In conversation with ….

September 21, 2016
 Over the course of the next few months as we head toward the 2017 draft, we’ll be talking to other draft analysts out there to get their impressions of the latest issues impacting the draft. Today’s guest in Brian Bosarge, editor of Deep Fried Draft. Brian isn’t a household name yet in draft circles, but we keep hearing whispers that he is one of the better emerging independent draft analysts. Brian is a resident of Mobile, home of the Senior Bowl, and has been running DFD since 2012.
1) GBN: Our sense is that, at least where we stand today, that the 2017 draft may not be all that strong. What is your sense of the overall quality of this year’s draft.
Brian: I would tend to agree here. Like nearly every draft in recent years, the depth of the draft and the quality of the first round will be dependent on underclassmen declaring. The senior class this year is relatively thin at the top. The trickle down effect of 90 plus underclassmen leaving every year is taking its toll.
2) GBN: What do consider to be the positions of strength in this year’s draft class.
Brian: Edge Rushers, Defensive Tackles, and Corner Backs are the real winners for me this year. Running Backs are also pretty deep this year. I also think this is the year to upgrade the Tight End position. I could easily see 6-7 TE’s going in the first 3 rounds.
 
3) GBN: One other thing we have sensed is that neither the OL nor the WRs look particularly strong this year. Your thoughts
Brian: It may be a stretch to get three WR’s and more than 2 tackles in the first round next year. I would go so far as to say that outside of maybe Cam Robinson (OT/Alabama), LSU center Ethan Pocic is possibly the best offensive lineman in this class.
4) GBN: What are your comments on the quality of the QB class.
Brian: Is “yuck” an adjective? It is quite bad outside of Deshaun Watson (Clemson) and even he has issues. Brad Kaaya (Miami, FL) could probably use another year in Mark Richt’s pro-style system. I like Luke Falk (Washington State) and Mason Rudolph (Oklahoma State) more than most, but even they are probably high-level backups at best. I am not even sure either of them will declare. This is how Mitch Leidner (Minnesota) get bandied about as a potential first rounder by some people.
 
5) GBN:  Give us a player or two that you think is really being undervalued at this time.
 
Brian: Fordham TE Phazahn Odom is going to shoot up draft boards once people see him at an all-star game or the combine. He is a 6’8” 245 pound high school basketball player who had very few offers out of high school. He has the size to make the tough catch and the speed to line up in the slot and stretch the middle. My favorite player in this draft is San Diego State RB Donnel Pumphrey. I always have a thing for undersized backs (He is listed at 5’9” 180) who will grind out yardage, but who are also weapons in the pass game.