Optimistic Prime’s Prime Time 2nd & 3rd Round FREAKS & Favorites
April 27, 2024
Optimistic Prime’s Prime Time 2nd & 3rd Round FREAKS & Favorites
1 comment
:*Street Fighter announcer voice*:
ROUND 2 :FIGHT!:
ALL the following players should be available to us, at or near 54. We’ll call it our *sweet spot*, (there’s more players listed in this section because this is our default target range):
– 41 Braden Fiske DL | Florida State
He’s got decent size,but is a bit small for a Nose, at 292lbs. (I prefer larger players who have similar or better measurables, partly because I studied physics, and Mass × Acceleration is a very real thing, as is trying to move a more massive object requiring more force)
Has great athleticism, 4.78 forty, and a high motor. That said Fiske is only topping this list, because he is generally available at 54, in my mocks, and is obviously rated to go before that, so he’s in consideration. Should be a solid player, although I could see him getting gobbled up by larger more physical Offensive Linemen. I see better options later on, but he’s a fine prospect.
Basically always avaliable at 54, 6’2″ 230lbs, 4.51 forty, 92% percentile wingspan, above average all around game. Can blitz, but should be excellent in coverage as well. A bit small for my liking, but the NFL has shrunk the LB position in favor of sideline to sideline speed, which Cooper definitely has. I’d be happy picking him at 54, but I wouldn’t be truly excited about it, because there’s other players likely available who stand out more to me.
Speaking of players available who I like more than Cooper…
– ♤ 44 Payton Wilson LB | NC State
Taller than Cooper at 6’4″, basically the same weight, but also faster running a 4.43 forty, which is flying for any LB. Had an ACL injury, or would be higher IMO. Regardless, if there weren’t so many solid Linebackers later on, I would be running to the podium.
6’1″ 221lbs 4.39 speed, huge 40″ vertical as well. This kid has obvious Deebo energy and should be able to translate to the NFL and truck smaller Defensive Backs while eluding arm tackles from Linebackers. Really nice blend of size, athleticism and speed. Potential *”YAC Monster”*, who’s also ripe for gadget plays, and enhanced pre snap confusion for opponents.
*The following players are ones I’ve been able to select, after moving down a few spots from 54 and picking up later round draft picks (say trading 54 to Tampa for 57, 125, 220, & 246), obviously the Simulators don’t have this down to an exact science, but you get the point. I have no problem trading down multiple times to build draft capital, but realistically, our absolutely stacked roster is going to limit the number of Rookies we can bring in*:
– 🧡 51 Chris Braswell EDGE | Alabama
6’3″ 251lbs, huge 80⅞” wingspan, 4.60 forty, squats 705 pounds. This kid is actually dropping into coverage and is good at it, which adds another level of usage to his game. All on top of being an explosive proficient edge rusher.
If Braswell is available at 54, I would pick him right there and have NO ragerts.
With the uppermost TE class limited, Sanders value increases IMO. The next available Tight Ends are going much later:
(101 Ben Sinnott TE | Kansas State & 133 Jared Wiley TE | TCU are both super athletic, fast and have great size, with good hands. I’m hard pressed to say Sanders is a *must draft* here, because I really like these 2 later on, and absolutely love TIP REIMAN *much* later on…)
I’ve selected Ja’Tavion bunches of times at 54, and moved down and selected him. All signs point to him being an immediate contributor in the passing game. *”skill set suggests he would thrive in a spread offense system, where his receiving skills would be a major asset”* Overall I would be excited if we got him, but it’s not a necessity at pick 54 IMO
Pedigree… All things being equal, this means a lot to me when sorting prospects. The rigors of an NFL season are extreme, let alone a decade of solid production. Jenkins genetics have already proven to be effective and set for longevity. It’s not a guarantee, and it’s not everything, but it’s something…
“*Kris Jenkins Sr., a dominant 4-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Panthers and Jets”*
I’d have no problem selecting Jenkins around 54, but I see other DT prospects later who I like a bit more. His size isn’t concerning, but it’s not *freakish*
*”Elite in man coverage – probably the best man defender amongst safeties in the entire draft class… Exhibits elite athleticism with exceptional balance and agility, enabling effective coverage and sideline range as a deep safety. Impressive football IQ and route recognition, adept at anticipating plays and quarterback intentions. Strong ball skills, capable of high-pointing and intercepting passes with precise hand usage.”*
This kid is ready to step in and play at a high level.
