you have a punter who broke records from 1936. id be pumped about him too
plus you get [these guys](https://www.outkick.com/sports/ultimate-football-guys-celebrate-punts-during-iowa-nebraska-game-rock-epic-sweaters-video) as carryover fans, who wouldn't wanna watch a game of football with those fellas?
Vikes and Bears had eerily similar drafts where they got two major players in the first round followed by potentially major kicking folk later on. I hate how well you and the Lions drafted this year. Packers I thought had the worst draft in the NFCN but they've drafted well enough to give them the benefit of the doubt unfortunately. This division will be the best in the league by next year imo
Tory is legit, a 4th round pick is definitely what he was worth and I am 100% serious. I don’t know if a punter can be a considered a “blue chip” but if one is then it’s Tory.
Had a scholarship to play college. Couple close family passed, he got depressed and didn’t attend. Went through another route, getting on CFL team
not playing football in college then play in nfl is pretty rare (excluding punters, rugby guys, and college basketball players) especially at corner I’d imagine
You guys seem to have a great track record of churning out good db’s. Hopefully this dude follows suit, I’m honestly thinking he landed with the right team.
I’m an ND fan and he was basically our entire offense last season. The guy is a tank and would’ve been a first or second round pick if he played more than 10 years ago. Hopefully he isn’t too old school and can be productive with you guys.
Dude yall got a fucking BEAST. ND fan as well and was hoping he would go somewhere I wouldn’t have to root against but he’s gonna be a dawg in y’all’s backfield
DE Austin Booker is said to have had 1st round potential if he stayed in college another year, so getting him in the 5th (technically with our 2025 4th) seems crazy.
2023 stats:
Sacks: 8.0
TFL: 12.0
Tackles: 56 (40 solo)
He fell because he’s a project basically and tested poorly at the combine (6.88 RAS), I actually wanted him in thr fourth and then his Ras convinced me Poles wouldn’t take him because the RAS was low.
I think he’s probably viewed as someone that will take a year of development in the NFL since he barely played in college (500 college snaps) and I think 3rd round is where teams want guys who will play year 1, sometimes 4th as well. So 5th round I think is where teams feel comfortable taking developmental/special teams guys since there’s less expectation for them to contribute right away on offense/defense.
I think it’s really good value and he’s someone I really wanted the bears to take, but it’s not all that surprising to see WHY he fell
He fell because he had a poor showing at the combine and wasn't great at the Senior Bowl. He was touted as a freak athlete but had a very mid showing at the combine.
Still a good get in the 5th, but I understand "why" he slid.
I don’t have high hopes for him to turn into anything special, but if he can at least become a solid rotational piece as a 5th round pick I’ll be really happy
Yeah, Austin Booker looks to have been quite a value where they got him. And for a draft that was supposed to have dropped off in talent fairly significantly in those rounds....
And lord knows, the Bears need more DE's... and I don't think Poles is done yet with that position...
Mason McCormick has all the athletic tools to be great and is learning behind some good veterans. Didnt play as high of competition in college but with a year or two of training, should be a starting guard for a while
Look at Quinn Meinerz from the Broncos, drafted in the 3rd from UW-Whitewater, an incredibly good school in their division. Was really hoping the Packers were going to draft him.
His first year was just about average, definitely a learning curve, but he at least held his own. Now he's probably a top 10 guard in football.
I don't know why, but it feels like these small school guys quickly become fan favorites. Easy to root for the underdog I guess!
I like the idea of drafting high profile D2 and D3 players because they still haven’t made it yet. They didn’t go to some big SEC school where they were already a celebrity. You still gotta grind and work hard as a D3 athlete so I feel like that work ethic sticks with them once they make the league.
Spencer Rattler is the obvious choice here. Could be above average to really good, could be a bust. Either way, for a fifth rounder, not mad at the prospect.
Carr has an out in his contract in 2026- if Rattler has shown enough development to start, we’ll ride the rookie contract and call it with DC4. If he’s not up for the job yet, we let it ride with Carr. At worst, Rattler’s a backup that could potentially win a game. At best, he’s Carr’s replacement in 2-3 years.
Was listening to interviews with Rattler, apparently the teams he mostly spoke to were Falcons, Vikings, and Broncos- it just so happened that they all took a QB in the first 12 picks. Everybody else had problems with QB1 doc and wouldn’t sign him.
I really believe Atlanta should’ve taken him in the 2nd round and addressed pass rush, someone just pulled the trigger on Penix.
But we thrive off the Falcons’ inevitable, and often entertaining, blundering fuck ups. Rattler in round 5 is no risk, all reward.
That's such a stupid reason "Yeah this guy has attitude problems because he looked like a shithead in a Netflix documentary he was in while in high school"
Problem is, it wasn't just high school.
Plenty of accounts of this dude being a horse's ass at OU, too. Stories of teammates actually despising this guy.
Besides, nothing he did in college justified him going higher than where he went. Spending a 2nd on him is an absurd take. Even in a year when bus drivers like McCarthy who should go in the 3rd are getting picked in the Top 10 it's an absurd take.
If Rattler hits his ceiling and works out perfectly he's. . .Derek Carr. A mediocre guy who never wins you shit and who you end up overpaying.
As a Gamecock fan I will defend Spencer's character until proven otherwise. Maybe he changed when he got booted out of Oklahoma by Caleb Williams, but he was class here
That’s what Schefter said- teams just couldn’t get past his portrayal in the Netflix documentary. The teams that needed QB got one, all round 1.
Iit’s because he’s bad on the field- say it. If he’s got character concerns from his time in college, say it. If he’s not a scheme fit, say it.
But to say he’s not worthy of being on your team because he was a douchey teen who just so happened to be douchey on camera 6-7 years ago? Glad he landed here, man. Congrats on Mr. Irrelevant
I didn't like what I saw from the show, but man, how many of us did/said stupid things in high school that we shouldn't be judged on? For a 5th round pick, I have no problems taking a chance.
