The Robert Nkemdiche (DL) Bandwagon

[RaineV1]

Since we're doing threads for potentially great picks let's get one going for Nkemdiche. I know some might not want another defensive lineman, and even I've argued against using a high pick on one last year, but Nkemdiche isn't just another lineman. If there's anyone in this draft that could be a once in a generation talent it's him. Just the addition of Nkemdiche could fix the Ravens' passrushing woes. He is so explosive off the snap, so strong, and so good at getting around or through o-linemen that he will be a dominant force. If the Ravens can get him to play up to his potential, something they usually do with linemen, then we could have our own version of JJ Watt.

 

Just picture the line of Carl Davis, Williams, and Nkemdiche with Doom and/or Suggs also coming off the edge.

 

All aboard the hype the train.

[JoeyFlex5]

calling it now, nkemdiche will overtake jj watt as the most dominant 3-4DE and he will redefine the position, he will become the prototype of "we need this player to begin building our 3-4 defense", the 3-4 will be about the freak DE/DT/edge hybrid rather than the OLB and NT. the "next robert nkemdiche" is what every 3-4 defense will be clamoring for. 

 

if we draft him though, i wanna commit to the front seven, draft an OLB as well, because taking a generational talent like him without having a future OLB to grow with him will be an insult to such a talent.

[Ravens2343]

calling it now, nkemdiche will overtake jj watt as the most dominant 3-4DE and he will redefine the position, he will become the prototype of "we need this player to begin building our 3-4 defense", the 3-4 will be about the freak DE/DT/edge hybrid rather than the OLB and NT. the "next robert nkemdiche" is what every 3-4 defense will be clamoring for. 

 

if we draft him though, i wanna commit to the front seven, draft an OLB as well, because taking a generational talent like him without having a future OLB to grow with him will be an insult to such a talent.

 

Nkemdiche in the firs then maybe someone like Emmanuel Ogbah or Shaq Lawson in the second round would be quite the pairing for our defense. 

[BmoreBird22]

The only issue I have with Nkemdiche, and I am totally for taking him, is that he's likely a DT, much like Jernigan and Davis. You'd have three highly talented DT's vying for playing time. Maybe at that point the Ravens would switch to a 4-3, but you'd be drafting a guy really high at a position where he'd likely be pushing out other pretty talented players, when they play up to their motor. 

[Jamal]

He might be the best player in the draft. I'd love this pick. I know we have a bunch of good to very good players at DT, but this guy has the potential to be the best at his position.

[JoeyFlex5]

Nkemdiche in the firs then maybe someone like Emmanuel Ogbah or Shaq Lawson in the second round would be quite the pairing for our defense. 

i love ogbah and nassib in the 2nd, if it were to play out like this, then we have mosley at ILB, ZDS may possibly become a fixture for us at ROLB, then we would have ogbah or nassib at LOLB, with a starting DL of nkemdiche and williams, with davis/jernigan/williams all rotating, that is a foundation that will grow to become dominant. the problem is still that our secondary is horrid. 

 

 

The only issue I have with Nkemdiche, and I am totally for taking him, is that he's likely a DT, much like Jernigan and Davis. You'd have three highly talented DT's vying for playing time. Maybe at that point the Ravens would switch to a 4-3, but you'd be drafting a guy really high at a position where he'd likely be pushing out other pretty talented players, when they play up to their motor. 

i could kinda understand this because hes such a large man but with the kinda burst you want for interior penetration... but im just not seeing that. i think if you have a guy that is as massive and physically dominant as nkemdiche, then you put him anywhere and let him wreak havoc, i see him as a 3-4DE, 4-3DE or DT, an edge rusher, an anchor, i basically could see him dominating any role that involves a hand in the dirt. the guy is out of this world gifted and would be under the greatest DL coach of this era and has the athleticism and size to handle any DL role with ease. i absolutely see him more in the mold of a jj watt than a timmy jernigan or aaron donald. also, you dont pass on what is likely the "next great" at a position just because you have jernigan and davis. lets not forget, jernigan was a machine as a rookie, but has looked inconsistent in year 2, whats to say davis wont do the exact same? and whats to say these guys arent both just inconsistent? both jernigan and davis had concerns of work ethic and commitment, so we draft a guy like nkemdiche to make a statement, let them battle it out for the DT spot and the long term commitment from the team, one guy gets a contract and the other walks, meanwhile we are fielding a top 3 DE in the league on the other side. 

 

the only concern i truly have with this, is passing up on not one, but TWO guys that would almost completely resolve our secondary woes.

[GrimCoconut]

The only issue I have with Nkemdiche, and I am totally for taking him, is that he's likely a DT, much like Jernigan and Davis. You'd have three highly talented DT's vying for playing time. Maybe at that point the Ravens would switch to a 4-3, but you'd be drafting a guy really high at a position where he'd likely be pushing out other pretty talented players, when they play up to their motor.

