2021 NFL Draft thread - Day 1 discussion

[Oldcolt]

I love all the definitive statements about Paye and this draft so far. Is he polished, no-the Colts are never (hopefully) be in a position to draft a polished pass rusher, they go top 5. Dam hates his tape. Ballard loves it. One is wrong and it isn't Ballard. It is a numbers game. Sooner or later Ballard will hit on one of these athletic freaks. He played 4 games last year and got 2 sacks. He pressured the hell out of qb's and plays thru the entire play just like Nelson. His work effort and character are so good I saw a prediction he will eventually win the Walter Payton award. Love the pick this morning.

[ukcolt]

Originally Posted by IndyNorm

I certainly hope that you're right, and we'll obviously see how it goes. If I were to make a wager though, I'd definitely put my money on Rousseau being better.

Defining better is often really hard, when teams play different systems and ask guys to perform different roles. Jerry Hughes did next to nothing for the Colts, but has had a tremendous career up in Buffalo. Some of that could be coaching of course, but much of it is how he is used, and the other talent that he has on defense to play alongside.

I think we are far more likely to find a pro bowl tackle in the 2nd round than we ever are a DE of similar stature in this current draft. There could be 3 or 4 guys at tackle with genuine potential to become pro bowlers, you might be lucky if there is one remaining DE.

[Hoopsdoc]

Originally Posted by ukcolt

Defining better is often really hard, when teams play different systems and ask guys to perform different roles. Jerry Hughes did next to nothing for the Colts, but has had a tremendous career up in Buffalo. Some of that could be coaching of course, but much of it is how he is used, and the other talent that he has on defense to play alongside.

I think we are far more likely to find a pro bowl tackle in the 2nd round than we ever are a DE of similar stature in this current draft. There could be 3 or 4 guys at tackle with genuine potential to become pro bowlers, you might be lucky if there is one remaining DE.

That’s an excellent point. And I think it’s fair to assume that Ballard has more than one LT he would be comfortable taking tonight.

[IndyNorm]

Originally Posted by ukcolt

Defining better is often really hard, when teams play different systems and ask guys to perform different roles. Jerry Hughes did next to nothing for the Colts, but has had a tremendous career up in Buffalo. Some of that could be coaching of course, but much of it is how he is used, and the other talent that he has on defense to play alongside.

I think we are far more likely to find a pro bowl tackle in the 2nd round than we ever are a DE of similar stature in this current draft. There could be 3 or 4 guys at tackle with genuine potential to become pro bowlers, you might be lucky if there is one remaining DE.

Good point. Determining who is better can be subjective depending on the situation. Not sure Jerry Hughes is the best example though since he was an absolute turd when he played for the Colts, lol.

I hope you're right on getting a tackle. We need to be able to protect Wentz, and what we currently have on the roster at the most important OL spot won't cut it. At least without sacrificing at LG.

[Chromeburn]

Stampede blue does a good write up on Paye including a link to the 6.37 three cone. That was actually not counted in his RAS, his slower one was. But the video of the 3-cone is on there. Personally I like verticals jump as a better indicator of success. I think those big butts from squatting leads to a fast first step and it shows up in the verticals. He does have a high pressure rate and I think it was the highest in the class. Ballard must put a lot of stock in that because it was true with Lewis as well.

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2021/4/...2021-nfl-draft

My problem with a edge player in the draft was they all seemed like gambles in some way. And I like our first to be on the safer side. But this is a deep OT class, so I think we will get someone.

Watching Paye I think when he is just asked to run up field and penetrate he does that well. It seems he has some read responsibilities at Michigan. He will definitely need so technique work, but seems to have strong hands and can shed the OTs grab when he wants.

He does a lot of those quick short steps, I would like to see him take longer stride up field. You can coach that. Notice when he does that 6.37 3-cone he is taking long strides mostly.

The reason I suspect we didn’t take Darrisaw is there were rumors that he was lazy. If true (coaches and scouts would find that out) I would not want to put him next to Nelson.

[smitty46953]

I want to see them use Mathis to coach him up, and re-sign Justin Houston to mentor the kid. Ton of raw talent. I wanted LT but not at all mad about Paye. Just like everyone else hope he works out well.

[Chromeburn]

Originally Posted by JAFF

When the NFL starts having a cone drill during the game, And then they start to have a track meet, some of those numbers might mean something

You have to be careful with the pro-day results because all the areas are different. You need to be familiar with the environment. Like OSU has a fast surface. And Penn State’ track for 40’s is angled downhill slightly. Gil BrandT talked about getting in an argument with Parerno saying the penn state track was angled downhill. Paterno said it wasn’t true. So Brandt went and got a golf ball and put it at the starting point and the watched it roll downhill.

[Mr. Session]

Originally Posted by Luck4Reich

A lot of people would have put money on other Linebackers being better than Leonard when Ballard drafted him.

To add to what Norm said,

When I watched Leonard's tape, he was by far the best player on the field. There was no question about his ability vs. his peers. When I watch Michigan, this kid isn't usually the best player on the field. Sometimes he's not the best player on his own team.

If I was %100 accurate in all of my assessments and my evaluation of my own scouting skills, I would be getting paid to do it. I'm not.

We'll see how it goes.

[Mr. Session]

And the only edge defender I actually liked was Phillips.

I think UKcolt's take is the most appropriate. Hopefully they find a solid contributor at T tonight.

[YDFL Commish]

To be honest, I didn't think Paye would fall to us, but I'm glad he did.

As mentioned before, Paye has only played in 23 1/2 games, so he's not going to be the most polished pass rusher. None of the pass rushers in this draft are polished anyway.

Still hoping for Eichenberg in the 2nd. He's not the most physically gifted and doesn't have the most upside, but he's a plug and play LT, who is most technically sound. He will start and play well from day 1.