Basically everything I said about Xavier Legette above, so Legette *Light?*
You guessed it, another *”Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks List’ at number 81… 4.43 40-yard dash. His 4.08 shuttle time and 355-pound bench. Corley is a terror in run-after-catch scenarios, exhibiting the ability to bulldoze through defenders with exceptional balance and vision. He demonstrates impressive hand skills, adept at securing catches away from his frame, which enhances his catch radius despite his size.”*
He went to a small school, so he’s not as *tested* as some other prospects, but his athleticism and physical style of play should translate well, even if the transition isn’t immediate.
(61 Junior Colson looks to be a solid player but he would be lower on my list, mostly because the Linebacker position is diminished in the current NFL landscape)
– 🧡 63 T’Vondre Sweat DL | Texas
6”4″ 366lbs F R E A K !!! While still running an respectable 5.27 forty
I would have him higher if he wasn’t likely relegated to a mostly 2 down role, but he’s my favorite selection, because there’s *nobody* else this size for miles. This would definitely be my pick if Braswell is gone by 54. *”Relentless motor and energy, pass-rushing potential is there, with the ability to employ powerful moves and generate torque against single blockers.”* Playstyle often demands double teams. Difficult to move off the point of attack.
Blocker eater, Run nullification MONSTER. *FREAK*
^(I don’t care if thus kid has 3 DUI’s and is driving with a bong gas mask on… I want him regardless)
– 65 Patrick Paul OT | Houston
Another monster, on the opposite side of the ball. 6’8″ 331lbs, 86¼” wingspan (100th% percentile), 5.13 forty…
Has issues with pad level *obviously*, and isn’t currently the best run blocker as a result.
(For the record Quincy Carrier apparently didn’t like what he saw at the Senior Bowl…)
Athleticism is great, extensive experience across multiple offensive line positions, Strong foundational skills in both run and pass blocking.
I can’t stand the thought of Bitonio getting older, but I absolutely love the thought of this kid filling his shoes when the time comes. If you’re looking for an lock interior lineman Beebe is the bees knees.
How the fuck is a 6’3″ 317lb man going to run a 5.03 (93%) forty, and jump 33″ on his vertical (96%)? If I was standing there to witness this, I would drop dead from anger before he caused an earthquake hitting the ground.
Speaking of dropping dead, Jed read the following quote and evaporated: *”Strong finisher, showcasing a relentless pursuit to engage through the entirety of plays, epitomizing a combative spirit.”*
Haynes is going to be a great player for a long time IMO
Agile with explosive power and quickness to generate significant pressure on the QB. Looks to be a solid candidate as a day one contributor, although a bit of a tweener, his motor will pay dividends.
Ok, a few of these guys will obviously slip to round 3 but I have all the above players with 2nd round abilities that should immediately translate to the next level.
I’m really enamored with this group, and obviously I would love to take a team in the Panthers position, and stock up on solid starters, but I digress.
