This was a somewhat frustrating draft, and part of that for some people, including myself, is that none of the names that were discussed by the media or the fans ended up being part of this draft group, even though those "names" were available at various points in the draft.
I'm not a huge fan of either the Randall or Rollins picks. Randall is somewhat of a project/conversion/not-quite-finished type of player. That does worry me in the sense that I'd prefer an NFL ready guy in Rd 1 (not including QB). Rollins is a ball-hawk type, but his lack of top-end speed is a concern. Seems like Hyde 2.0 but drafted much earlier. The thing is, the coaches have found ways to get guys like this ready and have them making plays in past so I think we will see the same thing. Not sure either will start, but suspect both will see a significant number of snaps. Despite not being ready-made starters, the defensive backfield just got more athletic and versatile.
I like the Montgomery pick even if he's limited as a WR. People, including myself, have complained about not having capable returners and special teams play. He elevates the return game, especially kick-offs considerably over last year. Give AR an extra 10-15 yards of field position on kick-offs and he will find a way to put more points on the board. As a WR he'll be used somewhat the way Cobb is used.
I think Ryan is probably about as effective as some of the guys who were discussed to the Pack earlier in the draft. Coverage is not his strength, but we play so little base defense that I'm not sure it matters.
I'm not thrilled with Hundley, but not entirely down on the pick. He was value at that point because he's got the physical tools to be a good QB. Maybe MM and Co. can get the mental part to click in. I'm skeptical, but not worried about carrying 3 on the roster. Almost every single NFL team does. TT didn't used to, but before him, Sherman and Wolf always carried 3. It's really not such a hardship.
I get that teams don't draft fullbacks "much", but teams still do it. 3-4 FBs were drafted this year. I like Ripkowski and hope he's our Kuhn for the next 7-8 years, at which point you can draft another FB.
Ringo fits a specific need. He was a niche pick like some of the others. Guys meant to fill a specific role. He is purely an inside pass rusher. They have Daniels and really nobody else. If they can get this guy to do that one thing then he becomes valuable.
Blackman is Brandon Bostick 2.0. Speedy TE who again serves a niche role. Specific plays and routes and special teams player. Hopefully this version is better than Bostick 1.0, who was a perpetual tease.
I'm not real excited about this draft but there are some solid role players that were added. Maybe they develop into solid starters at some point, but several of these guys will clearly play important roles on this team next year. My main disappointment is TT completely ignoring the OL. Seems like this draft was all about filling specific roles for next year.
