2020 Draft Prospects Thread

I think PFF college work is really helpful for figuring out third through fifth rounders. Most of their analysis for first round type talent is kookoo for Cocoa Puffs.

Randolphkeys said:

and that guy believes he can scheme around some rookie OTs who aren't first rounders....

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The problem with scheming around your OT's is that the interior of the line has to be almost perfect. So if you have an injury to one of your interior guys, that scheming can fall apart.

Randolphkeys said:

I think PFF college work is really helpful for figuring out third through fifth rounders. Most of their analysis for first round type talent is kookoo for Cocoa Puffs.

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Didn't they rank Kessler as the best QB in the draft? I remember it was something silly high.

jking948 said:

Didn't they rank Kessler as the best QB in the draft? I remember it was something silly high.

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I don't remember anymore but that wouldn't surprise me.

PFF is an analytics tool, and it's one even the most die-hard fans are learning to digest properly. They will come out with their rankings early, and it will be purely how players performed in certain tasks. The problem in the college game is, of course, only about 15% of the players on the field are really good. Numbers get skewed by how bad or decent the other 85% are that day, and how well the coaches game planned to take advantage of the weak links in the opposition.

So when PFF starts making their lists, they can trash a player who has great tools but a flaw that needs to be coached up. That happened last year with Mack Wilson and his run support. Interestingly, they were way higher than most on Takitaki so we can see how analytics influences the Browns scouts.

However, when the pavement hit the road in August, Saban put Wilson in a more diverse and pro style situation for Wilson in college, so he was at least exposed to what a pro needs to do against pretty good opponents. Meanwhile, Takitaki was great in the limited role he played at BYU but zone coverage was completely new to him. We can hope Takitaki catches up, but the analytics fails to capture exposure to what a pro needs to do if they never try doing it in college.

So what I've learned from following conventional draft publications and PFF is that analytics can tell you who isn't a blue chipper but has a lot to provide in a limited role.

Hasn't declared yet, but Thaddeus Moss jumps out as a blocker:



Watched the first one minute of this game, and he makes three perfect blocks.

AZ_ said:

Hasn't declared yet, but Thaddeus Moss jumps out as a blocker:



Watched the first one minute of this game, and he makes three perfect blocks.

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If he does declare, is he a first rounder?

Juice Is Loose said:

If he does declare, is he a first rounder?

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Next to zero knowledge, but a I don't see a first rounder. Even with Burrow slinging it all over this season, he put up pedestrian receiving numbers. If he's truly special as a blocker, maybe he catapults up to the late second? But in all likelihood, third to fifth rounder?

Juice Is Loose said:

If he does declare, is he a first rounder?

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I'd doubt it.

Not sure I see anyone capable of that, depending on the athletic profile I'd guess he's a mid-rounder. One of the best blockers I've seen thus far, and obviously I'll trust his receiving skills. A bit undersized.

Becton now looking like he might be a top 20 pick, that didn't take long.

Wirfs hasn't declared yet. Has until the 20th. Rumors out there that he and AJ Epenesa are leaning towards returning and trying to make a run next year. We'll see. That would be terrible for the Browns.

Amherstcavsfan said:

Becton now looking like he might be a top 20 pick, that didn't take long.

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Rare dude. He's still only 20 years old.

AZ_ said:

I'd doubt it.

Not sure I see anyone capable of that, depending on the athletic profile I'd guess he's a mid-rounder. One of the best blockers I've seen thus far, and obviously I'll trust his receiving skills. A bit undersized.

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This is the kind of guy I'm really praying we are able to get with our HOU pick, or ideally in the 4th. A capaple blocker who can still be reliable in the short passing game, even if he's not a field stretcher.

Additionally, in case it hasn't been mentioned, his pops is Randy Moss

Throckmorton, one of my favorite mid-round guys, likely relegated to Guard with those T-Rex arms.

Alex Highsmith is another name to watch. Real good edge from Charlotte.

Also, Jon Runyan, my god...feels like his dad retired last week.