2024 Draft & FA. Where do we start?

[PDay8810]

He's going to be a good one IMO.

In the mock draft @UK Cowboy and I were in on here I took him for the Raiders. Think it was the 2nd round.

Boy...heres an endorsement. Play draft?

hey man...the redskins board could use your insight.

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

I like the thought of Beebe at center. Hopefully these idiots don't let him rot on the bench. If we are talking best five lineman then one would think they put him at Center.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

Beebe is supposed to grade out as the top Guard in the draft. As much as I want the Center position answered. I am inclined to believe. Maybe this man should play guard.
I liked the explanation UK gave somewhere in this thread about the OL lineup.
but then.
The question would remain. How do we address the Center position?
Not likely to find a quality FA after the draft.

So with Rumors of moving the top Guard to Center who hasnt played the position before. I have to question. Is this rumor simply because everyone knows we need a Center? (& are false)

Lots to ponder.

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

Just listened to their pod cast and the Cowboys Draft Show guys were talking about Liufau as an option when we were on the clock. Also said he was a top 30 visit. They mostly seemed to like Grey better but at least to them it wasn't an out of left field pick.They talked about Liufau having good instincts which is not what I was reading but that he didn't read and react well. More just made up his mind early. They also talked about potential blitzing and being athletic and aggressive and smart. Of course they liked Wilson a lot more but kept bringing up the medical issues so I guess that is a big reason for him almost dropping out of the 3rd round

I noticed he has a knack for wading through traffic to make plays. This pick though annoyed me TBH.

This guy was not BPA. I think RB was more of a need.

I see the potential though. I really do

I will say I like this draft better than last year's. They added some size and nastiness first three picks. I think the 2nd rounder is great at stopping the run. He has the potential to be a problem for offenses with the pass rush. Guyton his huge. Good luck bull rushing Guyton. Beebe is what we need a center. He going to open holes.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

I noticed he has a knack for wading through traffic to make plays. This pick though annoyed me TBH.

This guy was not BPA. I think RB was more of a need.

I see the potential though. I really do

I will say I like this draft better than last year's. They added some size and nastiness first three picks. I think the 2nd rounder is great at stopping the run. He has the potential to be a problem for offenses with the pass rush. Guyton his huge. Good luck bull rushing Guyton. Beebe is what we need a center. He going to open holes.

so our edge rusher is good against the run?
Ok maybe I am starting to warm up to this pick

 

[DJ]

Beebe is supposed to grade out as the top Guard in the draft. As much as I want the Center position answered. I am inclined to believe. Maybe this man should play guard.
I liked the explanation UK gave somewhere in this thread about the OL lineup.
but then.
The question would remain. How do we address the Center position?
Not likely to find a quality FA after the draft.

So with Rumors of moving the top Guard to Center who hasnt played the position before. I have to question. Is this rumor simply because everyone knows we need a Center? (& are false)

Lots to ponder.

That's why I said in the 3rd round it's a great value.

He can play either. Just depends where you need him more.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

3 rounds (4 players) down and 4 rounds to go. Let's see what day 3 brings. I was really happy after Beebe that we got bigger and stronger and IMO took 3 players that if they pan out will all help us to be the bullies in the playoffs instead of the ones getting bullied. I really wish we could have that last pick back. Everywhere I read it's about him needing to clean up the missed tackles, tricked by misdirection and not great instincts/reads. Also looks very violent and aggressive which I like. Obviously they like something about him but in the 3rd round you look for guy you expect to at least compete as a day 1 starter. Does he seem like this? Obviously everyone kept passing on Wilson for a reason. Maybe it's the injury history because he seems like a much better prospect than Liufau. But, I've cried about getting LBers for a few years now so I have to at least be happy they took one. With Kendricks definitely starting this year and Clark and Overshown with the inside track at starting I guess they are thinking specialty/role player year one with the potential to be a starter in year 2 and beyond. If we took Wilson would he really start year 1 either? Not sure so maybe this is a better long term pick? This will be a guy I watch and root for in camp and hope he turns some heads and looks like a player.

Brugler:
15. MARIST LIUFAU | Notre Dame
STRENGTHS: Checks boxes for his frame, arm length and play strength...first-step acceleration and always-revving motor get him to his destination quicker than theETA...competes with an aggressive mentality and bangs with offensive linemen without hesitation...shows a basic understanding of read concepts and plays gap- sound in the run game ... effective blitzer and shows a ton of downhill force ... blood -thirsty tackler and willingly throws his body around to leave his mark on the ball carrier ... his grit and urgency are on display each play ... uses his hands well to rough up tight ends early in their routes ... started 25 straight games after coming back from his major ankle injury in 2021.

