01-19-2017, 07:59 PM
(01-19-2017, 06:14 AM)Shady Wrote: Okeana started a thread on Solomon Thomas. Thinking about him got me to thinking about how I'd approach the draft. What's below is what I originally wrote but didn't post on Okeana's thread.
He's in my top 3-4 picks, assuming that the top DE's like Garrett and Williams are gone by 9. Thomas is a bit of a hybrid. He reminds me an awful lot of Geno Atkin. So, can he play DE in our scheme? I'm not sure how he'd do on the perimeter. He's really quick for his size, and very strong. He uses his hands really well. He plays the game with an extreme violence. I like him alot. But would I pick him over Reuben Foster, Zach Cunningham, Malik Hooker, or even Teez Tabor. Which of these guys, or others, would improve our football team the most? Our coaches have to be in the process of evaluating our own players. They're grading them out. Does Rex become "the guy" at RB? Or do we draft one with Gio and Hill both being question marks for next year? Clearly, we need an improved run game. We could try to improve the Oline through FA and/or the draft. I'd prefer FA, if only because there's not that much talent at Oline in the early rounds. How much do they like Cam Robinson? There are only 2 Olineman in the top 20 of the draft rankings on the CBS website. There are NONE in the top 10. Robinson is ranked 12th.
I don't know. There's alot of real defensive talent at the top of this year's draft. And while I don't think the defense was our biggest problem this year, I do think we had some players who didn't play their positions well. How much DID we miss Reggie Nelson? Shawn Williams was a liability last year. Peko plays will alot of heart and we love him for it, but he's not effective anymore. I think he's just too slow. I hope Billings can play next year.
MJ isn't playing very well. At least our linebackers are good enough to keep Maualuga on the bench.Vigil looks promising for the SAM spot, but do we re-sign Dansby? Or do we go after Foster or Cunningham? I'd be elated with either of them. But I'd be elated with Thomas, as well. I'd even be cool with Hooker or Tabor. When you're drafting at the top of the draft, you really have tough decisions to make. The talent is pretty amazing in the top 10 most years.
But if I was on the clock right now, I think I'd take Cunningham. Foster had the luxury of playing behind Alabama's DLine. Cunningham played behind Vandy's. He still managed to lead the SEC in tackles.
Again, I'd be ecstatic with a number of players, especially those listed above.
Who would you pick?
I think we need to improve our pass rush in the 1st or 2nd round then our running game the most.
So my top picks right now are Solomon Thomas or Dalvin Cook in the first but i would be fine with Cunningham
cause he can cover and is the type of LB we have needed for a long time. The only problem i have with Thomas
is that we might need more of a perimeter type of End but it might be time to change that up and go versatile.
Hardison is supposed to be this guy but he won't be no Solomon Thomas.
Right now my ideal scenario though is Dalvin Cook, in the 1st, Taco Charlton or Takk Mckinley in the 2nd and a
Center like John Toth or Tyler Orlovsky in the 3rd. Hope we trade McCarron for another pick and really can work
on our weaknesses early.
