Mock Drafts from the Media

[BmoreBird22]

2 hours ago, ravensnick said:

Humphrey has stiff hips

I think this is one of the most overhyped stories in the draft and one that's not nearly as big of an issue as most people make it out to be.

[rmw10]

1 minute ago, BmoreBird22 said:

I think this is one of the most overhyped stories in the draft and one that's not nearly as big of an issue as most people make it out to be.

The more I've looked into him, the more I believe it's his footwork that's the biggest issue when he transitions.  There's occasional stiffness in his transition, but I'm not convinced it's in the hips and I don't believe it's to the extent it's believed around here.

[ravensnation5220]

17 minutes ago, BmoreBird22 said:

I think this is one of the most overhyped stories in the draft and one that's not nearly as big of an issue as most people make it out to be.

Ya I'm with you there. I never understood why people kept saying that a while ago and it seemed like everyone kind of baught into it. He's one of the best athletes in this class and one of the most fluid in his movements. Just don't let him have his back to the ball. That's the only area of concern I have with Humphrey. 

[Jacquouille]

2 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

I think this is one of the most overhyped stories in the draft and one that's not nearly as big of an issue as most people make it out to be.

Yup, I'll second this. I looked more into his tape, and I still don't know where to draft him and what to do with him, but on the physical side he's up there with Lattimore. Just not scheme diverse and some mental limits.

[hn68wb4]

On 2/23/2017 at 2:06 PM, trevorsteadman said:

What I hear about Solomon Thomas is what I heard about Joey Bosa last season... And I still wish he fell to the Ravens at #6. Looking back now I love Stanley he is going to be one of the best tackles in the league. But I think people put too much stock into size. I think he shows all the traits. I think he would be fantastic a OLB in the Ravens' 3-4 scheme. He is only an inch shorter and actually weighs more than Suggs and no one can deny Suggs has been one of the best OLB to play in the league since he entered the league. I really think he makes plays and I would be excited to bring him in. His football IQ is pretty high and watching interviews he seems like a good guy to bring into the locker room. 

I actually don't think he lasts that long to 16. And his lack of tape online kind of scares me. But I do think he would be a solid pick at #16.

I don't think there's anyone that would have size concerns about him playing OLB, in fact he's probably about the right size for the position, the problem is whether or not he plays like an EDGE defender or a down lineman and I argue strongly that he fits into the latter. When I said he was currently undersized I was referring directly to what I view as his natural position as a 3-tech. From everything I've watched on him I come away with the same conclusion, I don't see 3-4 OLB in the slightest. As a pass rusher on the Dline he only really uses his strength to overwhelm the other guy and his quickness off the snap to split the linemen immediately, occasionally he'll throw in a swim move, perhaps once or twice a game he'll try a lackluster spin move, but that's about it, as an EDGE you need to do much more than that if you expect to be a successful pass rusher. I think that if you try to stand him up at OLB then you're effectively going to get McClellan or Upshaw out there, a guy that'll set the edge as well as anyone but provide next-to nothing as a pass rusher and that pretty much flies in the face of what we're currently looking for in an EDGE player. The guy's biggest asset is his natural strength, you'd be doing him, and the team for that matter, a disservice taking him off the line.

I'm not saying he's a bad player, I think he's going to be a very good player, but not for us, he just doesn't fit our system. It just doesn't make any sense for us to take him over other guys that'll be available, especially if one of those guys is a natural EDGE defender rather than someone we'd have to teach to play the position like Thomas. For me, Pretty much at the moment the only EDGE player that I'd take at 16 would be Barnett, if Barnett is gone - which I definitely suspect will be the case - then you take another position or trade back before even considering another one of the EDGE players, Thomas doesn't really fit at all for me.

Edited February 24 by hn68wb4

[rossihunter2]

4 hours ago, ravensnation5220 said:

He played everywhere on the line for Stanford. But in the NFL he is going to be a 3 tech and could play 5 or 7 tech well. I just want him picking on interior lineman. No one will be able to handle him inside with his quickness and his strength. His relentlessness will keep him in the league for a while. High ceiling and high floor 

yeah i agree - he's a 3 tech or a 5 tech and he's a monster there - i really don't see his size being that big of a problem given how much he destroyed interior blockers - i very rarely saw him anywhere other than upfield even against double teams

[rossihunter2]

1 hour ago, Jacquouille said:

Yup, I'll second this. I looked more into his tape, and I still don't know where to draft him and what to do with him, but on the physical side he's up there with Lattimore. Just not scheme diverse and some mental limits.

i really don't like him as a prospect - the more film i watch the more i'm convinced that he won't fit in here - he looks like a perfect corner for a team like seattle or maybe as a strong safety or something - but as a corner i really don't like him in terms of his ability to cover in man and play the ball

[ellicottraven]

On 2/22/2017 at 0:47 PM, RavensDieHard21 said:

CBS has us taking Cook in most recent one with Sidney Jones, Davis and Barnett all there. Objections? 

