Another mock. much different at top but Fant still in 1st

[skinnykilmer17]

This might be the first mock I have seen without Bosa at the top.

But several where I have seen Fant going to the Pack. Aaron Rodgers must Love him some Fant. Because he is calling the shots now. Right?

 

[NikeHawk21]

Here’s the issue though for Fant, T.J. and the other TEs.

You say almost all the Mocks have Fant going late round 1 to either the Packers or the Pats. What happens if those teams decide they aren’t in the market for a TE? They say in general TEs rarely have a big impact as rookies. Knowing that those two teams with aging QBs might go elsewhere, not to mention they have veteran TEs on their rosters who they are going to be paying in 2019. Do they want to invest a 1st round pick and 1st round money into a TE that will likely take a year or two to develop?

I certainly have no idea what will happen, but I just think it’s tough. There might only be a handful of teams in the market for a TE in the early rounds, of that handful their may only be a few that like you individually as a prospect. Of those there is only a limited number of picks, and those teams surely have plenty of other needs.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but in general those mocks are pretty meaningless. I have a feeling that T.J. is going to regret his decision to leave early in this deep TE class, and of our early departures I wouldn’t be surprised if only one goes in the top 2 rounds.

 

[HawkPrdatr40]

Here’s the issue though for Fant, T.J. and the other TEs.

You say almost all the Mocks have Fant going late round 1 to either the Packers or the Pats. What happens if those teams decide they aren’t in the market for a TE? They say in general TEs rarely have a big impact as rookies. Knowing that those two teams with aging QBs might go elsewhere, not to mention they have veteran TEs on their rosters who they are going to be paying in 2019. Do they want to invest a 1st round pick and 1st round money into a TE that will likely take a year or two to develop?

I certainly have no idea what will happen, but I just think it’s tough. There might only be a handful of teams in the market for a TE in the early rounds, of that handful their may only be a few that like you individually as a prospect. Of those there is only a limited number of picks, and those teams surely have plenty of other needs.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but in general those mocks are pretty meaningless. I have a feeling that T.J. is going to regret his decision to leave early in this deep TE class, and of our early departures I wouldn’t be surprised if only one goes in the top 2 rounds.

I think your totally wrong on TJ regretting his decision, he understands the possibility that he might not be drafted until the middle rounds. I Think he based his decision on playing at the next level and from what I saw this year, he most definitely is ready.

 

[1hawkeye1]

I hate to see TJ go, but with Fant leaving, his production is sure to drop if he were to stay. Gotta make hay while the sun shines, strike while the iron is hot, and all those other cliches that mean do it now.

 

[skinnykilmer17]

Here’s the issue though for Fant, T.J. and the other TEs.

You say almost all the Mocks have Fant going late round 1 to either the Packers or the Pats. What happens if those teams decide they aren’t in the market for a TE? They say in general TEs rarely have a big impact as rookies. Knowing that those two teams with aging QBs might go elsewhere, not to mention they have veteran TEs on their rosters who they are going to be paying in 2019. Do they want to invest a 1st round pick and 1st round money into a TE that will likely take a year or two to develop?

I certainly have no idea what will happen, but I just think it’s tough. There might only be a handful of teams in the market for a TE in the early rounds, of that handful their may only be a few that like you individually as a prospect. Of those there is only a limited number of picks, and those teams surely have plenty of other needs.

It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but in general those mocks are pretty meaningless. I have a feeling that T.J. is going to regret his decision to leave early in this deep TE class, and of our early departures I wouldn’t be surprised if only one goes in the top 2 rounds.

Yeah I know the mocks are meaningless but it helps pass the time here in the cell block.

Not sure if coincidence or not, and I realize the NFL is a business and those execs place that above all else, but the fact that so many mocks have Fant or Mock going to GB and NE probably sez something about the relationships and trust those teams have with Ferentz-coached Iowa players.

Plus those teams need TE help. Graham is probably one and done and Gronk is probably just done. Teams draft for best player available, BUT also NEED of course. That is why we see 4 or 5 qb's projected first round in most mocks in what is widely considered a crappy draft for qb's.

Plus isn't the reality these days is that rookies are contributing right away? Look no further than our former Hawks, especially the past few years.

I really feel the mindset of college players has evolved. They see how the college sport has become such a profitable business for everyone but them, and that, coupled with concussion-shortened careers and the gruesome injuries they witness, they have to make their money while they can. Can't blame them.