To be fair, the Jets just did this.

[GrimCoconut]

I need to see more of this guy. I haven't watched enough of his games to give a fair opinion. I'm going to get to work on it when I need a break from studying PHP.

[PurpleCity5]

If Detroit gets the 1 pick, which is possible, then I'm certain Nkemdiche will go 1st overall. Though Detroit can decide they're done with Stafford and go with Goff. 

[BmoreBird22]

To be fair, the Jets just did this.

But that was having Mo Wilkerson at DE and Richardson at DT, not having three at DT, but I see the point.

[Moderator 3]

Anybody have a phonetic spelling of that name?

[RaineV1]

Anybody have a phonetic spelling of that name?

From the way an announcer said it, it'd be kim-de-chee

[Boddiebroadus]

I'd love this pick but his hussle on the back end is terrible. Also our secondary would still suck.

[RaineV1]

If Detroit gets the 1 pick, which is possible, then I'm certain Nkemdiche will go 1st overall. Though Detroit can decide they're done with Stafford and go with Goff. 

Yeah, I'm hoping Detroit pulls off some upsets or wins late games when other teams are sitting players. That or someone tries to trade for that spot to get Goff.

[PurpleCity5]

Yeah, I'm hoping Detroit pulls off some upsets or wins late games when other teams are sitting players. That or someone tries to trade for that spot to get Goff.

I see Nkemdiche as a top 3 guy. He's a 4-3 DT IMO which are very valuable in today's NFL. Talented and skilled 4-3 DTs can flat out dominate in the NFL. I mean look at how much Suh, McCoy and Darius got paid. I feel like unless we get into that top 3 range, we don't have much of a shot at Nkemdiche unless he gets some redflags. Even if Detroit doesn't get that #1, I believe he makes too much sense for a team like Tennessee who needs inside help so badly. I think he has a good shot going #1 overall. 

[JoeyFlex5]

My real question is, as a 3-4 DE, could he consistently bring pressure on the inside and on the edge? Because the only way you could justify taking a 3-4DE in the top 5 is if he can edge rush like a OLB and penetrate like a 4-3DT while also anchoring the run game, sounds like a tall task but nkemdiche appears very capable of all these things, it's just questionable because it can be hard to penetrate and bring consistent pressure from that position since it is generally a 2gap scheme designed to free up edge rushers, and this brings up my next question, can the next DC capitalize on his presence? Can he scheme to get nkemdiche favorable match ups and free runs at the qb? Or would our DC just call vanilla fronts and tell nkemdiche to clear the way for Suggs or doom like in a typical 3-4?

[PurpleSnowman]

I see Nkemdiche as a top 3 guy. He's a 4-3 DT IMO which are very valuable in today's NFL. Talented and skilled 4-3 DTs can flat out dominate in the NFL. I mean look at how much Suh, McCoy and Darius got paid. I feel like unless we get into that top 3 range, we don't have much of a shot at Nkemdiche unless he gets some redflags. Even if Detroit doesn't get that #1, I believe he makes too much sense for a team like Tennessee who needs inside help so badly. I think he has a good shot going #1 overall. 

Leonard Williams was supposed to be the best player in the draft and a sure fire top 3 pick. If he fell to 6 I don't see why Nkemdiche cant do the same. 

[JoeyFlex5]

Leonard Williams was supposed to be the best player in the draft and a sure fire top 3 pick. If he fell to 6 I don't see why Nkemdiche cant do the same.

the redskins took Brandon scherff over him though, and 2 qbs probably shouldn't have went 1 and 2 overall, neither of them Were good enough

[rmw10]

One of the few "luxuries" that I'd absolutely take and be thrilled.  He may not necessarily be at a position of need, but I honestly think he might be my 2nd favorite player in the class.  Right now, in terms of pure skill set… Nkemdiche, Stanley, Ramsey (as a FS), Hargreaves, Bosa.

[PurpleSnowman]

the redskins took Brandon scherff over him though, and 2 qbs probably shouldn't have went 1 and 2 overall, neither of them Were good enough

That just proves my point, Stanley and Tunsil both look better than Scherff, and someone is going to reach on Goff or Cook, or maybe both. 

[RaineV1]

At the rate the Ravens are going we might have the first pick, or second.

[JoeyFlex5]

At the rate the Ravens are going we might have the first pick, or second.

we can't handle the pressure. We would end up drafting Zeke first overall

[Ravenseconbeast]

Ole Miss has a WR and DL that I'm very sure our scouts will be evaluating all off season. If we trade back, we might be looking at Treadwell(anquan 2.0). If we are looking for a serious dominant player then its nichemdiche.

