Quote
David Deacon
43 interesting question but before we try and answer it we need to determine what are expectations are for each draft pick. Let me give that a try.
Initial Expectations:
Rapp: Special Teams and defensive rotation player as a nickle safety maybe in for about 30-40% of the defensive snaps
Henderson: Offensive rotation player as change of pace back and as part of a 2 back set. 10-20% offensive snaps.
Long: Defensive rotation player in Dime coverage 15-25% of snaps
Gaines: Defensive rotation player and possible starter probably 40-50% of snaps
Evans and Edwards: Depth on OL only play if injury or blowout.
Scott: Makes team and is a special teams standout.
Allen: Makes team and is a special teams contributor.
Those are my realistic expectations for our draft choices. Long will have to battle Troy Hill for the dime and Gaines and Joseph will battle it out for the nose job but this is my best guess at what the expectations are.
If we get and injury on the OL and Evans are Edwards get a starting job that would be my guess for exceeding expectations.
Here’s my definition of “exceeding expectations”, Deacon.
A player that raises eyebrows of his coaches and other players. Has a “wow” impression. Is a standout. Has beat writers singing his praises after practices and camp.
Not necessarily needing to beat out a vet former Pro Bowler this year, but a player who clearly has a future as a starter with potential Pro Bowls down the road.
Wouldn’t surprise me if we see 3-4 such rookies, and I’m not including Henderson or Scott since they technically aren’t likely to be starters, although both should standout.