Per se Barnett and Jones are gone, would you take Cook or Davis? 

Absolutely if Steve is willing to overlook some personal problems with Cook. I think with the 2 we have adding Cook will be monstrous especially in the AFC North! It'll help in other ways where we won't have to depend on Flacco throwing an INT in the end zone because the coaches will be forced to use Cook a lot! With him rest assured we will be running as many run plays as pass plays. That'll really help protect Flacco from the pass rushers and prevent avoidable turnovers.

[RavensDieHard21]

9 hours ago, ravensnick said:

I do really, really like Budda Baker. He or Desmond King would be excellent in the second, since I doubt we could get Hooker/Adams in the first.

I think King would be great too. Baker's only concern is whether he will be able to wrap guys up like he did in college. Pros will be much stronger and elusive, but I don't think it will change. Text book wrapping up at the waist/leg area will almost always topple even the biggest of players over.

[RavensDieHard21]

15 minutes ago, ellicottraven said:

Absolutely if Steve is willing to overlook some personal problems with Cook. I think with the 2 we have adding Cook will be monstrous especially in the AFC North! It'll help in other ways where we won't have to depend on Flacco throwing an INT in the end zone because the coaches will be forced to use Cook a lot! With him rest assured we will be running as many run plays as pass plays. That'll really help protect Flacco from the pass rushers and prevent avoidable turnovers.

I've also come to like cook. Not an immediate need, but his versatility and home run ability gives up a more elusive RR 2.0. 

He runs crisp routes and can stretch a defense pretty easily. His 0-60 is impressive too. If we take cook we need Eiflein in the second. 

[ellicottraven]

38 minutes ago, RavensDieHard21 said:

I've also come to like cook. Not an immediate need, but his versatility and home run ability gives up a more elusive RR 2.0. 

He runs crisp routes and can stretch a defense pretty easily. His 0-60 is impressive too. If we take cook we need Eiflein in the second. 

Home run threat is absolutely right! Especially in the AFC North we need great RBs to keep up with Cincy and Pittsburgh. 

[JoeyFlex5]

Why does nobody believe in Dixon? His college tape was absurd and he showed a lot of the same this year when he got healthy. 

[RaineV1]

9 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I think he'll crush it too. I just don't see where he plays in the NFL and whoever takes him better have a role in mind and have the luxury of time if he needs to develop.

I think he could easily play as a bigger than normal 4-3 DE. NO would probably be the perfect place for him to let him play on the outside beside Rankins on either the left or right side.

[hn68wb4]

33 minutes ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Why does nobody believe in Dixon? His college tape was absurd and he showed a lot of the same this year when he got healthy. 

I believe in Dixon, and I think the FO does too. I hate it whenever I see a mock with us taking Cook, good player, but not what we need. Would not be surprised if we take a RB a little later since it's a deep class and none of the guys on the roster have been able to establish themselves as the third guy, I think it'll be a power guy like Perine,Hood and Connor would also fill that role to some extent.

Edited February 24 by hn68wb4

[JoeyFlex5]

41 minutes ago, RaineV1 said:

I think he could easily play as a bigger than normal 4-3 DE. NO would probably be the perfect place for him to let him play on the outside beside Rankins on either the left or right side.

Is NO running a 43 now?

[JoeyFlex5]

21 minutes ago, hn68wb4 said:

I believe in Dixon, and I think the FO does too. I hate it whenever I see a mock with us taking Cook, good player, but not what we need. Would not be surprised if we take a RB a little later since it's a deep class and none of the guys on the roster have been able to establish themselves as the third guy, I think it'll be a power guy like Perine,Hood and Connor would also fill that role to some extent.

I'd rather we give Dixon a full go in 2017 and roll the dice on saquon Barkley next year. 

[Jacquouille]

8 hours ago, rossihunter2 said:

i really don't like him as a prospect - the more film i watch the more i'm convinced that he won't fit in here - he looks like a perfect corner for a team like seattle or maybe as a strong safety or something - but as a corner i really don't like him in terms of his ability to cover in man and play the ball

Depends on what traits you're looking for. He's terrific in zone coverage, and has upside in both off and press, even though he's still raw in those. I agree playing the ball is his biggest knock, but in the right place he will shine. I don't think he would be totally out of place here, but I wouldn't declare him as an immediate starter or CB2, which is a big problem if we're to take him in the first two rounds.