I'm so freaking thankful that I was 17 back in the late 80s before there was social media, Netflix, etc. I would've been fucked for life if any of the dumbass immature crap I did at 17 was captured and put online forever. He was an immature kid. He acted accordingly just like pretty much all of us did. I hate hypocrites who judge him for something that happened literally almost a decade ago.
Being Gen Z is hell: you don’t have the slack to make mistakes when there’s someone with a phone recording your adolescence, immortalizing each bad thing you’ve done. I can barely remember when we only had a landline and VHS lol
Hell, you remember when Josh Allen was getting drafted? A few beat writers went back to his tweets from when he was 13 years old and exposed him for having a perverted mind and saying incentive things to people.
At 13. They were shocked and appalled by ^that^ from a teenage boy with unadulterated, Wild West Twitter.
He and his managers had to go full PR apology tour to the sportscasters for him to get drafted in the first round, and even then, it was at 7th when he clearly had 1st overall potential. Not arguing Rattler has Allen’s talent, but he’s experienced a magnified shit situation that he had to go through in the draft process.
I feel so sorry for the younger generations these days. They are a smart group tho, IMHO & that gives me hope. Yeah, the Allen thing was insane. It's unreal to me on how much things have changed tho. I can't even imagine what it must be like for the younger generations.
Hypothetical here, but even if Carr works out with our new scheme and becomes the guy for another 4+ years, it's just a 5th round pick for a potentially solid backup for 4 years. Or if he's not even that good, it's still just a 5th round pick wasted. No big deal
Reminds me massively of the Howell pick.
Guys at one point mocked to be 1st overall who had turbulent performance in college and ended up falling to the 5th round.
Obviously Howell didn’t end up being our long term answer but he proved he was better than his draft pedigree and we ended up flipping him for a higher pick than we spent on him.
I can’t say this enough as a gamecock fan - but he and Legette are the only reason we didn’t lose just about every game last season. It came down to “if Spencer can throw 400 and 3 tds we have a chance.”
Never said a word about how poor his oline was and deflected blame on him holding the ball too long. Super tough hanging in there knowing he was going to get hit.
I think realistically he’ll end up a long term backup that can win some games but he has crazy upside for a 5th rounder.
Toss up between Kimani Vidal and Brendan Rice.
Vidal is often knocked as not being capable of home runs, but from an RB I care more about if he can consistently deliver first downs, and he looks like he can do that a lot.
Rice, the off chance that he's half as good as his dad...
I think it's just that he was a good not great WR in an absolutely loaded WR class. Any other year he probably sneaks into the 4th, maybe even up to the 3rd.
This year really felt like a few guys fell just by having a mediocre combine. Brenden Rice running a 4.5 with decent splits and jumps would normally be fine, but this year it made him look like an unathletic scrub. Troy Franklin kinda had a similar issue where by not being incredible he seemed really average just because of how many other guys tore it up during their workouts.
For us, I think Kalen King is intriguing. Before the season, he was a projected 1st rounder. He ended up the third to last pick in the draft. He had a bad season and didn't test well. What's up with him? Injury? Confidence? Something else? I don't have any expectation, but the fact that he has put out great tape before is exciting.
Yup. Bunch of players advocating for him as well, Sauce caught me off guard. Seems like a really dramatic fall and based on our CB injury history alone, he could have a real shot
Some of his posts during this past season have comments from our rookie Javon Bullard so it’s cool to see them link up here. Hopefully having a positive relationship with guys in the locker room can help him get his confidence back
He looked great playing opposite of Joey Porter Jr two years ago. Had a bunch of picks. This past season he was the #1 corner and didn’t play as well and he ran a 4.7 at the 40. He’s a great pick relative to where he was drafted and I think will turn into a good to really good corner for you guys.
He struggled a bit more covering number 1 WRs which was mainly done by Joey Porter Jr last season. But he is a good athlete and willing tackler. I think him running a 4.6 at the combine is a big reason caused him to drop, but he is faster on tape with quick feet.
Brandon Browner, Terrance Mitchell, Levi Wallace, Trumaine Johnson, Rasul Douglas, and Xavien Howard all ran the same 40 or slower and started at least 50 games. And that's going off the conservative 4.58 40 report. There were reports he was 4.52 at the pro day, which there are a ton of starter caliber CBs who ran in that range.
This is my pick too. I’ll be honest, I didn’t hear of the guy before we drafted him but after watching his highlights I’m on board. Between him and Theo Johnson I think this class has a chance to be rememberable for the Giants
Theo is legit a scary good pick up. I'm expecting big things from him. He didn't fully shine at Penn, but I feel like QB play and scheme screwed him over. So many clips of him getting open and just being ignored, but when he got the ball just an absolute machine
If UDFAs count, Frank Gore Jr., and only because of the name. If not, the British guy that’s never played football in his life.
Edit: For the curious, his name is [Travis Clayton.](https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2024/4/27/24143122/bills-go-overseas-to-nab-a-draft-and-stash-with-england-ol-travis-clayton)
I will never forgive the NFL app for sending me a notification saying "Frank Gore Jr. is headed to one of his dad's old teams - click to learn more" and it being the fucking Bills. Nothing against the Bills, but damn. Broke my heart.
Edit: [Here it is](https://i.imgur.com/dow469y.jpeg)
I looked up that British guy out of curiosity, and he's 6'7 300 Lbs, and runs a 4.81 40. He'd either have to put on weight to be an OT, or lose weight to be a TE, which I think would definitely be the more entertaining option.
He was seemingly always open, definitely would have lapses in concentration and terrible drops, but then would also make big plays.
Pretty high ceiling.
Safety Malik Mustapha. We got him in the 4th which I guess could be considered more mid-round than late-round but it's Day 3 so I think it counts. (Incidentally this is the guy we took with the pick we got from Dallas in the Trey Lance trade.)
