2025 Draft Grades

[comet52]

I'm not a draftnik and have no basis on which to hand out letter grades. I'll just give a few opinions.

OG Jackson - got a good feeling about this one. Of course that often turns out wrong but hopefully this is not one of those times. Some people thought he was the best guard in the draft. They say the draft didn't fall our way and this was probably our bpa. It's also what KOC wanted - he's been on a mission since the Rams debacle to upgrade the IOL and I'd say at this point, mission accomplished.

WR Felton - beat writers said the coaches had to watch him at a workout to verify he could field kicks before they would ok taking him. It's apparently why they wanted him. Didn't field kicks in college so... why are they thinking that? Who knows. Our draft process under KAM has not exactly been underwater 4D chess playing so far.

DE Ingram-Dawkins - same writers said Flores is pumped about him and Flores doesn't easily get pumped. Take it for what you will, I saw one highlight reel after they took him, he just looks like every other dlineman. But I'm not an expert.

The rest - I know nothing and have no opinion. Thor Nystrom is the only draft "expert" out there who I even occasionally listen to because I think he's informative and tries to be objective. He gave our draft a D but did have some positive things to say about some of the guys except Bartholomew who he thought was a mistake. That is all.

[greediron]

I thought it was a good draft to be honest. IMO the best G in the class. He wouldn't have made it past 25 and I firmly believe that. Felton is a baller and a player the Vikings and KOC really wanted. We got our wish. Kobe King was a MLB that I liked a ton. He is a beast and will be all over the ball carrier. The draft went well for the limited picks we had. I am a little surprised with no RB. The real issue I had, no DT when they were there for the taking. That part baffles me. It got me thinking, are we building to strictly to go for the SB on JJs rookie deal? Almost seems that way. If that is the case, I am fine with it.

People are weird. They aren't better than anyone that works in the NFL. This isn't Madden. Sometimes things are just a waste of my time.

I think the thumper MLB is going to make a comeback.  I know nothing about the college players, but like the thought of adding that type of depth.  Pace is a good starter, but he is also small and so some meat in the middle makes good sense.

[Bunsen82]

I really think this draft and how well it is view will be based on Ingram Dawkins.  Dawkins has the potential to be very good,  and did flash some last year, but even in a loaded room he didn't get as much playing time as you would have expected with someone with his athleticism.  If he becomes a rotational or starter down the road it will change drastically how this draft is viewed.  If you effectively find another Hunter with a 5th round pick it completely changes your draft. As well as finding useable parts from UDFA's.    

In 2023 - You had Addison, Blackmon, Ward and Mcbride -  not bad.  Add in UDFA Ivan Pace and that is an excellent draft. 

2024 -  McCarthy, Turner,  Jackson (RIP), Rouse, Reichard, and Levi Rodriguez  udfa's - Gabriel Murphy, Richter, Jones, Mcglothern, Taki Taimani

Those both look like 2 very solid drafts.  add a 3rd on top with limited capital and I think the mantra that we don't draft well has to go away.