:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54459179/usa_today_9824655.0.jpg)
Some final thoughts on the defensive prospects before the big show happens on Thursday. Should there be a Titan in waiting among them?
DE
- The Browns can't be serious about Brownsing themselves by not taking Myles Garrett (Texas A&M), can they? He's not once in a lifetime potential like Clowney but certainly a prodigiously talented defensive end in his own right.
- Why hello there, Johnathan Allen (Alabama) shoulders! Please go meet Daquan Bowers' knees. Allen's shoulder thing could be Bowers bad. A really talented player if the medicals check out. I'd consider taking him at 5 but for a guy who relies so much on leverage at his position, it's not good news, that's for sure.
- I'm a big fan of Takkarist McKinley (UCLA). Yes, he doesn't exactly fit what the Titans do defensively but neither did Derrick Morgan at the time of the 3-4 transition. McKinley has that kind of potential to make a similar impact, minus the injuries. He was a terror for nearly every offensive lineman he faced. Go watch the USC game and get back to me, folks.
- Tim Williams (Alabama). No Bueno. Allegedly failed multiple drug tests while in school so the threat of being suspended for a positive test is there. Talented like most Bama front seven players but the allegations are something to be careful of.
DT
- Davon Godchaux (LSU). The next star defensive lineman to come out of Baton Rouge? We shall see.
- Montravious Adams (Auburn) is a guy that has been flying up the boards since the season ended. He was a force for the Tigers defense. Really stood out during the process. A monster.
- Not a fan of Malik McDowell (Michigan State). Tweener plus the fact that he disappears a lot even during the smallest of games, not to mention the big games.
LB
- Reuben Foster (Alabama) has all world talent on the field but a not so all world mind off the field. What disastrous few weeks it has been for him. He really needs to clean up his act if he doesn't want to see Mr. Goodell multiple times. He will likely get drafted on Thursday night but is making it hard on himself to succeed.
- Kendall Beckwith (LSU) is essentially Avery Williamson 2.0. Athleticism isn't the greatest in the world but gets the job done somehow. The next great linebacker from the Bayou?
- If I just had to have an inside linebacker early in the draft, give me Jarrad Davis from Florida. He just has it. The more I watched him, the more I fell in love with his game. While not as stout as previous editions in years past, he was the general of the Gators defense.
- Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt) definitely has a nose for the football. The issue is how he tackles once he gets there. A playmaker for any linebacker corps. Could go anywhere from middle first round to late first round.
CB
- As many of you know, I've been a huge fan of Kevin King (Washington) all year long over Sidney Jones. You can coach a lot of things but you can't coach 6'3 200 with 4.4 speed. I'd have no hesitation to take him at 18 and be done with it. He's that good.
- The debate between Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley (Ohio State) is now academic, even if the allegations against Conley are baseless and unfounded. Lattimore is a talent but that injury history turns me away from him given the Kevin Dodd experience we went through in 2016.
- Tre'Davious White (LSU). Could he be the next superstar DB from LSU's secondary? Count me in as a fan of his. He had a pretty good process overall.
- I believe that Rasul Douglas (West Virginia) and his skill set can translate to the next level as at least a #2 corner. He had a standout process. I'd take him in the third round.
- If I had to choose a two way player to be on my team, I'd go for Adoree' Jackson (USC) over Jabrill Peppers (Michigan). Jackson is the more dynamic athlete of the two and can return kicks if need be.
S
- Budda Baker (Washington) is fun to watch. To me, he's the second best safety in this year's class. That Huskies secondary was loaded like crazy this year.
- Not sold on Malik Hooker (Ohio State) for some reason. Yeah he's talented but there's something off about him.
- Jamal Adams (LSU) is the top ranked safety as he should be. There's not much else needed to be said. He's pretty much a lock to go in the top 5.
Previous Editions