Dcat Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 @bitonti I love that pick. With all the buzz about this kid he will inevitably shoot up the 2nd round. Meet Kiran Amegadjie, who might be ‘the most interesting prospect’ in the 2024 NFL Draft By Dane Brugler Feb 19, 2024 43 “It’s the best of both worlds.” That is how Kiran Amegadjie (KUH-ron Ah-meh-gah-G), an ambitious 22-year-old with considerable NFL Draft buzz, describes the balance of Ivy League football and education. Growing up just outside of Chicago, Amegadjie always believed football would be his future, but his path has been much different than most. Despite numerous roadblocks along the way, though, he is on pace to be a top-100 draft pick this spring and a Yale graduate this summer. Call him underrated or a sleeper — he is both. But as Amegadjie said: “In my opinion, I’m the most interesting prospect in the draft.” For as long as he can remember, Amegadjie wanted to play football. He enjoyed watching the NFL and dreamed of one day playing at the highest level. But his parents were unfamiliar with the sport and stressed education. His father, Boris, grew up in the West African nation of Togo and played soccer in college in France before moving to the United States to continue his studies. His mother, Gislaine, is from Cameroon in Central Africa and lived in Canada before moving to the States. Boris and Gislaine met at Strayer University in Maryland in 1994. GO DEEPER 2024 NFL Draft Big Board: Who are the top 100 prospects in this year's class? In the summers, when many kids are involved in organized sports, Amegadjie and his twin sister, Maiwen, instead spent time visiting family in Togo. Based purely on accessibility, Kiran adopted basketball as his go-to sport throughout middle school. In the eighth grade, however, he finally put on pads and joined the football team. It didn’t go as planned because of what he called a “bad experience” with a coach. “It really deterred me from playing football,” Amegadjie said. Amegadjie instead chose to remain focused on basketball after enrolling at Hinsdale Central (Ill.) High School and didn’t play football as a freshman. But at the urging of his friends, he gave the sport another chance as a sophomore and started down an improbable path. As a junior, Amegadjie became Hinsdale’s starting left tackle, and over his final two seasons, he helped the team to a combined 16-5 record and two playoff appearances. College coaches started to take notice of his play during his junior year, too. Scholarship offers soon followed. First, it was Indiana State. Then, Southern Illinois. Amegadjie finished with 22 offers in all. The list, however, included just one FBS program (Central Michigan), though nearby Northwestern also showed interest. Rather than waiting on those bigger schools to discover him, Amegadjie — after falling in love with Yale — committed to the Bulldogs before his senior year of high school. “I’m super competitive and feel like I was under-recruited, but it all worked out like it was supposed to,” Amegadjie said. “If I could go back and attend any school in the country, I would still pick Yale.” Amegadjie was full of optimism after signing with Yale. Despite getting a late start as a football player, his goal of playing the game at the highest levels finally appeared to be on track. But then, a roadblock. Soon after Amegadjie enrolled, in the fall of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Ivy League to cancel its entire football season. No games. No practices. That could have derailed Amegadjie’s progress, especially given how relatively little football he’d played to that point. However, it turned out to be a “blessing in disguise.” “It gave me a year to train in a college weight room and learn the playbook,” said Amegadjie, whose glass-half-full maturity is as impressive as his football highlights. “My mentality was: ‘I am going to do everything possible to learn and grow so when the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready.’” Once viewed as a project, Amegadjie showed up when Yale restarted its workouts in the spring of 2021 with a reshaped body, added strength and a knowledge of the offense that impressed his coaches. He earned the starting left guard role for the 2021 season, before playing at left tackle for the past two years and earning All-Ivy League honors. A political science major, Amegadjie had to handle all of those football responsibilities — staying in shape during a year off, digesting the playbook, developing at multiple positions — while dealing with Yale’s typically heavy course load. Particularly during his first two years in New Haven, Conn., it was a daunting challenge. GO DEEPER 2024 NFL Mock Draft: After Super Bowl LVIII, how could the first three rounds look? “In the Ivy League, it’s all a level playing field,” Amegadjie said. “You’re not getting extensions because of football. I know these four years will probably be some of the busiest of my life, but knowing I can handle all that stress and develop my time management will help develop other important skills for the rest of my life.” Off his first-team all-league selection in 2022, Amegadjie could have followed a path carved by so many other college football players in recent years and hit the transfer portal — he would have had an opportunity to play in a Power 5 conference last season. He never gave much thought to leaving. “I love Yale too much to imagine playing somewhere else,” Amegadjie said. However, he ran into another roadblock during his final season there. Four games into 2023, during a midweek practice in October, Amegadjie suffered a partially torn left quad. After seeking out a second opinion from a doctor in New York, in hopes of being able to return at some point during the ’23 season, he opted for surgery, which came with an expected recovery time of four to six months. With that, Amegadjie considered returning to Yale for a fifth season and delaying his NFL Draft dreams until 2025. But he has never been shy about taking the road less traveled. “I wasn’t sure how my injury would affect my stock,” Amegadjie said. “But I got a lot of positive feedback from scouts and thought the NFL was my best opportunity. That’s