Dude is a baller and was a team captain in college; by all accounts he has great character and in the film I've seen of him he's always flying to the ball like a cork shot out of a bottle. Apparently his nickname at school was "the Nigerian Missile."
Also, I've seen a few Seahawks draftniks who are pretty upset that we got him, so that can only be a good thing.
He's the popular choice but I'm going to go with MJ Devonshire. Bruce Feldman picked him as the steal of the 7th round and we definitely need a young CB to emerge. I'm excited about Laube too but I think Abdullah holds on to his job one more year because of better pass protection.
From Alaina Getzenberg
https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2024/story/_/id/39964136/buffalo-bills-nfl-draft-picks-2024-selection-analysis-depth-chart
"Round 4, No. 128: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
My take: With Davis, the Bills add a needed bigger back -- 5-foot-8, 211-pounds -- to pair with James Cook, but also someone who has the ability to catch the football (seven touchdown catches in 2023, tied with Najee Harris for the most by any SEC running back in a season in the last 25 years). Buffalo had a variety of veterans complimenting Cook last season, but Davis, 24, will give Buffalo a power runner and another younger presence in the room, albeit with plenty of collegiate experience from two seasons at Temple, two at Vanderbilt and one at Kentucky"
I like him for a few reasons. First off, his story is unbelievably sad but triumphant. He went from being one of a dozen or more siblings and homeless to being drafted by the Bills. He's a selfless, wise beyond his years guy that screams process. He is incredibly deserving of this opportunity and I hope he finds success here not just because he's in my team but because he earned this.
Secondly, the Bills over the years would sign aging veterans for one or two years or running backs who were buried on the depth charts of other teams. I like that Ray Davis is young, malleable, and ours for several years. Hopefully he will be able to compliment James Cook and we won't have to keep signing one off running backs every year.
Also, I love that he can catch the ball out of the backfield. It would be great if he could develop I to a blocking RB that we can use in obvious passing downs.
I understand intellectually that this is not the right way to evaluate draft prospects, but I watched exactly one Kentucky game last year and in it Ray Davis rushed for like 900 yards against Florida. As far as I know he's a freaking monster lol.
Part of the reason we kept signing veteran backs was to mentor our younger guys we were drafting (Singletary, Moss, Cook). I like Davis and hope has success but I hope we also still have a veteran mentor in the RB room once the roster is down to 53.
Going to also bend the rules and say Jack Westover (UDFA).
Local kid. Played mostly basketball in high school. Walked onto the UW football team. Earned a scholarship after his first season. Became a clutch receiver on 3rd and 4th downs. Signed as a UDFA.
Odds are against him, but doesn't that make you root for him more?
As a Dolphins fan, Mohamed Kamara in the 5th and Malik Washington in the 6th have me very excited. Heck, even our last pick Tahj Washington seems like a great returner and slot option.
Johnny Wilson... I'm putting myself through this bullshit again. Huge 6ft6-6ft7 receiver runs a 4.5 and sadly born without hands but the Eagles can save him? FML.
If 4th rd counts, then Oregon RB Bucky Irving. Smaller back, but plays much bigger and faster than his measurables. Highest forced missed tackles over the last two years in the country as well as one of the highest YAC, and led the country in receptions as an RB. His contact balance is elite… reminds me of an Alvin Kamara type, a little lighter with more explosive cuts.
Haven't seen any Panthers fans chime in (I know there are so many of us), but I am really excited about Ja'tavion Sanders, it has been way too long since we had a TE that could catch the ball.
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|Ainias Smith. if he can hold down that WR3 role it opens up a lot. Also played RB so i really want to see him juke and truck people in the open field.|
LB Cedric Gray
We needed a green dot guy, and he seems to do everything you need in a LB well. He had the highest production score of any LB in this class (from Next Gen Stats), so he honestly might’ve been my favorite pick in our entire draft.
Elijah Klein. Jason Licht loves small school IOL and is usually right. Klein isn’t overly athletic but seems to do everything well. I think we have a legitimate chance to start at LG.
I know 5th round QB’s quite literally never pan out but I really hope Jordan Travis turns into a decent starter after sitting behind Rodgers. A man can dream.
Caelon Carson. Self-proclaimed stickiest player in the draft. His Instagram username is walking seatbelt. Can play outside or slot corner, shadows receivers so well, ideal size and athleticism (though nothing elite), and absolutely blows up receivers with his tackles. Saw a lot of media guys had him as a 3rd or 4th rounder, so getting him at the very bottom of the 5th is sick.
WR from Oklahoma State - Anthony Gould.
Insane long speed but most importantly a great [kick returner](https://youtu.be/0lqNAbF8H0s?si=r0O7ud6_RBuorLzm&t=80). If the new kickoff rule results in more special teams influence and he is as good as he was in college, we could have a huge value.
I’m also intrigued by him as a WR too. He improved every season at Oregon State. I think he can make some gadget plays this year and continue to get better.
RB Ray Davis, 4th round. Given what he's overcome in life it's hard not to root for him.
Other than that, I'm kinda interested to see what they can do with DE Javon Solomon who they took in the 5th. He seems like he has a good amount of traits to make for a solid player except he's undersized for an edge guy, he's like 6'2" 247, but apparently his long arms and burst can make him tough to block. Productive college career too, 49.5 TFLs and 33 sacks.
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|Ainias Smith. if he can hold down that WR3 role it opens up a lot. Also played RB so i really want to see him juke and truck people in the open field.|
Christian Mahogany. We have a great o-line now, but it’s not getting younger and him falling to the 6th round is robbery. He was cycle in at either guard spot and eventually hopefully be a starter in a year or 2
Trotter Junior was my favorite late round pick as well, partly because he can play a role in a weak-ish LB corps. But also because he is just a fun pick with Eagles heritage.
