Draft a Franchise: Discussion Thread part 2!

[Geving]

I wasnt planning on it, just because it will take some time to do that. If any team wants I to do so I can. I will start with your team since you asked.

 

I really liked your team, as you can tell from the ranking. I feel like it is very well balanced all around. You have a solid if not spectacular OL. Davis is an elite RT and I like your guards a lot. Hardwick and Dunlap are solid players as well. You have an excellent young QB and you provided him with good, veteran, receiving options and a very potent rushing tandem.

 

On defense your team should have an elite pass-rush between Suh and Dunlap, and you have some very good run defenders up front as well. Shaun Phillips is our of position IMO, but I really like Foster and and Burnett. Your secondary is also very strong with Joseph as a #1 CB and one of the best safeties in the game with Earl Thomas. Corey Graham is a solid #2 CB and Kirkpatrick could become a very good player.

 

Not many, if any, weaknesses on this team. I think the biggest weakness is a lack of speed on offense, but your WRs are experienced and should be able to get open for Luck.

Thanks for the analysis and for taking the time to make the rankings.

Have to agree on everything you said right there. Both positives and negatives. Sanders is fast, and could potentially fill that role, but I agree that's a bit of a weakness. Dunlap is the weakness on my line imo, and that should be a priority in a hypothetical future.. 

 

Same with Shaun Philips, he is slated to take this role in Denver's scheme right now in place of Von. But I agree with him being out of position based on his past. He's a bit of an question mark. John Fox has been talking him up, on how he can stay with TE's in coverage, but I'm a bit skeptical. I guess we will see this season, at least when Miller's suspended. Another priority for the future.

 

Thanks again.

[SecretAgentMan]

I have it in the middle. Your LBs are not very good is the main reason.

Agh.....

I think Hawthorne will be better in a 3-4. But Spencer, Jones, Dan, Canty are all good run stuffers. Harris was, I think he could use a change of scenery. Mikkel is good in run support....

 

 

Now I have to get LBs in fake FA lol

[BallHawker]

If any team wants I to do so I can. I will start with your team since you asked.

 

Me me me!!!!

 

Only if you've got the time.

[stm85]

Just to explain why your team ranked where they did. First off, I think your team is very good. Being in the top 10 is nothing to sneeze at, and the difference between the 5th best team and the 16th best team was a total of 1 point in my grading scale. You could make an argument for any of those teams. However, when a team has a glaring weakness in any one area it tends to hurt them overall somewhat significantly. 

 

I agree that the pass-rush on your team should be excellent. In fact only one team graded as a better pass-rush unit overall and two others tied. That said, your team has a glaring weakness in run-defense and even though this is a passing league you have to be able to stop the run first. Long and Dareus were both among the worst in the league in run defense at their respective positions. Ware has never been a great run-stuffer and Red Bryant struggled mightily last season in this department as well. None of your LB corps are particularly adept at stopping the run, in fact every single player in your front 7 graded negatively by PFF in this area. 

 

This combined with the secondary that should be decent but not great is why you are rated #10.

 

I suppose that is fair, although I don't see my run defense being as bad as you make it out to be. Dareus is a young player who is still improving; he should develop into a plus run defender. Bryant was injured for most of last season but when healthy is one of the best run stuffers out there. I also feel like Long, Brinkley, and Wheeler will be better against the run due to their roles in my defense. PFF stats are excellent but you can't look at them in a vacuum, there are other factors at play. I also think my secondary is better than decent. It isn't elite but it is solid and well above average. 

[gabefergy]

I suppose that is fair, although I don't see my run defense being as bad as you make it out to be. Dareus is a young player who is still improving; he should develop into a plus run defender. Bryant was injured for most of last season but when healthy is one of the best run stuffers out there. I also feel like Long, Brinkley, and Wheeler will be better against the run due to their roles in my defense. PFF stats are excellent but you can't look at them in a vacuum, there are other factors at play. I also think my secondary is better than decent. It isn't elite but it is solid and well above average. 

I dont look at things in a vacuum. I look at a lot of factors including my own eyes. I didnt need PFF to tell me Chris Long is awful against the run. Dareus could get better, that's true, but he has been an inconsistent player thus far. I'm not sure how much better these players will be in your defense. I have no way of judging that so I just go by what I can see. Jasper Brinkley missed 19 tackles last year. Is that going to get better in your defense? Chris Long playing a position that demands greater run-defense and you think he will improve? I'm not sure about that. Bryant is decent against the run and he could improve, but he is really the only player on your team which has a strong record in that area. I do like your team, but this is the reason why it isnt a top 5 team.

