(04-24-2023, 01:43 PM)Caldrac Wrote:

(04-24-2023, 01:26 PM)TheDogCatcher Wrote: I disagree -- I don't think we have edge guys. If you go with needs-based drafting, you've got to open it up to likely needs over two seasons. It puts more positions of need on the table to minimize overreaching. So, with that logic: Josh Allen is probably gone after this season. He'll be asking too much for his level of production, coupled with Trevor's coming extension. Tavon Walker doesn't look like a game wrecker outside. His considerable strength and athleticism is better harnessed by playing him almost exclusively inside. Thus, the edge cupboard is already bare.  

CB is the only other premium position outside of D- or O-line I'd be happy to see addressed at #24. Darius Williams is likely a cap casualty after this season, and one-to-three of Porter/Ringo/Banks/Forbes/Smith should be available at #24. 

The only non-premium position exception I'd make is for Dalton Kincaid, who looks to have a Travis Kelce ceiling and a TJ Hockenson floor. If Kincaid somehow slips to #24, I'd be happy with that selection. Pederson could getting into a scoring war with just about any team, including the Chiefs, with Engram & Kincaid, ETN, and the versatile trio of wideouts.

Value is trending towards CB and EDGE there at 24. I wouldn't hate the Kincaid selection. Just not sure how you figure out the numbers game with Zay, Christian, Calvin, Evan and Travis already within that line-up offensively. 

Forbes is a play making machine at CB but he's not big enough to take in RD1. He's a bean pole and we'll more than likely see him in RD2 if we want him. I think they're looking at Brian Branch, as a top safety prospect that fits a need at nickel/slot in the short term as a rookie. 

Just not confident in Caldwell's ability to "scheme" as a DC. Naturally, it WAS year one for him so maybe he'll be more consistent and competent with his personnel in year two as a play caller. 

Head:
Adetomiwa Adebawore - 24th 
Julius Brents - 56th 

Heart:
Cody Mauch - 24th
Joe Tippmann - 56th 

Gut:
Brian Branch - 24th
Mazi Smith - 56th

Adebawore would be a reach, but a Baalke pick for sure. Same with Bresee. 
Mazi Smith, as the #2 DT behind Carter, should be long gone by #56. 
I'd love Branch as a FS, but, like Pauline, I don't think he's fast enough to play nickel.
Mauch would be a homerun at 56, but he's also probably long gone by then. 

My Head: Cam Smith (his "versatility" to play nickel this year and outside next year will make him the pick; Baalke cited "versatility" as the tiebreaker among evenly rated prospects)
My Heart: Kincaid (Safe pick that would put the offense over the top)
My Gut: Bresee (Baalke loves swinging for the fence; his ego demands to be known as smartest guy in the room, even though he, like his predecessor, is better suited as a scout than as final decisionmaker.)

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