butkusrules Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 He seems to be the consensus pick by all the draft gurus. I just cant get jacked for him. Anybody have anything to fire me up about him. About the most exciting thing I have seen is Mayock calling him a brawler. http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingr...t/jeffotah.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balta1701-A Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I think in general, it's hard to get excited about an O-Lineman. He could be great and Benson could still decide that he stinks, ditto Grossman, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Allow me to try: "He is a road grader in the mold of former All-Americans Jimbo Covert (1979-82), Mark May (1977-80), Bill Fralic (1981-84) and Ruben Brown (1991-94)" Gotta like that. Rick Gosselin, one of the few draft guys I still give big props to, lists him as the 3rd best OT prospect, and called him the "best run blocker in the draft". Hmmm. Remind me. Did we need to upgrade our run game? Otah is not as polished or as experienced as other upper tier OTs. He played basketball (which I consider a positive for football players) until his senior year, when he finally played football. Two years of college experience, and here he is. Even w/o the experience, he has been an awesome OT, even player the left side very well. In large part due to his lack of experience, most feel he is more likely to be a RT or even OG in the NFL, but his potential is sky high. In Otah, I think you have a pro bowl potential RT or OG (versatility and body to play either), while also providing the down the road potential for a move to LT. He would be a huge upgrade for an OL that really needs one, and give the OL a great run blocker w/ an attitude. While not my top choice in the 1st, (Albert and Clady), he is not a bad consolation prize at all. If it came down to him and Chris Williams in the first, it would be a tough choice for me. I think Williams provides the better pure LT prospect, especially when you consider the short term, but I think Otah has more potential. I see him as an instant high tier RT or OG. His LT prospects are more murky, and if that does develop, it may take time, but even if it doesn't happen, getting a pro bowl OL, regardless what position, would be a solid use of our 14th pick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChileBear Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Allow me to try: "He is a road grader in the mold of former All-Americans Jimbo Covert (1979-82), Mark May (1977-80), Bill Fralic (1981-84) and Ruben Brown (1991-94)" Gotta like that. Rick Gosselin, one of the few draft guys I still give big props to, lists him as the 3rd best OT prospect, and called him the "best run blocker in the draft". Hmmm. Remind me. Did we need to upgrade our run game? In Otah, I think you have a pro bowl potential RT or OG (versatility and body to play either), while also providing the down the road potential for a move to LT. He would be a huge upgrade for an OL that really needs one, and give the OL a great run blocker w/ an attitude. While not my top choice in the 1st, (Albert and Clady), he is not a bad consolation prize at all. If it came down to him and Chris Williams in the first, it would be a tough choice for me. I think Williams provides the better pure LT prospect, especially when you consider the short term, but I think Otah has more potential. I see him as an instant high tier RT or OG. His LT prospects are more murky, and if that does develop, it may take time, but even if it doesn't happen, getting a pro bowl OL, regardless what position, would be a solid use of our 14th pick. Gotta say that I am leaning toward Williams, just because what I've read says he's more an LT prospect. But your info on Otah makes me feel a bit better if we do get him. Most important for me is for us to shore up the Oline, and fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
balta1701-A Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 The other thing that might get me excited is if the Bears could move down a ways, pick up an extra pick early 2nd day, save a bit of money, and still wind up with a lineman like Otah, which is also entirely possible given rumors of his stock falling a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clnr Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 My opinion is whoever we land of Alberts, Clady, Williams or Otah will be a value pick. You might even add Cherilus name to that list, although I don't want to pick him at #14. They all has their ups and downs but I belive all will pan out as long term players in NFL.