Lesser knowns that may go higher than expected...

[davos]

I figured to put something together that would focus on others than simply prospects for pick 8.  

If we can point out any consistency beyond RD-1 since DG came it, it revolves around players being selected who are not on target/projected per consensus rankings.  After the first, it only gets less predictable and this happened to an extent with Funchess, Bradberry, Worley, etc.  Our 2nd through 3rd round picks under Dave prove this.  

So, in light of this half-assed observation, I want to propose some names many are not putting at the front of their minds for our 2nd (2) and 3rd (1) rounders:
 

 

Tarell Basham Ohio - 6'4 - 269 - 34 1/2 " arms - 10 1/4 hands

This is an example of a prospect many sites are saying is a mid round pick when in reality, scouts have been giving him a hard look for a while and I can see him being coveted by a team like us.  He has the power, length, bend, and athleticism to be a 3 down 4-3 DE.  I think he's a really good prospect who can make an impact day-1 but not have to get thrust in to a full time role immediately.  For measurables junkies, he meets a majority/arguably all of the typical edge criteria.  Top SPARQ score as well.  

Also--I really don't mind NFL.com's quick takes so figured to post that as well:

STRENGTHS

 Possesses an NFL-ready build including long arms and big, strong hands. Shows flashes of explosive twitch in his attack upfield. Able to dislodge a tackle's anchor with his speed-to-power move. Has upper body power and traits to become better at softening the edge as a rusher. Plays with good short area burst to close out running backs and scrambling quarterbacks. Maintains functional motor to keep looking for tackles outside of his general area. Asked to drop into space at times and showed enough athletic ability to handle it. Roughneck who likes to take it to tackles and tight ends as edge-setter. Gives physical redirect of tight ends getting into routes.

WEAKNESSES

 Plays with tightness in his hips which restricts his bend and pad level. Straight-line attacker who will roll past his target if he doesn't gather his weight early. His pass rush attack is still basic. Leaves his hands at home rather than turning them into weapons of victory. Tries to bull his way around the edge with strong lower body rather than softening edge with his hands. Needs to develop a better plan with reliable counters to beat pro tackles. Lacks smoothness in his turn around the corner. Can still get more out of his long arms. (nfl.com)

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Another great write-up:

Quick Quote:

“…Basham has been virtually unblockable, winning with his initial quickness, bend, strong hands and a variety of pass rush moves, including a wicked spin. ” –Rob Rang

Scouting Report:

An edge pass rusher that has a lethal combination of burst, dip, and power to get into the backfield. Had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl against top competition, validating the tape that he showed against MAC competition. High mover in the draft, could emerge as one of the top pass rushers in the draft.

source: http://draftblaster.com/2017-NFL-Draft/schools/ohio/tarell-basham-de-ohio/

 

 

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Daeshon Hall DE  Texas A&M - 6'5 - 266 - 35 " arms - 9 5/8 hands

Lean, large, athletic, and instinctive are just some of the traits I liken to Daeshon.  If he rounds out his power moves, this kid could become one of the most refined pass rushers in the draft.  He checks power, step, bend, instinct, and short area quickness.  This guy is so quick off the snap.  Hall just needs to develop his move set a little more and gain a tad more power and he's kaboom.

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http://thedraftster.com/nfl-draft-scouting-report-daeshon-hall/

That link is so you can see some GIFs, plus this:

"Daeshon Hall was rated a 4-star recruit coming out of Lancaster High School in Seattle, Washington. He earned 1st-team All-State honors and was the Class 4A Defensive Player of the Year as a Senior. In his first two seasons at Texas A&M, Hall was a rotational player at defensive end that showed flashes of his potential. It wasn’t until his junior season in 2015 that hall became a full-time starter opposite All-American defensive end Myles Garrett.

His 2015 junior campaign was a breakout season for Hall. He compiled seven quarterback sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss for the Aggies, including four sacks in a season opening win against Arizona State. His performance in 2015 put him on the scouting radar. Hall had a decision to make on whether he should go Pro or stay in school. He chose the latter and decided to come back to Texas A&M for his senior year. His senior year saw Hall’s production dip a bit. He recorded only 3.5 sacks. Hall’s play in 2016 was very inconsistent but once again flashes were shown of the player he ultimately can be.

