Quote:
Originally Posted by Chaka
I get what you are saying and I don't necessarily disagree. The anti-Nelsons on this board have made some good arguments why the pick was bit of a reach. However, I don't think that he was a reach in the traditional sense that no one else would have selected him this high, as I suspect he would have been chosen no later than 8 had the Colts taken someone else.
As to your argument that the opposing team could neutralize his effect by focusing on other areas of the line, wouldn't that thinking apply equally to an OT selected this high? I only ask because it is fairly commonplace for OTs to be taken in the top 5 or 6 picks, and I've never heard anyone use your argument to say that's a mistake. So is your criticism more about selecting an offensive lineman rather than a defensive player? I realize that OTs generally have to deal with better athletes at DE and OLB, but there are lots of tough DTs around too and Nelson should provide an immediate upgrade to our anemic run game.
While I would have been more excited about selecting Chubb, I personally like that we are adding someone who is expected to start and play at a high level from day 1, as I think (barring further Luck problems) that we will compete in 2018.
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The difference is tackles usually face the teams best pass rusher who the majority of the time comes from the outside bc he doesn't want to get caught in the trash in the middle. The flip side of that is the rise of 3 tech tackles like Aaron Donald who specialize in taking away the interior of the pocket and not allowing the QB to step up. I think one of the strengths of this draft is the interior oline which is why so many went in the first. But also oline play has deteriorated around the league. Teams are desperate for players to protect their investments (QB's) which has driven the need up. This has lead to shorter passing games and spread concepts. The NFL training camp reports around the league last year were the same every week, teams are desperate for good oline play and especially good tackle play.
Ten years ago, or even 20 I wonder if Nelson would have been taken this high.
We still have a lot of draft left, but I guess next year I can hope for that defensive stud.