2014 NFL Draft thread (4 Viewers)

[Faust]

Mock Draft 1.0: Bridgewater falls out of Round 1

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

CBS Sports' Dane Brugler still believes that UCF QB Blake Bortles will go to the Houston Texans at No.1.
"Barring any trades, I still think Bortles goes No. 1 to Houston and then Manziel is off the board at 3 (Jacksonville) or 4 (Cleveland) for what it's worth," Brugler tweeted. With Manziel gaining some momentum after his pro day, Bortles still remains the favorite for some draft evaluators. Our own Josh Norris believes it's possible that Bortles is the No. 1 pick for the Texans. However, Norris has Teddy Bridgewater as his No. 1 overall rated prospect, followed by Johnny Manziel at No. 29 and Blake Bortles at No. 30 on the Norris' Top 100.

Source: Dane Brugler on Twitter

 

[snogger]

Mock Draft 1.0: Bridgewater falls out of Round 1

Don't see the Vikings passing on Bridgewater if he fell to them.

 

[Faust]

Debate: Which top OT in 2014 draft will have best NFL career?

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN Insider's Adam Caplan believes that seven QBs will go off the board in the first three rounds.
"But after that there could be a drop-off until 5th-6th area," he added. It wasn't stated, but the assumption is that Caplan is referring to the following seven: Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, Zach Mettenberger, and AJ McCarron. After that, the procession of pick-your-flavor developmental prospects is led by Tom Savage, Tahj Boyd, Logan Thomas and Aaron Murray.


Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Draft insider Tony Pauline is reporting that the Vikings are "heavily leaning towards" taking LSU QB Zach Mettenberger in the second round because they want an LB such as Buffalo's Khalil Mack in the first.
The Vikes desperately need a franchise signal-caller, but they also have a huge need for an edge rusher capable of disrupting opposing passing games. Coach Mike Zimmer's nights are presumably interrupted with nightmares of being helplessly carved up by Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. Mack would afford the team a massive upgrade on the outside if Minnesota allots Mettenberger a grade not far below the top four QBs. Mettenberger could be a good fit in Norv Turner's vertical passing game, as Rotoworld's Josh Norris discussed in a recent "Draft Needs" video.

Source: Tony Pauline on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rob Rang NFL Mock Draft - 3/31/2014

Dane Brugler NFL Mock Draft - 4/1/2014

 

[Faust]

Jeremiah: Justin Gilbert 'head and shoulders' above other CBs

 

[jurb26]

Jeremiah: Justin Gilbert 'head and shoulders' above other CBs

Yup.

 

[mr fancypants]

Jeremiah: Justin Gilbert 'head and shoulders' above other CBs

Yup.

Nope, Gilbert is the better athlete. Dennard is the better football player.

 

[jurb26]

Jeremiah: Justin Gilbert 'head and shoulders' above other CBs

Yup.

Nope, Gilbert is the better athlete. Dennard is the better football player.

Not at all. Dennard was the better college football player. There is a difference.

 

[cstu]

Jeremiah: Justin Gilbert 'head and shoulders' above other CBs

Yup.

Nope, Gilbert is the better athlete. Dennard is the better football player.

Not at all. Dennard was the better college football player. There is a difference.

That's how I see it. Gilbert could be a much better NFL player than college player.

 

[Faust]

Jadeveon Clowney must go No. 1 to Houston Texans in NFL draft

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

"A lot of personnel guys" have connected Alabama QB AJ McCarron to the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah.
Jeremiah assumes the pick could be made in the second-round. We do not really see the fit, as Bruce Arians loves to test teams vertically. Of the nine quarterbacks charted by Greg Peshek, McCarron had the worst completion percentage of passes beyond 20 yards. The Alabama quarterback can be an extension of a game plan, but would work best with a strong running game and play action off of that. Remember, the Cardinals were linked with Matt Barkley last year.

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

NFL insider Adam Caplan says a trade up for Texas A&M WR Mike Evans is on the Eagles' radar.
Caplan also notes Oregon State receiver Brandin Cooks is a possibility. The "target area for Brandin Cooks: 20-32 in first," Caplan tweeted. "Everything checks out well with him -- character, tape, speed." We think Odell Beckham Jr. would be an even better fit thanks to his contested catch ability, but he is less likely to be there.

Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter

NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes that Stanford OG David Yankey is not a top tier prospect.
"I wasn't a big fan of Yankey when I studied him. Slow feet, struggles to redirect in space. I don't think he's a top tier prospect," Jeremiah tweeted. Yankey's disappointing outing at the combine did not help his draft stock any. Jeremiah also tweeted that he hasn't "talked to one scout/exec that would take David Yankey in the first 3 rounds." ESPN's Louis Riddick also chimed in and stated that Yankey "was one of the most over-valued prospects all fall/winter in this '14 draft." It's interesting that NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock's No. 1 guard is taking some heat as of late, look for Yankey's name to be called in the second-round of the draft.

Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter

ESPN's Todd McShay said there would be "panic" in the Bears' war room if Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald is selected before their No. 14 slot.
McShay thinks that Chicago would probably tab a safety or look to trade down if Donald is off the board, as the DT drop-off is sharp thereafter. In that scenario, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix would be a good fit, according the analyst. In May, look for Chicago to invest heavily in defense.

Source: ESPN's First Draft Podcast

South Carolina DE Jadeveon Clowney has upcoming scheduled visits with the Rams and Falcons.
If Houston passes on the pass-rushing prodigy at No. 1, St. Louis is a logical destination at No. 2. If the Rams pass too, according to reports, Clowney will be Jacksonville-bound at No. 3. Atlanta, sitting at No. 6, is well aware of this fact, which is why GM Thomas Dimitroff has publicly expressed an openness to move up. The Rams and Falcons make a lot of sense as trading partners. Such a swap would enable St. Louis to take an OT at 6, either Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews.

Source: Joe Person on Twitter

Buffalo edge player Khalil Mack worked out for the Falcons on Wednesday.
If Atlanta is unable to secure a trade up for South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney, Mack would make for a nice consolation prize at No. 6. Mack is no lock to be there, of course, but GM Thomas Dimitroff is in an enviable spot: With no QB need forcing his hand, Atlanta can simply take the best prospect available. Whether he chooses to stay at 6 or trade up for Clowney, an elite prospect is sure to call The ATL home next fall.

Source: Gil Brandt on Twitter

Notre Dame DL Stephon Tuitt visited the Rams on Tuesday, the Steelers on Wednesday, and will meet with the Patriots on Thursday.
It's a busy week for the athletically blessed defensive lineman. Ostensibly an important one, too, as Tuitt will have to convince evaluators that his NFL potential should be quantified by the tape measure as opposed to the game tape. The 6-foot-6, 322-pound defensive end is a unique size/speed project who was once clocked at 4.78 seconds in the 40-yard dash. His inconsistencies, however, have confounded. Rotoworld's Josh Norris, for one, dismisses Tuitt's movement skills, noting that "it appears he's running uphill at all times."

Source: Gil Brandt on Twitter

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians worked out Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas on Wednesday.
Arizona is in the market for a developmental QB prospect, and there might not be a more intriguing option than Thomas. The Hokies' signal-caller is, quite simply, athletic Silly Putty begging for learned hands. At 6-foot-6, 250-pounds, Thomas had the fastest QB forty (4.61) at the NFL Combine, the best vertical (35.5''), the best broad-jump (9'10'') and the best throwing velocity at 60 mph (Pitt's Tom Savage finished second at 57 mph). If the light ever comes on, watch out. Some evaluators who have perused his tape, however, will speak with urgent pessimism towards that possibility.

Source: Bryan Stiney on Twitter

ESPN's Mel Kiper said on the "First Draft" podcast that some evaluators believe Clemson WR Sammy Watkins "is a better prospect coming out than A.J. Green was."
Kiper dropped that little tidbit when discussing potential scenarios for the Rams, who own the Nos. 2 and 13 picks in the first round of May's draft. The analyst believes Watkins is worthy of the second selection if St. Louis decides to go in that direction, and suggests Alabama S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix as a target at 13 if the Rams tab Watkins first. Kiper asserts that the Rams "don't need to force" an OT selection. Colleague Todd McShay, for the record, disagrees, and believes St. Louis should tab offensive line help early.

Source: ESPN's First Draft Podcast

Eastern Illinois QB Jimmy Garoppolo will visit with the Browns later this week.
He's scheduled to work out for the club's evaluators and then break bread with members of the organization afterwards. If the Browns bypass whoever is left of the Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater group at No. 4, and do the same to Derek Carr with their second first-round selection (No. 26), Garoppolo could make some sense at No. 35. Cleveland will come out of this draft with prime Brian Hoyer competition, and it's doing its due diligence on all options.

Source: Tony Grossi on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Mock draft 4.0: Bortles in free fall

 

[Faust]

Jeremiah: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix in play for the Rams at No. 13

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Mock Draft - Five Weeks to the Draft

 

[Faust]

Clowney may be safe bet, but Texans should pick a QB

By John McClain

Let me preface this by pointing out that at this time in 2006, I predicted the Texans would use the first pick in the NFL draft on running back Reggie Bush.

