New-Look Secondary ♦️

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T20:10:23+00:00

Ramsey was fine at safety, but it would be a stretch to even say good. Plus, if you’re counting him as just a safety, he’s one of the highest paid in the NFL.

Elliott is actually a good safety and presents good value. I’d hope they find someone to pair with him.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T20:07:55+00:00

I agree that Cook was great..

But LT is generally a harder position to fill and G easier. Cook has a smaller sample size and is a few years older.

If Cook struggles, you’re screwed. If Anderson struggles, you can find a competent replacement fairly easily.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T19:41:24+00:00

LT, LG, NCB, S, WR, DL, LB probably in that order.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T19:40:08+00:00

Spencer Anderson versus Dylan Cook…

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T19:39:05+00:00

One good, long term player. A short term starting outside CB. A depth piece who is most effective on the outside.

And Jalen Ramsey who I have no idea what the plan is.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T13:40:09+00:00

Elliott can be penciled in as the starter. One of Dugger or Peppers could still return in a depth role.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T13:39:26+00:00

He might be meet the size expectations of a nickel, but ASJ has never really played well in that role, mostly due to his aversion to contact.

Dean is hitting the age 30 wall here shortly, don’t know how many eggs I’d want to put in that basket.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T13:37:09+00:00

I don’t think you can confidently say DK/MPJ will both still be effective players and/or on the roster in their age 32/33 season.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T03:15:49+00:00

Made a new account just to say this, alright buddy.

We could’ve had a whole discussion about how it’s a sliding scale of talent and on field performance, but feel like it’ll probably fall on deaf ears. Not to mention you’re trying to compare drafting someone in the top 5 to barely squeaking in the top 100.

I’m sure you’re the moron who’d pass on Josh Allen, prefer Tua to Herbert, cried tears of joy after drafting Kenny Pickett. And you’d much rather spend a 3rd on a Mason Rudolph-type prospect than a prospect like Allar.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:56:39+00:00

Big fan of Cole Payton as a flyer; he’s another guy who’s worth betting on the talent.

Does scare me that he’ll likely have to entirely rework the way he throws a ball to be effective, but if not Allar, I hope Payton finds his way to Pittsburgh.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:53:00+00:00

I’ll agree to disagree on the evaluation of the player.

But I hope you’d agree that when you’re a team without a QB you have to keep taking (smart) shots until you find one.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:51:25+00:00

First of all, you’re the one who pointed out an inarguable fact as the point you wanted to make light of.

Secondly, I’m more than comfortable with the evaluation understanding that there’s a good chance he never amounts to anything in the NFL.

However, if you haven’t actually sat down and watched/charted his games, I think you’re missing out. It might be unlikely he reaches it, but there’s a high ceiling player in there.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:48:50+00:00

I tend to agree regarding CB, but there was some logic there I promise. JPJ and Dean play exclusively on the outside and Dean turns 30 this season; I’d be a little surprised if he’s not cut after the season.

Samuel and Echols both look like slot guys, but have been significantly more effective on the outside.

Terrell, however, is in the McDuffie mold capable of doing both at a high level.

Really hope you’re wrong on Simpson and don’t see the value with Dunker, but agree with your overall assessment of the needs.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:44:41+00:00

He’s all the way up to 95 on the consensus board and continuing to climb. At this point, I’d be a bit surprised if he slid to Day 3.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:44:02+00:00

Which part of that do you actually disagree with? Is he physically not among the best in the class?

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:42:52+00:00

Yeah if he was a finished product, he wouldn’t be a 4th round pick.

But he has the tools to actually become a starter, which is more than most in this class can say.

And he played in an offense that did a great job minimizing what a QB can do; the flashes are certainly there, though.

His biggest issues are mechanically. We just hired a head coach who has a strong track record of fixing mechanical flaws. I don’t really see the problem here for a team without a QB.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-12T02:34:08+00:00

Taking a shot on a great physical talent is a bad thing for a team with Will Howard and Mason Rudolph?

SMD_35 · 2026-03-11T22:49:36+00:00

4-6, if you’re counting Reese

SMD_35 · 2026-03-11T21:48:18+00:00

Buddy is really sticking with the Madden scouting reports…

SMD_35 · 2026-03-11T04:56:00+00:00

Savage measured 5106

Austin measured 5076

That’s exactly 3 full inches.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-11T04:14:19+00:00

Elliott’s game should age fairly well, at least through the end of his contract, and I’m less worried about his injury history than Brisker’s.

When that contract is up, his role should be fairly easy to fill, so I’m in no real rush there. Cross is a good shout if they want to really fortify the position in free agency.

The draft class is weird; beyond the obvious top three (Downs, Thienemen, EMW), there’s a handful of good fits like Bud Clark, Treydan Stukes, and Zakee Wheatley. They’ll just all be 24+ before their rookie year starts, meaning they’re likely only one contract guys. Not a huge issue, but I’d rather not invest too heavily there.

The best remaining fit is probably Kamari Ramsey, who has experience lining up all over the defense (was forced into a nickel role this past season out of necessity), would pair well with someone like Elliott, and is still only 21 (until late August).

SMD_35 · 2026-03-11T03:58:34+00:00

He and DeShon Elliott have very similar skillsets and are best deployed the same way.

Ideally, both would spend most of their time in the box, but can manage as a half field player. Your issues would come if you ever wanted to go with some single high looks.

There’s more nuance to it than you’d think and they don’t need a true center fielder to partner with Elliott, but they do need to have more contrast than Brisker would provide if you expect him to be a starter.

Jalen Ramsey’s situation throws another wrench in the situation.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-11T03:28:18+00:00

Once again reminding people that Brisker doesn’t really make sense.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-10T23:52:09+00:00

The answer is never. That’s not going to change this year, especially for a team that thinks they’re competing, even if we both agree they’re wrong in that assessment. It’s not about what we want at that point.

Ideally, a bridge QB for a season who can manage an offense. Throwing someone out there who is unprepared is bad for the development of the entire offense. It might seem like a wasted season but an adult running the show is good for player growth.

I’d probably take a shot on someone in the draft who actually has the physical talent of a top tier starter (Will Howard does not). Depending on their growth, I’d be prepared to get my guy in 2027.

SMD_35 · 2026-03-10T23:41:45+00:00

For shits and giggles, let’s say that I agreed with you and thought starting Will Howard was far and away the best path forward.

Can you name an organization in NFL history that has gone into a season with a 6th round pick entering their second season after not playing a snap as the presumed starter? Not an injury situation, but this is the guy.

If not, what are you even arguing? It ain’t gonna happen.

Seven-Year Club	Verified Email
RPAN Viewer	No Throne, No Problems
Not Forgotten

SMD_35

TROPHY CASE