G-Dawg's Post SR Bowl and Pre SuperBowl Mock - 1/28/2020

[g-dawg]

OK, here we are at the infancy stages of the offseason for 30 teams with two more still to  play - btw, who ya got?   I can see either team winning but at the end of the day, you want the best player on the field on the biggest stage - and that's Patrick Mahomes.     Niners probably have the better overall team but if Mahomes is ON and KC OL can give him enough time - they win.   It's that simple.

Back to the Atlanta Falcons.

I don't know what free agency brings - likely not much.   I still contend the Falcons should have dealt Austin Hooper - who is good/not great and "sold high" on him.   If we sign him to a long term deal, I believe it becomes a regrettable deal in that Hoop is just not a difference-maker that the opposing defense has to account.    Hope we don't re-sign him but assume we will.

Onto the Draft!!!!

The trade of Mohammad Sanu was nothing short of pure joy and elation.  Simply put, it's the best trade involving a player dealt away Thomas Dimitroff has done in his 11 years.   Hard to believe the great Bill Beliheck could get swindled that badly - i suppose there was another suitor to drive the price that high.    Falcons got the #55 pick overall which should be a good eventual starter for 4-8 years, if TD chooses wisely.

Would like to see a little more creativity on draft day to produce at least one more pick in the top 130.

 

 

2020 NFL Draft:

1. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Joe Burrow - LSU
2. Washington Redskins - DE Chase Young - Ohio State
3. Detroit Lions - CB Jeff Okudah - Ohio State
4. NY Giants - OT Andrew Thomas - Georgia
5. Miami Dolphins - QB Tua Tagavoiloa - Alabama
6. LA Chargers - QB Justin Herbert - Oregon
7. Carolina Panthers - DT Derrick Brown - Auburn
8. Arizona Cardinals - OT Jedrick Willis - Alabama
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - LB/S  Isaiah Simmons - Clemson
10. Cleveland Browns - OT Tristan Wirfs - Iowa
11. NY Jets - WR Jerry Jeudy - Alabama
12. Las Vegas Raiders - WR CeeDee Lamb - Oklahoma
13. Indianapolis Colts - DT Javon Kinlaw - South Carolina
14. Tampa Bay Bucaneers - OT Mekhi Bechton - Louisville
15. Denver Broncos - CB Trevon Diggs - Alabama
16. Atlanta Falcons - DE Yetur Gross-Matos - Penn State (6'5", 265lbs)  - 

PROS: Long levers and he knows how to use them. Fairly effective at winning with first contact, using his length and playing with extension. For a taller, longer defender he’s generally committed to keeping his pad level down. Absolutely love his motor - relentless pursuer of the football and he makes his share of plays based on effort alone and chasing down from distance. Eats up turf with his initial steps as a pass rusher. Has the ability to turn, flatten and win around the outside hip of the offensive tackle. Has rushed from a variety of alignments, including on the interior. Showcases good hand combating skills to keep his pads clear. Deploys a variety of swipes, counters and combinations to clear contact. Has enough power the point of attack to set a firm edge, fight pressure with pressure and squeeze gaps. Features a massive wingspan and it shows up when tackling. Routinely makes tackles outside his frame and he has excellent range.

CONS: Has room for growth in deploying his pass rush counters with more consistency. Has some issues ID’ing against the run and he’ll misdiagnose and get out of his fits. Overall processing speed can stand to get better and there’s still some calculation to his execution.

BEST TRAIT - Length

WORST TRAIT - Processing

RED FLAGS - None

NFL COMP - Carlos Dunlap

Yetur Gross-Matos features a loaded toolbox of traits and enters the league after compiling 94 tackles, 34.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks across his last two seasons at Penn State. While he is still developing his processing skills, Gross-Matos has every quality needed to become a dynamic pass rusher and run defender at the next level. His blend of burst, length, size, power and fluidity is impressive and his deployment of his traits leads to disruptive moments on tape. Gross-Matos may not be an immediate impact guy, but he should develop steadily across Year One while his Year Two/Three ceiling is exciting. Gross-Matos is best suited for duties as a 4-3 defensive end but I can see the advantage of getting him in some standup opportunities to alleviate some of his ID’ing inconsistency with his hand in the dirt.

G-Dawg Note:  There is an lockerroom hazing incident that YGM, Micah Parsons and others are being investigated due to their being a lawsuit by the alleged victim.   This could impact draft status of the kid - from interviews and backgground seems like a good kid - lost both his brother and father early in life.  YES,  I like Gross-Matos over AJ Epenesa!!!

