Brugler's Top 50

boozeman

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Brugler Big Board: Nelson earns No. 1 spot
February 6, 2018 Dane Brugler
— By Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com —

How early is too early to draft an offensive guard? That question will be asked in NFL war rooms across the league this spring when discussing Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson?

Simply put, Nelson is a special player. He is a Day One NFL starter with All-Pro potential. The discussion regarding whether an offensive guard should be among the top five picks of the NFL Draft is meant for mock drafts. However, for my draft board, there is no debate Nelson is the best football player in the 2018 NFL Draft.

(Players are listed with height, weight, 40 time, jersey number)
–1. Quenton Nelson, OG, Notre Dame (6-4, 325, 5.23, 56)
A player with few weaknesses, Nelson has elite play strength and heavy hands to control defenders in the run game, bulldozing anything in his way. He also has the body control, range and instincts to be above average in pass protection. Nelson has earned this spot.

–2. Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S, Alabama (6-0, 201, 4.52, 29)
The “Is he a corner or is he a safety?” debate with Fitzpatrick is similar to what Jalen Ramsey faced coming out of Florida State. The correct answer is it doesn’t matter because he can play either position at a high level.

–3. Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State (6-3, 275, 4.84, 9)
With back-to-back seasons with 22-plus tackles for loss, 10-plus sacks and three-plus forced fumbles, Chubb put himself on an exclusive list. And the tape matches the production, projecting as a dangerous NFL pass rusher.

–4. Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State (5-11, 229, 4.49, 26)
Although he doesn’t have dominant ball carrier-specific traits (vision, patience, decision-making), Barkley isn’t lacking in those areas, and his freakish athleticism for his size projects him as a longtime productive pro.

–5. Sam Darnold, QB, USC (6-3, 225, 4.74, 14)
The turnovers were an issue in college and he is far from a finished production, but Darnold is my top quarterback prospect because he is advanced in several key areas, such as managing the pocket, anticipating windows and the overall mental battle at the position.

–6. Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State (5-10, 191, 4.38, 12)
While size and length are not his assets, Ward is above average in almost every other category. He is a premier athlete with the budding instincts and toughness required to cover receivers on an island, either outside or in the slot.

–7. Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia (6-0, 230, 4.64, 3)
Another prospect who doesn’t have ideal measurements, but makes up for those deficiencies in other ways. Smith is a magnet to the football with the mental alertness and athleticism that make him a high-ceiling, high-floor prospect.

–8. Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma (6-0, 214, 4.75, 6)
When you are done studying Mayfield’s tape, you realize you are out of reasons to doubt what he brings to the field. Yes, he needs to mature in areas, but his accuracy and competitive drive translate to any football league.

–9. Josh Rosen, QB, UCLA (6-3, 220, 4.97, 3)
Rosen is the prospect with the most potential to move up or down between now and the draft. He is outstanding from the pocket and has a sharp mind, but there are plenty of issues on and off the field.

–10. Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama (6-1, 190, 4.50, 3)
With his play speed and route-running skills, Ridley has the ability to create his own separation up and down the field. His lack of build leads to some durability questions, but he has the skill set of a high-end No. 2 NFL wideout.

–11. Derwin James, SS, Florida State (6-2, 211, 4.52, 3)
A better athlete than football player right now, James owns more raw ability than almost every player in this draft class. It is easy to get excited about the player he will be two years from now.

–12. Mike Hughes, CB, UCF (5-10, 194, 4.42, 19)
Although he has some issues in off-coverage, Hughes is one of the best press-man corner prospects in this draft class, also offering special teams value as a return man.

–13. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, Virginia Tech (6-4, 245, 4.82, 49)
A freaky size/strength/speed linebacker, Edmunds currently has holes in his game and needs to better understand how to use all his gifts, but he isn’t far away from those realizations.

–14. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA (6-6, 259, 4.77, 93)
A former high school wide receiver, Davenport is still figuring things out as a pass rusher, but he has the measurables, physical traits and desire to grow into an impact NFL defensive end.

