Epenesa Declares for 2020 NFL Draft

[j-off-her-doll]

How many O line guys do you think we should draft? I'm hoping for at least two starting O line out of free agency and then I'd draft two Oline guys. One in the first round and then one more in the 2nd or 3rd depending on who's on the board of course. I'd prefer to go guard/center in free agency as OT's are hard to get in free agency. I'd focus on OT's in the draft.

One thing to consider (to a point) is that we don't draft well when it comes to O line. The last time we hit on two O Line players in one draft was back in 1990 when we drafted Webb and Simms and really they were better at pass protection than run blocking. Since 1990 we have NEVER hit on two linemen in the same draft and yet I see people saying we need to draft 4 or 5 O line guys.

Having said that, I understand we've never had this many high picks so if there's a year to hit on O line you'd think this is it. The OT's class seems very good. As far as Centers it's pretty good at least with 4 or 5 center that could go in the first two days. Guard seems to be a weak class and hence I'd go for guards in free agency.

I agree that it'd be ideal for Miami to address OG in FA. I'd like to see Miami draft two OT's early, but I think they may be content with Davis. Could see OT at 1b and C at 1c, but I'm not done with OL, so it'll depend on how the tiers break down.

 

[The Ghost]

I really like Espenesa. Going into 2019, Young and Espenesa were generally considered close, and the perception now is that Young is in his own tier, but I think Espenesa is still right there with him, and I think there's a real chance Espenesa ends up the better pro.

I don't think Miami needs to draft a DE early, though. The focus should be offense - and especially the passing game. As much as I like Espenesa, I'd shoot down a trade up. But, there isn't an Espenesa in every draft, and he's an ideal fit at DE in this D, so if he's available at 18, I would consider drafting him as a foundational piece for the D. You're not drafting him for the 2020 Season. You're drafting him for 2021 and beyond - again, only because you might not have the opportunity to draft or sign a similar player in 2021 or 2022.

It really depends, though. OL is the most urgent need, and Miami has to improve the firepower on offense. They have to put the future QB in the best situation possible. With three 1st RD picks, they may have room to spend 18 on Espenesa while still building the offense, but they almost have to draft an OT at 1c, and the board has to line up right for there to be an OT worth drafting in that spot.

Before the season, I assumed Miami would be drafting at 33, and that seemed like the ideal spot to target WR. Tylan Wallace was my preseason favorite in that slot, but even though Miami is drafting at 39, and Wallace didn't declare, 2a still looks like a great spot to draft a WR. Ideally, the draft would go Tua, OT, C/OG (unless they're willing to upgrade Davis, making another OT an option, as well), with WR Bryan Edwards at 2a.

But, if OL doesn't stack up right, or Miami sees too much long-term value in Espenesa, they should consider Espenesa if he falls. I think he probably goes Top 10, though.

The need for a WR isn’t there.

2a lol? Maybe next year.

Multiple OL or a RB are needed before another player at our deepest position. A position that also happens to be the least important in football.

I’d like to go ahead and compete for a super bowl already so I’ll leave the WR day dreaming to those who don’t mind wasting their time.

 

[The Ghost]

How many O line guys do you think we should draft?

As many as are worth the pick.

we’re gonna sign FAs but it’s hard to imagine we land solid long term solutions that way. Especially OTs.

As long as we shy away from WRs early though, shouldn’t be a major concern.

I’d expect 2 of our first 6 picks to be on the OL.