Draft Impact This Year?

[So Be]

I've been posting/preaching that we could expect two players from this draft to make an impact this year. I believe we have them in Parker and Phillips.

I believe it's a good thing that, because of position depth, they do not have to be thrown in early, and will have to earn their snaps.

Past that. Ajayi should make an impact, and that's about it for this year other than developing and special teams.

Still could be added as he was a result of our 3rd round pick but, not a rookie.

Happy with the draft

 

[Csonked Out]

This is where the draft picks and UDFA from last year make their mark. They had the season to learn, now it's time for players like Turner and Aikens to earn their paychecks.

 

[gregorygrant83]

This is where the draft picks and UDFA from last year make their mark. They had the season to learn, now it's time for players like Turner and Aikens to earn their paychecks.

Don't forget Jordan Tripp, Arthur Lynch and Matt Hazel. They should also show more this year.

I think Parker, Phillips Ajayi and Douglas should be in the mix this year.

 

[Csonked Out]

Don't forget Jordan Tripp, Arthur Lynch and Matt Hazel. They should also show more this year.

I think Parker, Phillips Ajayi and Douglas should be in the mix this year.

With Landry, Stills, Jennings, Parker, and Mathews I don't see Hazel even making the roster

 

[gregorygrant83]

With Landry, Stills, Jennings, Parker, and Mathews I don't see Hazel even making the roster

I think Landry Stills, Parker and Jennings are locks. Matthews might have a slight edge, but I think people will be surprised to see how close the battle will be for the fifth spot. Hazel, Nigel King, LaRon Byrd and another second or third level veteran free agent will be in the mix.

My thought is your fifth receiver should be a young guy you're grooming and help on special teams. Matthews is at the stage where he needs to be a top four guy or move on. If I were to keep Matthews it would be because he's out performing Jennings or because I couldn't find any promising players in camp or that were released by another team.

 

[dlockz]

With Landry, Stills, Jennings, Parker, and Mathews I don't see Hazel even making the roster

I agree he is practice squad at best

---------- Post added at 04:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:07 PM ----------

I think Landry Stills, Parker and Jennings are locks. Matthews might have a slight edge, but I think people will be surprised to see how close the battle will be for the fifth spot. Hazel, Nigel King, LaRon Byrd and another second or third level veteran free agent will be in the mix.

My thought is your fifth receiver should be a young guy you're grooming and help on special teams. Matthews is at the stage where he needs to be a top four guy or move on. If I were to keep Matthews it would be because he's out performing Jennings or because I couldn't find any promising players in camp or that were released by another team.

I doubt he can outperform Jennings and we are not cutting Jennings so Matthews seems doomed

 

[JakeMcAwful]

I think Parker has Landry-like stats his first year. With one exception being fewer receptions, and higher yards/catch - potentially more TD's as a red zone option.

Phillips won't have flashy stats (like college) but should play an important role in our DT rotation, especially on run-downs. I don't think any of us want repeats of the run defense disaster in the Chiefs, Broncos, or Jets games.. Linebackers will have a lot more fun with him on the field.

Slimm is high on McCain and Douglas - so I'll trust his judgement and say these guys definitely make thhe 53, and push for playing time (especially in Douglas' case).

Ajayi will be interesting because his pass protection is awful, but his pass catching is really good - so I'm not sure he takes the 3rd down back role from Williams. But him and Miller will make a nice combo.. I think Jay will get more run as the season progresses (and deep into the playoffs obviously :d-day:). The split load suits both of them though, so it's an ideal situation.

Cedric Thompson looks to challenge Jordan Kovacs' role as backup backup safety/special teams. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't - All I know is he is incredibly athletic and that could push him into contention. Tony Lippet is intriguing but could be destined for PS as he transitions back to cornerback.

 

[nick1]

McCain will be our main returner