all I’m looking for: an opportunity. And I’ll make the most of it.” With his basketball-built athleticism and rare 36 3/8-inch arms, Amegadjie is straight out of NFL central casting. Teams at the next level covet offensive tackles with light feet, coordinated movements and long arms to keep defenders at bay. Amegadjie possesses those traits plus explosiveness and a resolute mentality, hence scouts spending more time than usual on Yale’s campus last fall. “The NFL was always a dream, but my mentality shifted when I got to college,” Amegadjie explained. “I never want to say that I just made it to the NFL. I want this to be my life.” When veteran offensive line coach Stefon Wheeler joined the Yale staff last offseason, he took one look at Amegadjie and immediately saw his new left tackle’s NFL potential. But he also soon realized that Amegadjie had the work ethic and drive to get the most out of those physical gifts. “Kiran is all about getting better,” said Wheeler. “He’s always asking, ‘What can I do, coach?’ and trying to improve. We’ve worked really hard to add more tools to his toolbox and fine-tune some technical things.” It’s a sizeable leap from the FCS to the NFL, so Amegadjie sought out additional resources in the offseason to help ease the impending transition, including workout sessions with 13-year NFL veteran lineman Willie Anderson. When he returned to campus, Amegadjie headed back into the film room with Wheeler. As he was still recovering from his in-season surgery, Amegadjie was unable to participate in this year’s Senior Bowl, a missed opportunity, as it would have allowed him to show what he could do against stronger competition than he faced in the Ivy League. For what it’s worth, Amegadjie insisted he would have “put on a show.” He still traveled to Mobile, Ala., last month and met with several NFL teams during Senior Bowl week. “Once he’s healthy, I think he can walk into an NFL building and compete for a job,” said Wheeler. “He’s a tackle in the long-term, but if someone needs a guard right way, he can do that with no issue.” Amegadjie is currently working out at EXOS in Florida and is ahead of schedule with his rehab. He’s expected to be cleared for full activity this month, which would leave him enough time to get in front of NFL scouts before the draft. The current plan is for Amegadjie to hold a pro day in April, an essential final step before draft weekend. Until then, he’ll continue to focus on interviews, including those he’ll have with coaches and GMs at the upcoming NFL combine. “I think I’ll be able to show them how much I love football,” Amegadjie said. “I’m not just an Ivy League kid who is smart in the classroom. I’m smart on the field, too. I don’t fit any of the models that people put me in.” 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Kiran is my pick for the 3rd round if Jets go WR in the first. Almost 37” arms is ridiculous. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Sorry if my post was off. Did I have the info right? I was sitting waiting on Braswell for ages. Thought about trading up a few slots with Jenkins as my 2nd choice. Whoopsie. Nobody left I really liked. Just some reachy types so I might as well reach for an R! U! guy. Most of the guys I like that are left will gonlater but I guess some are already off the. board. Leggett Corley Ward. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King P Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Since they weren't tagged after the last pick... @kdels62 is OTC @bonkertons is on deck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 I have a trade proposal for @kdels62, I’ll offer it to @bonkertons if he doesn’t bite. Trying to move up. Patriots offer: 3rd(68), 6th (180), and 7th (231) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dcat Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 25 minutes ago, Greenseed4 said: I have a trade proposal for @kdels62, I’ll offer it to @bonkertons if he doesn’t bite. Trying to move up. Patriots offer: 3rd(68), 6th (180), and 7th (231) the Patriot way... going to sneak it in before Saints wake up. Oh you slithery little devils in Foxboro 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T0mShane Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 1 hour ago, #27TheDominator said: Sorry if my post was off. Did I have the info right? I was sitting waiting on Braswell for ages. Thought about trading up a few slots with Jenkins as my 2nd choice. Whoopsie. Nobody left I really liked. Just some reachy types so I might as well reach for an R! U! guy. Most of the guys I like that are left will gonlater but I guess some are already off the. board. Leggett Corley Ward. Melton is an awesome Ravens pick 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 21 minutes ago, Dcat said: the Patriot way... going to sneak it in before Saints wake up. Oh you slithery little devils in Foxboro Kdels agreed. I recorded it and everything. Can you make the changes? @Dcat @Lith @NYJetsVets91 @New York Mick 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdels62 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 I’m agreeing to this trade due to watching my guy get picked. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#27TheDominator Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 28 minutes ago, T0mShane said: Melton is an awesome Ravens pick Thank you for your support. I feel more comfortable as the draft goes on. At least 2 of the other guys I considered there will probably be on the board for my next pick. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Roger Rosengarten has a crazy pass block move called “44 special” where he has a false pass step, then charges into the defender like he’s run blocking. It throws the defender off balance because they’re not expecting it. Check it out at the 2:50 mark. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Here it is on X https://x.