[SecretAgentMan]

I dont look at things in a vacuum. I look at a lot of factors including my own eyes. I didnt need PFF to tell me Chris Long is awful against the run. Dareus could get better, that's true, but he has been an inconsistent player thus far. I'm not sure how much better these players will be in your defense. I have no way of judging that so I just go by what I can see. Jasper Brinkley missed 19 tackles last year. Is that going to get better in your defense? Chris Long playing a position that demands greater run-defense and you think he will improve? I'm not sure about that. Bryant is decent against the run and he could improve, but he is really the only player on your team which has a strong record in that area. I do like your team, but this is the reason why it isnt a top 5 team.

Call me a hypocrite, then why is my team ranked so highly?

 

If both my run D, and my pass rush is mediocre, and according to a lot of people my secondary sucks all the             (like the second transformers movie), then how is my unit strong?

 

I think if my team isn't top 5, it's six or seven but if my D is as mediocre as it is.... how is it ranked so highly?

 

I get that even with Freeman there, and with Gordon suspended my offense is going to be REALLY good... But how?

[gabefergy]

Me me me!!!!

 

Only if you've got the time.

Your team has a lot of potential. There are a lot of good young players that have the opportunity to get better. I for one am a Bradford believer, and with the weapons like Dez, Tony G, and Shady I think he can be a very good QB. Your offensive line is a bit inexperienced, but it has potential to be quite good. Overall, I think this is a top 10 offense with potential to be even better.

 

On defense, I think there is a little bit more concern. I think your team will be stout against the run with Dorsey and Devito up the middle, but I'm not a huge fan of Bryant as a 4-3 DE. He will be good against the run, but I like him better as an interior pass-rusher. I think you might actually be better suited to run a 3-4 with your personnel. Quinn is a good young pass-rusher, but overall pass-rush will be a bit of an issue for you IMO. Your secondary leaves a bit to be desired as well. Samuel is a good cover corner, but Carroll is average and your safeties are good but not great in any facet.

 

Overall, a good team, but I think the defense may let you down in the end.

[gabefergy]

Call me a hypocrite, then why is my team ranked so highly?

 

If both my run D, and my pass rush is mediocre, and according to a lot of people my secondary sucks all the             (like the second transformers movie), then how is my unit strong?

 

I think if my team isn't top 5, it's six or seven but if my D is as mediocre as it is.... how is it ranked so highly?

 

I get that even with Freeman there, and with Gordon suspended my offense is going to be REALLY good... But how?

I dont think your team has a glaring weakness like many teams have. I like your secondary a lot and you do have a very good pass-rush, it just isnt elite like some teams. Your run D isnt great, but it isnt a liability. You have proven run stuffers up front.

 

Mostly, I think your offensive line and WRs will carry your team. Freeman is a bit of a question mark, but he didnt drag your overall grade down enough for you to fall out of the top 5 because your team is well rounded.

[stm85]

I dont look at things in a vacuum. I look at a lot of factors including my own eyes. I didnt need PFF to tell me Chris Long is awful against the run. Dareus could get better, that's true, but he has been an inconsistent player thus far. I'm not sure how much better these players will be in your defense. I have no way of judging that so I just go by what I can see. Jasper Brinkley missed 19 tackles last year. Is that going to get better in your defense? Chris Long playing a position that demands greater run-defense and you think he will improve? I'm not sure about that. Bryant is decent against the run and he could improve, but he is really the only player on your team which has a strong record in that area. I do like your team, but this is the reason why it isnt a top 5 team.

 

The only 2 I can really address in this post are Long and Brinkley. I've followed Long since college and I still believe he has skills in run defense. He was dominant at UVa against the run. The problem is that the Rams usually have him pin his ears back and rush the QB. At 280 he has perfect size to be a Trevor Pryce type of 5 tech and he has the strength and motor to hold up against the run. Asking him to play a more disciplined game will lead to better run D performance imo and playing across from Ware there shouldn't be much, if any, drop off in sacks when passing downs come. As for Brinkley I expect him to improve in his role in my D because he fits better as a 3-4 ILB than a 4-3 MLB. Instead of chasing down runners sideline to sideline (that role will be filled by Wheeler) he can play strictly as a 2 down thumper in the box. He has good strength and instincts but lacks the lateral mobility to succeed in the open field. That is where most of his missed tackles come from. He won't do nearly as much of that in my defense.

[SecretAgentMan]

I dont think your team has a glaring weakness like many teams have. I like your secondary a lot and you do have a very good pass-rush, it just isnt elite like some teams. Your run D isnt great, but it isnt a liability. You have proven run stuffers up front.

