As the title says, ESPN listed their top 10 rookies of 2021 and Waddle and Holland made the cut. Phillips was also listed on the "be on the look out for" list. 3 great pick ups this year with bright futures. https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...g-micah-parsons-no-1-two-dolphins-only-one-qb
Outside of quarterbacks, I think the 2021 draft is going to be looked at as one of the best. However, even the quarterbacks can turn it around.
It sucks because we had the chance to draft some of then. My fear would be, would they still be top 5 had we drafted them? I guess who we pick with SF 1st next year will be telling on if it was a good move. Waddle plus that 2023 player vs staying at 3 and drafting chase or pitts? Time will tell.
I read this yesterday. It says something when three rookies are arguably the best players on your team. Beyond a doubt, they're in the top 10. Hopefully, they thrive under the new coach. Regarding that: I'm looking forward to Waddle upping his YPC and topping 1,200 or 1,300 yards with a better scheme.
I was thinking about that. If Waddle doesn't drop the two slants from Tua, catches the 4th and 1 from Brissett, and didn't accidently step out of bounds that one play then he would have topped 1,200 and maybe had 1 to 4 more touchdowns. Hopefully, the next scheme will give him more opportunities for big plays, however, he is amazing at smaller routes. It would be a mistake to try to pigeon hole him into a middle to deep wide receiver.
I think he'll get mad YAC if defenses have to worry more about the other 2-3 receivers. I didn't notice who was tackling him but it wouldn't shock me to find out if half of his tackles came at the hands of safeties. Give him honest coverage and he can get more yards on fewer catches. Especially if we improve the OL and Tua (or next man up) can maintain efficiency with more time.
Agreed. He had his best year. I was getting worried that we was ok but maybe not as good as his draft spot...or maybe just my personal expectations for what I thought he'd be. Glad to see the year he had. Love that dudes fire, and enthusiasm.
He did have a breakout year. I feel for him because he's made it possible for other players to play their best without being a traditionally dominant DL with gaudy stats. And he revels in that role. The coaches know it, but I wonder if his lack of statistics is going to keep him from being paid?
https://www.espn.com/nfl/insider/in...-best-worst-teams-based-first-year-production According to ESPN we’re #7. Which begs the question, is that good considering we had 4 picks in the top 42?
I would have to look at the teams above. To see if they have a player who broke a rookie record, another who broke a team record, and one that is already seen already in the top 10 in their position. So I beg the question, is the ranking worth the paper it is printed on
IMO, the missed draft pick that stings the most is Creed Humphrey. I would have been happy with it if Miami took him at 18. Love Javon Holland.
Every mock draft I did had us taking Creed in the 2nd round. Love any OL that wrestled. I’m not gonna complain about Holland but really wanted Creed on our OL
I'll be patient with him. He was behind three experienced TEs and hopefully, mental reps and talks over lunch with them will make him better prepared to see the field in year #2. It might be that the new coach will be better able to use him than StudGod did. Actually, it'd be a joy to learn that the problems with the OL was due to coaching as well.
And those players will be far more valuable than a running back. Here is the relationship between EPA per rushing attempt and percentage of the salary cap devoted to running backs: https://theathletic.com/896789/2019/05/16/inside-the-nfl-analytics-dark-web/?redirected=1 Look at the difference for quarterbacks: