2014 NFL Draft thread (1 Viewer)

[Mr. Brownstone]

Any thoughts on who will be the biggest draft day surprise, in terms of which team will reach the furthest for a totally unexpected need?

I'm going to throw out the Cowboys who I think might go get Manziel.

I think Donald & Benjamin will go higher than expected.

I think Benjamin falls.

 

[Faust]

2011 NFL Draft serves as warning to QB-needy teams QB in first round too risky this year

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Any thoughts on who will be the biggest draft day surprise, in terms of which team will reach the furthest for a totally unexpected need?

I'm going to throw out the Cowboys who I think might go get Manziel.

I think Donald & Benjamin will go higher than expected.

Agreed on Donald. I suspect someone will trade to maybe 8ish to grab him before NYG, CHI and DAL get a shot.

 

[Soulfly3]

Any thoughts on who will be the biggest draft day surprise, in terms of which team will reach the furthest for a totally unexpected need?

I'm going to throw out the Cowboys who I think might go get Manziel.

I think Donald & Benjamin will go higher than expected.

Agreed on Donald. I suspect someone will trade to maybe 8ish to grab him before NYG, CHI and DAL get a shot.

Or trade down

 

[Donnybrook]

Bob McGinn: Rating the NFL draft prospects: Running backs

 

[duaneok66]

more good stuff from the scouts - thanks.

 

[Donnybrook]

Bob McGinn: Rating the NFL draft prospects: Running backs

It is pretty funny reading McGinn's stuff:

scout one = the eternal optimist - loves ever attribute of these RBs

scout two = neutral like Switzerland

scout three = extreme pessimist - lets the expletives fly

 

[JoshuaJon]

I'm starting to think that if the Rams pass on Sammy Watkins, then the Jags phone will be ringing off the hook. If teams believe he is the best player in this draft, 3 is the spot to go get him before the Browns and Raiders have a shot. And who could use a trade down more than the Jags, in their perpetual rebuild mode. Who moves up? No clue...but I suspect Sammy will draw someone in, regardless of WR depth in this draft.

Bills? Lions? Giants? Cowboys?

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

I'm starting to think that if the Rams pass on Sammy Watkins, then the Jags phone will be ringing off the hook. If teams believe he is the best player in this draft, 3 is the spot to go get him before the Browns and Raiders have a shot. And who could use a trade down more than the Jags, in their perpetual rebuild mode. Who moves up? No clue...but I suspect Sammy will draw someone in, regardless of WR depth in this draft.

Bills? Lions? Giants? Cowboys?

 

[Biabreakable]

2014 NFL DRAFT: “CONSENSUS” TOP 200 BIG BOARD FROM 34 EXPERTS—”FORECASTERS” VS. “EVALUATORS”

Excellent article and collection of data by Arif here- http://vikingsterritory.com/2014/nfl-draft-2014/2014-nfl-draft-consensus-top-200-big-board-from-34-experts-forecasters-vs-evaluators#more-5954

