So I've done maybe 50 mocks now on fanspeak and am getting a feel for how many players there are and what position types will be available in certain areas. It's not an exact science by any stretch but I have gotten pretty good at determining what "kinds" of players will be available where by using multiple different draft boards (not mine, I don't make mine until later).
The thick positions are DE and CB ... but we don't need DE anymore so our first order of business is to take care of making sure we get an impact player outside either to play across from, or to replace Tru. I have been consistently offered trade downs in the second for a 4th rounder ... but for the sake of this experiment I'm not going to assume that. I will say that an extra 4th makes a huge difference for us every time I procure it.
Without further ado ...
2) CB ... Likel
y Conley or
Tredavius White after all is said and done ... the others have physical attributes that should put them in round 1 (or just before us in round 2)
3) TE ...
Leggett or
Butt. I believe Hodges, NJoku and Howard will be gone, maybe even another smaller school kid like Everett. But either of those players would be an upgrade over Kendricks, who I have going out the door.
4) WR ...
Josh Reynolds is my favorite here, and I have no idea how he's going to be trending. If he's not here, then Tayway Taylor, Darboh, Ardarius Stewart. One should be there.
4) OC
Jon Toth. This is tricky. If he's not here I'm likely going to grab a 5 tech like Isaac Rochele
5) rOLB
Vince Begiel ... this spot could be taken by a more pure rusher like Devonte Fields or Mathis if beigel isn't there, or a more LB prototype like Carrol Phillips and Ejuan Price .. one should be there.
6) S
Lorenzo Jerome .. he may ascend during the process, but there are a TON of quality players at the position this year so here is where I'd grab one. Jadar Johnson is another flying under the radar.
6) DT
Josh Tupuo .. Big, strong DT. there are more than a few big bodies for rotational purposes at this stage in the draft.
7) RB
Devine Redding ... Matt Dayes may be here, Boom Williams, etc. Im looking for fresh legs that can catch the football.
Odds are if we lose Trumaine Im spending another pick on a CB, and likely early-ish. Maybe even back to back 2nd and 3rd rounds.
I am assuming that we are likely to land a center in FA, but Im not counting on it. I figure we also get a WR from Washington to help the transition and lose Kenny Britt.
There are going to be many many defensive quality rotation players at every position that go undrafted. So depth should not be an issue.
Thoughts and comments welcome.