Icege

The fact that Canales is getting these guys together and demanding better is a breath of fresh air. Glad that they're not being allowed to go through the motions.

OH BOY

What makes you so certain he won't contribute at all this season? He's due back in October and was a much more highly touted prospect than Hubbard and Sanders. I don't expect him to suddenly become the lead horse, but with as much as the team is going to run the ball (and how injury riddled NFL rosters get) he's going to get opportunities to contribute.

Because the guys that are expected to be able to perform right away go early and they felt like Brooks was the best selection for the team. It makes plenty of sense to me. Whether or not it's the right move we'll just have to wait and see.

As the board's biggest center fan, I think it's for the same reason we haven't seen many centers taken in the first cpl of rounds. The savings on second contracts vs. rookie deals is negligible on centers if taken before day three. If you're gonna go get one prior to then, then they'd better hit. In the case of the team, Corbett/Christensen were likely looked at as "good enough" at center for the team to focus resources else where. A couple of guys will also still be on the roster next season that can possibly take over for Corbett or they can go sign one since they're taking their dead cap medicine now instead of later. Giving away two fifths to secure the guy that the running game is gonna go thru and be the only RB under contract (while also being arguably the #1 RB in the draft) makes sense. If he were a generational talent, he would have gone in the 1st round... where he was projected to go prior to injury. Hopefully that helps with understanding the moves. Doesn't mean they have to be accepted and applauded, of course.

I think that while the team is looking to compete asap that they're also looking at a 2 - 3 year plan. Year 1, evaluate Bryce. Year 2, adjust based on previous season. If Bryce proves to the staff that he's the guy, then continue to build around him. If it's a shitshow, get ready to bring in a replacement (or at least bring in some competition). Year 3, make the decision to push for playoffs or reset at QB. I can see them expediting the plan if Bryce should light it up (or the reverse). With that mindset, the Brooks pick makes plenty of sense. If you want a player and they fill a need... which Brooks does as no RB on the roster is under contract next season. Doesn't sound like much of a luxury pick when the offense is going to be running as much as it is passing, but that's just my perspective. I got the impression that this year's draft was looked at as "you should be ready to start next season" type of class for the team.

I can understand folks being upset over the theoretical value of where Brooks was taken, but it sounds like he fit the type of player that Morgan is looking for. Couple that with the Giants likely taking him to replace Saquon if the Panthers hadn't jumped ahead of him, and I get why he was taken where he was. Glad to hear reports about his recovery from the ACL going well also.

DJ Johnson the second player being interviewed Trying to live up to the expectations as a run stopper by attacking the weight room and scheme. Overall working to get more comfortable playing football at the NFL-level in both the run and pass game. Getting a season under his belt and being around guys like Clowney to see how they work help a lot. Always happy to hear good praise and trying to live up to it. Just keeping his head down and working hard. Starting job isn't something he thinks about. That's the coaches' job. His job is to be the best that he has to be. Super helpful to have a year of exp, especially not having to relearn the defense. Just has to tighten up on the details and being able to understand the defense + DC. Asked about the difficulty of converting to TE since he had to do so before. It's tough, especially when it's something somebody has been doing their whole life. Remember what you learn from the other side of the ball and embrace the roll opposite in order to transition better. Have grown closer thanks to more time and getting more time on the field in their defense. Trying to find some anime guys. His favorite right now is Overlord. One of the tackles is a big anime fan and just came back from a Japan trip. Wants to take a trip out there.