Tuesday, April 20, 2010
walterfootball.com matt mcguire
Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame This is Buffalo's most important draft pick since the team took Bruce Smith with the No. 1 selection in the 1985 NFL Draft. The Bills have a chance to finally exit NFL purgatory if Jimmy Clausen falls to them at No. 9. If the Bills takes Clausen, they will be a playoff contender by 2011. If they pass on Clausen, they will continue to draft in the top 12. That's how crucial this pick is. The question is: "Will Buffalo draft Clausen to be its franchise quarterback?" I say yes. Now, there's a chance the Bills will pick Dan Williams or someone else instead; if numerous franchises were dumb enough to pass on Aaron Rodgers five years ago, Buffalo is certainly capable of making a similar error. But in the end, I think Buddy Nix is smart guy and will make the right decision. He was part of a Chargers organization that obtained Philip Rivers in the 2004 NFL Draft. Nix knows what he's doing. He said he's looking for a strong-armed quarterback to combat the Orchard Park winds, so Clausen fits that description. Also, don't forget, New Regimes Mean New Quarterbacks. Some links of note: our exclusive Jimmy Clausen interview and an article called Jimmy Clausen is an Alien Wizard, which discusses why the hatred and bias against Clausen is completely unfounded. Also: Jimmy Clausen vs. Sam Bradford: Tale of the Tape, which dissects the two signal-callers looking at 21 different attributes. My USA Today Jimmy Clausen article is also out. You can find it in USA Today's NFL Draft magazine, which can be picked up in most bookstores and news stands (there's a picture of Eric Berry on the front cover). Other 2010 NFL Draft Possibilities: 1. Trent Williams or Bryan Bulaga, OT - If the Seahawks take Eric Berry, Buffalo will have a chance to draft a left tackle. Do they really love Tim Tebow enough to pass on JImmy Clausen? Buddy Nix knows what he's doing, so I have my doubts. 2. Dan Williams, NT - The Bills are moving to the 3-4, but have nothing to speak of at nose tackle. Again, if Nix loves Tebow enough to pass on Clausen, Dan Williams could be the pick.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
walterfootball.com mock, updated 4/9, buffalo bills #9
9. Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame This is Buffalo's most important draft pick since the team took Bruce Smith with the No. 1 selection in the 1985 NFL Draft. The Bills have a chance to finally exit the NFL's catacombs if Jimmy Clausen falls to them at No. 9. If the Bills takes Clausen, they will be a playoff contender by 2011. If they pass on Clausen, they will continue to draft in the top 12. That's how crucial this pick is. The question is: "Will Buffalo draft Clausen to be its franchise quarterback?" I say yes. Now, there's a chance the Bills will draft Dan Williams or someone else instead; if the Dolphins and other franchises were dumb to pass on Aaron Rodgers five years ago, Buffalo is certainly capable of making a similar error. But in the end, I think Buddy Nix is smarter than the Randy Mueller-Cam Cameron combination (who isn't?) and will make the right decision. Nix said he's looking for a strong-armed quarterback to combat the Orchard Park winds, so Clausen fits that description. Also, don't forget, New Regimes Mean New Quarterbacks. Some links of note: our exclusive Jimmy Clausen interview and an article called Jimmy Clausen is an Alien Wizard, which discusses why the hatred and bias against Clausen is completely unfounded. My USA Today Jimmy Clausen article is also out. You can find it in USA Today's NFL Draft magazine, which can be picked up in most bookstores and news stands (there's a picture of Eric Berry on the front cover). Other 2010 NFL Draft Possibilities:
1. Trent Williams, OT - If the Seahawks take Eric Berry, Buffalo will have a chance to draft a left tackle. And if the Browns take Jimmy Clausen, Trent Williams is the no-brainer selection.
2. Dan Williams, NT - The Bills are moving to the 3-4, but have nothing to speak of at nose tackle. I personally think No. 9 is a bit high for Dan Williams, but there's a small chance Buffalo may not be able to acquire Williams, Terrence Cody or even Cam Thomas in Round 2. This might be their only chance to obtain a stud nose tackle.
1. Trent Williams, OT - If the Seahawks take Eric Berry, Buffalo will have a chance to draft a left tackle. And if the Browns take Jimmy Clausen, Trent Williams is the no-brainer selection.
2. Dan Williams, NT - The Bills are moving to the 3-4, but have nothing to speak of at nose tackle. I personally think No. 9 is a bit high for Dan Williams, but there's a small chance Buffalo may not be able to acquire Williams, Terrence Cody or even Cam Thomas in Round 2. This might be their only chance to obtain a stud nose tackle.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
updated two round mock
Round One
1. STL QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – The Rams will either trade down (Browns? ‘Skins?), or take Bradford. Unless the St. Louis trades for McNabb AND cannot find a trading partner, the former Sooner will be their pick.
2. DET OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma St. – Matthew Stafford, the face of the Lions franchise, made great strides last year but took one heck of a pounding (ever broke a collar bone). With the money already invested in the D-line this off-season and the need to protect their signal-caller, I think Detroit takes the top available tackle.
3. TB DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – Arguably the best available prospect in this years class, Suh fills a need and offers great value after “falling” to third. Mark Dominik will waste little time making this pick and Suh probably won’t disappoint. Expect Suh to line up all over the field, creating mismatches and wreaking havoc in opponents’ backfields.
4. WSH QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame – It has been years since there has been a quarterback as well prepared to immediately get under center for an NFL team. Question marks surround Clausen’s persona, but what quarterback isn’t a little arrogant? This kid is a gamer, who is at his best when the game is on the line and the numbers back it up. Clausen made enormous strides in each of his three years at ND, despite playing on bad teams with limited talent around him.
5. KC NT Dan Williams, Tennessee – I’ve been saying for weeks that Dan Williams and probably T. Cody will end up moving up the boards, as more of a premium is being placed on the multi-gap space-eaters. With half of the league now employing a 3-4, the value of effective NT’s will skyrocket (ie. Wilfork, Pickett, A. Franklin). Scott Pioli will be thrilled to drop Williams into the middle of their 3-4 for the next 10+ years. Beware; Williams was a “one year wonder.”
6. SEA DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – I feel as though this selection will come down to two former Sooners: McCoy and OT Trent Williams. Pete Carroll needs to fill a huge hole at LT, but many of the top draft “experts” project Williams as a better RT in the NFL. For that reason, and the fact that the interior of the ‘Hawks D-line is terrible, McCoy is the pick, and probably a steal at number six.
7. CLE S Eric Berry, Tennessee – Berry is an instant starter on all but a handful of NFL teams. His instincts, playmaking ability and speed make him a valuable asset, regardless of defensive scheme. I am tempted to label Berry as simply a “DB” or even “ATH” due to his versatility. Berry is as disruptive against the run as he is the pass and has the ability to cover RB/TE/WR anywhere on the field. An All-Pro for years to come and a huge value at number seven.
8. OAK OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma – I know, I know. It seems crazy, but Al Davis might actually ignore the “measurables” and draft based on need and value rather than how a prospect performs at the Underwear Olympics. Look for Davis to reach for someone like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul or even OK St. WR Dez Bryant or Clemson RB CJ Spiller. The selection of Williams will allow for some further development (or maybe I should say any development at all) out of Jamarcus “Free Willy” Russell and Darren “Run DMC” McFadden.
9. BUF OT Brian Bulaga, Iowa – Buddy Nix may very well stay true to his board and take the best available player here, which could be Spiller, but I really think he will get a terrific combination of value/need out of Bulaga. Outside of Okung, I see Bulaga as the best LT available in the draft and the Bills are fortunate to land him at number nine. I think the Bills primary goal will be to trade down and acquire additional picks, but if they can’t find a partner, the former Hawkeye will be a fantastic consolation prize.
10. JAX CB Joe Haden, Florida – After improving his forty yard dash time at his pro day, Haden solidified his stock as the top corner available. The former Gator should be a steal at this point, the last of the top-ten selections. Will likely start opposite Rashean Mathis from day one. Any team thinking of contending in the AFC South is going to have to stop the Colts aerial attack first.
11. DEN ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama – It’s easy to see why the Broncos will avoid Dez Bryant, considering the issues Brandon Marshall has caused. Josh McDaniels would like to add a perimeter weapon here, but there isn’t one worth considering (outside of Bryant). The makeover of the Broncos front seven continues with 2010’s most NFL-ready linebacker. McClain will step in and start from day one, as Nick Saban has prepared him to dominate on the inside of the 3-4.
12. MIA S Earl Thomas, Texas – Bill Parcells recognizes the need to upgrade the safety position, especially after releasing Gibril Wilson. Thomas is a playmaking safety who fills well in the run game and has a nose for the ball in pass coverage. Thomas added a little bulk during the pre-draft process in an effort to answer questions about his strength/toughness, but the tape doesn’t lie – Thomas is a monster and will play in several Pro-Bowls.
13. SF OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers – Prior to the combine/pro-days, Davis was considered a close second to Okung when listing 2010’s top OT’s. After skipping out on Rutgers pro-day, questions surround the massive former Scarlet Knight. If he can keep his weight down and his head on straight, you may be looking at the next Walter Jones.
14. SEA RB CJ Spiller, Clemson – While slightly undersized, Spiller possesses a great combination of speed/strength (4.28/19 reps). Spiller is equally adept at Running, catching and returning, making him the top all-around offensive threat in this year’s draft. Seattle is fortunate he falls this far and sprints to the commissioner after the 49ers pass on him.
15. NYG LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – The Giants are in need of a linebacker since they released Antonio Pierce. ‘Spoon can play inside or outside in the 4-3 and is just as good in coverage as he is against the run. He’s not going to get to the quarterback very often, but he will make a few All-Pro teams. The former Tiger will bring toughness, versatility and stability to the middle of the NYG defense
16. TEN DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech – Titans coach Jeff Fisher is thrilled the drafts top DE has fallen this far. Morgan is a polished, relentless edge rusher, who could probably play OLB in a 3-4, if necessary. The Titans front seven needs help, especially after the loss of KVB to the Lions as a free-agent.
17. SF CB Kyle Wilson, Boise St. – Wilson’s strong pro-day solidified him as the second-best corner in this years draft. The former Bronco has the tools to be a great cover corner and doubles as a top-flight return man. “Playmaker” Clements has been largely a disappointment since arriving as the top-paid defensive player ever (at least at the time), and Singletary will add some help in the secondary to assist a terrific front seven.
18. PIT G/OT Mike Iupati, Idaho – I will continue to mock Iupati to the Steelers. He is exactly what Pittsburg needs and more importantly what it wants in an offensive lineman. I could certainly see G/C Maurkice Pouncey from Florida going here too.
19. ATL DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida – I think Pierre-Paul has the highest bust potential of anyone in the draft. Atlanta could certainly fill a need with this selection, but they are without a second round selection (to KC for T. Gonzo.) so if they don’t like what remains on the board, they may look to trade-down.
20. HOU S Taylor Mays, Southern Cal – Probably the second-high bust potential in this years class, the former Trojan could also end up being a steal at number 20. His freakish athleticism makes him a great candidate to land in Houston’s secondary, which lost its top player (Dunta Robinson) to free-agency. Gary Kubiak would ideally land a corner in this slot, but without a player at that position of value, he may look to trade-down.
21. CIN DT Jared Odrick, Penn St. – Even with the re-signing of Tank Johnson, Marvin Lewis knows he needs an upgrade on the interior of the defensive line. The Bengals have athletic DEs and great CBs, strengthening the middle of the defense will improve the teams run defense. A perimeter weapon like WR Dez Bryant or TE Jermaine Gresham may also be considered.
22. NE OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan – It seems like Graham played his entire college career in his opponent’s backfield. He is fast off the snap and plays with an endless motor. Graham’s stock has continued to climb, as he has built upon a great season and Senior Bowl. Expect him to enjoy success in a role similar to that of Elvis Dumervil. Can also play DE in a 4-3 scheme, as well. The former Wolverine is a great football player with unlimited upside due to his versatility.
23. GB CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama – Another former Nick Saban player who is ready to come in and contribute defensively. Jackson is a bit on the small side, but has great speed and strength. The time he spent covering SEC wide-outs has prepared him well for the chance to step into the Green Bay secondary, which was humiliated last season in the NFC Playoffs.
24. PHI DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida – Dunlap has some of the best production, game-film and “measurables” in the draft. He is here for Philly at number 24 because of some off-field issues which have lead to concerns about his maturity and focus. If he will dedicate himself he’ll be a great player, capable of defending the run and the pass equally well. If not, he could be out of the league within a few years.
25. BAL WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St. – If not for concerns surrounding his maturity/character, Bryant would have been a top-5 selection. Considering that and the fact that he hasn’t played in a while and has added some pounds, Bryant falls into the Ravens laps. This is a team with some question marks defensively, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Ed Reed, but a value like this is too good to pass up. Joe Flacco is thrilled and Anquan Boldin will have a strong target opposite him. Baltimore has the locker room leadership to handle him and hopefully straighten him out.
26. AZ OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas - I continue to read that Miami is enamored with Kindle, but I refuse to think he will be drafted at number 12. Ken Wisenhunt is thrilled the super-athletic former Longhorn is available, as he will combine with the old, overrated Joey Porter to pressure Cardinal opponents off the edge. OT Charles Brown is also an option here, as is G/C Maurkice Pouncey.
27. DAL G/C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida – Due to his strength, versatility and high football IQ, the former Gator is being compared to NYJ C Nick Mangold. One of the best Center prospects to come along in a while, Pouncey could go as high as number 18 (Pitt). Considered a very safe pick.
28. SD RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno St. – Outside of Spiller, Matthews is the most balanced back in this class. His combination of size/speed is something the Bolts backfield needs, after releasing Tomlinson. Will be a more than adequate compliment to Sproles behind Philip Rivers.
29. NYJ OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU – Another Elvis Dumervil-type, Hughes is a slightly smaller version of Brandon Graham. His high motor and 4.63 speed will allow him to come off the edge for Rex Ryan’s defensive unit. Rushing the passer is an area the Jets must improve if they plan to stay among the league’s elite defenses.
30. MIN DT Brian Price, UCLA – The Williams Wall is facing possible suspensions, and Pat Williams considers retirement after every season. Price will provide depth until given the chance to collapse the pocket on a full-time basis after Pat walks away.
31. IND OT Charles Brown, Southern Cal – Brown is a technically-sound, finesse tackle who struggles at times with power rushers. He would, however, be an upgrade along the offensive front for the Colts, whose offensive line Bill Polian called out after the Super Bowl.
32. NO DE Everson Griffen, Southern Cal – After releasing Charles Grant, the Saints are in need of someone who can bring heat off the edge. Griffen can do just that, and has the athleticism to play in space, something Gregg Williams will ask him to do in zone-blitz packages. If he can remain motivated, the former Trojan can dominate.
Round Two
33. STL WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois – The Rams could go in a number of directions here, and I suspect they will be getting a lot of calls before Friday’s second round starts from teams looking to grab someone they covet. In this case, however, I don’t think the Rams can pass up taking a weapon for their young signal caller (Bradford). This pick could be Benn or WR Golden Tate, neither selection would surprise me.
34. DET WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame – I think Tate and Benn will fall out of the first round but will be targeted early in round two by a number of teams. Here, though, with the Rams and Lions both having young QBs and needing to add weapons for them, these two talented WRs go off the board with the first two picks.
35. TB CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers – Ronde Barber is old and his play has been in decline. McCourty has first round talent and potential but a lack of consistency leads to a slide out of the first round. Tampa is thrilled he’s available as he fills a need and is a great value at number 35.
36. KC TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma – The Chiefs have an opportunity to get the draft’s premier TE in Gresham, and are elated he’s available at number 36. After dealing Tony Gonzalez to ATL last year, the Chiefs can get another 12-15 year starter in the former Sooner.
37. WSH OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland – A freakish athlete, Campbell’s production never lived up to him immense hype and “measurables.” If he gets past the Raiders, who have the eighth pick, but who knows for how long, he could tumble into the second frame.
38. CLV QB Colt McCoy, Texas – All Colt McCoy does: win. The former Longhorn leaves Mack Brown’s program as major college football’s all-time wins leader. His ability to run the west coast offense along with his mobility have the Dog pound salivating.
39. OAK WR DeMaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech – Al Davis can’t go back-to-back picks without falling in love with some freakish athlete. Thomas fits that bill, and should make life easier for whichever QB is throwing the rock for Raider Nation next year.
40. SD NT Terrence Cody, Alabama – The key to the Charlie Whitehurst deal with Seattle was to get in front of the Bills in the second round to get Mt. Cody. AJ Smith is hoping the Chiefs take Dan Williams in the first so they won’t target Cody with the 36th selection.
41. BUF NT Cam Thomas, UNC – The Bills are undoubtedly hoping Cody falls here, but the chances of that occurring are slim. Thomas has as much ability as any NT in this draft and could fill a massive hole in the middle of the Bills’ new 3-4 scheme. Dexter McCluster will reportedly get some consideration at this spot.
42. TB LB Daryl Washington, TCU – Washington will step right into the starting lineup for a Bucs front seven that was one of the worst in the entire NFL last season. A high motor player, the former Horned Frog will bring an identity to a linebacking corp that needs one.
43. MIA RB Jahvid Best, Cal – Best is an exceptional talent with game-breaking ability. Some durability concerns surround his draft stock, though, so an ideal situation would be going to a team where he can share the load. With Ricky Williams getting up there in age and RFA Ronnie Brown’s recent arrest, the time is right for the ‘Fins to bring some youth to their backfield.
44. NE CB Patrick Robinson, Florida St. – With their first of three picks in the second stanza, the Pats get Robinson, a corner with first round ability but lacks consistency in his game. New England’s secondary needs some work and adding a player of Robinson’s caliber cannot be passed-up.
45. DEN WR Damian Williams, Southern Cal – After passing on Dez Bryant in the first round, Denver must come back with a perimeter weapon in the second round. With their top WR unhappy and available in trade and TE Tony Scheffler seeking a new contract, McDaniels must find playmakers for Orton/Quinn.
46. NYG DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson – An amazing athlete, Sapp may come off the board earlier than this, but Coughlin is glad he’s available at this spot. Another player to provide pressure on opposition QBs.
47. NE TE Rob Gronkowski, Arizona – At 6’6”, 265 lbs. Gronkowski ran a 4.65 forty yard dash at his pro-day. An improving blocker, Gronkowski has the pass-catching skills of Jason Witten and assuming his back checks out, he could be drafted higher than this. According to the official numbers, Gronkowski is bigger, stronger and faster than Jermaine Gresham.
48. CAR OLB Dekota Watson, Florida St. – After a strong combine and stronger pro day, Watson is quickly rising up the draft boards and may even be gone by the time pick number 48 rolls around. If not, the Panthers are thrilled he’s available because their defense needs playmakers on the edge, especially considering the loss of Julius Peppers via free agency.
49. SF RB Ben Tate, Auburn – Although Glen Cofee filled in admirably when Frank Gore went down with injury, he averaged below 4.0/carry. Tate is a fast, powerful runner who has the ability to return kicks as well.
50. KC OLB Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech – The Chiefs need to upgrade their pass rush. After getting the anchor for their 3-4 in round one, they get an edge rusher with their second selection of the second round.
