Originally posted by Niners23:
OTC, a few questions for you, first, what's your opinion about Trent Williams being able to play LT, or is he strictly an RT? His combine numbers were impressive and may give support to the idea that he's able to play LT, but how do you see him panning out in the NFL?
Second, as far as pure pass rushers go, I get the distinct feeling that Jerry Hughes may be the best pure rusher as either a 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB in this entire class, what do you think?
Third, what do you think of Jimmy Graham? Is he worth investing a 4th round pick as a TE? I realize we're mainly looking for a blocking TE, but physically, he looks like the closest thing to Antonio Gates I've seen in a long time.
Lastly, this seems to be a very deep group as far as DBs go, and 2 of the fastest rising CB that I've seen are Brandon Ghee and Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. What's your opinion of both of them, and do either have the potential to be an elite-level CB in this league?
Thanks for your draft board and info!
1. While I think Trent is best suited to the right side, I do believe he could play on the left. The adjustment takes time, and Williams was moved all over the place on that line this year, starting at Center in their bowl game, even. That versatility is always a plus, and his athleticism tacked on to that make him one of the top three tackles in my mind.
2. Outside of Brandon Graham, you could be right. Among the rest, Hughes is likely the most polished product. He's a balanced player who can also drop into coverage. I think he should learn a few more moves rather than relying on speed and athleticism all the time, but all in all, he has great potential to become something special in the NFL.
3. Is he worth it in general? Yes. For us? Tough question. I'm not sure we should do that, or
would do that, with so many other pressing needs. But I fully agree, the kid's a freak. Low 4.5's at 6-6 260 is incredible. It's difficult not to draw Gates comparisons when you do that. He and Clay Harbour are both TE prospects I like as 3rd to early 4th rounders. I'm not sure Harbour would make it there to the 4th, and I'm almost willing to say there's zero chance Graham gets out of the third.
4. Love Ghee and Akwasi. Ghee has terrific recovery speed (further evidenced by his 4.3 forty), and over his career at Wake he seemed to do well against bigger receivers, a trait we definitely value in our conference. The knock on Ghee is instincts, as he just doesn't seem to have that quick reaction you look for, especially when facing quicker receivers, or just quick passing plays in general.
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah is probably the most physically imposing corner in the draft, and possibly the fastest. At his size (6-0 207), his 4.32 time is remarkable. He reminds me of a bigger, faster Leodis McKelvin, who I predicted would climb into the first. His he sustained this year will probably keep him out of the first, but I think he'll go in the second because of his sensational return ability
(9 return TDs) and potential to be a top-tier press corner in the league, which scouts feel he can do based greatly on just his physical stature. I wouldn't be surprised if we were the ones to pull the trigger.
[ Edited by OnTheClock on Mar 29, 2010 at 13:33:06 ]
