Burner's Burning Questions: Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2017 (Continual Updates)

Still have Cavanaugh in there somewhere too

So much has happened today and the stories continue to unfold.

I will go ahead and post the mock in the morning. Depending on what happens in the next few days (hours), I could add another this month.

Crazy day.

Free Agency, The Mock Drafts, 2017(Continual Updates)​

Greetings from the offices of BBQ World Headquarters.

Today we bring you the first mock of the 2017 offseason and it features nine draft choices. The original plan was to post one mock in January and another one in February, but we could post an additional mock or two before the beginning of free agency in early March. The need for two new coordinators may make the extra mocks necessary.

After free agency begins, the frequency of mocks will increase as players are re-signed and added from other teams. During the week of the draft, we will have a mock each day. Please keep in mind that the first mock will likely look much different than the final mock. Many factors will dictate those changes.

Feel free to offer your own ideas about the draft, free agency, team cuts, team additions, coaching changes and anything else related to these subjects. Too, we’d like to see your mocks if you are so inclined.

Without any further delays, let’s take a look at the first mock for 2017.

Team Needs:
Free Safety
Defensive Line
Wide Receiver
Inside Linebacker
Left Guard
Running Back

Round One: Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama
A physical specimen and a physical player. The All-SEC linebacker would be a force in the middle. Will need to improve by just a small amount in the passing game, but many scouts think he will adapt to the NFL offensive schemes quickly. Has the speed to stay with tight ends and receivers coming over the middle. Zeroes in on running backs with laser like precision. Has a quick step on blitz packages and should get to the quarterback in an instant.
Other Possible Targets:
Zach Cunningham, ILB, Vanderbilt
Jamal Adams, FS, LSU
Malik McDowell, DE, Michigan St.
John Ross, WR, Washington
Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio St.

Round Two: Budda Baker, FS, Washington
The first name just screams “Football Player”, but Baker is a very talented free safety and possesses superior speed. The All-PAC-12 performer can cover large swaths of the football field and is tenacious in coverage. Plays with unending confidence. A bit of a liability in the running game, but his quickness makes up for that skillset. Can focus in on receivers and stay with them step for step. Needs to improve his tackling and should do so with good coaching. A natural free safety.
Other Possible Targets:
D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas
Chris Wormley, DE, Michigan
Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
Jalen Tabor, CB, Florida
Ethan Pocic, C/G, LSU
T.J. Watt, ILB/OLB, Wisconsin

Round Three: Jarron Jones, DE/DT, Notre Dame
Jones is a productive force at defensive tackle and end. He has superb athleticism for a man his size and figures to play more at the end, but could slide inside at times. Jones has the potential to dominate offensive linemen when he is in a groove and can live in the backfield. The ACC standout uses his length to block passes and possesses a respectable pass rush.
Other Possible Targets:
Jon Toth, C, Kentucky
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
Kendell Beckwith, ILB, LSU
Wayne Gallman, RB, Clemson
Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma

Round Four: Jehu Chesson, WR, Michigan
The Redskins add a very talented and highly underrated receiver in the fourth round from the Big 10. The system he was in limited his receptions, but his talent probably yields many more catches in a friendlier offense. Chesson will likely need a year to learn the nuances of an NFL offense, but could contribute meaningful minutes in the latter part of his rookie season. However, his overall talent could have him on the field sooner.
Other Possible Targets:
Vincent Taylor, DE, Oklahoma St.
Isaiah Ford, WR, Virginia Tech
Johnathan Ford, FS, Auburn
Kyle Fuller, C, Baylor
Jaleel Johnson, DE, Iowa
Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Dan Feeney, G, Indiana
Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee

Round Four: Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech
It’s not out of the question to see this selection so early. Jordan Reed is possibly one concussion away from his career coming to an end. Vernon Davis is a good and reliable target, but his role is strictly as a backup and relief end. Enter Bucky Hodges – a talented athlete with unique skills to match. The ACC stud would be a reliable target in the offense, but does need to work on his blocking skills. The former quarterback has the size and bulk to be a solid tight end in the league.