51. HOU RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech – Everyone knows the Texans are not convinced Steve Slaton can carry the load as a primary ball carrier in the NFL. In Dwyer, Houston gets a powerful runner with good straight-line speed who likes going north and south.
52. PIT CB Perrish Cox, Oklahoma St. – There are more corners in this draft that have first round ability but lack the consistency to warrant a high selection. The trend continues here with the former Cowboy. Cox has the size and speed, if Tomlin can get him to reach his potential, the Steelers will have stolen him at the 52nd pick.
53. NE WR Brandon LaFell, LSU – After re-stocking the shelves on the defensive side of the ball, the Pats use their final pick of the second stanza on the big, fluid, sure-handed former Tiger. LaFell isn’t very fast, but he’s a big, reliable target.
54. CIN TE Aaron Hernandez, Florida – Hernandez isn’t much of a run-blocker, but that’s not why the Bengals want him. Carson Palmer needs to return to his pre-elbow surgery form and a solid target in the middle of the field helps make that possible.
55. PHI RB Dexter McCluster, Mississippi – Although the Eagles are pleased with the development of LeSean McCoy, they lost Brian Westbrook. Assuming Kevin Kolb starts the season under center, they’re going to want some reinforcements in the backfield. Mike Bell is a nice addition but doesn’t present nearly the match up problems the speedy former Rebel does. McCluster can also help in the return game.
56. GB OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn St. – The Pack plugged a rookie into one starting OLB spot last season, and after losing Aaron Kampman, they will try doing the same thing this season. The reconstruction of the Packers defense continues with the addition of the athletic former Lion.
57. BAL DE/DT Alex Carrington, Arkansas St. – Carrington is a small school prospect that is flying up the draft boards. After strong showings throughout the pre-draft process, the versatile defensive lineman may even get a look before this spot.
58. AZ OT Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts – With the loss of Mike Gandy, the Cards are in need of help along the offensive line. If Leinart wins the job and Brown moves to the LT position, Ducasse could be the blind-side protector in the dessert from day one.
59. DAL S Nate Allen, South Florida – Allen is the play-making safety the Cowboys have been searching for. He plays the pass and run equally well and shows he knows how to make big plays in the passing game. Allen could be drafted soon that this, but Dallas is thrill to have him available here.
60. SEA OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale – Upgrading along the offensive line is a priority coming into draft day, but value trumped need in the first round. Here, however, the Seahawks get both. Veldheer appears ready to make the jump to the NFL, and his transition will be eased by his mean streak.
61. NYJ NT Linval Joseph, East Carolina – Another Big, Space-eating NT, someone will probably reach for Joseph as you see here, because of the premium placed on his position. Kris Jenkins replacement is on-board.
62. MIN C JD Walton, Baylor – The C/RG positions struggled for the Vikings last year. Walton is the second best center in this class and can play guard if needed.
63. IND WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati – Gilyard may be a luxury pick here, but he represents great value. With the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Gonzalez, the Colts bring in an exciting player that can help in the return game while learning how to be a pro from Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning.
64. NO DE/DT Geno Atkins, Georgia – After beating up on Mike Iupati during the Senior Bowl week, Atkins raised some eyebrows with an impressive 4.75 forty yard dash. At 6’1” and just shy of 300 lbs, Atkins would fit well into what Gregg Williams does defensively.
1. STL QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma – The Rams will either trade down (Browns? ‘Skins?), or take Bradford. Unless the St. Louis trades for McNabb AND cannot find a trading partner, the former Sooner will be their pick.
2. DET OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma St. – Matthew Stafford, the face of the Lions franchise, made great strides last year but took one heck of a pounding (ever broke a collar bone). With the money already invested in the D-line this off-season and the need to protect their signal-caller, I think Detroit takes the top available tackle.
3. TB DT Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska – Arguably the best available prospect in this years class, Suh fills a need and offers great value after “falling” to third. Mark Dominik will waste little time making this pick and Suh probably won’t disappoint. Expect Suh to line up all over the field, creating mismatches and wreaking havoc in opponents’ backfields.
4. WSH QB Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame – It has been years since there has been a quarterback as well prepared to immediately get under center for an NFL team. Question marks surround Clausen’s persona, but what quarterback isn’t a little arrogant? This kid is a gamer, who is at his best when the game is on the line and the numbers back it up. Clausen made enormous strides in each of his three years at ND, despite playing on bad teams with limited talent around him.
5. KC NT Dan Williams, Tennessee – I’ve been saying for weeks that Dan Williams and probably T. Cody will end up moving up the boards, as more of a premium is being placed on the multi-gap space-eaters. With half of the league now employing a 3-4, the value of effective NT’s will skyrocket (ie. Wilfork, Pickett, A. Franklin). Scott Pioli will be thrilled to drop Williams into the middle of their 3-4 for the next 10+ years. Beware; Williams was a “one year wonder.”
6. SEA DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma – I feel as though this selection will come down to two former Sooners: McCoy and OT Trent Williams. Pete Carroll needs to fill a huge hole at LT, but many of the top draft “experts” project Williams as a better RT in the NFL. For that reason, and the fact that the interior of the ‘Hawks D-line is terrible, McCoy is the pick, and probably a steal at number six.
7. CLE S Eric Berry, Tennessee – Berry is an instant starter on all but a handful of NFL teams. His instincts, playmaking ability and speed make him a valuable asset, regardless of defensive scheme. I am tempted to label Berry as simply a “DB” or even “ATH” due to his versatility. Berry is as disruptive against the run as he is the pass and has the ability to cover RB/TE/WR anywhere on the field. An All-Pro for years to come and a huge value at number seven.
8. OAK OT Trent Williams, Oklahoma – I know, I know. It seems crazy, but Al Davis might actually ignore the “measurables” and draft based on need and value rather than how a prospect performs at the Underwear Olympics. Look for Davis to reach for someone like Maryland OT Bruce Campbell, DE/OLB Jason Pierre-Paul or even OK St. WR Dez Bryant or Clemson RB CJ Spiller. The selection of Williams will allow for some further development (or maybe I should say any development at all) out of Jamarcus “Free Willy” Russell and Darren “Run DMC” McFadden.
9. BUF OT Brian Bulaga, Iowa – Buddy Nix may very well stay true to his board and take the best available player here, which could be Spiller, but I really think he will get a terrific combination of value/need out of Bulaga. Outside of Okung, I see Bulaga as the best LT available in the draft and the Bills are fortunate to land him at number nine. I think the Bills primary goal will be to trade down and acquire additional picks, but if they can’t find a partner, the former Hawkeye will be a fantastic consolation prize.
10. JAX CB Joe Haden, Florida – After improving his forty yard dash time at his pro day, Haden solidified his stock as the top corner available. The former Gator should be a steal at this point, the last of the top-ten selections. Will likely start opposite Rashean Mathis from day one. Any team thinking of contending in the AFC South is going to have to stop the Colts aerial attack first.
11. DEN ILB Rolando McClain, Alabama – It’s easy to see why the Broncos will avoid Dez Bryant, considering the issues Brandon Marshall has caused. Josh McDaniels would like to add a perimeter weapon here, but there isn’t one worth considering (outside of Bryant). The makeover of the Broncos front seven continues with 2010’s most NFL-ready linebacker. McClain will step in and start from day one, as Nick Saban has prepared him to dominate on the inside of the 3-4.
12. MIA S Earl Thomas, Texas – Bill Parcells recognizes the need to upgrade the safety position, especially after releasing Gibril Wilson. Thomas is a playmaking safety who fills well in the run game and has a nose for the ball in pass coverage. Thomas added a little bulk during the pre-draft process in an effort to answer questions about his strength/toughness, but the tape doesn’t lie – Thomas is a monster and will play in several Pro-Bowls.
13. SF OT Anthony Davis, Rutgers – Prior to the combine/pro-days, Davis was considered a close second to Okung when listing 2010’s top OT’s. After skipping out on Rutgers pro-day, questions surround the massive former Scarlet Knight. If he can keep his weight down and his head on straight, you may be looking at the next Walter Jones.
14. SEA RB CJ Spiller, Clemson – While slightly undersized, Spiller possesses a great combination of speed/strength (4.28/19 reps). Spiller is equally adept at Running, catching and returning, making him the top all-around offensive threat in this year’s draft. Seattle is fortunate he falls this far and sprints to the commissioner after the 49ers pass on him.
15. NYG LB Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri – The Giants are in need of a linebacker since they released Antonio Pierce. ‘Spoon can play inside or outside in the 4-3 and is just as good in coverage as he is against the run. He’s not going to get to the quarterback very often, but he will make a few All-Pro teams. The former Tiger will bring toughness, versatility and stability to the middle of the NYG defense
16. TEN DE Derrick Morgan, Georgia Tech – Titans coach Jeff Fisher is thrilled the drafts top DE has fallen this far. Morgan is a polished, relentless edge rusher, who could probably play OLB in a 3-4, if necessary. The Titans front seven needs help, especially after the loss of KVB to the Lions as a free-agent.
17. SF CB Kyle Wilson, Boise St. – Wilson’s strong pro-day solidified him as the second-best corner in this years draft. The former Bronco has the tools to be a great cover corner and doubles as a top-flight return man. “Playmaker” Clements has been largely a disappointment since arriving as the top-paid defensive player ever (at least at the time), and Singletary will add some help in the secondary to assist a terrific front seven.
18. PIT G/OT Mike Iupati, Idaho – I will continue to mock Iupati to the Steelers. He is exactly what Pittsburg needs and more importantly what it wants in an offensive lineman. I could certainly see G/C Maurkice Pouncey from Florida going here too.
19. ATL DE Jason Pierre-Paul, South Florida – I think Pierre-Paul has the highest bust potential of anyone in the draft. Atlanta could certainly fill a need with this selection, but they are without a second round selection (to KC for T. Gonzo.) so if they don’t like what remains on the board, they may look to trade-down.
20. HOU S Taylor Mays, Southern Cal – Probably the second-high bust potential in this years class, the former Trojan could also end up being a steal at number 20. His freakish athleticism makes him a great candidate to land in Houston’s secondary, which lost its top player (Dunta Robinson) to free-agency. Gary Kubiak would ideally land a corner in this slot, but without a player at that position of value, he may look to trade-down.
21. CIN DT Jared Odrick, Penn St. – Even with the re-signing of Tank Johnson, Marvin Lewis knows he needs an upgrade on the interior of the defensive line. The Bengals have athletic DEs and great CBs, strengthening the middle of the defense will improve the teams run defense. A perimeter weapon like WR Dez Bryant or TE Jermaine Gresham may also be considered.
22. NE OLB Brandon Graham, Michigan – It seems like Graham played his entire college career in his opponent’s backfield. He is fast off the snap and plays with an endless motor. Graham’s stock has continued to climb, as he has built upon a great season and Senior Bowl. Expect him to enjoy success in a role similar to that of Elvis Dumervil. Can also play DE in a 4-3 scheme, as well. The former Wolverine is a great football player with unlimited upside due to his versatility.
23. GB CB Kareem Jackson, Alabama – Another former Nick Saban player who is ready to come in and contribute defensively. Jackson is a bit on the small side, but has great speed and strength. The time he spent covering SEC wide-outs has prepared him well for the chance to step into the Green Bay secondary, which was humiliated last season in the NFC Playoffs.
24. PHI DE Carlos Dunlap, Florida – Dunlap has some of the best production, game-film and “measurables” in the draft. He is here for Philly at number 24 because of some off-field issues which have lead to concerns about his maturity and focus. If he will dedicate himself he’ll be a great player, capable of defending the run and the pass equally well. If not, he could be out of the league within a few years.
25. BAL WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma St. – If not for concerns surrounding his maturity/character, Bryant would have been a top-5 selection. Considering that and the fact that he hasn’t played in a while and has added some pounds, Bryant falls into the Ravens laps. This is a team with some question marks defensively, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Ed Reed, but a value like this is too good to pass up. Joe Flacco is thrilled and Anquan Boldin will have a strong target opposite him. Baltimore has the locker room leadership to handle him and hopefully straighten him out.
26. AZ OLB Sergio Kindle, Texas - I continue to read that Miami is enamored with Kindle, but I refuse to think he will be drafted at number 12. Ken Wisenhunt is thrilled the super-athletic former Longhorn is available, as he will combine with the old, overrated Joey Porter to pressure Cardinal opponents off the edge. OT Charles Brown is also an option here, as is G/C Maurkice Pouncey.
27. DAL G/C Maurkice Pouncey, Florida – Due to his strength, versatility and high football IQ, the former Gator is being compared to NYJ C Nick Mangold. One of the best Center prospects to come along in a while, Pouncey could go as high as number 18 (Pitt). Considered a very safe pick.
28. SD RB Ryan Matthews, Fresno St. – Outside of Spiller, Matthews is the most balanced back in this class. His combination of size/speed is something the Bolts backfield needs, after releasing Tomlinson. Will be a more than adequate compliment to Sproles behind Philip Rivers.
29. NYJ OLB Jerry Hughes, TCU – Another Elvis Dumervil-type, Hughes is a slightly smaller version of Brandon Graham. His high motor and 4.63 speed will allow him to come off the edge for Rex Ryan’s defensive unit. Rushing the passer is an area the Jets must improve if they plan to stay among the league’s elite defenses.
30. MIN DT Brian Price, UCLA – The Williams Wall is facing possible suspensions, and Pat Williams considers retirement after every season. Price will provide depth until given the chance to collapse the pocket on a full-time basis after Pat walks away.
31. IND OT Charles Brown, Southern Cal – Brown is a technically-sound, finesse tackle who struggles at times with power rushers. He would, however, be an upgrade along the offensive front for the Colts, whose offensive line Bill Polian called out after the Super Bowl.
32. NO DE Everson Griffen, Southern Cal – After releasing Charles Grant, the Saints are in need of someone who can bring heat off the edge. Griffen can do just that, and has the athleticism to play in space, something Gregg Williams will ask him to do in zone-blitz packages. If he can remain motivated, the former Trojan can dominate.
Round Two
33. STL WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois – The Rams could go in a number of directions here, and I suspect they will be getting a lot of calls before Friday’s second round starts from teams looking to grab someone they covet. In this case, however, I don’t think the Rams can pass up taking a weapon for their young signal caller (Bradford). This pick could be Benn or WR Golden Tate, neither selection would surprise me.
34. DET WR Golden Tate, Notre Dame – I think Tate and Benn will fall out of the first round but will be targeted early in round two by a number of teams. Here, though, with the Rams and Lions both having young QBs and needing to add weapons for them, these two talented WRs go off the board with the first two picks.
35. TB CB Devin McCourty, Rutgers – Ronde Barber is old and his play has been in decline. McCourty has first round talent and potential but a lack of consistency leads to a slide out of the first round. Tampa is thrilled he’s available as he fills a need and is a great value at number 35.
36. KC TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma – The Chiefs have an opportunity to get the draft’s premier TE in Gresham, and are elated he’s available at number 36. After dealing Tony Gonzalez to ATL last year, the Chiefs can get another 12-15 year starter in the former Sooner.
37. WSH OT Bruce Campbell, Maryland – A freakish athlete, Campbell’s production never lived up to him immense hype and “measurables.” If he gets past the Raiders, who have the eighth pick, but who knows for how long, he could tumble into the second frame.
38. CLV QB Colt McCoy, Texas – All Colt McCoy does: win. The former Longhorn leaves Mack Brown’s program as major college football’s all-time wins leader. His ability to run the west coast offense along with his mobility have the Dog pound salivating.
39. OAK WR DeMaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech – Al Davis can’t go back-to-back picks without falling in love with some freakish athlete. Thomas fits that bill, and should make life easier for whichever QB is throwing the rock for Raider Nation next year.
40. SD NT Terrence Cody, Alabama – The key to the Charlie Whitehurst deal with Seattle was to get in front of the Bills in the second round to get Mt. Cody. AJ Smith is hoping the Chiefs take Dan Williams in the first so they won’t target Cody with the 36th selection.
41. BUF NT Cam Thomas, UNC – The Bills are undoubtedly hoping Cody falls here, but the chances of that occurring are slim. Thomas has as much ability as any NT in this draft and could fill a massive hole in the middle of the Bills’ new 3-4 scheme. Dexter McCluster will reportedly get some consideration at this spot.
42. TB LB Daryl Washington, TCU – Washington will step right into the starting lineup for a Bucs front seven that was one of the worst in the entire NFL last season. A high motor player, the former Horned Frog will bring an identity to a linebacking corp that needs one.
43. MIA RB Jahvid Best, Cal – Best is an exceptional talent with game-breaking ability. Some durability concerns surround his draft stock, though, so an ideal situation would be going to a team where he can share the load. With Ricky Williams getting up there in age and RFA Ronnie Brown’s recent arrest, the time is right for the ‘Fins to bring some youth to their backfield.
44. NE CB Patrick Robinson, Florida St. – With their first of three picks in the second stanza, the Pats get Robinson, a corner with first round ability but lacks consistency in his game. New England’s secondary needs some work and adding a player of Robinson’s caliber cannot be passed-up.
45. DEN WR Damian Williams, Southern Cal – After passing on Dez Bryant in the first round, Denver must come back with a perimeter weapon in the second round. With their top WR unhappy and available in trade and TE Tony Scheffler seeking a new contract, McDaniels must find playmakers for Orton/Quinn.
46. NYG DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson – An amazing athlete, Sapp may come off the board earlier than this, but Coughlin is glad he’s available at this spot. Another player to provide pressure on opposition QBs.
47. NE TE Rob Gronkowski, Arizona – At 6’6”, 265 lbs. Gronkowski ran a 4.65 forty yard dash at his pro-day. An improving blocker, Gronkowski has the pass-catching skills of Jason Witten and assuming his back checks out, he could be drafted higher than this. According to the official numbers, Gronkowski is bigger, stronger and faster than Jermaine Gresham.
48. CAR OLB Dekota Watson, Florida St. – After a strong combine and stronger pro day, Watson is quickly rising up the draft boards and may even be gone by the time pick number 48 rolls around. If not, the Panthers are thrilled he’s available because their defense needs playmakers on the edge, especially considering the loss of Julius Peppers via free agency.
49. SF RB Ben Tate, Auburn – Although Glen Cofee filled in admirably when Frank Gore went down with injury, he averaged below 4.0/carry. Tate is a fast, powerful runner who has the ability to return kicks as well.
50. KC OLB Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech – The Chiefs need to upgrade their pass rush. After getting the anchor for their 3-4 in round one, they get an edge rusher with their second selection of the second round.
51. HOU RB Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech – Everyone knows the Texans are not convinced Steve Slaton can carry the load as a primary ball carrier in the NFL. In Dwyer, Houston gets a powerful runner with good straight-line speed who likes going north and south.
52. PIT CB Perrish Cox, Oklahoma St. – There are more corners in this draft that have first round ability but lack the consistency to warrant a high selection. The trend continues here with the former Cowboy. Cox has the size and speed, if Tomlin can get him to reach his potential, the Steelers will have stolen him at the 52nd pick.
53. NE WR Brandon LaFell, LSU – After re-stocking the shelves on the defensive side of the ball, the Pats use their final pick of the second stanza on the big, fluid, sure-handed former Tiger. LaFell isn’t very fast, but he’s a big, reliable target.
