2014 NFL Draft thread (3 Viewers)

[Faust]

Evan Silva ‏@evansilva

Sammy Watkins has a lot of suddenness to him. Explosive shake after catch & can even deliver blows. I also think he can handle big volume.

Evan Silva ‏@evansilva

But NFL is increasingly man-coverage league. Defensive backs are in the wide receiver's hip pocket. WR has to 'win' in contested scenarios.

Evan Silva ‏@evansilva

So whose chances do you like of 'winning' in those scenarios? The 6'5/231 guy with 35 1/8" arms? Or the RAC guy who's 6'1/211 with 32" arms?

Evan Silva ‏@evansilva

And there's not even a question which WR was more fun to watch in CFB. Watkins by far. But I think Evans will be the better WR *in the NFL.*

 

[monk]

Feels like Christmas Eve ... I wish the draft was at like 4 am

 

[werdnoynek]

Bob McGinn Mock - http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/bob-mcginns-first-round-nfl-mock-draft-b99264770z1-258398211.html

1. HOUSTON TEXANS: Jadeveon Clowney, OLB, South Carolina

Clowney played DE but would generally stand up as an OLB in the Texans' 3-4 defense. Secured 14 of 21 votes as draft's best player in Journal Sentinel poll of 21 national-oriented personnel people.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS-a: Jake Matthews, T, Texas A&M

Matthews isn't as highly regarded as Greg Robinson. However, he should be more ready to play, and coach Jeff Fisher coached his father, Bruce, for nine years in Tennessee.

3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Beginning to look as if troubled WR Justin Blackmon might not play at all in 2015 because of NFL suspension. Cecil Shorts is Jaguars' only WR of note. GM David Caldwell might trade up late into first round for QB.

4. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Browns think more of QB Brian Hoyer than most. New GM Ray Farmer opens with Evans, who should be an effective counterpoint to WR Josh Gordon.

5. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo

Third-year GM Reggie McKenzie, under considerable pressure from owner Mark Davis, resists taking a quarterback in favor of the second-best defensive player in the draft. Mack can help the Raiders win now.

6. ATLANTA FALCONS: Greg Robinson, T, Auburn

The Falcons are trying to become more physical on both sides of the ball. Robinson is one of the more dominating collegiate run blockers in years.

7. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

Coach Lovie Smith has the power in Tampa and uses it to take the best three-technique DT in the draft. Donald could be better than Tommie Harris was for Smith in Chicago.

8. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Vikings try again at the most vital position with Bridgewater, probably the most ready to go quarterback on the list. Playing next two seasons outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium worked against taking Johnny Manziel.

9. BUFFALO BILLS: Taylor Lewan, T, Michigan

GM Doug Whaley considers Eric Ebron and Zack Martin before opting for Lewan, who would start immediately at RT and give Buffalo a formidable line.

10. DETROIT LIONS: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

The Lions have been thin at CB for more than a decade. The current depth chart lists Chris Houston, Rashean Mathis, Darius Slay and Bill Bentley. Help is on the way.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

The Titans need new-look defensive players to fill out their transition from 4-3 to 3-4 under new D-coordinator Ray Horton. Barr, the pass rusher, gets the nod over a QB or ILB.

12. NEW YORK GIANTS: Zack Martin, T-G, Notre Dame

Injuries and disappointing performances have left the Giants' once-proud O-line in disarray. Drafting RT Justin Pugh in Round 1 a year ago helped. Martin will help even more.

13. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Some teams might want Manziel more than the Rams. But as a dome team with a quarterback, Sam Bradford, wearing out his welcome, selecting Manziel makes a lot of sense.

14. SAN FRANCISCO (from Chicago): Odell Beckham, WR, Louisiana State

Projected trade in which the 49ers, with six of the top 100 picks, deal several to the Bears after Aaron Donald, the Bears' obvious target, was taken early. 49ers GM Trent Baalke wants Beckham, possibly the best deep threat in the draft, to augment Anquan Boldin. Michael Crabtree will be entering the final year of his contract.

15. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

CB Ike Taylor is 34. Others on the cornerback depth chart are William Gay, Cortez Allen and Brice McCain. It's a position of dire need.

16. DALLAS COWBOYS: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

The Cowboys were beyond hopeless on defense in 2013. They need a massive influx of talent, and Shazier has more of it (plus a better record of durability) than C.J. Mosley.

17. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

The Ravens already added veteran Owen Daniels to pair with Dennis Pitta at tight end. Now they take Ebron to flex all over the formation and ease the pressure on Torrey Smith outside.