[Dubs]

I am not as big on Nkemdiche as others. Athletic completely freak and when he gets through his gap and shoots up field I am extremely impressed. I think that athleticism, if used right in a 34 or 43, could wreak havoc on zine run games and pulling plays as he has the ability to get across the LOS in a hurry without OL being able to fill (Like what Calais Campbell did to us the other day). But my main issue is his ability to hold a gap, actually engage a defender, extend his arms and work from there to disengage. He has no issue getting past a guy on first move, but if that first move does not work or an OL hits him head up he has some major issues. His LSU 2014 game tape (which may be best barometer of NFL style blocking schemes and size/strength) it was like he was on roller skates. He seriously gets pushed 3 yards off the line with regularity. He also is not consistent with having his shoulders square to the LOS, and on many occasions he even turns his back to OL just to not get pushed further, really bad technique and a point of desperation for d-line men to do that. He is also on the ground more than any DL should be in any given game, not sure fully why, sometimes it looks like he is out of control with his technique, other times a little too head over body style. This one I am not as worried about as Brandon Williams does this from time to time as they both  sometimes focus on just bulling the guy back. His film this year looks a lot better so I may be a little harsh as he has progressed which does mean a lot. Just for me at this point I could not take him top 5...I would take Ronnie Stanley, Tunsil, Haergraves, Ramsey, Treadwell, Bosa all over him with little questioning at this point

 

I think all these deficiencies in his game can easily be masked by scheme. I just don't think it will be our scheme that does it. Even if we don't have Pees next year Ozzie and Co. will likely try and find a marriage between scheme on D and what they usually look for in drafting players. I think we are well known for in our front office for liking a big Front 7 and big DL who can two-gap. We are similar to the patriots in what we look for in the front 7 and how we draft. Obviously we draft outside of this ideal too with people like Timmy Jernigan, and them with Marcus Easley but I think our mainstays and consistent picks are more the Carl Davis types who are big, long, gap holders. I think when we get a new DC if we do there will be more attention to coaches he use the front 7 guys in these ways. I do not think we would go after guys who schemes are more like Wade Phillips or the one in Philly. Which is where I think Nkemdiche would fit best, him in a scheme like Phillies would be perfect imo. In our scheme (which is to be determined so my point is kinda null) I have huge question marks.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

I will say this. We appear to be money developing/picking dline men. We have a miss in Cody, but Art Jones, Williams, Jernigan, Davis has looked good, Ngata.

Wouldn't mind one that actually has the talent to be a star.

[JO_75]

I will say this. We appear to be money developing/picking dline men. We have a miss in Cody, but Art Jones, Williams, Jernigan, Davis has looked good, Ngata.

Wouldn't mind one that actually has the talent to be a star.

 

If we are still picking in the top 10, I think Nkemdiche is the going to be the most realistic option for us if we go defense. Ramsey and Hargreaves may both be gone and if teams overreach on QBs, Nkemdiche could fall into our lap the way Leonard Williams fell into the Jets lap this year.

[Cillmatic]

If we are still picking in the top 10, I think Nkemdiche is the going to be the most realistic option for us if we go defense. Ramsey and Hargreaves may both be gone and if teams overreach on QBs, Nkemdiche could fall into our lap the way Leonard Williams fell into the Jets lap this year.

Why do we need ANOTHER DT though?

[Ravenseconbeast]

Why do we need ANOTHER DT though?

He might be the BPA on board.

Everytime we reach for a need we get pooched on. Perrimen I thought wasn't really a 1st rd material. I could list some amazing players that were BPA @1st rd we really missed out on badly.

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

He might be the BPA on board.

Everytime we reach for a need we get pooched on. Perrimen I thought wasn't really a 1st rd material. I could list some amazing players that were BPA @1st rd we really missed out on badly.

I actually agree.

 

Let's take a look shall we

 

1. Elam(need)

2. Brown(need)

3. Williams(need. But he turned out amazing)

 

 

Ready? 

 

1. CJ Mosley(BPA. The need pick would have been Pryor or Dix. We came out on top here)

2. Timmy Jernigan(BPA again. Far and away. Need pick would have probably been Attaochu, who's a solid pass rusher but Jernigan brings more to the table)

3. Brooks(too early to tell. DB's take awhile to develop. Give him one more year. He has not looked like a lost cause which is good)

3. Crockett Gillmore(Outproducing every TE except Ebron in the draft. Good pick)

 

 

 

Which would you rather have? 

 

 

1. Periman(Need. Was a need pick, but his tape isn't as bad as some posters claim. He could be good. Just not this year.)

2. Maxx(BPA. TE's usually do not have strong rookie seasons and if you go back and watch a few of the games, he would be wide open, and he has good hands)

3. Carl Davis(BPA. He's turned into a pretty good dlinemen if rookie year if I say so). 

 

Last draft appeared to be a mix of both.

 

I'll take the BPA over need any day. We need an attack dog. We lack one on the dline. Jernigan is good, no doubt, but he's more of a run stuffer than attack dog. Nkemdiche can be that

[JoeyFlex5]

i wish the ravens would release their big boards after every draft, id love to see it. 

 

if i was a betting man id put money on nkemdiche being 2nd on ozzies big board.