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Taco Charlton to Cowboys in 1st round (#28 overall)

Defensive end Taco Charlton went to the Dallas Cowboys with the #28 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

It’s a little easier to root for the Cowboys than it used to be, but they’re still a polarizing team. I think Charlton fits well in Dallas, and he’ll get some great coaching from Rod Marinelli.

Jabrill Peppers to Browns in 1st round (#25 overall)

Jabrill Peppers did indeed go in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, even though he had a “dilute sample” at the Combine. He went #25 overall to the Cleveland Browns.

It’s a great pick for the Browns, who have multiple needs and can use Peppers in several ways. However, I hate the Browns. They are always terrible, they make poor decisions, and they have ugly uniforms. I will have a hard time rooting for them, but I guess I’ll cheer for him to have some individual success.

In his own words: Bennie Joppru

(image via Mike Desimone)

I was able to interview Bennie Joppru this week.  When I asked Bennie if he had time to speak to me this week for Touch the Banner, his exact words were, “I have time for anyone who loves Michigan.”  His passion for the program was obvious throughout the interview.  I hope you enjoy.

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2017 NFL Draft Preview: Michigan

Taco Charlton

Players are listed in order of how I expect them to get drafted.

1st ROUND

Taco Charlton – DE
Charlton didn’t particularly enjoy playing a 3-4 defensive end role in 2015 under defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin, and he was more productive as a weakside end in 2016’s version of the 4-3.  He’s projected by NFL scouts as a 4-3 end, and mostly I’ve seen him pegged as going in the last third of the first round, though he has moved up to the middle third of the first round in some mock drafts over the last week or two.
Teams to watch: Saints, Bears, Dolphins, Falcons

Hit the jump for the rest of the draft preview.

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Goodbye, Dymonte Thomas

(image via Pinterest)

HIGH SCHOOL
Thomas attended Alliance (OH) Marlington and committed to Michigan in September of 2011 (LINK) as a part of the 2013 class. I ended up giving him a TTB Rating of 89 (LINK). I really didn’t put together much of a scouting report on him, because he committed early, before much film surfaced on him playing defense. As Marlington’s best athlete, they basically played him at middle linebacker, allowing him to make plays all over the field. He was also an outstanding running back.

Hit the jump for more.

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