Here is the final consensus list of all the skill players then by position-

Overall

5 Sammy Watkins SE 1 Clemson
6 Teddy Bridgewater QB 1 Louisville
8 Eric Ebron TE 1 North Carolina
11 Mike Evans SE 2 Texas A&M
14 Johnny Manziel QB 2 Texas A&M
15 Blake Bortles QB 3 UCF
18 Odell Beckham SE 3 LSU
21 Derek Carr QB 4 Fresno State
24 Marqise Lee SE 4 Southern California
25 Brandin Cooks SL 1 Oregon State
33 Jace Amaro TE 2 Texas Tech
39 Kelvin Benjamin SE 5 Florida State
40 Allen Robinson FL 1 Penn State
41 Jordan Matthews SE 6 Vanderbilt
43 Carlos Hyde RB 1 Ohio State
44 Davante Adams FL 2 Fresno State
47 Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE 3 Washington
51 Troy Niklas TE 4 Notre Dame
52 Bishop Sankey RB 2 Washington
54 Jarvis Landry FL 3 LSU
58 Tre Mason RB 3 Auburn
63 Jimmy Garoppolo QB 5 Eastern Illinois
71 Donte Moncrief SE 7 Ole Miss
72 Zach Mettenberger QB 6 LSU
76 Charles Sims RB 4 West Virginia
79 Ka’Deem Carey RB 5 Arizona
82 Jeremy Hill RB 6 LSU
85 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE 5 Iowa
86 Lache Seastrunk RB 7 Baylor
87 Paul Richardson SE 8 Colorado
88 Jared Abbrederis FL 4 Wisconsin
93 Martavis Bryant SE 9 Clemson
94 Bruce Ellington SL 2 South Carolina
97 A.J. McCarron QB 7 Alabama
99 Cody Latimer SE 10 Indiana
104 Brandon Coleman SE 11 Rutgers
105 Josh Huff SL 3 Oregon
106 Devonta Freeman SB 1 Florida State
108 David Fales QB 8 San Jose State
109 Andre Williams RB 8 Boston College
111 Aaron Murray QB 9 Georgia
113 Logan Thomas QB 10 Virginia Tech
124 Terrance West RB 9 Towson
132 Dri Archer SB 2 Kent State
135 Robert Herron SL 4 Wyoming
138 Brett Smith QB 11 Wyoming
144 De’Anthony Thomas SB 3 Oregon
145 Tom Savage QB 12 Pittsburgh
146 Christian Kirksey OB 5 Iowa
149 Jalen Saunders SL 5 Oklahoma
150 Arthur Lynch TE 6 Georgia
153 Colt Lyerla TE 7 Oregon
154 Kevin Norwood FL 5 Alabama
155 Richard Rodgers TE 8 California
156 Storm Johnson RB 10 UCF
164 Isaiah Crowell RB 11 Alabama State
165 Marion Grice RB 12 Arizona State
169 Tajh Boyd QB 13 Clemson
174 Cody Hoffman SE 12 Brigham Young
175 Devin Street SE 13 Pittsburgh
176 T.J. Jones SL 6 Notre Dame
177 Jeff Janis SE 14 Saginaw Valley
186 Mike Davis SE 15 Texas
187 Shaquelle Evans SE 16 UCLA
188 Xavier Grimble TE 9 Southern California
192 Marcel Jensen TE 10 Fresno State
193 James White RB 13 Wisconsin
196 Crockett Gillmore TE 11 Colorado State
199 Michael Campanaro SL 7 Wake Forest

QB

6 Teddy Bridgewater QB 1 Louisville
14 Johnny Manziel QB 2 Texas A&M
15 Blake Bortles QB 3 UCF
21 Derek Carr QB 4 Fresno State
63 Jimmy Garoppolo QB 5 Eastern Illinois
72 Zach Mettenberger QB 6 LSU
97 A.J. McCarron QB 7 Alabama
108 David Fales QB 8 San Jose State
111 Aaron Murray QB 9 Georgia
113 Logan Thomas QB 10 Virginia Tech
138 Brett Smith QB 11 Wyoming
145 Tom Savage QB 12 Pittsburgh
169 Tajh Boyd QB 13 Clemson


RB

43 Carlos Hyde RB 1 Ohio State
52 Bishop Sankey RB 2 Washington
58 Tre Mason RB 3 Auburn
76 Charles Sims RB 4 West Virginia
79 Ka’Deem Carey RB 5 Arizona
82 Jeremy Hill RB 6 LSU
86 Lache Seastrunk RB 7 Baylor
106 Devonta Freeman SB 1 Florida State
109 Andre Williams RB 8 Boston College
124 Terrance West RB 9 Towson
132 Dri Archer SB 2 Kent State
144 De’Anthony Thomas SB 3 Oregon
156 Storm Johnson RB 10 UCF
164 Isaiah Crowell RB 11 Alabama State
165 Marion Grice RB 12 Arizona State
193 James White RB 13 Wisconsin


