Eh... comps for are play style, not direct person to person. And as I said in the piece, what separates Jones is that he's got both upper and lower body power, lateral agility, AND explosion. He also has a wonderful series of pass rush moves that he utilizes as a plan.
So there's no intention to say Nolen is Chris Jones. Just that his college tape is, in some important respects, pretty similar. Doesn't mean he'll get the same result in the NFL though.
One question Seth. What caused Jones to slip into the 2nd round. Jones was a good NFL player from day one. The Chiefs got him in the mid 30s as I remember. What were the criticisms of Jones when he came out of college and how similar are they to the criticisms of Nolan? I would be interested to hear that. Some flaws are either over stated or can be overcome.
Thanks. That is interesting. Sometimes guys just need to get out of college and grow up a bit. My guess is that Jones was bored by college football. Also, I don't think he played on any good teams at Mississippi State. It can be hard to stay fully motivated in a losing effort.
I remember reading your (very prescient) Chris Jones review after we drafted him and feeling pretty good about him. This feels similar.
It's obviously dangerous to project too much (Jones's gifts were always substantial but it's impossible to predict the kind of work ethic and determination he's shown as a pro), and I may be surrendering to context, but, given Jones's importance during the Mahomes era, this is legitimately the first time in a long time I'd argue for trading up (I generally favor quantity in the draft, given all the unknowns). That tape pops, y'all.
I’d like to see the Chiefs prioritize these positions roughly in the order:
1. Defensive Tackle, 2. Offensive Line, 3. Wide Receiver (big possession type), 3. Running Back (WR and RB tied at #3).
This order might need to be shuffled depending on how confident the Chiefs are in Elijah Mitchell. I add RB to the priority list because I long for the day when the Chiefs have a dangerous weapon along with Patrick in the backfield. Think how screwed opposing Ds would be in trying to defend against our passing attack AND a very strong running attack. Just the thought of it makes me smile.
Outside of the positions you mentioned, if either of the top two tight ends (Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren) slides to 31, the Chiefs would have to be pretty interested. I like Noah Gray but he shouldn't dissuade the Chiefs from drafting at that position if the right player drops into their lap.
Tight End Harold Fannin Jr had 1550 yards receiving last year at Bowling Green and while the competition he played against was less than desired, he should be available in the 2nd or 3rd.?
He's interesting. The competition doesn't bother me because he looked like he belonged and then some against Penn State and Texas A&M. But he's small for a tight end and is going to have real issues blocking NFL defenders (not like Kelce "has issues as a blocker" but actual issues as a blocker). He's still a really interesting weapon if a coach is willing to move him around and play him a lot as a power slot and out of the backfield. I'd be happy with him at 63 or 66 and ecstatic if we got him at 95.
Yeah and I was thinking the same on size but, sometimes piss 'n" vinegar will take you far. Brock Bowers (I think he put on some weight after drafted) is around the same size, 6 ft 3 1⁄8"
Yeah, Bowers is a similar size. But Bowers was like a wolverine as a blocker. I haven't seen that from Fannin. Which isn't a complete knock on Fannin; Bowers was a rare prospect.
You astound me sometimes with the level of understanding of technique and evaluating it. Love your style been consuming your content since your early early days!
That's as thorough of a review as I've read on the guy, nice job!
However, just on physically stats as a DT (6'3.5", short 32.5 arms) I'd take built like "Chris Jones", Derrick Harmon over him in a heart beat. Kyle Kennard or Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins later.
That said, I think DT is deep in this draft (see two mentioned above) and we can get a decent one in the 2nd or 3rd rounds.
Recent History on RB'S is about to change and I hope we take one in the first round.
2017: Christian McCaffrey (8th overall, Carolina Panthers)
2018: Saquon Barkley (2nd overall, New York Giants)
2019: Josh Jacobs (24th overall, Oakland Raiders)
2020: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22nd overall, Kansas City Chiefs)
2021: Najee Harris 24th, Travis Etienne 25th.
2022: No running backs selected in the first round
2023: Bijan Robinson 8th, Jahmyr Gibbs 12th.
