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It was always an odd draft pick for a team that has a lot of holes and with Robinson - they had a very solid dependable RB. Now I get the idea of taking BPA - but its seems FRont 7 or a DB or anything but QB, P, K or RB made a lot of sense!
The Athletic reporting Raiders approached Bears in March seeking to acquire Khalihl Mack via trade. How stupid are the Raiders? And why trade for him now? Why not wait until he is 47 years old and has been retired for a decade. That’s the Gruden way
The Athletic reporting Raiders approached Bears in March seeking to acquire Khalihl Mack via trade. How stupid are the Raiders? And why trade for him now? Why not wait until he is 47 years old and has been retired for a decade. That’s the Gruden way
TG
You don’t realize what you have until they are gone :goofylol:
In a new survey, an anonymous NFL agent offered the prediction that Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will prove to be a disappointment. He went on to predict that Tagovailoa will eventually be replaced by the team.
Anonymous agent predicts the 'Fins will move on from Tua relatively quickly because "he's not who they thought he was."
I'd take a flyer on Derwin Gray over Pipkins any day. He's a good pass blocker, poor run blocker. Just a massive man with long arms.
Jaguars Release Former Steelers Draft Pick
In other news from Tuesday, the Jacksonville Jaguars released ex-Steelers offensive tackle Derwin Gray, as per NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.
The Jaguars claimed Gray on waivers last December when Pittsburgh added inside linebacker Tegray Scales to its 53-man roster.
The Steelers had waived the 2019 seventh-round pick a day earlier, making it the second time in two seasons that the Pittsburgh lost a promising young lineman via a waiver claim. In Oct. 2019 the Steelers lost offensive tackle Fred Johnson to the Cincinnati Bengals; he has since played in 18 games for the Bengals, with seven starts, including one at left tackle against the Steelers.
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Prospect Info
College
Maryland
Hometown
Class
r-Senior
Height
Weight
Arms
6' 4 1/2"
320 lbs
34 3/8"
Hands
9 5/8"
Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7
NFL Comparison
Donovan Smith
Overview
Teams love big tackles with movement skills, but Gray offers a little more challenge for evaluators. His lack of bend causes deficiencies in sustaining blocks and in landing blocks on the move. However, in pass protection, he makes good usage of his size and his length and he might be able to hang in as a left tackle rather than the assumed push to the right side because of his size. He could go from solid to good as a starter if an offensive line coach can improve his consistency in the run game.
Strengths
Massive human with broad chest, long arms and good thickness through thighs
His size equals power
Takes defenders on a short ride when he centers the block and runs his feet
Able to match brute strength with brute strength at the point of attack
Battering ram power on down blocks to blow the run lane wide open
Surprisingly rapid slide quickness in his pass sets
Shows adequate ability to redirect his weight and engage inside counter rushers
Pass sets feature flat back, balanced feet and his chin tucked
Efficient punch timing and able to make opponents catch his full length
Heavy hands force edge rushers into an early regroup when he lands first
Uses length and power for recovery to bully rushers beyond the pocket
Active in re-setting hands into defender's frame and cinching up the jersey to secure and end the pass rush
Weaknesses
Production as run blocker not as consistent as scouts would like
Tightness in hips and knees prevents leveraged initial strikes and allows defenders to slide laterally away sustained contact
Can improve post-contact positioning to kick out and seal B-gap in run game
Initial lateral movement is sluggish and he could struggle with slants and reach blocks
Tall and lumbering in climb to second level
Effectiveness wanes when asked to move behind tight quarters
Opens outside hip and shoulder too quickly versus wide-9 looks, allowing for easier inside counters
Below-average awareness to recognize when he's being "gamed" by twists and zone blitz
The Jaguars' offensive line is already well-known by fans. The starting five hasn't changed in three years, key backups Will Richardson and Tyler Shatley have held consistent roles on the depth chart, and Ben Bartch was a fourth-round pick just a year ago. As a result, it is harder for some of the other lineman to standout.
That wasn't the case on Wednesday, however, with the standout depth lineman for the day being none of Shatley, Bartch, or Richardson. Instead, it was third-round lineman Derwin Gray. Gray, who has taken reps at guard in camp, was claimed on waivers by the Jaguars last December after flashing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He did the same on Wednesday, showing serious movement ability in the running game and having a few dominating wins in one-on-ones against Daniel Ross and Kenny Randall early in practice. The Jaguars have a crowded depth chart, but Gray has impressed with pads on thanks to his power.
Only one surprise in the trenches: Tre'Vour Wallace-Simms, not Derwin Gray, is listed as second-team OL
One of the Jaguars' most impressive backup offensive linemen is a third-stringer based on the unofficial depth chart. But for all other intents and purposes, the Jaguars' offensive line order is just as expected. The offensive line has had some of the fewest question marks in terms of roster turnover and starting roles, in large part because of the continuity along the unit. The Jaguars' offensive line is exactly as expected at nine spots -- the Jaguars are returning five starters, three key backups from a year ago and Walker Little's spot is clear.
With that said, it is surprising to see Tre'Vour Wallace-Simms -- and not Derwin Gray -- listed as a second-team guard. This is likely a result of Andrew Norwell and Ben Bartch taking the first two left guard spots, but Gray has shown enough in camp to at least earn a symbolic spot with the second team. Again, this could be due to semantics, but Gray has been the team's 10th best lineman in camp -- and maybe even better.
Now, if you excuse me, I have some Charger memories to suppress.
The Wasted Decade is done.
Build Back Better.
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