WR

5 Sammy Watkins SE 1 Clemson
11 Mike Evans SE 2 Texas A&M
18 Odell Beckham SE 3 LSU
24 Marqise Lee SE 4 Southern California
25 Brandin Cooks SL 1 Oregon State
39 Kelvin Benjamin SE 5 Florida State
40 Allen Robinson FL 1 Penn State
41 Jordan Matthews SE 6 Vanderbilt
44 Davante Adams FL 2 Fresno State
54 Jarvis Landry FL 3 LSU
71 Donte Moncrief SE 7 Ole Miss
87 Paul Richardson SE 8 Colorado
88 Jared Abbrederis FL 4 Wisconsin
93 Martavis Bryant SE 9 Clemson
94 Bruce Ellington SL 2 South Carolina
99 Cody Latimer SE 10 Indiana
104 Brandon Coleman SE 11 Rutgers
105 Josh Huff SL 3 Oregon
135 Robert Herron SL 4 Wyoming
149 Jalen Saunders SL 5 Oklahoma
154 Kevin Norwood FL 5 Alabama
174 Cody Hoffman SE 12 Brigham Young
175 Devin Street SE 13 Pittsburgh
176 T.J. Jones SL 6 Notre Dame
177 Jeff Janis SE 14 Saginaw Valley
186 Mike Davis SE 15 Texas
187 Shaquelle Evans SE 16 UCLA
199 Michael Campanaro SL 7 Wake Forest
TE

8 Eric Ebron TE 1 North Carolina
33 Jace Amaro TE 2 Texas Tech
47 Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE 3 Washington
51 Troy Niklas TE 4 Notre Dame
85 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE 5 Iowa
150 Arthur Lynch TE 6 Georgia
153 Colt Lyerla TE 7 Oregon
155 Richard Rodgers TE 8 California
188 Xavier Grimble TE 9 Southern California
192 Marcel Jensen TE 10 Fresno State
196 Crockett Gillmore TE 11 Colorado State

 

[Donnybrook]

2014 NFL DRAFT: “CONSENSUS” TOP 200 BIG BOARD FROM 34 EXPERTS—”FORECASTERS” VS. “EVALUATORS”

Excellent article and collection of data by Arif here- http://vikingsterritory.com/2014/nfl-draft-2014/2014-nfl-draft-consensus-top-200-big-board-from-34-experts-forecasters-vs-evaluators#more-5954

I hate to say it but I prefer the forecaster's board for many prospects. Yawin Smallwood, for example, I watched some of his tape and I don't get what the evaluators are seeing. I see a big lumbering middle linebacker that usually takes the wrong lane to the ball carrier and misses a lot of tackles. Maybe the forecaster rankings are better because they are using tape as well as pro day results.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I hadn't bothered with Savage up until now since he looked so bad at first glance, but after plugging in all his info all I can say is that someone is having a laugh pimping him to the stenographer corps as a borderline 1st rounder.

 

[Donnybrook]

Derek Carr says teams tell him they’d like to pick him in the 20s

I question why 4-5 teams are tell him this and I question why he is telling John Clayton this.

 

[Biabreakable]

2014 NFL DRAFT: “CONSENSUS” TOP 200 BIG BOARD FROM 34 EXPERTS—”FORECASTERS” VS. “EVALUATORS”

Excellent article and collection of data by Arif here- http://vikingsterritory.com/2014/nfl-draft-2014/2014-nfl-draft-consensus-top-200-big-board-from-34-experts-forecasters-vs-evaluators#more-5954

I hate to say it but I prefer the forecaster's board for many prospects. Yawin Smallwood, for example, I watched some of his tape and I don't get what the evaluators are seeing. I see a big lumbering middle linebacker that usually takes the wrong lane to the ball carrier and misses a lot of tackles. Maybe the forecaster rankings are better because they are using tape as well as pro day results.

I am not sure who is better or worse at this. I do think the forecasters have more inside information than the evaluators do so I would not discount their point of view entirely. There is a lot of misinformation the forecasters may or may not be aware of as well though.

So just on the issue of accuracy it is easier to trust that the evaluators are at least giving their honest opinion about a player. The issue there is just how right or wrong is their opinion? With the forecasters you are not ever sure if they actually believe what they are saying or how accurate the information they are passing along is.

 

[jurb26]

Casserly on HOU pick... Clowney. Also Manziel.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-am/0ap2000000346580/Casserly-I-would-take-Clowney

 

[Faust]

NFL mock draft: Reporters make selectionsSam Farmer

Few people know the 32 NFL teams better than the writers who cover those teams on a day-to-day basis. Those beat writers made the selections for this mock draft, and explained the picks in their words, choosing the players as if Thursday night were to unfold this way:

1. Houston (John McClain, Houston Chronicle) DE Jadeveon Clowney, South Carolina — "The Texans are desperate for a quarterback, but they take Clowney over Johnny Manziel, unless they trade down."

