2017 - on your radars

[DomMcRaven]

With the 2016 NFL Draft in the books, other from RB (from what you've guys have said), what other positions do you consider to be strong/deep/stacked/etc for 2017's draft?

Edited May 4, 2016 by DomMcRaven

[allblackraven]

34 minutes ago, DomMcRaven said:

With the 2016 NFL Draft in the books, other from RB (from what you've guys have said), what other positions do you consider to be strong/deep/stacked/etc for 2017's draft?

I reckon pass rushers class next year is insane.

[GrimCoconut]

I hope we can't get Myles Garrett but I would love to get him and I would trade an entire draft to get him I think he's that good and that much of a sure thing.

[808Blackbirds]

James Conner

[allblackraven]

13 minutes ago, GrimCoconut said:

I hope we can't get Myles Garrett but I would love to get him and I would trade an entire draft to get him I think he's that good and that much of a sure thing.

He might go #1, ahead of all QBs

[GrimCoconut]

15 minutes ago, allblackraven said:

He might go #1, ahead of all QBs

His first step, explosion off the ball, and ability to impact the run game is the best I think I've seen in college football. I love what I've seen from him without really digging deep. He's got so much talent and natural athleticism it's unreal. 

[BmoreBird22]

3 hours ago, GrimCoconut said:

I hope we can't get Myles Garrett but I would love to get him and I would trade an entire draft to get him I think he's that good and that much of a sure thing.

Matt Miller recently did a mock anr Garrett went either 6 or 8 because he's not strong against the run.

Deshaun Watson went 1 and Carl Lawson was 2.

[Jacquouille]

Charles Harris is a monster 

[thieverycorporation]

I'm most interested in Jalen Tabor as our cornerback (FL). Always around the ball and very high football IQ. 

Jabrill Peppers safety Michigan.

Edited May 4, 2016 by thieverycorporation

[usmccharles]

10 hours ago, GrimCoconut said:

His first step, explosion off the ball, and ability to impact the run game is the best I think I've seen in college football. I love what I've seen from him without really digging deep. He's got so much talent and natural athleticism it's unreal. 

I just watched him for the first time and you weren't kidding, off the ball the guy is insane.  But Rotoworld has him listed at 6'5 247, is that correct? on tape the guy does not look 6'5 to me. 

[Alabama Raven]

On 4/23/2016 at 6:33 PM, GrimCoconut said:

Yeah, I really like Allen a lot. He was the best player on the Alabama DL when I watched them and constantly pressured the QB. They seemed to bring him in whenever they needed a guy to get to the QB. Great use of hands and good jump off the ball. 

Allen is a better pro prospect than either Reed or Robinson from this year's draft (even though the comparison to Robinson is difficult across positions). He's a perfect mold 3-4 DE. It was surprising that he even decided to come back to Alabama for another year, but it will likely benefit his draft stock barring a catastrophic year on the field for him. He was a massive difference maker on Alabama's 2015 team. While we're on the topic, there's a few other Crimson Tide players being discussed. I've seen Tim Williams, Eddie Jackson, and Reuben Foster mentioned in this thread. 

 

Eddie Jackson is a Safety (Converted from Corner last season) who had a promising 2015, consistently flashing plus ball skills. His ability to cover ground and create turnovers is a plus. However, he lacks ideal size as an NFL Safety, and is an inconsistent tackler. That said, he isn't a bashful tackler either. He's physical for his size, but this doesn't always translate well to the NFL. Matt Elam had a rap as a big hitter in College, and struggled to tackle consistently in the NFL. I think Eddie Jackson is certainly somebody to keep an eye on, as he could have a big year. I'm not 100% convinced he would be a fit for our defense at this juncture though. His stock will fluctuate between the 1st and 3rd rounds depending on his performance. 

 

Reuben Foster is a thumper of an ILB with plus athleticism. He needs to show improved form to allay serious injury concerns in 2016. He will undoubtedly be Alabama's go-to LB, and whether or not he can fill McClain, Hightower, Mosley, or Raglands shoes is yet to be seen, but it will show itself in 2016. In my own opinion, he's not yet showed the proper instincts to play ILB at a high level, and has made up for it with pure physicality. He's been helped out by high level talent around him, but I think this year he'll be the talent others will hide behind. He's a great downhill LB, but actually showed some ability to range. Just watch his kickoff coverage highlights. I think he's a more physical, less cerebral version of CJ Mosley, which I think would make a good compliment to CJ. He'll be a first round pick next season. If we haven't addressed ILB by this time next year, I think I'm in favor of this pick. My only reservation is his health. This dude loves to destroy human beings and take on blockers. He's going to have a big year. 

