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If I remember right, last year at the Minnesota Pro Day when Marion Barber and others did their testing in front of scouts....Maroney also ran and posted in the 4.3's on everyone's watch.Anybody remember the buzz that quickly surrounded Ronnie Brown the instant he ran is 4.33 last year....
I remember it well.
It doesn't matter really....if you're talented, over 200 lbs., and run anywhere under 4.4 you're gonna get noticed and create a buzz.I know a lot of sources have Maroney presently listed at 200lbs, but I have a feeling a lot of those weights are from last year. I remember at the beginning of the year Maroney looked noticeably bigger than the prior year and reports were that he put on muscle in the off-season and was up to 212 lbs.Yeah, but Brown was much bigger and it was completly unexpected for him to post such a time leading to the
Well then we know for sure that Young is entering the draft...
We discussed this in another thread today and I agree that if Young has a monster game tonight, and UT beats USC, Young may be overwhelmed by interest and decide to come out. Wouldn't surprise me either way, but for the sake of discussing mock draft talk at this point, I'm assuming Young is not coming out. By January 15th we'll know the deal either way.
No he won't be that high. However, he is reportedly very close to declaring for the draft. I know at least four RBs would go before him, and maybe/probably a couple more. Bush, White, Williams, Maroney-- for sure. Probably MBush should he declare, and maybe Addai. There very easily could be others. Don't misunderstand. Drew is my favorite college football player and I am a UCLA alum, but he didn't have that great of a season. He is very very short. He is not the 5-8 205 they list him at. More like 5-6 or 7, 190-95. He is very unique, but "prototypical" is more valuable.
I can't imagine he stays after that game last night. A Herculean effort and his stock will never be higher.We discussed this in another thread today and I agree that if Young has a monster game tonight, and UT beats USC, Young may be overwhelmed by interest and decide to come out. Wouldn't surprise me either way, but for the sake of discussing mock draft talk at this point, I'm assuming Young is not coming out. By January 15th we'll know the deal either way.
I think they desperately want Bush - an electrifying player that fills a glaring need for them is a match made in heaven. If they move Abraham as part of the deal (see my later post where I swapped Abraham into this deal in place of the additional draft pick) - they can afford to pay Bush.Of course, another distinct possibility, which plays more into what you're saying here, is that they re-sign Abraham to a long-term deal, trade DOWN rather than up, and obtain an additional first round pick. This would make more sense to me, I just have this feeling that they're going to pursue Bush.
I think he's more along the lines of the 8th-10th rated back before all is said and done.
I was thinking that as well, but let's say LenDale comes out at the combine and runs a 4.55 and Maroney posts a 4.39. Suddenly, the Maroney hype goes off, and the Vikings are almost bound to take the local guy. White then becomes RB4 at best - depending how Pittsburgh finishes out the year, he COULD be there in the twenties....yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
Provided MN doesn't get a RB in free agency. Zygi Wilf seems hell bent on building a winner no matter the cost. Now that he's in the driver's seat, I wouldn't be surprised to see him overpay for someone like Shaun Alexander.In which case, the Vikings then address O-Line instead.yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
that would be great. still, even if minnesota goes gaga for maroney, and another team goes gaga for williams, leaving white as the RB4, i still dont see him getting to the 20s. he's definitely on benson's level as a good ole chain mover, and someone will move up to get him.I was thinking that as well, but let's say LenDale comes out at the combine and runs a 4.55 and Maroney posts a 4.39. Suddenly, the Maroney hype goes off, and the Vikings are almost bound to take the local guy. White then becomes RB4 at best - depending how Pittsburgh finishes out the year, he COULD be there in the twenties....yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
Boy I hope so. I haven't a clue as to what kind of time White is expected to run. I do know that rumor has it Maroney will be bellow 4.4. That would certainly raise his stock rapidly and let's not forget that he was, in a lot of peoples minds, very close to Bush at the start of the season.I was thinking that as well, but let's say LenDale comes out at the combine and runs a 4.55 and Maroney posts a 4.39. Suddenly, the Maroney hype goes off, and the Vikings are almost bound to take the local guy. White then becomes RB4 at best - depending how Pittsburgh finishes out the year, he COULD be there in the twenties....yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
Good points here. Add to this : with the phenomenal depth at LB in the first round this year, would you be surprised to see the Vikes grab a guy like Greenway or DeMeco Ryans?Provided MN doesn't get a RB in free agency. Zygi Wilf seems hell bent on building a winner no matter the cost. Now that he's in the driver's seat, I wouldn't be surprised to see him overpay for someone like Shaun Alexander.In which case, the Vikings then address O-Line instead.yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
But I personally wouldn't mind Lendale in purple. He looks really good.