1 comment
:*Street Fighter announcer voice*:
ROUND 2 :FIGHT!:
ALL the following players should be available to us, at or near 54. We’ll call it our *sweet spot*, (there’s more players listed in this section because this is our default target range):
– 41 Braden Fiske DL | Florida State
He’s got decent size,but is a bit small for a Nose, at 292lbs. (I prefer larger players who have similar or better measurables, partly because I studied physics, and Mass × Acceleration is a very real thing, as is trying to move a more massive object requiring more force)
Has great athleticism, 4.78 forty, and a high motor. That said Fiske is only topping this list, because he is generally available at 54, in my mocks, and is obviously rated to go before that, so he’s in consideration. Should be a solid player, although I could see him getting gobbled up by larger more physical Offensive Linemen. I see better options later on, but he’s a fine prospect.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Braden-Fiske-DT-WesternMichigan
– 42 Edgerrin Cooper LB | Texas A&M
Basically always avaliable at 54, 6’2″ 230lbs, 4.51 forty, 92% percentile wingspan, above average all around game. Can blitz, but should be excellent in coverage as well. A bit small for my liking, but the NFL has shrunk the LB position in favor of sideline to sideline speed, which Cooper definitely has. I’d be happy picking him at 54, but I wouldn’t be truly excited about it, because there’s other players likely available who stand out more to me.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Edgerrin-Cooper-LB-TexasAANDM
Speaking of players available who I like more than Cooper…
– ♤ 44 Payton Wilson LB | NC State
Taller than Cooper at 6’4″, basically the same weight, but also faster running a 4.43 forty, which is flying for any LB. Had an ACL injury, or would be higher IMO. Regardless, if there weren’t so many solid Linebackers later on, I would be running to the podium.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Payton-Wilson-LB-NCState
– ♤ 49 Xavier Legette WR | South Carolina
6’1″ 221lbs 4.39 speed, huge 40″ vertical as well. This kid has obvious Deebo energy and should be able to translate to the NFL and truck smaller Defensive Backs while eluding arm tackles from Linebackers. Really nice blend of size, athleticism and speed. Potential *”YAC Monster”*, who’s also ripe for gadget plays, and enhanced pre snap confusion for opponents.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Xavier-Legette-WR-SouthCarolina
*The following players are ones I’ve been able to select, after moving down a few spots from 54 and picking up later round draft picks (say trading 54 to Tampa for 57, 125, 220, & 246), obviously the Simulators don’t have this down to an exact science, but you get the point. I have no problem trading down multiple times to build draft capital, but realistically, our absolutely stacked roster is going to limit the number of Rookies we can bring in*:
– 🧡 51 Chris Braswell EDGE | Alabama
6’3″ 251lbs, huge 80⅞” wingspan, 4.60 forty, squats 705 pounds. This kid is actually dropping into coverage and is good at it, which adds another level of usage to his game. All on top of being an explosive proficient edge rusher.
If Braswell is available at 54, I would pick him right there and have NO ragerts.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Chris-Braswell-LB-Alabama
– 52 Ja’Tavion Sanders TE | Texas
With the uppermost TE class limited, Sanders value increases IMO. The next available Tight Ends are going much later:
(101 Ben Sinnott TE | Kansas State & 133 Jared Wiley TE | TCU are both super athletic, fast and have great size, with good hands. I’m hard pressed to say Sanders is a *must draft* here, because I really like these 2 later on, and absolutely love TIP REIMAN *much* later on…)
I’ve selected Ja’Tavion bunches of times at 54, and moved down and selected him. All signs point to him being an immediate contributor in the passing game. *”skill set suggests he would thrive in a spread offense system, where his receiving skills would be a major asset”* Overall I would be excited if we got him, but it’s not a necessity at pick 54 IMO
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Ja'Tavion-Sanders-TE-Texas
– 54 Kris Jenkins DL | Michigan
Bruce Feldman Freaks list at #6.
Pedigree… All things being equal, this means a lot to me when sorting prospects. The rigors of an NFL season are extreme, let alone a decade of solid production. Jenkins genetics have already proven to be effective and set for longevity. It’s not a guarantee, and it’s not everything, but it’s something…
“*Kris Jenkins Sr., a dominant 4-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Panthers and Jets”*
I’d have no problem selecting Jenkins around 54, but I see other DT prospects later who I like a bit more. His size isn’t concerning, but it’s not *freakish*
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Kris-Jenkins-DL-Michigan
– 56 Max Melton CB | Rutgers
A bit small, but… you guessed it… he’s a pretty freaky athlete. Running a 4.39, 40.5″ vertical (94th%), & ludicrous 136 (99th%) broad jump.
We all know Andrew Berry is gonna take a CB, but it’s likely he waits till later on.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Max-Melton-DB-Rutgers
– 57 Javon Bullard S | Georgia
Smallish, but hits hard, 4.47 forty,
*”Elite in man coverage – probably the best man defender amongst safeties in the entire draft class… Exhibits elite athleticism with exceptional balance and agility, enabling effective coverage and sideline range as a deep safety.