54. CIN TE Aaron Hernandez, Florida – Hernandez isn’t much of a run-blocker, but that’s not why the Bengals want him. Carson Palmer needs to return to his pre-elbow surgery form and a solid target in the middle of the field helps make that possible.
55. PHI RB Dexter McCluster, Mississippi – Although the Eagles are pleased with the development of LeSean McCoy, they lost Brian Westbrook. Assuming Kevin Kolb starts the season under center, they’re going to want some reinforcements in the backfield. Mike Bell is a nice addition but doesn’t present nearly the match up problems the speedy former Rebel does. McCluster can also help in the return game.
56. GB OLB Navorro Bowman, Penn St. – The Pack plugged a rookie into one starting OLB spot last season, and after losing Aaron Kampman, they will try doing the same thing this season. The reconstruction of the Packers defense continues with the addition of the athletic former Lion.
57. BAL DE/DT Alex Carrington, Arkansas St. – Carrington is a small school prospect that is flying up the draft boards. After strong showings throughout the pre-draft process, the versatile defensive lineman may even get a look before this spot.
58. AZ OT Vladimir Ducasse, Massachusetts – With the loss of Mike Gandy, the Cards are in need of help along the offensive line. If Leinart wins the job and Brown moves to the LT position, Ducasse could be the blind-side protector in the dessert from day one.
59. DAL S Nate Allen, South Florida – Allen is the play-making safety the Cowboys have been searching for. He plays the pass and run equally well and shows he knows how to make big plays in the passing game. Allen could be drafted soon that this, but Dallas is thrill to have him available here.
60. SEA OT Jared Veldheer, Hillsdale – Upgrading along the offensive line is a priority coming into draft day, but value trumped need in the first round. Here, however, the Seahawks get both. Veldheer appears ready to make the jump to the NFL, and his transition will be eased by his mean streak.
61. NYJ NT Linval Joseph, East Carolina – Another Big, Space-eating NT, someone will probably reach for Joseph as you see here, because of the premium placed on his position. Kris Jenkins replacement is on-board.
62. MIN C JD Walton, Baylor – The C/RG positions struggled for the Vikings last year. Walton is the second best center in this class and can play guard if needed.
63. IND WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati – Gilyard may be a luxury pick here, but he represents great value. With the uncertainty surrounding Anthony Gonzalez, the Colts bring in an exciting player that can help in the return game while learning how to be a pro from Reggie Wayne and Peyton Manning.
64. NO DE/DT Geno Atkins, Georgia – After beating up on Mike Iupati during the Senior Bowl week, Atkins raised some eyebrows with an impressive 4.75 forty yard dash. At 6’1” and just shy of 300 lbs, Atkins would fit well into what Gregg Williams does defensively.
knuckles updated first round mock
1. Rams - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
2. Lions - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
3. Bucs - Ndamukong Suh, 4-3 DT, Nebraska
4. 'Skins - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
5. Chiefs - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
6. Seahawks - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
7. Browns - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
8. Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
10. Jags - Gerald McCoy, 4-3 DT, Oklahoma
11. Broncos - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
12. Dolphins - Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
13. Niners - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
14. Seahawks - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
15. Giants - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
16. Titans - Dan Williams, 3-4 NT, Tennessee
17. Niners - Joe Haden, CB, Florida
18. Steelers - Mike Iupati, OT/G, Idaho
19. Falcons - Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
20. Texans - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
21. Bengals - Taylor Mays, S, Southern Cal
22. Pats - Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
23. Pack - Earl Thomas, S, Texas
24. Eagles - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
25. Ravens - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
26. Cards - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
27. 'Boys - Charles Brown, OT, Southern Cal
28. Bolts - Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
29. Jets - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
30. Vikings - Brian Price, DT, UCLA
31. Colts - Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
32. Saints - Everson Griffen, DE, Southern Cal
2. Lions - Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
3. Bucs - Ndamukong Suh, 4-3 DT, Nebraska
4. 'Skins - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
5. Chiefs - Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
6. Seahawks - C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
7. Browns - Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
8. Raiders - Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
9. Bills - Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
10. Jags - Gerald McCoy, 4-3 DT, Oklahoma
11. Broncos - Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama
12. Dolphins - Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
13. Niners - Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
14. Seahawks - Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech
15. Giants - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
16. Titans - Dan Williams, 3-4 NT, Tennessee
17. Niners - Joe Haden, CB, Florida
18. Steelers - Mike Iupati, OT/G, Idaho
19. Falcons - Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
20. Texans - Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
21. Bengals - Taylor Mays, S, Southern Cal
22. Pats - Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
23. Pack - Earl Thomas, S, Texas
24. Eagles - Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
25. Ravens - Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
26. Cards - Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
27. 'Boys - Charles Brown, OT, Southern Cal
28. Bolts - Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State
29. Jets - Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
30. Vikings - Brian Price, DT, UCLA
31. Colts - Maurkice Pouncey, C/G, Florida
32. Saints - Everson Griffen, DE, Southern Cal
Sunday, March 28, 2010
updates...
i will be posting a three round mock monday 3/29 as well as predictions from myself and knuckles for the upcoming MLB season. check back soon...
knuckles bills mock
1 bulaga, ot, iowa
2 cam thomas, nt, unc
3 skelton, qb, fordham
4 dezmon briscoe, wr, kansas
5 chris brown, rb, oklahoma
6 mike williams, wr, syracuse
6 cameron sheffield, olb, troy
7 adam ulatoski, ot, texas
7 kevin haslam, g, rutgers
2 cam thomas, nt, unc
3 skelton, qb, fordham
4 dezmon briscoe, wr, kansas
5 chris brown, rb, oklahoma
6 mike williams, wr, syracuse
6 cameron sheffield, olb, troy
7 adam ulatoski, ot, texas
7 kevin haslam, g, rutgers
knuckles updates mock
1 stl bradford
2 det mccoy
3 tb suh
4 wash okung
5 kc bulaga
6 sea clausen
7 clev haden
8 oak anthony davis
9 buf trent williams
10 jax pierre-paul
11 den dez bryant
12 mia kindle
13 sf bruce campbell
14 sea morgan
15 nyg mcclain
16 ten dan williams
17 sf spiller
18 pitt eric berry
19 atl kyle wilson
20 hou brian price
21 cin gresham
22 ne graham
23 gb charles brown
24 phi taylor mays
25 bal golden tate
26 ariz weatherspoon
27 dallas earl thomas
28 sd jahvid best
29 nyj everson griffen
30 min terrence cody
31 ind jared odrick
32 no navorro bowman
2 det mccoy
3 tb suh
4 wash okung
5 kc bulaga
6 sea clausen
7 clev haden
8 oak anthony davis
9 buf trent williams
10 jax pierre-paul
11 den dez bryant
12 mia kindle
13 sf bruce campbell
14 sea morgan
15 nyg mcclain
16 ten dan williams
17 sf spiller
18 pitt eric berry
19 atl kyle wilson
20 hou brian price
21 cin gresham
22 ne graham
23 gb charles brown
24 phi taylor mays
25 bal golden tate
26 ariz weatherspoon
27 dallas earl thomas
28 sd jahvid best
29 nyj everson griffen
30 min terrence cody
31 ind jared odrick
32 no navorro bowman
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
bills 7 round mock
1 bryan bulaga ot iowa
2 terrance cody/cam thomas nt 'bama/unc
3 john skelton qb fordham
4 brandon spikes ilb fla
5 dezmon briscoe wr kansas
6 riley cooper wr fla
6 adam ulatoski ot texas
7 naaman roosevelt wr ub
7 josh moore cb k-state
2 terrance cody/cam thomas nt 'bama/unc
3 john skelton qb fordham
4 brandon spikes ilb fla
5 dezmon briscoe wr kansas
6 riley cooper wr fla
6 adam ulatoski ot texas
7 naaman roosevelt wr ub
7 josh moore cb k-state
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
i won't say it, but...
Monday, February 22, 2010
buddy nix, overall franchise direction
by now everyone has formed opinions on the hires of nix and Chan gailey. regardless of how you felt/feel, its what you're going to be dealing with for a minimum of 2-3 years. with free agency approaching, how aggressive do you think the bills will be? how about other teams? do you have any targets (as unrealistic as they may be) you would like to see your fav team target? ill say that i would like to see the bills target dwan Edwards from the ravens. obviously, i would like to see someone like Ryan Pickett (still un-tagged) but i don't see that being realistic. if buffalo signed dwan Edwards and maybe joey porter they would have eased the transition to the 3-4.
Posted by JDClark08 at 7:10 PM 0 comments
Labels: baltimore, bills, buddy, buffalo, dwan, edwards, joey, nix, porter, ravens
buddy nix, overall franchise direction
by now everyone has formed opinions on the hires of nix and Chan gailey. regardless of how you felt/feel, its what you're going to be dealing with for a minimum of 2-3 years. with free agency approaching, how aggressive do you think the bills will be? how about other teams? do you have any targets (as unrealistic as they may be) you would like to see your fav team target? ill say that i would like to see the bills target dwan Edwards from the ravens. obviously, i would like to see someone like Ryan Pickett (still un-tagged) but i don't see that being realistic. if buffalo signed dwan Edwards and maybe joey porter they would have eased the transition to the 3-4.
Posted by JDClark08 at 7:10 PM 0 comments
Labels: baltimore, bills, buddy, buffalo, dwan, edwards, joey, nix, porter, ravens
i asked adam schefter
Q: What do you think the Bills are going to do with the ninth pick? OT is an obvious need, but with Russell Okung and Brian Bulaga possibly gone, what direction do they look? Reach for a guy like Dan Williams/Rolando McClain/Trent Williams? Hope Jimmy Clausen is still on the board?
-- Jeremy Clark (Buffalo)
A: Good questions, Jeremy. The Buffalo Bills must address the offensive line, first and foremost. If there's a worthy tackle there -- and I also would include Williams in that group -- then they have to pounce on him. But both of their lines need help. If there's a defensive lineman that they are enamored with who's available, they'd have no problem going there. Either way, the Bills must hit on the pick. And offensive lineman would be ideal.
-- Jeremy Clark (Buffalo)
A: Good questions, Jeremy. The Buffalo Bills must address the offensive line, first and foremost. If there's a worthy tackle there -- and I also would include Williams in that group -- then they have to pounce on him. But both of their lines need help. If there's a defensive lineman that they are enamored with who's available, they'd have no problem going there. Either way, the Bills must hit on the pick. And offensive lineman would be ideal.
Friday, March 12, 2010
NFL Mock Draft Database
picked up by another site:
http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/MockDraft.htm
thank you mark from dc pro sports report!
http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/MockDraft.htm
thank you mark from dc pro sports report!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
what if...
what if this happens...
1 stl bradford
2 det okung
3 tb suh
4 wsh clausen
5 kc bulaga
6 sea trent williams
7 clev berry
8 oak bruce campbell/pierre-paul (two highest bust potentials)
9 buff ??????????
gerald mccoy is still there. he doesnt fit our new scheme. trade back?? with who?? and how far do you want to move back?? willing to fall out of the rolando mcclain/dan williams area?? you probably dont want to consider anything involving next years picks, there likely wont be a season...any thoughts??
1 stl bradford
2 det okung
3 tb suh
4 wsh clausen
5 kc bulaga
6 sea trent williams
7 clev berry
8 oak bruce campbell/pierre-paul (two highest bust potentials)
9 buff ??????????
gerald mccoy is still there. he doesnt fit our new scheme. trade back?? with who?? and how far do you want to move back?? willing to fall out of the rolando mcclain/dan williams area?? you probably dont want to consider anything involving next years picks, there likely wont be a season...any thoughts??
Monday, March 8, 2010
first round mock - c/o my friend knuckles
1. stl - sam bradford, qb, oak
2. det - gerald mccoy, dt, oak
3. tb - ndamukong suh, dt, neb
4. wash - russell okung, ot, oak st
5. kc - bryan bulaga, ot, iowa
6. sea - jimmy clausen, qb, notre dame
7. clv - joe haden, cb, fla
8. oak - anthony, davis, ot, rutgers
9. buffalo - trent williams, ot, oak
10. jax - jason pierre-paul, de, s. fla
11. den - dez bryant, wr, oak st
12. mia - sergio kindle, olb, tx
13. sf - bruce campbell, ot, md
14. sea - derrick morgan, de, ga tech
15. nyg - rolando mcclain, ilb, 'bama
16. tenn - dan williams, nt, tenn
17. sf - cj spiller, rb, clemson
18. pitt - eric berry, s, tenn
19. atl - kyle wilson, cb, boise st
20. hou - brian price, dt, ucla
21. cinn - jermaine gresham, te, oak
22. ne - brandon graham, olb, mich
23. gb - charles brown, ot, so cal
24. philly - taylor mays, s so cal
25. balt - golden tate, wr, notre dame
26. az - sean weatherspoon, lb, mizzou
27. dallas - earl thomas, s tx
28. sd - jahvid best, rb, cal
29. nyj - everson griffen, de, so cal
30. minn - terrence cody, dt, 'bama
31. indy - jared odrick, dt, penn st
32. new orl - navarro bowman, olb, penn st
2. det - gerald mccoy, dt, oak
3. tb - ndamukong suh, dt, neb
4. wash - russell okung, ot, oak st
5. kc - bryan bulaga, ot, iowa
6. sea - jimmy clausen, qb, notre dame
7. clv - joe haden, cb, fla
8. oak - anthony, davis, ot, rutgers
9. buffalo - trent williams, ot, oak
10. jax - jason pierre-paul, de, s. fla
11. den - dez bryant, wr, oak st
12. mia - sergio kindle, olb, tx
13. sf - bruce campbell, ot, md
14. sea - derrick morgan, de, ga tech
15. nyg - rolando mcclain, ilb, 'bama
16. tenn - dan williams, nt, tenn
17. sf - cj spiller, rb, clemson
18. pitt - eric berry, s, tenn
19. atl - kyle wilson, cb, boise st
20. hou - brian price, dt, ucla
21. cinn - jermaine gresham, te, oak
22. ne - brandon graham, olb, mich
23. gb - charles brown, ot, so cal
24. philly - taylor mays, s so cal
25. balt - golden tate, wr, notre dame
26. az - sean weatherspoon, lb, mizzou
27. dallas - earl thomas, s tx
28. sd - jahvid best, rb, cal
29. nyj - everson griffen, de, so cal
30. minn - terrence cody, dt, 'bama
31. indy - jared odrick, dt, penn st
32. new orl - navarro bowman, olb, penn st
TWO ROUND MOCK
First Round
1. STL QB SAM BRADFORD – THEY WILL EITHER TRADE OUT OF THIS PICK OR TAKE BRADFORD. ALTHOUGH, CLAUSEN PORJECTS AS THE BETTER NFL QUARTERBACK
2. DET DT NDAMUKONG SUH – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
3. TB DT GERALD McCOY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
4. WSH OT RUSSELL OKUNG – CHRIS SAMUELS’ RETIREMENT SET SHANNY’S REBUILDING PLAN BACK, AT LEAST A BIT. THE UPGRADE BY TAKING OKUNG IS GREATER THAN THE UPGRADE BY TAKING A QB TO REPLACE JASON CAMPBELL. ASSUMING THEY HAVE CAMPBELL, THEY WILL TAKE OKUNG.
5. KC S/CB ERIC BERRY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER! ARGUABLY THE BEST OVERALL, NFL READY PROSPECT IN THIS YEARS CLASS, THE CHIEFS ARE THRILLED HE IS AVAILABLE AT NUMBER FIVE. AN INSTANT STARTER ON MOST NFL TEAMS. PROBABLY AN ALL-PRO FOR YEARS TO COME. **POSSIBLE DESTINATION FOR TRADE-UP TARGETING CLAUSEN?? WATCH FOR KIRK FERENTZ'S OLD BUDDY SCOTT PIOLI TO CONSIDER BULAGE HERE.
6. SEA QB JIMMY CLAUSEN – CALLED A MIX BETWEEN DREW BREES AND PHILIP RIVERS BY ONE ANALYST, CLAUSEN IS REGARDED BY MANY AS THE MOST NFL READY QUARTERBACK TO COME ALONG IN YEARS, POSSIBLY SINCE PEYTON MANNING.http://walterfootball.com/mattblog091229.php PETE CARROLL LOST A HARD-FOUGHT, THREE YEAR LONG RECRUITING BATTLE TO CHARLIE WEIS FOR THE RIGHT TO COACH AND DEVELOP THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE, WHOSE OLDER BROTHERS RICK AND CASEY BOTH PLAYED DIV. 1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL. NOW, AFTER HE SPENT THREE YEARS UNDER WEIS, CARROLL IS SITTING IN POSITION TO TAKE THE JUNIOR QUARTERBACK AND REBUILD THE SEAHAWKS AROUND HIM. **LOOK FOR SEATTLE TO MOVE DOWN, ESPECIALLY IF BOTH QB’S ARE GONE.
7. CLEV RB C.J. SPILLER – SPILLER IS A BIT UNDERSIZED, BUT HAS SHOWN THE ABILITY TO RUN BETWEEN THE TACKLES VERY EFFECTIVELY. HIS 4.28 40-YARD DASH AT THE COMBINE SOLIDIFIED WHAT MANY THOUGHT: SPILLER IS 2010’S TOP BACK. AFTER RELEASING JAMAL LEWIS, HOLMGREN IS POISED TO REUNITE THE CLEMSON PRODUCT WITH HIS FORMER TIGER TEAMMATE. **LOOK FOR CLEVELAND TO POSSIBLY MOVE UP, TARGETING CLAUSEN/BRADFORD.
8. OAK OT BRUCE CAMPBELL – WORKOUT WARRIOR. 6’5” 315 LBS. AND SHREDDED (FOR A BIG MAN)! THAT BEING SAID, I CAN’T FIND ANYONE, ANYWHERE THAT’S THINKS HE GAME FILM MATCHES HIS MEASUREABLES! THAT BEING SAID, AL DAVIS WILL TAKE HIM AND ALLOW THE MORE NFL-READY TACKLE PROSPECTS TO SLIDE DOWN A SLOT! THANKS AL!
9. BUFF OT BYRAN BULAGA – ALTHOUGH I THINK HE PROJECTS BETTER AS A RIGHT TACKLE ON A LONG-TERM BASIS, BULAGA WILL BE AN INSTANT STARTER AND ENORMOUS UPGRADE FOR AN UP-AND-COMING BUFFALO BILLS LINE. I THINK THAT OKUNG AND ANTHONY DAVIS WILL BE BETTER LEFT TACKLES IN THE FUTURE, BULAGA IS VERY NFL-READY, AS MOST KIRK-FERENTZ COACHED LINEMEN ARE. THE BILLS ARE THRILLED HE’S HERE AND BRING SOME ATTITUDE AND STABILTY TO THE TRENCHES. **LOOK FOR BULAGA TO BE A POSSIBLE TARGET OF THE CHIEFS AT #5 AS PIOLI AND FERENTZ ARE FRIENDS AND FORMER CO-CORKERS. IF BULAGE AND ANTHONY DAVIS ARE GONE HERE, THE BILLS COULD GO WITH DAN WILLIAMS, NT, AND GET THEIR 3-4 ANCHOR.
