When exciting NFL events come around, all I want to do is talk about them.
At home, on the bus, at the mall, wherever I go, I’ll try to start a discussion. I guess that’s why I have a Twitter account, no? So with the NFL Draft week upon us, per usual, I want to talk about it– a lot. I’m always looking to start conversations and debates on Twitter, so I figured, why not take those questions and turn them into a column? That way, I don’t have to actually read some very tricky Twitter handles, thus, embarrassing myself. This year’s draft has plenty of storylines to consider, and, thanks to a certain team out of Philadelphia, offers very little clarity outside of the top pick.
Let’s talk.
@APfeifer24 gut feeling Adam…which RB do my Cowboys take?
— Jen Ryan (@jerseyjen22) April 27, 2015
The all important question…
After watching how dominant their running attack was last year, it’s no secret that all fantasy players’ eyes will be fixed upon whichever running back Dallas inevitably draft. With the 26th overall pick, it’s unlikely that either Todd Gurley or Melvin Gordon are there for the taking. I’m not certain if Dallas even takes a running back with their first pick, especially since they have some holes on the defense to consider. However, they WILL take one.
Here’s what I see.
First off, I’ll selfishly project my man crush of 2015, T.J. Yeldon, to land in Dallas. He’ll be a second or third round pick, but could easily eclipse that value. A talented runner who always moves his feet, Yeldon can also catch the ball well out of the backfield, and he’ll fit well with the Cowboys’ inside-zone running scheme. He also operates very well out of the shotgun formation. Don’t forget, Dallas was high on former Alabama back, Mark Ingram during the draft, and reportedly also targeted him during free agency. They aren’t the same back, but both Yeldon and Ingram have some similarities, as well as the Nick Saban guarantee, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Yeldon ranks 4th in yards (3,322), 5th in carries (576) and 3rd in touchdowns (37) in school history.
I could also very well see Dallas select Indiana running back, Tevin Coleman. He’s a straight line runner with arguably the best vision in this class, which is an ideal fit behind the Cowboys elite offensive line. Heck, he actually looks a bit like DeMarco Murray at times, too.
@APfeifer24 White 3rd? He’s been near unanimous 1-2. What don’t you like?
— Anthony Browner (@GoVikes0910) April 25, 2015
This is in regard to my wide receiver rankings, which are as follows:
1) Amari Cooper, Alabama
2) DeVante Parker, Louisville
3) Kevin White, West Virginia
4) Dorial Green-Beckham, Missouri
5) Jaelen Strong, Arizona State
6) Nelson Agholor, USC
7) Phillip Dorsett, Miami
8) Breshad Perriman, UCF
Essentially, there is nothing I dislike about Kevin White. You can (and many have) make the case that he’s the best overall wide receiver prospect available. He’s uber-talented, has 4.35 speed and ideal NFL frame, standing at 6’3″, 215 pounds. So it’s not what I DON’T like about White, but rather what I DO like about Cooper and Parker. Simply put, I just like them a bit more. I think Cooper is the best wideout, the smartest and most NFL-ready and has the highest floor, while having similar upside. Parker, meanwhile, offers more touchdown upside to me, which is what I prefer to target with rookie wide receivers. 21 percent of Parker’s career receptions at Louisville went for touchdowns. So while White could very possibly end up as the best of the group, I just slightly prefer Cooper and Parker.
@APfeifer24 Will Mariota be an Eagle?
— Keiana D. Williams © (@PHSportsGoddess) April 25, 2015
It might actually be easier for me, a consistent C Math student, to solve a trigonometry equation than to answer the ongoing question surrounding the former Oregon Duck.
Each time these Mariota to Philly rumors get shot down, they arise just days later, and lately, with even more steam. Having said that, after everything that has transpired this offseason, if I had to guess, I’d say that Marcus Mariota will be a member of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. I just feel like it’s one of those things that are meant to happen. Like Cory and Topanga, peanut butter and jelly, potato chips and buffalo sauce. What’s that? The last one is just me?
Alrighty then.
But seriously. Chip Kelly is the king of smokescreen, and he rarely tells the media the whole truth. He hasn’t been shy to acquire former players, so why would he stop at arguably the most talented he’s ever had?
