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Post by mbeaulieu07 on Dec 8, 2018 8:07:19 GMT -5
I posted this on the draft thread as well, and will try and post more of these to the general board as well, for those that are interested in reading them, but don't frequent the thread.
Player: Germaine Pratt LB NC State
Listed Size: 6-2+ 240+
Accomplishments: 2018 Team Captain, 2018 1st Team All-ACC
Fit:
Converted S with very good cover skills.
Can carry TE's and RB's down the field and has been used in the slot.
Good combo of size, speed and physicality.
Excellent range and athleticism.
Instincts are there, despite relative lack of experience at LB and he's quick to process.
Solid tackler. ***A must for me***
Could be a weapon on 3rd down.
Ascending player that doesn't seem to be on a lot of radars yet.
Good leader and has his degree.
Overall: Fans have been clamoring for an athletic cover LB, and Pratt would give them exactly that. He also appears to hit their size premium, of at least 6-1 240+ for the ILB position, and could come close to the the 6-3 240+ for OLB. I know some fans are willing to look past the size piece, but they like what they like. I also think he'll need to continue to get stronger, as he's still relatively new to the role (moved to LB in 2017), and improve his ability to get off blocks, but I think he's an ascending player that should be very much in demand come draft weekend, due to his combo of size, speed, range and cover skills.
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Post by mthurl on Dec 8, 2018 11:59:51 GMT -5
I'll have to check him out, thanks! Good stuff.
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Post by patslifer on Dec 9, 2018 7:14:13 GMT -5
Sounds a lot like Jamie Collins other than his size.
I think we need more athleticism in the middle of the defense but was wondering With Obi in the mix, assuming he pans out, is the need the same?
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Post by mbeaulieu07 on Dec 9, 2018 7:31:17 GMT -5
Sounds a lot like Jamie Collins other than his size. I think we need more athleticism in the middle of the defense but was wondering With Obi in the mix, assuming he pans out, is the need the same? While I think he and Obi could have some overlapping functions (in regards to their potential to cover TE's and RB's), Pratt is a true LB, where as Obi is a S only. Ideally, I think you'd want to have both on the field, particularly on 3rd down. |
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Post by patslifer on Dec 9, 2018 7:37:16 GMT -5
Sounds a lot like Jamie Collins other than his size. I think we need more athleticism in the middle of the defense but was wondering With Obi in the mix, assuming he pans out, is the need the same? While I think he and Obi could have some overlapping functions (in regards to their potential to cover TE's and RB's), Pratt is a true LB, where as Obi is a S only. Ideally, I think you'd want to have both on the field, particularly on 3rd down. Agree I will have to spend some time with him and the rest of your draft board of players. I don’t know if there is any room nowadays for an enforcer type of S or LB but would love to have one of them. Someone who brings that nasty to the field. I saw a hint of it in Bentley from a pure hitting / tackling perspective but would like just someone who is savage out there. |
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Post by mbeaulieu07 on Dec 9, 2018 7:55:48 GMT -5
While I think he and Obi could have some overlapping functions (in regards to their potential to cover TE's and RB's), Pratt is a true LB, where as Obi is a S only. Ideally, I think you'd want to have both on the field, particularly on 3rd down. Agree I will have to spend some time with him and the rest of your draft board of players. I don’t know if there is any room nowadays for an enforcer type of S or LB but would love to have one of them. Someone who brings that nasty to the field. I saw a hint of it in Bentley from a pure hitting / tackling perspective but would like just someone who is savage out there. Start with Washington S Taylor Rapp... good sized S that plays fast and physical. And while he'll try and cut ball carries in half, he's also a secure tackler, which is a must for me. Also, for a slighter player, Miami S Jaquan Johnson loves to mix it up. |
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Post by mthurl on Dec 9, 2018 7:57:02 GMT -5
I like what I saw, I don't think he's in the Vander Esch catergory (I'm not sure I'm spelling that right but he was my favorite player in the draft last year). And I'm not sure he's as talented as the linebacker the Titans took (can't remember his name), but Pratt seems to have a nice ability to run, diagnose and get there. Be interested to see what his official 40 time looks like, he looks pretty fast but I don't know?? His explosiveness seems a little off, it doesn't "wow" me. Then again I onkymwatch a few videos. Didn't see a whole lot as a pass rusher either (which maybe is because of lack of explosiveness?). That defense he plays on looks terrible in the secondary, is that just me? Man they look lost.
Late first round pick? Steal in the second?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 9, 2018 8:06:48 GMT -5
What's our plan on the D-Line if Flowers and Guy leaves? This team generates pressure most of the time through Blitzes. Lose our best D-Lineman in Flowers, and it don't look good.
Sorry I put this on this thread. Wasn't meant here.
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Post by mbeaulieu07 on Dec 9, 2018 8:36:04 GMT -5
I like what I saw, I don't think he's in the Vander Esch catergory (I'm not sure I'm spelling that right but he was my favorite player in the draft last year). And I'm not sure he's as talented as the linebacker the Titans took (can't remember his name), but Pratt seems to have a nice ability to run, diagnose and get there. Be interested to see what his official 40 time looks like, he looks pretty fast but I don't know?? His explosiveness seems a little off, it doesn't "wow" me. Then again I onkymwatch a few videos. Didn't see a whole lot as a pass rusher either (which maybe is because of lack of explosiveness?). That defense he plays on looks terrible in the secondary, is that just me? Man they look lost. Late first round pick? Steal in the second? I think he comps to LVE (you had the spelling right) in that both didn't start until their last year, but I agree that LVE is next level. Rashaan Evans is the guy you're thinking of? I'm guessing he runs in the 4.6's, which is very good for a 240+ pound LB. I'm not sure how much he's asked to rush the passer, though I did find this (per PFF) following their game against BC.
"Pratt flew all over the field for the Wolfpack on Saturday, notching two QB pressures on just three pass-rushing snaps. He totaled 11 tackles including six defensive stops and allowed a mere three yards in coverage on 24 snaps. (PFF)
Pratt actually had 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 fumble forced that he also recovered."I don't think I've seen him in many/any mocks, so my guess at this point is Day 2... though we'll see where he stands after the Senior Bowl. |
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Post by mbeaulieu07 on Dec 9, 2018 8:43:36 GMT -5
What's our plan on the D-Line if Flowers and Guy leaves? This team generates pressure most of the time through Blitzes. Lose our best D-Lineman in Flowers, and it don't look good. Guy is under contract through 2020, and seems like a relative bargain based on this play... though there is an out after this season. We'll see what happens with Flowers, though I think they'd like to keep him. If he leaves, we know BB will have a plan, with possibly a player like Alabama's Anfernee Jennings, if he declares. |
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