–15. Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan (6-2, 288, 4.93, 73)
With his initial surge of quickness and power to break the rhythm of blockers, Hurst has the NFL-ready traits to be a one-gapping penetrator early in his NFL career.

–16. Vita Vea, DT, Washington (6-4, 344, 5.34, 50)
Possessing a rare blend of power and athleticism, Vea is one of a kind with his physical gifts, and he has a chance to be an above-average pro if his discipline, technique and consistency catch up.

–17. Ronald Jones, RB, USC (6-0, 205, 4.49, 25)
With the body type, explosive runs and even the same jersey number, the Jones and Jamaal Charles comparisons are unavoidable. He flashes the home run speed and understated power to elevate an NFL backfield.

–18. Isaiah Wynn, OG, Georgia (6-2, 308, 5.22, 77)
Wynn started all 15 games for the 2017 SEC champions and played well, but he has the skill set to be a dominant NFL guard with his hip sink, athleticism and point-of-attack power.

–19. Jaire Alexander, CB, Louisville (5-11, 192, 4.45, 10)
While undersized and underpowered, Alexander has Joe Haden-like skills with the requisite athleticism, intelligence and toughness to step into a starting role early in his NFL career.

–20. Da’Ron Payne, DT, Alabama (6-2, 308, 5.38, 94)
While the consistency isn’t there, Payne flashes similarities to Ndamukong Suh with the hip fluidity and upper-body power to control the point of attack.

–21. Billy Price, C, Ohio State (6-3, 312, 5.19, 54)
Along with a collegiate resume beyond reproach, Price has the movement skills, proficient technique and brute strength to be an immediate upgrade at center or guard for his NFL team.

–22. Sam Hubbard, DE, Ohio State (6-4, 265, 4.76, 6)
Although his tape doesn’t show a difference-maker, Hubbard has a well-rounded skill set with the athleticism and intelligence that fuel his versatility, projecting as a long-term starter.

–23. Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa (6-0, 193, 4.48, 15)
If not for his struggles in the run game, Jackson would be higher on this list as he shows the football intelligence and ball skills to excel as an outside zone cornerback in the NFL.

–24. Dallas Goedert, TE, South Dakota State (6-5, 260, 4.70, 86)
Goedert needs time to refine his routes and blocking, but those deficiencies are based more on inexperience rather than inability. His physical skill set and dependable ball skills make him the top tight end option in this class.

–25. Derrius Guice, RB, LSU (5-11, 218, 4.52, 5)
Guice stresses defenses with his quick, explosive cuts and his angry run style make him tough to finish, although it also leads to durability concerns. He has the competitive nature and athletic profile of a runner no NFL opponent wants to see in its division.

–26. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn (5-11, 212, 4.45, 21)
One of the toughest runners I’ve ever scouted, Johnson competes with the win-at-all-cost attitude and multi-dimensional skill set that project him as an impactful NFL starter.

–27. Will Hernandez, OG, UTEP (6-2, 340, 5.54, 76)
A mauler with elite grip strength, Hernandez loves to play the bully role regardless of the score or clock, displaying the natural power and surprising foot quickness to be a plug-and-play starter.

–28. Connor Williams, OT, Texas (6-5, 320, 5.31, 55)
The tale of two tapes: The 2016 game film for Williams shows a future top-20 draft pick, but his 2017 tape was a combination of uneven play and injuries, leading to questions.

–29. Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming (6-5, 237, 4.76, 17)
While his physical traits make him scouting catnip, Allen remains undeveloped in several key areas needed to play the position at a high level, including his accuracy. Nonetheless, his play also suggests that he still has plenty of room before hitting his football ceiling.

–30. D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland (5-10, 215, 4.55, 1)
Although short with a smaller catch radius, Moore doesn’t play small and his tape gives off Steve Smith vibes with his speed, physical presence and instincts downfield.

–31. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville (6-2, 212, 4.42, 8)
It is easy to get excited about Jackson when watching his tape, but those feelings are based more on his athleticism than his consistency as a downfield passer. While not lacking in arm talent, he needs time to polish his passing skills.