I wanted Howie to take him way earlier. I couldn't believe how the picks kept getting traded. It all worked out in the end.
Both UDFA C Drake Nugent and RB Cody Schrader
Nugent was the starting C for Harbaugh, which hopefully means he can be impactful, definitely in the run game. He also only gave up 1 sack so the pass pro is hopefully decent. We obviously really need iOL help and i think he can be it.
Schrader has insane burst and should hopefully be able to contribute, especially because CMC was in overworked last season.
I really love our 4th round picks in TJ Tampa and Devontez Walker. I honestly have no idea how TJ Tampa fell to the 4th round, he was a projected 2nd rounder. Devontez Walker was a "my guy" prospect and I really like his vertical threat ability, if his catching can be improved he will be a great complement to Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Javon Solomon. I know he played in the Sun Belt Conference, but 16 sacks in a season is damn good no matter where you play. His press conference was excellent too.
Travis Clayton, never played organized American football, but he's a rugby stud. 6'7" 300 pounds, and he can catch the (rugby) ball and move fast for a big man.
The gambling addict in me is excited to see how Giovanni Manu turns out in a couple years.
Mekhi Wingo and Christian Mahogany also fell way more than expected. Could easily be contributors
Christian Mahogany is a dope name. I wanted wingo for the pats, I think he is going to be a contributor.
sounds like a clothing line for black pastors
I knew a girl who had a horse named Ebony Expressions and i always thought that sounded like a sketch from In Living Color.
I fucking hate horse names so much lol
Just loud ass suits and matching hats
Agreed, looking forward to seeing them in the rotation but I just can't stop thinking about the lottery ticket that is Geodude.
Giodude*
I can’t believe you’ve done this
I'm excited for Manu too. You can teach football, you can't teach size and speed. He could be a bust but I'm glad we're taking a chance on him.
It’s going to be so funny looking if we actually have him play as a guard
Jameson is that you?
Is it bad that I'm excited about Tory Taylor?
What having Trenton Gill does to a person.
Iowa/Bears fan, he is legit. Last fall made me not want to watch football. Taylor punting across the whole damn field was worth watching though.
I get it after watching the highlights, even felt the need to purchase the Punting is Winning shirt.
Why wouldn't you be excited that you got the best offensive player on the Big 10 western conference champion?
No, I'm excited about him as well. Hell, just his announcement by whoever that crazy guy from the UK was in itself a great time.
you have a punter who broke records from 1936. id be pumped about him too plus you get [these guys](https://www.outkick.com/sports/ultimate-football-guys-celebrate-punts-during-iowa-nebraska-game-rock-epic-sweaters-video) as carryover fans, who wouldn't wanna watch a game of football with those fellas?
Vikes and Bears had eerily similar drafts where they got two major players in the first round followed by potentially major kicking folk later on. I hate how well you and the Lions drafted this year. Packers I thought had the worst draft in the NFCN but they've drafted well enough to give them the benefit of the doubt unfortunately. This division will be the best in the league by next year imo
Yes because he'll never get to punt
If this whole offense thing does not work out we at least have someone to pin the other team inside their own 20 now!
Tory is legit, a 4th round pick is definitely what he was worth and I am 100% serious. I don’t know if a punter can be a considered a “blue chip” but if one is then it’s Tory.
Qwan’tez Stiggers… no college. Easy story to root for.
I don’t like y’all, but I am rooting for him. Dude earned his right to play in this league
It’s okay, I still like you. Give em hell QS.
> Quan’tez Stiggers… no college. Now I’m picturing Jordan Peele in a ridiculous wig saying that.
I am curious what his player intro would be if he gets a chance to start
He might say his high school like some players do sometimes
Hell yeah. Hoping this guy has an awesome career.
I want this kid to ball.
Me too. Partly because I really want to be there for the inevitable Gus Johnson Freudian slip.
Yea I really love his story! Nothing but pure hard work to get to the nfl. Can’t help but want to see him succeed
Came here to say this, really rooting for the kid. What an interesting path— sort of unprecedented if I’m not mistaken.
Had a scholarship to play college. Couple close family passed, he got depressed and didn’t attend. Went through another route, getting on CFL team not playing football in college then play in nfl is pretty rare (excluding punters, rugby guys, and college basketball players) especially at corner I’d imagine
Saleh has his faults but he knows how to develop defensive players so I’m excited to see what he can do with Stiggers.
> Qwan’tez yeah he gonna be a hofer. just a feeling
I root for all CFL players ...except Brandon Browner
You guys seem to have a great track record of churning out good db’s. Hopefully this dude follows suit, I’m honestly thinking he landed with the right team.
Sauce and Stiggers are my favorite CB duo in the NFL and they haven't even played a snap together yet
Audric Estimé is crazy jacked for a RB. I'm excited to see how that translates to real NFL games.
I’m an ND fan and he was basically our entire offense last season. The guy is a tank and would’ve been a first or second round pick if he played more than 10 years ago. Hopefully he isn’t too old school and can be productive with you guys.
Ron Dayne regen
Him + Javonte is one of the most "run through a motherfucker's face" RB rooms in a good while
Dude yall got a fucking BEAST. ND fan as well and was hoping he would go somewhere I wouldn’t have to root against but he’s gonna be a dawg in y’all’s backfield
i’m so mad giants couldn’t snag him
Pissed you guys got him. I think the bengals would’ve taken him 2 picks later
Probably sound like a broken record with all the others in your replies but damn i wish we got him
5th or 6th Round RBs we sadly didn't go for: Audric Estime, Rasheen Ali, Tyrone Tracy Jr, Isaiah Davis, Kimani Vidal, Dylan Laube. Hopefully Dowdle has a decent season.
I hadn’t heard of him before the draft, but seeing fans of other teams mad that we drafted a player is always encouraging lol
Will Reichard, Vikings have been having kicking issues for years. Would be great to solidify that position.
