[plantmanky]

Draft is less than 2 weeks away.


What do you think your team is going to do?



No super stud QB this year, lots of DLine talent will go early.  Will Titans trade the #1 pick, will the Browns draft a QB.  Who gets traded during the draft?

[Cactus Jack]

If I'm a GM or coach, I'm steering clear of Shedeur Sanders.

Cam Ward seems like the best QB but I don't know that he's ever going to be more than a replacement level starter.

Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter seem like sure things. Jeantty seems like he'll be solid and the RB position seems like it's back on it's way to being valued again, but he carried the ball a lot last season.

Can't really go wrong with a solid offensive lineman, but there's been a lot made of some of Will Campbell's measureables. Georgia defensive players have been really solid overall the past few seasons and are probably going to be a fallback for a few organizations who might be divided.

[jetpilot]

If I'm a GM or coach, I'm steering clear of Shedeur Sanders.

Cam Ward seems like the best QB but I don't know that he's ever going to be more than a replacement level starter.

Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter seem like sure things. Jeantty seems like he'll be solid and the RB position seems like it's back on it's way to being valued again, but he carried the ball a lot last season.

Can't really go wrong with a solid offensive lineman, but there's been a lot made of some of Will Campbell's measureables. Georgia defensive players have been really solid overall the past few seasons and are probably going to be a fallback for a few organizations who might be divided.

I'm sure the Browns are working around the clock to figure out how to fk up their pick at #3.

[jetpilot]

If I'm a GM or coach, I'm steering clear of Shedeur Sanders.

Cam Ward seems like the best QB but I don't know that he's ever going to be more than a replacement level starter.

Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter seem like sure things. Jeantty seems like he'll be solid and the RB position seems like it's back on it's way to being valued again, but he carried the ball a lot last season.

Can't really go wrong with a solid offensive lineman, but there's been a lot made of some of Will Campbell's measureables. Georgia defensive players have been really solid overall the past few seasons and are probably going to be a fallback for a few organizations who might be divided.

I'm sure the Browns are working around the clock to figure out how to fk up their pick at #3.

2, but they did LOL

[Cactus Jack]

I don't mind the trade, but I'm unsure about the guy the Browns took at #5.

Here's a portion of an ESPN article on who likely won the Browns/Jaguars trade.

"Was it worth it? As fun as it is, I have a hard time saying yes. Research over multiple decades has shown that NFL teams are overconfident in their ability to assess college prospects and that the trade market is inefficient for non-quarterbacks. By our Approximate Value-based draft pick value chart, the Browns gained surplus value worth the equivalent of a top-10 pick, assuming no discount for future picks and that next year's pick is No. 16."

That said, I still think Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter were the two "can't miss" guys in this draft and Jacksonville did just get one of them.

[Van Hagar]

The Bengals are who I’m concerned about, and they did what they pretty much had to do, drafting the edge rusher with the most potential (although his college production wasn’t great) with their first pick. Hopefully they can get some more solid defensive pieces and maybe an O Lineman or two going forward.

On another note, I can’t wait to hear Stephen A. losing his mind today over Shadeur not going in the first round, especially after the Giants picked Jaxson Dart.

[plantmanky]

what if sanders doesnt get drafted at all. It makes a better story, could be what Deion wanted all along, to pick his home.

[Cactus Jack]

The Bengals are who I’m concerned about, and they did what they pretty much had to do, drafting the edge rusher with the most potential (although his college production wasn’t great) with their first pick. Hopefully they can get some more solid defensive pieces and maybe an O Lineman or two going forward.

On another note, I can’t wait to hear Stephen A. losing his mind today over Shadeur not going in the first round, especially after the Giants picked Jaxson Dart.

Not good for Dart or Sanders that some QB needy teams like the Steelers took a pass on them, especially when the only one willing to take him is the same one that just paid Daniel Jones.

[jetpilot]

what if sanders doesnt get drafted at all.  It makes a better story, could be what Deion wanted all along, to pick his home.

Uh, if no team picks you, you don't get to pick your team. lol

[jetpilot]

Almost getting sad for Sanders. Not quite there yet lol.

[plantmanky]

what if sanders doesnt get drafted at all.  It makes a better story, could be what Deion wanted all along, to pick his home.

Uh, if no team picks you, you don't get to pick your team. lol

Yes you do, Undrafted Free Agents, happens with tons of players every year. Pre season rosters are littered with UFA players.

[jetpilot]

what if sanders doesnt get drafted at all.  It makes a better story, could be what Deion wanted all along, to pick his home.

Uh, if no team picks you, you don't get to pick your team. lol

Yes you do, Undrafted Free Agents, happens with tons of players every year. Pre season rosters are littered with UFA players.

The team still has to hire you, you can't just show up and tell them you picked them.

[plantmanky]

what if sanders doesnt get drafted at all.  It makes a better story, could be what Deion wanted all along, to pick his home.

Uh, if no team picks you, you don't get to pick your team. lol

Yes you do, Undrafted Free Agents, happens with tons of players every year. Pre season rosters are littered with UFA players.

The team still has to hire you, you can't just show up and tell them you picked them.