–32. James Daniels, OC, Iowa (6-4, 295, 5.24, 78)
With his balance, punch and toughness, Daniels has the ingredients to be a longtime NFL starter. He is quick to engage and control the point of attack, sustaining his mean streak through the whistle.

–33. Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame (6-7, 312, 5.27, 68)
While he has his warts, especially vs. edge speed, McGlinchey has the technique, smarts and intangibles of a solid NFL starter, either at tackle or inside at guard.

–34. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE, Oklahoma (6-1, 242, 4.72, 31)
Shorter than ideal for an edge presence, Okoronkwo isn’t overly creative, but that doesn’t mean he is easy to stop, using his natural leverage, athleticism and resiliency to pressure the pocket.

–35. Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M (5-11, 200, 4.39, 3)
A high-ceiling, high-floor prospect, Kirk has all the traits of an immediate slot weapon and return man in the NFL with his controlled athleticism and knack for creating separation before and after the catch.

–36. Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado (6-0, 190, 4.56, 26)
A classic press-man corner, Oliver stays balanced in his transition to stay on top of routes and shows off his length and timing to ball search and disrupt the catch point.

–37. Anthony Miller, WR, Memphis (5-11, 190, 4.53, 3)
From walk-on to record-breaker, Miller is a crafty route-runner with the sudden feet, body control and spatial instincts to skirt defenders. He projects as a reliable No. 2 receiver with the basement of a quality slot option.

–38. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia (5-11, 212, 4.56, 1)
A multi-dimensional weapon, Michel routinely gets more than what is blocked for him with his cutting ability and toughness, showing the blocking and receiving skills to fit any type of running back role.

–39. Harold Landry, DE, Boston College (6-2, 250, 4.76, 7)
Although his senior season didn’t go as expected (mostly due to injuries), Landry still possesses the outstanding bend, shoulder dip and speed that NFL teams covet on the edges.

–40. Harrison Phillips, DT, Stanford (6-3, 303, 4.96, 66)
A nuisance to block, Phillips wins with power, instincts and a technically sound approach. It is no coincidence that he is consistently in position to make plays, making him an interchangeable player on the interior defensive line.

–41. Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn (6-1, 203, 4.52, 6)
With his size, length and athleticism, Davis has the raw traits that NFL teams target on draft day. He needs to improve his footwork and technique in reverse, but he contests everything thrown in his direction.

–42. Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma (6-7, 358, 5.47, 78)
A mammoth blocker, Brown appears sluggish at times and his hand placement is all over the place, but his size and length help compensate, engulfing defenders and getting the job done.

–43. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU (6-3, 218, 4.58, 16)
No receiver prospect in this class has a higher NFL ceiling than Sutton, with his athletic prowess for a man his size. However, there will be a massive difference from the offense at SMU to the offense of whichever team drafts him.

–44. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida (6-4, 293, 4.96, 93)
One of the most gifted interior players in this draft class, Bryan has outstanding athleticism and upper-body power, but is currently a liability vs. the run and needs to turn his splash plays into consistency.

–45. Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama (6-2, 214, 4.57, 15)
A violent downhill player, Harrison has outstanding closing burst and creates collisions While he has some flaws in coverage, he has a large tackle radius and the athletic traits to be a NFL starter.

–46. Nick Chubb, RB, Georgia (5-10, 228, 4.54, 27)
Although he isn’t the most explosive runner, Chubb skillfully marries his movements with his eyes and few at any level have his combination of balance and lower-body power.

–47. Rashaun Gaulden, CB, Tennessee (6-1, 195, 4.53, 7)
An ideal fit as a nickel defensive back in the NFL, Gaulden has discipline issues, but his play speed and toughness are both outstanding, giving pro coaches a foundation.

–48. James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State (5-11, 210, 4.50, 28)
Oklahoma State’s all-time leading receiver, Washington will need to adjust to an NFL route tree, but his competitive make-up and above average ball skills are ready right now.