See that NFL comp - Carlos Dunlap.   Dude is a freak and so is YGM - we don't have "this guy" on the Falcons but we need one like this.   Falcons need some freaks on defense - this guy is a freak.

 

 

#2-047)  LB Patrick Queen, LSU (6'1", 227lbs) - 

Football IQ - He's sharp! Sees things quicker than his teammates and routinely will get to the spot before blocker Football IQ - He's sharp! Sees things quicker than his teammates and routinely will get to the spot before blockers have a chance to square him up. Effective communicator and was tasked with a lot of different roles in college defense — excelled as a blitzer, scrape defender and in zone drops in pass coverage.

Tackling - Explosive finishes thanks to dynamic short area quickness and plus length. He's got plus reach and his body mobility allows him to drive into tackle challenges when crashing late. He doesn't offer a ton of thud to stonewall backs but he's a confident fill tackler and doesn't let backs slip through grip.

Block Shedding - Length helps him here a fair bit. He doesn't showcase exceptional hand power to stonewall blockers but he times his hand challenges well and has the lateral mobility to drop step and slide off of contact. He's slippery in gap shoots to get skinny and barrel through tight spaces for penetration.

Competitive Toughness - Routinely a "first to the football" rally defender. His effort and range are phenomenal and he's gone 30+ yards down field in pursuit. His functional power isn't where he hangs his hat and best case scenario in tight quarters is to stalemate and stay low to leverage and hold ground, but that's not where he shines.

Lateral Mobility - Fluid. His foot speed is excellent and allows for effortless redirection skills and mirror ability as backs press the LOS. His sideline to sideline range is something special — he's an effortless mover who flips his hips open without worry and can run down plays from the weak side if he's left unaccounted.

Coverage Skills - His INT vs. Alabama (2019) was a thing of beauty. His understanding of routes and when/where to shade his landmarks are next level and as a result he's constantly flashing underneath throws in the MOF. Peripheral vision and anticipation shine through here as well. Didn't get a lot of looks in man to man.

Gap Shooting Ability - Short area quickness and trigger ability allow him to crash the party with regularity. Was the "attack" LB on the second level this year and with his slipperiness vs. first contact, explosive first step and anticipation he's proven to be quite the headache up front and must be accounted for on stretch runs to avoid penetration.

Feet/COD - One of his best qualities. He's effortless in shallow steps, staying square and playing from a firm base in all phases. He's smooth, fluid and produces great force on off-kilter base or in redirection efforts. Rarely wastes steps and that provides great efficiency to arrive quickly to the football in traffic.

Flexibility - His loose hips allow him to hinge and carry routes peeling around his zone with suddenness. He's able to coil and explode through his hips to drive forward or transfer through his core and deliver powerful blows with his pads. Lateral tilt when his tackle radius is tested is strong and helps to maximize his radius.

First Step Explosiveness - He's got a ton of burst. His ability to cover ground of out his read steps will put him in prime position to challenge blockers on the plus side of the LOS. His blitzing skills are strong in both A-gap alignment at the LOS and when he's aligned off the football and given room to twist or peel into interior gaps. 

---

Best Trait - Fluidity

Worst Trait - Functional Power

G-Dawg:  I realize this seems like we keep going back to the same well - we are 1-for-2 on the LSU linebackers as Deion Jones was a homerun and Duke Riley was a huge bust.    Just see more Debo than Duke in Queen.    Just a quick smart player that will pair well with Debo - should be a Day#1 starter.    I won't say he is a freak but is an active playmaker and a good "Robin" to Debo's "Batman" at linebacker.   With more horses up front, these guys will EAT!!!

 

#2-055) DT Ross Blacklock - TCU  (6'4", 305lbs)

PROS: He’s got the goods: juice, power, size and motor to make plays. Love how he works to the edges of blocks and powers through gaps. Does well to place his hands and play with extension to control at the point of attack. Timing and placement of his hands is outstanding and he does a great job of finding leverage points on blockers to dispose of them when he’s ready. Effective with his swipes, chops and crosses to clear contact. Plenty of pop in his strikes to jolt pads and control blockers. Keeps his pads low and plays with consistently outstanding leverage to maximize the power in his frame. Frequently defended multiple gaps and faced double teams while holding his own. He’s a bully when pushing the pocket and is a load moving forward. Has enough flexibility throughout his frame to corner and change directions. Overall quite slippery with the fluidity in his frame to work laterally and carry speed through sharp turns.  Does a good job of diminishing the surface area available for blockers to get their hands on his frame. 2017 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. Upside to serve in multiple alignments.

