It was an eventful night in Detroit Michigan. The “fans, ” or industry plants, were supporting their respective teams in full force on one of the most important evenings in the NFL offseason. It was a night of celebration for many teams and a night of misery, distraught, and anger for others. The spectacle that now is the NFL draft, has an incredible build-up beginning at the start of Janurary of every new year. All the bozo teams that don’t make the playoffs are forced to look at mock drafts, projections, film, and listen to so-called “experts” give their horrific takes on players, coaches, and teams year in and year out. I have been subjected to this pain for 6 straight years because the Panthers have been so bad I start looking at mock drafts before Christmas time. In fact, I knew the Panthers were going to draft Xavier Legette after he mossed UNC defenders in the Duke’s Mayo Kickoff game at Bank of America Stadium in September. I’m going to go over some of last night’s picks that we love and the ones (falcons) that made us scratch our heads a little.
Love:
Pick 4 Cardinals select, Marvin Harrison Jr.
I know he was the top prospect in the draft, which is why he makes the love list. Getting MHJ at pick 4 is an absolute steal. He is pro-ready and is going to make a day 1 impact on the entire Arizona offense. Kyler Murray should have his #1 guy for the foreseeable future. Every year there is a rookie wideout that stands out, this year it is going to be MHJ. I don’t need to elaborate on his ability because it flies off the tape. Hands, route running, stability, separation, and pedigree are all in a class of their own. Absolute win for Jonathan Gannon and Co. (I can’t wait for more Gannon videos).
Pick 9 Bears select, Rome Odunze
Another WR steal that is a direct result of the run on QBs. The luxury of pairing a young QB with a young WR like Rome Odunze cannot be understated. Every great QB has their guy, and as a DJ Moore fan, I think Odunze’s ability to grow with Caleb Williams will serve them both down the line. Odunze has the build of a reliable player who will be there for the QB no matter what. Whatever needs to get done you can count on Odunze to help. I gather this from his film at Washington as well as his demeanor in interviews- the kid flat-out wants to ball and help out any way he can. Caleb and Odunze will be two names feared in the league in a couple of years.
Pick 17 Minnesota Vikings select, Dallas Turner
Turner was an absolute beast at Alabama. He runs around the field like a maniac and it is clear when he hits people how strong and violent he is. After a suspect first pick, selecting JJ McCarthy, the Vikings made a splash at 17. His 9 sacks last year at Bama will be a huge boost for a team that needs help in a lot of areas defensively. I can see him becoming a star in this league and a fan favorite in Minnesota. (Shoutout my friend Tarquin, he loves the JJ pick).
Pick 21 Miami Dolphins select, Chop Robinson.
The name speaks for itself- badass. Chop is a stud athlete, and if you followed any of the NFL combine you would know this. He has 4.4 speed at a ridiculous 6’3 250 lb frame. He is explosive and quick and will beat most tackles off the edge if it comes down to pure burst. If you watch his film too, he has a natural leverage that helps propel him forward when rushing the passer. I think leverage and speed are a deadly combo when rushing on the outside in the NFL, and if he develops a killer spin move he will be tough to stop.
Pick 27 Arizona Cardinals select, DROB
A biased pick here for my guy Ross, but Darius Robinson is a lock-the-gates type of guy. When he enters the field, he’s locking the gates and not allowing anyone to escape without being battered and bruised. The dude is a wonderful human being off the field and a bruiser on the field. His passion for the game and desire to win is a product of being a Missouri Tiger under Coach Drink, who truly knows how to get the most out of every player he coaches. Robinson won’t outrun you, but his power and persistence will push your mind to the limit every play. Tackles and guards will be on the lookout for this guy next season.
Pick 32 Carolina Panthers select, Xavier Legette
I closed my computer after the Niners drafted Pearsall, assuming that the Bills would select either AD Mitchell or Ladd Mconkey with the 32nd pick. I then opened twitter for one final Panthers check-in before the second round. I was then shocked to see we had traded up and instantly turned the draft back on to see us select the Carolina kid Xavier Legette. Legette is the most entertaining interviewee I have ever listened to. His South Carolina twang and country tone make him a microphone mammoth. However, this all comes second to his play on the field. He is a deep ball threat with 50/50 ball playmaking ability that will get you off your seat and your feet into the air. His speed and acceleration jump off the tape when he takes kickoffs and slants to the house in every highlight. Dave Canales knows how to run offenses with big-bodied beasts like Legette and pair them nicely with slimmer separators like Dioante Johnson. I think his growth with Bryce will be vital to the success of an offense that needs playmakers and guys who can catch the ball and take it to the crib. It’s safe to say I am excited. (I’m delusional).
Hate:
Pick 8 Atlanta Falcons select, Michael Penix.
I want to be clear and go on the record to say I love Penix as a player. However, if I am a Falcons fan I am upset right now. They have a solid roster, but it isn’t a Super Bowl roster by any means, and the addition of a defensive playmaker would have helped them propel to the next level. I understand the vision of having a guy grow and learn behind a veteran (a la GB Packers) but I don’t get it with Penix. He’s almost 25 and will be 28 by the time Kirk Cousins’ massive overpay deal is done. They now have an immense amount of money invested in two QBs that will never get them over the hump (i hate the falcons). I wanted to see Penix in Las Vegas and see him battle it out with Aidan O’Connell for the starting job but that ship sailed with the 8th selection. Again, I love the player and think he’s a stud, just don’t like the economic decision-making by the Falcons.