Corey... That championship LSU squad with Joey, Chase and Stingley Jr was nuts and reuniting these cornerstones is a great start toward championship culture in Cinci.
Side note: Bengals also drafted NT Tyler Shelvin in the 4th. Not a premiere DL prospect but to me, he easily was the top, pure NT in the draft. Was a leader on that LSU defense.
Jahleel Bilingsley could have a monster season. He’s easily the number two weapon behind Metchie and it’s a Bill O’Brien offense. He might end up being a top 20 pick, especially if he and Bryce Young have a connection.
I agree and do think Jahleel Billingsley could have a monster season. I’d like to seem him put on 5-10 more pounds to build out his frame a bit more but he has a lot of raw talent and if he can thrive and have a great season, TE1 could be in the conversation for 2022.
Hey Patrick! So this year was the first time I watched the Alabama Red vs White Spring Game (for what that's worth) and Saban seemed really high on the sophomore TE Cameron Latu. So if it's even worth mentioning, Young connected with Latu scoring Team White's lone touchdown on a 60-yarder. Billingsley may have some up-and-coming competition.
I am more intrigued on the WR room losing 4 Round 1 picks in the last 2 years. Metchie has seen valuable playing time and should be ready to take over WR1 but who does take advantage of the opportunity to fill in WR2 and WR3? Ohio State transfer WR Jameson Williams might be one to watch!
I definitely think Latu will play a big role. The WR room will be fascinating for sure but the real intrigue, at least among the Alabama fans like me is the O-line. Evan Neal is clearly the standout but it’s a deep group without a clear pecking order.
Tweeted this before I realized we could comment here (just subscribed): As far as Breece Hall showing he can be a chunk-yardage back, I'd say he's off to a pretty good start: In 1.5 seasons as a starter, he's ripped off TDs of 75, 75, 66, 58, 33, 32, 30, 28, 24, 21 (with several more TDs of 10+) plus chunk plays of 70 & 61 on top of those.
I'm with you, Chris! Hall is my RB1. There aren't many Iowa State players on the big board and I get it, but I feel like more will start to show up if they can carry last year's momentum. TE Charlie Kolar is another Cyclone to keep an eye on, very productive.
Hey Derek! If you're willing, I do have a question for you as a Sooners fan. I'm wondering if you have ever felt that Coach Riley's commitment to dual threat QBs sometimes neglects the RB game? I thought Rhamondre Stevenson was talented, but under utilized, and of course that touches on Trey Sermon's transfer.
So I think my major question about Evan Neal is "just how good is he as a prospect?" If the Jaguars are picking at #2 (and as terrible as they have been, I do think the upgrade that TL16 represents at QB will do a lot for this team) I would struggle right now to pass on the talent that Stingley Jr. is rumored to be. I would figure out a way to make it work, even if it means moving on from CJ Henderson or Tyson Campbell. This team knows exactly what a true #1 alpha-dog CB can do for the defense.
I get it, protect Trevor, and if the Jaguars are picking 2, the probably did not do that well, but I have to imagine Walker Little would be given that shot at LT and if Jawaan Taylor needs replacing, I am not sure that is happening at #2 overall.
You would have been better off saying you will use the same positions teams finished this past season. Now you are going to get ripped for not only those dis-agreeing with your picks but also where you have team finishing next year. Raiders, 13…H3ll No !!!!
Support: First Overall Pick: DL Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
The hype is real for Thibodeaux. He is a tremendous athlete and does line up all across the DL. In this league, you can never have too many quality pass rushers and having one that can lineup anywhere, to me, is more valuable than these in-between LB/S hybrids. Any team should take him at 1, barring a team with an obvious NEED at QB.
Question: The Giants NOT Drafting A QB
This can be a separate article in itself. I got a lot of run this year for questioning why the Giants were not considered a QB needy team. I'm all for an organization backing and supporting a young QB, but they fall into the category of teams that passed on Justin Fields and Mac Jones. From a draft perspective, the NYG have picked at: (pre-trade) 11, 4, 6, and 2, with 6 total Round 1 picks in the past 4 years respectively. Now this projects for them to be back in the top 10? Gettleman is definitely gone and Jones should be considered replaceable as well.
Thank you, Rob! I'm not trying to hate on Daniel Jones, but his numbers did digress in Year 2, although they did win more games. But just in the grand world of draft evaluations, I would not have Daniel Jones as a Top 10 pick let alone Round 1. I honestly hope he does well though, but there's no more excuses.