CONS: Missed 2018 with an Achilles injury but was outstanding in 2017 and 2019. Has room to grow in terms of processing the run and reading blocks so that he can most effectively attack - as that develops it’s exciting to consider how much better he can get because the traits and physical tools are so outstanding. Will have a stylistic/technical transition at the next level after working from a four-point stance and executing all the stunts involved in the TCU defense. 

BEST TRAIT - Power, Juice

WORST TRAIT - Processing

RED FLAGS - 2018 Achilles Injury

NFL COMP - Gerald McCoy 

Ross Blacklock is a rare exciting defensive prospect from the Big Twelve with all the tools needed to be a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. While there will be quite a bit for him to acclimate to at the next level, Blacklock has the size, length, power, flexibility, athleticism and technique needed to develop. He often two-gapped at TCU but I like him inside even fronts as well, making him a prospect with all the versatility needed to execute in a defensive front that is multiple by alignment. Blacklock needs to develop his processing skills but his ceiling is exciting given how physically talented he is and how he already applies those gifts on the field to make plays. He deserves to be among the first interior defensive linemen selected in the Draft and has the upside to become a building block for an NFL defense. 

G-Dawg:   TDN compares Blacklock to Gerald McCoy - I actually like Baltimore Ravens Brandon Williams as a better comp - although Williams is bigger.   Anyway, this guy is a freakshow and wreaks havoc - will help Grady a lot.

 

#3-078)  CB Cameron Dantzler - Mississippi State (6'2", 185lbs)  

Man Cover Skills - He's got great reach and disruptive abilities at the catch point. Shows needed mobility to flip the hips and carry receivers up the field, although he can get loose at the top of breaks and doesn't illustrate desired stickiness through the end of the route. 

Zone Cover Skills - He keys the quarterback's eyes and arm very well, showing impact skills in zone coverage, especially in the flats to sink under throws working behind him. He'll peel off initial landmark effectively and consistently jumps into the action when breaking on throws. 

Feet/COD - Hops out of stance in tight alignment coverage to buy himself room to diagnose route releases, he typically does well to react, open and crowd the route but his stride length will hinder sudden redirect if WRs get him to take the bait at the line. 

Ball Skills - Has misread some deep opportunities (Louisiana) and missed high point chances. His break on the ball and combative hands at the catch point are A+, however. Does well to break the hands of receivers and pull at the football as he arrives to the pass. 

Flexibility - For all his length, he's pretty pliable and flexible to adjust his frame and play without wasted movements. Ample skill in maximizing his length with torso and shoulder mobility. He'll get busted with high hips on hard breaking routes working back to the LOS and sag off the target. 

Acceleration - He'll check the boxes needed to play outside and run with receivers in coverage. There's some transitional lag when he looks to redirect and burst forward but his flat footed breaks show more spring and allow him to work into contested targets from off coverage. 

Defensive Spacing - His man cover range needs improvement, although he's a tall, long corner with notable strides, there's only so much polish you can add there. He's got ample range in zone and to crowd the catch point because of his length and reach.  

Competitive Toughness - Does not play with enough functional strength. Got pushed around vs. LSU and is rarely an impact defender on the edge against quick game or outside run. He shows good scrap when he's afforded the chance to press and appreciate enthusiasm to hunt the ball and collision WRs.

Run Support - There's not a lot to write home about here. He'll take advantage of poor block attempts and is willing to stick his face in the fire but he's generally not going to stack blocks with authority at this weight, nor is he going to be a looming presence as a tackler. 

Tackling - Has actually laid some impressive lumber but his consistency here is lacking because he hasn't gotten cleanly off of blocks and doesn't show great enthusiasm to step up and drop a shoulder on ball carriers. Does well on blitzes to hunt the ball and search for strip opportunities. 

---

Best Trait - Zone Coverage Skills

Worst Trait - Physicality

Best Film - Kentucky (2019)

Worst Film - LSU (2019)

Red Flags - None

Player Summary - Cameron Dantzler projects best in a zone role as an outside cornerback at the NFL level. Dantzler brings desirable skill in keying the quarterback and illustrates great awareness of route combinations and anticipation of attacking the football in the air. Dantzler needs to continue to work on adding functional strength and weight to his frame, in the meantime he may be something of a developmental investment for his first NFL contract. 