 

[NikeHawk21]

Yeah I know the mocks are meaningless but it helps pass the time here in the cell block.

Not sure if coincidence or not, and I realize the NFL is a business and those execs place that above all else, but the fact that so many mocks have Fant or Mock going to GB and NE probably sez something about the relationships and trust those teams have with Ferentz-coached Iowa players.

Plus those teams need TE help. Graham is probably one and done and Gronk is probably just done. Teams draft for best player available, BUT also NEED of course. That is why we see 4 or 5 qb's projected first round in most mocks in what is widely considered a crappy draft for qb's.

Plus isn't the reality these days is that rookies are contributing right away? Look no further than our former Hawks, especially the past few years.

I really feel the mindset of college players has evolved. They see how the college sport has become such a profitable business for everyone but them, and that, coupled with concussion-shortened careers and the gruesome injuries they witness, they have to make their money while they can. Can't blame them.

Rookies are contributing right away but not generally at the TE position. For whatever reason it seems it takes a year or two to catch on at the spot. As I noted in another thread not one of the 10 TEs drafted in the top 2 rounds over the last four years has made a pro bowl.

 

[skinnykilmer17]

Here is an example of what I was referring to from a very fresh mock.

This guy has teams trading up to get qb's. 4 qb's in Top 11 picks.

And the Titans taking Fant at #19 because they NEED a TE. Everyone looking for playmakers and edge rushers. And mediocre qb's apparently. Offensive league. I believe the four remaining teams are statistically the best four offenses.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft...o-brown-jaguars-redskins-trade-up-for-qb/amp/

 

[NikeHawk21]

I think your totally wrong on TJ regretting his decision, he understands the possibility that he might not be drafted until the middle rounds. I Think he based his decision on playing at the next level and from what I saw this year, he most definitely is ready.

We will never know for certain what his decision came down to. I could most certainly be wrong. Hopefully he shows a lot to teams and goes in the first or second.

Imo if his decision was only about being good enough to play at the next level he would have announced he was going instantly. Everyone knows he’s good enough to play at the next level, heck the university was basically verifying that by agreeing to take out the insurance policy.

I will continue to say draft position matters. From a business perspective only, I think if he goes in the third round or later this was a bad move, I really do. This class is loaded with TEs. Had T.J. returned and put up another big year while continuing to improvement his abilities he would have been the top dog TE. Again I’ll note the difference between a 1st round TE and 3rd round TE was the first round TE got over $10 million in guaranteed money and the the third rounder got less than $900K guaranteed. That’s a huge difference. In a league with as much uncertainty as the NFL, I think guaranteed money is the ultimate trump card.

Hopefully that’s not the case and he goes earlier than that and everyone can tell me to shut it.

 

[skinnykilmer17]

So often NFL teams totally fall in love with combine numbers to the point of inflating those guys over less impressive "football players".

Not sure how Hock will do in the measurables, but if he only does "average" then I could see him sliding.

One TE selected in first round of 2018 draft but three in 2017.

This is one month old, but good analysis sizing up the competition at TE.

https://www.ninersnation.com/2018/1...s-tight-ends-noah-fant-irv-smith-tj-hockenson

 

[skinnykilmer17]

Rookies are contributing right away but not generally at the TE position. For whatever reason it seems it takes a year or two to catch on at the spot. As I noted in another thread not one of the 10 TEs drafted in the top 2 rounds over the last four years has made a pro bowl.

Just because none of them have made the Pro Bowl doesn't mean they aren't contributing, or more importantly, don't have value to those execs, whether real or perceived.

 

[revkev73]

I would guess lots of teams are salivating perhaps getting TJ to drop down a bit and steal him.

Personally, I wouldn't waste a top draft pick on Fant: injured, soft, issues, left his teammates for the bowl game. Cheap pick up, yes, but those high picks each team owns are coveted, and valuable.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

Rookies are contributing right away but not generally at the TE position. For whatever reason it seems it takes a year or two to catch on at the spot. As I noted in another thread not one of the 10 TEs drafted in the top 2 rounds over the last four years has made a pro bowl.

Generally speaking, only the most special TEs and WRs are breakout stars in rookie years. Learning curve for the skill positions is definitely harder for those two at pro level.

 

[tksirius]

NFL reps gonna have orgasm over Fant after the combine...