NFL draft conversation (with lots of Daniel Jones stuff)

[loran16]

Because somebody had to start it (and this thread can serve as an obligatory Jones NFL Draft talk and celebratory thread).

Not sure there's been another Duke QB in the modern era with a comparable career to Jones and I'm gonna miss him (since I'm sure he's going). Boone has the only accomplishment Jones failed to get as the Coastal Champ, but Boone had an utterly elite offensive line to go with two of Duke's best wide receivers ever. Jones did more with less than anyone I can remember.

[fuse]

I wish him well as he mulls his decision, and thank him for everything he did for Duke.

I can’t see any upside for him returning, and a huge amount of risk playing against Alabama and a crowded 2020 draft class.

It will be interesting to see if he can carve out a role in the NFL like Dave Brown did, or better.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

I wish him well as he mulls his decision, and thank him for everything he did for Duke.

I can’t see any upside for him returning, and a huge amount of risk playing against Alabama and a crowded 2020 draft class.

It will be interesting to see if he can carve out a role in the NFL like Dave Brown did, or better.

Well let's not forget everything Duke did for him too...taking a chance on a player few colleges were interested in...developing under Cut and other coaches, etc.

And you make a good point about the risk of playing Bama next season. I do however see a potential upside for him coming back, as well as a potential risk of course. Given all that, I think he'll go. I'm not sure that's his best 5 year decision, but it will be an overwhelmingly good two year decision I think.

[JasonEvans]

Just wanted to point out that he has been at Duke for 4 years and is getting his degree. Next year would be a graduated year and while that is a fine thing, I am betting he is ready to move on to what is next.

Oh, and his draft stock will likely never be higher and he is coming into one of the worst years for QB draft prospects in a very long time. There's a decent chance (25% or so?) he could even be a first round draft pick.

-Jason "thanks for all you have done, DJ. Being a high draft pick and succeeding in the NFL will help us in recruiting too!" Evans

[loran16]

Just wanted to point out that he has been at Duke for 4 years and is getting his degree. Next year would be a graduated year and while that is a fine thing, I am betting he is ready to move on to what is next.

Oh, and his draft stock will likely never be higher and he is coming into one of the worst years for QB draft prospects in a very long time. There's a decent chance (25% or so?) he could even be a first round draft pick.

-Jason "thanks for all you have done, DJ. Being a high draft pick and succeeding in the NFL will help us in recruiting too!" Evans

Exactly. This isn't even the "One and Dones" shouldn't leave thing here (though I think they should go as well if they're first rounders) - Jones is graduating from Duke and a grad degree he'd get by staying probably isn't one that would have much use to him in post-football life (seriously, how often do those grad degrees for redshirt seniors actually benefit the kids more than their ordinary undergrad degrees? I can't imagine much).

It'd be one thing if Duke was returning significant other players and was like a title contender or something next year with Jones, but at best they're a coastal contender next year with Jones, which is not much of an incentive to come back IMO. And next year's QB class is much stronger competition for the Draft.

[OldPhiKap]

Have really enjoyed DJ, wish him luck with the decision. Look forward to watching you next year whether it be on a Saturday or (more likely IMO) Sunday.

#DukeGang brother.

[Duke05]

Just wanted to point out that he has been at Duke for 4 years and is getting his degree. Next year would be a graduated year and while that is a fine thing, I am betting he is ready to move on to what is next.

Oh, and his draft stock will likely never be higher and he is coming into one of the worst years for QB draft prospects in a very long time. There's a decent chance (25% or so?) he could even be a first round draft pick.

-Jason "thanks for all you have done, DJ. Being a high draft pick and succeeding in the NFL will help us in recruiting too!" Evans

I completely agree with Jason's sign-off point. As much as I'd enjoy seeing Jones at Duke next year, my guess is that having him as a high draft pick in 2019 helps us our program significantly in the long run.

In other words, this is the first time I can think of where I'm rooting for a Duke player (in any sport) to enter a draft "early." And I do think it'd be really cool / a great statement about our program if he ended up a first-rounder and/or the first QB off the board.

(This is terrible; I'm guessing this is how Calipari feels about his early entrants. Ew. Time for a shower...)

[dukelifer]

I completely agree with Jason's sign-off point. As much as I'd enjoy seeing Jones at Duke next year, my guess is that having him as a high draft pick in 2019 helps us our program significantly in the long run.

In other words, this is the first time I can think of where I'm rooting for a Duke player (in any sport) to enter a draft "early." And I do think it'd be really cool / a great statement about our program if he ended up a first-rounder and/or the first QB off the board.