2. St. Louis (Jim Thomas, St. Louis Post-Dispatch) OT Jake Matthews, Texas A&M — "Under this scenario, the Rams have a couple of options: trade down or take an offensive tackle. I don't think they'll take Sammy Watkins. I think they'll take Matthews over Greg Robinson."

3. Jacksonville (Vito Stellino, Florida Times-Union) WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson — "They will consider Watkins and Khalil Mack, and go with Watkins because they need a franchise type receiver and don't know if Justin Blackmon will be returning from his suspension."

4. Cleveland (Tony Grossi, ESPNCleveland.com) QB Johnny Manziel, Texas A&M — "A franchise in need of a transformation tosses up a Hail Mary. Browns may be leaning toward Khalil Mack here, though."

5. Oakland (Steve Corkran, Bay Area News Group) OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo — "The Raiders are trying to rebuild from the lines out, so there will be a major emphasis on their offensive and defensive lines."

6. Atlanta (D. Orlando Ledbetter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution) OT Greg Robinson, Auburn — "The Falcons need to improve their line play, especially at left tackle. Robinson could step in at right tackle immediately."

7. Tampa Bay (Rick Stroud, Tampa Bay Times) WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M — "Evans immediately fills a need for a No. 2 receiver, and he's a Vincent Jackson clone for the future."

8. Minnesota (Chris Tomasson, St. Paul Pioneer Press) ILB C.J. Mosley, Alabama — "After missing on Christian Ponder, the Vikings are gun-shy about taking a quarterback so early. They go linebacker instead."

9. Buffalo (Tim Graham, Buffalo News) TE Eric Ebron, North Carolina — "The Bills are gathering weapons for second-year quarterback EJ Manuel, and while they've gotten some production out of incumbent Scott Chandler, the Bills haven't had a do-it-all tight end since forever."

10. Detroit (David Birkett, Detroit Free Press) CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State — "The Lions need help all over the secondary and Gilbert doubles as a dangerous kick returner."

11. Tennessee (Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean) OLB Anthony Barr, UCLA — "Barr fits the Titans' defense and fills their need for an outside linebacker. Lou Spanos, the team's new linebackers coach, knows him well from his days at UCLA."

12. New York Giants (Ralph Vacchiano, New York Daily News) OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan — "The Giants' offensive line, thanks to years of neglect, was a disaster last season and they know it's past time to stock up on big, young, powerful linemen."

13. St. Louis (Nick Wagoner, ESPN.com) CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State — "The Rams lost Cortland Finnegan and need another corner. Dennard fits the physical, press style of Gregg Williams."

14. Chicago (Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune) DT Aaron Donald, Pittsburgh — "GM Phil Emery has called the under tackle position 'the engine that drives' the Bears' defense. Donald is the best defensive tackle in this draft."

15. Pittsburgh (Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) CB Kyle Fuller, Virginia Tech — "The Steelers start over on defense by addressing a weak spot for them."

16. Dallas (Todd Archer, ESPN.com) OG Zack Martin, Notre Dame — "The Cowboys would like to add to their last-ranked defense, but Martin shores up the offensive line and they can address the defense later."

17. Baltimore (Aaron Wilson, Baltimore Sun) FS Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, Alabama — "The Ravens have needed a natural center fielder ever since the departure of Ed Reed. This allows them to switch Matt Elam to strong safety."

18. New York Jets (Rich Cimini, ESPN.com) WR Odell Beckham Jr., Louisiana State — "The Jets' two biggest needs are wide receiver and cornerback. With the top three corners gone, and LSU's former special-teams coach now with the Jets, Beckham is a good fit."

19. Miami (Omar Kelly, South Florida Sun-Sentinel) QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida — "If you don't get the quarterback right, you'll eventually be fired. Ryan Tannehill has been decent, but isn't worth the $14.6-million fifth-year option in 2015."

20. Arizona (Kent Somers, Arizona Republic) OLB Ryan Shazier, Ohio State — "The Cardinals have used a 3-4 defense since 2007 but have yet to develop an elite outside linebacker. They need an eventual replacement for John Abraham, who turns 36 on Tuesday."