That means everyone predicting the Texans will draft defensive end Jadeveon Clowney probably will be right.


But I'm still predicting a quarterback, as I have been since the day the 2013 season ended. I believe they'll select Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel.

It doesn't matter what anyone outside Reliant Stadium thinks they should do. The only three opinions that matter belong to owner Bob McNair, general manager Rick Smith and coach Bill O'Brien.

The Texans have a desperate need for a quarterback. They're coming off a 2-14 season, and they must generate some life into a carcass that's been picked apart. Nothing revitalizes an organization like a quarterback drafted in the first round.

I don't think the Texans will reach on a quarterback. I believe by the time the first round starts on May 8, they'll have one of the quarterbacks ranked high enough to justify the pick.

O'Brien and Smith insist they haven't made up their minds, and I believe them. They don't care about selling tickets or pleasing the experts who tell them what they should do. They're going to take the player they believe will have the biggest impact on their organization.

There's still a lot of time left in the evaluation process. With the conclusion of the significant pro days, there remain private workouts on college campuses and private meetings at team headquarters.

Everyone who has followed O'Brien's coaching career says he loves tutoring quarterbacks. They say he's an excellent quarterback coach. This better be the only time he has his pick of every quarterback prospect in the land.

Some say the Texans should take Clowney in the first round and a quarterback in the second.

Fine, but who?

Drafted on potential

Some point out that Russell Wilson (Seattle), Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco) and Nick Foles (Philadelphia) weren't drafted in the first round, but there's a difference. Their teams had veterans who were projected as starters. They were drafted because of their potential, not because they needed to make immediate contributions.

A lot of experts point out there's no Andrew Luck in this draft. Well, there's no Bruce Smith, either.

When I look at Clowney, I see a smaller version of Mario Williams.

Hey, Williams has averaged 9½ sacks in his eight-year career. That's pretty darn good, right? Not great, though.

Clowney (6-6, 266) is an extraordinary athlete with every physical gift scouts look for in the best pass rushers. Many drool when they look at him because of his God-given gifts, and they're willing to give him a pass on a disappointing junior year.

Williams (6-7, 295) was an extraordinary athlete, too, when he came out of North Carolina State in 2006.

With the exception of the 40-yard dash, in which Clowney ran a 4.53 at the combine compared to Williams' 4.70, Williams blew him away in every other drill.

Chasing Luck?

The Texans drafted Williams to chase Peyton Manning. If the Texans draft Clowney, he'll be chasing Luck.

Clowney would have to move to outside linebacker in Romeo Crennel's 3-4 scheme, just as Williams made the switch under Wade Phillips in 2011.

In his first five games playing for Phillips, Williams was off to the best start of his career, with five sacks in five games before he suffered a season-ending injury.

If the Texans select Clowney to bolster their pass rush, there's a good chance they'll be in the running for another high pick in 2015. And that's OK, because O'Brien has a five-year contract, and McNair's a patient owner.

The Texans do need another pass rusher. J.J. Watt has been their only legitimate one. If they draft Clowney to play the weak side, Whitney Mercilus would have to switch sides, allowing Brooks Reed to move inside.

But they'd still have this one problem: quarterback.

Clowney, who played at McNair's alma mater, is the safe pick.

But I'm still predicting Bortles or Manziel.

 

[TheFanatic]

The first 2014 Mock draft ever. This was done the day after the 2013 actual NFL Draft. Mind you the draft order was not even remotely known and these guys got some things pretty close. But the QB's they have are funny looking back.

 

[Grahamburn]

Start mocking WRs to the Bucs.

 

[Faust]

Mike Evans to Bucs makes sense after Mike Williams trade

 

[coolnerd]

The first 2014 Mock draft ever. This was done the day after the 2013 actual NFL Draft. Mind you the draft order was not even remotely known and these guys got some things pretty close. But the QB's they have are funny looking back.

A couple of comments actually made me laugh because the perception even 9 months ago...especially the chiefs in the playoffs and if Schuab does not take the Texans to the Superbowl

 

[Faust]

NFL draft should be moved up, not back

By Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com

The NFL pushed the draft back this year because Radio City Music Hall was booked up with "Heart and Lights," a spring show featuring the Rockettes slated to run from March 27 through May 4.

The production was scrapped just a week before the curtain was to rise. Producers told the Rockettes "additional work is needed" before the show was ready to be seen by audiences.

So 256 college football players will still have their names called at the NFL draft, but on May 8-10 instead of later this month.

Additional work is needed on the NFL's calendar, too.

The draft has historically been set in late April. No matter when Radio City is available to the NFL in 2015, the draft shouldn't stay where it is.