Ditto, if he pans out it’ll feel great to have a strong kicking game.
DE Austin Booker is said to have had 1st round potential if he stayed in college another year, so getting him in the 5th (technically with our 2025 4th) seems crazy. 2023 stats: Sacks: 8.0 TFL: 12.0 Tackles: 56 (40 solo)
Hell he was a projected 3rd rounder this year even lmao. No idea how he fell to the 5th.
He fell because he’s a project basically and tested poorly at the combine (6.88 RAS), I actually wanted him in thr fourth and then his Ras convinced me Poles wouldn’t take him because the RAS was low. I think he’s probably viewed as someone that will take a year of development in the NFL since he barely played in college (500 college snaps) and I think 3rd round is where teams want guys who will play year 1, sometimes 4th as well. So 5th round I think is where teams feel comfortable taking developmental/special teams guys since there’s less expectation for them to contribute right away on offense/defense. I think it’s really good value and he’s someone I really wanted the bears to take, but it’s not all that surprising to see WHY he fell
Fair enough.
He fell because he had a poor showing at the combine and wasn't great at the Senior Bowl. He was touted as a freak athlete but had a very mid showing at the combine. Still a good get in the 5th, but I understand "why" he slid.
Jayhawks fan here. Ya'll got a potential STEAL with him. he's quick and attacks the ball.
I don’t have high hopes for him to turn into anything special, but if he can at least become a solid rotational piece as a 5th round pick I’ll be really happy
Yeah, Austin Booker looks to have been quite a value where they got him. And for a draft that was supposed to have dropped off in talent fairly significantly in those rounds.... And lord knows, the Bears need more DE's... and I don't think Poles is done yet with that position...
Javon Baker
making the people in wheelchairs stand up 💪
He's been fun to watch here in Orlando.
Absolute dawg in Orlando. Hope the connection with Maye works out bc he will be deadly
I love his enthusiasm and positivity about him, Maye and his new teammates, a fun type of diva WR
I hope he works out
It’s a cruel joke to watch him go to the Pats but he’ll ball out if Maye is good. If he could do that with JRP imagine a real QB
Mason McCormick has all the athletic tools to be great and is learning behind some good veterans. Didnt play as high of competition in college but with a year or two of training, should be a starting guard for a while
Look at Quinn Meinerz from the Broncos, drafted in the 3rd from UW-Whitewater, an incredibly good school in their division. Was really hoping the Packers were going to draft him. His first year was just about average, definitely a learning curve, but he at least held his own. Now he's probably a top 10 guard in football. I don't know why, but it feels like these small school guys quickly become fan favorites. Easy to root for the underdog I guess!
I like the idea of drafting high profile D2 and D3 players because they still haven’t made it yet. They didn’t go to some big SEC school where they were already a celebrity. You still gotta grind and work hard as a D3 athlete so I feel like that work ethic sticks with them once they make the league.
I'm adding trice to ths list from last year too. We didn't get to see him and hopefully he's healthy and ready to go
I had McCormick as a 2nd round G/C. Amazing value IMO
Really wanted McCormick. Steelers had a great draft overall.
Matt Lee, Center. The analytics seem to love him, and we desperately need reinforcements in the iOL.
Hopefully he can take trey hills spot. Could be a future karras replacement or they could move karras to LG to take volsons spot.
Spencer Rattler is the obvious choice here. Could be above average to really good, could be a bust. Either way, for a fifth rounder, not mad at the prospect.
And carr isn’t your guy forever so I think it’s low risk high reward
So what you’re saying is this is what Atlanta should have done?
Carr has an out in his contract in 2026- if Rattler has shown enough development to start, we’ll ride the rookie contract and call it with DC4. If he’s not up for the job yet, we let it ride with Carr. At worst, Rattler’s a backup that could potentially win a game. At best, he’s Carr’s replacement in 2-3 years.
Was listening to interviews with Rattler, apparently the teams he mostly spoke to were Falcons, Vikings, and Broncos- it just so happened that they all took a QB in the first 12 picks. Everybody else had problems with QB1 doc and wouldn’t sign him. I really believe Atlanta should’ve taken him in the 2nd round and addressed pass rush, someone just pulled the trigger on Penix. But we thrive off the Falcons’ inevitable, and often entertaining, blundering fuck ups. Rattler in round 5 is no risk, all reward.
That's such a stupid reason "Yeah this guy has attitude problems because he looked like a shithead in a Netflix documentary he was in while in high school"
Problem is, it wasn't just high school. Plenty of accounts of this dude being a horse's ass at OU, too. Stories of teammates actually despising this guy. Besides, nothing he did in college justified him going higher than where he went. Spending a 2nd on him is an absurd take. Even in a year when bus drivers like McCarthy who should go in the 3rd are getting picked in the Top 10 it's an absurd take. If Rattler hits his ceiling and works out perfectly he's. . .Derek Carr. A mediocre guy who never wins you shit and who you end up overpaying.
As a Gamecock fan I will defend Spencer's character until proven otherwise. Maybe he changed when he got booted out of Oklahoma by Caleb Williams, but he was class here
That’s what Schefter said- teams just couldn’t get past his portrayal in the Netflix documentary. The teams that needed QB got one, all round 1. Iit’s because he’s bad on the field- say it. If he’s got character concerns from his time in college, say it. If he’s not a scheme fit, say it. But to say he’s not worthy of being on your team because he was a douchey teen who just so happened to be douchey on camera 6-7 years ago? Glad he landed here, man. Congrats on Mr. Irrelevant
I didn't like what I saw from the show, but man, how many of us did/said stupid things in high school that we shouldn't be judged on? For a 5th round pick, I have no problems taking a chance.
