Made this 4 rd pre FA mock for fun. Heavy on the Defensive side of the ball. Thoughts?
1) Derwin James- S
You can cue the tomatoes if you want but Derwin is an absolute beast. Tampa lands a Kam Chancellor clone with the first pick. To the ones who will shout about not picking DL, I hear you, but I just don't see the value there outside of Chubb. I'm not sipping the Vita Vea koolaid, and I think that comparable talent can be found in the ensuing round(s). So with that being said I think James is the best mixture of BPA at a position of need here at 7.
Pros: Derwin' s combination of size/strength/speed is something that looks to have been created in a laboratory. His versatility to play coverage, come up and support the run, and even rush the passer would completely re-map the types of looks we could give to opposing offenses. I've rarely seen him beaten over the top, and is known for punishing backs and receivers in his vicinity. Something our Defense lacks is that tough attitude and swagger, James brings that. I have him translating as a pure SS which would compliment Evans skill set, and gives him the edge over Minkah IMO.
Cons: the biggest being against him is that he does not play on the defensive line. But that aside I only have a couple of concerns with Derwin: a) his hands aren't the greatest. He is usually in good position in coverage and does not get beaten very often but he should have had a few more INTs racked up. b) he does have a history of a knee injury, although that did not seem to hinder him this last year.
2) Taven Bryan- DE/DT
With Bryan we are talking about a guy who was versatile enough to play all across the line at UF. I think he's capable of being a 4-3 end that would immediately give a boost to the run defense, and has the potential to improve his pass rush from the 4-3 end spot. What I really like about Bryan is that he's got the frame to play the end position from a 3-4 or 3-3-5 as well. Mike Smith wants to have a "multiple" defense and the team actually had some success rushing the passer in the 3-3-5. I think adding Bryan would be a player that would give our rotation a boost for sure.
Pros: Strength is his biggest asset and he often over powers blockers with it. Plays with a mean streak. Versatile defender.
Cons: Needs to add more pass rushing moves to his arsenal. Relies on his strength to get to the qb which probably won't work as well at the next level. Does not project as the prototypical 4-3 DE.
3) Tim Settle- DT
Licht doubles down on the D line with the third pick and takes Settle. As of now I'm thinking it's possible to get this guy in the third but as the draft gets closer his stock will probably rise. May need to trade up into the second for him. I love this guy as a prospect. Now with Bryan and Settle in the rotation the bucs have some more options and youth to work with.
Pros: He's got a nice burst off the line and would pair well with McCoy. He may not eat double teams like Vea but he gets AFTER the qb. He uses his hands well, and put up good production for the Hokies.
Cons: may be just me but I think the guy could stand to lose a few pounds. Probably would make him even quicker and stronger. He's got the frame of a classic 3-4 NT (but I think with his skill set he can handle a role in a 4-3 or play the nose in a 3-3-5.)
4) Frank Ragnow- G/C
We look to add some depth to the Oline here with the fourth pick by taking Franky boy. Solid Center/ Guard prospect that gives us options across the Oline.
Pros: good size for the position, moves well in space. Does a good job at the second level, and holds up well in pass pro. Hasn't given up a sack in 26 games.
Cons: lacks raw strength and struggles with larger linemen.