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I don't think his stock is falling. Heading into the offseason, his stock was was considered a value right around our pick. He didn't have a good combine, and his stock began to fall some (never beyond Pitt's pick). But since then, he improved his numbers at his private workout, and his stock began to rise again. I think his stock today is where it was heading into the offseason, which is right around our pick. The idea of trading down and getting him sounds great, but I am not sure how far we can drop and still do it. I think it really depends on how many OTs go in front of us. If 4 OTs go in front of us, which I would say is quite possible, then I think we will miss out if we trade down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Balta, I could not agree more! As much as I well know that it's won and lost in the trenches, I can't help but fall into little kid fan mode and think more of the RB, QB, etc... It's not a logical thinking process, but an emotional one per se. If Otah's name is read at slot 14, I'll be content. Not excited. Just thinking, it should be a good safe pick... I think in general, it's hard to get excited about an O-Lineman. He could be great and Benson could still decide that he stinks, ditto Grossman, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Good quote and analysis...but are you excited about it? Allow me to try: "He is a road grader in the mold of former All-Americans Jimbo Covert (1979-82), Mark May (1977-80), Bill Fralic (1981-84) and Ruben Brown (1991-94)" Gotta like that. Rick Gosselin, one of the few draft guys I still give big props to, lists him as the 3rd best OT prospect, and called him the "best run blocker in the draft". Hmmm. Remind me. Did we need to upgrade our run game? Otah is not as polished or as experienced as other upper tier OTs. He played basketball (which I consider a positive for football players) until his senior year, when he finally played football. Two years of college experience, and here he is. Even w/o the experience, he has been an awesome OT, even player the left side very well. In large part due to his lack of experience, most feel he is more likely to be a RT or even OG in the NFL, but his potential is sky high. In Otah, I think you have a pro bowl potential RT or OG (versatility and body to play either), while also providing the down the road potential for a move to LT. He would be a huge upgrade for an OL that really needs one, and give the OL a great run blocker w/ an attitude. While not my top choice in the 1st, (Albert and Clady), he is not a bad consolation prize at all. If it came down to him and Chris Williams in the first, it would be a tough choice for me. I think Williams provides the better pure LT prospect, especially when you consider the short term, but I think Otah has more potential. I see him as an instant high tier RT or OG. His LT prospects are more murky, and if that does develop, it may take time, but even if it doesn't happen, getting a pro bowl OL, regardless what position, would be a solid use of our 14th pick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 That would be a bit more exciting per se! The other thing that might get me excited is if the Bears could move down a ways, pick up an extra pick early 2nd day, save a bit of money, and still wind up with a lineman like Otah, which is also entirely possible given rumors of his stock falling a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Would any pick other than Mendy (realistic picks) excite you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Believe it or not...yes! It would be limited excitement, but Clady would make me more happy than Otah. Also, Devin Thomas would make me excited...although I do have my reservations. Obviously any significant drop down like Ryan, Alberts, etc would be great. Rivers would also make me excited having seen him play a lot at USC...and my overall love of the LB position and fears I have. Lastly, I would be fairly excited to see Jonathan Stewart. I'm a tiny bit weary, but I would be very happy to see him drafted. Would any pick other than Mendy (realistic picks) excite you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Good quote and analysis...but are you excited about it? Yes and no. If it were not for some of the other OL in this draft I still have "some" level of hope falls to us, then yes, I would be more excited. I get plenty excited about OL picks. My only hesitation in terms of excitement w/ Otah is how much I want (a) Albert ( Clady. Each could be taken as high as 5, or drop enough to be there for our pick. But assuming they are gone, when our picks comes up, I would be excited if we took Otah. I would be excited if we took Williams too. Frankly, relief may be the greater emotion to throw out there. Relief we didn't take a WR. Relief we didn't reach for a QB. Relief we didn't trade down to take some lesser player. Relief we didn't take a defensive player. There is still a part of me expecting Angelo to take a defensive player, as that is all he seems to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I understand.... I hear you on D. Part of me isn't opposed to it...at least his track record's pretty good there. Yes and no. If it were not for some of the other OL in this draft I still have "some" level of hope falls to us, then yes, I would be more excited. I get plenty excited about OL picks. My only hesitation in terms of excitement w/ Otah is how much I want (a) Albert ( Clady. Each could be taken as high as 5, or drop enough to be there for our pick. But assuming they are gone, when our picks comes up, I would be excited if we took Otah. I would be excited if we took Williams too. Frankly, relief may be the