The time for pre draft evaluation on DJ has passed. He went 6th overall so now we need to see what he does in year 3. If he balls out and falls between Allen and Mayfield, no one will care about any of the talk because he is an upper tier QB. If he doesn't, we have two 1st round picks, 2 3rds, and 2 4ths in terms of ammo.
A fair take. I more so meant to point out that success may come in spite of him: Saquon being healthy (knock on wood, but Booker is a worthy back), all the weapons including the new YAC-man Toney, and a better D on paper in my opinion. The idea is that Daniel Jones does not need to ball out for the GMen to compete in the East. But then obviously that makes him the main reason why they would not.
Matt, as a Texans fan taking a DE with the first pick gives me nightmares thinking about Mario Williams and Clowney. Two guys who I feel did not live up to the hype. Do you feel Thibodeaux could be a better pure pass rusher than those two? Also, Jane you heard about Thibodeaux’s love of football? I ask because here in Houston the word was always that Clowney didn’t love it.
I live in Houston also, and I’ve never heard anyone question Clowney’s love for the game. Matter of fact, I remember when he blew out his knee rookie year on our joke of field, and team doctors are quoted as saying that injury shortened his career to 5 years max. Which is the reason why we never made a serious offer to keep him in town. The simple fact that’s he’s still playing is a testament to his love of football.
Hey James! I hear you. **Bias Alert** I'm a PAC12 guy and in that '06 draft I was shocked that Reggie Bush did not go 1 overall. In fairness, Williams and Clowney were good players in their time with Houston, just neither on par with Watt.
But I will go ahead and say that the hype is real with Thibodeaux if you have not had the chance to see him play. He really might be the number 1 pick to whichever team picks first.
Just wondering, where would you like him to go, Logan? And I'm glad Matt clarified projecting him as a G because I do have Green just outside of my top 10 OTs, so it makes sense.
Derek Stingley Jr. to Cincinnati is spot on.
Bengals love them some LSU Tigers.
Corey... That championship LSU squad with Joey, Chase and Stingley Jr was nuts and reuniting these cornerstones is a great start toward championship culture in Cinci.
Side note: Bengals also drafted NT Tyler Shelvin in the 4th. Not a premiere DL prospect but to me, he easily was the top, pure NT in the draft. Was a leader on that LSU defense.
Jahleel Bilingsley could have a monster season. He’s easily the number two weapon behind Metchie and it’s a Bill O’Brien offense. He might end up being a top 20 pick, especially if he and Bryce Young have a connection.
Great take Patrick!
I agree and do think Jahleel Billingsley could have a monster season. I’d like to seem him put on 5-10 more pounds to build out his frame a bit more but he has a lot of raw talent and if he can thrive and have a great season, TE1 could be in the conversation for 2022.
Hey Patrick! So this year was the first time I watched the Alabama Red vs White Spring Game (for what that's worth) and Saban seemed really high on the sophomore TE Cameron Latu. So if it's even worth mentioning, Young connected with Latu scoring Team White's lone touchdown on a 60-yarder. Billingsley may have some up-and-coming competition.
I am more intrigued on the WR room losing 4 Round 1 picks in the last 2 years. Metchie has seen valuable playing time and should be ready to take over WR1 but who does take advantage of the opportunity to fill in WR2 and WR3? Ohio State transfer WR Jameson Williams might be one to watch!
I definitely think Latu will play a big role. The WR room will be fascinating for sure but the real intrigue, at least among the Alabama fans like me is the O-line. Evan Neal is clearly the standout but it’s a deep group without a clear pecking order.
Tweeted this before I realized we could comment here (just subscribed): As far as Breece Hall showing he can be a chunk-yardage back, I'd say he's off to a pretty good start: In 1.5 seasons as a starter, he's ripped off TDs of 75, 75, 66, 58, 33, 32, 30, 28, 24, 21 (with several more TDs of 10+) plus chunk plays of 70 & 61 on top of those.
I'm with you, Chris! Hall is my RB1. There aren't many Iowa State players on the big board and I get it, but I feel like more will start to show up if they can carry last year's momentum. TE Charlie Kolar is another Cyclone to keep an eye on, very productive.
Rattler all day. Nobody develops QB’s like Riley
Hey Derek! If you're willing, I do have a question for you as a Sooners fan. I'm wondering if you have ever felt that Coach Riley's commitment to dual threat QBs sometimes neglects the RB game? I thought Rhamondre Stevenson was talented, but under utilized, and of course that touches on Trey Sermon's transfer.
Treylon Burks will be WR1. Book it.
