2018 Edge Players

kccrow · 02-03-2018, 07:10 AM

The more I watch tape on these kids (again), the less thrilled I am with the prospects of adding a quality OLB in this draft. Every single one seems to have some major flaw that I just can't get over. The few I think will be good players in the NFL without some significant time investment are going to go in round 1 or high round 2 (namely Chubb, Landry, and Davenport).

At this point, I'd really question the Chiefs if they went that way in round 2. I think there will be far more players at other positions primed to make a more immediate impact with that pick. I think pass rusher should be a position picked but with an emphasis on projectable traits in round 3 or 4.

So, that said, I'm curious for everyone's opinions on these guys. The who and why.

Here's a few that pique my interest to get started and some comps in this draft (in my opinion):

Dorance Armstrong Jr. (Kansas) - I like this kid a bit and that's mostly due to athleticism and the fact that he did have one good year of production. He just didn't produce this past season and that's a huge concern. He has speed, a good first step, and agility to flatten on his bend. He has a poor repertoire of pass rush moves and no plan, he just doesn't set up moves. He doesn't have good strength at the point of attack and he doesn't convert speed to power and deliver a jolt to the offensive lineman.
Others like him in this class: Kemoko Turay (Rutgers), Jeff Holland (Auburn)

Tyquan Lewis (Ohio State) - Lewis has always been a solid producer, but he isn't flashy and doesn't possess elite traits. Lewis actually reminds me most of a guy like Tamba Hali. Decent power and good use of his hands, but he's not going to ever have an elite first step and he is pretty stiff. He'll have to get stronger at the pro level to continue producing decent stats.
Others like him in this class: Chad Thomas (Miami), Justin Lawler (SMU), Marcell Frazier (Missouri), Duke Ejiofor (Wake Forest), Lorenzo Carter (Georgia)

Hercules Mataafa (Washington State) - Has fairly good technique and good burst, plus solid hand usage. Major knock is the size and, more importantly, length. Probably only 6'1" and doesn't look to have very long arms. With a size disadvantage, keeping lineman off his frame needs to be a priority and I'm not sure he'll be able to do that. Generally gets by lineman because he has much better speed and quickness (much due to the size difference), but that may not be a factor in the pros.
Others like him in this class: Ogbonnia Okoronkwro (Oklahoma), Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (Toledo), Marquis Haynes (Mississippi)

02-03-2018, 07:10 AM	Topic Starter
kccrow MVP Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Michigan Casino cash: $3057078	2018 Edge Players The more I watch tape on these kids (again), the less thrilled I am with the prospects of adding a quality OLB in this draft. Every single one seems to have some major flaw that I just can't get over. The few I think will be good players in the NFL without some significant time investment are going to go in round 1 or high round 2 (namely Chubb, Landry, and Davenport). At this point, I'd really question the Chiefs if they went that way in round 2. I think there will be far more players at other positions primed to make a more immediate impact with that pick. I think pass rusher should be a position picked but with an emphasis on projectable traits in round 3 or 4. So, that said, I'm curious for everyone's opinions on these guys. The who and why. Here's a few that pique my interest to get started and some comps in this draft (in my opinion): Dorance Armstrong Jr. (Kansas) - I like this kid a bit and that's mostly due to athleticism and the fact that he did have one good year of production. He just didn't produce this past season and that's a huge concern. He has speed, a good first step, and agility to flatten on his bend. He has a poor repertoire of pass rush moves and no plan, he just doesn't set up moves. He doesn't have good strength at the point of attack and he doesn't convert speed to power and deliver a jolt to the offensive lineman. Others like him in this class: Kemoko Turay (Rutgers), Jeff Holland (Auburn) Tyquan Lewis (Ohio State) - Lewis has always been a solid producer, but he isn't flashy and doesn't possess elite traits. Lewis actually reminds me most of a guy like Tamba Hali. Decent power and good use of his hands, but he's not going to ever have an elite first step and he is pretty stiff. He'll have to get stronger at the pro level to continue producing decent stats. Others like him in this class: Chad Thomas (Miami), Justin Lawler (SMU), Marcell Frazier (Missouri), Duke Ejiofor (Wake Forest), Lorenzo Carter (Georgia) Hercules Mataafa (Washington State) - Has fairly good technique and good burst, plus solid hand usage. Major knock is the size and, more importantly, length. Probably only 6'1" and doesn't look to have very long arms. With a size disadvantage, keeping lineman off his frame needs to be a priority and I'm not sure he'll be able to do that. Generally gets by lineman because he has much better speed and quickness (much due to the size difference), but that may not be a factor in the pros. Others like him in this class: Ogbonnia Okoronkwro (Oklahoma), Olasunkanmi Adeniyi (Toledo), Marquis Haynes (Mississippi)
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