Football GM: Player rankings on the defensive side in the 2024 draft
Apr 20, 2024
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Football GM Randy and Mike discuss their top 10 defensive players in the 2024 NFL draft, explaining how they make their choices and how teams build their draft boards. They also touch on the importance of player leadership, mental toughness, and evaluating intangible qualities in prospects. The conversation highlights the scarcity of traditional big players and the need to look beyond conventional numbers when analyzing defensive prospects.
Cornerback Nate Wiggins showcases rare cover skills and press coverage abilities in the 2024 draft.
Consistency and discipline are highlighted in cornerback rankings, with TJ Tampa conceding only five significant plays.
Versatility and performance consistency are crucial factors in evaluating defensive draft prospects for successful professional careers.
Deep dives
Top Defensive Players Evaluation
Nate Wiggins from Clemson stands out with rare cover skills, being targeted only 45 times and giving up 19 receptions the entire year. His press coverage and ability to close on the ball impress. Queenie and Mitchell and TJ Tampa show strong performances with Mitchell aligned well with consensus views. The disciplined TJ Tampa conceded only five plays of 15+ yards all season.
Cornerback Rankings Analysis
In the cornerback rankings, Nate Wiggins leads the pack with his versatile skills while Queenie and Mitchell impress with solid performances. TJ Tampa showcases consistency, giving up only five significant plays throughout the season. Terion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry from Alabama demonstrate coachability and resilience, likely to be late first-round or second-round picks.
Significance of Length in Cornerback Selection
Length becomes a critical factor in cornerbacks' evaluation, favoring prospects like Nate Wiggins and TJ Tampa who bring a blend of size, skill, and athleticism. The discipline and performance consistency shown by these players, such as Tampa, play a vital role in their potential to succeed at the professional level.
Evaluation of Defensive Draft Prospects
The podcast delves into evaluating defensive draft prospects, particularly focusing on key positions such as cornerbacks, safeties, and edge rushers. The discussion reveals the importance of clearly defining a player's position and role, emphasizing the significance of versatility and clear vision in player selection. Specific examples like Caleb Bullock from USC and J. Von Bullard from Georgia are highlighted for their athleticism and potential to excel in various positions.
Team Strategies for Drafting Quarterbacks
The podcast explores team strategies for drafting quarterbacks, using the examples of the Patriots and Vikings. It discusses the cautious approach taken by teams like the Vikings, who prioritize not making desperate moves for a quarterback if their current option, like Sam Darnold, is viable. The conversation underscores the challenge of balancing public perception, draft grades, and long-term team success when selecting quarterbacks, drawing on past experiences and strategic decision-making processes.
Mike and Randy go over their top 10 defensive players in this year's draft. The guys discuss the reasons why they chose the players they did and how they fit. From there, Randy explains some of the things that go on in a draft room and how teams come up with their clusters of players on their board. And then we wrap things up with the GM notebook.