10. JAX CB JOE HADEN – A PLAYER CAN IMPRESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD FOR 3-4 YEARS. SHOW OUTSTANDING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITY BOTH IN PERSON AND ON FILM. EVERY YEAR ONE OF THOS PLAYERS DOESN’T TEST WELL IN HIS UNDERWEAR, WITH NO PADS ON, NOT PERFORMING ANYTHING THAT IS WIDELY USED ON A FOOTBALL FIELD, AND FALLS IN THE DRAFT. THIS YEAR ITS JOE HADEN. WATCH HIS FILM. IN BUFFALO, WE SAW A LOT OF HIM THESE LAST FEW YEARS ON CBS AND ALL HE DID WAS SHUT DOWN THE OPPOSITIONS BEST PERIMETER WEAPON. HE PLAYS FASTER THAN HIS OFFICIAL 4.57, AND IF HE TESTS BETTER AT HIS PRO DAY, HE MAY MOVE BACK UP THE BOARD. HE DOES, HOWEVER, RUN THE RISK OF RUNNING A SLOWER TIME AND FURTHER DAMAGING HIS STOCK. WHEREVER HE IS TAKEN, HE WILL BE A PLAYMAKER AND WILL BECOME A PRO-BOWL CALIBER CORNER. **I HOPE THEY TAKE TEBOW HERE!!!! HAHAHA
11. DEN LB ROLANDO McCLAIN – THE BRONCOS HAVE A HOLE ON THEIR LINEBACKING CORE, NEEDING ANOTHER ILB TO PLAY NEXT TO D. WILLIAMS. McCLAIN HAS TONS OF EXPERIENCE IN A 3-4 AND HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAIN BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. INSIDE MAY BE HIS BEST POSITION, AS HE DIDN’T APPEAR TO BE TERRIBLY FLUID THROUGH HIS LOWER BODY BUT HAS RAY LEWIS TYPE OF INSTINCTS!
12. MIA NT DAN WILLIAMS – WILLIAMS IS A MONSTER IN THE MIDDLE OF A 3-4 SCHEME. NOT ONLY DOES HE HAVE THE SIZE, AT 6’2” 327 LBS, BUT HE CARRIES HIS WEIGHT IN HIS TRUNK. WILLIAMS IS THE KIND OF PLAYER THAT CAN ANCHOR YOUR DEFENCE FOR 15 YEARS AND THE LIKES OF BUFFALO, CLEVELAND AND KANSAS CITY MAY ONE DAY REGRET PASSING ON HIM. MIAMI GETS A POTENTIAL STEAL AT #11 AND SPRINTS TO THE PODIUM TO GET HIM! **HADEN COULD ALSO BE A CONSIDERATION HERE, IF HE’S STILL ON THE BOARD. I KNOW MIAMI TOOK DEDENSIVE BACKS WITH HIS FIRST TWO SELECTIONS LAST YEAR BUT HE CONTINUES TO THINK THAT’S THE AREA IN NEED OF AN UPGRADE.
13. SF OT ANTHONY DAVIS – DAVIS PROJECTS AS THE BEST LONG-TERM LEFT TACKLE (SAVE OKUNG) IN THIS YEAR’S CLASS, ALTHOUGH HE MAY NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME AT RIGHT TACKLE UNTIL HE UNSEATS JOE STALEY. THE NINERS ALREADY HAVE AL DAVIS’S THANK-YOU CARD!
14. SEA OT TRENT WILLIAMS – ANOTHER THANK YOU CARD, THIS TIME FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, IS ON ITS WAY TO AL DAVIS! SEAHAWKS FANS ARE THRILLED WILLIAMS IS THERE, WALTER JONES’ REPLACEMENT IN NOW ON-BOARD.
15. NYG DE DERRICK MORGAN – MORGAN IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WITH EXCELLENT VERSITILITY. HE COULD CERTAINLY BE SELECTED HIGHER THAN THIS, CONSIDERING HIS ABILITY TO PLAY END IN BOTH 4-3 AND 3-4 ALIGNMENTS. HE HAS SPEED (4.70), STRENGTH AND SIZE (6’4” 270 LBS). I THINK THE GIANTS WILL THAKE THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER AVAILABLE AND MORGAN IS JUST THAT, WITH McCLAIN OFF THE BOARD. **IF MCCLAIN IS THERE, THE GIANTS WILL RUN TO THE PODIUM, IN HOPES OF REPLACING ANTONIO PIERCE.
16. TENN DE/OLB JASON PIERRE-PAUL – BIGGEST BUST POTENTIAL IN THIS YEARS DRAFT (SAVE BRADFORD, ESPECIALLY IF HE GOES FIRST OVERALL). DON’T LIKE HIM; DON’T LIKE THE TITANS – PERFECT MATCH!
17. SF CB KYLE WILSON – WILSON OFFERS THE BEST COMBINATION OF SPEED/COVERAGE ABILITY/RETURN ABILITY IN THIS YEARS CLASS. HE WILL STEP INTO A PLAYMAKING ROLE AS SOON AS HE ARRIVES IN THE BAY, AND WILL HOPEFULLY BE EVERYTHING THEY HOPED TO GET OUT OF ‘PLAYMAKER’ NATE CLEMENTS.
18. PITT OT/G MIKE IUPATI – OVER 6’5” AND 331 LBS, IUPATI IS A NASTY PLAYER. HE BRINGS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS AND A BLUE-COLLAR MENTALITY. HE’S A PERFECT FIT IN THE STEEL CITY BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE LOCKER ROOM TO PREVENT HIM FROM TURNING INTO RICHIE INCOGNITO.
19. ATL S EARL THOMAS – WHILE TAYLOR MAYS HAS BETTER MEASUREABLES (SIZE, SPEED, THE “EYEBALL” TEST), EARL THOMAS WAS MORE CONSISTANTLY MAKING GAME CHANGING PLAYS ON THE FOOTBALL. HE HAS GOOD SPEED (4.48) AND OUTSTANDING INSTINCTS. THE FALCONS NEED ALL THE DEFENSIVE HELP THEY CAN GET AND THOMAS AT #19 IS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE.
20. HOU S TAYLOR MAYS – SCOUTS HAD MAYS ALL OVER THE BOARD ON HIS 40-YARD DASH (4.24-4.41). EITHER WAY, THAT’S FREAKISH SPEED FOR A MAN 6’3” 234 LBS! MAYS IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WHO TOO OFTEN LOOKS FOR THE BIG HIT. THE TROJANS DEFENCE LOST 5-6 PLAYERS TO THE NFL LAST YEAR (MAYS PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE LEFT THEN TOO) AND CARROLL ASKED MAYS TO PLAY OUT OF POSITION TOO FREQUENTLY. MAYS IS AN OUTSTANDING LEADER IN THE LOCKER ROOM AND WILL PATROL THE TEXANS SECONDARY, STRIKING FEAR INTO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RECIEVERS.
21. CINN WR DEZ BRYANT – THE MOST TALENTED ALL-AROUND RECEIVING PROSPECT SINCE CALVIN JOHNSON, BRYANT CAN’T SEEM TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. THERE HAVE BEEN RUMORS CIRCULATION THAT HE “ROLLS” 15-20 PEOPLE DEEP AND SOMETIMES REFERS TO HIMSELF IN THE THIRD-PERSON – BUYER BEWARE, OBVIOUSLY!
22. NE OLB BRANDON GRAHAM – ALL GRAHAM DOES IS PLAY IN THE OPPONENTS BACKFIELD. AFTER AN OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOWL WEEK, HIS STOCK HAS CONTINUED TO CLIMB. A TEAM LIKE THE STEELERS MAY TARGET HIM AT #18, BUT THE PATS ARE HAPPY HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THEM HERE AT #22.
23. GB OT CHARLES BROWN – NEED MEETS VALUE HERE FOR THE PACKERS. TED THOMPSON KNOWS THERE ARE ‘SEXIER’ PICKS OUT THERE, BUT WATCHING REPLAYS OF AARON RODGERS KILLED IN THE NFC PLAYOFFS HAUNT HIS DREAMS! THOMPSON QUIETS THE LAMBS BY TAKING THE FORMER TROJAN WITH TONS OF POTENTIAL.
24. PHILLY DE CAROLS DUNLAP – DUNLAP HAS TOP-10 PRODUCTION, GAME FILM AND MEASUREABLES. HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THE EAGLES AT #24 BECAUSE OF THE QUESTION MARKS SURROUNDING HIS MATURITY AND UNWILLINGNESS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. HE COULD END UP BEING REGGIE WHITE, BUT I DOUBT IT. ANOTHER BUYER BEWARE!
25. BAL OLB RICKY SAPP – SAPP PLAYED DE IN A 4-3 AT CLEMSON, BUT AFTER RUNNING A PAIR OF SUB-4.70’S AND IMPRESSING DURING POSITION-SPECIFIC DRILLS IN INDY, SAPP HAS MANY 3-4 COORDINATORS SALIVATING OVER HIS POTENTION. SAPP REMINDS ME OF ROBERT AYERS,
26. AZ OLB SERGIO KINDLE – KEN WISENHUNT IS THRILLED KINDLE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIM AFTER LOSING DANSBY TO FREE-AGANCY. KINDLE WILL CONTRIBUT IMMEDIATELY FOR THE CARDS, WHO MAY ALSO CONSIDER SAPP IF HE IS STILL ON THE BOARD.
27. DAL G/C MAURKICE POUNCEY – POUNCEY HAS BEEN COMPARD TO NICK MANGOLD BECAUSE OF HIS VERSITILITY AND ATHLETICISM. IF THOSE COMPARISONS HOLD TRUE, DALLAS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A DOMINANT LINE FOR YEARS TO COME, ALLOWING THEM TO UTILIZE ALL THREE OF THOSE RUNNING BACKS.
28. SD RB RYAN MATTHEWS – REPLACING L.T. IS GOING TO BE TOUGH ENOUGH, BUT HAVING TO REPLACE SPROLES PRODUCTION DURING THE SAME OFFSEASON WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR AJ SMITH. MATTHEWS IS A WELL ROUNDED BACK WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO BE ON THE FIELD ALL THREE DOWNS, ASSUMING HE CAN FAMILIARIZE HIMSELF WITH NFL-CALIBER BLITZ SCHEMES/PACKAGES.
29. NYJ LB SEAN WEATHERSPOON – AT 6’1” 240 LBS, HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY INSIDE/OUTSIDE IN A 4-3 OR INSIDE IN A 3-4. REX RYAN WILL KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY USE THIS DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER. THE JETS COULD ALSO LOOK TO UOGRADE AT DE, WHERE THE STARTERS ARE GETTING OLD!
30. MINN DT BRIAN PRICE – THE VIKINGS KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF STOPPING THE RUN. WITH SUSPENSIONS HANGING OF THE WILLIAMS WALL (POTENTIALLY) AND PAT WILLIAMS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT, CHILLY TAKES A PLAYER THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO PENETRATE AND COLLAPSE THE POCKET AS WELL AS GERALD McCOY.
31. IND CB KAREEM JACKSON – THE COLTS NEED HELP ALL OVER THE FIELD DEFENSIVELY, PARTICULARLY IN THE SECONDARY, WHICH COULD NOT PREVENT DREW BREES FROM COMPLETING PASSES. JACKSON IS REGARDED AS A VERY INSTINCTIVE PLAYER, WITH SPEED AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO MATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE NFL’S TOP PERIMETER THREATS.
32. NO OLB JERRY HUGHES – WIDELY REGARDED AS AN ELVIS DUMERVIL-TYPE. STRONG, COMPACT AND FAST WITH AN OUTSTANDING FIRST STEP, THE SAINTS NEED TO PRESSURE THE QUARTERBACK, AND WITH SUSPENSIONS LOOMING OVER SMITH/GRANT, HUGHES MAY FIND HIMSELF IN THE BAYOU!
Second Round
33(1). STL WR GOLDEN TATE – DONNIE AVERY IS A DECENT #2 WIDEOUT, BUT PROBABLY BELONGS IN THE SLOT. THE RAMS WILL GET THEIR YOUNG SIGNAL-CALLER A WELL-ROUNDED WEAPON ON THE PERIMETER WHO ENJOYS BLOCKING, MAYBE A LITTLE TOO MUCH. THE NOTRE DAME PRODUCT HAS BEEN CALLED A HINES WARD-TYPE, WITH BETTER SPEED (4.41). A STEAL AT THIS POI NT IN THE DRAFT.
34(2). DET WR ARRELIOUS BENN – CALVIN JOHNSON IS SPECTACULAR…WHEN HEALTHY! BENN HAS FIRST ROUND ABILITY AND POTENTIAL, MAYBE TOP-10. SADLY, HIS QUARTERBACK PLAY AT ILLINOIS WASN’T VERY CONSISTENT FROM A PASSING STANDPOINT. BIG, STRONG AND DECEPTIVELY FAST, BENN WILL START IMMEDIATELY AND SEE PLENTY OF ACTION WITH MEGATRON ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE.
35(3). TB DeMARYIOUS THOMAS – 3 WR’S IN A ROW, I KNOW, BUT THIS WILL BE THE RUN. TOO BAD THE WR DEPTH WASN’T THIS PLENTIFUL WHEN THE BILLS TOOK HARDY IN THE SECOND ROUND A FEW YEARS BACK, THERE MAY NEVER HAVE BEEN A T.O. SHOW IN B-LO. THOMAS IS A PHYSICAL FREAK WHOSE BROKEN FOOT WILL BE A SETBACK, BUT HIS ABILITY WILL PROVE HE’S MORE THAN WORTHY OF AN EARLY SECOND ROUNDER.
36(4). KC CB PATRICK ROBINSON – HERE COMES A RUN ON CORNERS! WHILE CERTAINLY NOT TOP HEAVY, THE WAY IT WAS IN 2008, THERE IS PLENTY OF TALENT THROUGH ROUNDS TWO AND THREE. ROBINSON IMPRESSED AT THE COMBINE (4.45) AND AT NEARLY 6’ 190 LBS, HE’S GOT THE SIZE TO MATCH UP WITH #1 WR’S. ROBINSON ALSO CONTRIBUTES ON SPECIAL TEAMS, HAVING BLOCKED SEVERAL KICKS IN HIS SEMINOLE CAREER.
37(5). WASH RB JAHVID BEST – AT 5’10 200 LBS; BEST BLAZED A 4.43 IN THE FOURTY-YARD DASH. QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS DURABILITY MAY RAISE SOME FLAGS, BUT IF UTILIZED IN A BRIAN WESTBROOK FASHION, BEST CAN BE A TRUE GAME-CHANGER! THE FORMER GOLDEN BEAR WILL DO SOME REAL DAMAGE IN SHANNY’S ONE-CUT, ZONE-BLOCKING SCHEME!
38(6). CLEV CB DEVIN McCOURTY – 5’11” 193; SHOWED OFF GREAT SPEED, TURNING IN A 4.38 AT THE COMBINE, McCOURTY IS REGARDRD AS RAW, BUT WITH A VERY HIGH CEILING. CZAR HOLMGREN IS THRILLED McCOURTY IS STILL AVAILABLE, AFTER FLIRTING WITH THE IDEA OF TAKING HADEN IN THE FIRST ROUND.
39(7). OAK CB CHRIS COOK – THIS YEARS BIGGEST CORNER, AT 6’2” 212 LBS; MANY COMPARE COOL TO MIAMI DOLPHINS SEAN SMITH. COOK’S AT HIS BEST WHEN HE’S IN THE OPPONENTS FACE, USING HIS LONG REACH TO JAM AT THE LINE, THROWING OFF THE ROUTE’S TIMING.
40(8). SEA WR DAMIAN WILLIAMS – PETE CARROLL KNOWS WHAT HE’S GETTING OUT OF THE BIG (6’1” 197), STRONG (19 REPS) AND DECEPTIVELY FAST (4.47) FORMER TROJAN. WILLIAMS PROBABLY RUNS THE BEST ROUTES IN THE DRAFT, MAKING HIM A PERFECT FIT EARLY IN THE SECOND ROUND. HE WOULD PROBABLY BE A FAVORITE TO START OPENING DAY OPPOSITE TJ HOUSH, CONSIDERING HIS FAMILIARITY WITH SEATTLE’S OFFENSE.
41(9). BUFF NT CAM THOMAS – IT’S HARD TO FIND AN INTERIOR LINEMAN RISING UP THE BOARD FASTER THAN THE FORMER TAR HEEL. THOMAS WAS THE MOST DOMINAT DEFENSIVE LINEMAN DURING THE SENIOR BOWL AND THE BILLS ARE THRILLED HE’S HERE, AS THEY NEED AN ANCHOR FOR THE MIDDLE OF THEIR NEW 3-4. AT 6’4” 331 LBS; HE’S JUST THAT.
42(10). TB CB PARRISH COX – COX HAS FIRST ROUND ABILITY AND MANY MOCKS HAVE HIM GOING IN THE FIRST ROUND. HERE, HOWEVER; THE BUCS ARE GLAD HE IS AVAILABLE AND WILL AT LEAST BE THE NICKLE, AND COULD UNSEAT THE AGING RONDE BARBER OPPOSITE UP-AND-COMING A. TALIB.
43(11). MIA S CHAD JONES – JEFF IRELAND TOOK A RUN AT RYAN CLARK OF THE STEELERS THIS OFFSEASON, BUT FAILED TO LAND THE 30-YEAR OLD SAFETY. JONES IS A RUN STUFFING SAFETY WITH THE SIZE TO PLAY IN THE BOX AND GOOD ENOUGH SPEED (4.55) TO STAY WITH MOST TIGHT ENDS.
44(12). NE WR MARSHAWN GILYARD – AT 5’11” 187 LBS, GILYARD PLAYS FASTER THAN HIS 4.59 WOULD INDICATE. HE IS DYNAMITE AFTER THE CATCH, AND IF HE CAN IMPROVE HIS TIME AT HIS PRO-DAY, HE WILL VALIDATE THIS DRAFT SLOT.
45(13). DEN ILB BRANDON SPIKES – ALTHOUGH HE LAST ODEAL ATHLETIC ABILITY, SPIKES HAS THE SIZE (6’3” 250 LBS) AND INSTINCTS TO PLAY THE ILB IN DENVER’S 3-4. EXPECT AN IMPROVED DENVER DEFENSE TO BE EVEN BETTER NEXT YEAR WITH THE ADDITION OF NT D. WILLIAMS (FIRST ROUND), ILB/OLB ROLANDO McCLAIN (FIRST ROUND), AND JUSTIN BANNAN (UFA).
46(14). NYG OLB DARYL WASHINGTON – THE GIANTS MISSED OUT ON KARLOS DANSBY IN FREE AGENCY, AND BIG BLUE NEEDS A PLAYMAKER FROM THE LINEBACKER POSITION, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE LOSS OF ANTONIO PIERCE. WASHINGTON WILL PROVIDE PRESSURE OFF THE EDGE, TEAMING WITH A DOMINANT FRONT FOUR.
47(15). NE NT TERRENCE CODY - **RED FLAG** RUMOR HAS IT, SOME TEAMS HAVE TAKEN MT. CODY OFF THEIR BOARDS ALL-TOGETHER. HE CAN BE DOMINANT, BUT CONSTANTLY STRUGGLES WITH HIS WEIGHT (SOMETIMES AT 400+). WHILE HE DID SHOW UP AT THE COMBINE IN THE 354 LBS, SUDDEN, DRASTIC CHANGES IN WEIGHT ARE OFTEN TIMES ALARMING, RATHER THAN BENEFICIAL TO A PLAYERS STOCK (AARON MAYBIN, ANYONE? 250 LBS AT LAST YEARS COMBINE). BUYER BEWARE.
