HawkerD":28fvpbrj said:
Its time to make some early (and late) draft pick payoff. 2013 and 2014 were basically busts, especially when you consider the Harvin debacle. We have seen the formula and it is get big returns on player during there first contract so that you can shore up weak spots with free agents. Right now we don't have any cheap starters worth a crap except for T. Lockett.
2013
RB Christine Michael*
DT Jordan Hill
WR Chris Harper*
DT Jesse Williams*
CB Tharold Simon
TE Luke Willson
RB Spencer Ware*
G Ryan Seymour*
LB Ty Powell*
G Jared Smith*
T Michael Bowie*
2014
WR Paul Richardson
T Justin Britt
DE Cassius Marsh
WR Kevin Norwood*
LB Kevin Pierre-Louis
DT Jimmy Staten*
T Garrett Scott*
CB Eric Pinkins*
FB Kiero Small*
* signifies a player no longer with the team
I would have to say evaluating those drafts today, they are huge Busts. Although some have exhibited moments of brilliance, none of them could be called an impact player. I think we got a bit on track in 2015 with Frank & Lockett but the rest of them are questionable. I know it is not easy but more consistency and fewer chances on flyers is needed.
A lot of people were using the excuse that there was so much talent ahead of those players, how can we know whether they are good? Frank Clark is an example of the fact that guys do not have to play a lot to know they have the potential to be good players.
* Kevin Pierre-Louis will likely be starting next year at Will. He has shown a lot of improvement in pass coverage.
* Jordan Hill will likely be starting at the three technique. He has shown a lot of improvement against the run.
* Paul Richardson will likely be starting at flanker in place of Jermaine Kearse next year.
* Luke Willson has improved his hands and blocking this season. He will continue to be a valuable backup.
* Justin Britt continues to improve as a starter at guard this year. However, I could also see him moving back to RT if Okung is not re-signed.
* Cassius Marsh and Tharold Simon are wildcards. Marsh has not really impressed me as a pass rusher, but he could see his reps increase in the nickel if Irvin is not re-signed. Simon has been valuable when healthy, but he has rarely been healthy.
* From the 2015 class, I expect a lot of starters: Tyler Lockett, Frank Clark, Mark Glowinski, Kristjan Sokoli, Tye Smith, etc. In terms of raw talent (and health), that is looking like a really nice draft so far.