–49. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama (6-2, 234, 4.73, 32)
A downhill, power linebacker for the Tide, Evans loves to mix it up with blockers, using his hands to tear through blockers. There are too many “almost” tackles and cover lapses on his tape, but his physicality fits any scheme.

–50. Hayden Hurst, TE, South Carolina (6-4, 250, 4.83, 81)
As a former minor league baseball player, Hurst is older than ideal for a NFL rookie, but he has reliable hands in traffic and looks to finish with a physical mindset as both a ball-carrier and blocker.
 

Smitty

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Early targets for me in no particular order:

Roquan Smith
Derwin James
Vita Vea
Marcus Davenport
Tremaine Edmunds
 

NoDak

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Early targets for me in no particular order:

Roquan Smith
Derwin James
Vita Vea
Marcus Davenport
Tremaine Edmunds
I'd be happy with anybody on that list, but I'd add Harold Landry and Da'Ron Payne for my defense only wish list in the first. I think the only offensive guy I'd like would be Ridley. There's bound to be at least 2-3 of them still there. Of course, we'll then take somebody like Mike Hughes, so...
 

Smitty

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Not sure that Harold Landry is a first rounder, is he? I was thinking of him as a second round target.

I dunno how I feel about Payne and Hurst yet.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Early targets for me in no particular order:

Roquan Smith
Derwin James
Vita Vea
Marcus Davenport
Tremaine Edmunds
This would be my realistic list of defensive guys. If you add Ridley that's my guys for our pick at 19. If all are gone I'd try to trade down hard.
 
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Deuce

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Early targets for me in no particular order:

Roquan Smith
Derwin James
Vita Vea
Marcus Davenport
Tremaine Edmunds
I'm fine with the last 3, but I'm focused on the first 2 along with Mike Hughes.
 

lostxn

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My list (in order of preference):
Roquan Smith (pipedream)
Calvin Ridley (pipedream)
Derwin James
Vita Vea
Tremaine Edmunds
Christian Kirk
Marcus Davenport
Da'Ron Payne
Maurice Hurst
Courtland Sutton
Isaiah Wynn
 

Smitty

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I just don't see the real value in Ridley for our team and how we want to be built.

Ridley is not a Dez Bryant/AJ Green/Julio Jones/Amari Cooper alpha lead WR. He is probably more like a top #2. In quality (though not in style) he reminds me of a Derrick Mason type WR. So that could be like a lower end #1 or a higher end #2 IMO. I get it, 19th overall is not a top 10 pick, you aren't selecting Hall of Famers with these picks necessarily. Mason made Pro Bowls and was a very good WR, I certainly wouldn't cry with that selection.

But I like that selection much better for a team that is gonna air it out all day. I like it for a team with Aaron Rodgers or Andrew Luck or Derek Carr at QB, where both the #1 WR and #2 WRs catch 60-70-80 balls and 1000 yards or more because they spread it around and throw it so much you can take advantage of that match up over and over.

But in Dallas, unless we see Ridley as a #1 replacement for Dez (and I really don't), I don't see the value in a second WR for our offense. Our #2 WR, after Witten gets his touches and after Beasley also gets his share as #3, is gonna see what, 40-50 catches? 700 yards? We are gonna run the ball first and foremost, our second WR will be like the 4th or 5th option for our offense, really.

I just don't see the production value.

If he's the BPA, great, do it.

But I would be vastly preferring the BPA lines up with a stud LB, DL or even FS.