48(16). CAR S NATE ALLEN – THE PANTHERS DEFENSE HAS TAKEN SOME MAJOR HITS THIS OFFSEASON (PEPPERS, MARSHALL) – HERE THEY GET A PLAYMAKER FOR THEIR SECONDARY. ALLEN IS A WELL-ROUNDED SAFETY THE PANTHERS ARE HAPPY TO SEE HERE AT THIS POINT IN THE SECOND ROUND.
49(17). SF RB TOBY GERHART – AT 6’ 230 LBS, GERHART ANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS SPEED IN INDY (4.5), BUT SCOUTS STILL SEE HIS AS TOO-UPRIGHT OF A RUNNER. HE WONT BE ASKED TO BE THE GUY YET IN SAN FRANCISCO, BUT SOMEDAY HE MIGHT. IN THE MEANTIME, HE WILL SPELL FRANK GORE, WHO WHEN HEALTHY, HAS BEEN GREAT.
50(18). KC OT CIRON BLACK – THE CHIEFS HOPED OKUNG WUOLD FALL TO THEM, AND CONSIDERED TAKING BULAGA IN ROUND ONE, BUT ARE THRILLED THE FORMER LSU TIGER IS AVAILABLE. BLACK IS PROBABLY BEST EQUIPPED AT A RT IN THE NFL, BUT CAN PLAY EITHER SIDE IF ASKED. AN OUTSTANDING RUN-BLOCKER, HE WILL NEED TO IMPROVE HIS FOOTWORK TO CONSTANTLY BEAT SPEED-RUSHERS AT THE NEXT LEVEL.
51(19). HOU RB BEN TATE – FOR A PLAYER WITH SUCH POWER AND LEVERAGE (5’10” 220 LBS, 4.44), TATE HAS SOME TROUBLE CUTTING AND CHANGING DIRECTIONS. MANY BACKS GET BY BECAUSE THEY ARE QUICKER THAN THEY ARE FAST, BUT THR OPPOSITE IS TRUE OF THE FORMER AUBURN PRODUCT. HE TIMED FAST AND IS A PRODUCTIVE THREE-DOWN BACK, BUT HIS SHAKY POSITIONAL DRILLS IN INDY MAY HURT HIM.
52(20). PITT CB/S DONOVAN WARREN – AT 5’11” 193 LBS, THE FORMER WOLVERINE CAME INTO THE SEASON MUCH HIGHER THAN THIS ON THE DRAFT BOARDS. HOWEVER, A SHAKY SEASON AND A PAIR OF 4.6+ TIMES AT THE COMBINE HAVE SCOUNTS THINKING WARREN MAY BE BEST SUITED TO PLAY SAFETY IN THE NFL – TIME WILL TELL.
53(21). NE TE JERMAINE GRESHAM – GRESHAM PROBABLY WON’T BE ABLE TO WORKOUT BEFORE THE DRAFT, AND IF HE IS IT MAY NOT BE ALL TOO IMPRESSIVE. HOWEVER; HE IS TOO GOOD A VALUE AT THIS POINT, ESPECIALLY FOR A NEW ENGLAND OFFENSE THAT LOST BEN WATSON AS AN UFA. IF A TRADE FOR GREG OLSEN TAKES PLACE, THE PATS WILL LOOK IN ANOTHER DIRECTION.
54(22). CINN RB DEXTER McCLUSTER – THE BENGALS NEED A HOME RUN HITTER IN THE BACKFIELD, REGARDLESS OF HOW WELL CEDRIC BENSON PLAYS FOR THEM. ALTHOUGH HE DID NOT TIME AS FAST AS HE PLAYS (4.56), HE IS STILL WELL-RESPECTED FOR A MAN HIS SIZE TO PRODUCE BETWEEN THE TACKLES, IN THE SEC.
55(23). PHI DT JARED ODRICK – THE EAGLES ADD SOME STARTER-CALIBUR DEPTH TO THEIR DEFENSIVE LINE HERE. ODRICK MAY END UP IN THE TOP-TEN COME DRAFT DAY, BUT TODAY SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SECOND ROUND.
56(24). GB DE EVERSON GRIFFEN – MANY THINK HE IS A TWEENER 3-4/4-3 GUY, BUT I THINK HE IS BEST SERVED IN A 4-3 AT DEFENSIVE END. HOWEVER, GREEN BAY IS COUNTING ON HIM BEING A BETTER 3-4 OLB THAN AARON KAMPMAN, AND HE MAY VERY WELL BE.
57(25). BAL WR JORDAN SHIPLEY – THE NEXT WES WELKER. 5’11” 193 LBS, AND QUICKER THAN FAST. SHIPLEY RUNS GREAT ROUTES AND ALWAYS FINDS THE SOFT SPOT IN ZONES. WILL BECOME HIS QUARTERBACKS GO-TO GUY ON THIRD DOWN AND IN CRUNCH TIME.
58(26). AZ OT RODGER SAFFOLD – RT LEVI BROWN IS BELIEVED TO BE SWITCHING TO THE LEFT SIDE, BUT WITH A SOUTHPAW READY TO GO UNDER-CENTER AND HIS STRUGGLES THERE IN THE PAST, BROWN MAY STAY RIGHT WHERE HE IS AND ALLOW SAFFOLD TO BE THE STRONG SIDE PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE.
59(27). DAL WR BRANDON LaFELL – JERRY JONES CONSIDERED, IF ONLY FOR AN INSTANT, MAKING A PLAY FOR BRANDON MARSHALL. HE WISELY WENT WITH AN O-LINEMAN IN ROUND ONE AND GETS HIS PERIMETER WEAPON IN ROUND TWO. WITH ROY WILLIAMS STRUGGLING TO SETTLE IN, LaFELL MAY SEE MORE PLAYING TIME THAN EXPECTED IN THE LONE-STAR STATE.
60(28). SD DL ARTHUR JONES – JONES CAN PLAY DT IN A 4-3 OR NT IN A 3-4. EITHER WAY, HE’S A STEAL AT THIS POINT IN THE SECOND ROUND. THE CHARGERS AND REBUILDING DEFENSIVELY, AND JONES WOULD LOOK AWFULLY GOOD OPPOSITE L. CASTILLO IN SoCal.
61(29). NYJ OT VLADIMIR DUCASSE – A PROJECT OT WITH A VERY HIGH CEILING. DUCASSE GIVES AN AGING NYJ LINE AN INFUSION OF YOUTH. PLAYS WITH A NASTY STREAK, WHICH REZ RYAN AND BRIAN SCHOTTENHIEMER LOVE. TOUGH, ROAD-GRADING RUN BLOCKER.
62(30). MINN TE ROB GRONKOWSKI – GRONKOWSKI, WHEN HEALTHY, HAS THE ABILITY TO DO A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FROM THE TIGHT END POSITION. A STRONG, WILLING BLOCKER, GRONKOWSKI CAN ALSO STRETCH THE SEAM WHEN NEEDED. SHOULD PROBABLY GO HIGHER THAN THIS, BUT HEALTH CONCERNS CAUSE HIM TO FALL RIGHT INTO THE VIKINGS LAPS.
63(31). INDY CB DOMINIQUE FRANKS – INDY, WHOSE SUSPECT SECONDARY WAS EXPLOITED IN THE SUPER BOWL BY DREW BREES, CONTINUES THE MAKEOVER AT BACK WITH THE TOUGH CORNER FROM OAKLAHOMA. HE WILL TEAM WITH FIRST ROUNDER KAREEN JACKSON TO HELP SOLIDIFY THE COLTS DEFENSIVE PERIMETER.
64(32). NO DE GREG HARDY – IF HARDY HAD COME OUT LAST YEAR, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MID-LATE FIRST ROUND SELECTION. HIS STOCK TOOK A HIT, AFTER LOSING PERIA JERRY, ALONG SIDE OF HIM, BUT HE WILL FILL THE VOID LEFT BY THE RELEASE OF CHARLES GRANT NICELY.
1. STL QB SAM BRADFORD – THEY WILL EITHER TRADE OUT OF THIS PICK OR TAKE BRADFORD. ALTHOUGH, CLAUSEN PORJECTS AS THE BETTER NFL QUARTERBACK
2. DET DT NDAMUKONG SUH – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
3. TB DT GERALD McCOY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
4. WSH OT RUSSELL OKUNG – CHRIS SAMUELS’ RETIREMENT SET SHANNY’S REBUILDING PLAN BACK, AT LEAST A BIT. THE UPGRADE BY TAKING OKUNG IS GREATER THAN THE UPGRADE BY TAKING A QB TO REPLACE JASON CAMPBELL. ASSUMING THEY HAVE CAMPBELL, THEY WILL TAKE OKUNG.
5. KC S/CB ERIC BERRY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER! ARGUABLY THE BEST OVERALL, NFL READY PROSPECT IN THIS YEARS CLASS, THE CHIEFS ARE THRILLED HE IS AVAILABLE AT NUMBER FIVE. AN INSTANT STARTER ON MOST NFL TEAMS. PROBABLY AN ALL-PRO FOR YEARS TO COME. **POSSIBLE DESTINATION FOR TRADE-UP TARGETING CLAUSEN?? WATCH FOR KIRK FERENTZ'S OLD BUDDY SCOTT PIOLI TO CONSIDER BULAGE HERE.
6. SEA QB JIMMY CLAUSEN – CALLED A MIX BETWEEN DREW BREES AND PHILIP RIVERS BY ONE ANALYST, CLAUSEN IS REGARDED BY MANY AS THE MOST NFL READY QUARTERBACK TO COME ALONG IN YEARS, POSSIBLY SINCE PEYTON MANNING.http://walterfootball.com/mattblog091229.php PETE CARROLL LOST A HARD-FOUGHT, THREE YEAR LONG RECRUITING BATTLE TO CHARLIE WEIS FOR THE RIGHT TO COACH AND DEVELOP THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE, WHOSE OLDER BROTHERS RICK AND CASEY BOTH PLAYED DIV. 1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL. NOW, AFTER HE SPENT THREE YEARS UNDER WEIS, CARROLL IS SITTING IN POSITION TO TAKE THE JUNIOR QUARTERBACK AND REBUILD THE SEAHAWKS AROUND HIM. **LOOK FOR SEATTLE TO MOVE DOWN, ESPECIALLY IF BOTH QB’S ARE GONE.
7. CLEV RB C.J. SPILLER – SPILLER IS A BIT UNDERSIZED, BUT HAS SHOWN THE ABILITY TO RUN BETWEEN THE TACKLES VERY EFFECTIVELY. HIS 4.28 40-YARD DASH AT THE COMBINE SOLIDIFIED WHAT MANY THOUGHT: SPILLER IS 2010’S TOP BACK. AFTER RELEASING JAMAL LEWIS, HOLMGREN IS POISED TO REUNITE THE CLEMSON PRODUCT WITH HIS FORMER TIGER TEAMMATE. **LOOK FOR CLEVELAND TO POSSIBLY MOVE UP, TARGETING CLAUSEN/BRADFORD.
8. OAK OT BRUCE CAMPBELL – WORKOUT WARRIOR. 6’5” 315 LBS. AND SHREDDED (FOR A BIG MAN)! THAT BEING SAID, I CAN’T FIND ANYONE, ANYWHERE THAT’S THINKS HE GAME FILM MATCHES HIS MEASUREABLES! THAT BEING SAID, AL DAVIS WILL TAKE HIM AND ALLOW THE MORE NFL-READY TACKLE PROSPECTS TO SLIDE DOWN A SLOT! THANKS AL!
9. BUFF OT BYRAN BULAGA – ALTHOUGH I THINK HE PROJECTS BETTER AS A RIGHT TACKLE ON A LONG-TERM BASIS, BULAGA WILL BE AN INSTANT STARTER AND ENORMOUS UPGRADE FOR AN UP-AND-COMING BUFFALO BILLS LINE. I THINK THAT OKUNG AND ANTHONY DAVIS WILL BE BETTER LEFT TACKLES IN THE FUTURE, BULAGA IS VERY NFL-READY, AS MOST KIRK-FERENTZ COACHED LINEMEN ARE. THE BILLS ARE THRILLED HE’S HERE AND BRING SOME ATTITUDE AND STABILTY TO THE TRENCHES. **LOOK FOR BULAGA TO BE A POSSIBLE TARGET OF THE CHIEFS AT #5 AS PIOLI AND FERENTZ ARE FRIENDS AND FORMER CO-CORKERS. IF BULAGE AND ANTHONY DAVIS ARE GONE HERE, THE BILLS COULD GO WITH DAN WILLIAMS, NT, AND GET THEIR 3-4 ANCHOR.
10. JAX CB JOE HADEN – A PLAYER CAN IMPRESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD FOR 3-4 YEARS. SHOW OUTSTANDING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITY BOTH IN PERSON AND ON FILM. EVERY YEAR ONE OF THOS PLAYERS DOESN’T TEST WELL IN HIS UNDERWEAR, WITH NO PADS ON, NOT PERFORMING ANYTHING THAT IS WIDELY USED ON A FOOTBALL FIELD, AND FALLS IN THE DRAFT. THIS YEAR ITS JOE HADEN. WATCH HIS FILM. IN BUFFALO, WE SAW A LOT OF HIM THESE LAST FEW YEARS ON CBS AND ALL HE DID WAS SHUT DOWN THE OPPOSITIONS BEST PERIMETER WEAPON. HE PLAYS FASTER THAN HIS OFFICIAL 4.57, AND IF HE TESTS BETTER AT HIS PRO DAY, HE MAY MOVE BACK UP THE BOARD. HE DOES, HOWEVER, RUN THE RISK OF RUNNING A SLOWER TIME AND FURTHER DAMAGING HIS STOCK. WHEREVER HE IS TAKEN, HE WILL BE A PLAYMAKER AND WILL BECOME A PRO-BOWL CALIBER CORNER. **I HOPE THEY TAKE TEBOW HERE!!!! HAHAHA
11. DEN LB ROLANDO McCLAIN – THE BRONCOS HAVE A HOLE ON THEIR LINEBACKING CORE, NEEDING ANOTHER ILB TO PLAY NEXT TO D. WILLIAMS. McCLAIN HAS TONS OF EXPERIENCE IN A 3-4 AND HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAIN BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. INSIDE MAY BE HIS BEST POSITION, AS HE DIDN’T APPEAR TO BE TERRIBLY FLUID THROUGH HIS LOWER BODY BUT HAS RAY LEWIS TYPE OF INSTINCTS!
12. MIA NT DAN WILLIAMS – WILLIAMS IS A MONSTER IN THE MIDDLE OF A 3-4 SCHEME. NOT ONLY DOES HE HAVE THE SIZE, AT 6’2” 327 LBS, BUT HE CARRIES HIS WEIGHT IN HIS TRUNK. WILLIAMS IS THE KIND OF PLAYER THAT CAN ANCHOR YOUR DEFENCE FOR 15 YEARS AND THE LIKES OF BUFFALO, CLEVELAND AND KANSAS CITY MAY ONE DAY REGRET PASSING ON HIM. MIAMI GETS A POTENTIAL STEAL AT #11 AND SPRINTS TO THE PODIUM TO GET HIM! **HADEN COULD ALSO BE A CONSIDERATION HERE, IF HE’S STILL ON THE BOARD. I KNOW MIAMI TOOK DEDENSIVE BACKS WITH HIS FIRST TWO SELECTIONS LAST YEAR BUT HE CONTINUES TO THINK THAT’S THE AREA IN NEED OF AN UPGRADE.
13. SF OT ANTHONY DAVIS – DAVIS PROJECTS AS THE BEST LONG-TERM LEFT TACKLE (SAVE OKUNG) IN THIS YEAR’S CLASS, ALTHOUGH HE MAY NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME AT RIGHT TACKLE UNTIL HE UNSEATS JOE STALEY. THE NINERS ALREADY HAVE AL DAVIS’S THANK-YOU CARD!
14. SEA OT TRENT WILLIAMS – ANOTHER THANK YOU CARD, THIS TIME FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, IS ON ITS WAY TO AL DAVIS! SEAHAWKS FANS ARE THRILLED WILLIAMS IS THERE, WALTER JONES’ REPLACEMENT IN NOW ON-BOARD.
15. NYG DE DERRICK MORGAN – MORGAN IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WITH EXCELLENT VERSITILITY. HE COULD CERTAINLY BE SELECTED HIGHER THAN THIS, CONSIDERING HIS ABILITY TO PLAY END IN BOTH 4-3 AND 3-4 ALIGNMENTS. HE HAS SPEED (4.70), STRENGTH AND SIZE (6’4” 270 LBS). I THINK THE GIANTS WILL THAKE THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER AVAILABLE AND MORGAN IS JUST THAT, WITH McCLAIN OFF THE BOARD. **IF MCCLAIN IS THERE, THE GIANTS WILL RUN TO THE PODIUM, IN HOPES OF REPLACING ANTONIO PIERCE.
16. TENN DE/OLB JASON PIERRE-PAUL – BIGGEST BUST POTENTIAL IN THIS YEARS DRAFT (SAVE BRADFORD, ESPECIALLY IF HE GOES FIRST OVERALL). DON’T LIKE HIM; DON’T LIKE THE TITANS – PERFECT MATCH!
17. SF CB KYLE WILSON – WILSON OFFERS THE BEST COMBINATION OF SPEED/COVERAGE ABILITY/RETURN ABILITY IN THIS YEARS CLASS. HE WILL STEP INTO A PLAYMAKING ROLE AS SOON AS HE ARRIVES IN THE BAY, AND WILL HOPEFULLY BE EVERYTHING THEY HOPED TO GET OUT OF ‘PLAYMAKER’ NATE CLEMENTS.
18. PITT OT/G MIKE IUPATI – OVER 6’5” AND 331 LBS, IUPATI IS A NASTY PLAYER. HE BRINGS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS AND A BLUE-COLLAR MENTALITY. HE’S A PERFECT FIT IN THE STEEL CITY BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE LOCKER ROOM TO PREVENT HIM FROM TURNING INTO RICHIE INCOGNITO.
19. ATL S EARL THOMAS – WHILE TAYLOR MAYS HAS BETTER MEASUREABLES (SIZE, SPEED, THE “EYEBALL” TEST), EARL THOMAS WAS MORE CONSISTANTLY MAKING GAME CHANGING PLAYS ON THE FOOTBALL. HE HAS GOOD SPEED (4.48) AND OUTSTANDING INSTINCTS. THE FALCONS NEED ALL THE DEFENSIVE HELP THEY CAN GET AND THOMAS AT #19 IS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE.
20. HOU S TAYLOR MAYS – SCOUTS HAD MAYS ALL OVER THE BOARD ON HIS 40-YARD DASH (4.24-4.41). EITHER WAY, THAT’S FREAKISH SPEED FOR A MAN 6’3” 234 LBS! MAYS IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WHO TOO OFTEN LOOKS FOR THE BIG HIT. THE TROJANS DEFENCE LOST 5-6 PLAYERS TO THE NFL LAST YEAR (MAYS PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE LEFT THEN TOO) AND CARROLL ASKED MAYS TO PLAY OUT OF POSITION TOO FREQUENTLY. MAYS IS AN OUTSTANDING LEADER IN THE LOCKER ROOM AND WILL PATROL THE TEXANS SECONDARY, STRIKING FEAR INTO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RECIEVERS.