Round Five: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE, Villanova
Scot McCloughan wastes little time in trying to improve the defensive line. While TV announcers could have a fun time trying to pronounce his name, Kpassagnon, a CAA standout, has impressive size to go along with impressive skills. In 2016 alone he had twenty-one tackles for a loss and eleven sacks. Swats passes down with ease.
Other Possible Targets:
Jordan Morgan, G, Kutztown
Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Jeremy Sprinkle, TE, Arkansas
Taylor Moton, G/OT, Western Michigan
Cole Hikutini, TE, Louisville
Ben Boulware, ILB, Clemson
Riley Sorenson, C, Washington St.

Round Six: Jay Guillermo, G/C, Clemson
Jay Guillermo is versatile and can play either guard or center. He would be drafted for depth purposes, but could be a starter within a year or two. The ACC lineman has the massive size that is favored in the NFL for inside positions on the offensive line. He could be better suited for guard where the Redskins have a need on the left side. Good pass protector, but would need to work on the running game.
Other Possible Targets:
Josh Harvey-Clemons, SS, Louisville
Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar
Fred Ross, WR, Mississippi St.
Josh Augusta, DT, Missouri
Isaac Asiata, G/C, Utah
Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington

Round Six: Kai Nacua, FS, BYU
Kai Nacua is rated high by some pundits and others have a lower round grade on him. It could be the price of not playing for a top P5 program, but he is a very good free safety. Nacua is a ballhawk with good speed and superior instincts. Possesses better than average size for a player of his position and uses it to his advantage. Matches up well with taller receivers and speedsters well downfield. A true interception machine. He would provide excellent depth and should be a standout on special teams.

Round Seven: Tyrique Jarrett, DT, Pittsburgh
The world as we know it may end if Scot McCloughan drafts three defensive linemen in 2017. It could happen as it is a huge need and the All-ACC standout from Pitt would be a good addition late in the draft. Clogs up the middle very well. Would be solid in the running game, but does not bring much of a pass rush. Needs to develop a little more of a mean streak. Good attitude and true teammate. Could develop into a fine rotational player.
Other Possible Targets:
Hardy Nickerson, OLB/ILB, Illinois
Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech
Darius Hamilton, OLB, Rutgers
Chunky Clements, DE, Illinois
Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss
Richie Brown, ILB/OLB, Mississippi St.

Undrafted Free Agent Prospects:
C.J. Beathard, QB, Iowa
Jordan Evans, ILB, Oklahoma
Jamari Staples, WR, Louisville
Matt Elam, DT, Kentucky
Cam Keizur, C, Portland St.
Adam Griffith, K, Alabama
Gunner Kiel, QB, Cincinnati
Marquez White, CB, Florida St.
Elijah McGuire, RB, Louisiana-Lafayette
Christian LaCouture, DT, LSU
Patrick Towles, QB, Boston College
Johnny Mundt, TE, Oregon
Tanner Gentry, WR, Wyoming

Prospects Contacted, Interviewed, Visited:
East-West Shrine game - EW
Senior Bowl - SB
Combine – NFLC
Team Pro Day – TPD
Team Visit – TV
Private Workout – PW


There is your first mock for 2017 and prospect lists. Free agency and the draft will be here before you know it. See you as we go along.

Hail To The Redskins!

Love the mocks BB.

Shame we can't fully concentrate on the draft, with the building turmoil taking place.

Which college RB has the best combination of size, and more importantly, speed, that will be available to the NFL this year?

What makes all of this so unpredictable is the fact the Redskins did things back asswards in hiring the Head Coach and THEN hiring the GM.

So, we don't know that McCloughan ultimately believes in Gruden to take the picks he makes and for Gruden/staff to adequately develop them.

It certainly seems as if Gruden has had his issues with clock management in games, with the team not making adequate halftime adjustments, and with coming out flat in must-win games at home against opponents they are capable of beating or indeed HAVE beaten before during the season (Giants).