Yes but players can sign with any team they want, in a draft players have no control over what team takes them.

[jetpilot]

So I think we can agree he wishes he was picked in top 5-10 and getting millions rather than have a few offers as a UFA at $12.40/hr. Geez

[plantmanky]

So I think we can agree he wishes he was picked in top 5-10 and getting millions rather than have a few offers as a UFA at $12.40/hr. Geez

Practice squad players make $13K a week in the nfl.  Just for reference.  I think its something like $225K to $400K per year depending on years in the league.  

Thats not a bad gig.

[jetpilot]

So I think we can agree he wishes he was picked in top 5-10 and getting millions rather than have a few offers as a UFA at $12.40/hr. Geez

Practice squad players make $13K a week in the nfl.  Just for reference.  I think its something like $225K to $400K per year depending on years in the league.  

Thats not a bad gig.

Gosh dang plant you're making my head hurt again. I'll take Hunter's salary and let somebody pick me and you can take Sanders's salary and have your choice of 2-3 teams that will pay you 13k/week.

[Westside]

So I think we can agree he wishes he was picked in top 5-10 and getting millions rather than have a few offers as a UFA at $12.40/hr. Geez

Practice squad players make $13K a week in the nfl.  Just for reference.  I think its something like $225K to $400K per year depending on years in the league.  

Thats not a bad gig.

Gosh dang plant you're making my head hurt again. I'll take Hunter's salary and let somebody pick me and you can take Sanders's salary and have your choice of 2-3 teams that will pay you 13k/week.

To take a quote from the movie Tombstone, "It's like trying to play cards with my brother's kids".

[jetpilot]

So I think we can agree he wishes he was picked in top 5-10 and getting millions rather than have a few offers as a UFA at $12.40/hr. Geez

Practice squad players make $13K a week in the nfl.  Just for reference.  I think its something like $225K to $400K per year depending on years in the league.  

Thats not a bad gig.

Gosh dang plant you're making my head hurt again. I'll take Hunter's salary and let somebody pick me and you can take Sanders's salary and have your choice of 2-3 teams that will pay you 13k/week.

To take a quote from the movie Tombstone, "It's like trying to play cards with my brother's kids".

That is perfect, I laughed out loud!

[plantmanky]

So I think we can agree he wishes he was picked in top 5-10 and getting millions rather than have a few offers as a UFA at $12.40/hr. Geez

Practice squad players make $13K a week in the nfl.  Just for reference.  I think its something like $225K to $400K per year depending on years in the league.  

Thats not a bad gig.

Gosh dang plant you're making my head hurt again. I'll take Hunter's salary and let somebody pick me and you can take Sanders's salary and have your choice of 2-3 teams that will pay you 13k/week.

To take a quote from the movie Tombstone, "It's like trying to play cards with my brother's kids".

When did they make a movie about pizza?

[Cactus Jack]

I'm sure the Browns are working around the clock to figure out how to fk up their pick at #3.

Already gave my input on their trade, and always liked Quinshon Judkins, but I don't know why you take both Dillon Gabriel and Shadeur Sanders, even if they were third and fifth rounders. Those are moves you'd make in Franchise Mode on the old Madden games so you could later make more unrealistic trades because the QB values were so skewed. Depth chart at QB is now: Deshaun Watson (likely IR for the season), Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shadeur Sanders. Talk about potential for any of the last three to lose the locker room's trust at any point.

Then in a move that only a team like the Browns or Raiders would make, they added Diontae Johnson, who played for three different teams last season and is obviously the type of calming veteran influence that you want in a young locker room.


If the angle was to amass picks and tank 2025 in hopes of landing Arch Manning or the #1 QB in the class of 2026, then it seems like it'd make more sense to try and build an offensive line, take defenders, or even take specialists and gadget players-- basically anything but investing in two more QBs.

[jetpilot]

I'm sure the Browns are working around the clock to figure out how to fk up their pick at #3.

Already gave my input on their trade, and always liked Quinshon Judkins, but I don't know why you take both Dillon Gabriel and Shadeur Sanders, even if they were third and fifth rounders. Those are moves you'd make in Franchise Mode on the old Madden games so you could later make more unrealistic trades because the QB values were so skewed. Depth chart at QB is now: Deshaun Watson (likely IR for the season), Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shadeur Sanders. Talk about potential for any of the last three to lose the locker room's trust at any point.

Then in a move that only a team like the Browns or Raiders would make, they added Diontae Johnson, who played for three different teams last season and is obviously the type of calming veteran influence that you want in a young locker room.


If the angle was to amass picks and tank 2025 in hopes of landing Arch Manning or the #1 QB in the class of 2026, then it seems like it'd make more sense to try and build an offensive line, take defenders, or even take specialists and gadget players-- basically anything but investing in two more QBs.

It's easy to rag on the Browns, as a lifelong fan I've done it as much as anyone. But they've made the playoffs twice recently and Stefanski is a 2X COY. Yes they made the worst trade in sports history but I blame that on ownership. I like Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry very much.