The annual dispersal of college players needs to be moved up, not become a May fixture while the league tries to spread out its offseason in a way to maximize ownership of sports headlines year round.

Teams don't need more time to consider prospects and shuffle draft boards. And it would benefit the league and its teams to have markets introducing and discussing their new players sooner rather than speculating for too long on who they will be.

The pushed-back draft this year and even the traditional setup beg personnel people to overanalyze to a ridiculous degree.

The most disciplined general managers will not add rounds of draft meetings for their scouts, will not spend the additional half a month tinkering with grades, will not stare at their boards for 14 more days.

"I would have preferred it be moved up this year," one NFL decision-maker told me. "The sooner we can get our rookies in, the better chance they have of contributing in year one. Now they don't get a chance to get acclimated. They get drafted and go right into OTAs.

"No chance to breathe. No chance to get their ducks in a row with housing, etc. No chance to get them a workout routine and send them home for two or three weeks to get into shape for our OTAs."

Said a second NFL decision-maker: "I think if it was not moved too far up, it would be good. It just has to work in conjunction to free agency. You are right about the potential for overanalysis."

The NFL is undecided on what it will do with next year's draft. A spokesman told me all options are on the table.

Actually, one option might be out: Radio City in April. Reports suggest "Heart and Lights" will be slated for the same window in 2015 that it vacated in 2014.

The NFL should accept that its draft might need a new venue, not a second year of a convenient excuse to overflow into May.

In 2005, the draft was held at New York's Javits Center. It's where Aaron Rodgers endured his interminable greenroom wait until the Packers chose him 24th. Rodgers has had a pretty good career despite not walking across the stage where the "Christmas Spectacular" plays.

Some have called for the NFL to take the event to other cities.

The "where" is much less of a concern than the "when" for teams. Any venue can be dressed up to give players a memorable experience and look good for TV.

This year's scouting combine wrapped up on Feb. 25. That's 72 days from the end of the combine to the start of the draft.

The NFL plays 59 percent of its season in a similar span.

As for the hype machine ...

Hey, we do a nice business here at ESPN covering the lead-up to the draft. We do a nice business at rookie camps and OTAs and training camp, too.

The coverage isn't going to change, just what all of us are covering.

I can't be convinced a longer period of speculation that adds amplitude to the fibbing and posturing and misdirection that precedes the draft is good for anyone. Even agents seeking to sell their guys can find the additional waiting tiresome.

Show us the draft class sooner. Let us get to know these guys and start to see what they can do. Let them get to their new home earlier instead of lingering in limbo longer. Let that decision-maker have a better timetable to maximize the chance at first-year impact.

I propose April 9-11, 2015.

After it's over, let's take all the draftees to see the "groundbreaking technology" and "state-of-the-art puppetry" of "Heart and Lights."

 

[Faust]

Offseason intrigue: Questions for each team before NFL Draft

 

[GregR]

Clowney may be safe bet, but Texans should pick a QB

By John McClain

Let me preface this by pointing out that at this time in 2006, I predicted the Texans would use the first pick in the NFL draft on running back Reggie Bush.

That means everyone predicting the Texans will draft defensive end Jadeveon Clowney probably will be right.


But I'm still predicting a quarterback, as I have been since the day the 2013 season ended. I believe they'll select Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel.

It doesn't matter what anyone outside Reliant Stadium thinks they should do. The only three opinions that matter belong to owner Bob McNair, general manager Rick Smith and coach Bill O'Brien.

The Texans have a desperate need for a quarterback. They're coming off a 2-14 season, and they must generate some life into a carcass that's been picked apart. Nothing revitalizes an organization like a quarterback drafted in the first round.

I don't think the Texans will reach on a quarterback. I believe by the time the first round starts on May 8, they'll have one of the quarterbacks ranked high enough to justify the pick.

O'Brien and Smith insist they haven't made up their minds, and I believe them. They don't care about selling tickets or pleasing the experts who tell them what they should do. They're going to take the player they believe will have the biggest impact on their organization.

There's still a lot of time left in the evaluation process. With the conclusion of the significant pro days, there remain private workouts on college campuses and private meetings at team headquarters.

Everyone who has followed O'Brien's coaching career says he loves tutoring quarterbacks. They say he's an excellent quarterback coach. This better be the only time he has his pick of every quarterback prospect in the land.

Some say the Texans should take Clowney in the first round and a quarterback in the second.

Fine, but who?

Drafted on potential

Some point out that Russell Wilson (Seattle), Colin Kaepernick (San Francisco) and Nick Foles (Philadelphia) weren't drafted in the first round, but there's a difference. Their teams had veterans who were projected as starters. They were drafted because of their potential, not because they needed to make immediate contributions.

