Big Blue Huddle

By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Priority free agent
Overview
Rock-steady full-time starter over the last three seasons. Kubas is smaller than NFL teams might like from a frame perspective and it would be beneficial if he learned to snap. He's technically sound, with inside hands and good lower-body bend. He's lightning quick up to the second level and as a pulling guard. Kubas could struggle to handle the step up in size and power across from him as both a run and pass blocker. His sudden feet and athleticism are both impressive in protection, but he's too easily conned out of his spot by moving pieces and appears to lack instincts in that regard. He could compete for a spot with a zone-heavy team.

Strengths
Quick feet to slide and mirror against quicker interior rushers.
Punches with inside hands and is a talented screen blocker.
Digs into first contact with leverage and lower-body drive.
Silky smooth with A+ athleticism on long pulls in space.
Races to second-level landmarks, beating linebackers to the spot.
Weaknesses
Lacks instincts to recognize potential games up front.
Overreacts to movement, leaving gaps exposed.
Edges leak when he doesn't slide enough to meet defender.
Might not have enough mass to take on NFL bullies inside.
Powerful two-gapper can get rid of his sustain attempts.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jake-kubas/32004b55-4226-2743-f3e2-ae57dba09bba

Quote from: jgrangers2 on Today at 06:28:33 PMDid you want the Giants to draft a QB at 6 that they didn't fully believe in? If not, them not taking a QB was  kind of our of their hands. As for O-line, it was our heaviest investment in FA and that's without considering that we got a new OL coach. Our starting OL in week 1 will likely be Thomas, Eleumanor, JMS, Runyan, Neal barring injury.

The defensive secondary was far more of a pressing need. We probably needed DL help more than OL help so if they ignored anything, it was there.

 Do you really believe this OL is solid? And not even using a lower-round pick for some stability in case someone goes down. YOu draft maybe the best WR in the draft, and you give him to a QB who can't stand long enough to look downfield and you think this is not a pressing need? OK, we differ on that.
Same as drafting Barkley and now having an OL that can open a hole for him. Not one pick for this OL. Lunacy.

Quote from: DaveBrown74 on Today at 07:28:18 PMI actually don't believe this to be the case, myself. Pretty much everyone in the media including respected, resourceful insider types like Ian Rappaport claims the Giants tried very hard to get a deal done with the Pats, but it simply wasn't possible (without the terms being obscene to the point of not being worth it).

I think the reason they didn't draft McCarthy is not that they were unwilling to draft a QB with Jones under control. The owner (who has been perhaps the biggest Jones advocate in the building) himself said he was fine with them drafting a QB in the first round. The reason they didn't take McCarthy is because they didn't believe he was worthy of being taken sixth overall. And they couldn't get the guy they wanted. Simple as that.

It's the cynic in me, DB. Looking at it now, I really don't think NE would pass on the third best QB no matter what was offered. Kraft wanted a QB. And the Giants knew this. The talks weren't serious. There was a reason Nabers was the consensus mock pick from the get go. I really think they couldn't seriously take a QB with Jones under that bad contract. It would be an admission of a mistake. Again no proof but I'm just not convinced.

I know zilch about this guy as I don't watch all that much Pac-12 football. Seems like a nice kid. We'll see how he looks in camp and the preseason. We could certainly use another competent ILB who can help on specials. I wish him luck.

Quote from: todge on Today at 07:25:13 PMOne more thing - thank you Rich for providing us with scouting reports on each pick. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.


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Ted

It's good to see you back among the living. You had us very worried.

We might not agree on many things here, but I always viewed your opinions and you have been missed. Glad you are OK.

What about Austin Reed?

I'm actually mildly warming up to this pick a little. I'm not going to make any predictions on this guy, but I kind of like the unconventional storyline and am wondering if that scared teams off and possibly led to him being a bit undervalued. The inexperience at RB coupled with him being 24 is not a very palatable headline. This guy does seem to be legitimately talented though, which is the most important thing by far. I don't see him being a star or anything, but as a best case scenario maybe he could end up being one of these jack-of-all trades/master-of-none types like a Cordarelle Patterson. Guys like that can play until they're older than most conventional, between-the-tackles, 250 carries type backs. It might have been a pretty nice pick for where we got him. Let's see.

Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss

Gabriel Murphy


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