McCloughan in an unguarded moment would probably rather sign and trade Kirk AND fire Gruden and start over.

With Bruce Allen in the team's executive offices it appears the Redskins are never going to be able to move on from the Tampa mafia.

But Tony Dungy built the Tampa defense that was so outstanding and JON Gruden took that team, added some offensive pieces and won the Super Bowl.

Bruce Allen came along YEARS later and had nothing to do with those glory days.

Well, Bruce Allen ain't the problem.

Because of Bruce Allen's close relationship with Jon Gruden, there is no way that he is going to allow the Redskins to simply dismiss his brother Jay.

The Redskins may move on from Jay down the road, but it isn't going to be an easy 'out' for McCloughan to pull off internally at Redskins Park.

The only way I see Jay Gruden punching his ticket out of town on the first train is if the team comes out and goes 5-11 next season.

If the team goes 8-8 or 9-7 I bet he gets an extension.

It's time to move on from the Tampa Mafia and create an identity of their own - the Washington Mafia. Or whatever name will work.

Agreed, but does McCloughan have enough clout to pull it off?

He had to stand on a desk for 4-5 hours to convince Snyder that Griffin was not the answer at quarterback.

And that was at a time when 31 other front offices around the NFL already knew Griffin was a clear bust.

And personally witnessed all of these things, right?

In the room were you?

Ax said:

In the room were you?

Click to expand...

Cool your jets, Yoda, my friend.

Chris Cooley and other media folks indicated that McCloughan met with Snyder for 'several hours' to convince him that the team needed to start Kirk Cousins to move forward and that Robert Griffin III was not the team's answer at QB.

The point I was trying to make was that decisions with the Redskins are 'complicated' by the internal politics and reporting chains.

Things here aren't nearly as clear cut as they are in Denver where John Elway ultimately makes ALL of the football decisions and in NE where Belichick does the same.

We have 3-4 people all influencing the process and that type of system is hard to maintain and make successful over time.

Fear The Spear said:

Cool your jets, Yoda, my friend.

Click to expand...

Irritates you it does........Hmmmm!

Every owner, GM, and head coach are "involved" in every major decision, on every team.

To what exact extent, NOBODY knows.

The only time I ever see Daniel Snyder's name in print anymore is when I see it here. Happy that makes me.

Everyone may have a say, but ultimately in most successful organizations one visible figure ultimately makes the final decision.

Elway decided to hire Vance Joseph, I really don't think the owner of the Broncos had that much input in that decision apart from the financial package he was offered. There wasn't anyone else in the organization that was going to challenge Elway on that.

Ditto in NE. Belichick may review his decisions with Kraft where they affect money/contracts, but does anyone really think Robert Kraft is going to disagree with Belichick on who the starting LT is going to be, or who the team is going to draft at the end of the first round?

Successful organizations where there are multiple visible decision-makers like Pittsburgh and Green Bay have long histories of doing business a certain way. Anyone who comes into the organization knows the teams are going to build through the draft primarily and stay away from quick fixes in free agency. There is going to be an accent on extending players' contracts before they reach their walk year, etc.

Because the way of doing business in these organizations is clear there are fewer arguments over the KINDS of decisions that may be made.

Pittsburgh or Green Bay is NEVER going to trade three #1 picks for a Robert Griffin III, on principle.

Forget whether Griffin was a bust or became a true star, that's not the way those teams operate.

So, you don't end up with the Team President, GM, Coach and Ownership at each other's throats over what to do in re moves of that nature.

Success earned those powers of ultimate control.

Doubtful any unproven guy gets it when they first walk through the door.

Unless it was part of their contract, and the reason they took the job in the first place.

If you have put Alabama OLB/ILB Tim Williams on your radar screen, don't bother. His background is not good and he may end up with a suspension history that is similar to Randy Gregory's.

One big question is which of our free agents will McVay/Barry go after

I can't think of a single free agent (outside of Kirk) I'd be super worried about losing.