A lot of experts point out there's no Andrew Luck in this draft. Well, there's no Bruce Smith, either.

When I look at Clowney, I see a smaller version of Mario Williams.

Hey, Williams has averaged 9½ sacks in his eight-year career. That's pretty darn good, right? Not great, though.

Clowney (6-6, 266) is an extraordinary athlete with every physical gift scouts look for in the best pass rushers. Many drool when they look at him because of his God-given gifts, and they're willing to give him a pass on a disappointing junior year.

Williams (6-7, 295) was an extraordinary athlete, too, when he came out of North Carolina State in 2006.

With the exception of the 40-yard dash, in which Clowney ran a 4.53 at the combine compared to Williams' 4.70, Williams blew him away in every other drill.

Chasing Luck?

The Texans drafted Williams to chase Peyton Manning. If the Texans draft Clowney, he'll be chasing Luck.

Clowney would have to move to outside linebacker in Romeo Crennel's 3-4 scheme, just as Williams made the switch under Wade Phillips in 2011.

In his first five games playing for Phillips, Williams was off to the best start of his career, with five sacks in five games before he suffered a season-ending injury.

If the Texans select Clowney to bolster their pass rush, there's a good chance they'll be in the running for another high pick in 2015. And that's OK, because O'Brien has a five-year contract, and McNair's a patient owner.

The Texans do need another pass rusher. J.J. Watt has been their only legitimate one. If they draft Clowney to play the weak side, Whitney Mercilus would have to switch sides, allowing Brooks Reed to move inside.

But they'd still have this one problem: quarterback.

Clowney, who played at McNair's alma mater, is the safe pick.

But I'm still predicting Bortles or Manziel.

I think the second sentence of the article is probably the best one, heh.

Coming out of the season, the whole fan base and media were feeling pretty heavily the poor QB play. It's tough to get past that and not let it color things too much and make you take a player of need instead of the best player. In a year like this where I don't know any of these QBs should be top five picks were it not for teams over drafting based on need, I think the smart thing to do is go with Clowney.

I think there's a bit too much being made about how to fit Clowney into Crennel's system which is only used on 1/3 of the plays. The other 2/3 would be back to a 4 man front for nickel and dime with Clowney playing as a DE.

I think if the Texans do go QB, then it would be a function of BOB (Bill O'Brien) having man-love for one of the QBs combined with owner Bob McNair providing pressure to win now and get back to the playoffs immediately. I'm hoping McNair is smart enough to not do the latter, anyway, and let his guys make football decisions.

 

[Sabertooth]

Nah you take Clowney and grabs Qb in round 2. None of these guys have a 1.1 grade except Clowney.

 

[cstu]

Hey, Williams has averaged 9½ sacks in his eight-year career. That's pretty darn good, right? Not great, though.

Clowney (6-6, 266) is an extraordinary athlete with every physical gift scouts look for in the best pass rushers. Many drool when they look at him because of his God-given gifts, and they're willing to give him a pass on a disappointing junior year.

Williams (6-7, 295) was an extraordinary athlete, too, when he came out of North Carolina State in 2006.

With the exception of the 40-yard dash, in which Clowney ran a 4.53 at the combine compared to Williams' 4.70, Williams blew him away in every other drill.

The bolded is deceptive - after his 4.5 sack rookie year he averaged over 11 sacks a year for the next four. I imagine the Texans would be very happy with similar production from Clowney.

 

[Bob Magaw]

If anybody has watched the sports science videos, they have an awards show today (Saturday) at 3:00 PM, on a secondary ESPN channel. It is multi-sport, so not sure how much if anything is about football with nine awards, but just in case.

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Nah you take Clowney and grabs Qb in round 2. None of these guys have a 1.1 grade except Clowney.

I know few agree, but why take any QB at 2.1? Manziel and Bortles will be gone and they can wait until next year to draft a top one. There are plenty of other good players to take at 33.

 

[cstu]

Nah you take Clowney and grabs Qb in round 2. None of these guys have a 1.1 grade except Clowney.

I know few agree, but why take any QB at 2.1? Manziel and Bortles will be gone and they can wait until next year to draft a top one. There are plenty of other good players to take at 33.

They shouldn't take one for the sake of taking one but if they believe someone like Garoppolo can be good it's a good spot to get a QB.

 

[Faust]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers could trade up to get Sammy Watkins

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Giants beat writer Patricia Traina does not believe the team will select a TE in the first-round.
The Giants are frequently linked to UNC's Eric Ebron and others on the second day. In fact, Traina does not believe the team will select a tight end until the third day. Along with Ebron, we are fans of Jace Amaro, Troy Niklas, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and CJ Fiedorowicz, but all have their positives and weaknesses.