(This is terrible; I'm guessing this is how Calipari feels about his early entrants. Ew. Time for a shower...)

A player who gets a degree is not really entering early. He has also likely not played his last game of football unlike a number of seniors on the team. Football players have a short shelf life. Time to move on. He has shown that he is more than ready.

[duke2x]

I thought his departure was pretty clear before he muddied the waters with his recent comments. DJ has done all you could really ask of a future professional Duke student-athlete--much like Jason Williams and Carlos Boozer. We played one of the toughest schedules in recent Duke football history. If the NY Football Giants want him, we aren't going to fall off a cliff with Harris getting a full season of preseason reps.

[Avvocato]

Just wanted to point out that he has been at Duke for 4 years and is getting his degree. Next year would be a graduated year and while that is a fine thing, I am betting he is ready to move on to what is next.

Oh, and his draft stock will likely never be higher and he is coming into one of the worst years for QB draft prospects in a very long time. There's a decent chance (25% or so?) he could even be a first round draft pick.

-Jason "thanks for all you have done, DJ. Being a high draft pick and succeeding in the NFL will help us in recruiting too!" Evans

Well said. Additionally, he's not only been here four years with a degree, he's been a 3-year starter. Some guys facing this decision (see Dwayne Haskins at Ohio State) have one year of experience as a starter, and the debate is whether he could use another year. DJ has started for 3 years under Cut. I think the thought of playing Alabama is enticing, as is trying to win Duke a division title. However, as others have said, his draft stock in a weak-QB draft is about as high as it could go, and it is probably the right decision for him (plus, the fact that he is losing a lot of senior receivers could also play into his decision).

Of course, would love for him to stay. Would love to see him and a healthy Duke squad take on Alabama. I just wouldn't count on it. If he does go, I thank DJ for his great 3 years and everything he gave to Duke.
He's been extremely tough, taking on (sometimes too many) big hits, playing hurt, and coming back from injury quickly. Thanks again wishing him nothing but the best at the next level should he choose to go.

On a side note, should DJ decide to go pro, is it a given that Harris will be the starter next year? I ask, because three years ago, when Sirk went down, many assumed Boehme, the redshirt senior with experience would have become the starter, but Cut went with the young Jones instead. Not sure if the Jim Sumners, Steve Wisemans or others know if there is talk of Homberg or Katrenick being in the discussion. Of course, that may be more of a discussion during the spring practices should Jones move on.

[Acymetric]

Well said. Additionally, he's not only been here four years with a degree, he's been a 3-year starter. Some guys facing this decision (see Dwayne Haskins at Ohio State) have one year of experience as a starter, and the debate is whether he could use another year. DJ has started for 3 years under Cut. I think the thought of playing Alabama is enticing, as is trying to win Duke a division title. However, as others have said, his draft stock in a weak-QB draft is about as high as it could go, and it is probably the right decision for him (plus, the fact that he is losing a lot of senior receivers could also play into his decision).

Of course, would love for him to stay. Would love to see him and a healthy Duke squad take on Alabama. I just wouldn't count on it. If he does go, I thank DJ for his great 3 years and everything he gave to Duke.
He's been extremely tough, taking on (sometimes too many) big hits, playing hurt, and coming back from injury quickly. Thanks again wishing him nothing but the best at the next level should he choose to go.

On a side note, should DJ decide to go pro, is it a given that Harris will be the starter next year? I ask, because three years ago, when Sirk went down, many assumed Boehme, the redshirt senior with experience would have become the starter, but Cut went with the young Jones instead. Not sure if the Jim Sumners, Steve Wisemans or others know if there is talk of Homberg or Katrenick being in the discussion. Of course, that may be more of a discussion during the spring practices should Jones move on.

I have absolutely no inside knowledge, but my gut feeling is that it is Harris or Holmberg next year. Katrenick just reminds me a little of Sean Schroeder for some reason. Solid guy to have on your team for practice and depth, but not a go-to starter. Of course, he's only a RS-freshman so really too early to say for sure what his ceiling is.

[duke79]

Well said. Additionally, he's not only been here four years with a degree, he's been a 3-year starter. Some guys facing this decision (see Dwayne Haskins at Ohio State) have one year of experience as a starter, and the debate is whether he could use another year. DJ has started for 3 years under Cut. I think the thought of playing Alabama is enticing, as is trying to win Duke a division title. However, as others have said, his draft stock in a weak-QB draft is about as high as it could go, and it is probably the right decision for him (plus, the fact that he is losing a lot of senior receivers could also play into his decision).