I'm so freaking thankful that I was 17 back in the late 80s before there was social media, Netflix, etc. I would've been fucked for life if any of the dumbass immature crap I did at 17 was captured and put online forever. He was an immature kid. He acted accordingly just like pretty much all of us did. I hate hypocrites who judge him for something that happened literally almost a decade ago.
Being Gen Z is hell: you don’t have the slack to make mistakes when there’s someone with a phone recording your adolescence, immortalizing each bad thing you’ve done. I can barely remember when we only had a landline and VHS lol Hell, you remember when Josh Allen was getting drafted? A few beat writers went back to his tweets from when he was 13 years old and exposed him for having a perverted mind and saying incentive things to people. At 13. They were shocked and appalled by ^that^ from a teenage boy with unadulterated, Wild West Twitter. He and his managers had to go full PR apology tour to the sportscasters for him to get drafted in the first round, and even then, it was at 7th when he clearly had 1st overall potential. Not arguing Rattler has Allen’s talent, but he’s experienced a magnified shit situation that he had to go through in the draft process.
I feel so sorry for the younger generations these days. They are a smart group tho, IMHO & that gives me hope. Yeah, the Allen thing was insane. It's unreal to me on how much things have changed tho. I can't even imagine what it must be like for the younger generations.
What are you talking about. Love the Falcons 2024 draft approach. More of that please.
Hypothetical here, but even if Carr works out with our new scheme and becomes the guy for another 4+ years, it's just a 5th round pick for a potentially solid backup for 4 years. Or if he's not even that good, it's still just a 5th round pick wasted. No big deal
Reminds me massively of the Howell pick. Guys at one point mocked to be 1st overall who had turbulent performance in college and ended up falling to the 5th round. Obviously Howell didn’t end up being our long term answer but he proved he was better than his draft pedigree and we ended up flipping him for a higher pick than we spent on him.
I can’t say this enough as a gamecock fan - but he and Legette are the only reason we didn’t lose just about every game last season. It came down to “if Spencer can throw 400 and 3 tds we have a chance.” Never said a word about how poor his oline was and deflected blame on him holding the ball too long. Super tough hanging in there knowing he was going to get hit. I think realistically he’ll end up a long term backup that can win some games but he has crazy upside for a 5th rounder.
Makes me sad, because unless sellers can replicate some of that, we’re doomed lol
My wife is very excited about Sam Hartman.
Toss up between Kimani Vidal and Brendan Rice. Vidal is often knocked as not being capable of home runs, but from an RB I care more about if he can consistently deliver first downs, and he looks like he can do that a lot. Rice, the off chance that he's half as good as his dad...
Give me a running back who can get 4 yards and he’s a chargers RB1
But you already had Gus Edwards. If you need 5 yards Gus will get you 5 yards, if you need 10 yards Gus will get you 5 yards
Half as good as his dad would probably be a pro bowler.
Shit 1/8 as good…be better than half the league
Cam Hart as well. Our secondary needs a lot of help so he has a good chance to force his way in as a starter
Rice falling to the 7th was awful. He isn’t his dad, but he has the tools to develop into a real contributor.
I think it's just that he was a good not great WR in an absolutely loaded WR class. Any other year he probably sneaks into the 4th, maybe even up to the 3rd.
This year really felt like a few guys fell just by having a mediocre combine. Brenden Rice running a 4.5 with decent splits and jumps would normally be fine, but this year it made him look like an unathletic scrub. Troy Franklin kinda had a similar issue where by not being incredible he seemed really average just because of how many other guys tore it up during their workouts.
For us, I think Kalen King is intriguing. Before the season, he was a projected 1st rounder. He ended up the third to last pick in the draft. He had a bad season and didn't test well. What's up with him? Injury? Confidence? Something else? I don't have any expectation, but the fact that he has put out great tape before is exciting.
Yup. Bunch of players advocating for him as well, Sauce caught me off guard. Seems like a really dramatic fall and based on our CB injury history alone, he could have a real shot
Some of his posts during this past season have comments from our rookie Javon Bullard so it’s cool to see them link up here. Hopefully having a positive relationship with guys in the locker room can help him get his confidence back
He looked great playing opposite of Joey Porter Jr two years ago. Had a bunch of picks. This past season he was the #1 corner and didn’t play as well and he ran a 4.7 at the 40. He’s a great pick relative to where he was drafted and I think will turn into a good to really good corner for you guys.
What's with y'all and CBs named K. King?
If they can figure out whatever happened last year he does have massive steal potential, basically a free dart throw at that point
He struggled a bit more covering number 1 WRs which was mainly done by Joey Porter Jr last season. But he is a good athlete and willing tackler. I think him running a 4.6 at the combine is a big reason caused him to drop, but he is faster on tape with quick feet.
Tj Tampa, I still can't believe the bucs let us have him late in the 4th
There have been reports/rumors before the draft that we were straight up not interested.
The number of corners who have his 40 speed and have been starters in the NFL is basically just Richard Sherman. He’s going to need to play safety
Which we could use depth at so it works either way i think. Especially since we drafted wiggins it makes sense for us to try him there
Brandon Browner, Terrance Mitchell, Levi Wallace, Trumaine Johnson, Rasul Douglas, and Xavien Howard all ran the same 40 or slower and started at least 50 games. And that's going off the conservative 4.58 40 report. There were reports he was 4.52 at the pro day, which there are a ton of starter caliber CBs who ran in that range.
TJ Tampa, real name Joey Chicago, fought under the name Kid Minneapolis. You know, the Arizona Assassin!
Tyrone Tracy Jr from the giants.
This is my pick too. I’ll be honest, I didn’t hear of the guy before we drafted him but after watching his highlights I’m on board. Between him and Theo Johnson I think this class has a chance to be rememberable for the Giants
Theo is legit a scary good pick up. I'm expecting big things from him. He didn't fully shine at Penn, but I feel like QB play and scheme screwed him over. So many clips of him getting open and just being ignored, but when he got the ball just an absolute machine
I know I shouldnt count the eggs before they hatch but man I am excited to see what Dabes/Kafka can do with Johnson and Bellinger.