Source: Patricia Traina on Twitter

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Clemson OL Brandon Thomas tears ACL

 

[Faust]

Chicago Bears on the prowl for running back help Report: Virginia Tech CB Kyle Fuller meets with Chicago Bears

 

[BoltBacker]

2014 NFL Draft: Clemson OL Brandon Thomas tears ACL

That's a terrible story.

One point I find confusing is, "News of his injury and upcoming surgery and rehabilitation, however, has already dropped him to the 119th overall prospect on NFLDraftScout.com's board and 3rd-4th round grade."

???

It was my understanding he was projected as a ~3rd rounder BEFORE the injury. I would guess if his first nfl season is going to be a wash out that he couldn't possibly be drafted before the... 5th? 6th? It also doesn't help him that there are so many OG/OT prospects in this draft.

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Clemson OL Brandon Thomas tears ACL

That's a terrible story.

One point I find confusing is, "News of his injury and upcoming surgery and rehabilitation, however, has already dropped him to the 119th overall prospect on NFLDraftScout.com's board and 3rd-4th round grade."

???

It was my understanding he was projected as a ~3rd rounder BEFORE the injury. I would guess if his first nfl season is going to be a wash out that he couldn't possibly be drafted before the... 5th? 6th? It also doesn't help him that there are so many OG/OT prospects in this draft.

Ex-Clemson OL Brandon Thomas suffers torn ACLExcerpts:

Former Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas, thought to potentially be a high second-round pick in the NFL draft next month, has reportedly received some of the worst possible news for pro prospects preparing for the draft: injury news.

Thomas suffered a torn ACL, according to the Twitter feed of ESPN insider Adam Caplan, a devastating injury to befall any prospect less than five weeks before the draft.

Versatility is one of the attributes that has made Thomas one of the best offensive line prospects available. NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock recently said Thomas could play guard or tackle at the NFL level and suggested the Houston Texans would do well to select him with the first pick of the second round. As well, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah evaluated Thomas as an NFL rookie starter last week.

But that was before the ACL tear, which would threaten to sideline any draftee for his rookie season, given that the injury has occurred just five months before the start of football season.

 

[BoltBacker]

2014 NFL Draft: Clemson OL Brandon Thomas tears ACL

That's a terrible story.

One point I find confusing is, "News of his injury and upcoming surgery and rehabilitation, however, has already dropped him to the 119th overall prospect on NFLDraftScout.com's board and 3rd-4th round grade."

???

It was my understanding he was projected as a ~3rd rounder BEFORE the injury. I would guess if his first nfl season is going to be a wash out that he couldn't possibly be drafted before the... 5th? 6th? It also doesn't help him that there are so many OG/OT prospects in this draft.

Ex-Clemson OL Brandon Thomas suffers torn ACL

NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock recently said Thomas could play guard or tackle at the NFL level and suggested the Houston Texans would do well to select him with the first pick of the second round. As well, NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah evaluated Thomas as an NFL rookie starter last week.

Wow, I had no idea he was that highly thought of before the injury. Thanks for the follow up information.

 

[Faust]

I found out a little more:

Source: Clemson lineman Brandon Thomas tore ACL during private workout for Saints

Clemson offensive lineman Brandon Thomas tore his anterior cruciate ligament during a private workout last week with the New Orleans Saints, according to a league source.

Thomas will undergo surgery soon to repair the damage following a serious knee injury a month out from the NFL draft.

Thomas excelled during the Senior Bowl, drawing praise from NFL scouts at his technique and aggressiveness as he finished off blocks and displayed a nasty streak.

Thomas was drawing second-round and third-round grades from draft analysts prior to the injury and was regarded as a rising draft prospect.

Thomas is still expected to do well in the draft, but obviously the timing of the injury will affect his draft stock.

Follow me on Twitter: @RavensInsider

Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun

I hope that Thomas recovers quickly, and can perform well enough over his rookie contract to hit a nice pay day on his second contract.

 

[Faust]

Mock draft 2.0: Diabolical duo for Detroit 2014 NFL mock draft: Watkins could be nice consolation prize for Raiders 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Pass rushers may fly off board late in Round 1

 

[Faust]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet

Really strong Lions/Watkins buzz RT @davebirkett: Note on the Sammy Watkins visit: Bill Ford Jr. was at the #Lions practice facility today.

 

[Faust]

Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard has met with SteelersRotoworld:

The NFL is "absolutely not" high on Michigan State CB Darqueze Dennard, according to the Sideline View's Lance Zierlein.
This is significant, since the draft media highly values Dennard's skills. The pure press man corner is very physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage and downfield, and that hand fighting could turn off some evaluators thanks to "illegal contact" being implemented in the NFL. Teams will likely question his long speed as well despite running a 4.51 forty.