21. CINN WR DEZ BRYANT – THE MOST TALENTED ALL-AROUND RECEIVING PROSPECT SINCE CALVIN JOHNSON, BRYANT CAN’T SEEM TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. THERE HAVE BEEN RUMORS CIRCULATION THAT HE “ROLLS” 15-20 PEOPLE DEEP AND SOMETIMES REFERS TO HIMSELF IN THE THIRD-PERSON – BUYER BEWARE, OBVIOUSLY!
22. NE OLB BRANDON GRAHAM – ALL GRAHAM DOES IS PLAY IN THE OPPONENTS BACKFIELD. AFTER AN OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOWL WEEK, HIS STOCK HAS CONTINUED TO CLIMB. A TEAM LIKE THE STEELERS MAY TARGET HIM AT #18, BUT THE PATS ARE HAPPY HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THEM HERE AT #22.
23. GB OT CHARLES BROWN – NEED MEETS VALUE HERE FOR THE PACKERS. TED THOMPSON KNOWS THERE ARE ‘SEXIER’ PICKS OUT THERE, BUT WATCHING REPLAYS OF AARON RODGERS KILLED IN THE NFC PLAYOFFS HAUNT HIS DREAMS! THOMPSON QUIETS THE LAMBS BY TAKING THE FORMER TROJAN WITH TONS OF POTENTIAL.
24. PHILLY DE CAROLS DUNLAP – DUNLAP HAS TOP-10 PRODUCTION, GAME FILM AND MEASUREABLES. HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THE EAGLES AT #24 BECAUSE OF THE QUESTION MARKS SURROUNDING HIS MATURITY AND UNWILLINGNESS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. HE COULD END UP BEING REGGIE WHITE, BUT I DOUBT IT. ANOTHER BUYER BEWARE!
25. BAL OLB RICKY SAPP – SAPP PLAYED DE IN A 4-3 AT CLEMSON, BUT AFTER RUNNING A PAIR OF SUB-4.70’S AND IMPRESSING DURING POSITION-SPECIFIC DRILLS IN INDY, SAPP HAS MANY 3-4 COORDINATORS SALIVATING OVER HIS POTENTION. SAPP REMINDS ME OF ROBERT AYERS,
26. AZ OLB SERGIO KINDLE – KEN WISENHUNT IS THRILLED KINDLE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIM AFTER LOSING DANSBY TO FREE-AGANCY. KINDLE WILL CONTRIBUT IMMEDIATELY FOR THE CARDS, WHO MAY ALSO CONSIDER SAPP IF HE IS STILL ON THE BOARD.
27. DAL G/C MAURKICE POUNCEY – POUNCEY HAS BEEN COMPARD TO NICK MANGOLD BECAUSE OF HIS VERSITILITY AND ATHLETICISM. IF THOSE COMPARISONS HOLD TRUE, DALLAS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A DOMINANT LINE FOR YEARS TO COME, ALLOWING THEM TO UTILIZE ALL THREE OF THOSE RUNNING BACKS.
28. SD RB RYAN MATTHEWS – REPLACING L.T. IS GOING TO BE TOUGH ENOUGH, BUT HAVING TO REPLACE SPROLES PRODUCTION DURING THE SAME OFFSEASON WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR AJ SMITH. MATTHEWS IS A WELL ROUNDED BACK WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO BE ON THE FIELD ALL THREE DOWNS, ASSUMING HE CAN FAMILIARIZE HIMSELF WITH NFL-CALIBER BLITZ SCHEMES/PACKAGES.
29. NYJ LB SEAN WEATHERSPOON – AT 6’1” 240 LBS, HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY INSIDE/OUTSIDE IN A 4-3 OR INSIDE IN A 3-4. REX RYAN WILL KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY USE THIS DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER. THE JETS COULD ALSO LOOK TO UOGRADE AT DE, WHERE THE STARTERS ARE GETTING OLD!
30. MINN DT BRIAN PRICE – THE VIKINGS KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF STOPPING THE RUN. WITH SUSPENSIONS HANGING OF THE WILLIAMS WALL (POTENTIALLY) AND PAT WILLIAMS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT, CHILLY TAKES A PLAYER THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO PENETRATE AND COLLAPSE THE POCKET AS WELL AS GERALD McCOY.
31. IND CB KAREEM JACKSON – THE COLTS NEED HELP ALL OVER THE FIELD DEFENSIVELY, PARTICULARLY IN THE SECONDARY, WHICH COULD NOT PREVENT DREW BREES FROM COMPLETING PASSES. JACKSON IS REGARDED AS A VERY INSTINCTIVE PLAYER, WITH SPEED AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO MATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE NFL’S TOP PERIMETER THREATS.
32. NO OLB JERRY HUGHES – WIDELY REGARDED AS AN ELVIS DUMERVIL-TYPE. STRONG, COMPACT AND FAST WITH AN OUTSTANDING FIRST STEP, THE SAINTS NEED TO PRESSURE THE QUARTERBACK, AND WITH SUSPENSIONS LOOMING OVER SMITH/GRANT, HUGHES MAY FIND HIMSELF IN THE BAYOU!
Second Round
33(1). STL WR GOLDEN TATE – DONNIE AVERY IS A DECENT #2 WIDEOUT, BUT PROBABLY BELONGS IN THE SLOT. THE RAMS WILL GET THEIR YOUNG SIGNAL-CALLER A WELL-ROUNDED WEAPON ON THE PERIMETER WHO ENJOYS BLOCKING, MAYBE A LITTLE TOO MUCH. THE NOTRE DAME PRODUCT HAS BEEN CALLED A HINES WARD-TYPE, WITH BETTER SPEED (4.41). A STEAL AT THIS POI NT IN THE DRAFT.
34(2). DET WR ARRELIOUS BENN – CALVIN JOHNSON IS SPECTACULAR…WHEN HEALTHY! BENN HAS FIRST ROUND ABILITY AND POTENTIAL, MAYBE TOP-10. SADLY, HIS QUARTERBACK PLAY AT ILLINOIS WASN’T VERY CONSISTENT FROM A PASSING STANDPOINT. BIG, STRONG AND DECEPTIVELY FAST, BENN WILL START IMMEDIATELY AND SEE PLENTY OF ACTION WITH MEGATRON ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE.
35(3). TB DeMARYIOUS THOMAS – 3 WR’S IN A ROW, I KNOW, BUT THIS WILL BE THE RUN. TOO BAD THE WR DEPTH WASN’T THIS PLENTIFUL WHEN THE BILLS TOOK HARDY IN THE SECOND ROUND A FEW YEARS BACK, THERE MAY NEVER HAVE BEEN A T.O. SHOW IN B-LO. THOMAS IS A PHYSICAL FREAK WHOSE BROKEN FOOT WILL BE A SETBACK, BUT HIS ABILITY WILL PROVE HE’S MORE THAN WORTHY OF AN EARLY SECOND ROUNDER.
36(4). KC CB PATRICK ROBINSON – HERE COMES A RUN ON CORNERS! WHILE CERTAINLY NOT TOP HEAVY, THE WAY IT WAS IN 2008, THERE IS PLENTY OF TALENT THROUGH ROUNDS TWO AND THREE. ROBINSON IMPRESSED AT THE COMBINE (4.45) AND AT NEARLY 6’ 190 LBS, HE’S GOT THE SIZE TO MATCH UP WITH #1 WR’S. ROBINSON ALSO CONTRIBUTES ON SPECIAL TEAMS, HAVING BLOCKED SEVERAL KICKS IN HIS SEMINOLE CAREER.
37(5). WASH RB JAHVID BEST – AT 5’10 200 LBS; BEST BLAZED A 4.43 IN THE FOURTY-YARD DASH. QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS DURABILITY MAY RAISE SOME FLAGS, BUT IF UTILIZED IN A BRIAN WESTBROOK FASHION, BEST CAN BE A TRUE GAME-CHANGER! THE FORMER GOLDEN BEAR WILL DO SOME REAL DAMAGE IN SHANNY’S ONE-CUT, ZONE-BLOCKING SCHEME!
38(6). CLEV CB DEVIN McCOURTY – 5’11” 193; SHOWED OFF GREAT SPEED, TURNING IN A 4.38 AT THE COMBINE, McCOURTY IS REGARDRD AS RAW, BUT WITH A VERY HIGH CEILING. CZAR HOLMGREN IS THRILLED McCOURTY IS STILL AVAILABLE, AFTER FLIRTING WITH THE IDEA OF TAKING HADEN IN THE FIRST ROUND.
39(7). OAK CB CHRIS COOK – THIS YEARS BIGGEST CORNER, AT 6’2” 212 LBS; MANY COMPARE COOL TO MIAMI DOLPHINS SEAN SMITH. COOK’S AT HIS BEST WHEN HE’S IN THE OPPONENTS FACE, USING HIS LONG REACH TO JAM AT THE LINE, THROWING OFF THE ROUTE’S TIMING.
40(8). SEA WR DAMIAN WILLIAMS – PETE CARROLL KNOWS WHAT HE’S GETTING OUT OF THE BIG (6’1” 197), STRONG (19 REPS) AND DECEPTIVELY FAST (4.47) FORMER TROJAN. WILLIAMS PROBABLY RUNS THE BEST ROUTES IN THE DRAFT, MAKING HIM A PERFECT FIT EARLY IN THE SECOND ROUND. HE WOULD PROBABLY BE A FAVORITE TO START OPENING DAY OPPOSITE TJ HOUSH, CONSIDERING HIS FAMILIARITY WITH SEATTLE’S OFFENSE.
41(9). BUFF NT CAM THOMAS – IT’S HARD TO FIND AN INTERIOR LINEMAN RISING UP THE BOARD FASTER THAN THE FORMER TAR HEEL. THOMAS WAS THE MOST DOMINAT DEFENSIVE LINEMAN DURING THE SENIOR BOWL AND THE BILLS ARE THRILLED HE’S HERE, AS THEY NEED AN ANCHOR FOR THE MIDDLE OF THEIR NEW 3-4. AT 6’4” 331 LBS; HE’S JUST THAT.
42(10). TB CB PARRISH COX – COX HAS FIRST ROUND ABILITY AND MANY MOCKS HAVE HIM GOING IN THE FIRST ROUND. HERE, HOWEVER; THE BUCS ARE GLAD HE IS AVAILABLE AND WILL AT LEAST BE THE NICKLE, AND COULD UNSEAT THE AGING RONDE BARBER OPPOSITE UP-AND-COMING A. TALIB.
43(11). MIA S CHAD JONES – JEFF IRELAND TOOK A RUN AT RYAN CLARK OF THE STEELERS THIS OFFSEASON, BUT FAILED TO LAND THE 30-YEAR OLD SAFETY. JONES IS A RUN STUFFING SAFETY WITH THE SIZE TO PLAY IN THE BOX AND GOOD ENOUGH SPEED (4.55) TO STAY WITH MOST TIGHT ENDS.
44(12). NE WR MARSHAWN GILYARD – AT 5’11” 187 LBS, GILYARD PLAYS FASTER THAN HIS 4.59 WOULD INDICATE. HE IS DYNAMITE AFTER THE CATCH, AND IF HE CAN IMPROVE HIS TIME AT HIS PRO-DAY, HE WILL VALIDATE THIS DRAFT SLOT.
45(13). DEN ILB BRANDON SPIKES – ALTHOUGH HE LAST ODEAL ATHLETIC ABILITY, SPIKES HAS THE SIZE (6’3” 250 LBS) AND INSTINCTS TO PLAY THE ILB IN DENVER’S 3-4. EXPECT AN IMPROVED DENVER DEFENSE TO BE EVEN BETTER NEXT YEAR WITH THE ADDITION OF NT D. WILLIAMS (FIRST ROUND), ILB/OLB ROLANDO McCLAIN (FIRST ROUND), AND JUSTIN BANNAN (UFA).
46(14). NYG OLB DARYL WASHINGTON – THE GIANTS MISSED OUT ON KARLOS DANSBY IN FREE AGENCY, AND BIG BLUE NEEDS A PLAYMAKER FROM THE LINEBACKER POSITION, ESPECIALLY AFTER THE LOSS OF ANTONIO PIERCE. WASHINGTON WILL PROVIDE PRESSURE OFF THE EDGE, TEAMING WITH A DOMINANT FRONT FOUR.
47(15). NE NT TERRENCE CODY - **RED FLAG** RUMOR HAS IT, SOME TEAMS HAVE TAKEN MT. CODY OFF THEIR BOARDS ALL-TOGETHER. HE CAN BE DOMINANT, BUT CONSTANTLY STRUGGLES WITH HIS WEIGHT (SOMETIMES AT 400+). WHILE HE DID SHOW UP AT THE COMBINE IN THE 354 LBS, SUDDEN, DRASTIC CHANGES IN WEIGHT ARE OFTEN TIMES ALARMING, RATHER THAN BENEFICIAL TO A PLAYERS STOCK (AARON MAYBIN, ANYONE? 250 LBS AT LAST YEARS COMBINE). BUYER BEWARE.
48(16). CAR S NATE ALLEN – THE PANTHERS DEFENSE HAS TAKEN SOME MAJOR HITS THIS OFFSEASON (PEPPERS, MARSHALL) – HERE THEY GET A PLAYMAKER FOR THEIR SECONDARY. ALLEN IS A WELL-ROUNDED SAFETY THE PANTHERS ARE HAPPY TO SEE HERE AT THIS POINT IN THE SECOND ROUND.
49(17). SF RB TOBY GERHART – AT 6’ 230 LBS, GERHART ANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS SPEED IN INDY (4.5), BUT SCOUTS STILL SEE HIS AS TOO-UPRIGHT OF A RUNNER. HE WONT BE ASKED TO BE THE GUY YET IN SAN FRANCISCO, BUT SOMEDAY HE MIGHT. IN THE MEANTIME, HE WILL SPELL FRANK GORE, WHO WHEN HEALTHY, HAS BEEN GREAT.
50(18). KC OT CIRON BLACK – THE CHIEFS HOPED OKUNG WUOLD FALL TO THEM, AND CONSIDERED TAKING BULAGA IN ROUND ONE, BUT ARE THRILLED THE FORMER LSU TIGER IS AVAILABLE. BLACK IS PROBABLY BEST EQUIPPED AT A RT IN THE NFL, BUT CAN PLAY EITHER SIDE IF ASKED. AN OUTSTANDING RUN-BLOCKER, HE WILL NEED TO IMPROVE HIS FOOTWORK TO CONSTANTLY BEAT SPEED-RUSHERS AT THE NEXT LEVEL.
51(19). HOU RB BEN TATE – FOR A PLAYER WITH SUCH POWER AND LEVERAGE (5’10” 220 LBS, 4.44), TATE HAS SOME TROUBLE CUTTING AND CHANGING DIRECTIONS. MANY BACKS GET BY BECAUSE THEY ARE QUICKER THAN THEY ARE FAST, BUT THR OPPOSITE IS TRUE OF THE FORMER AUBURN PRODUCT. HE TIMED FAST AND IS A PRODUCTIVE THREE-DOWN BACK, BUT HIS SHAKY POSITIONAL DRILLS IN INDY MAY HURT HIM.
52(20). PITT CB/S DONOVAN WARREN – AT 5’11” 193 LBS, THE FORMER WOLVERINE CAME INTO THE SEASON MUCH HIGHER THAN THIS ON THE DRAFT BOARDS. HOWEVER, A SHAKY SEASON AND A PAIR OF 4.6+ TIMES AT THE COMBINE HAVE SCOUNTS THINKING WARREN MAY BE BEST SUITED TO PLAY SAFETY IN THE NFL – TIME WILL TELL.
53(21). NE TE JERMAINE GRESHAM – GRESHAM PROBABLY WON’T BE ABLE TO WORKOUT BEFORE THE DRAFT, AND IF HE IS IT MAY NOT BE ALL TOO IMPRESSIVE. HOWEVER; HE IS TOO GOOD A VALUE AT THIS POINT, ESPECIALLY FOR A NEW ENGLAND OFFENSE THAT LOST BEN WATSON AS AN UFA. IF A TRADE FOR GREG OLSEN TAKES PLACE, THE PATS WILL LOOK IN ANOTHER DIRECTION.
54(22). CINN RB DEXTER McCLUSTER – THE BENGALS NEED A HOME RUN HITTER IN THE BACKFIELD, REGARDLESS OF HOW WELL CEDRIC BENSON PLAYS FOR THEM. ALTHOUGH HE DID NOT TIME AS FAST AS HE PLAYS (4.56), HE IS STILL WELL-RESPECTED FOR A MAN HIS SIZE TO PRODUCE BETWEEN THE TACKLES, IN THE SEC.
55(23). PHI DT JARED ODRICK – THE EAGLES ADD SOME STARTER-CALIBUR DEPTH TO THEIR DEFENSIVE LINE HERE. ODRICK MAY END UP IN THE TOP-TEN COME DRAFT DAY, BUT TODAY SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SECOND ROUND.
56(24). GB DE EVERSON GRIFFEN – MANY THINK HE IS A TWEENER 3-4/4-3 GUY, BUT I THINK HE IS BEST SERVED IN A 4-3 AT DEFENSIVE END. HOWEVER, GREEN BAY IS COUNTING ON HIM BEING A BETTER 3-4 OLB THAN AARON KAMPMAN, AND HE MAY VERY WELL BE.
57(25). BAL WR JORDAN SHIPLEY – THE NEXT WES WELKER. 5’11” 193 LBS, AND QUICKER THAN FAST. SHIPLEY RUNS GREAT ROUTES AND ALWAYS FINDS THE SOFT SPOT IN ZONES. WILL BECOME HIS QUARTERBACKS GO-TO GUY ON THIRD DOWN AND IN CRUNCH TIME.
58(26). AZ OT RODGER SAFFOLD – RT LEVI BROWN IS BELIEVED TO BE SWITCHING TO THE LEFT SIDE, BUT WITH A SOUTHPAW READY TO GO UNDER-CENTER AND HIS STRUGGLES THERE IN THE PAST, BROWN MAY STAY RIGHT WHERE HE IS AND ALLOW SAFFOLD TO BE THE STRONG SIDE PROTECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE.
59(27). DAL WR BRANDON LaFELL – JERRY JONES CONSIDERED, IF ONLY FOR AN INSTANT, MAKING A PLAY FOR BRANDON MARSHALL. HE WISELY WENT WITH AN O-LINEMAN IN ROUND ONE AND GETS HIS PERIMETER WEAPON IN ROUND TWO. WITH ROY WILLIAMS STRUGGLING TO SETTLE IN, LaFELL MAY SEE MORE PLAYING TIME THAN EXPECTED IN THE LONE-STAR STATE.
60(28). SD DL ARTHUR JONES – JONES CAN PLAY DT IN A 4-3 OR NT IN A 3-4. EITHER WAY, HE’S A STEAL AT THIS POINT IN THE SECOND ROUND. THE CHARGERS AND REBUILDING DEFENSIVELY, AND JONES WOULD LOOK AWFULLY GOOD OPPOSITE L. CASTILLO IN SoCal.
