What's interesting is the Lions got some of the worst draft grades right after the draft. Just goes to show you that instant draft grades can be kind of silly. https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-grades-detroit-lions-picks-were-mostly-baffling-204958139.html
Thanks Nick! Or Hannah! Or Toro! Thanks Toro! CJ Stroud Tank Dell Jarrett Patterson Will Anderson Henry To’oTo’o Ty Zentner (although just waived) https://theathletic.com/4921432/2023/10/04/nfl-all-rookie-team-predictions-2023-draft/ Which 2023 NFL Draft picks have excelled so far? Our early All-Rookie Team Quarterback: C.J. Stroud, Texans Honorable mention: Anthony Richardson, Bryce Young It has been really enjoyable to watch Stroud carve up NFL defenses the past four weeks. My No. 4 player in the 2023 draft class, the Ohio State product was poised and structurally sound in college, and that has translated nicely to the pro game. His natural rhythm and pacing as a passer are why he has had such a hot start — and why he should be a productive starter for the next decade. A close second, Richardson has helped the Colts be competitive from Day 1. The passing volatility he’s shown was to be expected for a player with such meager experience — he currently ranks 33rd in the NFL in adjusted completion percentage. Considering he is just scratching the surface, though, the explosive plays (with both his arm and his legs) have been special. Young obviously falls third among the big three so far, given the number of rookie mistakes he’s made. But anyone who watches his tape can see that he will be just fine, especially once the Panthers give him more help. I can’t wait to see how this three-quarterback race ebbs and flows throughout the regular season. — Dane Brugler Running back: Bijan Robinson, Falcons; De’Von Achane, Dolphins Honorable mention: Jahmyr Gibbs, Zach Charbonnet, Roschon Johnson, Tank Bigsby, Tyjae Spears Wide receiver: Puka Nacua, Rams; Tank Dell, Texans; Zay Flowers, Ravens Honorable mention: Marvin Mims Jr., Jordan Addison, Josh Downs, Michael Wilson, Jayden Reed, Trey Palmer, Rashee Rice, Ronnie Bell, Dontayvion Wicks Nacua has been the clear top rookie wideout … just like we all thought, right? He ranks No. 1 among all NFL players in targets (50, tied with Davante Adams) and receptions (39) and is second in receiving yards (501, behind only Justin Jefferson). Somehow, he has found the end zone only once, but that touchdown won an overtime game Sunday. Based on his college film, I gave Nacua a third-round draft grade, but the major variable was his durability. Despite being banged up, he has stayed on the field thus far for Los Angeles, and he landed in a perfect situation with Matthew Stafford. A pair of “undersized” receivers, Flowers and Dell, deserve to be recognized, too. Flowers is second among rookies in receptions (24) and has been electric with the ball in his hands. He’s also yet to register a drop. Meanwhile, Dell’s 267 receiving yards rank second among first-year players, and his two touchdown grabs are tied for first among rookies. — Brugler Tight end: Sam LaPorta, Lions Honorable mention: Luke Musgrave, Dalton Kincaid, Will Mallory, Josh Whyle Offensive line: Dawand Jones, Browns; Jarrett Patterson, Texans; Steve Avila, Rams; Matthew Bergeron, Falcons; Paris Johnson Jr., Cardinals Honorable mention: O’Cyrus Torrence, Darnell Wright, Cody Mauch, Chandler Zavala, John Michael Schmitz Jr., Anton Harrison, Joe Tippmann, Peter Skoronski, Atonio Mafi No surprise to see Torrence on this list — he was ready to go when he was drafted. Avila has had some technical issues, but he fights through every rep and looks like a keeper. After coming off the bench in Week 1, Jones has been near-perfect in pass pro for two of his three starts and has allowed just one QB hit in 154 reps. Bergeron has flashed, and he will continue to improve in Atlanta’s system. The surprise of the group, perhaps, has been Patterson. He won the starting center job in camp, and, outside of a rough opener against Baltimore, hasn’t had any issues with his below-average length. His play IQ also continues to show up in positive ways. His last two outings (at Jacksonville, vs. Pittsburgh) were his best yet. — Baumgardner Edge: Will Anderson Jr., Texans; Tuli Tuipulotu, Chargers; Byron Young, Rams Honorable mention: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Lukas Van Ness, Keion White, Colby Wooden, Myles Murphy, Zach Harrison Anderson has made Houston’s aggressive trade to acquire him look like a worthy investment. Of all rookies with 100 or more snaps on the edge, he’s third in total pressures (13) and second in pressure rate (13 percent). His high energy and intensity show up in all facets of his game and have been a boon to this rebuilding Texans roster. Just like in his final season at USC, Tuipulotu is producing with a relentless motor and hand-fighting skills. He’s second among all rookie edge rushers in total pressures (14) and just a shade behind Anderson in pressure rate. Young is in the same cluster as Anderson and Tuipulotu, as he leads all rookies in total pressures (16) and pressure rate (15 percent). If he stays healthy, he can be another major steal by the Rams as their roster pivots. — Lee Defensive line: Jalen Carter, Eagles; Bryan Bresee, Saints Honorable mention: Gervon Dexter Sr., Kobie Turner, Karl Brooks, Keeanu Benton Linebacker: Ivan Pace Jr., Vikings; Jack Campbell, Lions; Henry To’oTo’o, Texans Honorable mention: Marte Mapu, Nick Herbig There were 24 off-ball linebackers drafted in April. Somehow, Pace wasn’t