2024: No running backs selected in the first round
To me, his consistency vs. future NFL OL is also key as an SEC player in the front line is being challenged physically, skill wise and scheme wise in ways that a player from other lower conferences, and even the Big 12 might not be. I haven't done near the video work Seth has done, but in several Mississippi team highlights vs. really stout SEC OL's he has wins and stalemates more often than losses. I'm sure there are losses, but he also seems to continue to fight when double teamed AND THAT IS SOMETHING not everyone does! Great breakdown and with pick #31 - the Kansas City Chiefs select.... (I'm so excited - old 80's tune playing in my head!)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees a little bit of Chris Jones with his game. Obviously not the same but the similarities are there as you mentioned.
And who better to teach a baby CJ than the man himself??
The question with Nolan is can the Chiefs get someone just as good at the end of the second round. This is a very deep defensive tackle draft. Nolan is a good prospect but not a perfect or a generational one. There very well could be someone just as good as Nolan available later in the draft. If that is the case, then there is no point in taking him at 31.
I don't care about positions in this draft. Literally the only positions I would lose my mind over being drafted in the first round is QB, LB, IOL and Specialists. Other than that, best player on the board or trade down.
There is just 1 Chris Jones
Eh... comps for are play style, not direct person to person. And as I said in the piece, what separates Jones is that he's got both upper and lower body power, lateral agility, AND explosion. He also has a wonderful series of pass rush moves that he utilizes as a plan.
So there's no intention to say Nolen is Chris Jones. Just that his college tape is, in some important respects, pretty similar. Doesn't mean he'll get the same result in the NFL though.
But we can wish lol
AND size... Athletic feak for someone that large.
One question Seth. What caused Jones to slip into the 2nd round. Jones was a good NFL player from day one. The Chiefs got him in the mid 30s as I remember. What were the criticisms of Jones when he came out of college and how similar are they to the criticisms of Nolan? I would be interested to hear that. Some flaws are either over stated or can be overcome.
As I recall, Chris was knocked for frequent lack of effort.
Thanks. That is interesting. Sometimes guys just need to get out of college and grow up a bit. My guess is that Jones was bored by college football. Also, I don't think he played on any good teams at Mississippi State. It can be hard to stay fully motivated in a losing effort.
The Ringer big board has him around 38. You feel pretty good he's closer to the top 15 right?
I remember reading your (very prescient) Chris Jones review after we drafted him and feeling pretty good about him. This feels similar.
It's obviously dangerous to project too much (Jones's gifts were always substantial but it's impossible to predict the kind of work ethic and determination he's shown as a pro), and I may be surrendering to context, but, given Jones's importance during the Mahomes era, this is legitimately the first time in a long time I'd argue for trading up (I generally favor quantity in the draft, given all the unknowns). That tape pops, y'all.
I've seen a few of his games when he played Mizzou.....I would love it if the Chiefs get him
I’d like to see the Chiefs prioritize these positions roughly in the order:
1. Defensive Tackle, 2. Offensive Line, 3. Wide Receiver (big possession type), 3. Running Back (WR and RB tied at #3).
This order might need to be shuffled depending on how confident the Chiefs are in Elijah Mitchell. I add RB to the priority list because I long for the day when the Chiefs have a dangerous weapon along with Patrick in the backfield. Think how screwed opposing Ds would be in trying to defend against our passing attack AND a very strong running attack. Just the thought of it makes me smile.
It's coming.....
2017: Christian McCaffrey (8th overall, Carolina Panthers)
2018: Saquon Barkley (2nd overall, New York Giants)
2019: Josh Jacobs (24th overall, Oakland Raiders)
2020: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (32nd overall, Kansas City Chiefs)
2021: Najee Harris 24th, Travis Etienne 25th.
2022: No running backs selected in the first round
2023: Bijan Robinson 8th, Jahmyr Gibbs 12th.
2024: No running backs selected in the first round
NOOOOO! lol
Hahaha. Not RB in the first round! Let’s grab some value in about the 3rd round if possible!
This is just wrong. Bijan Robinson was #8 in 2022. Jahmyr Gibbs was #12 in 2023. I think I'm missing one at least
I admitted it was an AI mistake in a discussion above about it. Regardless, I fixed it
CEH was #32, NOT 22.
CEH was drafted the year after Mahomes won his first ring. Thus, he was taken 32nd overall (not 22nd as you state).
Phone Typo, I fixed it.