 

Tim Williams is scary. This is a good thing. He was a one trick pony in 2015, but teams still struggled to stop him on 3rd down. He's a faster version of Noah Spence. If he explodes in 2016 I expect he'll come off the board very early in next year's draft. That said, of all of these Alabama prospects Tim will be the most volatile. Like I mentioned earlier, he was a one trick pony in 2015. He will have to show an ability to stay on the field in run situations this season, and he'll get his chance. This kid is a freak pass rusher, no doubt. But he's never shown an ability to do anything other than come off the edge, which makes him a questionable fit as a 3-4 OLB. 

 

 

Edited May 4, 2016 by Alabama Raven

[BmoreBird22]

12 hours ago, Jacquouille said:

Charles Harris is a monster 

That's who he had the Ravens taking at 20

[VeiledPsychosis]

If Carl Lawson stays healthy this year then he'll be a high first, he gave Tunsil a really, really hard time.

Also really liking UNC CB Des Lawrence, not a first rounder of course (not yet anyway) but I think by the end of the season he could be a day 2 guy. He's listed at 6'1" 185 lbs but I think that's being a bit generous, standing next to Boyd who measured 6'1" at the combine he was noticeably shorter so I'm guessing he's straddling the line between 5'11" and 6', and 185 may be pushing it as well - he covered Boyd well against Pitt and got 4 pass breakups on the game and only gave up 2 catches (one was as good of coverage as you could ask for from anyone but Boyd's hands were too strong and he came down with it). He's also a willing tackler and uses good form. Of course he needs to put on weight but I see the coverage skills there, he's great in press, not sure about zone yet though, and he's got solid size for the outside. Great hand eye coordination and he seems to have nice long arms as well.

Edited May 4, 2016 by VeiledPsychosis

[allblackraven]

2 hours ago, Alabama Raven said:

Allen is a better pro prospect than either Reed or Robinson from this year's draft (even though the comparison to Robinson is difficult across positions). He's a perfect mold 3-4 DE. It was surprising that he even decided to come back to Alabama for another year, but it will likely benefit his draft stock barring a catastrophic year on the field for him. He was a massive difference maker on Alabama's 2015 team. While we're on the topic, there's a few other Crimson Tide players being discussed. I've seen Tim Williams, Eddie Jackson, and Reuben Foster mentioned in this thread. 

 

Eddie Jackson is a Safety (Converted from Corner last season) who had a promising 2015, consistently flashing plus ball skills. His ability to cover ground and create turnovers is a plus. However, he lacks ideal size as an NFL Safety, and is an inconsistent tackler. That said, he isn't a bashful tackler either. He's physical for his size, but this doesn't always translate well to the NFL. Matt Elam had a rap as a big hitter in College, and struggled to tackle consistently in the NFL. I think Eddie Jackson is certainly somebody to keep an eye on, as he could have a big year. I'm not 100% convinced he would be a fit for our defense at this juncture though. His stock will fluctuate between the 1st and 3rd rounds depending on his performance. 

 

Reuben Foster is a thumper of an ILB with plus athleticism. He needs to show improved form to allay serious injury concerns in 2016. He will undoubtedly be Alabama's go-to LB, and whether or not he can fill McClain, Hightower, Mosley, or Raglands shoes is yet to be seen, but it will show itself in 2016. In my own opinion, he's not yet showed the proper instincts to play ILB at a high level, and has made up for it with pure physicality. He's been helped out by high level talent around him, but I think this year he'll be the talent others will hide behind. He's a great downhill LB, but actually showed some ability to range. Just watch his kickoff coverage highlights. I think he's a more physical, less cerebral version of CJ Mosley, which I think would make a good compliment to CJ. He'll be a first round pick next season. If we haven't addressed ILB by this time next year, I think I'm in favor of this pick. My only reservation is his health. This dude loves to destroy human beings and take on blockers. He's going to have a big year. 

 

Tim Williams is scary. This is a good thing. He was a one trick pony in 2015, but teams still struggled to stop him on 3rd down. He's a faster version of Noah Spence. If he explodes in 2016 I expect he'll come off the board very early in next year's draft. That said, of all of these Alabama prospects Tim will be the most volatile. Like I mentioned earlier, he was a one trick pony in 2015. He will have to show an ability to stay on the field in run situations this season, and he'll get his chance. This kid is a freak pass rusher, no doubt. But he's never shown an ability to do anything other than come off the edge, which makes him a questionable fit as a 3-4 OLB. 

