197 offers a less difficult path to the finals assuming ZZ could adjust.
I agree 184 has more elite talent and greater depth at the next tier assuming ZZ's performance wouldn't dip with an increase in weight to 197.
This will especially be true if Valencia bumps to 184. With all due to respect to Martin, you're looking at a Valencia-Nickal final. There are some rumors Ryan will red shirt Martin next season allowing Ohio State to better compete for a title in 2019-20.
I agree with the next tier talent you listed; although, you have to include red shirt Nick Reenan and maybe Binghamton's DePrez in the next tier. Reenan is a legit fourth semifinalist threat at 184 next season and beat ZZ back in November.
197 elite talent was down this year thanks to the graduation of J'den Cox and no elite talent replacement. Darmstadt and Moore will mature and separate from the next tier at 197.
After the top two, seniors (PSU 197 and Weigl) and sophomores will round out the top 5 but are by no means locks for a semifinal next year. The Orange's Jacob Warner is a legit threat after red shirting this year.
[Post edited by VTDante at 03/27/2018 3:53PM]
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In response to this post by hokie576)
Posted: 03/27/2018 at 10:40AM