The 2026 Draft Thread - Day 2

[skinsinparadise]

I meant AJ Haulcy as the one BayouBrave86 wanted, not Fields, complete brain fart on that one.

I didn't study Haulcy but liked what I saw from him when watching Delane.

And I get wanting someone else at another spot.

But I want Jayden to kill it. He needs weapons.

 

[HailYeah]

I was cool with styles - I think he really sets our defense up nicely, but I'm over the moon hype for Williams. Now if we can just land Coogan (C) later in the draft and maybe another CB and S.

 

[Conn]

It’s interesting to read an analyst say “separation” is his super power, as I’ve heard Jayden does better with such receivers. So maybe there is an element of fit there.

With Jayden it’s more timing and positioning being correct that he values. He’ll throw a well-placed contested throw (or he’d never have been able to click with Terry), but every QB likes separation for sure. But being where you’re supposed to be, and when, seems to be a talent of Williams’ that has particular value for a rhythm passer like Jayden

 

[skinsinparadise]

Antonio with a 4.10 shuttle, among the WRs I've compiled stats for, that's the best number in this WR group.

Jitterbug seperator on the first level. Perfect for the slot.

 

[DWinzit]

Wow so we ended out with Williams.
What's the plan for his usage? and how would it alter or affect Luke's who I thought was going to be the slot?

 

[Higskin]

 

[KDawg]

Steve Smith on Antonio Williams:

Antonio Williams freestyles alot. He may need to fix that, but he may not. It all depends on where he winds up and what the OC wants. Said he's a good fit with the Steelers because they need a quick separator (we do, too, but he didn't mention that).

He called Williams a "technical slot weapon".

He mentioned a few times that Williams dances too often.

He said he's a crafty slot and a "Z-hybrid". But he's more like Tutu Atwell. He's never going to go block a linebacker. He's not heavy enough.

The host said that a comp he heard for him was "Poor man's Christian Kirk". Steve Smith said he's a fan of Christian Kirk, but was confused about the "Poor Man" part.

 

[Always Commander Never Captain]

I think another way to take the "he's shown some moves to play outside some" comment isn't him going outside against outside corners. But pre-snap motion causing him to line up outside against a nickel, and then that nickel won't have the experience to use the sideline to his advantage.

At least that's one way to take it.

 

[skinsinparadise]

With Jayden it’s more timing and positioning being correct that he values. He’ll throw a well-placed contested throw (or he’d never have been able to click with Terry), but every QB likes separation for sure. But being where you’re supposed to be, and when, seems to be a talent of Williams’ that has particular value for a rhythm passer like Jayden

That's exactly it.

If you want the sexier choices, he's not it. Maybe among that tier you get a superstar, but there will certainly be busts in that group.

I'd be surprised if Antonio Williams is a bust. And I hated the idea of taking one of the 2nd tier WRs because so many of them are wildcards, but the two that hit me that weren't wildcards and fit Jayden's style (timing based good route runners) were Bernard and Antonio.

Matt Harmon is my favorite draft analyist on WRs.

 

[KDawg]

Legend has it Mark Rypien is still talking at the podium

 

[skinsinparadise]

The blocking from Antonio is good. But yeah he's not going to flatten you like a Jauan Jennings. He's a get in front of the defender assignment sound kind of blocker. And if you want to take the subjectivity out of it, he has one of the better blocking grades in this group.

 

[Faithful Fan]

In AP's presser, he said a lot more not just one thing they loved about him. He was the highest on their board. Mentioned adding competition when asked about Luke and Lane.

AP must have said “win outside” and “play outside” 100 times. Maybe they don’t just envision him playing slot?

 

[Hailtoem]

Isaiah Simmons Clemson. Rangy safety convert, super athletic, crushed the combine, similar to Sonny Styles in most respects. Utterly failed in the nfl, now a journeyman lb

You make a good point, I wanted Downs, time will tell, i hope we are both wrong.

 

[heisenberg]

AP must have said “win outside” and “play outside” 100 times. Maybe they don’t just envision him playing slot?

 

[DWinzit]

So what happens with Luke and Lane? My understanding is they were both fighting for time in the slot and now Williams was drafted for the same spot?

 

[Skinfanjon]

As far as being insufferable. Sorry, the shock of it made me giddy. I didn't think he was on their radar. And I watched a good 30 WRs in this class, and he was one of my favorites. This isn't me rallying around the pick after its done. I've been on this guy for months. So I am pleased.

Will see. As far as pushback, I recall getting it on Terry at the time. Third rounder, too. I can take the arrows. I've been right, I've been wrong about players. But generally, I've discovered over the years as to WR, go with good route runners who can seperate, it improves the odds. Will see.

