I was a fan of Van Noy not coming out, not sure why detroit couldn't use that beautifully coordinated overall skill set, but if you could get the bigger version of him in Anthony Barr, man would that be a nice piece to work with and build around.
Van Noy was my favorite player in that draft. So smart and versatile at BYU. Always turning and finding the ball even while dropping into coverage. Reminded me of an early '70s Dolphins defender. I thought Van Noy would be first round but once his senior season was more quiet and he dropped into the second round I remember posting in the draft forum that I'd take whoever in the first but then be thrilled to pick up Van Noy in the second, essentially cementing the draft right there.
I was sick when the Lions took him. Strange franchise. Many players seem to get lost there, although others prosper like Sanders and Calvin Johnson.
The Patriots were so sharp to keep an eye on Van Noy and pick him up once his stock dropped. Likewise with Danny Shelton, who I didn't like where Cleveland took him but certainly worth more than the Patriots paid. That's what I have always emphasized regarding paying attention to how players were rated throughout their lives. Don't shoot someone well up the ladder solely based on recent. But find guys whose recent form and reputation doesn't match their long term rating. Value supreme.
If we can somehow replicate Patriot smarts then everything will take care of itself. New England always seems to confuse and sucker the opposing team with this stuff like we'll send you a 3rd and take your 5th along with Player X. Meanwhile, Player X was once a highly rated player and now you've got him for nothing more than dropping a bit in a mostly congested area of the draft anyway.
I don't agree regarding Godchaux at nose tackle. As hoops posted, his instincts are to shed and penetrate. Godchaux plays more narrow than his listed weight. Vincent Taylor may technically be lighter but his instincts are first step square to the offensive lineman. Plenty of girth and could get bigger. He is better suited to nose. But the only pure nose type on the roster is Kendrick Norton.
I love the standup defenders smack across from the quarterback's face. New England did that in the second quarter and beyond, and particularly on third down once Tannehill had given them trouble early in that game. It changed Miami's rhythm and confidence on offense. I wasn't surprised it likewise terrorized the Rams.
But opponents will laugh at the Dolphins if tiny guys like Jerome Baker are filling those roles.