Well, I'll start by saying I'm pretty sure I'm going to scratch my head and wonder WTF are we doing with our first pick.
This year, Pete hasn't really given anyone a clue where we're going. Just get better. Everywhere.
I'll give it a go though:
Not considered need picks (sort of like Christine Michael type picks)
1. OBJ - If Tate walks, I think this is the highest percentage prospect hands down. Special. Tate like.
2. Tuitt/Hageman - Getting quality DL in the 20+ range is going to be exceptionally hard in the coming years. I look at Tuitt from 2012 and I'm running to the podium. From what I've heard, Tuitt had conditioning issues related to late injury recovery in 2013. A guy who flashed brilliant talent but his stock is low to understandable conditions. Combine testing indicates to me he's recovered.
3. Justin Gilbert - Quality that is hard to pass up. Although seems like we're really married to developing talent there. We're a smart organization. If we can get first round value consistently out of day 3 dev projects -- I'm guessing that continues.
4. Jimmie Ward - Where would this defense be if Thomas goes down? Ward probably the closest incarnation of Earl
5. Anthony Barr - Not likely to fall. But usually a handful of upper teens to low 20s prospects fall. Barr could be one as he didn't distinguish himself at the combine.
Guys I would see us being interested in
Kelvin Benjamin
ASJ
Jordan Matthews
Martavis Bryant
Antonio Richardson
Morgan Moses
Joel Bitonio
David Yankey
Ja'wuan James
Donte Moncrief
Kyle Fuller
Benjamin/Bryant are the kind of physical freaks. We've opted for that frequently. Although outside of Carpenter -- who really was better than the other guys taken around him -- physical freakishness wasn't the only consideration. Irvin had outstanding production on tape. Even if you look at his tape today, he still stands out even amongst the pass rushers of this class. I see production being a strong component to go along with good/great athleticism.
I still contend, that Jordan Matthews will be the one. For several factors:
1. Production. Not sure we need to debate it.
2. Physical attributes. He has sufficient size (6'3"). Excellent speed (4.4). Good reach. Big hands. Great ball skills. Great flexibility in hips/knees. Outstanding footwork. Very good physicality. Usually, you don't see WRs with all of these attributes at a plus or double plus range.
3. Intelligence and desire. In this category, I'd put him at the top of really everyone on this list. And amongst the top in the entire class. This bodes especially well for a prospect's ability to develop. Jordan Matthews wasn't so good and well rounded as a junior. He had deficiencies to his game. Notably his ability to handle press coverage. Yet in his senior year, he's developed that ability and played predominantly at the X/Split End. He was considered average in strength, but he worked at that and if you saw him at the combine, the dude was incredibly muscular and cut. Tying for the second most in the Bench amongst WRs -- and more than Sefarian-Jenkins.
Honestly, I can't even imagine the leaps and bounds in ability Matthews could achieve, practicing every day across from Richard Sherman. Two players whose attention to detail and ability to incorporate new tricks to their game and evolve their abilities are almost perfectly matched.
We've done the great freak athlete route. But our very best players have all been guys who are smart and hungry while still possessing very good athleticism as opposed to freak athleticism.
Matthews meets all the criteria we love. He doesn't exceed them in size and length. But he's definitely big enough. He exceeds our other criteria by miles.