My #1 draft target isn't a first rounder...what do we do?
 

Guys,

The more I think about it, the more I like Amani Hooker out of Iowa with one of our 2nds. He can play in nearly every base and sub package, as a S, CB, or LB, and brings much needed versatility (and thus, unpredictability) to the defense. As of right now, I think he's #1 on my wish list, despite likely being a 2nd-round pick.

That being said, if we were to get him, what do we do in Round 1? Jaylon Ferguson? DeAndre Baker?

I’m starting to accept the TE in round 1 argument.

I always have to check myself because I'm a Hawkeye homer, but Iowa puts a lot of good DBs in to the NFL. I think he would be a solid pick and a game one starter, which is exactly what we need.

I just saw he’s 6 ft 210 lbs. he’s got excellent tape and good size.

If he runs well he should be in the conversation for a late first rd pick. Might just take him at 29.

Honestly watching this guy he doesn’t look like he’s falling to the late 2nd.

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I haven't seen the aggression in him that I've seen in Adderley. He's a stout guy but plays like a true FS. Adderley plays more like that newer breed of combo safeties that can play either technique.

I think he's a fine FS prospect that I'd be okay with in the late 2nd but I wouldn't be a fan of him in the 1st. He's a more refined Watts to my eyes; that's fine, but it's not a 1st rounder.

The scheme is read and react. Iowa plays cover 2 zone with a lot of base and very little nickel or blitzing.

So one of the safeties biggest jobs is not letting anyone get behind them. Then close and tackle. They don't want those guys to be overly aggressive, it leads to missed assignments or tackles and thus big plays.

And yes, Adderly is a guy that would be worth our #29. Hooker is somebody I would take at the end of the 2nd (if he lasts that long).

So if I'm passing on Adderly in the hopes of landing Hooker, who do I take in the first?

If you package 61 and 92 you could get up to about 48 with the Dolphins which may put you in the Hooker wheelhouse IMO.

Double-Down on Amani's.
1. CB Amani Oruwariye, Penn State
2. DB Amani Hooker, Iowa

A TE or Baker.

Use the other 2 to move up into range for White, stay at 29 and take Wilson. I could see Cody Ford sliding and being the best available option.

And there are going to be some really good DL available at the back of the round as well. I have no idea who it will be or how they'd fit in the scheme, but it could be Ferguson, Sweat, Gary, Lawrence or Wilkens; any of them are possible as I doubt ALL of them go in the 1st.

There are lots of ways to go but Crow's right - if you make your pick in the 1st because you think you can get to Hooker in the 2nd...you'd better be right or you'd better be willing to burn a 3rd to move up. I'm not sure that I'm that confident either way.

Yeah, I know it's not all that realistic. Was just wondering.

Are you thinking an Aaron Hernandez-type to Kelce’s Gronk?

I'd be open to trading down at the end of the first. Maybe try to pull the old Patriot move of flipping a late 1 for an early/mid 2 and a 1 next year.

Mocks are just that - but I have yet to see any mocks with Hooker being picked any earlier than mid-late 2nd round, and most have him going in the 3rd.

Solid player whom I like, but I just don’t see him as a high ceiling prospect.

That's many Amanis.