'll say this: It's not a great year to be drafting early and needing a quarterback. There's some depth (depending on how many underclassmen declare), but I don't see any elite prospects among those I've reviewed so far. My top five quarterbacks are all underclassmen -- and I hope most of them return to school (Watson, my No. 2 QB, has already declared). Mel is right, Kizer needs another year. Trubisky has only 12 starts. Miami's Brad Kaaya can continue to get bigger/stronger. Falk comes with too many questions ranging from system to frame.
4. Which prospect-to-player comparison do you think is most spot-on?
McShay: Dalvin Cook and Chris Johnson. The Florida State RB has the speed, suddenness and big-play ability that Johnson had when he was still in his prime. Cook has 15 touches of 25 yards or more this season, tied for second among Power 5 running backs.
5. If you had to put your money behind one guy from this class to be the NFL's next great pass-rusher, who would it be?
Kiper: There's no question it's Texas A&M's Myles Garrett, who is No. 1 on my Big Board. He has everything teams want in a premier edge rusher. At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, he's going to be a star. Others to keep an eye on: Alabama's Tim Williams and UCLA's Takkarist McKinley. All could go in the top 10.
6. What should the Browns do with the first pick: best player or best QB?
Kiper: The Browns have too many needs. It has to be the best player, and as I mentioned above, there's no surefire top quarterback in this class. Cleveland needs everything. No way should the Browns reach for a quarterback in this draft.
8. By the time it's April, Mel, who are people going to be saying, "Oh, Kiper loves that guy!"
Kiper: It's Alabama's Reuben Foster. He could be the best of the stellar group of Crimson Tide inside linebackers to be picked in the first round recently (Rolando McClain, Dont'a Hightower and C.J. Mosley). Foster is a complete player. Top five isn't out of the question, which is rare for an ILB. He's that good.
9. How about you, Todd?
McShay: LSU safety Jamal Adams. He hasn't gotten a ton of love nationally, but he's one of the most complete players in this draft class. He has everything you want -- intelligence, toughness, ball skills and explosive tackling ability. Plus, he's a really good leader.
12. If my team needs a ______, we're in luck in this draft.
Kiper: Pass-rusher. The class is littered with talented rushers -- for both a 3-4 and 4-3 scheme. The next-deepest positions: tight end and center.
13. What about offensive line: Is there a cornerstone blindside protector in this draft?
McShay: This is not a great offensive tackle class. Alabama's Cam Robinson is my top-ranked offensive tackle (No. 15 overall), but I wouldn't classify him as a cornerstone blindside protector. There are more right tackles and offensive guards -- such as Wisconsin's Ryan Ramczyk and Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp -- in this class than there are true left tackles.
14. Leonard Fournette is the most talented running back prospect since when?
McShay: Adrian Peterson in 2007. Yes, Fournette has some durability concerns (an ankle injury has hobbled him all season), but the same was said for Peterson when he was leaving Oklahoma.
15. Which teams could target Fournette?
Kiper: Running backs have been devalued, but I'd be surprised if Fournette slipped out of the top eight. Not many of the teams projected to pick there need a RB, so why not Cleveland? Fournette is that good, and the Browns could do much worse than a plug-and-play, three-down back. Maybe it's Carolina, who has aging backs. The Panthers have bigger needs, though. It might have to be a team that likes Fournette enough to trade up. Maybe Philadelphia for the second straight season. Maybe the Lions or Giants, who are among the worst running teams in the league.
16. Who are the guys we'll all be calling "freaks" after the NFL combine?
McShay: Myles Garrett is the top all-around physical freak in this class. He'll test off the charts for a pass-rusher. Two others: UCLA outside linebacker Takkarist McKinley and Virginia Tech tight end Bucky Hodges. McKinley has elite speed for an edge guy; Hodges, a former quarterback, is long, fast and athletic.
19. What about the underclassman with nothing left to prove to NFL scouts?
Kiper: LSU's Leonard Fournette. There's only so much tread on the tires of running backs. He's going to be a star on day one.
22. Who's going to catapult up boards like Carson Wentz did last year?
McShay: Washington wide receiver John Ross could be an early pick if he leaves school -- and runs as fast as expected. I'm also interested to see if the two Ohio State defensive backs Mel just mentioned (Lattimore and Hooker) decide to return to school for a second season as full-time starters, or if they bolt after the upcoming playoff. Both need more game experience, but both are very talented.