21. Green Bay (Bob McGinn, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) DT Stephon Tuitt, Notre Dame — "The Packers haven't stopped the run well since 2009. Tuitt is the massive, 5-technique they need."

22. Philadelphia (Nick Fierro, Allentown Morning Call) DT Louis Nix, Notre Dame — "Assuming the Eagles stay put, which is highly unlikely [i think they trade down], Nix makes a lot of sense for the middle of their new 3-4 and could benefit immensely from Chip Kelly's cutting-edge conditioning program."

23. Kansas City (Adam Teicher, ESPN.com) FS Calvin Pryor, Louisville — "The Chiefs need to fix the back end of their defense. If Pryor is still on the board, they will take a hard look at him."

24. Cincinnati (Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com) WR Brandin Cooks, Oregon State — "Over the past five years, the Bengals have had among the league's best drafts. They haven't reached, and they've taken the best player available."

25. San Diego (Michael Gehlken, San Diego Union-Tribune) CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State — "This is a good shot for San Diego, which chooses between two top options — Roby and Jason Verrett — at arguably its No. 1 need."

26. Cleveland (Tom Reed, Cleveland Plain Dealer) WR Kelvin Benjamin, Florida State — "The 6-foot-5 Benjamin is a good pairing with Josh Gordon. That would give them a nice big receiving corps and would really help them in the red zone. The concern with Benjamin is his dropped passes."

27. New Orleans (Mike Triplett, ESPN.com) WR Marqise Lee, USC — "The Saints' top need is for a dynamic speed receiver who can stretch the field, and Lee's kickoff-return ability won't hurt, either."

28. Carolina (Joe Person, Charlotte Observer) WR Davante Adams, Fresno State — "As tempting as it is to take a tackle here to find a replacement for Jordan Gross, the Panthers' greater need remains a receiver."

29. New England (Karen Guregian, Boston Herald) DT RaShede Hageman, Minnesota — "If they don't trade the pick, the Patriots will go with the best available defensive lineman, and in this scenario that's Hageman."

30. San Francisco (Matt Barrows, Sacramento Bee) CB Jason Verrett, Texas Christian – "Carlos Rogers had been the 49ers' slot corner for the past three years, so Verrett could step right in and play more than 50% of the snaps as a rookie."

31. Denver (Mike Klis, Denver Post) OLB Kyle Van Noy, Brigham Young — "An outside linebacker in college who could convert to inside, Van Noy could be a fit at middle linebacker. The Broncos addressed everything in free agency but that."

32. Seattle (Bob Condotta, Seattle Times) OG Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA — "The Seahawks lost two of their top six linemen. Su'a-Filo is older than the typical rookie, so he might be able to come in and be less of a project. He could play either guard or tackle."

 

[Soulfly3]

manziel + kelvin benjamin?

literally the worst possible 2 picks for the Browns in rnd1.

Would retire as a fan.

 

[Faust]

Report: Former Miami OT Seantrel Henderson fails drug test

 

[Bojang0301]

Derek Carr says teams tell him they’d like to pick him in the 20s

I question why 4-5 teams are tell him this and I question why he is telling John Clayton this.

Both sides would be pressuring a team to actually take him in the first. Maybe the teams figure we'll tell him this in hopes it leaks and pressure other teams who may want him to grab him then or trade up and he figures well I'll leak this and it will put some pressure on a team that wants me to actually take me earlier than the 20's. It's all a psychological game at this point.

 

[cdubz]

Derek Carr says teams tell him they’d like to pick him in the 20s

I question why 4-5 teams are tell him this and I question why he is telling John Clayton this.

Both sides would be pressuring a team to actually take him in the first. Maybe the teams figure we'll tell him this in hopes it leaks and pressure other teams who may want him to grab him then or trade up and he figures well I'll leak this and it will put some pressure on a team that wants me to actually take me earlier than the 20's. It's all a psychological game at this point.

Yep, all the teams "telling" him that they want him in the 20's actually want nothing to do with him at that price.

 

[Donnybrook]

Derek Carr says teams tell him they’d like to pick him in the 20s

I question why 4-5 teams are tell him this and I question why he is telling John Clayton this.