61(29). NYJ OT VLADIMIR DUCASSE – A PROJECT OT WITH A VERY HIGH CEILING. DUCASSE GIVES AN AGING NYJ LINE AN INFUSION OF YOUTH. PLAYS WITH A NASTY STREAK, WHICH REZ RYAN AND BRIAN SCHOTTENHIEMER LOVE. TOUGH, ROAD-GRADING RUN BLOCKER.
62(30). MINN TE ROB GRONKOWSKI – GRONKOWSKI, WHEN HEALTHY, HAS THE ABILITY TO DO A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING FROM THE TIGHT END POSITION. A STRONG, WILLING BLOCKER, GRONKOWSKI CAN ALSO STRETCH THE SEAM WHEN NEEDED. SHOULD PROBABLY GO HIGHER THAN THIS, BUT HEALTH CONCERNS CAUSE HIM TO FALL RIGHT INTO THE VIKINGS LAPS.
63(31). INDY CB DOMINIQUE FRANKS – INDY, WHOSE SUSPECT SECONDARY WAS EXPLOITED IN THE SUPER BOWL BY DREW BREES, CONTINUES THE MAKEOVER AT BACK WITH THE TOUGH CORNER FROM OAKLAHOMA. HE WILL TEAM WITH FIRST ROUNDER KAREEN JACKSON TO HELP SOLIDIFY THE COLTS DEFENSIVE PERIMETER.
64(32). NO DE GREG HARDY – IF HARDY HAD COME OUT LAST YEAR, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN A MID-LATE FIRST ROUND SELECTION. HIS STOCK TOOK A HIT, AFTER LOSING PERIA JERRY, ALONG SIDE OF HIM, BUT HE WILL FILL THE VOID LEFT BY THE RELEASE OF CHARLES GRANT NICELY.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
RFA's
the redskind tendered RFA rocky mcintosh at a second round level - would look good at ilb in buffalo's new 3-4 and wouldnt cost a to extend. how about trading the 9th pick to baltimore for jared gaither? hes an outstanding, young, true LT who would cast about what the 9th pick will ask for - any thoughts?
Post-combine, pre-free-agency first round mock
First Round
1. STL QB SAM BRADFORD – THEY WILL EITHER TRADE OUT OF THIS PICK OR TAKE BRADFORD. ALTHOUGH, CLAUSEN PORJECTS AS THE BETTER NFL QUARTERBACK
2. DET DT NDAMUKONG SUH – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
3. TB DT GERALD McCOY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
4. WSH OT RUSSELL OKUNG – CHRIS SAMUELS’ RETIREMENT SET SHANNY’S REBUILDING PLAN BACK, AT LEAST A BIT. THE UPGRADE BY TAKING OKUNG IS GREATER THAN THE UPGRADE BY TAKING A QB TO REPLACE JASON CAMPBELL. ASSUMING THEY HAVE CAMPBELL, THEY WILL TAKE OKUNG.
5. KC S/CB ERIC BERRY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER! ARGUABLY THE BEST OVERALL, NFL READY PROSPECT IN THIS YEARS CLASS, THE CHIEFS ARE THRILLED HE IS AVAILABLE AT NUMBER FIVE. AN INSTANT STARTER ON MOST NFL TEAMS. PROBABLY AN ALL-PRO FOR YEARS TO COME. **POSSIBLE DESTINATION FOR TRADE-UP TARGETING CLAUSEN??
6. SEA QB JIMMY CLAUSEN – CALLED A MIX BETWEEN DREW BREES AND PHILIP RIVERS BY ONE ANALYST, CLAUSEN IS REGARDED BY MANY AS THE MOST NFL READY QUARTERBACK TO COME ALONG IN YEARS, POSSIBLY SINCE PEYTON MANNING. PETE CARROLL LOST A HARD-FOUGHT, THREE YEAR LONG RECRUITING BATTLE TO CHARLIE WEIS FOR THE RIGHT TO COACH AND DEVELOP THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE, WHOSE OLDER BROTHERS RICK AND CASEY BOTH PLAYED DIV. 1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL. NOW, AFTER HE SPENT THREE YEARS UNDER WEIS, CARROLL IS SITTING IN POSITION TO TAKE THE JUNIOR QUARTERBACK AND REBUILD THE SEAHAWKS AROUND HIM. **LOOK FOR SEATTLE TO MOVE DOWN, ESPECIALLY IF BOTH QB’S ARE GONE.
7. CLEV RB C.J. SPILLER – SPILLER IS A BIT UNDERSIZED, BUT HAS SHOWN THE ABILITY TO RUN BETWEEN THE TACKLES VERY EFFECTIVELY. HIS 4.28 40-YARD DASH AT THE COMBINE SOLIDIFIED WHAT MANY THOUGHT: SPILLER IS 2010’S TOP BACK. AFTER RELEASING JAMAL LEWIS, HOLMGREN IS POISED TO REUNITE THE CLEMSON PRODUCT WITH HIS FORMER TIGER TEAMMATE. **LOOK FOR CLEVELAND TO POSSIBLY MOVE UP, TARGETING CLAUSEN/BRADFORD.
8. OAK OT BRUCE CAMPBELL – WORKOUT WARRIOR. 6’5” 315 LBS. AND SHREDDED (FOR A BIG MAN)! THAT BEING SAID, I CAN’T FIND ANYONE, ANYWHERE THAT’S THINKS HE GAME FILM MATCHES HIS MEASUREABLES! THAT BEING SAID, AL DAVIS WILL TAKE HIM AND ALLOW THE MORE NFL-READY TACKLE PROSPECTS TO SLIDE DOWN A SLOT! THANKS AL!
9. BUFF OT BYRAN BULAGA – ALTHOUGH I THINK HE PROJECTS BETTER AS A RIGHT TACKLE ON A LONG-TERM BASIS, BULAGA WILL BE AN INSTANT STARTER AND ENORMOUS UPGRADE FOR AN UP-AND-COMING BUFFALO BILLS LINE. I THINK THAT OKUNG AND ANTHONY DAVIS WILL BE BETTER LEFT TACKLES IN THE FUTURE, BULAGA IS VERY NFL-READY, AS MOST KIRK-FERENTZ COACHED LINEMEN ARE. THE BILLS ARE THRILLED HE’S HERE AND BRING SOME ATTITUDE AND STABILTY TO THE TRENCHES. **LOOK FOR BULAGA TO BE A POSSIBLE TARGET OF THE CHIEFS AT #5 AS PIOLI AND FERENTZ ARE FRIENDS AND FORMER CO-CORKERS. IF BULAGE AND ANTHONY DAVIS ARE GONE HERE, THE BILLS COULD GO WITH DAN WILLIAMS, NT, AND GET THEIR 3-4 ANCHOR.
10. JAX CB JOE HADEN – A PLAYER CAN IMPRESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD FOR 3-4 YEARS. SHOW OUTSTANDING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITY BOTH IN PERSON AND ON FILM. EVERY YEAR ONE OF THOS PLAYERS DOESN’T TEST WELL IN HIS UNDERWEAR, WITH NO PADS ON, NOT PERFORMING ANYTHING THAT IS WIDELY USED ON A FOOTBALL FIELD, AND FALLS IN THE DRAFT. THIS YEAR ITS JOE HADEN. WATCH HIS FILM. IN BUFFALO, WE SAW A LOT OF HIM THESE LAST FEW YEARS ON CBS AND ALL HE DID WAS SHUT DOWN THE OPPOSITIONS BEST PERIMETER WEAPON. HE PLAYS FASTER THAN HIS OFFICIAL 4.57, AND IF HE TESTS BETTER AT HIS PRO DAY, HE MAY MOVE BACK UP THE BOARD. HE DOES, HOWEVER, RUN THE RISK OF RUNNING A SLOWER TIME AND FURTHER DAMAGING HIS STOCK. WHEREVER HE IS TAKEN, HE WILL BE A PLAYMAKER AND WILL BECOME A PRO-BOWL CALIBER CORNER. **I HOPE THEY TAKE TEBOW HERE!!!! HAHAHA
11. DEN NT DAN WILLIAMS – WILLIAMS IS A MONSTER IN THE MIDDLE OF A 3-4 SCHEME. NOT ONLY DOES HE HAVE THE SIZE, AT 6’2” 327 LBS, BUT HE CARRIES HIS WEIGHT IN HIS TRUNK. WILLIAMS IS THE KIND OF PLAYER THAT CAN ANCHOR YOUR DEFENCE FOR 15 YEARS AND THE LIKES OF BUFFALO, CLEVELAND AND KANSAS CITY MAY ONE DAY REGRET PASSING ON HIM. DENVER GETS A POTENTIAL STEAL AT #11 AND SPRINTS TO THE PODIUM TO GET HIM!
12. MIA LB ROLANDO McCLAIN – THE ‘FINS HAVE A HOLE ON THEIR LINEBACKING CORE WITH THE RELEASE OF JOEY PORTER. McCLAIN HAS TONS OF EXPERIENCE IN A 3-4 AND HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAIN BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. INSIDE MAY BE HIS BEST POSITION, AS HE DIDN’T APPEAR TO BE TERRIBLY FLUID THROUGH HIS LOWER BODY BUT HAS RAY LEWIS TYPE OF INSTINCTS! **HADEN COULD ALSO BE A CONSIDERATION HERE, IF HE’S STILL ON THE BOARD. I KNOW MIAMI TOOK DEDENSIVE BACKS WITH HIS FIRST TWO SELECTIONS LAST YEAR BUT HE CONTINUES TO THINK THAT’S THE AREA IN NEED OF AN UPGRADE.
13. SF OT ANTHONY DAVIS – DAVIS PROJECTS AS THE BEST LONG-TERM LEFT TACKLE (SAVE OKUNG) IN THIS YEAR’S CLASS, ALTHOUGH HE MAY NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME AT RIGHT TACKLE UNTIL HE UNSEATS JOE STALEY. THE NINERS ALREADY HAVE AL DAVIS’S THANK-YOU CARD!
14. SEA OT TRENT WILLIAMS – ANOTHER THANK YOU CARD, THIS TIME FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, IS ON ITS WAY TO AL DAVIS! SEAHAWKS FANS ARE THRILLED WILLIAMS IS THERE, WALTER JONES’ REPLACEMENT IN NOW ON-BOARD.
15. NYG DE DERRICK MORGAN – MORGAN IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WITH EXCELLENT VERSITILITY. HE COULD CERTAINLY BE SELECTED HIGHER THAN THIS, CONSIDERING HIS ABILITY TO PLAY END IN BOTH 4-3 AND 3-4 ALIGNMENTS. HE HAS SPEED (4.70), STRENGTH AND SIZE (6’4” 270 LBS). I THINK THE GIANTS WILL THAKE THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER AVAILABLE AND MORGAN IS JUST THAT, WITH McCLAIN OFF THE BOARD. **IF MCCLAIN IS THERE, THE GIANTS WILL RUN TO THE PODIUM, IN HOPES OF REPLACING ANTONIO PIERCE.
16. TENN DE/OLB JASON PIERRE-PAUL – BIGGEST BUST POTENTIAL IN THIS YEARS DRAFT (SAVE BRADFORD, ESPECIALLY IF HE GOES FIRST OVERALL). DON’T LIKE HIM; DON’T LIKE THE TITANS – PERFECT MATCH!
17. SF CB KYLE WILSON – WILSON OFFERS THE BEST COMBINATION OF SPEED/COVERAGE ABILITY/RETURN ABILITY IN THIS YEARS CLASS. HE WILL STEP INTO A PLAYMAKING ROLE AS SOON AS HE ARRIVES IN THE BAY, AND WILL HOPEFULLY BE EVERYTHING THEY HOPED TO GET OUT OF ‘PLAYMAKER’ NATE CLEMENTS.
18. PITT OT/G MIKE IUPATI – OVER 6’5” AND 331 LBS, IUPATI IS A NASTY PLAYER. HE BRINGS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS AND A BLUE-COLLAR MENTALITY. HE’S A PERFECT FIT IN THE STEEL CITY BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE LOCKER ROOM TO PREVENT HIM FROM TURNING INTO RICHIE INCOGNITO.
19. ATL S EARL THOMAS – WHILE TAYLOR MAYS HAS BETTER MEASUREABLES (SIZE, SPEED, THE “EYEBALL” TEST), EARL THOMAS WAS MORE CONSISTANTLY MAKING GAME CHANGING PLAYS ON THE FOOTBALL. HE HAS GOOD SPEED (4.48) AND OUTSTANDING INSTINCTS. THE FALCONS NEED ALL THE DEFENSIVE HELP THEY CAN GET AND THOMAS AT #19 IS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE.
20. HOU S TAYLOR MAYS – SCOUTS HAD MAYS ALL OVER THE BOARD ON HIS 40-YARD DASH (4.24-4.41). EITHER WAY, THAT’S FREAKISH SPEED FOR A MAN 6’3” 234 LBS! MAYS IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WHO TOO OFTEN LOOKS FOR THE BIG HIT. THE TROJANS DEFENCE LOST 5-6 PLAYERS TO THE NFL LAST YEAR (MAYS PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE LEFT THEN TOO) AND CARROLL ASKED MAYS TO PLAY OUT OF POSITION TOO FREQUENTLY. MAYES IS AN OUTSTANDING LEADER IN THE LOCKER ROOM AND WILL PATROLE THE TEXANS SECONDARY, STRIKING FEAR INTO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RECIEVERS.
21. CINN WR DEZ BRYANT – THE MOST TALENTED ALL-AROUND RECEIVING PROSPECT SINCE CALVIN JOHNSON, BRYANT CAN’T SEEM TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. THERE HAVE BEEN RUMORS CIRCULATION THAT HE “ROLLS” 15-20 PEOPLE DEEP AND SOMETIMES REFERS TO HIMSELF IN THE THIRD-PERSON – BUYER BEWARE, OBVIOUSLY!
22. NE OLB BRANDON GRAHAM – ALL GRAHAM DOES IS PLAY IN THE OPPONENTS BACKFIELD. AFTER AN OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOWL WEEK, HIS STOCK HAS CONTINUED TO CLIMB. A TEAM LIKE THE STEELERS MAY TARGET HIM AT #18, BUT THE PATS ARE HAPPY HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THEM HERE AT #22.
23. GB OT CHARLES BROWN – NEED MEETS VALUE HERE FOR THE PACKERS. TED THOMPSON KNOWS THERE ARE ‘SEXIER’ PICKS OUT THERE, BUT WATCHING REPLAYS OF AARON RODGERS KILLED IN THE NFC PLAYOFFS HAUNT HIS DREAMS! THOMPSON QUIETS THE LAMBS BY TAKING THE FORMER TROJAN WITH TONS OF POTENTIAL.
24. PHILLY DE CAROLS DUNLAP – DUNLAP HAS TOP-10 PRODUCTION, GAME FILM AND MEASUREABLES. HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THE EAGLES AT #24 BECAUSE OF THE QUESTION MARKS SURROUNDING HIS MATURITY AND UNWILLINGNESS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. HE COULD END UP BEING REGGIE WHITE, BUT I DOUBT IT. ANOTHER BUYER BEWARE!
25. BAL OLB RICKY SAPP – SAPP PLAYED DE IN A 4-3 AT CLEMSON, BUT AFTER RUNNING A PAIR OF SUB-4.70’S AND IMPRESSING DURING POSITION-SPECIFIC DRILLS IN INDY, SAPP HAS MANY 3-4 COORDINATORS SALIVATING OVER HIS POTENTION. SAPP REMINDS ME OF ROBERT AYERS,
26. AZ OLB SERGIO KINDLE – KEN WISENHUNT IS THRILLED KINDLE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIM AFTER LOSING DANSBY TO FREE-AGANCY. KINDLE WILL CONTRIBUT IMMEDIATELY FOR THE CARDS, WHO MAY ALSO CONSIDER SAPP IF HE IS STILL ON THE BOARD.
27. DAL G/C MAURKICE POUNCEY – POUNCEY HAS BEEN COMPARD TO NICK MANGOLD BECAUSE OF HIS VERSITILITY AND ATHLETICISM. IF THOSE COMPARISONS HOLD TRUE, DALLAS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A DOMINANT LINE FOR YEARS TO COME, ALLOWING THEM TO UTILIZE ALL THREE OF THOSE RUNNING BACKS.
28. SD RB RYAN MATTHEWS – REPLACING L.T. IS GOING TO BE TOUGH ENOUGH, BUT HAVING TO REPLACE SPROLES PRODUCTION DURING THE SAME OFFSEASON WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR AJ SMITH. MATTHEWS IS A WELL ROUNDED BACK WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO BE ON THE FIELD ALL THREE DOWNS, ASSUMING HE CAN FAMILIARIZE HIMSELF WITH NFL-CALIBER BLITZ SCHEMES/PACKAGES.
29. NYJ LB SEAN WEATHERSPOON – AT 6’1” 240 LBS, HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY INSIDE/OUTSIDE IN A 4-3 OR INSIDE IN A 3-4. REX RYAN WILL KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY USE THIS DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER. THE JETS COULD ALSO LOOK TO UOGRADE AT DE, WHERE THE STARTERS ARE GETTING OLD!
30. MINN DT BRIAN PRICE – THE VIKINGS KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF STOPPING THE RUN. WITH SUSPENSIONS HANGING OF THE WILLIAMS WALL (POTENTIALLY) AND PAT WILLIAMS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT, CHILLY TAKES A PLAYER THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO PENETRATE AND COLLAPSE THE POCKET AS WELL AS GERALD McCOY.
31. IND CB KAREEM JACKSON – THE COLTS NEED HELP ALL OVER THE FIELD DEFENSIVELY, PARTICULARLY IN THE SECONDARY, WHICH COULD NOT PREVENT DREW BREES FROM COMPLETING PASSES. JACKSON IS REGARDED AS A VERY INSTINCTIVE PLAYER, WITH SPEED AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO MATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE NFL’S TOP PERIMETER THREATS.
32. NO OLB JERRY HUGHES – WIDELY REGARDED AS AN ELVIS DUMERVIL-TYPE. STRONG, COMPACT AND FAST WITH AN OUTSTANDING FIRST STEP, THE SAINTS NEED TO PRESSURE THE QUARTERBACK, AND WITH SUSPENSIONS LOOMING OVER SMITH/GRANT, HUGHES MAY FIND HIMSELF IN THE BAYOU!
1. STL QB SAM BRADFORD – THEY WILL EITHER TRADE OUT OF THIS PICK OR TAKE BRADFORD. ALTHOUGH, CLAUSEN PORJECTS AS THE BETTER NFL QUARTERBACK
2. DET DT NDAMUKONG SUH – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
3. TB DT GERALD McCOY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER!
4. WSH OT RUSSELL OKUNG – CHRIS SAMUELS’ RETIREMENT SET SHANNY’S REBUILDING PLAN BACK, AT LEAST A BIT. THE UPGRADE BY TAKING OKUNG IS GREATER THAN THE UPGRADE BY TAKING A QB TO REPLACE JASON CAMPBELL. ASSUMING THEY HAVE CAMPBELL, THEY WILL TAKE OKUNG.
