ColumbusCounty

I kinda think Scourtin will end up being the steal and the more complete end. It will probably take a couple years to manifest but I still think he was the #2-3 best DE in the '25 draft. And to be honest, coming into last season an argument could be made for #1 consideration.... moreso if he would have stayed at Purdue. He should not have made it to the 2nd round. I also think by the end of next season, Morgan will be known for his drafting. Last draft he netted us 3-4 starters not counting Brooks. This year he'll probably end up with the same amount. 6-7 starters in two drafts is crazy.

To be fair, Jackson isn't a slouch... he's a very capable db...a little inconsistent but he's a talented corner nonetheless. He's not an all pro but he's imo he's slighty above the average. I've been trying to keep my hope levels down as I've experienced the past 6-7 seasons but this just feels different and I think the feeling in the building is the same. I'm not saying we're going to the playoffs but again if our defense is two TD's allowed better a game then we're more than likely playoff team... but that's granted our QB stays on his incline and healthy. Im an optimist anyway. We had historically the worse D in history and still won 5 games. Hell, if we were one TD allowed better last season we would have hit 8 wins. Now factor in an improved offense, an easier schedule, a weak division, a improved defense with 5-6 new "proven" starters(not counting the rookies) and it's easy to see why people are slowly starting to hop on the bandwagon...on paper that is. My only question is Canales's lack of the run game. Kinda seemed like we would get Chubba running then abandon the game plan every week.

He doesn't have to be a vet to hold information. His route running is still better than average.

Hopefully he picks up a few habits from Thielen, Renfrow and Coker. Side bar: His initial acceleration leaves alot to be desired but his build up speed is pretty decent. Week 1 of last season he was one of top 5 fastest players in the country. Ironically, beating him also in the top 5 at 20.3 mph was Jimmy Horn Jr.

Lol damn he said that ??!?? ... Regardless though, he's fast as hell. And he seems to already have an established fan base. I think Renfrow takes his snaps during the season but at worse, I think he's our PR and KR. He has the type of talent that you have to utilize in some form.

Isn't Weaver the same dude from Kentucky that has 6 fingers on one hand ?

Wallace and Rozeboom ILB To start the season, Wonnum and Pat at Edge. By mid season..same line up at OLB w/ Scourtin n Umanmielen subbing in on 3rd downs.

I'd throw in Kobe Hudson as well. He WILL make this team... practice squad at the worse. Yea it's early but I think Richardson has been better than expected and the team has a plan in place for Smith Wade at corner & safety. I also think Ransom has the range and speed to be a FS although he might be better closer to the LOS.

Wasn't aware we released Barno.. I had hopes he would develop as that speed would have been a game changer.

To add on - One of our UDFA's that I think will make the 53: 4. Luke Kandra, Cincinnati Kandra's athleticism and measured approach to the game give him the floor of a solid zone scheme backup and an average starter's ceiling. The end result will depend on his ability to play with better pad level and flexibility.

This!! ... And as far as the "Hunter locked down Tmac" crowd, I don't get the narrative. He literally ended that game with 9 receptions for 107 yards and a TD.

Yea I wouldn't wager on that. But as far as Hunter goes...that Colorado game matched the two up about 5 times. McMillian caught 3 of the 5, all for short gains with one being a TD. But speaking of Travis Hunter, when asked who was the toughest WR he had to cover, he responded TMac. Jus Saying

This...If Ekwonu could develop his pass pro to match his run blocking he'd be a ridiculously talented LT. Even still, he had more penalties than allowed sacks last season. If he can manage to stay relatively healthy, he'll be resigned as the guy is legitimately one of the best run blockers in the league. I'm sure Dan remembers how bad that left side was before he got here. Mind you, I'm not sure Moton is apart of our future plans. Zero chance we'd lose both. Icky signed his rookie deal for 27 mil fully guaranteed w/ a 17 mil signing bonus included. He's projected to get somewhere north of 20 mil per year after the season.

Gotta say I agree. Dunno if he'll live up top pick of the draft expectation just yet though. That said, if he even shows up 25% better than he did thru the back half of last season, we're in pretty good shape paired with the defensive moves we made. He does atleast have that clutch gene down pat though. As for the article, I'd probably put my money on Zavala making the team. The wildcard is Luke Kandra, who iirc was a team captain, 2nd team All American w/ only one sack surrendered at Cincinnati. Impressive. But college is not the pros.

Breakouts: Smith-Wade, JT, and Wharton. Possible's: Legette (he already had the speed but his technique, footwork and hand skills should all see improvement), Zavala, Wallace. Slight Chance: Barno (pretty good chance he lights it up in preseason) I wouldn't count on it: DJ Johnson (Was always a reach but flashed a couple times since he was drafted. Could be serviceable depth...could also be cut)

Hell I was sold around the :50 second mark.

Watching this you could already tell the OC/staff had changed from '23 to '24. The playcalling looks much better. Makes me wonder what concepts Canales will build on. I can already imagine the slants being dialed up. He also looks faster here. His burst is more evident ..that ankle could have definitely been a lingering situation. And the crazy thing is, his hands, ball skills and hips are so good he probably could have played both ways at Arizona. He was impressive with it at Servite. I actually like his db clips more than his wr ones in high school.

Just posting this since I decided to take a look at our new WR1. I previously only looked at his '24 work but wanted to see more.... I'm late to the party but I stumbled onto his '23 highlights and imo its even better. If you haven't, check it out:

Good point!!!!

Yea I could see that as well but I'd keep Clowney as he'd be a good mentor for Nic and Princely. Would we really release our best pass rusher on a team that was bottom 5 in sack percentage? I do feel like he's going to be traded right before the deadline though.

If he throws for damn near 4k and 30 TDs, he's in contention for comeback player of the year if our record is above .500 To hit 3900 he'd have to average around 230 or so. Reasonable expectation for a franchise QB but Idunno if I'd make that bet yet.

Well he did break the team record for most receiving yards from a rookie TE iirc. The thing is... Unless we plan on using more two TE sets, Tremble will get the most play Imo. I dont think alot of people caught the chemistry that Bryce and Tommy had to close out the season. I knew they were bringing him back just based off the connection those two had the last few games. Sanders has alot of upside though..scary upside to be honest. And if he was to get drafted this year, I think he'd be ranked between third or fifth after Loveland, Warren and Arroyo. He's probably neck and neck with Mason Taylor. Another TE I had high hopes for was Jordan Matthews, especially after OTA's and preseason last year. But after the Mitchell Evans pick the writing might be on the wall 4 him unless he's saved by ST play.

True but there are always exceptions. It's one of the reasons I got behind the Jaycee Horn pick a few years ago. He faced a ridiculous amount of future NFL talent iirc.

I agree and that missed int caught my eye but I do love the temperment. Morgan is definitely slowly leaving his imprint on this defense. Tuasivi Nomura is another UDFA we picked up.

During the UDFA phase an under the radar signing was Abe Camara. I've heard we are trying him @ safety ... I need this guy to make the 53. Sneaky good signing.