Fanspeak: NFL Draft News

Looking for safe picks on Day 3 is a lesson in futility. To wit, the number of players drafted in Round 1 who went on to earn at least one Pro Bowl appearance between 1999 to 2019 (170) is almost equal to all other rounds combined (176). In other words, those perceived fifth-, sixth- and … More »

Underclassmen who declare early despite a lack of playing time present a challenge, although scouts and GMs are a bit more forgiving if a player displays elite traits and plays at a premium position. It worked out well for former Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore, as the No. 11 pick in 2017 has already made … More »

As part of an occasional series, Fanspeak will offer tips and best practices for its wildly popular and first-of-its-kind On The Clock draft simulator. Today’s topic: Where do you rank the offensive guards? Not sure where to rank the guards in your customized On The Clock big board? Let recent history be your guide. Since … More »

Here’s the problem when you have a high number of qualified candidates for a job opening: Anything, no matter how big or small, can knock you down the pecking order. And that’s precisely the challenge Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins faces now as he can do little to make up for his subpar Pro Day, … More »

As part of an occasional series, Fanspeak will offer tips and best practices for its wildly popular and first-of-its-kind On The Clock draft simulator. Today’s topic: Do you think the player you want will still be there if you trade down a few slots to pick up an extra draft pick or two? Warning: You … More »

It wasn’t that long ago that Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson was mentioned as the likely No. 2 cornerback in the upcoming NFL draft. Still hoping he lands to your team past pick No. 15 while drafting with On The Clock’s simulator? There’s a reason this doesn’t happen very often – Henderson just keeps rising up … More »

Draft analysts say this isn’t a great year for interior linemen. There are no Quenton Nelson’s or Garrett Bradbury’s in the draft, but you can still find a guard or a center in the later rounds who could eventually turn into a starter. That includes Jonah Jackson, a 6-foot-3, 306-pound guard who has some positional … More »

As part of an occasional series, Fanspeak will offer tips and best practices for its wildly popular and first-of-its-kind On The Clock draft simulator. Today’s topic: Not sure who to pick late in the draft? Look for elite traits. Trent Brown is the ultimate value pick. After all, the massive 6-foot-8, 388-pound former Florida offensive … More »

It seems like Wisconsin edge Zack Baun is universally loved by NFL draft analysts. And what’s not to like? The senior was one of the best pass rushers in the nation last season with 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. His 91.0 pass-rushing grade by Pro Football Focus was top-10 among qualifying FBS pass … More »

As part of an occasional series, Fanspeak will offer tips and best practices for its wildly popular and first-of-its-kind On The Clock draft simulator. Today’s topic: What do you do when all of your favorite targets are drafted ahead of you? How Dak Prescott became a Cowboy is an example of what can happen when … More »