Inside The Star
Offense is always where draft hype gets out of control first. Arm strength, body type, and “tools” start carrying more weight than what actually happened on Saturdays.
Before long, we’re projecting guys into stardom they haven’t earned yet.
When I went back through this offensive class and focused on actual production and impact, a few things became obvious.
Some players are being talked about like cornerstones without consistently playing line one. Others are quietly, maybe not so quietly, doing everything you want and still aren’t getting their due.
Here’s how I see it.
I get why people like him. He looks like a quarterback.
But when I stack Simpson against the rest of this class, the production just doesn’t back up the hype. The efficiency wasn’t elite, the decision-making wavered, and too much of his success leaned on scheme and surrounding talent.
He has been discussed like a future franchise quarterback, but he didn’t always play like one.
Traits are nice, but quarterbacking still matters.
This one is about expectations more than ability.
Fano is a solid offensive tackle. He is steady, competent, but the way he’s talked about doesn’t match the impact I see on tape.
He is an amazing run blocker, possibly the best in the country. But the pass blocking leaves something to be desired.
As good of a run blocker as he is, the passing game is where the NFL lives, and he will need to figure out this piece of his game.
Good player, but not a tone-setter.
Being a tone setter matters at the next level.
This one honestly frustrates me.
Tate led this receiver class in yards per reception and posted elite efficiency while sharing targets in a loaded offense. He didn’t need to be force-fed the ball, he just finished drives.
When I look at receivers, I care about separation, efficiency, and scoring. Tate checked all three boxes, even if he wasn’t the loudest name.
Jordan Tyson and Makai Lemon are not better, but have been given that honor in some corners.
Carnell Tate is a WR1 and a team is going to be lucky to have him.
Even with the attention he gets, I still think Love is undervalued.
Jeremiyah Love is the consensus 15th overall player in the NFL draft. This is where he is undervalued compared to other players.
He wasn’t just productive, he was efficient, explosive, and reliable.
He created yards on his own, stayed dangerous late in games, and added real value as a receiver.
Love is talked about like he is a “nice back,”
He played like a difference maker.
This offensive class has real talent, but the gap between reputation and results is already obvious.
Some players are being drafted in peoples minds based on what they might...