Now if AJ Green or Julio Jones or another Dez Bryant was floating aroud at 19, then yes. Alpha lead WR, capable of 100 catches, All Pro Potential, I'll take that as a future Dez replacement all day. He can be the #2 for a year or two because he'll eventually be the Alpha #1. But if all he'll ever be is a good #2, or average #1, I'm not thrilled.
 

lostxn

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Now if AJ Green or Julio Jones or another Dez Bryant was floating aroud at 19, then yes. Alpha lead WR, capable of 100 catches, All Pro Potential, I'll take that as a future Dez replacement all day. He can be the #2 for a year or two because he'll eventually be the Alpha #1. But if all he'll ever be is a good #2, or average #1, I'm not thrilled.
What we've seen from Dak is he wants guys who get open. Not guys that can catch in tight windows. He smartly doesn't trust his accuracy because he shouldn't. We need guys who are good route runners and Ridley is the best route runner in the draft. We may not need a #1 with Dak. Just guys that get open. Dez literally can't get open and TWill has bad hands. Beasley is quick but slow. We need an upgrade and Ridley is that.
 

Rev

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Damnit. Every time I see BPA all I can think of is the Cowboys color designation and Best Purple Available.
 

Cowboysrock55

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I just don't see the real value in Ridley for our team and how we want to be built.

Ridley is not a Dez Bryant/AJ Green/Julio Jones/Amari Cooper alpha lead WR. He is probably more like a top #2. In quality (though not in style) he reminds me of a Derrick Mason type WR. So that could be like a lower end #1 or a higher end #2 IMO. I get it, 19th overall is not a top 10 pick, you aren't selecting Hall of Famers with these picks necessarily. Mason made Pro Bowls and was a very good WR, I certainly wouldn't cry with that selection.

But I like that selection much better for a team that is gonna air it out all day. I like it for a team with Aaron Rodgers or Andrew Luck or Derek Carr at QB, where both the #1 WR and #2 WRs catch 60-70-80 balls and 1000 yards or more because they spread it around and throw it so much you can take advantage of that match up over and over.

But in Dallas, unless we see Ridley as a #1 replacement for Dez (and I really don't), I don't see the value in a second WR for our offense. Our #2 WR, after Witten gets his touches and after Beasley also gets his share as #3, is gonna see what, 40-50 catches? 700 yards? We are gonna run the ball first and foremost, our second WR will be like the 4th or 5th option for our offense, really.

I just don't see the production value.

If he's the BPA, great, do it.

But I would be vastly preferring the BPA lines up with a stud LB, DL or even FS.

Now if AJ Green or Julio Jones or another Dez Bryant was floating aroud at 19, then yes. Alpha lead WR, capable of 100 catches, All Pro Potential, I'll take that as a future Dez replacement all day. He can be the #2 for a year or two because he'll eventually be the Alpha #1. But if all he'll ever be is a good #2, or average #1, I'm not thrilled.
You get too focused in on terminology that doesn't really mean anything. Who cares if he is a #1, 1A, #2 or #3 WR. Here is how you should look at it, can Ridley be a 1000 yard receiver here in Dallas? And can he do it efficiently? What I mean by that is, it doesn't do any good if he is a 1000 yard receiver who catches 70 balls on 140 throws his direction. But if he gives you Doug Baldwin type production 75 catches on 117 targets for around 1000 yards is awesome. It's about efficiency. Right now Dez is counter productive because we are so inefficient when we throw the ball his direction. So do I think he could be better than Dez for us? I do! And that's why I don't stress over what term you want to call him. He'd be our best WR in my opinion. That's all that matters to me.

Also not sure where you were last year but Beasley wasn't our #3 option. And Witten sure as shit shouldn't be a top 3 option here any longer either. So no, Ridley wouldn't be our fifth option. He should be a top 3 option right away and be a top option within a year or two. I honestly wonder sometimes if Marvin Harrison was in this draft if he'd get called a #2 WR because he is only 6 ft 185 pounds. My answer would be, who gives a shit, he is good.
 

Smitty

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Well, I am employing that terminology to try to stress or convey how I feel about the player.

Would a Doug Baldwin type WR, with his efficiency, be better than last year's Dez? Yes.

If that is the BPA, can I live with it? Yes.

Dez is currently counterproductive cause of his demand for the ball and inefficiency in how we force it to him. But I assume, say, Julio Jones for example, would not be counterproductive. He would be not only better than Dez, but also better than a Doug Baldwin type. That is the type of #1 WR that interests me. A Doug Baldwin might be an improvement over Dez, but can't I get that with a second or third or fourth round pick? I want my first round pick to be an impact player, multiple Pro Bowls.

