My Way Too Early 2020 Draft...

[thedane]

I think it's really a poor year for D players in general, but because we obviously have the largest need on D I am using a first round pick on CB Jeff Okudah. While others can absolutely point to the need on the DL and LB, I believe that we have more depth than we saw this year because of injuries and we had a rookie LB that didn't totally suck. With Hand and Bryant out for a big part of the season, Flowers barely seeing the field early, Snacks seemingly mailing it in after a contract extension, Daniels being a total bust, well, we saw what we saw and I think FA is a better place to find help at LB and DL. Next season we will have over $43 million in cap space so we have money to help fix what's wrong. You keep Slay but listen to offers, Snacks is in effect a contract year because it only costs $2.5 to cut him after next season, Wagner for depth even if he is overpaid.   In 2021 you can clear over $36 million in cap space after just over $15 million in dead cap by letting Wagner, Stafford and Snacks go. There really isn't anything to be saved this year, you're better off just biting the bullet and paying everyone. Bring Danny back, Mule, adding those 2 would get us to 47 guys on contract. We need some extensions, some FA's to plug the holes and to sign the rookies, we aren't in cap hell but we need to spend wisely which hasn't been their MO.


1. Jeff Okudah
2. WR Chase Claypool
3. OT Alaric Jackson
4. RB Chuba Hubbard
5. OG Ben Cleveland
5. DT Isaiahh Lowdermilk
6. QB Jordan Love 

[badnews3123]

Like Okudah a lot. If they stay around 4-5, I’d take Brown first, but Okudah would be next.

Love Chuba. Would be a great compliment back.

What’s your thoughts on Epenesa? I know you’re in Iowa.

[thedane]

Epenesa is going to need at least 1 year in the NFL to get up to speed. In the meantime he will disappear if used as a starter but if used as a pass rusher only he might do OK his first year. Shows good bend and forces fumbles but is more of a Cliff Avril than Young. I doubt Chuba makes it to the 4th, maybe won't make the 3rd, but I have seen sites that have him back in the 4th. Lot's of good OT's in this draft. If you want a DT the talent falls pretty fast after Brown so I get it. QB is pretty slim too but if Love makes it to the 6th I would take him but I'm really not for using a hi pick. Claypool plays in a system that hasn't really used him correctly until the 2nd half of this season. His numbers have been solid and he has the size and physical ability to be all that. He should do well against Iowa State in their bowl game. Obviously there's a lot of movement from now until the draft but I would spend FA on D and use the draft for the O.

[badnews3123]

I’ve only seen Epenesa in a couple games. Could definitely see the upside, but I’ve seen him mocked in top 10 and was a little hesitant compared to some of the other guys I’ve seen in top 10.,

I think this team desperately needs an interior rusher. Brown would be the obvious target in top 5. Kinlaw from South Carolina is the other one that could shoot up boards.

[thedane]

Well, there's no one available at DT in FA that I would seriously pursue, so, I guess I'll have to do a wait and see with who might also be worth looking at in the draft. This group is going to change over time but this is what I like right now.

[thedane]

Alaric Jackson announced that he's not declaring for the draft. Probably smart because next year he's likely a first round lock.

[badnews3123]

Dec 17, 2019 21:06:50 GMT -6 thedane said:

Well, there's no one available at DT in FA that I would seriously pursue, so, I guess I'll have to do a wait and see with who might also be worth looking at in the draft. This group is going to change over time but this is what I like right now.

I’d offer the bank to Chris Jones from KC. Perfect fit.

Jarran Reed, Jordan Phillips, Al Woods, Vernon Butler, Malik Collins, Leonard Williams are all guys I’d look at. Of course they have to get to FA.

[thedane]

I would be surprised if the guys make it to FA, I was going off who I thought might be available. Watching OK State right now, Texas A&M's D sucks so Chuba isn't going to see as much action as he would vs a tougher D. His burst is all that, hard to bring down, I think it's too early to take him where we pick in the 2nd but I doubt he makes it to the 3rd.

[thedane]

Chuba ended up with 158 yards on 19 carries. Claypool has 2 receptions, 1 for a TD in the first quarter vs Iowa State today.

[badnews3123]

Lions will get good look at Claypool. He’ll be on their roster at Senior Bowl.

[thedane]

Well, since I started this thread about 15 very draftable underclassmen have declared, with only 1 or 2 seniors even rated top 10 by most. Besides his size, Claypool is known for his yards after the catch. At this point I think he goes 3rd round at the earliest. Lucky for us almost every position of need on O is deep in this draft. WR,OT,RB for sure. Poor year for QB's, which really helps us in any trade down scenario. I see Miami making a move on our 3rd pick, they can afford to sit Tua and still have plenty of picks to upgrade their roster.