 

Mostly, I think your offensive line and WRs will carry your team. Freeman is a bit of a question mark, but he didnt drag your overall grade down enough for you to fall out of the top 5 because your team is well rounded.

I'm going to take this as a good thing, as my brain is fried out.

 

Lol, you know I'm tired when I'm listening to a Bon Jovi Concert from 1992 lol.

 

My weakness is the safeties. I have good enough CBs to compensate for that imho.

 

The MLBs are weak, but neither of them are horrible. Hawthorne looks better in a 4-3.

[ravensdan]

I'm going to take this as a good thing, as my brain is fried out.

Lol, you know I'm tired when I'm listening to a Bon Jovi Concert from 1992 lol.

My weakness is the safeties. I have good enough CBs to compensate for that imho.

The MLBs are weak, but neither of them are horrible. Hawthorne looks better in a 4-3.

...we're halfway there.

[gabefergy]

The only 2 I can really address in this post are Long and Brinkley. I've followed Long since college and I still believe he has skills in run defense. He was dominant at UVa against the run. The problem is that the Rams usually have him pin his ears back and rush the QB. At 280 he has perfect size to be a Trevor Pryce type of 5 tech and he has the strength and motor to hold up against the run. Asking him to play a more disciplined game will lead to better run D performance imo and playing across from Ware there shouldn't be much, if any, drop off in sacks when passing downs come. As for Brinkley I expect him to improve in his role in my D because he fits better as a 3-4 ILB than a 4-3 MLB. Instead of chasing down runners sideline to sideline (that role will be filled by Wheeler) he can play strictly as a 2 down thumper in the box. He has good strength and instincts but lacks the lateral mobility to succeed in the open field. That is where most of his missed tackles come from. He won't do nearly as much of that in my defense.

That could well be the case, but you dont whether or not what you are projecting would actually happen. I cant just assume players will be better in a different scheme. It's pure conjecture. The only thing I have to work off is what they have shown on the field.

[SecretAgentMan]

...we're halfway there.

Oooh. We're living on a prayer!

I'll PM the link for the concert if you want. Good show.

 

I dont think your team has a glaring weakness like many teams have. I like your secondary a lot and you do have a very good pass-rush, it just isnt elite like some teams. Your run D isnt great, but it isnt a liability. You have proven run stuffers up front.

 

Mostly, I think your offensive line and WRs will carry your team. Freeman is a bit of a question mark, but he didnt drag your overall grade down enough for you to fall out of the top 5 because your team is well rounded.

Back to this. Can I just claim the rights to a rental on the market after the draft. 2 game contract lol.

 

For this WR I think it would be ok lol

[ravensdan]

Oooh. We're living on a prayer!

I'll PM the link for the concert if you want. Good show.

Back to this. Can I just claim the rights to a rental on the market after the draft. 2 game contract lol.

For this WR I think it would be ok lol

You should have drafted to when you had the chance, he is making a comeback you know.

[SecretAgentMan]

You should have drafted to when you had the chance, he is making a comeback you know.

Haha...

 

Nah, I have someone else in mind...

 

Do you want the concert lol?

[gabefergy]

Oooh. We're living on a prayer!

I'll PM the link for the concert if you want. Good show.

 

Back to this. Can I just claim the rights to a rental on the market after the draft. 2 game contract lol.

 

For this WR I think it would be ok lol

You made your picks...no special FA for you.

[SecretAgentMan]

You made your picks...no special FA for you.

Ok geeze

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

If I'm correct, Green did good vs PIT?

And Dalton sucks.

And Alexander just tore his ACL

Glass Houses.....

he did, no game really is like another

agreed there lol

you had to be the one to bring me the bad news lol, knew my team was average offensively - worse now

opinions opinions, there's something wrong with all these injuries though...

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

What did I miss lol?

Is my team not top ten ?

never said it wasn't, was only pointing out you have some issues that, in my opinion, won't make your team a top five, anyway...

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

I must disagree with your statement here. First off any wide receiver can be taken out of a game. Especially when the other weapons and the qb and the offensive game plan are all limited. The bears were able to take Calvin out of the game for example and the lions are superior to the bengals in all the aspects I listed. Now j must say I like Freeman's potential to build around. Look what he was able to do with Vincent Jackson last year for example. Hawkins is a nice underutilized weapon in cincy. If he was used correctly he could be as effective as Randall Cobb.

it could be that you're right, with such thin rosters my opinion is that every little detail counts; VJAX is my favourite WR and he did build some chemistry with Freeman, we're just having different takes on this young lad lol - though i think Bucs did well asking him to play this season to earn that big check (Joe Flacco style lol)

[SecretAgentMan]

gabe, I will be out all day tomorrow....