Hall brings the prototype blend of size and length required to be a defensive end in a 4-3 scheme in the NFL. He also has the requisite athletic ability to stand up as a rush linebacker in a three-man front. He uses his hands and length to keep offensive linemen at bay and to be able to set up his arsenal of pass rush moves. Hall also shows excellent bend off the edge which is a key trait for an edge rusher. Hall also plays the run very well. He is quick off the ball and uses his leverage to push blockers into the backfield. "

 

 

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George Kittle TE Iowa 6'4 247 

I think Kittle could become a great TE.  Has shown he has the ability the past 2 seasons and just needs that extra something in his receiving game to elevate him to another level.  We've got Greg Olsen here for a young guy to look up to.  

NFL.com:

"STRENGTHS

 Has broad shoulders and waist with a durable frame. Plays in pro-style attack and approaches blocking like an offensive lineman. Comes off the ball with good pad level and strikes with leverage and hands inside opponent's frame. Blocks with good technique and has footwork to get to reach blocks and combos. Hands are confident and sure with just one drop against 48 catches. Able to make sudden body adjustments to poorly thrown balls. Flashes vertical speed to become a seam worker. Physical runner after the catch with more wiggle than you would expect.

WEAKNESSES

 Patterns are inconsistent and he rarely tilts defenders at the top of his routes. Could generate better separation with improved route leverage. Route breaks can be too easy to decipher. Plays fast but seems to be missing separation burst coming out of his breaks. Needs to work back to the ball harder in space. Allows defenders a pathway to the throw rather than sealing them out of the passing lane. Has tendency to keep weight too far forward as run blocker creating opportunity for defender to pull him off-balance."

 

Teachable/Trainable weaknesses, could possibly be had with our Comp, maybe earlier.  

FYI--this is a fantastic write-up: https://www.profootballfocus.com/college-football-3-plays-show-iowas-george-kittle-best-all-around-tight-end-cfb/ PFF (take them for what they are) thought he was the best TE in the FBS going into 2016.  His talent didn't disappear.  

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EXTRA TAKES:

Don't sleep on---Marcus Maye SS/FS, Florida.  If we don't play out one of these wild trade scenarios that are being discussed, he could very well end up being in play for the pick that we got from NE.  Checks out a lot of boxes at safety and is versatile from a great college system that produces DBs.  

 

I also have heard really good things about Jordan Willis DE Kansas State but he didn't jump out to me as much; albeit I'm a casual internet non-scout haha.  He looks to be rising.  

 

One more safety: Marcus Williams Utah FS--a ballhawking FS that has good instincts and productive tackler.  Needs better skills against aggressive runners but he's being overlooked.

[davos]

One more: 

Budda Baker SS/FS Washington

This is a personal favorite of mine.  We love size and potential like Tanoh and Obi at their respective positions, but Budda Baker is an NFL safety.  I'm adding a handful of safeties I like regardless if they're a better fit at the get-go at center field or in the box. I love quickness, instincts, leadership, and a certain toughness.  This is why I love Jamal Adams, the aforementioned Basham, and even a guy like Taywan Taylor (WR) to an extent.  Baker hits the marks as well.  We're past the point where smaller safeties are mischaracterized.  Bob Sanders, Tyrann Mathieu, etc...and Baker is more 5'10 than 5'9 anyways.  

I just have a feeling this kid is going to be super successful. 

BOTTOM LINE

 Undersized free safety with the heart of a linebacker. Baker plays with a competitive desire that leaps off the field when you watch him thanks to elite football character and above-average explosiveness. While he is undersized, he makes up for it with his football instincts and plus play speed. Baker has the talent to become a play-making safety with Pro Bowl potential if he can sustain his health. (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/budda-baker?id=2558009)

 

[Moorgan]

Good effort. Thank you for the post. I casually pay attention so I've never heard of any of them. I try not to think about last year much.

As for the prospects, that last safety guy sounds like a guy DG would LOVE. The guy doesn't want to win...he abhors the thought of losing. That's a good guy to have on a team.

