First look at Michigan UFA signings
Haven't seen this posted yet. Here's a first look at MIchigan players who apparently have signed UFA contracts with NFL teams:
- De'Veon Smith - Dolphins
- Channing Stribling - Browns
- Matt Godin - Texans
- Kyle Kalis -Redskins
- Erik Magnuson - 49ers
Here's the complete list of all UFA signings as of this AM:
April 30th, 2017 at 12:28 PM ^
Some had him mocked at 5th round.
Whoever had him pegged for the 5th round was probably a "measurables" guy. Going way back to 2013 (and maybe before that in his recruiting post) Braden has been known as an impressive physical specimen (tall, well-built, huge, fast).
But, based on all his "UFR" performances and what I've read from other scouts, he's more of an UDFA guy (though I haven't read anything about his destination). Looks like Tarzan, doesn't quite play like him ... Kalis could probably be classed the same way. Magnuson seemed to get a little more praise for his overall technique and performance, but not enough to get him in Round 7.
I think our guys were, strangely, also probably hurt by all their career starts. The film doesn't lie when there's a few years of it. Imagine if Braden had been a first-year starter as a 5th-year senior. Imagine he had a couple of really good games against the likes of Rutgers. You could maybe talk yourself into judging him as a "developmental" prospect.
I believe this would be the Second look based on the thread below started by Yost
My apologies to Mr. Yost. I did look, but obviously missed it this bleary-eyed morning. :-(
So...16 so far NFL bound with a few more possibles? What is the record?
So I saw a sullen Ben Braden yesterday in passing at an event that my wife's work was putting on. We must have been sharing opposite sides of this building, our event on one end and his draft party on the other.
I felt pretty bad for him.
It's a gut punch, but in the big picture it's typically better to be an undrafted free agent compared to a 7th round pick. More leverage with a signing bonus, pick from ~15 teams and schemes rather than 1.
7th round picks are guaranteed an invite to camp, and teams generally try to draft guys that fit their needs. I'd rather be drafted than undrafted.
I feel bad for Braden. I've said it a couple of times - if he wouldn't have unselfishly moved to LT last season to plug a gaping hole, he would have been a middle round draft choice at LG. He was on track to be the best OL after getting back into form following his early injury. I think JBB's inability to hold down LT caused Braden to be looked at with the tackles, and he has no senior season as a guard to watch.
I really hope he gets on with someone, I think he could be a decent backup option for depth somewhere.
That should've HELPED his status, as it shows he can play both spots in a pinch and provide some roster versatility, like Michael Schoefield. Door isn't closed on him; I'm sure he'll get a shot considering Kalis has one.
I can't help but think Bob Quinn really screwed the pooch on this one. I mean the guy goes to work every day 30 mins from Michigan campus. Has had ample opportunity to scout our players, and talk to our coaching staff. As I'm sure most people saw Pete Carroll and the Seahawks GM both raved about Harbs coached players, and the talent on Michigan roster this year. Fergodsakes We put 11 guys into the draft, 5 more FA and the Lions don't get one single flipping guy! Personally I believe we will regret the Teez over JLew pick, and Jake, Deveon, and any host of linemen would be great as well. Not to mention the luck the Lions had last year with Glasgow and Rudock. I'm sure there's a good reason for passing on all these kids, but I can't help but think 5-7 of them will become pro bowlers during their careers.
Almost every post you make is to throw rocks at people
Throw rocks and people and talks about his bland family history.
April 30th, 2017 at 10:54 AM ^
April 30th, 2017 at 11:57 AM ^
almost every post he makes is a subject line and then some random letter in the comments because they don't let you leave the comment field blank.
When they are also fans of a pro team, they tend to see those college players as a great fit.
It doesn't always work out.
The repetitive reminder of this is a PSA, I guess.
April 30th, 2017 at 11:10 AM ^
April 30th, 2017 at 12:33 PM ^
Taco would have been a great fit. Not saying the Lions should have taken him or comparing him to Davis in any way. That said he would have looked real good lined up opposite Ansah on that line. There is still a pretty gaping hole at DE.
I still find it kind of interesting that Stribling didn't end up going at least late to someone, but admittedly that's based on my own assessment of the kid. I had the same thought about Braden, but as someone said above, it was strictly based on a "measurables" sort of assessment.
All the same, good luck to all these guys - hopefully, they find their way to the field on Sundays as well.
There have been some poor tackling corners in the league but you better be a lockdown guy (or Deion)
April 30th, 2017 at 10:15 AM ^
April 30th, 2017 at 10:21 AM ^
I knew Deion Sanders. Deion Sanders was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Deion Sanders.
That other Sanders--Barry--played rather well in spite of being less than 6 feet tall.
Ben Braden's NFL Draft Profile indicated that there was a strong chance that he would not be drafted. Nevertheless, I would be surprised if he doesn't get an opportunity to get a camp tryout with an NFL team, if he hasn't already received that offer or signed as a free agent.
April 30th, 2017 at 10:32 AM ^
for Braden. I hope a spot opens up for him in one of the camps. could still happen.
April 30th, 2017 at 12:57 PM ^
April 30th, 2017 at 11:32 AM ^
April 30th, 2017 at 12:48 PM ^
I thought as of this morning the total was 18:
11 guys drafted (U-M record, 3rd all-time vs. fOSU's 14, and 12 for fOSU and YTM in past years) -- and then 7 guys got UDFA deals last night: Magnuson, Godin, Stribling, Dymonte, Kalis, De'Veon, and Kenny Allen.
It would be interesting to know that all-time record: Draft picks-plus-UDFAs from a single school in one draft year.
(Side note: I can't believe NW's Austin Carr (PFF's highest-rated collegiate receiver) didn't get drafted -- but I CAN believe it was the New England Patriots who swooped in and nabbed him as an UDFA last night.)
Thomas signs with Broncos.
That's 18 M guys taken.
The totality of Michigan's players to the NFL this year is terrific to see. I'm still very very happy that my unlikely dream came true. My Browns drafted Peppers. I cannot wait to see him tear up the division and hopefully make a lot of analysts eat crow this and coming years!