Both sides would be pressuring a team to actually take him in the first. Maybe the teams figure we'll tell him this in hopes it leaks and pressure other teams who may want him to grab him then or trade up and he figures well I'll leak this and it will put some pressure on a team that wants me to actually take me earlier than the 20's. It's all a psychological game at this point.

Yep, all the teams "telling" him that they want him in the 20's actually want nothing to do with him at that price.

This I can buy.

 

[Faust]

Mock draft 1.0: Manziel out of first round Charley Casserly doesn't have Johnny Manziel as 1st-round pick Mock Draft 6.0: Browns go Manziel over Watkins

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Top 5 picks? QBs are key; someone takes Clowney No. 1

 

[5Rings]

Did anyone see how the McShay/Kiper mock draft went last night?

 

[Faust]

Peter King's MMQB Excerpts:

Ten things, from 1 to 32.

From the top of the first round to the bottom, here’s what I’m hearing:

No. 1, Houston. The buzz about a trade-down or Khalil Mack to Houston instead of Jadeveon Clowney won’t die. The Texans are doing a good job of sending mixed signals to the GM community, that’s for sure. Mack’s in the dark, which is to be expected. I can’t see Atlanta mortgaging the farm on any player, so if the Texans want to trade down, the return likely won’t be a ransom.

Nos. 2 and 13, St. Louis. I sense the Rams like Greg Robinson at two—over Sammy Watkins and Jake Matthews. A St. Louis contingent went to Auburn on Thursday to work out Robinson; no negatives surfaced. More mystery about 13. The Rams really like Johnny Manziel, and if he were there at 13 (which is unlikely), they would consider picking him. His workout for the Rams on Friday in Texas, with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer running the show, was impressive, as was the 80-minute post-workout session in the meeting room with Schottenheimer and coach Jeff Fisher, among others. One other piece of knowledge I got confirmed Sunday: Rams GM Les Snead recently went to Texas Tech and met at length with coach Kliff Kingsbury—Manziel’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at A&M in 2012—and came away thinking Manziel could adjust to life well as an NFL passer. Does that mean the Rams will take Manziel if he’s there at 13? I am still dubious. But I can tell you the Rams like him a lot.

No. 3, Jacksonville. A peer of GM David Caldwell said Sunday he knows a big Jag priority will be to play it safe with this pick. Sammy Watkins or Jake Matthews … quite safe.

No. 8, Minnesota. The Vikings are more inclined than ever to get their quarterback out of a bottlenecked group of passers at No. 40 in the second round. Vikes want a front-seven disruptor—defensive tackle Aaron Donald comes to mind—more than anything else up here.

No. 11, Tennessee. Hadn’t heard quarterback and the Titans in round one until Sunday. Now I hear: corner one, quarterback two.

No. 20, Arizona. We’ve been hearing a lot about quarterback here, and with the unpredictability of the QB market this year, it’s entirely possible the Cards could take a Derek Carr. On the other hand, Arizona’s not far away from competing in the NFC West, and is the best use of their draft currency to take a quarterback they’ll likely redshirt this year behind Carson Palmer?

No. 22, Philadelphia. Keep hearing they want in on the prime receiver action, and the receiver they want could be LSU’s Odell Beckham, who can play outside, inside in the slot and as a returner. But the Eagles would have to trade up, and GM Howie Roseman is doing his due diligence, talking to at least two teams in the mid-round neighborhood, when Beckham would likely go. But the cost could be too rich for the Eagles’ blood. They may have to settle for Marqise Lee, who would be some consolation prize.

No. 24, Cincinnati. Bengals like Teddy Bridgewater. They couldn’t. Could they? Well, if you’re Cincinnati, and you’re seriously thinking about making Andy Dalton the center of the franchise and paying him $17 million a year, you might be asking the question about whether Dalton’s worth it.