[GamecockSmitty4]

I watched a good bit of Daeshon Hall and don't think he's going to ever be anything. Always hoping he would step up and make a play but he never would.

[Swaggasaurus]

Kittle is a bad motherfuger in the run game. He hasn't had a ton of production in the pass game, but can make highlight reel grabs.

[Toomers]

3 hours ago, davos said:

One more: 

Budda Baker SS/FS Washington

This is a personal favorite of mine.  We love size and potential like Tanoh and Obi at their respective positions, but Budda Baker is an NFL safety.  I'm adding a handful of safeties I like regardless if they're a better fit at the get-go at center field or in the box. I love quickness, instincts, leadership, and a certain toughness.  This is why I love Jamal Adams, the aforementioned Basham, and even a guy like Taywan Taylor (WR) to an extent.  Baker hits the marks as well.  We're past the point where smaller safeties are mischaracterized.  Bob Sanders, Tyrann Mathieu, etc...and Baker is more 5'10 than 5'9 anyways.  

I just have a feeling this kid is going to be super successful. 

BOTTOM LINE

 Undersized free safety with the heart of a linebacker. Baker plays with a competitive desire that leaps off the field when you watch him thanks to elite football character and above-average explosiveness. While he is undersized, he makes up for it with his football instincts and plus play speed. Baker has the talent to become a play-making safety with Pro Bowl potential if he can sustain his health. (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/budda-baker?id=2558009)

 

  So want the BUDDA. 

 I had to scroll back up after I read this. Because it sounds so exact to the reasons I like him, I thought I might be sleep-posting...lol. Excellent analysis. A safety that can cover well enough to play slot CB, and physical enough to hold up well in running game. And as you said, INSTINCTS. He's barely below Adams and Hooker for me. And I really like them too. We pull off something like this...I'm going  ape poo.

 1) Fournette  

  2) Baker

  2b) WR- someone from the Zay Jones, T. Taylor, C Henderson group.

   3)TE-Adam Shaheen-plutonium

   4) Best available DE

   Who cares after that..lol.

 

  

[Steves89]

11 minutes ago, Toomers said:

  So want the BUDDA. 

 I had to scroll back up after I read this. Because it sounds so exact to the reasons I like him, I thought I might be sleep-posting...lol. Excellent analysis. A safety that can cover well enough to play slot CB, and physical enough to hold up well in running game. And as you said, INSTINCTS. He's barely below Adams and Hooker for me. And I really like them too. We pull off something like this...I'm going  ape poo.

 1) Fournette  

  2) Baker

  2b) WR- someone from the Zay Jones, T. Taylor, C Henderson group.

   3)TE-Adam Shaheen-plutonium

   4) Best available DE

   Who cares after that..lol.

 

  

That is almost exactly the mock I made for myself. I'm really high on Budda Baker. My third favorite safety in the draft.

[top dawg]

I would argue that Budda is known the league over. I think he'll likely go in the second.

The same may be true about Maye.

[Ace_Aladdin]

13 minutes ago, top dawg said:

I would argue that Budda is known the league over. I think he'll likely go in the second.

The same nay be true Maye.

 

Jordan Leggett stock is  undervalued, could be a great pick up in the 3rd. 

[Reebis21]

Who are Devin Funchess and James Bradberry for 500, Alex?

[uncfan888]

35 minutes ago, sanjay_rajput said:

 

Jordan Leggett stock is  undervalued, could be a great pick up in the 3rd. 

Do you dream about tight ends? Just wondering since it's all you talk about 

[nctarheel0619]

9 minutes ago, uncfan888 said:

Do you dream about tight ends? Just wondering since it's all you talk about 

Rather us wait and get Mark Andrews from OU.  Kid will be a stud.  

[uncfan888]

2 minutes ago, nctarheel0619 said:

Rather us wait and get Mark Andrews from OU.  Kid will be a stud.  

They should turn Funchess into a tight end. Sanjay would lose his poo

[nctarheel0619]

1 minute ago, uncfan888 said:

They should turn Funchess into a tight end. Sanjay would lose his poo

Funchess was so bad last year, that wouldn't shock me.