one of them. I understand why he wasn’t a top-100 draft pick: He is undersized, and scouts had questions about his ability to hold up in coverage or even play special teams in the NFL. But Pace still was too good on his Cincinnati film to go undrafted. His instincts, play speed and overall urgency to affect the game have translated well. Personally, I voted for To’oTo’o as the second linebacker — he leads all rookies in tackles (27). But I also understand the love for Campbell. He hasn’t been a full-time guy for the Lions just yet, but he has been productive when on the field. — Brugler Cornerback: Christian Gonzalez, Patriots; Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks; Emmanuel Forbes, Commanders Honorable mention: Jakorian Bennett, Deonte Banks, Kei’Trel Clark, DJ Turner, Tyrique Stevenson Nickel/Safety: Brian Branch, Lions; Christian Izien, Bucs Honorable mention: Jordan Howden Kicker: Jake Moody, 49ers Honorable mention: Brandon Aubrey, Anders Carlson, Chad Ryland, Blake Grupe Punter: Ethan Evans, Rams Honorable mention: Bryce Baringer, Brad Robbins, Lou Hedley, Ty Zentner Special teams: Marvin Mims Jr., Broncos Honorable mention: Charlie Jones, Xavier Gipson, Derius Davis
You guys need to eat a little crow and face the facts. That dude Richardson who had 23 TD and 14 INT his last two years of college wasn't worth picking simply because he was termed by some as this supposedly strong and an elite athlete. We see how that worked out. Same with people choosing Young and Levis over Stroud. Count your blessings we got the pick right. CJ Stroud was the best pick by far.
You do realize that we have right? If you’re going to call someone out, be aware of what has been said since far after the posts you’re quoting
I think its always dangerous to put the cart before the horse. Im happy with CJ Stroud as QB, but nobody can tell what either player would be doing if they wound up on the other team. Lets take a look at this draft class in a couple of seasons and with some luck we will all feel even more comfortable that this team identified the correct prospect. To diminish what AR was doing because he got hurt is too easy. Obviously to the 'mobile QBs get hurt' contingent its further proof that these QBs dont pan out, but I'll keep pointing to Hurts and Allen as best case scenarios for the philosophy. If you have the stomach to punish your QB and shorten his shelf life the RPO with a capable guy to run that system is still a problem for NFL defenses.
Don't jinx it. While Stroud has looked great, we are only 6 games into it. Those other guys aren't busts by any stretch.
If Hurts having 7 TD and 7 INT in his 4th year or Allen having 13 TD and 6 INT in his 6th year is the best case scenario then I'll stick with my hopes for Stroud. I'm hoping once we get a better running game or another top WR his chances of becoming better are pretty realistic. Imagine what he might do with a healthy O Line, a RB who is a threat in the red zone, some better targets to throw to, and a little more experience in the years to come. I'm not saying AR might not get better, but I doubt he lasts as long or becomes less turnover prone than Stroud. That's my hunch.
I don't believe in the jinx. Nothing I say will affect Stroud's performance. I didn't say those guys were busts. I said I believe we chose the best QB. I believe when and if they get better that Stroud will too, and they won't reach his potential. I'll eat crow in 3 years if I'm wrong.
Hurts took his team to the SB last year and played phenomenally well on the biggest stage of his life. Look at the landscape from last years playoffs from the AFC out of the 6 teams that made it 3 had a "mobile" QB (JAX, BAL, BUF) and on the NFC side PHI, NYG. Almost half of the playoff teams had QBs who can hurt you with their legs. You are fair to criticize the philosophy as I agree it takes a huge toll on your most important position, but it can also be the fastest way to the playoffs and into competing in meaningful games. Not trying to diminish CJ in any way hope that is understood.
Don't jinx it. While Stroud has looked great, we are only 6 games into it. Those other guys aren't busts by any stretch. No doubt. I am just saying the gap is still to be determined. Those other 2 guys have had some electric flashes but the jury is still out on all 3.
Just saying I have as more faith in CJ, than I do in the other rookies like Anthony Richardson, Young, and Levis. I also believe in him being better than a lot of more mobile current QBs once he has experience and a better group around him. As far as getting to Super Bowls, the majority of those winners, mobile or not had great running backs, and some of the best tight ends and WRs in the league. My bet is that most Super Bowl winners had running backs that averaged over 5 yards per carry, and scored multiple TDS in the red zone. That is one of our biggest weaknesses. We also don't have a great TE, and need at least one more big time WR. Hopefully in a couple more years we have all of that and more.
I'm just so glad we didn't have to watch CJ struggle badly his first year. He's been a joy to watch. We all needed that I think, after so many frustrating years of football.
CJ is far and away the best rookie from the 2024 class. Tank and CJ are top 10 rookies. To'oTo'o is probably a top 20 rookie or so. This is potentially the type of draft that sets up a team for a long time.
It's looking good at the 1/8th pole. But plenty could happen during the 4 year draft evaluation period to make this premature. I am hopeful, but not prophetic.