2020 NFL Draft Thread - Day 2

[Randolphkeys]

The Athletic had a great article about how Shanahan shares your exact same thoughts on the defensive line. Having a line that can prevent your opponent from being able to control the pace of the game makes it easy for an offense to call plays. Having a good offensive line is required to control pace. You need both.

Kawakami: Another defensive lineman? Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers are committed to this

Shanahan: "Nothing's more fun (than) having a defense like we had last year; that gives you the best chance to go to the Super Bowl."

theathletic.com

Not only do I agree with the philosophy from the Niners, as I've watched the Lynch/Shanny pairing build a very strong team, but I see the Browns are already in lock step with that philosophy. Obviously Shanahan knows the value of generating pass rush with the front four and controlling the line of scrimmage because he is a skilled play designer. He knows what is the hardest to mitigate. I also agree with what @Out of the Rafters at the Q said about the strength of both lines being the quality of it's weakest link. It goes right along with what the two franchises have invested in.

However, the Browns don't necessarily have to draft defensive linemen in this draft to uphold that philosophy. They signed Clayborn to cut down on Garrett and Vernon reps and keep them fresher. This isn't a good draft for 4-3 defensive ends anyways. They brought in Billings to cut into Larry O's snap count while Richardson is making big bucks to be a three tech. The way they can afford these veterans is by getting younger and more cost controlled at safety and linebacker.

So if they go with a three tech at some point, great. I still know Joe Woods was a passing game coordinator, and the way he greatly improved the Niners defense was at the second level, further developing Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, and paying for Kwon Alexander in free agency. So, invest in the lines, but use picks to compliment the lines as well.

 

[Cement]

OD'ing on Day 2 mocks in preparation for tonight - here's SBNation's Dan Kadar.

Here’s a look at our 2nd round NFL mock draft

Alabama defensive backs Xavier McKinney and Trevon Diggs might not last long.

www.sbnation.com

33. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Jones, OT, Houston


34. Indianapolis Colts: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC


35. Detroit Lions: A.J. Epenesa, Edge, Iowa


36. New York Giants: Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU


37. New England Patriots: Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame


38. Carolina Panthers: Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama


39. Miami Dolphins: Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU



40. Houston Texans: Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama


41. Cleveland Browns: Antoine Winfield Jr., S, Minnesota

 

[DJTJ]

Can someone sell me on McKinney

I watched three full Bama games last night(Auburn 2018, LSU 2019, Bowl Game against scUM) to focus on Wills and just didn’t see McKinney doing much.

feel the same way. I just don’t get it... him and delpit- I feel like they’re big name jags.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Can someone sell me on McKinney

I watched three full Bama games last night(Auburn 2018, LSU 2019, Bowl Game against scUM) to focus on Wills and just didn’t see McKinney doing much.

In a word, his versatility. He moved all over the back seven under Saban, who has obviously coached safeties very well in his pro-style system. McKinney has played in the box close to the line, from the slot, as a deep zone safety(split and one high). He has the physical traits and short area burst to win at all of them.

He doesn't have long speed and occasionally doesn't have great tackling form, but Joe Woods is a Mike Zimmer disciple who will switch up coverage schemes from play to play. McKinney is the type of safety who is used to that concept.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

feel the same way. I just don’t get it... him and delpit- I feel like they’re big name jags.

I don't think there's any other safety who has tape like Delpit, and he's got the athleticism to boot. The dude's a playmaker at FS.

I also thought Eddie Jackson was undraftable, so take my safety evaluations with a heavy dose of salt (but loved Derwin James and Darnell Savage so maybe I'm turning things around)

 

[Cement]

At this point, I feel Washington is just being willfully ignorant.

 

[Cement]

 

[MirORich]

If I’m the Browns, this is my approach attack for Day 2:

41: perfect fit of need and available talent leads me to target Safety at 41. McKinney, Chinn, Winfield, Delpit, Rugger

74 is where I’m grabbing my LB with targets being Logan Wilson, Malik Harrision, Akeem Davis-Gathier, and William Gay Jr.

97 and 115 are BPA with some names I’d love to see like Van Jefferson, Chase Claypool, Thad Moss, Lynn Bowden, DPJ, Tyler Johnson, Terrell Burgess, Kenny Willekes, Troy Dye, Darnay Holmes, Bruce Hall, Amik Robertson, Kenny Robinson, Jonah Jackson, Netane Muti, and Nick Harris being of interest

There are a few DL though who could bust things up for me if they were available at 41(Blacklock, Marlon Davidson) or 74(Jordan Elliot)

 

[Randolphkeys]

I hope the Browns aren't afraid to move up from #74 if they don't think they will get a starting level defensive player in that area. One safety and one linebacker who will challenge for starting spots is a must. Move up if you have to.

 

[Triplethreat]

I hope the Browns aren't afraid to move up from #74 if they don't think they will get a starting level defensive player in that area. One safety and one linebacker who will challenge for starting spots is a must. Move up if you have to.

You think Taki Taki has a real shot this year to make a big impact?

 

[daddywags]

I hope the Browns aren't afraid to move up from #74 if they don't think they will get a starting level defensive player in that area. One safety and one linebacker who will challenge for starting spots is a must. Move up if you have to.

I don't disagree, but we don't have a lot of ammo. After the third round all we have left is 115, 188 and 245. I don't want them using future picks.

 

[KIisKing]

I'm curious if the Eagles' approach to linebackers will rub off on Berry at all. They do not place a lot of value on the linebacker position. Today will be interesting to see our approach - I would not surprised if our Day 2 picks are S/CB, DL, WR and we leave LB to the last day.

 

[Randolphkeys]

You think Taki Taki has a real shot this year to make a big impact?

I think he is in a positional battle for the Mike linebacker with BJ Goodson. The Sam linebacker who has more responsibility on all three downs hasn't been filled yet, and it's hard to know if Taki Taki suddenly learned that skillset. He was more of a blitzer and run support player at BYU and is learning coverage. When the Browns go to the nickel Taki Taki is probably the one to leave the field.

 

[Cement]

Big fan of Devin Duvernay - fast and flypaper hands and great route runner.

I'd love to see him picked at 97.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Big fan of Devin Duvernay - fast and flypaper hands and great route runner.

I'd love to see him picked at 97.

He has lower body strength of a running back and he can straight up fly. My sleeper at receiver is Bryan Edwards of South Carolina. He was dinged up for Senior Bowl and the combine, but he had one of the best careers at receiver in the history of the ACC. He breaks a ton of tackles and has great hands.