I sparred with you a bit last year when they took Lane, saying he didn’t look all that fast and played slower than his time (I think I was vindicated lol). I’m totally opposite with Williams. His play speed flashes big time. I’m catching up on him but I really like what I see so far. He looks the part to me. Gonna be a factor.

The popularity of this guy amazes me.

It’s an epidemic. I’ll keep it to McAfee but the appeal of charismatic personalities over people who are smart and know what the fuck they are talking about has been an issue my brain has been digesting for uh, 10 years now to be specific. And I’ve really settled into a conclusion that there are just a lot of stupid people out there. It makes me sad, and I’ve always known, but only recently have I actually accepted the fact. It has helped.

Circling way back, one thing I've noticed about Peters is he tends to be very decisive on the clock. He sends his picks in early. We saw that a lot in 2025 and again with the Styles pick. He'll leave minutes on the board.

With this third rounder, he let the clock run under ten seconds. I really think he was trying his best to trade down but just couldn't get a deal that he wanted.

The NFLN broadcast last night said at least twice that we used all 8 minutes on Styles.

In AP's presser, he said a lot more not just one thing they loved about him. He was the highest on their board. Mentioned adding competition when asked about Luke and Lane.

There is quite poker tell at about 4:30 when he is asked about them. Hint: it’s bad news for them lol.

Edit- watched it again and LOL it’s so obvious.

Steve Smith on Antonio Williams:

Antonio Williams freestyles alot. He may need to fix that, but he may not. It all depends on where he winds up and what the OC wants. Said he's a good fit with the Steelers because they need a quick separator (we do, too, but he didn't mention that).

He called Williams a "technical slot weapon".

He mentioned a few times that Williams dances too often.

He said he's a crafty slot and a "Z-hybrid". But he's more like Tutu Atwell. He's never going to go block a linebacker. He's not heavy enough.

The host said that a comp he heard for him was "Poor man's Christian Kirk". Steve Smith said he's a fan of Christian Kirk, but was confused about the "Poor Man" part.

Kirk had stiff hips and zero wiggle. He was a decent prospect and has had his moments, but Williams is a much more fluid athlete than he is. I love Smitty but this comp makes no sense unless it’s just about comparing production.

 

[KDawg]

So what happens with Luke and Lane? My understanding is they were both fighting for time in the slot and now Williams was drafted for the same spot?

I hate to be crass but… fight or flight.

I don’t care. If they aren’t better, they can go find work elsewhere. I think they both could catch on to another roster due to return skills.

May the best man win.

I’d have preferred an X, but a guy that gets open routinely is a win for me.

 

[KDawg]

I sparred with you a bit last year when they took Lane, saying he’s didn’t look all that fast and played slower than his time. I’m totally opposite with Williams. His play speed flashes big time. I’m catching up on him but I really like what I see so far. He looks the part to me. Gonna be a factor.



It’s an epidemic. I’ll keep it to McAfee but the appeal of charismatic personalities over people who are smart and know what the fuck they are talking about has been an issue my brain has been digesting for uh, roughly 10 years now to be specific. And I’ve really settled into a conclusion that there are just a lot of stupid people out there. It makes me sad, and I’ve always known, but only recently have I actually accepted the fact. It has helped.



The NFLN broadcast last night said at least twice that we used all 8 minutes on Styles.



There is quite poker tell at about 4:45 when he is asked about them. Hint: it’s bad news for them lol.



Kirk had stiff hips and zero wiggle. He was a decent prospect and has had his moments, but Williams is a much more fluid athlete than he is. I love Smitty but this comp makes no sense unless it’s just about comparing production.

Smith didn’t compare him to Kirk. The host did. Smith said he likes Christian Kirk and questioned “poor man’s”

 

[DWinzit]

I hate to be crass but… fight or flight.

I don’t care. If they aren’t better, they can go find work elsewhere. I think they both could catch on to another roster due to return skills.

May the best man win.

I’d have preferred an X, but a guy that gets open routinely is a win for me.

So AP can only draft slots?

I am confused by this. Yet he was one of the top graded remaining WR's. I guess I missed where he was just a slot guy. I was under the impression he could handle the perimeter

 

[Skinfanjon]

I hate to be crass but… fight or flight.

I don’t care. If they aren’t better, they can go find work elsewhere. I think they both could catch on to another roster due to return skills.

May the best man win.

I’d have preferred an X, but a guy that gets open routinely is a win for me.

I’m gonna throw a log on the fire but AP sounded 100% like he will play both Z and slot to me. He’s going to be on the field a lot. I don’t share your concern so it’s no sweat to me, but he’s gonna play outside in two receiver sets.