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1773764228341477768?s=20 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dcat Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 @bonkertons, at 11pm go right ahead to the podium. The Saints can pick upon return. Again. And why are you trying to jump ahead of Arizona? Am I helping you snipe me? That's a new one. Please tell me what I am picking? I need to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 2 minutes ago, Dcat said: @bonkertons, at 11pm go right ahead to the podium. The Saints can pick upon return. Again. Saints traded out homey. Look above. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dcat Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 1 minute ago, Greenseed4 said: Saints traded out homey. Look above. ok, but I still want to know why bonkrtons wants to jump ahead of me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYJetsVets91 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Well there goes my next pick again.. Good move to jump up. Anyone interested in moving up pick #67 is available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 3 minutes ago, Dcat said: ok, but I still want to know why bonkrtons wants to jump ahead of me. I think Carolina has the first pick in every round, no? (I mean, minus the ones they traded away to Chicago last year). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Can we actually get the details of the trade? Was it 3rd(68), 6th (180), and 7th (231) to new orleans for 64 to the pats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenseed4 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 5 minutes ago, Beerfish said: Can we actually get the details of the trade? Was it 3rd(68), 6th (180), and 7th (231) to new orleans for 64 to the pats Yes 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New York Mick Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 7 hours ago, NYJetsVets91 said: Well there goes my next pick again.. Good move to jump up. Anyone interested in moving up pick #67 is available. I’m looking to trade up into the 3rd but you’re too high. It would take the rest of my picks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Curse of Namath Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 20 hours ago, section314 said: @Curse of Namath you are channeling your inner Howie Roseman. So far you are killing it.👍 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dcat Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 Happy Easter all! Boy, I miss those days of hiding eggs the night before all over the house. And my daughter doesn't do it for her two boys because of the dogs. Back to business. The Cards are up and are willing to trade out of pick 66. Unfortunately nobody is online right now.... Wakey, wakey! I'll give around 30 minutes for any GMs. I'll have a pick ready if not and enter it before 9:15 am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
section314 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 1 hour ago, Dcat said: Happy Easter all! Boy, I miss those days of hiding eggs the night before all over the house. And my daughter doesn't do it for her two boys because of the dogs. Back to business. The Cards are up and are willing to trade out of pick 66. Unfortunately nobody is online right now.... Wakey, wakey! I'll give around 30 minutes for any GMs. I'll have a pick ready if not and enter it before 9:15 am. Happy Easter. Just finished putting the eggs all over the yard for the Hint for the grandchildren. Nice pick. It’s crazy how many great players Michigan had on that team. And we’re not even half way your mock.😎 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dcat Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 Pick 71 (cardinals) available for trade!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King P Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Open to trading out of #70 Anyone who's interested in trading up, let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYJetsVets91 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 ***Trade*** Commanders sending pick 100 to the Bills for picks 128, 144, and 189 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New York Mick Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Verified Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Christian Haynes was an outstanding pick. This guy, if injuries do not get in the way (see AVT), will be a pro bowl guard within about 3 years, mark my words. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
section314 Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 6 minutes ago, Beerfish said: Christian Haynes was an outstanding pick. This guy, if injuries do not get in the way (see AVT), will be a pro bowl guard within about 3 years, mark my words. He will be gone way before this next month. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King P Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Trey Benson = RB1 Wanted to trade down, but I'm still very happy to get him at 70 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dcat Posted March 31 Author Share Posted March 31 1 minute ago, King P said: Trey Benson = RB1 Wanted to trade down, but I'm still very happy to get him at 70 he is or was on my short list. Nice job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New York Mick Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 5 minutes ago, King P said: Trey Benson = RB1 Wanted to trade down, but I'm still very happy to get him at 70 Great pick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 Ruke ohorhoro and trey benson both big time ras guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 18 hours ago, Greenseed4 said: Roger Rosengarten has a crazy pass block move called “44 special” where he has a false pass step, then charges into the defender like he’s run blocking. It throws the defender off balance because they’re not expecting it. Check it out at the 2:50 mark. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Here it is on X https://x.com/BrandonThornNFL/status/1773764228341477768?s=20 He could go top 100 for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 @HawkeyeJet selects .....Zac Zinter 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HawkeyeJet Posted March 31 Share Posted March 31 6 minutes ago, Beerfish said: @HawkeyeJet selects .....Zac Zinter Thats great content Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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