 

 

Since I was the one to bring up Allen, Jackson and Foster, I feel obliged to respond

Completely agree on Foster and Jackson. As far as Allen goes, I think it's very hard to gauge Alabama defensive front and who benefited the most being around the other guys. I really like him as a prospect but I think as much as he helped Reed and Robinson, help came back his way equally. I also believe that A'Shawn Robinson was one of the steals of '16 draft going in 2nd round.

I left Tim Williams out of the list because I'm not entirely sold on him as a match for Ravens, as you pointed out but will be very interested to see what he does this season.

[Dubs]

Nice reports on the 'Bama guys..for sure are ones to watch

In the mid to late first, and maybe even second round, Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee would be a good option. He has that length we desire on the outside, a ton of starting experience, and relatively good COD for someone with his length.

[GrimCoconut]

17 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Matt Miller recently did a mock anr Garrett went either 6 or 8 because he's not strong against the run.

Deshaun Watson went 1 and Carl Lawson was 2.

I would love for Garrett to drop. He's so fast off the ball. 

10 hours ago, usmccharles said:

I just watched him for the first time and you weren't kidding, off the ball the guy is insane.  But Rotoworld has him listed at 6'5 247, is that correct? on tape the guy does not look 6'5 to me. 

Yeah. He's ridiculous off the ball. His first step is insane. And there's no way he's 6-5'. I'd say he's 6-4 at his tallest. He's jacked, though. 

[BmoreBird22]

Just now, GrimCoconut said:

I would love for Garrett to drop. He's so fast off the ball. 

Yeah. He's ridiculous off the ball. His first step is insane. And there's no way he's 6-5'. I'd say he's 6-4 at his tallest. He's jacked, though. 

The pass rush class next year is gonna be insane. It would not surprise me in the slightest to see a first round pick used on one. Harris, Allen, Hubbard, Garrett, Lawson, Williams. Stacked in the first round

[allblackraven]

25 minutes ago, BmoreBird22 said:

The pass rush class next year is gonna be insane. It would not surprise me in the slightest to see a first round pick used on one. Harris, Allen, Hubbard, Garrett, Lawson, Williams. Stacked in the first round

It always happens when we look for ILBs

[GrimCoconut]

29 minutes ago, BmoreBird22 said:

The pass rush class next year is gonna be insane. It would not surprise me in the slightest to see a first round pick used on one. Harris, Allen, Hubbard, Garrett, Lawson, Williams. Stacked in the first round

It makes me wish we had the 6th overall next year and did well this year. I mean, damn. It sucks, man. I almost wish that we traded back and got the 1st round pick next year because that would've been awesome. 

3 minutes ago, allblackraven said:

It always happens when we look for ILBs

Fine by me. I'd rather take the pass rusher!

[Maryland]

@Alabama Raven

I really enjoy your info on Bama players, very insightful. You don't seem like an unrealistic homer, which I guess is a compliment  

[Italian Raven]

I'm sorry for mentioning him again..but Hurd is insane. He's such a clear, shifty, powerful runner; a beauty to watch.
He's also a great competitor. I'd go crazy if he wears black&purple, one day.

Stiff arm/acceleration while runinng outside
https://media.giphy.com/media/rzDCJrhCvudZ6/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/10OmeFHT4FA2w8/giphy.gif
 

Power/effort
https://media.giphy.com/media/TVhcbRjEmgb72/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/mCS1dqRQ0uCvm/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/34GtwdTxwrQg8/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/aPDH9heYV0tHi/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/Ahp20mfu1dTXO/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/4UJOjqgf42Wbu/giphy.gif

One thing he doesn't do consistently well is run blocking, but he's capable of reading blitzes and is willing to take on them (a sort of RBs LaQuon Treadwell)
https://media.giphy.com/media/YZnOQlt8cXd4I/giphy.gif
https://media.giphy.com/media/i40dXQoQQA1P2/giphy.gif
 

Edited May 5, 2016 by Italian Raven

[RavensDieHard21]

On 5/4/2016 at 10:42 PM, GrimCoconut said:

I hope we can't get Myles Garrett but I would love to get him and I would trade an entire draft to get him I think he's that good and that much of a sure thing.

He is very good, but he did get erased by Tunsil with ease. 

