During the draft, followers may quickly judge where a player is selected based on a value pick or a reach while not focusing on the big picture of how the player will fit into his new team. After analyzing all the selections from Day 2 of the draft, these eight selections stood out to me as best fits for both the team and the player.
By: Christian Page
DE Kevin Dodd and Tennessee
Just seeing average production from outside edge threats Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan, Dodd will serve as an instant primary pass rushing threat that the Titans need. Though Dodd burst onto the scene this past season in a 4-3 defensive scheme at Clemson, adjusting to a 3-4 outside linebacker with his range and ability to set the edge with great length will make for a good fit for the Titans long term.
WR Sterling Shepard and New York
The cleanest route runner in the draft will give Eli Manning another target to work with in New York. With the 40th pick in the draft, the Giants selected Shepard to complement with Odell Beckham Jr. and the hopeful emergence of Victor Cruz. Most likely operating as a slot receiver, Shepard’s reliable hands and short area quickness would be a great asset in Ben McAdoo’s first season as head coach.
OLB Kamalei Correa and Baltimore
A couple of years from now we may be talking about Correa being the best edge threat from this entire draft class. Showing great range and ability to constantly rush the passer and camp out n the backfield in the run game as well, the former Boise State Bronco should instantly fill the void for the departed Courtney Upshaw and may eventually be handed the torch from Raven great Terrell Suggs.
WR Michael Thomas and New Orleans
Though the Saints have yet to find their next quarterback after the life of Drew Brees, it has quickly created a solid receiving corps with 2014 first round pick Brandin Cooks and the surprising instant impact of Willie Snead in 2015. Thomas played the role of the possession receiver in an explosive Ohio State offense and with Marques Colston just being let go after the season, Thomas could immediately fill the void of that go-to possession receiver with reliable hands and being a productive red-zone target.
CB/S Sean Davis and Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has yet to find a reliable secondary playmaker since the departures of Ryan Clarke, Ike Taylor and Troy Polomalu. Having just one player above the 6-foot mark, Mike Mitchell, Davis adds some extra length and bulk to a rather small secondary compared to the rest of the NFL. Davis has a unique skillset lining up at safety and cornerback in his four-year career bringing versatility to a secondary that needs any type of new playmakers. Lining up at strong safety to upgrade that position would be right up Davis’ alley to make the immediate impact a second round pick should.
DE/OLB Bronson Kafusi and Baltimore
Drafting back-to-back edge rushers was a bit of a surprise but when projecting both Kafusi and Correa to the Ravens’ planned defensive scheme, it makes sense, as the defense will now consist of multiple pass rushers from all different angles. Having the girth and natural strength to win at the point of attack, Kafusi fits in nicely as a 3-4 defensive end with added flexibility to fly off the edge with great short area quickness. Playing all across the defensive line at BYU, there was never really a bad fit for Kafusi on any team in the NFL.
WR Braxton Miller and Houston
The Texans’ front office has continued to add pieces to a once anemic offense to something that should be explosive in the 2016 season. Houston went with immediate explosion with Will Fuller in the first round and added a Swiss Army Knife-like player in the third round with the recently transformed wide receiver, Miller. Most likely playing the role as a number three receiver, Miller’s raw tools as a pass catcher could slowly be implemented into a Texan offense that was in dire need of any type of big play threats. Having that ability, Miller looks to be one of the go to playmakers on this 2015 playoff team.
TE Nick Vannett to Seattle
Vannett doesn’t display himself as your ideal number one receiving tight end showing more skills as an in-line blocker, though, possesses soft natural hands to be a red-zone threat if need be. Already having one of the best receiving tight ends in the league, Vannett would be an ideal fit to be an extra blocker in goaline packages while also serving as a sneaky receiving threat in the endzone. Luke Wilson’s, current Seahwak tight end, contract expires at the conclusion of this season and with the recent pick of Vannett this selection continues to make sense for a long-term situation and what his role would be for the NFC West juggernauts.
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