Doug Baldwin is a nice player but he's not really a cornerstone. I don't think there are any cornerstone WR's in this draft. Ridley would be an improvement, yes, and so like I said, if he's the best, fine, take him.

But my stereotypical first round pick is, if it's a LB, I'm looking for Anthony Barr, Luke Kuechly, Clay Matthews, a guy like that. A real stud cornerstone defensive building block that doesn't come off the field.

Hey, there may not be a guy like that available either if Smith and Edmunds are gone. But maybe Derwin James is an Eric Reid like safety. I'll take that too.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Well, I am employing that terminology to try to stress or convey how I feel about the player.

Would a Doug Baldwin type WR, with his efficiency, be better than last year's Dez? Yes.

If that is the BPA, can I live with it? Yes.

Dez is currently counterproductive cause of his demand for the ball and inefficiency in how we force it to him. But I assume, say, Julio Jones for example, would not be counterproductive. He would be not only better than Dez, but also better than a Doug Baldwin type. That is the type of #1 WR that interests me. A Doug Baldwin might be an improvement over Dez, but can't I get that with a second or third or fourth round pick? I want my first round pick to be an impact player, multiple Pro Bowls.
Well Doug Baldwin has now gone to 2 probowls so he kind of meets your criteria of multiple probowls. But I also think if Doug Baldwin played with say Payton Manning he would put up bigger numbers. Russel Wilson just doesn't throw the ball as much. But it doesn't diminish the importance of having high level weapons around him. No more than a QB isn't less important because we don't sling the ball 50 times a game. You still need the weapons in order to keep the defense off balance.

Now can you get a Doug Baldwin type in the middle rounds? Maybe. But Ridley is by far the best WR in this class. I don't want to bank on a middle round receiver automatically being a probowl level player like him. But if we miss out on Ridley I'm on board with you. Get one of these 6'ish WR's that runs great routes and has some deep speed in the third round as opposed to reaching for someone like Sutton in the first. You may want to go back and watch some of Ridley though. I think Alabama's QB situation held his numbers down some. The guy gets some massive separation with his routes.

But the argument that you can just get one later can be made easily with guys like Vea too. I mean look at the number of NT's who get drafted in the first but never get a second contract with their team. Guys like Star Lotulelei who was an elite NT prospect. Who has done well in the NFL. But who is going to hit free agency. Or Poe last offseason as well. These guys don't usually turn out to be cornerstones for their team but at the same time I think we both see and understand the value there. You mention Eric Reid but he is another guy who his team is going to let go. There just aren't guarantees when you're picking at 19. The biggest problem I see with our offense right now is that we have Zeke and then a bunch of nothing. And we are asking Dak to sort of make do with all the same weapons we have had for the last 5 years who are all getting old and are on the down sides of their careers. We need weapons on offense.
 

Simpleton

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I don't see much of a difference between a Ridley and a DJ Moore or an Anthony Miller honestly, that's why I'd pass on him at 19 if there was someone like Davenport available.

I wouldn't hate the pick because I think Ridley is a pretty safe, high floor type of guy who should at least be a very good number 2, but I don't see him as heads and shoulders above many of these other 2nd/3rd round types and I think it's likely that at least one or two of them end up better than him.

I might actually prefer Christian Kirk if we're going receiver, he seems more explosive.
 

Cowboysrock55

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I don't see much of a difference between a Ridley and a DJ Moore or an Anthony Miller honestly, that's why I'd pass on him at 19 if there was someone like Davenport available.
The ability to separate isn't even close in my opinion. Anthony Miller makes a ton of contested catches but I don't think NFL DBs are going to have any problem keeping up with him. He's just too slow overall. Even great route runners will get exposed if their are that deficient in speed.

Moore I think falls more in between. He doesn't get near the separation of Ridley but I think his speed and explosion is better than Millers. I also think he is a better runner with the ball in his hands. The guy has RB type skills in the open field.