Source: Lance Zierlein on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Buzz continues to build around Lions, Sammy Waktins

Rotoworld:

The Lions "have put a lot of time into" scouting Clemson WR Sammy Watkins this spring and are "trying to figure if it's right for them to move up and get him," reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Watkins met with both Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate during a pre-draft visit on Tuesday. General manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Caldwell had dinner with the Tigers' stud the night before his pro day. If Detroit wants to make a move, they'll have at least one chance, as Houston won't take Watkins at No. 1 and St. Louis has made it known that the No. 2 pick is available. The price will be large, but it doesn't figure to be nearly as prohibitive as it was when the Rams ransomed three first-round picks and more out of Washington in the RGIII deal. Detroit doesn't yet have a private workout scheduled with Watkins.

Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

After a film study of Auburn T Greg Robinson and Texas A&M T Jake Matthews, Monday Morning Quarterback's Greg A. Bedard concluded that Robinson is the best OT prospect in the draft.
Bedard mentions that Robinson is most often compared to Orlando Pace in NFL circles because of his physical style in run blocking. "Robinson has all the tools and has shown the potential in the pass game; if teams feel he can learn and work at his craft, then Robinson could be an all-time great," Bedard wrote. "It’s a question of how long that will take, and where do you play him in the interim (Robinson would be a devastating left guard for a year or two)." Meanwhile, the writer loves Matthews' positional versatility, writing that he "could play any position on the line, including center (not to mention he has long-snapping experience)." In conclusion: "Matthews is better today, but Robinson’s vast potential shouldn’t be hard to unlock. That makes Robinson my pick as the top tackle prospect in this draft."

Source: Monday Morning Quarterback

When asked which draft prospect has elevated their stock that he might have missed the first time around, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock mentioned Virginia T Morgan Moses.
Moses didn't test well at the combine, and he doesn't have a great body, but Mayock loves his game tape, a sentiment echoed by Houston SportsTalk 790 hosts Adam Clanton and Lance Zierlein. It's not hard to see why the footage swayed them: Moses succeeded against top-notch rushers such as Vic Beasley, Jeremiah Attaochu and Kyle Van Noy.

Source: Houston SportsTalk 790

The Sideline View's Lance Zierlein has heard a wide range of opinions on Baylor G Cyril Richardson from a number of NFL coaches.
Zierlein notes those opinions range from late first-round to the sixth-round. Late first-round is, in a word, crazy talk. Richardson is best in a straight-line and gets far too narrow, leading to losses when losing balance versus a strong punch or counter moves. This is why the draft process is so difficult to project: variance in opinions.

Source: Lance Zierlein on Twitter

An AFC executive prefers USC C Marcus Martin as a guard.
"[uSC] moved him to center," the executive said. "I kind of liked him at guard. He’s really young (20 years old), but I see some things I like." Many evaluators are high on Martin's position versatility because he gives NFL teams the flexibility to step in and play all three interior spots immediately. He's battling Colorado State's Weston Richburg for the right to be the first center selected.

Source: NJ.com

NFL evaluators surprisingly were complimentary of Alabama T Cyrus Kouandjio in an NJ.com article.
"We like him," an NFC scout said. "We have him rated pretty high." An AFC executive called Kouandjio "raw" but said he had "a lot of upside." Kouandjio has been criticized so often throughout the process that you almost forget that his physical gifts and on-field production both scream first-round pick. His medicals and combine performance raise red flags, but apparently the NFL is keeping those concerns in perspective. "He had a bad combine, so that’s going to throw some people off him," an NFC personnel man said. "But he looked good on tape. He’s big, long, and he competes. I like that."

Source: NJ.com

NFL evaluators interviewed by NJ.com disagreed when discussing whether Notre Dame OL Zack Martin will end up at LT or OG.
"I love him," an NFC personnel man said. "Everyone wants to move him inside (to guard). I would just leave him outside (at tackle). He can stop pass rushers. He’s smart. He’s athletic. He’s strong. He’s just a damn good player." An NFC scout said said that while he believes Martin could be a "good" LT, "he’d probably be a Pro Bowl guard." An NFC scout concluded: "We like him as a guard. So then it’s a matter of how high do you take a guard."