greater emotion to throw out there. Relief we didn't take a WR. Relief we didn't reach for a QB. Relief we didn't trade down to take some lesser player. Relief we didn't take a defensive player. There is still a part of me expecting Angelo to take a defensive player, as that is all he seems to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 2002 was the last time we drafted an Offensive Lineman within the 1st 3 rounds. Drafting one high is long overdue. They probably should've drafted one instead of Bazuin or Wolfe last year. I wouldn't be surprised if 2 out of the first 4 picks are on the O-Line. Sometimes the unflashy picks are the best. Anderson in the 5th, Brown & Vasher in the 4th, Briggs in the 3rd, and Hester in the 2nd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChileBear Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Sometime the unflashy picks are the best. Anderson in the 5th, Brown & Vasher in the 4th, Briggs in the 3rd, and Hester in the 2nd. Beautifully said, Prophet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I don't know about you guys...but Hester was pretty flashy in college! Beautifully said, Prophet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connorbear Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I am excited period as I love the draft. I would be happy with either Williams, Albert, or Otah at 14. Peace Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 I don't know about you guys...but Hester was pretty flashy in college! Hester was projected as a 3rd round pick because he had no real position. Drafting a return specialist was still rare even though it happened periodically. The Bears even got brutal grades for that draft, which is funny now: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/dr...ft-grades_x.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madlithuanian Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 Ha! Great read on that! Hester was projected as a 3rd round pick because he had no real position. Drafting a return specialist was still rare even though it happened periodically. The Bears even got brutal grades for that draft, which is funny now: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/dr...ft-grades_x.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TerraTor Posted April 22, 2008 Report Share Posted April 22, 2008 He seems to be the consensus pick by all the draft gurus. I just cant get jacked for him. Anybody have anything to fire me up about him. About the most exciting thing I have seen is Mayock calling him a brawler. http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingr...t/jeffotah.html Bout as excited as any other lineman. But he seems to be the most unathletic lookin guy, seems poor work ethic at combine, he would fit right in with benson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 The Bears even got brutal grades for that draft, which is funny now How is it funny? How great was that draft. Yup, we got Hester, but.... We did trade out of the 1st round, and according to Angelo, it was w/ DM in mind all along. How good did that workout? Hester proved me wrong, w/o question. Dusty - How has that worked out? Still have hope, sure. But heading into his 3rd season, how many quarters has he played? Jamar Williams - Nice backup? Anderson - Awesome pick, but last year took a step backward (I still blame coaching). Runnells? Reed? This could still improve, but is this draft really so great? Heading into this year, how many starters do we have out of this draft? Anderson lost his starting job, and I doubt Hester starts. Dusty might, but that would be one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfoligno Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 Bout as excited as any other lineman. But he seems to be the most unathletic lookin guy, seems poor work ethic at combine, he would fit right in with benson I believe he was dealing w/ an injury around the time of the combine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZ54 Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 I'll be very happy if we take Otah at 14. Why? Because we desperately need OT help and Otah is light years better than Fred Miller because he doesn't fall down after taking two steps. For all the downside talk about Otah most if it is about his ability to play LT. In the end game if you have a guy who is a road grader on the right end of the line then that's where you run. Want to run a reverse? Go left first and then have Otah seal off the backside of the line. Otah will be good enough to anchor the right side in pass protection which means we'll be able to line up the TE on the left side (if needed) or the RB can focus more on the left side. That's a step up from last year where the RB had to focus on everyone missing their man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zod Posted April 23, 2008 Report Share Posted April 23, 2008 I think Otah's power and size could be a great asset for the Bears...IF they adjust their scheme a bit to accommodate what he does well, which is lining up, locking on and power driving opponents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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