I wouldn't be surprised at all. In fact, I think this is the better scenario than RB anyway - even if Maroney and White are available to the Vikings. The two biggest needs are O-Line and linebacker. With the emergence of McKinnie (played his best season to date), I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see them draft Max Jean-Gilles to shore up the line. With Matt Birk returning, they could easily go RBBC again.As far as them drafting a LB, I think I'd wet myself (because of my happiness, that is) if they drafted Ryans. That makes sense too as he appears to have the character (as well as the talent) that would put the face on the franchise that Wilf wants in order to get his stadium built.Good points here. Add to this : with the phenomenal depth at LB in the first round this year, would you be surprised to see the Vikes grab a guy like Greenway or DeMeco Ryans?Provided MN doesn't get a RB in free agency. Zygi Wilf seems hell bent on building a winner no matter the cost. Now that he's in the driver's seat, I wouldn't be surprised to see him overpay for someone like Shaun Alexander.In which case, the Vikings then address O-Line instead.yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
But I personally wouldn't mind Lendale in purple. He looks really good.
Could be but I tend to disagree with this. I can see some other NFL team being wowed by combine stats but since Maroney runs right in the Metrodome Viking personnel have seen Maroney run for 3 years. I'm sure they've scouted him enough to have done a complete assessment of his abilities at the next level, whether he runs a 4.33 or a 4.48 at the combine. Keep in mind MBIII also put up great combine stats and is even more a local boy that Maroney (who is from St. Louis). The Vikes didn't feel obligated to draft him even though he graded out as an early 2nd rounder and fell to the 4th.I was thinking that as well, but let's say LenDale comes out at the combine and runs a 4.55 and Maroney posts a 4.39. Suddenly, the Maroney hype goes off, and the Vikings are almost bound to take the local guy. White then becomes RB4 at best - depending how Pittsburgh finishes out the year, he COULD be there in the twenties....yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
Good points all. I still believe the Vikings go LB, I was simply referring to the scenario that could unfold if they decide to go RB in round 1 and are left with Maroney or White as their two choices.Could be but I tend to disagree with this. I can see some other NFL team being wowed by combine stats but since Maroney runs right in the Metrodome Viking personnel have seen Maroney run for 3 years. I'm sure they've scouted him enough to have done a complete assessment of his abilities at the next level, whether he runs a 4.33 or a 4.48 at the combine. Keep in mind MBIII also put up great combine stats and is even more a local boy that Maroney (who is from St. Louis). The Vikes didn't feel obligated to draft him even though he graded out as an early 2nd rounder and fell to the 4th.I was thinking that as well, but let's say LenDale comes out at the combine and runs a 4.55 and Maroney posts a 4.39. Suddenly, the Maroney hype goes off, and the Vikings are almost bound to take the local guy. White then becomes RB4 at best - depending how Pittsburgh finishes out the year, he COULD be there in the twenties....yep. no way he gets past minnesota.Ledale just screwed our chances with last nights performace IMO.
The more I look at it, the more I think the Vikings HAVE to go LB.Sam Cowart, Keith Newman, and Raonall Smith are all UFA's and the only one that should be re-signed is Newman.
It depends. This a very deep draft class at the top of the LB position. There will be blue chip LBs on the board when the vikes pick in the 2nd, you can count on it. However, the top 4 RBs, and probably Calhoun if he comes out, will be gone by that time. Would you rather have White and DQwell Jackson or Ryans and Joseph Addai? I see the dropoff at RB talent being much steeper from the 1st to 2nd than it is at LB.
I'd rather have Max Jean-Gilles and Jackson (maybe Ahmad Brooks lasts 'til the 2nd?). How about that?But your point is well taken.