So I think my major question about Evan Neal is "just how good is he as a prospect?" If the Jaguars are picking at #2 (and as terrible as they have been, I do think the upgrade that TL16 represents at QB will do a lot for this team) I would struggle right now to pass on the talent that Stingley Jr. is rumored to be. I would figure out a way to make it work, even if it means moving on from CJ Henderson or Tyson Campbell. This team knows exactly what a true #1 alpha-dog CB can do for the defense.
I get it, protect Trevor, and if the Jaguars are picking 2, the probably did not do that well, but I have to imagine Walker Little would be given that shot at LT and if Jawaan Taylor needs replacing, I am not sure that is happening at #2 overall.
Hey Matt, what's your take a Bubba Bolden, how high do you think he'll go next year?
What is your opinion on Jayden Daniels?
You would have been better off saying you will use the same positions teams finished this past season. Now you are going to get ripped for not only those dis-agreeing with your picks but also where you have team finishing next year. Raiders, 13…H3ll No !!!!
Two points: Support and Question
Support: First Overall Pick: DL Kayvon Thibodeaux, Oregon
The hype is real for Thibodeaux. He is a tremendous athlete and does line up all across the DL. In this league, you can never have too many quality pass rushers and having one that can lineup anywhere, to me, is more valuable than these in-between LB/S hybrids. Any team should take him at 1, barring a team with an obvious NEED at QB.
Question: The Giants NOT Drafting A QB
This can be a separate article in itself. I got a lot of run this year for questioning why the Giants were not considered a QB needy team. I'm all for an organization backing and supporting a young QB, but they fall into the category of teams that passed on Justin Fields and Mac Jones. From a draft perspective, the NYG have picked at: (pre-trade) 11, 4, 6, and 2, with 6 total Round 1 picks in the past 4 years respectively. Now this projects for them to be back in the top 10? Gettleman is definitely gone and Jones should be considered replaceable as well.
I'll say this, if our own pick (not the one from the Bears) is in the top 10, we should absolutely be looking QB.
Thank you, Rob! I'm not trying to hate on Daniel Jones, but his numbers did digress in Year 2, although they did win more games. But just in the grand world of draft evaluations, I would not have Daniel Jones as a Top 10 pick let alone Round 1. I honestly hope he does well though, but there's no more excuses.
The time for pre draft evaluation on DJ has passed. He went 6th overall so now we need to see what he does in year 3. If he balls out and falls between Allen and Mayfield, no one will care about any of the talk because he is an upper tier QB. If he doesn't, we have two 1st round picks, 2 3rds, and 2 4ths in terms of ammo.
A fair take. I more so meant to point out that success may come in spite of him: Saquon being healthy (knock on wood, but Booker is a worthy back), all the weapons including the new YAC-man Toney, and a better D on paper in my opinion. The idea is that Daniel Jones does not need to ball out for the GMen to compete in the East. But then obviously that makes him the main reason why they would not.
“Carson Strong is my QB1” he says as he gives Detroit someone he thinks is a worse QB apparently. Garbage.
My top quarterback doesn't go first at the position every year. There's a big difference between player rankings and a mock draft.
Matt, as a Texans fan taking a DE with the first pick gives me nightmares thinking about Mario Williams and Clowney. Two guys who I feel did not live up to the hype. Do you feel Thibodeaux could be a better pure pass rusher than those two? Also, Jane you heard about Thibodeaux’s love of football? I ask because here in Houston the word was always that Clowney didn’t love it.
I live in Houston also, and I’ve never heard anyone question Clowney’s love for the game. Matter of fact, I remember when he blew out his knee rookie year on our joke of field, and team doctors are quoted as saying that injury shortened his career to 5 years max. Which is the reason why we never made a serious offer to keep him in town. The simple fact that’s he’s still playing is a testament to his love of football.
Hey James! I hear you. **Bias Alert** I'm a PAC12 guy and in that '06 draft I was shocked that Reggie Bush did not go 1 overall. In fairness, Williams and Clowney were good players in their time with Houston, just neither on par with Watt.
But I will go ahead and say that the hype is real with Thibodeaux if you have not had the chance to see him play. He really might be the number 1 pick to whichever team picks first.
I mean I get it. Who cares enough to actually improve Detroit when they can get reach for a Baker Mayfield clone instead!
The Kenyon Green pick has the wrong college next to his name. Love the Mock though!
Just wondering, where would you like him to go, Logan? And I'm glad Matt clarified projecting him as a G because I do have Green just outside of my top 10 OTs, so it makes sense.