[RaineV1]

3 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Is NO running a 43 now?

Yeah. They switched to 4-3 after Rex's brother left the team.

[JoeyFlex5]

2 hours ago, RaineV1 said:

Yeah. They switched to 4-3 after Rex's brother left the team.

In this case Thomas and NO are a dream fit. I like Thomas pretty much solely at 3T to maximize his potential, he and rankins make a nice combo although im not sure where rankins goes, I thought he was a prototype pass rushing 5T for a 34

[rmw10]

8 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Why does nobody believe in Dixon? His college tape was absurd and he showed a lot of the same this year when he got healthy. 

I still think a ton of people are overreacting to the stated need at RB based on what Ozzie and Eric said.  I feel like so many people jumped to conclusions that because they said RB, that meant they needed to get one early.  I took it as they liked Dixon and West, but wanted to add a 3rd back with a different dimension, which is breakaway speed.

[BmoreBird22]

Who is the top cornerback in the 2017 draft class? For me it's Quincy Wilson, but one NFC scout I spoke with this week said they ranked Alabama's Marlon Humphrey as the top cover man. When reached for a comment, an AFC personnel man told me Ohio State's Gareon Conley was their top corner. Needless to say, there isn't yet a consensus top cornerback in this class.

That is from Matt Miller.

[BmoreBird22]

13 hours ago, rossihunter2 said:

i really don't like him as a prospect - the more film i watch the more i'm convinced that he won't fit in here - he looks like a perfect corner for a team like seattle or maybe as a strong safety or something - but as a corner i really don't like him in terms of his ability to cover in man and play the ball

Considering how much Tampa 2 and Cover 3 the Ravens run, great fit.

[January J]

9 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Why does nobody believe in Dixon? His college tape was absurd and he showed a lot of the same this year when he got healthy. 

I don't think its about not believing in Dixon- atleast not for me. But when does it ever hurt to have 2 dynamic playmaking rbs? 1 they will both be able to stay fresh and not get run into the ground and two incase of injury we have a contingency plan. Cinci has hill and bernard- Pittsburgh has bell and Williams...I don't think taking Cook is a sign of us not wanting or thinking Dixon can't be the guy at all..and a little friendly competition is always good. They will both push each other and may the best man win. Add in west to that equation who also has shown great promise and that's a pretty strong 3 headed monster all on cheap deals- and that's not even including juice. If we did go that route I would certainly take a lineman in the second and then use both our thirds on cb and safety.  Many might be upset about not taking a pass rusher early but   hopefully we will get major improvement from judon and ZDS - get another solid year from suggs and hopefully find some hidden gems in the middle rounds similar to what we found in judon.

Edited February 24 by January J

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

11 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Why does nobody believe in Dixon? His college tape was absurd and he showed a lot of the same this year when he got healthy. 

I agree. I want nothing to do with a RB high, unless the value is just out of this world. I'd have to consider McCaffery in the 2nd, but he brings a ton of value elsewhere.... passing game, return game, etc..

Dixon was an absolute beast and probably my favorite RB in last year's draft behind Zeke.

If he was fully healthy all year, i dont think there'd be any RB questions whatsoever. He'd have firmly established himself as a 3 down monster. Pretty sure he led the NFL in yards after contact over the games he played, or maybe it was yards after contact per carry... either way its incredibly impressive for a guy as elusive as he is to also have that kind of power to bounce off tackles.

I mean, in the last couple games -- the images of 3-4 Steelers defenders draped on his back and him just carrying them all an additional 4-5 yards makes you salivate. If he improves on his pass protection, there's no reason to take him off the field. And, if we improve the OL and can routinely get him 2-3 yards before contact he's going to be an absolute beast. DL have trouble bringing him down -- get him in open space against an undersized LB or a DB and forget it... hes dragging you to the end zone.

He also seems like a guy who gets going the more carries he gets. So lets not spread the carries out even more. Feed the beast and look out.

Edited February 24 by BOLDnPurPnBlacK

[ravensnation5220]

2 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Who is the top cornerback in the 2017 draft class? For me it's Quincy Wilson, but one NFC scout I spoke with this week said they ranked Alabama's Marlon Humphrey as the top cover man. When reached for a comment, an AFC personnel man told me Ohio State's Gareon Conley was their top corner. Needless to say, there isn't yet a consensus top cornerback in this class.

That is from Matt Miller.