WEAKNESSES: Frenetic eyes lead to wasted steps and missed plays ... missteps in space diminish his leverage as an alley defender ... can be manipulated by motions and backfield action ... put too many missed tackles on his 2023 film and needs to break down with better wrap -up timing/control ... scouts appreciate his eagerness as a tackler, but he must become smarter or he will pile up roughing and late hit penalties from NFL officials ... plays with m ore confidence downhill with limited off- ball coverage production ... undeveloped anticipation as a zone dropper (90.9 percent of plays when he was targeted resulted in an offensive completion in 2023) ... suffered a broken right ankle and fibula (August 2021) and required season-ending surgery ... averaged only 3.8 tackles per game the last two seasons.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Notre Dame, Liufau played Will linebacker in head coach Marcus Freeman’s 4 -2-5 base scheme. After a broken ankle sidelined him for the 2021 season, he ripped off 25 straight starts to finish his Irish career and was often the most en ergetic player on the field. With his closing burst and physicality, Liufau plays through contact well and punches above his weight class when working downhill. His explosive energy helps him cover a lot of ground in a hurry, although he needs to play with better anticipation and control to be a playmaker in coverage and as a tackler. Overall, Liufau has intriguing traits with his length, burst and violence, but he must improve his play instincts to balance out his relentless play style. He should shine as a “core four” special teamer in the NFL while he gets coached up for a chance at meaningful defensive snaps (similar to the Las Vegas Raiders’ Divine Deablo).
GRADE: 5th-6th Round







Bleacher Report:
POSITIVES
— Good size and frame with long arms and solid movement skills overall.
— Shows good eye discipline and peripheral vision to locate threats coming into his area when playing zone.
— Can be an effective blitzer with a decent hand-swipe move and the change of direction and agility to get pressure as the looper on line games.
— Takes on blocks with his hands and is physical at the point of attack against the run.

---

NEGATIVES
— Questionable instincts. Freezes and will get caught out of position versus zone runs, and has slow run-pass transitions versus play action.
— Lacks functional strength to hold his ground when taking on blocks against offensive linemen.
— Angles are too shallow versus outside runs, limiting his range.
— Has bad habits when tackling. Will be too high with his pad level and dive at ankles, which will lead to more misses in the NFL.

OVERALL
Marist Liufau could be a solid backup/rotational linebacker in the NFL. He has a good frame with at least decent movement skills to help in coverage, and he has experience playing multiple linebacker spots in college, giving him some positional versatility. He's also a solid pass-rusher for an off-ball 'backer, which adds more value to his résumé.
Liufau's biggest issue is a lack of functional strength, which shows up the most against the run. He's already about 240 pounds, which is big for a modern linebacker, and he doesn't have much room for growth on his frame. In other words, he might already be tapped out in that area of his game.
Overall, Liufau likely will have to prove himself on special teams to begin his NFL career, but he can be a decent depth piece on Day 3 of the draft.









Draft Network:
Strengths:

• Smart
• Coverage in shallow areas
• Alignment versatility
• Willing blitzer

Concerns:

• Athleticism
• Play strength vs. run
• Open-field tackling
• Pursuit angles

Film Analysis:

Marist Liufau is an experienced linebacker that aligned primarily as the ‘MIKE’ in the Notre Dame defense. Quick first step downhill in the run but is often incorrect in his run fit. Will also delay engagement with opposing linemen when the alley is vacant. Play strength lacks when asked to engage/disengage in one-on-one opportunities. In space, Liufau is active and consistently around the football. As a blitzer, Liufau lacks a pass-rush repertoire but showcases an innate ability to ID vacant rush lanes from the second level. Pursuit angles can be inconsistent where a lack of foot speed can quickly see him chasing a play.

In coverage, Liufau is comfortable in space but is someone whose projection looks muddied as a true three-down stalwart at LB. Instincts hurt Liufau at times versus RPO where he will lose depth to counter crossers behind his head. Open-field tackling needs improvement at this time in his evaluation (Ohio State). Excellent inside the contact window versus RBs and TEs where his quick hands will often jolt opposing players. Showcases good body placement to reroute opposing pass-catchers on short-yardage situations, as well. Allowed just 62 yards on 10 catches (11 targets) in 2023.

Overall, Liufau is a high-motor defender whose experience could pave the way for snaps within a defensive structure that values depth at the linebacker position. His 335 career snaps on special teams showcase a potential multi-phase contributor.

Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific

Sounds a lot like another ND linebacker we drafted, Jaylon Smith.

 

[jarntt]

so our edge rusher is good against the run?
Ok maybe I am starting to warm up to this pick

Think more a Tank type than a pass rusher and certainly not a bendy, speedy pass rusher. 4 1/2 sacks last year in a small conference says he isn't going to lead the league in sacks any time soon

 

[jarntt]

Sounds a lot like another ND linebacker we drafted, Jaylon Smith.