It's a GREAT year to need a LB and have a mid-first round pick. With as many as 5-6 guys carrying a first-round grade, you're going to get a guy that would easily be a top 1-2 LB in another class and not have to pay through the nose to do it. I wouldn't even be shocked to see Pittsburgh draft a LB, even though it's not an immediate need position, simply because where they typically draft, the caliber of player at that position in other years is not what it will be this year. With LB being such a pivotal position to have good personnel at in a 3-4 defense, it could happen.That said, I still think it's more likely the Steelers go WR, RB, OL, or DE/DT. te Vikings are not exactly strapped at RB - I mean, even if Bennett and Onterrio are out of the picture, you still have a capable back in Mewelde Moore and a possible future star in Ciatrick Fason. When you have a marriage of need and value in the NFL draft, it's usually a no-brainer.
That depends on what type of owners the Texans have. If they are like Al Davis and want to sell tickets NOW, they'll get Young or Bush. If they realize they will make much more $ over the next 5 or 10 years, they'll try to become competitive by building a more complete football team.Texans homers?... what do you know of the ownership? $ or wins?
Drew would be incredible value as the 8-10th RB. I've owned Drew for the last two years in a college dynasty league and he's been everything you could possibly want. Outstanding Punt Return guy. In fact, here are some NCAA stats on the notables:2005 NCAA Punt Return Leaders:
Another comparable player (size/ability-wise) is Darren Sproles.They are both shorter guys with very thick lower bodies.
There's a rumor out there that Drew received a late first round grade from the NFL Advisory Board. I think this rumor is BS, but Drew does have an amazing skillset. He's just so unusual and unique. "I'm" nuts about the guy, but I readily admit it's a homer thing combined with my love of backs who can take any carry to the house while making several defenders look stoopid in the process. Also, it seems like the Advisory Committee is handing out several unexpected high evaluations this year. If another half dozen talents declare this coming week, then the 07 draft is going to be pathetic.
I've been thinking about this, and I cannot come up with 7-9 RBs I think will be taken before him. Certainly, Bush, Williams, White, Maroney. Then? Michael Bush if declares. Then? Harrison, Addai, Hall, Riggs, Norwood? None of the last four are close to as dynamic as Drew. Remember this kid beat Reggie in the 100 in HS and has continued his track training. His 40 is going to be breathtaking. He also has incredible squat and bench #s compared to most of these backs. I can see him being the 5th back taken, and I can see him being 10th is what I'm saying. And that's not huge endorsement of him, but understanding his competition isn't as dynamic as some think, especially in comparison. Drew is a little freak. He's been high on the NFL radar since he was dominating in HS. He is an excellent receiver, and I'm talking about completing several very deep fly/wheel patterns and making some very tough catches. But, it's his crazy speed that may separate him... it often does.
You are right his speed could get him higher. But I see (in addition to the Big Four) Harrison, Addai, and Leon Washington going ahead of him. Hall could possibly go higher than him as well. I just think he'll be hurt by the bias in the NFL against using a high draft pick on a guy who they don't think can carry the feature back load. Look at far Sproles dropped last year (but Drew is bigger than Sproles, so maybe his size won't hurt him as much).This is a great year for backs, so despite my ranking of him, I'd still put him as a third round selection. And I do think he will be a successful back in the NFL. I've got the 1.11 pick in my dynasty draft, and I'd probably take a good look at Drew there.
Chauncey Washington could be an interesting mid to late round option if he does declare, or possibly a supplimental draft player if USC does not find a way to get him to pass shop math.
i'll add that brian calhoun will NOT be a full-fledged featured back in the NFL. he has the speed and the vision but that body isn't built for 15+ carries a game over the long haul. a "brian westbrook type" is the absolute best case scenerio for calhoun (not that this upside is poor, but anything more is begging imo)edit because michael westbrook and brian westbrokk have so much in common...lolnope...lol
So he's going to beat the #### out of unsuspecting teammates?great analysis so far guys
i'll add that brian calhoun will NOT be a full-fledged featured back in the NFL. he has the speed and the vision but that body isn't built for 15+ carries a game over the long haul. a "michael westbrook type" is the absolute best case scenerio for calhoun (not that this upside is poor, but anything more is begging imo)
Try to resurrect his career in NFL Europe?Show lots of promise and never deliver?So he's going to beat the #### out of unsuspecting teammates?great analysis so far guys
i'll add that brian calhoun will NOT be a full-fledged featured back in the NFL. he has the speed and the vision but that body isn't built for 15+ carries a game over the long haul. a "michael westbrook type" is the absolute best case scenerio for calhoun (not that this upside is poor, but anything more is begging imo)
God bless the Shark Pool.