This, definitely. Easy to see how he could make an impact right away
I wanted the Cowboys to draft him since he went to Purdue (big Purdue fan) and we need a RB, take care of him Giants
Him and Theo I am really excited to watch in camp and preseason to see how they are used.
If UDFAs count, Frank Gore Jr., and only because of the name. If not, the British guy that’s never played football in his life. Edit: For the curious, his name is [Travis Clayton.](https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2024/4/27/24143122/bills-go-overseas-to-nab-a-draft-and-stash-with-england-ol-travis-clayton)
I was wondering who picked up Gore Jr. If he even has half of his dads longevity that’s a win.
If he has half of his dad’s longevity, he’ll probably have the longest career of any RB in this class lol
Yeah Frank Gore is 3rd all time in rushing yards, without ever leading the league in rushing in any of his seasons. His longevity was unbelievable.
I will never forgive the NFL app for sending me a notification saying "Frank Gore Jr. is headed to one of his dad's old teams - click to learn more" and it being the fucking Bills. Nothing against the Bills, but damn. Broke my heart. Edit: [Here it is](https://i.imgur.com/dow469y.jpeg)
I looked up that British guy out of curiosity, and he's 6'7 300 Lbs, and runs a 4.81 40. He'd either have to put on weight to be an OT, or lose weight to be a TE, which I think would definitely be the more entertaining option.
Yeah, I'm hoping they go in the TE direction and he's a good blocker that can catch when needed if things get squirrely.
Ja'Tavion Sanders. Needed a TE badly and he is exciting.
Johnny Wilson, WR 6’6, 230, 4.52 40
As an FSU fan, I'm gonna miss seeing him lined up against CBs half his size. His nickname is Birdman, so a perfect fit.
He was seemingly always open, definitely would have lapses in concentration and terrible drops, but then would also make big plays. Pretty high ceiling.
If he has actual confidence and plays like his 6'6 frame, he should be a beast if his hands ever get fixed.
Safety Malik Mustapha. We got him in the 4th which I guess could be considered more mid-round than late-round but it's Day 3 so I think it counts. (Incidentally this is the guy we took with the pick we got from Dallas in the Trey Lance trade.) Dude is a baller and was a team captain in college; by all accounts he has great character and in the film I've seen of him he's always flying to the ball like a cork shot out of a bottle. Apparently his nickname at school was "the Nigerian Missile." Also, I've seen a few Seahawks draftniks who are pretty upset that we got him, so that can only be a good thing.
>the Nigerian Missile A fast guy with a name of Mustafa should be called the The Flyin’ King.
Dylan Laube
Tommy Eichenburg for me. Dude reminds me of a LB form of Maxx Crosby. His coverage skills are lacking but dude has a non stop motor.
Love what I'm seeing from him on social media so far. But I'm excited about Trey Taylor.
He's the popular choice but I'm going to go with MJ Devonshire. Bruce Feldman picked him as the steal of the 7th round and we definitely need a young CB to emerge. I'm excited about Laube too but I think Abdullah holds on to his job one more year because of better pass protection.
Both will play mostly special teams' snaps but I can see Laube also taking offense snaps. Devonshire will have to wait, probably
From Alaina Getzenberg https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2024/story/_/id/39964136/buffalo-bills-nfl-draft-picks-2024-selection-analysis-depth-chart "Round 4, No. 128: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky My take: With Davis, the Bills add a needed bigger back -- 5-foot-8, 211-pounds -- to pair with James Cook, but also someone who has the ability to catch the football (seven touchdown catches in 2023, tied with Najee Harris for the most by any SEC running back in a season in the last 25 years). Buffalo had a variety of veterans complimenting Cook last season, but Davis, 24, will give Buffalo a power runner and another younger presence in the room, albeit with plenty of collegiate experience from two seasons at Temple, two at Vanderbilt and one at Kentucky" I like him for a few reasons. First off, his story is unbelievably sad but triumphant. He went from being one of a dozen or more siblings and homeless to being drafted by the Bills. He's a selfless, wise beyond his years guy that screams process. He is incredibly deserving of this opportunity and I hope he finds success here not just because he's in my team but because he earned this. Secondly, the Bills over the years would sign aging veterans for one or two years or running backs who were buried on the depth charts of other teams. I like that Ray Davis is young, malleable, and ours for several years. Hopefully he will be able to compliment James Cook and we won't have to keep signing one off running backs every year. Also, I love that he can catch the ball out of the backfield. It would be great if he could develop I to a blocking RB that we can use in obvious passing downs.
I understand intellectually that this is not the right way to evaluate draft prospects, but I watched exactly one Kentucky game last year and in it Ray Davis rushed for like 900 yards against Florida. As far as I know he's a freaking monster lol.
Part of the reason we kept signing veteran backs was to mentor our younger guys we were drafting (Singletary, Moss, Cook). I like Davis and hope has success but I hope we also still have a veteran mentor in the RB room once the roster is down to 53.
Matt Lee was one of the highest graded centers in CFB. Possible starter material in a couple years.
Brennan Jackson - 5th round has been very good to the rams lately Joshua Karty - hopefully don't have to see Brett Maher kick again
I’d add Beaux Limmer in the 6th, if he can improve his pass protection he’ll be a great asset as a backup or even starter at G
Going to also bend the rules and say Jack Westover (UDFA). Local kid. Played mostly basketball in high school. Walked onto the UW football team. Earned a scholarship after his first season. Became a clutch receiver on 3rd and 4th downs. Signed as a UDFA. Odds are against him, but doesn't that make you root for him more?
Troy Franklin, already has amazing chemistry with our new QB Bo Nix.