25. Which team needs to hit a home run in this draft?
Kiper: C'mon, it's Cleveland. The Browns haven't won a game! They have to get some talent, and luckily for them, they have the picks to do it (including two in the first round). The Browns have to hit on some stars in the second year of their total analytical approach. One more that's interesting: Tennessee, which is on the cusp of being really good. The Titans have two first-round picks -- they have the Rams' pick from the Jared Goff deal -- and they could use one of those to beef up their secondary.
The Wizard of Moz
Punishing This Air
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2015
- Messages
- 20,813
- Reaction score
- 34,386
- Points
- 148
God please no to Fournette
Every single year there's a RB who is the "best since Peterson!"
There's a reason until likely Zeke that hasn't been updated since 2007. Rbs are imo the most dependent of any position on their teammates.
I think fournette on the browns would look like Gurley this year... or Fournette against Alabama. His team just getting mauled.
Every single year there's a RB who is the "best since Peterson!"
There's a reason until likely Zeke that hasn't been updated since 2007. Rbs are imo the most dependent of any position on their teammates.
I think fournette on the browns would look like Gurley this year... or Fournette against Alabama. His team just getting mauled.
AZ_
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2007
- Messages
- 40,728
- Reaction score
- 51,466
- Points
- 148
I don't think anyone is suggesting taking Fournette and not upgrading the offensive line as well.
And Fournette absolutely belongs in the same class as Peterson, and Elliott for that matter.
Chris
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
- Messages
- 40,150
- Reaction score
- 26,472
- Points
- 135
If Fournette is that good, I'd be okay taking him with the second pick- assuming we make MASSIVE upgrades to the offensive line with our other picks, so some holes can actually open up.
That said, would it be more beneficial to just take the two best defensive guys? I know it depends on who is available but the defense needs an infusion of playmaking ability. Honestly, more so than the offense does (though we need shit there too)
That said, would it be more beneficial to just take the two best defensive guys? I know it depends on who is available but the defense needs an infusion of playmaking ability. Honestly, more so than the offense does (though we need shit there too)
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2005
- Messages
- 20,483
- Reaction score
- 33,480
- Points
- 148
I don't think the Browns need "massive" upgrades to the offensive line.
Hell, with Austin Reiter back, the offensive line might actually be pretty good. RT may need an upgrade, but then again, Shon Coleman might emerge. I like the other parts. A backup and a starting Center are the only true missing parts.
That being said, something about Fournette scares the living crap out of me. Everytime I watch him, he doesn't look explosive. Maybe that's a just this year thing, need to go back and watch some 2015 stuff. I know he's been pretty banged up this year.
I love Dalvin Cook, but I'm not sure if I like him even in the first round. Especially when you got a lot of great running backs that could be sitting there with our first 2nd rounder.
Hell, with Austin Reiter back, the offensive line might actually be pretty good. RT may need an upgrade, but then again, Shon Coleman might emerge. I like the other parts. A backup and a starting Center are the only true missing parts.
That being said, something about Fournette scares the living crap out of me. Everytime I watch him, he doesn't look explosive. Maybe that's a just this year thing, need to go back and watch some 2015 stuff. I know he's been pretty banged up this year.
I love Dalvin Cook, but I'm not sure if I like him even in the first round. Especially when you got a lot of great running backs that could be sitting there with our first 2nd rounder.
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2005
- Messages
- 20,483
- Reaction score
- 33,480
- Points
- 148
Also, I'd like to add if the Browns DO want to take a skill offensive position with their 2nd 1st rounder, we would be right in the sweet spot for Mike Williams.
Just sayin...
Just sayin...
Chris
Hall-of-Famer
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2008
- Messages
- 40,150
- Reaction score
- 26,472
- Points
- 135
They do, but I guess I forgot about Bitonio. Being hurt and out for the year and all. Presume he'll be ready to go for next season.
Now someone who knows more than me can tell me whether this line would be worth two shits run blocking for Fournette.
bob2the2nd
member 32
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2005
- Messages
- 23,089
- Reaction score
- 23,275
- Points
- 135
Going into the draft last year fournette was regarded as a equal/better talent than zeke. so while there may be some that think zeke is a once in a decade prospect, fournette is supposed to be just as good. Also zeke went to a team with the best oline in the league, so of course he looks great. i would gladly take fournette on this team, but unfortunately this team had bigger issues right now than rb