Things to Watch on Day 3
- Will Maurice Hurst get drafted?
After Hurst was sent home from the Combine due to an apparent heart condition there was some concern of what his football future would be. It appeared on the surface that he was going to be fine after he was allowed to participate at his Pro Day. Yet, last evening we heard that many teams have removed him from their board so his suitors appear to be far and few between. I believe ultimately someone will take the chance as Hurst has an ability to be an elite talent. I believe he ends up going in the 6th round and will be a steal.
- Where will Josh Sweat go?
There is some concern about Sweat knee as he tore his ACL, MCL and PCL in college and there have been numerous reports he only practiced one day a week in college. If that’s the case he may not get drafted. Sweat has a ton of ability and could be an impact player which is why I think we see him go in Round 5.
- Where does Shaquem Griffin go?
There is no doubting that Griffin has amazing talent and is an amazing athlete. There are things that he will struggle with at the next level. Some have him list as an edge player but that’s where he could struggle the most. He is a good blitzer but will have to play off the line of scrimmage more as a hybrid safety/linebacker. He should go early on in Round 4 as there are plenty of teams that believe in his talent.
- Value for each round
- 4th Round: Tyrell Crosby (Oregon)
Crosby’s best fit may be at guard but he can play right tackle. He allowed zero sacks or quarterback hits in 2017. He is not an elite athlete which will probably be why he kicks inside. He is a very powerful player, who is aggressive and plays angry.
- 5th Round: Armani Watts (Texas A&M)
There are a lot of very interesting safeties still on the board which is why Watts could slide to round 5 but he is a true single high safety who can go get the ball.
- 6th Round: Richie James (Middle Tennessee)
James is a great playmaker with the ball in his hands. He is on the smaller side but he is an electric player when you get the ball to him.
- 7th Round: Tanner Carew (Oregon)
A long snapper? Yes, a long snapper! If you can get a player who will be with your organization for 10 plus years in the 7th round you do it. Carew is one of the best long snapping prospects we have seen in a long time. The biggest knock some people make is his lack of tackles, however, this is due in large part to the scheme Oregon used. Carew is a very capable tackler and has Pro Bowl potential.
- Surprises on Day 3
- Specialists!
We could see as many as 4 punters chosen on Saturday (Michael Dickson, JK Scott, Johnny Townsend and Joe Davidson), our favorite long snapper in Tanner Carew and 4 kickers who will be in serious consideration for picks (Daniel Carlson, Eddy Pineiro, Griffin Oakes and Michael Badgley). Ultimately, I think we see 6 special teams players chosen.
- Run on Wide receivers
There should be a ton of receivers going on day 3. There are numerous guys who fit specific roles for teams and we can see a large run on day 3.
- Lack of Pass rushers
This is a very weak draft for pass rushers so we may not see very many going. There is a very limited group of guys who can make an impact at the next level or that have high ceilings.