Of course, would love for him to stay. Would love to see him and a healthy Duke squad take on Alabama. I just wouldn't count on it. If he does go, I thank DJ for his great 3 years and everything he gave to Duke.
He's been extremely tough, taking on (sometimes too many) big hits, playing hurt, and coming back from injury quickly. Thanks again wishing him nothing but the best at the next level should he choose to go.

On a side note, should DJ decide to go pro, is it a given that Harris will be the starter next year? I ask, because three years ago, when Sirk went down, many assumed Boehme, the redshirt senior with experience would have become the starter, but Cut went with the young Jones instead. Not sure if the Jim Sumners, Steve Wisemans or others know if there is talk of Homberg or Katrenick being in the discussion. Of course, that may be more of a discussion during the spring practices should Jones move on.

Totally agree with you here (especially the bolded part)! He deserves our admiration, thanks and support for all that he has given to Duke football and Duke University. It would nice to have him stay for a final season but completely understandable if he decides to go pro.

[Mike Corey]

Just wanted to point out that he has been at Duke for 4 years and is getting his degree. Next year would be a graduated year and while that is a fine thing, I am betting he is ready to move on to what is next.

Oh, and his draft stock will likely never be higher and he is coming into one of the worst years for QB draft prospects in a very long time. There's a decent chance (25% or so?) he could even be a first round draft pick.

-Jason "thanks for all you have done, DJ. Being a high draft pick and succeeding in the NFL will help us in recruiting too!" Evans

Perfectly stated.

[wavedukefan70s]

The dead skins need a qb badly. After the possible career end break of thier QBs leg.maybe he can throw to Jamison crowder. May they never beat the cowboys again though.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

As much as I'd love for DJ to stay at Duke next season, I think it makes far too much sense for him to declare for the draft and go to the NFL next season. Ouch, it hurts to say that!

Did anyone else notice that Gunnar got a couple of snaps at the end of the game? He had a nice run, too (on first and 25, I believe).

[TruBlu]

Did anyone else notice that Gunnar got a couple of snaps at the end of the game? He had a nice run, too (on first and 25, I believe).

Yes. He gained 19 yards on his only carry. If he maintains that pace next year as a starter, and gets 20 carries/game, we will have a dominant offense.

[OldPhiKap]

Yes. He gained 19 yards on his only carry. If he maintains that pace next year as a starter, and gets 20 carries/game, we will have a dominant offense.

Anything less will be disappointing.

That was a nice misdirection, naked bootleg. Good to see.

[HereBeforeCoachK]

That was a nice misdirection, naked bootleg. Good to see.

On that topic, and on the situation that I think DJ is 90% likely to go (i'm not at 100% yet)- I'd really have liked to have seen Gunnar and Katrenick throw a couple. I wonder if a few of the more well connected folks around here know how the staff and players feel about QH, Gunnar, Katrenick, relative to each other.

And at the tail end of Cut's presser, he was asked "what had Daniel Jones meant to the program" and Cut said "Well I can tell you coming back what he means to this program..." and was kind of laughing. Hard from context to fully understand that...

[jimsumner]

On that topic, and on the situation that I think DJ is 90% likely to go (i'm not at 100% yet)- I'd really have liked to have seen Gunnar and Katrenick throw a couple. I wonder if a few of the more well connected folks around here know how the staff and players feel about QH, Gunnar, Katrenick, relative to each other.

And at the tail end of Cut's presser, he was asked "what had Daniel Jones meant to the program" and Cut said "Well I can tell you coming back what he means to this program..." and was kind of laughing. Hard from context to fully understand that...

Holmberg has the highest ceiling. He's the only one of the three that I could see in the NFL at some point.

But he's also the least experienced. Unless Duke adds someone in the off-season, I would very much expect Harris to go into the fall as number one. His performance at Baylor gives me cautious optimism.

[OldPhiKap]

Holmberg has the highest ceiling. He's the only one of the three that I could see in the NFL at some point.

But he's also the least experienced. Unless Duke adds someone in the off-season, I would very much expect Harris to go into the fall as number one. His performance at Baylor gives me cautious optimism.

Agree with this, and think we'll be fine.

Harris not only performed well at Baylor, when he was in games it was clear that he was The Leader of the offense and that everyone listened to him, His press conferences and interviews are extremely impressive, and his is a positive, confident young man.

I doubt anyone is promised anything, and the job will be won by someone in the Spring. But I think it's gonna be hard to knock QH out of the lead role.