Casting Perfect Fits For Deshaun Watson, Dalvin Cook

The NFL draft is first and foremost about talent. For all the talk about draft picks and order, they really are just polling position to give teams the best chance to land top talent.

But talent means nothing without context. In the world of agnostic big boards and national draft analysts, the part of the draft that goes forgotten is that its all about fit. At every position, each team eyes different traits as key indicators for success based on their scheme. No two draft boards look alike. For example, while Arizona might want hyper-athletic corners who excels in man coverage, a few hundred miles north in Seattle they are looking for lean, physical zone corners for their vaunted Cover 2.

This is why it is so important for the coaching staff and front office to be on the same page. One hand needs to wash the other. Just because Leonard Fournette is one of the best talents in the class doesn’t mean he’s the best talent for every team. Let’s look at some of the top players on the offensive side of the ball and where they might fit best.

Deshaun Watson: The Kansas City Chiefs

For all the talk about Watson’s performance under the brightest lights, he is fundamentally a rhythm passer. He excels on timing routes like slants, crossers, quick outs, and comeback routes. In addition, he provides additional value as an intensity changing athlete in the open field. On a team stocked with talent on the perimeter and a quarterback who may limit their ceiling, Watson would be an ideal candidate to direct Andy Reid’s West Coast attack.

Dalvin Cook: The Philadelphia Eagles

Although Cook’s stock has taken a hit following off-field rumors and the buzz of Christian McCaffrey, he could be the most electrifying back in the class. Cook is a creative, slippery east-west runner reminiscent of Lesean McCoy. Because of the freelancing he tends to do at times, he is best suited to land with a team who does a lot of gap blocking in the run game. One team that needs a back and does a lot of gap blocks: the Eagles. With Cook’s receiving prowess and instincts, he could side right in and alleviate some of the pressure from Carson Wentz.

John Ross: The Baltimore Ravens

When Joe Flacco is your quarterback, you’d be wise to attack downfield early and often. The Ravens run one of the more vertical offenses in the league, yet haven’t been able to find the personnel for their quarterback to thrive. They’ve already tried  Breshad Perriman and Mike Wallace the past two years. Neither has stuck. If you’ve heard one thing about John Ross, you know he’s fast. Ross is a downfield burner with the smoothness in his route running to draw comparisons to Desean Jackson. He’s not only fast in a straight line, but also in and out of his breaks. If he lands in Baltimore, he could provide the number one receiver Perriman never became.

Cam Robinson: The Oakland Raiders

Cam Robinson hasn’t gotten enough credit during the draft process. Pegged as the top dog early on, he’s been knocked by draft analysts for his lack of fluidity and foot quickness in pass protection. For all the heat he’s taken on, Robinson is a monstrous man with prototypical size and length and grown man strength to go with it. The Raiders boast the biggest offensive line around. Like Philadelphia, they run a bruising gap blocking attack behind a bevy of big maulers. Oakland’s offensive line is already great. Add Robinson and they could rival even Dallas.

Deshone Kizer: The Arizona Cardinals

Regardless of what Bruce Arians says, none of the quarterbacks in this class are ready to start. However, Carson Palmer is in the twilight years of his career. They need to identify his heir apparent on the fly. Arians is a risk-taker who wants to attack the field vertically with interwoven pass concepts. Kizer has more experience with pro passing concepts than anyone else in this draft. The former Notre Dame star cuts the frame of exactly what you want a quarterback to look like. He’s built like a linebacker and has the arm to sling it around the yard. A slow twitch guy with a long delivery, Kizer needs to land in a deep drop offense.