(04-26-2022, 12:04 PM)ATLjag Wrote:

(04-26-2022, 11:37 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: So I was just listening to 1010 XL and Tony Pauline gave a very strong endorsement to Travon Walker as the best player in the draft.

Just FYI.

I know a lot of people seem to think that Trent Baalke is the only person who loves Travon Walker and apparently it's not true.

The other guest segment this morning on 1010xl was Greg Cosell, who I have a lot of respect for due to his experience and extensive film study.  Surprisingly, he thinks the best X receiver in this draft is going to be George Pickens.  My first thought was "no way", but maybe I need to keep an open mind.

I also heard this. Cosell generally does a good job, but I don't agree on this point. Pauline is the guy I like most and he is not very high on Pickens due to poor route running and inconsistency. The player I'd select for the X receiver spot would be Alec Pierce. He has very good size and speed; he'd be my pick at the top of round 3 if still available.

Pauline had very high praise for Walker and clearly favors him over Hutchinson, although he admittedly will need to work on his pass rushing skills from the Edge. At this point, I'd really be o.k. with Hutchinson, Walker or Ekwonu. My prediction is that Pederson's preference for offense wins out and Ekwonu will be the choice barring last minute trade offers. He is a safe choice in the sense that he will become, at the least, a pro-bowl guard. Many will say you never take a guard that high, which makes total sense, but this is a very unusual draft. My prediction for the first 3 rounds is:

1(1) Ekwonu

2(33) Trade back for an extra 3rd. Select Ebekitie or Mafe with 2nd rounder acquired in trade.

Trade back up into round 2 and select Chad Muma or Quay Walker.

Round 3: Alec Pierce and Greg Dulcich

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