It’s starting. Stadiums are going to be empty for some pretty huge events in American sports. The question of how it will impact the games came up on Big Al and JoJo on KOA.
Solomon Wilcots joined the show to discuss his work with PFF, and some grades on players. Before they got to the PFF rankings, Wilcots was asked about how he thinks empty stadiums will impact the players on the field or court.
His response was interesting. The idea of an empty stadium shouldn’t impact the play on the field. “It’s different, so there is something to get used to... but in all seriousness, when we’re practicing, your focus has to really be dialed in on the moment...”
The Coronavirus has put its stamp on the sports landscape. In the coming months there is no telling how big the impact will be, but games in silence will certainly be a change for fans. The other change could come with the NFL Draft. As of now, there has been no change in the scheduling, or the event. However, if things get worse, or the NFL deems it necessary, we could see an old school NFL Draft without the crowds, and picks being called in from team facilities, and announced to the silence of a phone bank filled with team employees.
As far as actual football, Wilcots discussed some PFF grades on college players entering the draft. JoJo aksed Solomon to rank the top five offensive lineman. He ranked the top five tackles, starting with Andrew Thomas of Georgia, followed by Jedrick Wills of Alabama, Tristan Wirfs of Iowa, Josh Jones from Houston, and finally Mekhi Becton from Louisville.
The rankings are subjective, but it’s interesting to note that the Broncos have been indicating that a speed receiver like Henry Ruggs III might be their target. However, the tackle spot is still an area of need, and any one of the players Wilcots listed could help the Broncos improve up front.
Who knows what could happen in the coming months on the sports landscape. Empty stadiums could become a normal occurrence. In the meantime, we will just have to keep speculating about what the Broncos might do with that 15th pick in the NFL Draft.
Bonus Listen
KOA Broncos Insider Brandon Krisztal keeps you up-to-date on the latest Broncos news and info. In the wake of the NBA suspending its season and the NCAA set to play tourney games with no fans, BK weighs in on that news as well as when will the NFL offer any updates on their plans for the Owners meetings and the Draft. Also, BK chats with Mile High Report Film Guru Joe Rowles who offers an in-depth breakdown of players he thinks the Broncos should target in Free Agency.