Impressive football IQ and route recognition, adept at anticipating plays and quarterback intentions.
Strong ball skills, capable of high-pointing and intercepting passes with precise hand usage.”*
This kid is ready to step in and play at a high level.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Javon-Bullard-DB-Georgia
– 59 Malachi Corley WR | Western Kentucky
(AKA Michael *C* Jordan)
Basically everything I said about Xavier Legette above, so Legette *Light?*
You guessed it, another *”Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks List’ at number 81… 4.43 40-yard dash. His 4.08 shuttle time and 355-pound bench. Corley is a terror in run-after-catch scenarios, exhibiting the ability to bulldoze through defenders with exceptional balance and vision.
He demonstrates impressive hand skills, adept at securing catches away from his frame, which enhances his catch radius despite his size.”*
He went to a small school, so he’s not as *tested* as some other prospects, but his athleticism and physical style of play should translate well, even if the transition isn’t immediate.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Malachi-Corley-WR-WesternKentucky
(61 Junior Colson looks to be a solid player but he would be lower on my list, mostly because the Linebacker position is diminished in the current NFL landscape)
– 🧡 63 T’Vondre Sweat DL | Texas
6”4″ 366lbs F R E A K !!! While still running an respectable 5.27 forty
I would have him higher if he wasn’t likely relegated to a mostly 2 down role, but he’s my favorite selection, because there’s *nobody* else this size for miles. This would definitely be my pick if Braswell is gone by 54. *”Relentless motor and energy, pass-rushing potential is there, with the ability to employ powerful moves and generate torque against single blockers.”* Playstyle often demands double teams.
Difficult to move off the point of attack.
Blocker eater, Run nullification MONSTER.
*FREAK*
^(I don’t care if thus kid has 3 DUI’s and is driving with a bong gas mask on… I want him regardless)
– 65 Patrick Paul OT | Houston
Another monster, on the opposite side of the ball. 6’8″ 331lbs, 86¼” wingspan (100th% percentile), 5.13 forty…
Has issues with pad level *obviously*, and isn’t currently the best run blocker as a result.
(For the record Quincy Carrier apparently didn’t like what he saw at the Senior Bowl…)
Regardless, I’m a fan, because dude is a beast!
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Patrick-Paul-OL-Houston
– 66 Cooper Beebe IOL | Kansas State
6’3″ 322lbs, 5.03 forty (93rd percentile), 3 cone 92nd percentile)
Athleticism is great, extensive experience across multiple offensive line positions, Strong foundational skills in both run and pass blocking.
I can’t stand the thought of Bitonio getting older, but I absolutely love the thought of this kid filling his shoes when the time comes. If you’re looking for an lock interior lineman Beebe is the bees knees.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Cooper-Beebe-OL-KansasState
– 67 Christian Haynes IOL | UConn
How the fuck is a 6’3″ 317lb man going to run a 5.03 (93%) forty, and jump 33″ on his vertical (96%)? If I was standing there to witness this, I would drop dead from anger before he caused an earthquake hitting the ground.
Speaking of dropping dead, Jed read the following quote and evaporated: *”Strong finisher, showcasing a relentless pursuit to engage through the entirety of plays, epitomizing a combative spirit.”*
Haynes is going to be a great player for a long time IMO
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Christian-Haynes-OL-Connecticut
– 69 Michael Hall Jr. (3Tech)DL | Ohio State
6’3″ 290lbs, 4.78 forty (97%), 111 broad jump (83%)
Agile with explosive power and quickness to generate significant pressure on the QB. Looks to be a solid candidate as a day one contributor, although a bit of a tweener, his motor will pay dividends.
https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Michael-HallJr-DT-OhioState
Ok, a few of these guys will obviously slip to round 3 but I have all the above players with 2nd round abilities that should immediately translate to the next level.
I’m really enamored with this group, and obviously I would love to take a team in the Panthers position, and stock up on solid starters, but I digress.