Random thoughts after the playoff quarterfinals:
-David Bailey is the guy, he was so good in that Oregon game that I think there's a better chance he goes around 4-6 than dropping outside of the top 10. Maybe if we lose against the Giants and end up at 12 a few teams will overthink it because of his lack of size and he'll drop, but at this point I'm mentally writing him off, especially if we win and end up around 14-16. Unfortunately I could easily see Washington taking him since he seems to fit what Quinn loves on the edge.
-Bain was ridiculous against Ohio St., the arm length is still worrisome because it's such an outlier, but his hand usage and bend are so impressive that I'd be willing to overlook it. Of course he's a brick shithouse against the run and plays with great motor. I think there's a better chance of him dropping than Bailey just because the arm length is such a historical rarity, but I still don't think he makes it to 15ish. If he had just average arm length he'd be a lock top 5-7 pick.
-I really like Romello Height and Akheem Mesidor, the "other guys" next to Bailey and Bain, but they're both going to be 25 when next season starts and I don't think you can spend a 1st on that. If we trade down 10-15 slots into the 35-40ish range I think you consider them there.
-Mauigoa was very good against Ohio St. as well, really locked down guys who are going to be drafted this year in Caden Curry and Kenyatta Jackson, although I never really got a good look at him vs. Reese. I think he'll be the first OL taken but if he's available when we pick I think you have to give him some consideration if the top defensive guys are gone.
-Love Keionte Scott as a slot CB, I think we need to prioritize tackling and physicality in the run game in our CB's going forward (obviously they have to be able to cover too), and he definitely has it. If we trade down and add a few extra picks I'm definitely considering him in the 2nd/3rd.
-Sonny Styles missed his first tackle all year against Miami, and I say that as a compliment. One of the things we're sorely missing defensively is reliable, solid tackling, and this guy brings it in a 6-5, 240 frame while also being the "green dot" for their defense.
-Caleb Downs was all over the place even in the loss, showing why he's an elite (if somewhat limited) prospect. I think he's basically a slightly better Brian Branch, an excellent box safety who probably lacks the length/range to play as a single-high centerfielder. Maybe we get lucky and teams overthink it like Kyle Hamilton and even Branch himself.
-Not as enthused with CJ Allen anymore, I don't think he's a consideration with our higher 1st and I have Styles solidly ahead of him. Would consider him with our later 1 though.
-Mark Fletcher (Miami RB) would be an interesting name if he comes out, doesn't seem like someone who will go especially high and I could see him dropping to the 4th. I want another physical runner behind Williams and Fletcher is definitely that.
-I really love some of the DT depth in this class, guys like Lee Hunter, Christen Miller, Zxavian Harris, Bear Alexander and Ahmad Moten. I know we're stacked there but if some of those guys are available on day 3 I'm not hesitating.
-Not Cowboys related, but I'm not thrilled with Mendoza as the top pick, seems like his ceiling is someone like Goff. He looks like a very robotic, managed QB who isn't asked to do much. He has a big arm and solid mechanics but more than anything I think he's a function of how well constructed the Indiana team is overall, especially their run game. He only averages 23 pass attempts a game, which is an insanely low number these days, especially for a non-running QB.
Right now I think if any of these defensive players are available with our top pick you just take them, pending what we do in FA (lol): Reese, Bailey, Bain, Faulk, Styles, Downs
After those guys I think you have to start seriously thinking about Mauigoa and Love if available, or obviously a trade down, because I don't really see any other blue chip defensive prospects. If McCoy and/or Delane test really well I think they're in the mix too, but given McCoy's injury and Delane's questionable size I need to see some solid measurements and eye-popping numbers (i.e. 4.4 40 or lower) to say they're clear takes over Mauigoa/Love, who I think are top 10 prospects in the class.
And for the record, I'm not enthused about the idea of a guy like Fano at 15ish, so it's not an OL thing with Mauigoa, it's really just a "clear BPA" type scenario.
ok.