 

 

5th)  Ezra Cleveland, OT - Boise State (6'6", 310lbs)

PROS: Cleveland has an athletic frame that looks like it could feasibly add some extra mass on his frame if it were deemed necessary. His first step quickness and lateral mobility are quite clear and provide him all of the foundation he needs to be an effective blocker in space -- whether that comes in pass protection in isolation (vertical sets) or as a puller/outside zone blocker on the boundary. Plenty of reach in his natural frame and when he's clamped onto the breastplate of defenders he shows ability to keep control, even at the far reaches of his extension. I like his foundation as a pass blocker, he's able to get notable ground on his drive to protect against wide angled rushers or speed up the field. Cleveland takes clean angles when uncovered onto the second level as a climber to pick off linebackers in the run game.

CONS: There is some sloppiness and inconsistency to his techniques -- he'll overset in pass protection, he'll get caught with late or low hands and give up his chest to pass rushers -- he's prone to leaning into help blocks on gap protections when a simple hand punch could help further negate upfield push from pass rushers attacking an adjacent gap. He can panic in space at times and chase after first flow on the edge instead of trusting his landmarks to keep his integrity and positioning. And while there's plenty of functional athleticism to work with, functional strength in pass pro will be compromised when he's late on the draw with his hands -- recovery anchor isn't great because of his high hips and frame.

7th rd)   RB  Reggie Corbin - Illinois (5'10", 200lbs)

PROS: One of my favorite prospects in the class. When you watch Reggie Corbin at his best, you can't help but see some Darren Sproles in him.

The moves that Corbin can put on some of these defenders are jaw-dropping. His ability to stick his foot in the ground and explode in different directions put his agility and tackle-missing ability on an elite plane. In just 128 caries in 2018, he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards with nine rushing touchdowns. He is a human joystick in what he can do with the ball in his hands in space. Corbin compliments his top-tier quickness with well above average long speed. He's one of the best home run hitters in the class.

CONS: Likely will not be a player who you want protecting your quarterback on passing downs. Also does not have much experience as a pass catcher. His limitations in overall size and the kind of liability he might be on third downs likely limits him to an early down rotational role -- though a high-end one, if you're building your backfield by committee.

 

[HouseofEuphoria]

Not a bad draft at all.

Helluva post.

[g-dawg]

1 minute ago, HouseofEuphoria said:

Not a bad draft at all.

Helluva post.

borrowed the scouting reports from The Draft Network - the Draft itself and the pre-comments and G-Dawg takes are my original.

 

thanks HOE!

[g-dawg]

I want FREAKS on DEFENSE......knuckle-draggin', neanderthal

 

STRAIGHT FREAKS!!!!

[Monolith2001]

Don't love all those picks but that'd be a solid draft.

[Falcons_Frenzy]

If the Falcons don't address pass rush this year I might pull all my hair out. Hard to argue this draft. Solid, and it fits current needs.

[HouseofEuphoria]

I will say. it'd be tough to pass on A.J. Epinesa.

6'6" 280...Set that edge big guy!

Talk about your physical freaks.

[GATXBOI]

Good draft G-dawg probably take a rb where we took cb and take cb Lamar Jackson in the 4th

[GATXBOI]

Also not a big fan of Aj or K'Lavon

My fav 1st round picks for the Falcons: (realistically picks) Kinlaw YGM Lewis Delpit Brown.

[VTCrunkler]

G, what if Mekhi is there @ 16 

[gtech1]

What happened to our 4th-round pick?

[FalconsIn2012]

2 hours ago, g-dawg said:

I want FREAKS on DEFENSE......knuckle-draggin', neanderthal

 

STRAIGHT FREAKS!!!!

So we should expect to hear your name called on draft day....my fav draftdreak is Gdawg

[DonOfThemBirds]

 

Nice, but I'd rather see the Falcons draft a RB way earlier than the 7th round.

[FalconsIn2012]

33 minutes ago, DawnOfThemBirds said:

 

Nice, but I'd rather see the Falcons draft a RB way earlier than the 7th round.

Agreed. We need to use one of our second round picks on RB.  I also like Queen but he is too similar to Debo.  I think we would be too light at LB

[DonOfThemBirds]

6 minutes ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

Agreed. We need to use one of our second round picks on RB.  I also like Queen but he is too similar to Debo.  I think we would be too light at LB

 

 

Yep, need a bigger LB to pair with Debo.