No. 26, Cleveland. Time to get a quarterback, right? Not so fast. GM Ray Farmer has asked at least one team low in the round about trading back into the first round from Cleveland’s second-round slot. That leads me to think Cleveland wants to get ahead of Houston, another obvious quarterback hotspot, and get a passer with a third first-round pick. That leads me to …

No. 32, Seattle. Think about the advantages of picking, saying, 35th instead of 32nd if you’re the Seahawks. Every dime is going to count going forward because of pricey vets like Russell Wilson and Richard Sherman who must be re-signed. Last year, the difference between the 32nd pick (safety Matt Elam) and 35th pick (tight end Zach Ertz) was $350,000 per year. Not a huge sum, but when you add a $1.4 million total difference between 32 and 35 to the fact that the Seahawks might be able to get a low-fourth-round pick for moving down three slots—and you remember how good Seattle’s been in the later rounds of drafts—you start to think John Schneider has to be thinking about this too. That’s if Cleveland would do a deal low in round one. But it’s intriguing. All Seattle would lose is the ability to add a fifth-year option by keeping its first-round pick. I think the advantages of saving $1.4 million and adding a mid-round prospect outweigh the edge of the fifth-year option.

Four men look into the crystal ball.

I asked Mike Mayock, Todd McShay, Mel Kiper and Gil Brandt, “When round one is over Thursday night, tell me a story line or two that will surprise people.”

Mayock: “I’m going to give you this one: [Nebraska cornerback] Stanley John-Baptiste slips into the first round. He’s what today’s NFL is all about. He’s too long [6-3 and 213] and moves too well for this not to happen.”

Kiper: “If I predict something that would shock me now, then it probably won’t be too shocking when it happens. But there could be as many as eight wide receivers in the first round—and no running backs. Although if this was 1988, [Ohio State running back] Carlos Hyde would have a top-15 grade. The real shock would be no quarterbacks going before 16, but I really don’t think that’ll happen.’’

McShay: “I’ve got [Ohio State linebacker] Ryan Shazier going ahead of [more noted Alabama linebacker] C.J. Mosley. I just updated my mock draft today. I’ve got Shazier going to Arizona at 20, Mosley to Green Bay at 21. Shazier is lean, but he can fly.’’

Brandt: “I don’t think Teddy Bridgewater falls to the second round. I think Johnny Manziel will go in the top five, but not number one. And I think Khalil Mack gets picked ahead of Jadeveon Clowney.”

Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin is this week’s Hottest Guy in the Draft.

Mayock surprised me the other day by saying he thought Martin will come off the board “between nine and 13 … He’s too good. He’s too safe. He’s about as safe a player as there is in this draft.” Mayock told me Sunday he saw a Notre Dame practice last summer in which Martin had to be shifted from his usual spot, left tackle, to guard because of an injury, and when he watched the tape of the practice, “It looked like he’d been playing guard for years.’’ I know one team in the top 10 seriously considering him.

 

[Faust]

Dropping back

 

[Faust]

Four smokescreens we aren't buying before the draft

 

[Faust]

Jadeveon Clowney not only defensive end criticized by scouts

 

[Faust]

Brandin Cooks, Odell Beckham could be targets for 49ers, Jets

 

[Faust]

The MMQB Mock Draft: Who Teams Will Select

The MMQB Mock Draft: Who Teams Should Select

 

[Faust]

Mock draft 6.0: Matthews falls to Giants Davis mock: Johnny Manziel will go fourth, to Cleveland Browns

 

[Faust]

ESPN and NFL Network vow their reporters will not reveal NFL draft picks on Twitter

Other "Draft Insiders" still intend to reveal picks on Twitter before they are announced:

ESPN, NFL Network agree not to spoil suspense of draft on Twitter

Ryan Wilson

If you like a little suspense with your NFL Draft viewing experience, then stay off Twitter Thursday. Both ESPN and NFL Network, which will televise the league's biggest offseason spectacle, have again agreed to not tip the picks before commissioner Roger Goodell makes it official, reports SI.com's Richard Deitsch.

"Our staff [and] ESPN's staff that is in the know will not be announcing picks," NFL Network executive producer Eric Weinberger told Deitsch. "As we all now, these guys can get each pick because the teams for years call the player they will pick before they pick them and that player, his family and his agent know he is getting picked. But in Round 1 and even in 2 and 3, [we] will not tip the pick.

"We want that drama so when Commissioner Goodell announces the pick, that is the first time the world hears where the player is going. I would also discourage non-ESPN and NFL Network 'insiders' from tipping picks but I can't police them."

Discouragement noted, but the reality is that not tipping picks creates an opportunty for others in the know -- like CBS NFL Insider Jason La Canfora -- to do just that. The reason: Just like last year, there's no good reason not to.

