DustInTheWind » Wed May 24, 2017 9:42 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2710 ... be-specialWhen asking NFL scouts and general managers for an early look at next year's class, one high-level executive summed up what many are feeling about Penn State's Saquon Barkley: He has the potential to be the best running back of the last decade. Even better than Leonard Fournette or Ezekiel Elliott
...
The 2017 running back class was loaded—one scout told me it was the best he's ever seen—but 2018 could be special with Barkley, Derrius Guice (LSU), Mike Weber (Ohio State), Ronald Jones (USC), Nick Chubb and Sony Michel (Georgia) and Royce Freeman (Oregon) all poised for big seasons. And those are just the top names we know right now.
The running back class of 2018 has a ways to go before competing with the 2017 group in terms of top-tier talent, perceived starters and depth, but the early look is great.
The 2018 offensive tackle class looks to be far ahead of the 2017 group. Last year at this time, the only first-round-quality tackle prospect was Cam Robinson. This year, players like Connor Williams, Mike McGlinchey, Mitch Hyatt and Martinas Rankin all look like top-32 picks.
Protecting Carr's blindside and having a starting RB (i.e. replacing a retired Penn and/or Lynch) will likely be a problem for the 2018 draft to solve. Having quality options at OT and RB would be a great situation for the Raiders to be in. Best case would be to draft one and not need either to start right away. That is, assuming Penn and/or Lynch could play another year or two at a high level.Top 32 Big Board
1. QB Josh Allen Wyoming
2. QB Sam Darnold USC
3. RB Saquon Barkley Penn State
4. DL Christian Wilkins Clemson
5. QB Josh Rosen UCLA
6. S Derwin James FSU
7. OT Connor Williams Texas
8. EDGE Arden Key LSU
9. LB Malik Jefferson Texas
10. S Minkah Fitzpatrick Alabama
11. RB Derrius Guice LSU
12. WR Deon Cain Clemson
13. S Marcus Allen Penn State
14. WR Courtland Sutton SMU
15. CB Tarvarus McFadden FSU
16. OT Mike McGlinchey Notre Dame
17. DL Da'Shawn Hand Alabama
18. EDGE Josh Sweat FSU
19. LB Jerome Baker Ohio State
20. LB Cameron Smith USC
21. EDGE Harold Landry Boston College
22. OT Mitch Hyatt Clemson
23. OT Martinas Rankin Mississippi State
24. WR Calvin Ridley Alabama
25. DL Vita Vea Washington
26. CB Denzel Ward Ohio State
27. DL Dre'Mont Jones Ohio State
28. S Armani Watts Texas A&M
29. LB Azeem Victor Washington
30. OG Quenton Nelson Notre Dame
31. WR Christian Kirk Texas A&M
32. EDGE Bradley Chubb N.C. State
CarrKnight » Thu May 25, 2017 9:50 am
No Penn State players!DustInTheWind » Thu May 25, 2017 1:08 pm
If Barkley keeps playing like he should I don't think the Raiders end up having a shot at him anyway. Just at first glance, he really reminds me of a LeSean McCoy type player. Shifttiness for days.Willmark » Mon Jun 19, 2017 3:22 am
Penn State RBs as of late though....DustInTheWind wrote Thu May 25, 2017 1:08 pm:If Barkley keeps playing like he should I don't think the Raiders end up having a shot at him anyway. Just at first glance, he really reminds me of a LeSean McCoy type player. Shifttiness for days.
DustInTheWind » Wed Jun 28, 2017 9:38 pm
The list is rather underwhelming. Though I'd prefer not just discounting a guy because he plays for a certain school.Willmark wrote Mon Jun 19, 2017 3:22 am:Penn State RBs as of late though....
Metallica0688 » Thu Jul 13, 2017 8:52 am
http://www.nfldraftgeek.com/2018-nfl-dr ... -rankings/Metallica0688 » Thu Jul 13, 2017 9:02 am
It is okay Barkley is a nice back . However here is three other backs that are pretty damn good options behind him for us .DustInTheWind wrote Thu May 25, 2017 1:08 pm:If Barkley keeps playing like he should I don't think the Raiders end up having a shot at him anyway. Just at first glance, he really reminds me of a LeSean McCoy type player. Shifttiness for days.
Raidersman321 » Sat Jul 15, 2017 7:30 am
Bo has to prove he can stay healthy throughout the entire year. He's been injury prone since his HS days.Raidersman321 » Sat Jul 15, 2017 7:42 am
Darren Carrington just got kicked off the teamAtlasffa » Sat Jul 15, 2017 1:42 pm
Here's some tape from a kid, LJ Scott, who more or less flew under the radar due to the W-L record at MSU. He's been described as being very much like Le'Veon Bell (also from MSU). He's only a junior this year, but like Bell, it would not surprise me if he declares for the draft early. His draft stock will probably depend on how well MSU rebounds from their dismal 2016 season, but Scott is definitely a highlight for MSU and may make the difference between a winning and losing season. Although he's on some of the watch lists, Barkley (and others) will get a lot more attention and press so Scott could be available for a Raider pick.CarrKnight » Sat Jul 15, 2017 5:24 pm
Just Penn State. It is a personal grudge. Most Big 10 running backs I am fine with. When you lived in the vicinity of the Nittany Lion temple (Beaver Stadium) and you weren't a PSU fan (I am an Army fan), you are despised.Atlasffa wrote Sat Jul 15, 2017 1:42 pm:Here's some tape from a kid, LJ Scott, who more or less flew under the radar due to the W-L record at MSU. He's been described as being very much like Le'Veon Bell (also from MSU). He's only a junior this year, but like Bell, it would not surprise me if he declares for the draft early. His draft stock will probably depend on how well MSU rebounds from their dismal 2016 season, but Scott is definitely a highlight for MSU and may make the difference between a winning and losing season. Although he's on some of the watch lists, Barkley (and others) will get a lot more attention and press so Scott could be available for a Raider pick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etkj3uDLG6w
CarrKnight: Are you against all Big10 RBs or just those from PSU?
Also #90 Brian Allen on the above list is on watch lists and is a tough, excellent center.
Atlasffa » Sat Jul 15, 2017 5:29 pm
Whew... glad to hear that your prejudice doesn't extend to all Big10 schools. There is a lot of good talent in the Big10.CarrKnight wrote Sat Jul 15, 2017 5:24 pm:Just Penn State. It is a personal grudge. Most Big 10 running backs I am fine with. When you lived in the vicinity of the Nittany Lion temple (Beaver Stadium) and you weren't a PSU fan (I am an Army fan), you are despised.
I know Barkley is a great talent, I just don't like PSU players or their fans. They actually thought McGloin was going to take Carr's job last season after Derek went down. Delusional as always.