 

 

Check your PMs and can you please do the analysis?

[Mt. Crushmore]

22. Grrrrr.....

 

Hmmmm...

 

I wasnt planning on it, just because it will take some time to do that. If any team wants I to do so I can. I will start with your team since you asked.

 

I really liked your team, as you can tell from the ranking. I feel like it is very well balanced all around. You have a solid if not spectacular OL. Davis is an elite RT and I like your guards a lot. Hardwick and Dunlap are solid players as well. You have an excellent young QB and you provided him with good, veteran, receiving options and a very potent rushing tandem.

 

On defense your team should have an elite pass-rush between Suh and Dunlap, and you have some very good run defenders up front as well. Shaun Phillips is our of position IMO, but I really like Foster and and Burnett. Your secondary is also very strong with Joseph as a #1 CB and one of the best safeties in the game with Earl Thomas. Corey Graham is a solid #2 CB and Kirkpatrick could become a very good player.

 

Not many, if any, weaknesses on this team. I think the biggest weakness is a lack of speed on offense, but your WRs are experienced and should be able to get open for Luck.

 

If you have time, could you do mine?

[Geving]

My last pick is in. And pm is sent to Th3Raven

[ravensdan]

My last pick is in. And pm is sent to Th3Raven

Nice pick with collins.

[Geving]

Nice pick with collins.

Thanks

[T3hRaven]

Rotational DT, now I'm done.  Sorry for the hold up.

[gabefergy]

Hmmmm...

 

 

If you have time, could you do mine?

Your team is definitely a team that could get much better, but for right now I am a bit concerned about the offense. Your OL is good, but not great. Albert has some durability concerns but is a very good Pass-protector. De La Puente is an excellent center, but I am not overly fond of your guards and Gilbert has also struggled to stay healthy although he has shown nice potential.  EJ Manuel is obviously a question mark. I think there will be a lot of growing pains with him as your starter. Obviously the Crabtree injury severely hinders your team in the short term, but he should be a great addition for the future. I'm not overly excited about Floyd or LaFell, but they are decent options at WR. Lamar Miller is a future star IMO, but can he carry the workload? Yet TBD. I like your TEs, but I dont think either have elite potenital. Fleener is a decent blocker, but Housler really struggles in this area.

 

I do think very highly of your defense. It should be a top 10 unit IMO. Bennett and Galette are a nice pass-rushing tandem and Geno Atkins is obviously a stud. Your LB corps is solid, and I really like your secondary. Jones is one of the best Safeties in the game and Joe Haden has potential to be a top CB. I dont think he is quite there yet tbh, but he has certainly flashed that ability. You are a bit weak after Haden, but Munnerlyn has been good enough. I like him as a slot corner more.

 

Overall, you have a very good defense that should keep you in games, but I am concerned that the offense will struggle to put up points.

[-Truth-]

I love the Jed Collins pick. One of the more underrated FBs, in my opinion.

[CARavensFan]

I love the Jed Collins pick. One of the more underrated FBs, in my opinion.

 

He was going to be my back up pick at FB after Casey, nice pick.

[Mt. Crushmore]

Your team is definitely a team that could get much better, but for right now I am a bit concerned about the offense. Your OL is good, but not great. Albert has some durability concerns but is a very good Pass-protector. De La Puente is an excellent center, but I am not overly fond of your guards and Gilbert has also struggled to stay healthy although he has shown nice potential.  EJ Manuel is obviously a question mark. I think there will be a lot of growing pains with him as your starter. Obviously the Crabtree injury severely hinders your team in the short term, but he should be a great addition for the future. I'm not overly excited about Floyd or LaFell, but they are decent options at WR. Lamar Miller is a future star IMO, but can he carry the workload? Yet TBD. I like your TEs, but I dont think either have elite potenital. Fleener is a decent blocker, but Housler really struggles in this area.

 

I do think very highly of your defense. It should be a top 10 unit IMO. Bennett and Galette are a nice pass-rushing tandem and Geno Atkins is obviously a stud. Your LB corps is solid, and I really like your secondary. Jones is one of the best Safeties in the game and Joe Haden has potential to be a top CB. I dont think he is quite there yet tbh, but he has certainly flashed that ability. You are a bit weak after Haden, but Munnerlyn has been good enough. I like him as a slot corner more.

 

Overall, you have a very good defense that should keep you in games, but I am concerned that the offense will struggle to put up points.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it.  I agree with most things that you said there.