Outside of the positions you mentioned, if either of the top two tight ends (Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren) slides to 31, the Chiefs would have to be pretty interested. I like Noah Gray but he shouldn't dissuade the Chiefs from drafting at that position if the right player drops into their lap.
Tight End Harold Fannin Jr had 1550 yards receiving last year at Bowling Green and while the competition he played against was less than desired, he should be available in the 2nd or 3rd.?
He's interesting. The competition doesn't bother me because he looked like he belonged and then some against Penn State and Texas A&M. But he's small for a tight end and is going to have real issues blocking NFL defenders (not like Kelce "has issues as a blocker" but actual issues as a blocker). He's still a really interesting weapon if a coach is willing to move him around and play him a lot as a power slot and out of the backfield. I'd be happy with him at 63 or 66 and ecstatic if we got him at 95.
Yeah and I was thinking the same on size but, sometimes piss 'n" vinegar will take you far. Brock Bowers (I think he put on some weight after drafted) is around the same size, 6 ft 3 1⁄8"
Yeah, Bowers is a similar size. But Bowers was like a wolverine as a blocker. I haven't seen that from Fannin. Which isn't a complete knock on Fannin; Bowers was a rare prospect.
You astound me sometimes with the level of understanding of technique and evaluating it. Love your style been consuming your content since your early early days!
That's as thorough of a review as I've read on the guy, nice job!
However, just on physically stats as a DT (6'3.5", short 32.5 arms) I'd take built like "Chris Jones", Derrick Harmon over him in a heart beat. Kyle Kennard or Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins later.
That said, I think DT is deep in this draft (see two mentioned above) and we can get a decent one in the 2nd or 3rd rounds.
Recent History on RB'S is about to change and I hope we take one in the first round.
2017: Christian McCaffrey (8th overall, Carolina Panthers)
2018: Saquon Barkley (2nd overall, New York Giants)
2019: Josh Jacobs (24th overall, Oakland Raiders)
2020: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (22nd overall, Kansas City Chiefs)
2021: Najee Harris 24th, Travis Etienne 25th.
2022: No running backs selected in the first round
2023: Bijan Robinson 8th, Jahmyr Gibbs 12th.
2024: No running backs selected in the first round
2023 had 2 RBs drafted in the first round. Robinson and Gibbs
You are correct. Google AI is wrong. If we could post screenshot, I'd show you it. Oh well, it's not the first mistake I've made.
Today's lesson is, don't trust artificial intelligence. It scares me even more now...smh.
Thanks for the correction.
In this instance, Artificial Ignorance?
Would love to see a breakdown of the kid from Tennessee Omar Norman Lott. I think he be perfect at 63 or 66.
I don't care about this. Just promise me we win the next Superbowl. :P
just kidding...great work as always.
To me, his consistency vs. future NFL OL is also key as an SEC player in the front line is being challenged physically, skill wise and scheme wise in ways that a player from other lower conferences, and even the Big 12 might not be. I haven't done near the video work Seth has done, but in several Mississippi team highlights vs. really stout SEC OL's he has wins and stalemates more often than losses. I'm sure there are losses, but he also seems to continue to fight when double teamed AND THAT IS SOMETHING not everyone does! Great breakdown and with pick #31 - the Kansas City Chiefs select.... (I'm so excited - old 80's tune playing in my head!)
So…don’t forget how FAU has fared as a former Big 12 alumni. Oh, wait…
WALTER NOLEN NO MATTER WHAT
Trade up with the Rams if you have too lol
I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees a little bit of Chris Jones with his game. Obviously not the same but the similarities are there as you mentioned.
And who better to teach a baby CJ than the man himself??
A lot of mock drafts have him going to the Eagles at 32. It's always sweet when the Chiefs snipe another team's guy...and I'd love another good DT!
The question with Nolan is can the Chiefs get someone just as good at the end of the second round. This is a very deep defensive tackle draft. Nolan is a good prospect but not a perfect or a generational one. There very well could be someone just as good as Nolan available later in the draft. If that is the case, then there is no point in taking him at 31.
I don't care about positions in this draft. Literally the only positions I would lose my mind over being drafted in the first round is QB, LB, IOL and Specialists. Other than that, best player on the board or trade down.