Kirk I really love. I'm just not sure if he will be the route runner we need. If I knew he was an elite level route runner I'd take the guy at 19. He has special speed and athletic ability.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Hey, there may not be a guy like that available either if Smith and Edmunds are gone. But maybe Derwin James is an Eric Reid like safety. I'll take that too.
I like Ridley but I think in an ideal world I could get Derwin James in the first and give the receiver corp the treatment we gave the secondary last year. I'd prefer 2 WRs and a TE as opposed to one star WR. Give me Dante Pettis, Jaleel Scott and Ian Thomas and I'd be thrilled. Gives you explosive ability and size all at once and none of them should cost a premium pick.

Then in the first give me a safety who I think has the potential to be really special. A guy who can lead the entire defense. It's why I'd also jump all over Roquan Smith even though I think he will be gone, because I do think he is special as well. I don't even rate LBer as that big of a need. But I can't think of a more perfect fit for this defensive system and a guy who can literally do everything for us at a high level.

So basically even though I argue with you, I don't think our opinions are that far apart.
 

Rev

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The ability to separate isn't even close in my opinion. Anthony Miller makes a ton of contested catches but I don't think NFL DBs are going to have any problem keeping up with him. He's just too slow overall. Even great route runners will get exposed if their are that deficient in speed.

Moore I think falls more in between. He doesn't get near the separation of Ridley but I think his speed and explosion is better than Millers. I also think he is a better runner with the ball in his hands. The guy has RB type skills in the open field.

Kirk I really love. I'm just not sure if he will be the route runner we need. If I knew he was an elite level route runner I'd take the guy at 19. He has special speed and athletic ability.
From what Ive read it mentions his route running as a plus. I dont think we take him for other reasons, though.
 

Simpleton

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The ability to separate isn't even close in my opinion. Anthony Miller makes a ton of contested catches but I don't think NFL DBs are going to have any problem keeping up with him. He's just too slow overall. Even great route runners will get exposed if their are that deficient in speed.

Moore I think falls more in between. He doesn't get near the separation of Ridley but I think his speed and explosion is better than Millers. I also think he is a better runner with the ball in his hands. The guy has RB type skills in the open field.

Kirk I really love. I'm just not sure if he will be the route runner we need. If I knew he was an elite level route runner I'd take the guy at 19. He has special speed and athletic ability.
Ridley is the best route runner in the class, that's pretty much undoubtedly true and where he really wins as far as separation.

My problem is that I don't think he is an elite enough athlete to make me prioritize him at 19 if I could get a Moore, Miller, Gallup, etc. in the 2nd. He isn't necessarily explosive in the open field, he isn't physically dominant at the catch point on jump balls, and he's pretty slight.

Christian Kirk seems more explosive with the ball in his hands and he's also a full 2 years younger than Ridley, who is quite old for a junior. He's actually older than Ezekiel Elliott.

Putting all that together, I just don't love him at 19 and I honestly feel like his stock is getting artificially inflated because this is a weak WR class at the top and he's a big name/big school type who's been on the radar since he was a freshman.
 

Cowboysrock55

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From what Ive read it mentions his route running as a plus. I dont think we take him for other reasons, though.
Yeah with Kirk it's more that we just don't know because of what Texas AM asked him to do. If the guy looks great at workouts running the full route tree I may consider him in the first if I were the Cowboys. The guy reminds me a ton of Tyreek Hill. Who again is one of those super productive guys given the amount of targets that went his way.
 

Cowboysrock55

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Putting all that together, I just don't love him at 19 and I honestly feel like his stock is getting artificially inflated because this is a weak WR class at the top and he's a big name/big school type who's been on the radar since he was a freshman.
I think he is exactly what Dak needs though which is why I'd still love him in the first. He is a guy who will be at point A when he is supposed to be and he will be open. It's going to allow Dak the ability to build rhythm and confidence that he just can't with guys like Dez.

Watch some of his deep speed on these plays though. His game speed is vastly getting underrated.

 
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