5. KC S/CB ERIC BERRY – NO FUC*ING BRAINER! ARGUABLY THE BEST OVERALL, NFL READY PROSPECT IN THIS YEARS CLASS, THE CHIEFS ARE THRILLED HE IS AVAILABLE AT NUMBER FIVE. AN INSTANT STARTER ON MOST NFL TEAMS. PROBABLY AN ALL-PRO FOR YEARS TO COME. **POSSIBLE DESTINATION FOR TRADE-UP TARGETING CLAUSEN??
6. SEA QB JIMMY CLAUSEN – CALLED A MIX BETWEEN DREW BREES AND PHILIP RIVERS BY ONE ANALYST, CLAUSEN IS REGARDED BY MANY AS THE MOST NFL READY QUARTERBACK TO COME ALONG IN YEARS, POSSIBLY SINCE PEYTON MANNING. PETE CARROLL LOST A HARD-FOUGHT, THREE YEAR LONG RECRUITING BATTLE TO CHARLIE WEIS FOR THE RIGHT TO COACH AND DEVELOP THE CALIFORNIA NATIVE, WHOSE OLDER BROTHERS RICK AND CASEY BOTH PLAYED DIV. 1 COLLEGE FOOTBALL. NOW, AFTER HE SPENT THREE YEARS UNDER WEIS, CARROLL IS SITTING IN POSITION TO TAKE THE JUNIOR QUARTERBACK AND REBUILD THE SEAHAWKS AROUND HIM. **LOOK FOR SEATTLE TO MOVE DOWN, ESPECIALLY IF BOTH QB’S ARE GONE.
7. CLEV RB C.J. SPILLER – SPILLER IS A BIT UNDERSIZED, BUT HAS SHOWN THE ABILITY TO RUN BETWEEN THE TACKLES VERY EFFECTIVELY. HIS 4.28 40-YARD DASH AT THE COMBINE SOLIDIFIED WHAT MANY THOUGHT: SPILLER IS 2010’S TOP BACK. AFTER RELEASING JAMAL LEWIS, HOLMGREN IS POISED TO REUNITE THE CLEMSON PRODUCT WITH HIS FORMER TIGER TEAMMATE. **LOOK FOR CLEVELAND TO POSSIBLY MOVE UP, TARGETING CLAUSEN/BRADFORD.
8. OAK OT BRUCE CAMPBELL – WORKOUT WARRIOR. 6’5” 315 LBS. AND SHREDDED (FOR A BIG MAN)! THAT BEING SAID, I CAN’T FIND ANYONE, ANYWHERE THAT’S THINKS HE GAME FILM MATCHES HIS MEASUREABLES! THAT BEING SAID, AL DAVIS WILL TAKE HIM AND ALLOW THE MORE NFL-READY TACKLE PROSPECTS TO SLIDE DOWN A SLOT! THANKS AL!
9. BUFF OT BYRAN BULAGA – ALTHOUGH I THINK HE PROJECTS BETTER AS A RIGHT TACKLE ON A LONG-TERM BASIS, BULAGA WILL BE AN INSTANT STARTER AND ENORMOUS UPGRADE FOR AN UP-AND-COMING BUFFALO BILLS LINE. I THINK THAT OKUNG AND ANTHONY DAVIS WILL BE BETTER LEFT TACKLES IN THE FUTURE, BULAGA IS VERY NFL-READY, AS MOST KIRK-FERENTZ COACHED LINEMEN ARE. THE BILLS ARE THRILLED HE’S HERE AND BRING SOME ATTITUDE AND STABILTY TO THE TRENCHES. **LOOK FOR BULAGA TO BE A POSSIBLE TARGET OF THE CHIEFS AT #5 AS PIOLI AND FERENTZ ARE FRIENDS AND FORMER CO-CORKERS. IF BULAGE AND ANTHONY DAVIS ARE GONE HERE, THE BILLS COULD GO WITH DAN WILLIAMS, NT, AND GET THEIR 3-4 ANCHOR.
10. JAX CB JOE HADEN – A PLAYER CAN IMPRESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD FOR 3-4 YEARS. SHOW OUTSTANDING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITY BOTH IN PERSON AND ON FILM. EVERY YEAR ONE OF THOS PLAYERS DOESN’T TEST WELL IN HIS UNDERWEAR, WITH NO PADS ON, NOT PERFORMING ANYTHING THAT IS WIDELY USED ON A FOOTBALL FIELD, AND FALLS IN THE DRAFT. THIS YEAR ITS JOE HADEN. WATCH HIS FILM. IN BUFFALO, WE SAW A LOT OF HIM THESE LAST FEW YEARS ON CBS AND ALL HE DID WAS SHUT DOWN THE OPPOSITIONS BEST PERIMETER WEAPON. HE PLAYS FASTER THAN HIS OFFICIAL 4.57, AND IF HE TESTS BETTER AT HIS PRO DAY, HE MAY MOVE BACK UP THE BOARD. HE DOES, HOWEVER, RUN THE RISK OF RUNNING A SLOWER TIME AND FURTHER DAMAGING HIS STOCK. WHEREVER HE IS TAKEN, HE WILL BE A PLAYMAKER AND WILL BECOME A PRO-BOWL CALIBER CORNER. **I HOPE THEY TAKE TEBOW HERE!!!! HAHAHA
11. DEN NT DAN WILLIAMS – WILLIAMS IS A MONSTER IN THE MIDDLE OF A 3-4 SCHEME. NOT ONLY DOES HE HAVE THE SIZE, AT 6’2” 327 LBS, BUT HE CARRIES HIS WEIGHT IN HIS TRUNK. WILLIAMS IS THE KIND OF PLAYER THAT CAN ANCHOR YOUR DEFENCE FOR 15 YEARS AND THE LIKES OF BUFFALO, CLEVELAND AND KANSAS CITY MAY ONE DAY REGRET PASSING ON HIM. DENVER GETS A POTENTIAL STEAL AT #11 AND SPRINTS TO THE PODIUM TO GET HIM!
12. MIA LB ROLANDO McCLAIN – THE ‘FINS HAVE A HOLE ON THEIR LINEBACKING CORE WITH THE RELEASE OF JOEY PORTER. McCLAIN HAS TONS OF EXPERIENCE IN A 3-4 AND HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAIN BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. INSIDE MAY BE HIS BEST POSITION, AS HE DIDN’T APPEAR TO BE TERRIBLY FLUID THROUGH HIS LOWER BODY BUT HAS RAY LEWIS TYPE OF INSTINCTS! **HADEN COULD ALSO BE A CONSIDERATION HERE, IF HE’S STILL ON THE BOARD. I KNOW MIAMI TOOK DEDENSIVE BACKS WITH HIS FIRST TWO SELECTIONS LAST YEAR BUT HE CONTINUES TO THINK THAT’S THE AREA IN NEED OF AN UPGRADE.
13. SF OT ANTHONY DAVIS – DAVIS PROJECTS AS THE BEST LONG-TERM LEFT TACKLE (SAVE OKUNG) IN THIS YEAR’S CLASS, ALTHOUGH HE MAY NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME AT RIGHT TACKLE UNTIL HE UNSEATS JOE STALEY. THE NINERS ALREADY HAVE AL DAVIS’S THANK-YOU CARD!
14. SEA OT TRENT WILLIAMS – ANOTHER THANK YOU CARD, THIS TIME FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, IS ON ITS WAY TO AL DAVIS! SEAHAWKS FANS ARE THRILLED WILLIAMS IS THERE, WALTER JONES’ REPLACEMENT IN NOW ON-BOARD.
15. NYG DE DERRICK MORGAN – MORGAN IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WITH EXCELLENT VERSITILITY. HE COULD CERTAINLY BE SELECTED HIGHER THAN THIS, CONSIDERING HIS ABILITY TO PLAY END IN BOTH 4-3 AND 3-4 ALIGNMENTS. HE HAS SPEED (4.70), STRENGTH AND SIZE (6’4” 270 LBS). I THINK THE GIANTS WILL THAKE THE BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER AVAILABLE AND MORGAN IS JUST THAT, WITH McCLAIN OFF THE BOARD. **IF MCCLAIN IS THERE, THE GIANTS WILL RUN TO THE PODIUM, IN HOPES OF REPLACING ANTONIO PIERCE.
16. TENN DE/OLB JASON PIERRE-PAUL – BIGGEST BUST POTENTIAL IN THIS YEARS DRAFT (SAVE BRADFORD, ESPECIALLY IF HE GOES FIRST OVERALL). DON’T LIKE HIM; DON’T LIKE THE TITANS – PERFECT MATCH!
17. SF CB KYLE WILSON – WILSON OFFERS THE BEST COMBINATION OF SPEED/COVERAGE ABILITY/RETURN ABILITY IN THIS YEARS CLASS. HE WILL STEP INTO A PLAYMAKING ROLE AS SOON AS HE ARRIVES IN THE BAY, AND WILL HOPEFULLY BE EVERYTHING THEY HOPED TO GET OUT OF ‘PLAYMAKER’ NATE CLEMENTS.
18. PITT OT/G MIKE IUPATI – OVER 6’5” AND 331 LBS, IUPATI IS A NASTY PLAYER. HE BRINGS MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS AND A BLUE-COLLAR MENTALITY. HE’S A PERFECT FIT IN THE STEEL CITY BECAUSE THEY HAVE THE LOCKER ROOM TO PREVENT HIM FROM TURNING INTO RICHIE INCOGNITO.
19. ATL S EARL THOMAS – WHILE TAYLOR MAYS HAS BETTER MEASUREABLES (SIZE, SPEED, THE “EYEBALL” TEST), EARL THOMAS WAS MORE CONSISTANTLY MAKING GAME CHANGING PLAYS ON THE FOOTBALL. HE HAS GOOD SPEED (4.48) AND OUTSTANDING INSTINCTS. THE FALCONS NEED ALL THE DEFENSIVE HELP THEY CAN GET AND THOMAS AT #19 IS EXCEPTIONAL VALUE.
20. HOU S TAYLOR MAYS – SCOUTS HAD MAYS ALL OVER THE BOARD ON HIS 40-YARD DASH (4.24-4.41). EITHER WAY, THAT’S FREAKISH SPEED FOR A MAN 6’3” 234 LBS! MAYS IS AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE WHO TOO OFTEN LOOKS FOR THE BIG HIT. THE TROJANS DEFENCE LOST 5-6 PLAYERS TO THE NFL LAST YEAR (MAYS PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE LEFT THEN TOO) AND CARROLL ASKED MAYS TO PLAY OUT OF POSITION TOO FREQUENTLY. MAYES IS AN OUTSTANDING LEADER IN THE LOCKER ROOM AND WILL PATROLE THE TEXANS SECONDARY, STRIKING FEAR INTO THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS RECIEVERS.
21. CINN WR DEZ BRYANT – THE MOST TALENTED ALL-AROUND RECEIVING PROSPECT SINCE CALVIN JOHNSON, BRYANT CAN’T SEEM TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE. THERE HAVE BEEN RUMORS CIRCULATION THAT HE “ROLLS” 15-20 PEOPLE DEEP AND SOMETIMES REFERS TO HIMSELF IN THE THIRD-PERSON – BUYER BEWARE, OBVIOUSLY!
22. NE OLB BRANDON GRAHAM – ALL GRAHAM DOES IS PLAY IN THE OPPONENTS BACKFIELD. AFTER AN OUTSTANDING SENIOR BOWL WEEK, HIS STOCK HAS CONTINUED TO CLIMB. A TEAM LIKE THE STEELERS MAY TARGET HIM AT #18, BUT THE PATS ARE HAPPY HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THEM HERE AT #22.
23. GB OT CHARLES BROWN – NEED MEETS VALUE HERE FOR THE PACKERS. TED THOMPSON KNOWS THERE ARE ‘SEXIER’ PICKS OUT THERE, BUT WATCHING REPLAYS OF AARON RODGERS KILLED IN THE NFC PLAYOFFS HAUNT HIS DREAMS! THOMPSON QUIETS THE LAMBS BY TAKING THE FORMER TROJAN WITH TONS OF POTENTIAL.
24. PHILLY DE CAROLS DUNLAP – DUNLAP HAS TOP-10 PRODUCTION, GAME FILM AND MEASUREABLES. HE’S AVAILABLE FOR THE EAGLES AT #24 BECAUSE OF THE QUESTION MARKS SURROUNDING HIS MATURITY AND UNWILLINGNESS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. HE COULD END UP BEING REGGIE WHITE, BUT I DOUBT IT. ANOTHER BUYER BEWARE!
25. BAL OLB RICKY SAPP – SAPP PLAYED DE IN A 4-3 AT CLEMSON, BUT AFTER RUNNING A PAIR OF SUB-4.70’S AND IMPRESSING DURING POSITION-SPECIFIC DRILLS IN INDY, SAPP HAS MANY 3-4 COORDINATORS SALIVATING OVER HIS POTENTION. SAPP REMINDS ME OF ROBERT AYERS,
26. AZ OLB SERGIO KINDLE – KEN WISENHUNT IS THRILLED KINDLE IS AVAILABLE FOR HIM AFTER LOSING DANSBY TO FREE-AGANCY. KINDLE WILL CONTRIBUT IMMEDIATELY FOR THE CARDS, WHO MAY ALSO CONSIDER SAPP IF HE IS STILL ON THE BOARD.
27. DAL G/C MAURKICE POUNCEY – POUNCEY HAS BEEN COMPARD TO NICK MANGOLD BECAUSE OF HIS VERSITILITY AND ATHLETICISM. IF THOSE COMPARISONS HOLD TRUE, DALLAS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE A DOMINANT LINE FOR YEARS TO COME, ALLOWING THEM TO UTILIZE ALL THREE OF THOSE RUNNING BACKS.
28. SD RB RYAN MATTHEWS – REPLACING L.T. IS GOING TO BE TOUGH ENOUGH, BUT HAVING TO REPLACE SPROLES PRODUCTION DURING THE SAME OFFSEASON WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR AJ SMITH. MATTHEWS IS A WELL ROUNDED BACK WHO HAS THE ABILITY TO BE ON THE FIELD ALL THREE DOWNS, ASSUMING HE CAN FAMILIARIZE HIMSELF WITH NFL-CALIBER BLITZ SCHEMES/PACKAGES.
29. NYJ LB SEAN WEATHERSPOON – AT 6’1” 240 LBS, HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY INSIDE/OUTSIDE IN A 4-3 OR INSIDE IN A 3-4. REX RYAN WILL KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY USE THIS DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER. THE JETS COULD ALSO LOOK TO UOGRADE AT DE, WHERE THE STARTERS ARE GETTING OLD!
30. MINN DT BRIAN PRICE – THE VIKINGS KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF STOPPING THE RUN. WITH SUSPENSIONS HANGING OF THE WILLIAMS WALL (POTENTIALLY) AND PAT WILLIAMS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT, CHILLY TAKES A PLAYER THAT HAS THE ABILITY TO PENETRATE AND COLLAPSE THE POCKET AS WELL AS GERALD McCOY.
31. IND CB KAREEM JACKSON – THE COLTS NEED HELP ALL OVER THE FIELD DEFENSIVELY, PARTICULARLY IN THE SECONDARY, WHICH COULD NOT PREVENT DREW BREES FROM COMPLETING PASSES. JACKSON IS REGARDED AS A VERY INSTINCTIVE PLAYER, WITH SPEED AND STRENGTH ENOUGH TO MATCH UP WITH SOME OF THE NFL’S TOP PERIMETER THREATS.
32. NO OLB JERRY HUGHES – WIDELY REGARDED AS AN ELVIS DUMERVIL-TYPE. STRONG, COMPACT AND FAST WITH AN OUTSTANDING FIRST STEP, THE SAINTS NEED TO PRESSURE THE QUARTERBACK, AND WITH SUSPENSIONS LOOMING OVER SMITH/GRANT, HUGHES MAY FIND HIMSELF IN THE BAYOU!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
random
i saw that peppers is targeted by the pats, in my opinion i dont think thats going to matter all that much. the pats arent held in such high regard i dont think. i believe peppers choice is going to be primarily influenced by money. if kraft is going to be willing to make a larger-than-haynesworth kind of investment and i doubt he is. with bradys contract being re-done and the need for a primary weapon on the off side of the ball (considering moss likely gone after 2010) i see them targeting someone like anquan boldin. i havent heard any rumblings of that nature, but if they have additional picks they can afford to overpay with a future pick. with all that being said it wouldnt surprise me if he does sign in NE (peppers) and boldin ends up in MIA.
i see tebow altering throwing motion but it will all hinge on his personal workout.
i predict that clausen will either be elected by a team trading into a particular spot to get him OR he will fall out of top 8, leaving the bills with a tough choice. i think hes going to measure in the 6'1" area and fall 7-12 picks because of it. if he checks in anything at/over 6'1 3/4" his stock will remain strong, pending pro day. if hes 6'0" - 6'1 1/2" he will be avail at 9 i think.
if, for some reason shanny replaces campbell this offseason, i wouldnt mind the bills grabbing him for a 4th rd pick, maybe conditional 4th next year, and just give him a shot. he struggles in large part to the fact that he hasnt had the same off coordinator in consecutive years since 9-10 grade! Big, mobile, big arm, showm many flashes of being more than competant!
i hear the top four teams are looking to move down. its ironic to me that the uncapped year comes at a time of economic hardship and that everyone tries to avoid spending huge money at the top of the draft. it humors me because at a time when draft picks are soooo hugely over-valued, the most precious picks seem to be mid 1st round-mid second round. picking in the top ten is now frowned upon for more than just the crappy season the team must have just endured, but also because of the uncertainty surrounding such a huge investment.
i see tebow altering throwing motion but it will all hinge on his personal workout.
i predict that clausen will either be elected by a team trading into a particular spot to get him OR he will fall out of top 8, leaving the bills with a tough choice. i think hes going to measure in the 6'1" area and fall 7-12 picks because of it. if he checks in anything at/over 6'1 3/4" his stock will remain strong, pending pro day. if hes 6'0" - 6'1 1/2" he will be avail at 9 i think.
if, for some reason shanny replaces campbell this offseason, i wouldnt mind the bills grabbing him for a 4th rd pick, maybe conditional 4th next year, and just give him a shot. he struggles in large part to the fact that he hasnt had the same off coordinator in consecutive years since 9-10 grade! Big, mobile, big arm, showm many flashes of being more than competant!
i hear the top four teams are looking to move down. its ironic to me that the uncapped year comes at a time of economic hardship and that everyone tries to avoid spending huge money at the top of the draft. it humors me because at a time when draft picks are soooo hugely over-valued, the most precious picks seem to be mid 1st round-mid second round. picking in the top ten is now frowned upon for more than just the crappy season the team must have just endured, but also because of the uncertainty surrounding such a huge investment.
Monday, February 22, 2010
buddy nix, overall franchise direction
by now everyone has formed opinions on the hires of nix and Chan gailey. regardless of how you felt/feel, its what you're going to be dealing with for a minimum of 2-3 years. with free agency approaching, how aggressive do you think the bills will be? how about other teams? do you have any targets (as unrealistic as they may be) you would like to see your fav team target? ill say that i would like to see the bills target dwan Edwards from the ravens. obviously, i would like to see someone like Ryan Pickett (still un-tagged) but i don't see that being realistic. if buffalo signed dwan Edwards and maybe joey porter they would have eased the transition to the 3-4.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
