Tag: prosepcts

Bucky Brooks’ updated NFL mock draft has the Saints picking ‘a true “Y” tight end’

Bucky Brooks’ updated NFL mock draft has the New Orleans Saints picking Notre Dame prospect Michael Mayer, who he calls ‘a true “Y” tight end’

How big of a need is tight end for the New Orleans Saints? They have expressed a desire to upgrade over Adam Trautman as their number-two tight end, but their interest in Foster Moreau as a free agent was shuttered by his unfortunate lymphoma diagnosis. If the idea with Moreau was sparked more by opportunity, it’s possible they look to other ways of improving the roster.

With the few remaining free agents going off the board to teams like the Cincinnati Bengals (who signed Irv Smith Jr.) and the Las Vegas Raiders (who brought in Austin Hooper), the Saints may be forced to look to the draft for help if this is still a priority for them.

They can get by with Trautman and Juwan Johnson at tight end, but the potential for growth is there with prospects like Notre Dame’s Michael Mayer on the board. Mayer has been a popular pick for the Saints in recent mock drafts, including the updated projection from NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, who wrote:

The Saints need a true “Y” tight end to enhance the passing game for Derek Carr. Mayer is the total package: a soft-handed pass-catcher with the size, strength and power to control the edges as a run blocker. 

Mayer would address several big needs for the Saints offense. He’s one of the most-experienced blocking tight ends in the draft class as well as one of the most-reliable targets on contested catches. He’s not as athletically gifted as some of his peers, but he’s still brings above-average size and mobility for NFL standards. If he can pave the way for Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams on some big runs while converting a couple of first downs each week, he’s worth the investment, even if his arrival would mean the Saints are punting on Trautman after three years that left fans wanting more than they saw from him.

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Mock Draft Monday: Two Longhorns in the first two rounds

Two different mock drafts recently released have Samuel Cosmi in the top 15 and another Longhorn selected in round two.

Over the last several years the Longhorns haven’t had many draft selections to celebrate. It is well known that the last first round pick that Texas has produced goes back to 2014 with Malcolm Brown to the Patriots. That could very well change in the 2021 NFL Draft. The big name to watch is offensive tackle Sam Cosmi. He could be the highest offensive lineman drafted since Mike Williams was selected fourth overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2002.

Recently CBS Sports came out with another NFL Mock Draft in which Samuel Cosmi was selected in the first round. Not only a first round selection but a top ten pick. According to R.J. White, the Dolphins land Cosmi at number nine overall.

The Dolphins picked up a potential left tackle in Austin Jackson in the 2020 draft, but there’s no harm in adding more talent at the position and having the luxury of figuring out where everyone will play later on. Protecting Tagovailoa is paramount.

With a new quarterback that has had his fair share of injuries, protecting him should be top priority. Cosmi has played on both the left and right sides of the line so he provides flexibility. As White stated, get your best group and put them on the field. That will give Tagovailoa the best chance to succeed.

Our colleague at Draft Wire, Luke Easterling put out his own two-round mock draft in which two Longhorns were selected. He saw Cosmi’s projection much the same as CBS with him going to Miami with the 13th selection overall.

His second pick for the Longhorns predicted safety Caden Sterns to the Detroit Lions. The Lions take Sterns with the 38th pick overall. He would be the eventual replacement of another former Longhorn, Quandre Diggs who was traded to Seattle during the 2019 season. The Lions are in need of playmakers on the back end after trading Diggs and Darius Slay.

ESPN’s Todd McShay ranks Samuel Cosmi as a top 10 prospect

Todd McShay ranked Samuel Cosmi in his top 10 prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft. His footwork and use of his hands make Cosmi a top prospect.

With the 2020 NFL Draft taking place just over a month ago, Texas had three players selected, the most since 2018. It has been five years since the Longhorns produced a first-round selection when Malcolm Brown was the 32nd overall pick to the New England NFL Draft.

Going into the 2021 NFL Draft, Texas has a couple candidates to be selected in the first round. With a good season, quarterback Sam Ehlinger and safety Caden Sterns could sneak into the top 32. For now, there is only one surefire pick with left tackle Samuel Cosmi.

ESPN’s Todd McShay agrees, ranking the lineman in his top 10 prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft. Here is what he said about Cosmi:

Cosmi shows some quick feet for a 6-foot-7 lineman and can redirect really well in pass protection. He has 26 career starts, playing both sides of the line.

Expected to start at left tackle this season, Cosmi will be protecting Ehlinger’s blindside. He has played at right tackle, however, showing he can play both sides of the offensive line.

Cosmi’s athleticism is what makes him such a special talent. Listed at 6-7 and 310 pounds, his ability to move around and stay with defenders puts him in the conversation as one of the best tackles in the nation. His footwork and use of his hands make Cosmi a top NFL prospect.

He can even be used as a wide receiver:

Under new offensive coordinator Mike Yurich, Texas’ passing game is expected to elevate to a new level. In order for it to be successful, it will begin with solid protection across the line. The left side will be a strength for the Longhorns thanks to Cosmi.

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