Having said all that I think this draft was a home run and could wind up being a grand slam for the Browns. 2 great players on defense - Graham probably the safest pick in the draft and Shweshinger is an all-world tackling machine. Both Alpha dogs. Judkins is a monster and 2nd RB taken was Dylan Sampson the freaking SEC Offensive POY and set TD record at Tennessee that had stood since 1929! Gabriel is first team All-American and threw for a million yards in his career and 30 TDs vs only 6 INT last year. Sanders was a top 10 pick until he and his handlers acted stupid. But all reports say he is already working hard in Cleveland and already doing charity work in the community and has a great attitude. TE Fannin Jr is all-world and set records in college. PLUS an extra 1st round pick next year! Don't mind the Johnson signing at all, every team has second chancers and his upside is big. If his attitude is bad I'm sure he is on a short leash. 

Bottom line great draft, tons of value and upside. And believe me I haven't bragged on a Browns draft in many years.

[jetpilot]

Just want to add the Browns' QB room is Flacco (LOVE him but older than me)
Watson (should have cut him long ago)
Pickett (Browns passed on picking up his 2026 option-tells you all you need to know)
Gabriel and Sanders

So it makes perfect sense to draft both QBs, especially so late...

[Cactus Jack]

It's easy to rag on the Browns, as a lifelong fan I've done it as much as anyone. But they've made the playoffs twice recently and Stefanski is a 2X COY. Yes they made the worst trade in sports history but I blame that on ownership. I like Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry very much.

Having said all that I think this draft was a home run and could wind up being a grand slam for the Browns. 2 great players on defense - Graham probably the safest pick in the draft and Shweshinger is an all-world tackling machine. Both Alpha dogs. Judkins is a monster and 2nd RB taken was Dylan Sampson the freaking SEC Offensive POY and set TD record at Tennessee that had stood since 1929! Gabriel is first team All-American and threw for a million yards in his career and 30 TDs vs only 6 INT last year. Sanders was a top 10 pick until he and his handlers acted stupid. But all reports say he is already working hard in Cleveland and already doing charity work in the community and has a great attitude. TE Fannin Jr is all-world and set records in college. PLUS an extra 1st round pick next year! Don't mind the Johnson signing at all, every team has second chancers and his upside is big. If his attitude is bad I'm sure he is on a short leash. 

Bottom line great draft, tons of value and upside. And believe me I haven't bragged on a Browns draft in many years.

To the underlined: I can understand the thought process on wanting a QB as talented as Watson at that age. Franchise QBs are hard to come by in the NFL and it's rare that you are going to be able to draft a QB that you know has a high floor and high upside. There are maybe three Andrew Luck, Matthew Stafford, or Arch Manning types in a decade span. Past that, most of the top QBs in a given year might be drafted anywhere from top 10 to early Second Round. The Texans weren't really making great decisions around that time either-- they'd recently traded DeAndre Hopkins for next to nothing. That said, they gave up way too much, which is magnified by Watson's poor play and the picks the Texans were able to parlay that into through other trades (Will Anderson). I love the Texans, but even if you roll it back and give the Browns their #2, I'm thinking that CJ Stroud would not have fared as well in the AFC North as he has in the AFC South-- huge difference in the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals twice versus the Titans, Colts, and Jaguars.

Love the Judkins pick, think the Graham and Schweisenger picks should work fine, but think they'd be lucky to have two of the remainder (Gabriel, Sanders, Fannin, and Sampson) turn out to be multi-year starters or better. Teams who take a late flyer on a player that they really love usually don't take other flyers on players at the same position. I get that Sampson set a Tennessee record, but he won't see boxes like he saw at Tennessee in the NFL. Until Vols offensive players are proven to be consistently safe picks, I'll reserve judgement. Think the biggest win from this draft will end up being their early pick next season if the Jags aren't good.

Will be interested in seeing if they're finished with roster moves, because you'd have expected an OT or WR at some point. Dionte Johnson isn't a "second chancer", he was a "third chancer" in last season's playoffs alone; if playoff hungry teams couldn't reign him in, I'm not optimistic that the Browns' locker room will.

I'd feel much more confident about their long term plan if able to confirm that they wanted to bail on Flacco early and throw Gabriel & Sanders to the dogs in hopes of tanking for Arch Manning and using the extra first rounder on a lineman or play-maker in the passing game.

Best thing that could happen is someone they aren't really sold on (ideally one of the QBs) blowing up in the preseason or late in the regular season and gets them some type of return but still getting a top pick-- having Gabriel or Sanders look really good in a losses to the Ravens does both. Worst case scenario: Travis Hunter is an All Pro for a decent Jags team and the pu-pu platter of Flacco, Gabriel, Sanders, and Watson flukes their way to four-plus wins and out of contention for a top QB in the 2026 Draft & Watson or one of the young QBs shows just enough to make it tough on the organization to move forward due to the perception that they have something that they don't.

Five wins isn't insane if two of three things happen: 1.) Flacco wins one or two in the first few weeks of the season, which are generally unpredictable; 2.) they get a fluke midseason win or two; 3.) they back into one or two wins late while teams are resting up for the playoffs or others are tanking.