7 hours ago, adam said:

Henderson was always the one they probably wanted, and he has looked really good. 

Both Judkins and Henderson went before our pick at 39. If Poles would have wanted them he would have traded up a few spots to get them. We have to give Poles credit for playing the draft the way he did. First 3 picks have (IMO) 2 potential pro bowlers and a starting LT. Monongai is a top 3 rookie running back picked in the 7 th round. Injuries has effected the rest of the class but Newman and Turner look like potential starters coming. 

I think they had Swift and they wanted the thunder guy, I think Skattabo was the target in the 4th and went before our pick. 

This never gets old to me.

 

1 hour ago, BearFan PHX said:

I personally was hoping for Cam Skatebo. He has definitely show that hes great, but I can't complain about Monangai at all - a real hidden gem. I didnt even know his name until we took him. So score one for the front office on that one. Was it Poles? Bienemy? Some scout who banged the table to tell us he was great enough that we were willing to wait for him?

Monangai did lead the Big10 in rushing, so that itself should have made him known.  The guy may not have the best speed but contact balance, vision, and drive to go with pass pro and ball security make him solid.  Eric Bienemy did scream and pound for him since he was at UCLA and coached against him a couple of times. 

48 minutes ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

Monangai did lead the Big10 in rushing, so that itself should have made him known.  The guy may not have the best speed but contact balance, vision, and drive to go with pass pro and ball security make him solid.  Eric Bienemy did scream and pound for him since he was at UCLA and coached against him a couple of times. 

for sure known to our scouts and Bienemy the NFL, but not to me!

I only looked at film of like the top 8 or so HBs and that was it. I dont watch college ball. After we drafted him, my Dad, who does watch Big Ten Football told me "oh yeah that guy is a beast" so he knew, but I didnt lol

 

2 hours ago, BearFan PHX said:

I personally was hoping for Cam Skatebo. He has definitely show that hes great, but I can't complain about Monangai at all - a real hidden gem. I didnt even know his name until we took him. So score one for the front office on that one. Was it Poles? Bienemy? Some scout who banged the table to tell us he was great enough that we were willing to wait for him?

Or ... it was their last pick of the draft, and someone shouted, "Hey, we forgot to draft a running back!" So they decided, what the hell, why not this guy? LOL

However the draft went,accordingly to their plan, we got the thunder to go with Swift that has shown we have two good RBs. Brown may have some value going forward but I think they will draft one late in the 2026 draft.

13 hours ago, Stinger226 said:

However the draft went,accordingly to their plan, we got the thunder to go with Swift that has shown we have two good RBs. Brown may have some value going forward but I think they will draft one late in the 2026 draft.

Or draft one (rb) early if there is a player that adds explosive play potential.  Johnson wants players all over the field, offense/defense, that have that.  He had an acronym that I tried to look up.  Just because we need DE/DT/S doesnt mean we draft them round 1.  They will take the best player that they like.

2 hours ago, ASHKUM BEAR said:

Or draft one (rb) early if there is a player that adds explosive play potential.  Johnson wants players all over the field, offense/defense, that have that.  He had an acronym that I tried to look up.  Just because we need DE/DT/S doesnt mean we draft them round 1.  They will take the best player that they like.

I believe Ryan Poles has a position value model.  RB safety and LB are not first round positions unless you absolutely have a blue chip player.  Any of those that are blue chip are likely long gone before pick 20+.  I just can’t see him valuing any of those players over the DEs or DTs that are likely to be on the board when we pick.  I think he keeps doing what he’s done since he’s been here: draft a RB on day 3.   
 

Before the draft we’ll know how they feel about Edmund’s and DJack.  Hipólyte is going to be a question mark.  I expect they will believe they have their top 3 starters and just need to add depth but a stud could easily fall to us in Rd 2.  

On 12/18/2025 at 6:44 AM, AZ54 said:

I believe Ryan Poles has a position value model.  RB safety and LB are not first round positions unless you absolutely have a blue chip player.  Any of those that are blue chip are likely long gone before pick 20+.  I just can’t see him valuing any of those players over the DEs or DTs that are likely to be on the board when we pick.  I think he keeps doing what he’s done since he’s been here: draft a RB on day 3.   
 

Before the draft we’ll know how they feel about Edmund’s and DJack.  Hipólyte is going to be a question mark.  I expect they will believe they have their top 3 starters and just need to add depth but a stud could easily fall to us in Rd 2.  

At this time last year we were pounding our fists for a LT.  We chose the 2nd TE on most boards. I dont see a RB right now other than Love from ND, but you never know. Im not saying we will or should take a RB but if they see one that they think adds that explosive play potential, then don't be surprised. Ill say the same for another WR or any position.