Every team will rank them differently. If I'm guessing I'd say the ravens havee lattimore as their top guy, simply because we need someone to play opposite of Jimmy and all lattimore did was play LCB. He can play in any scheme too. Then I see Humphrey or Tabor fighting for that 2 spot

[hn68wb4]

Sidney Jones is still my top guy, after him it does get foggy for me though. Used to be Wilson, but for me he falls into the infamous camp of "the more I watch, the less I like"

Edited February 24 by hn68wb4

[rossihunter2]

9 hours ago, Jacquouille said:

Depends on what traits you're looking for. He's terrific in zone coverage, and has upside in both off and press, even though he's still raw in those. I agree playing the ball is his biggest knock, but in the right place he will shine. I don't think he would be totally out of place here, but I wouldn't declare him as an immediate starter or CB2, which is a big problem if we're to take him in the first two rounds.

which is my exact knock - i dont see him as undraftable or anything like that - i just struggle to see him being worth either of our first two picks - i think there are better corner prospects and prospects id prefer at other positions too - i think he's about 46th on my big board at the moment

 

3 hours ago, BmoreBird22 said:

Who is the top cornerback in the 2017 draft class? For me it's Quincy Wilson, but one NFC scout I spoke with this week said they ranked Alabama's Marlon Humphrey as the top cover man. When reached for a comment, an AFC personnel man told me Ohio State's Gareon Conley was their top corner. Needless to say, there isn't yet a consensus top cornerback in this class.

That is from Matt Miller.

i think conley is a dark horse kind of pick - i really like the way he plays the ball but his footwork isn't brilliant - he's my number 4 corner at the moment

 

1 hour ago, ravensnation5220 said:

Every team will rank them differently. If I'm guessing I'd say the ravens havee lattimore as their top guy, simply because we need someone to play opposite of Jimmy and all lattimore did was play LCB. He can play in any scheme too. Then I see Humphrey or Tabor fighting for that 2 spot

are you sure - im pretty confident lattimore also played RCB with conley at LCB

EDIT: yeah i just went back to the tape, he's definitely been playing RCB this year

 

1 hour ago, hn68wb4 said:

Sidney Jones is still my top guy, after him it does get foggy for me though. Used to be Wilson, but for me he falls into the infamous camp of "the more I watch, the less I like"

oh im in a pretty similar camp as you - lattimore is just about my top guy but sidney jones is close and then the more i watch film of wilson the more i feel there is a gap between him and those two and maybe conley is the 3rd guy (still think wilson is 3 and conley is 4 at the moment)

 

12 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

Why does nobody believe in Dixon? His college tape was absurd and he showed a lot of the same this year when he got healthy. 

i really like dixon too - but if dalvin cook came in he would upgrade the position as it seems right now - i hope he isnt the pick because i think there are better picks at bigger needs but i could probably talk my way into the pick if he was picked up

Edited February 24 by rossihunter2

[raven94]

16 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I'd rather we give Dixon a full go in 2017 and roll the dice on saquon Barkley next year. 

I agree, and doesn't even need to be Barkley (who's fantastic by the way), there's also Guice (LSU), Scarbrough and Harris (Bama), Freeman (Oregon), Ronald Jones (USC), Gaskin (UW), Rawleigh Williams III (Arkansas) etc....

Next year's running back class will be just as good as this one. So I'm all for building a good defensive team with a balanced offense with a good OL in this draft and then maybe taking luxuries next year. This year there's too many good players at positions that normally don't have great players fall out of the top 5, I'm talking about pass rush and CB. Normally the best prospects are gone by 10. This year we can get a top PR or CB. Can't pass that up

[usmccharles]

17 hours ago, JoeyFlex5 said:

I'd rather we give Dixon a full go in 2017 and roll the dice on saquon Barkley next year. 

This is my take as well.  I have came out and said im skeptical of Dixon, but I would much rather give him a legit chance to be the guy so we can actually see what he does with 18-25 touches a game. 

[rossihunter2]

3 hours ago, raven94 said:

I agree, and doesn't even need to be Barkley (who's fantastic by the way), there's also Guice (LSU), Scarbrough and Harris (Bama), Freeman (Oregon), Ronald Jones (USC), Gaskin (UW), Rawleigh Williams III (Arkansas) etc....

Next year's running back class will be just as good as this one. So I'm all for building a good defensive team with a balanced offense with a good OL in this draft and then maybe taking luxuries next year. This year there's too many good players at positions that normally don't have great players fall out of the top 5, I'm talking about pass rush and CB. Normally the best prospects are gone by 10. This year we can get a top PR or CB. Can't pass that up

i fall into this category as well to a certain extent - rb and qb classes will be much better next year so its worth just taking pure bpa this year (minus rbs) because of the value next year - and yet if dalvin cook was the pick i could probably find a way to get behind it, not that it would be my first or second or even third choice etc.