Official 2023 NFL Draft Thread

[bobblehead]

Any thoughts on Elijah Higgins as a Lazard replacement?
Barring becoming a combine darling, probably could be had late Day 3 or UDFA. Big dude, decent athlete.

Do we think they move from using a big WR to a TE instead for big-slot receiver who sometimes blocks? I would think there are plenty of 6-4+ TE's who are better receivers than blockers that could at least approximate what Lazard does as a WR.

You might get Mike Gesicki on a prove it deal. He is a really good "big slot". Not much of a blocker for a TE though. Miami misused him brutally this season so its possible he could be had for $5 million or so.

[RashanGary]

If a te can’t block, he’s useless.

[jklowan]

Not sure any tight end is a good blocker in year 1, it is an upside pick and a very early mock

[run pMc]

True. I like Kincaid as a receiving TE -- good hands, routes, and speed, so you can run him down the seam and he's got a little bit of toughness to break tackles. Tonyan never breaks a tackle, is 29 and doesn't really have any more upside.
You'll almost never find a rookie TE who is a good blocker, you do need them to be willing blockers at least.

I'd also be reluctant to ask TE's to sustain 1-1 blocks against a DE or stud OLB -- that's probably a losing proposition most of the time (e.g., we'd expect Rashan Gary to beat a TEs blocks at least 2/3 of the time) unless you're doing a quick (i.e., sub 2 seconds) pass play. They have to be competent enough to execute chip, double-team, and crack/stalk blocks for sure though.

[bobblehead]

If a te can’t block, he’s useless.

I would say he isn't a real TE, not that he is useless. Gisecki can block about like Lazard. You can't expect him to open holes in the run game, but line him up in the slot and utilize his actual skill set. But I agree, I prefer all my players to be useful in all situations, or else you are telegraphing your intent to the defense. That's a job for fat mike.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'm pretty sure my super sleeper at S is going to be Jason Taylor of Oklahoma State. I saw him mentioned in practice reports as a standout during NFLPA Collegiate Bowl week--which primarily mentioned his tackling ability. Then, I watched him in the game. He really stood out. The tackling showed, it looked like his speed was solid, and he made a couple of big plays. I read more about him. He seems like a good kid, and he had a great season with 99 tackles and 6 interceptions. He had like 3 game clinching turnover plays this season. I was surprised when I didn't see him listed as draft worthy by any of the big boards I trust.

I noticed he was just invited to the scouting combine though. He's one that I'm interested in seeing how he tests. He looks draftable to me.

[texaspackerbacker]

I'll throw this bone to the shitheads and Rodgers haters: If he's gonna get traded after June 1, as so many of ya'all think, I tip off of that would be the Packers drafting a QB fairly early. Whatever they think of Love, they would need a back up, and they probably would want to hedge their bets and get him some competition. Of course, I suppose a 3rd-5th round pick could indicate a trade of Love too.

[run pMc]

I'm pretty sure my super sleeper at S is going to be Jason Taylor of Oklahoma State.

Keep them coming Harvey, they were admittedly his highlights but they showed good instincts and tackling ability, things Savage lacks.

[call_me_ishmael]

I'll throw this bone to the shitheads and Rodgers haters: If he's gonna get traded after June 1, as so many of ya'all think, I tip off of that would be the Packers drafting a QB fairly early. Whatever they think of Love, they would need a back up, and they probably would want to hedge their bets and get him some competition. Of course, I suppose a 3rd-5th round pick could indicate a trade of Love too.

We'll know what's happening well before June 1st IMO. Any trade would be done before the draft, even if not officially completed until after the deadline.

[Fosco33]

We'll know what's happening well before June 1st IMO. Any trade would be done before the draft, even if not officially completed until after the deadline.

W/ the cap hit - I bet they agree in concept but execute after the draft and w/ 2024-2025 picks

[bobblehead]

Keep them coming Harvey, they were admittedly his highlights but they showed good instincts and tackling ability, things Savage lacks.

Savages highlights were awesome. Jumping coverages, cutting down runners. Highlights aren't game film.

[RashanGary]

Who has a better situation, the Packers or Bears??

[ThunderDan]

Who has a better situation, the Packers or Bears??

Based on what criteria?

The Bears are in a much better position to acquire new players. They have a major talent deficiency, but with good drafting and FA signings could put a roster trending in the right direction together.

[RashanGary]

Based on what criteria?

The Bears are in a much better position to acquire new players. They have a major talent deficiency, but with good drafting and FA signings could put a roster trending in the right direction together.

All criteria. Would you rather have Fields, endless cash to spend and the #1 pick or would you rather have our roster and cap situation?

[Joemailman]

Bears will have the opportunity to make a lot of player acquisitions but there's no guarantee they'll get it right. Plenty of bad teams have been in a similar situation and blew it. In 2018 they could have drafted Mahomes but instead traded up and took Trubisky. It's a different GM now, but he's totally unproven. Time will tell.