The NFL 2023 Draft

First time I've done one of these, so forgive any muffs. My rule was not to force any trades.
pff_mock_results.png

So:
  • two behemoth OTs (though neither a true LT, I think either could become one)
  • a playmaking true cover CB with decent size, and Quan Martin, a CB/S who I see as a DMac heir.
  • Speed and production at WR (one a true speed/twitch slot) and HB (one a 3rd down back)
  • one of my favorite IOL in the draft
  • a beast DL to pair with Barmore for years
  • a balanced, fundamentally sound TE who both run and pass block in-line without being a total non-threat to catch the ball.
  • added a couple future 4ths at the cost of a 6 & 7.
 
A couple probable Day 3/UDFA sleeper picks that I like for the Patriots:
RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane - might creep into late Day 2, but this might be the explosive 3rd down/pace back that we need. Got stronger as the year went on, and high-quality opponents in the conference championship and Cotton Bowl had absolutely no answers for him, as he shredded them in every way possible. May end up as a climber on RB boards, but positional value should keep him on Day 3.
TE Noah Gindorff, North Dakota State (pending medical) - a huge TE that moves well and has a nose for the end zone, but takes pride in run blocking. Reinjured his ankle this year.

Spears reminds me of Walker from the Seahawks (who was winning some rookie awards).
How is Spears at catching the ball ?, I'd like to see a new James White added.

They didn't throw to him that often, but he can catch and looked smooth. He has the tools to develop into the role, and is twitchy, tough, and explosive.

View: https://twitter.com/CamMellor/status/1621256406660796417?s=20&t=aN35SuSog2QqngMaoMKryA
 

Julius Brents, Kansas State (projection: day two) - use all the eyeball emojis possible for this one. Brents is exactly what the doctor ordered at 6-3, 202 pounds, with incredibly smooth transitions for a corner of his stature. His leaner frame allows him to transition and run with all types of wide receivers, but he uses his length to add a physical element. Yes, please.


View: https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/1621277441581875200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1621277441581875200%7Ctwgr%5E5e057a0fa8dd833a721d89064f3b04f114f6f728%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patriots.com%2Fnews%2Fa-position-by-position-rundown-of-patriots-fits-at-the-senior-bowl
 
Maybe the Pats should stop raving about all the players they like

Has it ever occurred that teams might be hyping up Player X to generate discussion and get other teams putting eyeballs on a guy you're not REALLY interested, and instead you get a good look at Player Y instead who's flying under the radar and thinking you might be able to get a steal.
 

Julius Brents, Kansas State (projection: day two) - use all the eyeball emojis possible for this one. Brents is exactly what the doctor ordered at 6-3, 202 pounds, with incredibly smooth transitions for a corner of his stature. His leaner frame allows him to transition and run with all types of wide receivers, but he uses his length to add a physical element. Yes, please.


View: https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/1621277441581875200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1621277441581875200%7Ctwgr%5E5e057a0fa8dd833a721d89064f3b04f114f6f728%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patriots.com%2Fnews%2Fa-position-by-position-rundown-of-patriots-fits-at-the-senior-bowl


It would be awesome. Otherwise the Seahawks might end up stealing him like they did with Woolen.
 
It would be awesome. Otherwise the Seahawks might end up stealing him like they did with Woolen.

Woolen is a great example of why you should take what you hear about a guy with a grain of salt. I'm not
saying don't listen to anything, but sometimes incorrect assumptions/projections are way off even if all
sources (that we can access) are saying the same thing.

Woolen was a size/speed prospect that was widely thought of as a day 3 or FA project guy that would need
a lot of time to figure out the NFL after playing at UTSA. Turns out he adapted great and outplayed just about all
of his classmates after getting selected in the 5th (153 overall). If they did a do-over of that draft he'd be a 1st rounder,
no doubt, So, Seattle struck draft gold with the kid.

I think there is a definite pattern of imitation that happens in every draft based on which and what type of player
hits it big right away. You'd think scouts wouldn't get swayed by something like that, but everybody compares guys based
on body, athletic numbers and College pedigree, but it doesn't usually seem to work out.

Ask Jon Robinson, who figured Treylon Burks could be the next A.J. Brown. Not yet, he isn't, but Robinson doesn't have his job
anymore.
 
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