Chopper0080
2021 - Prove It
This draft is growing increasingly frustrating for me. There are no "sure things" like Fitz, which sucks for a team picking in the top 5. At the same time, all the trade downs feel like we end up taking 2nd round talent in the first round. I really hope a CBA gets worked out and there's a free agency, because I just don't see us getting much immediate impact from this draft class.
There are some sure things, but you have adjust what you are looking for.
Patrick Peterson is a sure fire football player, be it at CB or S. He makes plays in coverage, can be physical in run support, and is dynamic in the return game.
Von Miller is a sure fire pass rusher. He might struggle at point of attack, but he will get you sacks. With as many spread teams as their are anymore, I am ok with the one dimension that he brings.
Marcel Dareus is a sure fire contributor inside, and might be the best DT/DE out there. If there is a player that the Pats would trade up for it is Dareus.
Both AJ Green and Julio Jones will surely spark the offense that they will go to. Both will contribute sooner rather than later which is rare for WR's.
Justin Houston is surely the closest thing to LaMarr Woodley in this draft in terms is size and experience coming from college to the Pros as a OLB prospect.
These are players whose production they displayed in college will be nearest to what they will asked to do in the Pros.
You want a guy to generate a pass rush from a two point stance, then your best bet is to take a guy who generated a pass rush from a two point stance in college.
You want a physical presence in the secondary that can allow you to do different coverage schemes, then you take a secondary player that brings a physical presence and can handle multiple assignments.
If you want an impact WR that can stretch the field, then you take a WR who has proven the ability to stretch the field in college.
It is the same with intangibles. If you want a player who is a hard worker or a is a leader, then you should target players who have shown this ability in college. You have a far better chance at getting a guy with that ability then just taking a player who hasn't proven to be a hard worker or a leader, and hoping he suddenly demonstrates it when he is a pro.
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