Hopefully he is more pre-injury Jaylon than post injury Jaylon

 

[jarntt]

Man I wish we were as aggressive as the Lions. It's hard to imagine how we spend literally nothing in free agency for a decade and also just sit around and wait to see what falls on draft day. For all the talk about Jerry being a Gambler, I think he is the least aggressive GM in the league. At some point you need to see something you like and go get it. Now the other side of the coin is I think Cowboys fans would have went crazy (Admittedly I would) if Jerry traded up to take a player from Canada that looks like he doesn't really even have a clue how to play football - based on the 10 snaps I just saw on his highlight clip off course because I have never seen him play

 

[TheRangerDude]

So when the last time a good RB came out of the 5th round plus?

 

[Schmoopy1000]

So when the last time a good RB came out of the 5th round plus?

MSN

 

[Godstree]

Beebe is supposed to grade out as the top Guard in the draft. As much as I want the Center position answered. I am inclined to believe. Maybe this man should play guard.
I liked the explanation UK gave somewhere in this thread about the OL lineup.
but then.
The question would remain. How do we address the Center position?
Not likely to find a quality FA after the draft.

So with Rumors of moving the top Guard to Center who hasnt played the position before. I have to question. Is this rumor simply because everyone knows we need a Center? (& are false)

Lots to ponder.

Is there a cut at the center position gonna happen that we could snag for a year or two?

 

[Schmoopy1000]

So when the last time a good RB came out of the 5th round plus?

Tyler Algeier was a 5th in '22
Pacheco was a 7th in '22
Khalil Herbert a 6th in '21
Aaron Jones was a 5th in '17
Believe the Broncos has had some undrafted RBs boom onto the scene.

 

[Schmoopy1000]

Is there a cut at the center position gonna happen that we could snag for a year or two?

I cant think of a quality center getting cut
Cap casualties would have been dealt with before the Draft.

Maybe we can find lightning in a bottle with a late round Center.

 

[PDay8810]

I remain a glass half full guy. Nothing is won in the spring.
AND
Dallas does very well drafting. Even the guys that take a season to develop.
Who knows? Really??
Maybe the big DE pick has some insight like DLaw final contract season or perhaps Kneeland puts on 25 ilbs and slids down inside. The DE pick, I will not question in April/May. Same with the LB. Everyone and their grandmother were aware of Wilson and yet, Will and Zimmer thought the ND kis had more upside to THEIR vision of this defense. Again...I can't question in April/May.

Zimmer has a front row seat and I'm pretty darn sure McClay is working with him.

RB? My face is on fire with the Jets taking the Wisconsin big back. Like it or not, it's RB by committee this coming season. I still see a bigger back drafted. I've moved on. How bout Isaiah Davis South Dakota?

Pre-Draft Analysis​

Davis' production is outstanding. He rushed for 4,548 yards and 50 touchdowns at South Dakota State. He led the FCS in rushing yards (1,578) and tied for the FCS lead in rushing touchdowns (18) in 2023, too. He is a patient runner with good burst through the hole, a big frame and plenty of strength. Davis also has big hands and plucks the ball out of the air. He can make the first defender miss and break tackles after the catch, too.

 

[DALLAScornhusker]

My guess is we'll take Jase McClellan. Not sure why he isn't rated higher than he is.

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

I was impressed with Guytons press conference. He said he is a "nice guy off the field" He said on the field "I want to hurt people". He also mentioned being "violent". I like this

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

I remain a glass half full guy. Nothing is won in the spring.
AND
Dallas does very well drafting. Even the guys that take a season to develop.
Who knows? Really??
Maybe the big DE pick has some insight like DLaw final contract season or perhaps Kneeland puts on 25 ilbs and slids down inside. The DE pick, I will not question in April/May. Same with the LB. Everyone and their grandmother were aware of Wilson and yet, Will and Zimmer thought the ND kis had more upside to THEIR vision of this defense. Again...I can't question in April/May.

Zimmer has a front row seat and I'm pretty darn sure McClay is working with him.

RB? My face is on fire with the Jets taking the Wisconsin big back. Like it or not, it's RB by committee this coming season. I still see a bigger back drafted. I've moved on. How bout Isaiah Davis South Dakota?

Pre-Draft Analysis​

Davis' production is outstanding. He rushed for 4,548 yards and 50 touchdowns at South Dakota State. He led the FCS in rushing yards (1,578) and tied for the FCS lead in rushing touchdowns (18) in 2023, too. He is a patient runner with good burst through the hole, a big frame and plenty of strength. Davis also has big hands and plucks the ball out of the air. He can make the first defender miss and break tackles after the catch, too.

Yep , have to move on. Drafting the Wisconsin back is what I also wanted. I would assume the rumors of bringing Zeke back are legit.

I think they got two new starters on OL and the 2nd rounder will rotate in with Sam Williams. The rookie LB will be given the opportunity to show if he belongs. The 2nd rounder could start in 2025 as this is the final year on DLaws contract

 

[Schmoopy1000]