 

I don't see Freeman getting close to what he once was and I think he should be replaced much sooner rather than waiting another year. A 2nd round RB along with getting a decent starter at LG could be what the doctor ordered to get that run game back on track.

[Rings]

1 hour ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

Agreed. We need to use one of our second round picks on RB.  I also like Queen but he is too similar to Debo.  I think we would be too light at LB

Will it matter under Dirk?  

Some of the best backs we have had the last two decades have been drafted third round or later, Turner, Anderson, Free, Teco.  Only back that was earlier than that who actually produced was Dunn.  Would much rather take one in the third or fourth than the 2nd, it’s a deep RB class, but I do think 7 is too late.

[FalconOdense]

I love this draft... You go defense with the first three picks. Love Blacklock in the second.

[g-dawg]

11 hours ago, gtech1 said:

What happened to our 4th-round pick?

Yessir, my mistake.    I will just let it ride now.  Assume we gave it up to move up in 2nd for Patrick Queen.

[g-dawg]

10 hours ago, FalconsIn2012 said:

So we should expect to hear your name called on draft day....my fav draftdreak is Gdawg

That would be nice but not expecting it.

Good Chance Patrick Queen doesn’t make it to #2-047 and I forgot the 4th rd pick - two more slots for possible RB.   Study up on the one I did put in draft.  Very nice player might go earlier.

Very excited about YGM.  He’s not some wispy edge rusher - he’s 6’5” and 265lbs.  Converts speed to power and can get the edge.

[Da_Truth]

13 hours ago, g-dawg said:

OK, here we are at the infancy stages of the offseason for 30 teams with two more still to  play - btw, who ya got?   I can see either team winning but at the end of the day, you want the best player on the field on the biggest stage - and that's Patrick Mahomes.     Niners probably have the better overall team but if Mahomes is ON and KC OL can give him enough time - they win.   It's that simple.

Back to the Atlanta Falcons.

I don't know what free agency brings - likely not much.   I still contend the Falcons should have dealt Austin Hooper - who is good/not great and "sold high" on him.   If we sign him to a long term deal, I believe it becomes a regrettable deal in that Hoop is just not a difference-maker that the opposing defense has to account.    Hope we don't re-sign him but assume we will.

Onto the Draft!!!!

The trade of Mohammad Sanu was nothing short of pure joy and elation.  Simply put, it's the best trade involving a player dealt away Thomas Dimitroff has done in his 11 years.   Hard to believe the great Bill Beliheck could get swindled that badly - i suppose there was another suitor to drive the price that high.    Falcons got the #55 pick overall which should be a good eventual starter for 4-8 years, if TD chooses wisely.Would like to see a little more creativity on draft day to produce at least one more pick in the top 130.

These players would greatly improve the team.  Now only if you could send your thought waves Dimitroff's way.

[g-dawg]

8 hours ago, DawnOfThemBirds said:

 

 

Yep, need a bigger LB to pair with Debo.

 

I don't see Freeman getting close to what he once was and I think he should be replaced much sooner rather than waiting another year. A 2nd round RB along with getting a decent starter at LG could be what the doctor ordered to get that run game back on track.

I believe I would prioritize DeVondre Campbell over Hooper - will be much cheaper and we need to keep him.

[DonOfThemBirds]

18 minutes ago, g-dawg said:

I believe I would prioritize DeVondre Campbell over Hooper - will be much cheaper and we need to keep him.

 

 

I think other teams will aggressively go after Campbell if he hits the market and throw more money at him than the Falcons will be able to.

[FL Falcon]

Well Done...I like it.

Thank you for the post

[g-dawg]

2 minutes ago, DawnOfThemBirds said:

 

 

I think other team will aggressively go after Campbell if he hits the market and throw more money at him than the Falcons will be able to.

probably.   there are so many teams w/ so much cap money and Falcons have none.

[g-dawg]

13 hours ago, HouseofEuphoria said:

I will say. it'd be tough to pass on A.J. Epinesa.

6'6" 280...Set that edge big guy!

Talk about your physical freaks.

don't get me wrong,  I like Epenesa - I just like Yetur Gross Matos a little more.   Both are physical players although would rate Epenesa slightly more physical.    YGM is the more explosive of the two though and that wins the day for me.    Ideally, I want one of these four (in this order) and would think at least one will drop to us:

1. Derrick Brown, DT
2. Javon Kinlaw, DT
3. Yetur Gross-Matos, DE
4. AJ Epenesa, DE