2017 NFL Draft: Random Thoughts

This week’s Random Thoughts is going to be a bit different. There are a couple of the usual scouting tidbits but I’ll also touch on some predictions and my dream Titans draft.

• Reuben Foster went into this draft process as one of my favourite prospects. He then repeatedly hurt his stock. First he was thrown out of the Combine for an incident at a hospital and most recently he failed a drug test (for a diluted sample, per Foster). I considered Foster one of the cleanest prospects in the draft initially. There’s very little to dislike on his game tapes and there was nothing noteworthy off the field. These two incidents concern me immensely. You know your future employer is going to scrutinize absolutely everything you do, and in particular over the few months leading up to the draft. I’d be extremely worried about using a first round pick on him.
• Washington safety Budda Baker is underrated, in my opinion. He’s another guy getting pushed down draft boards because of his height (5’10”). He combines excellent speed with great instincts to cover a lot of ground quickly. He looks smooth in coverage as a nickel corner. Someone is going to get a solid player for a very reasonable late first or early second round pick.
• I have continually seen and heard nothing but good things about linebacker Raekwon McMillan. He’s perfectly suited for a traditional middle linebacker role. He’s an outstanding run stuffer. He could be an early starter for a 4-3 defense.
• One rumour that I’m buying is that Deshaun Watson is going to go higher than expected. I’m going to be stunned if he isn’t gone on Thursday night. My nightmare situation is if he ends up on the Texans.
• If the Titans remain at the 5th spot, I think Marshon Lattimore is going to be the pick.
• My dream Titans draft for the early rounds involves a trade down to 12 with the Browns, with the Titans receiving #12 and #33 in exchange for #5. So now with the extra selection, this is how it plays out in my head:

• Most of these selections I’ve touched on already in previous editions of this post. Corey Davis is the best receiver in this draft. He can play anywhere in the offense and has the talent to step in right away and contribute. With the 18th selection, I’d be happy with either Tre’Davious White or Gareon Conley. White got the nod because I trust him a bit more with his speed. I also knew that I wanted to grab two corners, particularly Ahkello Witherspoon. He’s an ideal perimeter corner, so these two draft additions along with free agent Logan Ryan should give Dick LeBeau flexibility with sub-packages. Obi Melifonwu is another selection that provides versatility. Rotate him with Johnathan Cyprien - both are better attacking in the box than in deep coverage. Finally, George Kittle just fits for the Tennessee Titans. He’s not going to offer much in the pass game, but you can put him in a bunch of different formations and let him clear space.