Source: NJ.com

Three NFL evaluators interviewed by NJ.com expressed concerns about Michigan OT Taylor Lewan.
"There are question marks there," an NFC personnel man said. "He’s one of those love/hate guys. He worked out well, but he’s not that tough." An NFC scout said that he's "not sure" about Lewan and added that he's "not as physical as you would like." An AFC executive also had a tepid viewpoint: "Real inconsistent. You see some games, and you think he’s another Jake Long. Then, you watch him struggle. He’ll go first round; I’m just not sure where."

Source: NJ.com

An NFC scout told NJ.com that Auburn T Greg Robinson is a "phenomenal" prospect.
"In my opinion, he’s the best [OT]," the scout said. "He should go very high." The site quoted two other evaluators who were also smitten with Robinson. An NFC personnel man said: "He just mashes you. From a pure talent standpoint, I think he’s the best." And finally, an AFC executive added: "He’s enormous, but he’s light on his feet. He’ll anchor himself and just stone you."

Source: NJ.com

An NFC personnel man said that this year's offensive tackle class is better than the 2013 version that saw three OTs picked in the top four selections.
"The two guys on top of the board this year are better than all four of those guys last year," he said, referring, of course, to Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews and Auburn’s Greg Robinson. "These two are for real," the personnel man continued. "I mean Eric Fisher (last year’s No. 1 pick by Kansas City), he’s OK. I’m not sure he should have been No. 1 overall. Either one of these guys could be. But the crazy thing is they may drop." An AFC executive interviewed in the story agreed with the sentiment: "Those two guys this year are in a different class. I think all the guys from last year started off as right tackles, if I’m not mistaken. These two can go right in and play the left side for you. They’re that good." Of Matthews, the personnel man said: "Take him and don’t worry about anything. You have a left tackle for the next whatever many years."

Source: NJ.com

 

[Faust]

Casserly: Taylor Lewan better than Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel

 

[Faust]

Lance Zierlein's NFL 2014 Mock Draft 2.0

 

[TheFanatic]

Lance Zierlein's NFL 2014 Mock Draft 2.0

Carr 5 to Oakland? Bortles 18th to the Jets? I don't know which is crazier.

 

[Grahamburn]

Buzz continues to build around Lions, Sammy Waktins

Rotoworld:

The Lions "have put a lot of time into" scouting Clemson WR Sammy Watkins this spring and are "trying to figure if it's right for them to move up and get him," reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Watkins met with both Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate during a pre-draft visit on Tuesday. General manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Caldwell had dinner with the Tigers' stud the night before his pro day. If Detroit wants to make a move, they'll have at least one chance, as Houston won't take Watkins at No. 1 and St. Louis has made it known that the No. 2 pick is available. The price will be large, but it doesn't figure to be nearly as prohibitive as it was when the Rams ransomed three first-round picks and more out of Washington in the RGIII deal. Detroit doesn't yet have a private workout scheduled with Watkins.

Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter

If they move up it should be to take a tackle. I swear there's a 15 year old fantasy football nerd running that team.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Buzz continues to build around Lions, Sammy Waktins

Rotoworld:

The Lions "have put a lot of time into" scouting Clemson WR Sammy Watkins this spring and are "trying to figure if it's right for them to move up and get him," reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Watkins met with both Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate during a pre-draft visit on Tuesday. General manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Caldwell had dinner with the Tigers' stud the night before his pro day. If Detroit wants to make a move, they'll have at least one chance, as Houston won't take Watkins at No. 1 and St. Louis has made it known that the No. 2 pick is available. The price will be large, but it doesn't figure to be nearly as prohibitive as it was when the Rams ransomed three first-round picks and more out of Washington in the RGIII deal. Detroit doesn't yet have a private workout scheduled with Watkins.

Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter

If they move up it should be to take a tackle. I swear there's a 15 year old fantasy football nerd running that team.

Reiff played just fine, I thought.

 

[Faust]

Sammy Watkins to visit Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams

 

[Grahamburn]

Buzz continues to build around Lions, Sammy Waktins

Rotoworld:

The Lions "have put a lot of time into" scouting Clemson WR Sammy Watkins this spring and are "trying to figure if it's right for them to move up and get him," reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Watkins met with both Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate during a pre-draft visit on Tuesday. General manager Martin Mayhew and coach Jim Caldwell had dinner with the Tigers' stud the night before his pro day. If Detroit wants to make a move, they'll have at least one chance, as Houston won't take Watkins at No. 1 and St. Louis has made it known that the No. 2 pick is available. The price will be large, but it doesn't figure to be nearly as prohibitive as it was when the Rams ransomed three first-round picks and more out of Washington in the RGIII deal. Detroit doesn't yet have a private workout scheduled with Watkins.

Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter

If they move up it should be to take a tackle. I swear there's a 15 year old fantasy football nerd running that team.

Reiff played just fine, I thought.

I thought he played the right side.