“We're not a broadcast partner for the draft,” La Canfora told Ed Sherman before the 2013 NFL Draft. “I will be trying to get the information out as quickly and accurately as possible. What event is made more for Twitter than the NFL draft? If the teams have the information; if the guys in the production truck have the information; if the commissioner has the information; why wouldn't passionate football fans want it as well? ...

“It's very rare to have a job like this and you're charged with stifling information. It goes against every instinct.”

So, to reiterate: If you don't want to know who teams are picking, or what moves they might make up and down the draft board before Goodell announces it to the world, please, for the love of all that's holy, stay off Twitter.

 

[Soulfly3]

The MMQB Mock Draft: Who Teams Will Select

The MMQB Mock Draft: Who Teams Should Select

Best mock Ive seen

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

The MMQB Mock Draft: Who Teams Will Select

The MMQB Mock Draft: Who Teams Should Select

Best mock Ive seen

I could see Caldwell and Dimitroff working out a trade in this scenario. I definitely don't see the Jags passing on Clowney if he's there.

 

[Faust]

NFL Draft: Examining which teams trade the most in the first round

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Could Jags, Browns owners make play to execs for Manziel?

 

[Faust]

The Most Botched NFL Draft Pick Ever

 

[Faust]

2014 NFL Draft: Burning questions for first round -- and beyond

 

[Grahamburn]

The Most Botched NFL Draft Pick Ever

That bummed this Buc fan out. Thanks...

 

[msommer]

Mock draft 6.0: Matthews falls to Giants

That just ain't gonna happen unless the Titans trade out of #11

 

[Faust]

Jeremiah: Auburn's Greg Robinson can be Hall of Famer

 

[Faust]

New York Jets keeping in regular contact with draft's top QBs

 

[matuski]

Mock draft 6.0: Matthews falls to Giants

That just ain't gonna happen unless the Titans trade out of #11

You don't get links and readers by just making sense.

 

[Faust]

Johnny Manziel among seven 'boom-or-bust' prospects

 

[Faust]

Rumors fly that Bucs are trying to move up to No. 2Posted by Mike Florio on May 6, 2014, 5:45 PM EDT

There aren’t all that many juicy rumors flying as the draft approaches. But here’s a good one.

There’s chatter in league circles that the Buccaneers could end up being the team that moves up to No. 2 from No. 7.

It’s unclear what it would take to make the leap by five spots. It’s also unclear who/whom/whatever the Bucs would target with the second pick.

After the trade of receiver Mike Williams and the age (31) of Vincent Jackson, the Bucs could use a receiver like Sammy Watkins. But then there’s Johnny Manziel, who with a stout Lovie Smith defense would be fascinating in Tampa.

 

[Faust]

Veterans who could lose their jobs to rookies: Offense

 

[Faust]

Video Link:

Scout's Notebook: How To Evaluate Quarterbacks

 

[Faust]

Jay GlazerVerified account ‏@JayGlazer

Not at 4>"@FoxSportsRadio: "The @Browns will not draft JohnnyManziel." @JayGlazer Listen to the full interview here: http://www.foxsportsradio.com/articles/jt-the-brick-399356/jay-glazer-previews-the-upcoming-nfl-12325111/ …"

Jay Glazer ‏@JayGlazer

Browns won't be drafting Manziel at #4. I know it's been out there a ton that they will but no that's not how they have it

 

[Donnybrook]

Johnny getting usurped by his own teammate. Gotta love it.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

On 97.5 the fanatic, ESPN's Sal Paolantonio reports the Eagles are trying to move into the top 10 in hopes of landing Clemson WR Sammy Watkins or Texas A & M WR Mike Evans.
"How much are they willing to give up to go up there, and who is a possible dance partner? They would have to basically break the bank," Paolantonio said. "There is no question you would have to give up next year's No. 1 to do it. No. 22 this year, No. 1 next year, and maybe a third-round pick this year and next year (to get a deal done)." It would be a gutsy move and a king's ransom, if the Eagles brass plan to give up those kind of picks to move up. After releasing Desean Jackson, the Eagles passing attack has to replace 25 percent of last year's passing attack.

Source: 975thefanatic.com