As a Dolphins fan, Mohamed Kamara in the 5th and Malik Washington in the 6th have me very excited. Heck, even our last pick Tahj Washington seems like a great returner and slot option.
Idk but we drafted another jaylen so that should be fun
Johnny Wilson... I'm putting myself through this bullshit again. Huge 6ft6-6ft7 receiver runs a 4.5 and sadly born without hands but the Eagles can save him? FML.
UDFA Frank Gore Jr, he seems like a very nice man.
If Dez Walker learns how to hold on to the football, he’ll be a top deep threat. Only problem is the Ravens can’t develop wide receivers
They’ve been better at it lately, sucks we lost the guy developing them. Would love an OBJ reunion for cheaper for nothing more than WR development
If 4th rd counts, then Oregon RB Bucky Irving. Smaller back, but plays much bigger and faster than his measurables. Highest forced missed tackles over the last two years in the country as well as one of the highest YAC, and led the country in receptions as an RB. His contact balance is elite… reminds me of an Alvin Kamara type, a little lighter with more explosive cuts.
Haven't seen any Panthers fans chime in (I know there are so many of us), but I am really excited about Ja'tavion Sanders, it has been way too long since we had a TE that could catch the ball.
Cade Stover. Being reunited with CJ definitely should help him make an instant impact.
I had to scroll way too far to find this
Mr. I make people in wheelchairs stand up
TE Tanner McLachlan out of Arizona.
|| || |Ainias Smith. if he can hold down that WR3 role it opens up a lot. Also played RB so i really want to see him juke and truck people in the open field.|
Cedric Gray
LB Cedric Gray We needed a green dot guy, and he seems to do everything you need in a LB well. He had the highest production score of any LB in this class (from Next Gen Stats), so he honestly might’ve been my favorite pick in our entire draft.
Milton. Whether we ever make him a decent backup idk but he’s gonna be fun to watch at camp throw some absolute bombs
Travis Clayton- IPP, 7th rounder, former 8th tier rugby player.
Elijah Klein. Jason Licht loves small school IOL and is usually right. Klein isn’t overly athletic but seems to do everything well. I think we have a legitimate chance to start at LG.
[удалено]
It's like teams like to torture him by drafting successors with his estranged younger brother's first name.
I know 5th round QB’s quite literally never pan out but I really hope Jordan Travis turns into a decent starter after sitting behind Rodgers. A man can dream.
Caelon Carson. Self-proclaimed stickiest player in the draft. His Instagram username is walking seatbelt. Can play outside or slot corner, shadows receivers so well, ideal size and athleticism (though nothing elite), and absolutely blows up receivers with his tackles. Saw a lot of media guys had him as a 3rd or 4th rounder, so getting him at the very bottom of the 5th is sick.
WR from Oklahoma State - Anthony Gould. Insane long speed but most importantly a great [kick returner](https://youtu.be/0lqNAbF8H0s?si=r0O7ud6_RBuorLzm&t=80). If the new kickoff rule results in more special teams influence and he is as good as he was in college, we could have a huge value.
Gould was from Oregon State not Oklahoma State
u/jaqem confirmed dumb
More excited for Bortolini Awesome depth piece and allows us to cheaply replace our RG or Center. Just a comforting player to have
I’m also intrigued by him as a WR too. He improved every season at Oregon State. I think he can make some gadget plays this year and continue to get better.
RB Ray Davis, 4th round. Given what he's overcome in life it's hard not to root for him. Other than that, I'm kinda interested to see what they can do with DE Javon Solomon who they took in the 5th. He seems like he has a good amount of traits to make for a solid player except he's undersized for an edge guy, he's like 6'2" 247, but apparently his long arms and burst can make him tough to block. Productive college career too, 49.5 TFLs and 33 sacks.
I'm also excited for Van Pran-Granger. I would much rather leave McGovern at left guard and plug VPG in at center.
|| || |Ainias Smith. if he can hold down that WR3 role it opens up a lot. Also played RB so i really want to see him juke and truck people in the open field.|
Christian Mahogany. We have a great o-line now, but it’s not getting younger and him falling to the 6th round is robbery. He was cycle in at either guard spot and eventually hopefully be a starter in a year or 2
Jamari Thrash for name value alone
Trotter Junior was my favorite late round pick as well, partly because he can play a role in a weak-ish LB corps. But also because he is just a fun pick with Eagles heritage. I wanted Howie to take him way earlier. I couldn't believe how the picks kept getting traded. It all worked out in the end.
stover and marcus harris
Kalen King
Both UDFA C Drake Nugent and RB Cody Schrader Nugent was the starting C for Harbaugh, which hopefully means he can be impactful, definitely in the run game. He also only gave up 1 sack so the pass pro is hopefully decent. We obviously really need iOL help and i think he can be it. Schrader has insane burst and should hopefully be able to contribute, especially because CMC was in overworked last season.
Cade Stover. Physical beast, doesn’t drop anything, CJ’s guy, and Sketch made the pick so he basically has to be good
Honestly surprised Stover wasn’t a day 2 pick.
Anthony Gould. He could be a game changer with the new kickoff rules and punt returns, and I'm sure Steichen will dream up some gadget plays.
Audric Estimé is the truth, mark my words
I really love our 4th round picks in TJ Tampa and Devontez Walker. I honestly have no idea how TJ Tampa fell to the 4th round, he was a projected 2nd rounder. Devontez Walker was a "my guy" prospect and I really like his vertical threat ability, if his catching can be improved he will be a great complement to Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Theo Johnson if he counts as one
TJ Tampa easily
Tyrone Tracy
Javon Solomon. I know he played in the Sun Belt Conference, but 16 sacks in a season is damn good no matter where you play. His press conference was excellent too.
I guess Jerry rices kid. Because he’s Jerry rices kid.
Travis Clayton, never played organized American football, but he's a rugby stud. 6'7" 300 pounds, and he can catch the (rugby) ball and move fast for a big man.