[Alabama Raven]

6 hours ago, Maryland said:

@Alabama Raven

I really enjoy your info on Bama players, very insightful. You don't seem like an unrealistic homer, which I guess is a compliment  

Thanks! I'll keep weighing in when people bring up Alabama players. I think it's difficult for Alabama fans to admit that a handful of our players have been products of Nick Saban's process, and likely won't produce similarly at the next level. As a Raven's fan I hate to see us invest in those players (Terrence Cody) just to have it bite us. Disconnecting from Alabama in the name of Baltimore is fairly easy for me. 

[Alabama Raven]

18 hours ago, allblackraven said:

Since I was the one to bring up Allen, Jackson and Foster, I feel obliged to respond

Completely agree on Foster and Jackson. As far as Allen goes, I think it's very hard to gauge Alabama defensive front and who benefited the most being around the other guys. I really like him as a prospect but I think as much as he helped Reed and Robinson, help came back his way equally. I also believe that A'Shawn Robinson was one of the steals of '16 draft going in 2nd round.

I left Tim Williams out of the list because I'm not entirely sold on him as a match for Ravens, as you pointed out but will be very interested to see what he does this season.

I'm a believer in Allen's repertoire. He's plus in all phases of the game: Pass rush, run defense, athleticism, tackling, edge sealing, you name it. His versatility and strength allowed less talented players (all completely my opinion of course) like Reed make names for themselves. I could see him being a great fit in Baltimore, but problematically I could also so Baltimore's needs not aligning with Allen's draft stock. In all likelihood we'll need to address ILB, Safety, or Corner in the first next year if the roster stays the same (It won't). 

Agree on Williams. He's a freak rusher that I'll enjoy watching but I'm skeptical of his fit with us until he proves otherwise. 

On a side note: I'm assuming your name is a reference to the All Blacks. Rugby is my life. Play it, Coach it, Work in it. Alabama, Baltimore, and Rugby. We seem to have a lot in common. 

[allblackraven]

4 hours ago, Alabama Raven said:

On a side note: I'm assuming your name is a reference to the All Blacks. Rugby is my life. Play it, Coach it, Work in it. Alabama, Baltimore, and Rugby. We seem to have a lot in common. 

It most definitely is. Test season coming up, excited to see how will they look now after several legendary players retired from black jersey.

[GrimCoconut]

5 hours ago, RavensDieHard21 said:

He is very good, but he did get erased by Tunsil with ease. 

No he didn't. Tunsil had one of his "worst" games against Garrett. 

[GrimCoconut]

5 hours ago, Alabama Raven said:

I'm a believer in Allen's repertoire. He's plus in all phases of the game: Pass rush, run defense, athleticism, tackling, edge sealing, you name it. His versatility and strength allowed less talented players (all completely my opinion of course) like Reed make names for themselves. I could see him being a great fit in Baltimore, but problematically I could also so Baltimore's needs not aligning with Allen's draft stock. In all likelihood we'll need to address ILB, Safety, or Corner in the first next year if the roster stays the same (It won't). 

Agree on Williams. He's a freak rusher that I'll enjoy watching but I'm skeptical of his fit with us until he proves otherwise. 

On a side note: I'm assuming your name is a reference to the All Blacks. Rugby is my life. Play it, Coach it, Work in it. Alabama, Baltimore, and Rugby. We seem to have a lot in common. 

I love Allen. I wanted him here this year but he returned to school. I wish he didn't because I'm certain we would've chosen him in the second. He's my favorite Alabama player this year and he was the only one I wanted. 

[allblackraven]

1 hour ago, GrimCoconut said:

I love Allen. I wanted him here this year but he returned to school. I wish he didn't because I'm certain we would've chosen him in the second. He's my favorite Alabama player this year and he was the only one I wanted. 

That isn't 100% accurate iirc. OJ Howard rings a bell?

[GrimCoconut]

6 minutes ago, allblackraven said:

That isn't 100% accurate iirc. OJ Howard rings a bell?

Oh man...you're right. I forgot all about Howard. Not sure who I like best between them both, though. That's a tough call. They're very close. Let's say Howard is my top offensive player and Allen my top defensive player. 

[allblackraven]

1 minute ago, GrimCoconut said:

Oh man...you're right. I forgot all about Howard. Not sure who I like best between them both, though. That's a tough call. They're very close. Let's say Howard is my top offensive player and Allen my top defensive player. 

Remains to be seen how will Saban / Kiffin use him this season. He came up big out of their desperation at the end of last year, they will be crazy if he isn't better utilized.

He is now known to everybody - could have been a late round steal but his draft stock won't be a mystery any longer.