18. NEW YORK JETS: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

The Jets signed WR Eric Decker from Denver but he's not a real No. 1. Diminutive Jeremy Kerley led the Jets in receiving yards with a scant 523 last year, and the return game was below average. Cooks can help there, too.

19. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Ja'Wuan James, T, Tennessee

Desperate? You talk about desperate...new GM Dennis Hickey has Lions retread Jason Fox No. 1 at RT. James gets the nod over Alabama T Cyrus Kouandjio, who is off multiple team draft boards (knee).

20. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

GM Steve Keim could use a safety, an outside linebacker and an interior defensive lineman. When Carson Palmer (34) and Drew Stanton are at quarterback, taking Bortles and allowing him to watch for a year or two makes too much sense.

21. GREEN BAY PACKERS: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

The Packers need a safety but can't pass on Mosley, who would make it this far only if teams have reservations about his injury history. GM Ted Thompson seeks a safety (does he trade up?) a bit later.

22. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California

One of the capable cornerbacks might fall here. Instead, coach Chip Kelly and GM Howie Roseman draft someone they hope can replace DeSean Jackson.

23. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

WR Dwayne Bowe enters his eighth season and Donnie Avery is a marginal No. 2. Matthews provides the senior steadiness and size that should play well at Arrowhead.

24. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

The Bengals entertain SS Calvin Pryor but opt for Fuller at cornerback. Leon Hall is coming off his second Achilles injury, backups Terence Newman and Pacman Jones are aging, and Dre Kirkpatrick is lingering near the bust line.

25. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Jason Verrett, CB, Texas Christian

The Chargers also are looking for defensive line reinforcement. They can get that later. After the first five cornerbacks go, it's basically a graveyard at cornerback.

26. CLEVELAND BROWNS-b: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

Carr might go top 10. Carr might go second round. As the wild card, Carr's odyssey ends with a call from Farmer to compete with Hoyer.

27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

The Saints would like a stretch-the-field receiver. With no one of that ilk short of Indiana's Cody Latimer remaining, Roby arrives with talent and problems.

28. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Joel Bitonio, T, Nevada

The Panthers dispatched coach Ron Rivera for a personal interview with Bitonio last month. With LT Jordan Gross having retired, the Panthers' depth chart shows third-year free agent Nate Chandler listed No. 1. Help!

29. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

The Patriots have no voids in their lineup. Bill Belichick has been grab-bagging too long in the back end.

30. CHICAGO BEARS (from San Francisco): Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

Projected trade finds GM Phil Emery acquiring a player he probably would have entertained at No. 14. The Bears' last top-notch safety was Mike Brown.

31. DENVER BRONCOS: Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State

You can never have enough pass rushers. That's what Lawrence does, either from a two- or three-point stance.

32. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Coach Pete Carroll loves to get after the quarterback. He also has gambled many times in the past on players with character flaws.

a – From Washington in March 9, 2012, trade of draft choices in which the Redskins selected QB Robert Griffin III; b – From Indianapolis in Sept, 18, 2013, trade for RB Trent Richardson.

 

[werdnoynek]

4 QB's in the first for McGinn... he's usually one of the better mocker's out there.

Going against the grain there for sure.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Jesus...Gordon/Evans/Cameron would be ridiculous for whatever QB they'd take at 26. That's how you set up your rookie QB to succeed.

 

[Faust]

Denver Broncos have talked trading up in first round

 

[Faust]

Report: Dolphins GM wants to move out of No. 19 spot

 

[Donnybrook]

P. Schrager ‏@PSchrags

Some late night Draft Day nuggets after a day spent on the phone... 5 of them..

1. Giants are liking Odell Beckham more and more. Could be the guy at 12.

2. Feeling around the league is that Bridgewater will go somewhere in the 20's tomorrow.

3. Mike Evans is way up there on boards, too. Could go higher than expected tomorrow.

4. Ravens could be in play for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix if he falls to 17...which could happen.

5. Jets will look wideout, but if it's slim pickings after top 3 are off board, they also like DBs Fuller and Verrett.

 

[slackjawedyokel]

I'd like to see Green Bay grab a defensive player. Someone, anyone who can stay healthy and produce. Tuitt, Shazier, or Clinton-Dix would be great.

Exactly. Need to focus on D. TE is the buzz, but not the true need. Rodgers does not need that as much as a suitable D. Also Oline but that's another story.

 

[Faust]

Raiders may have Evans ahead of Watkins

 

[CentralPA]

Report: Texans want 3 1st rounder, 2nd rounder for No. 1 overall pick

 

[Bigboy10182000]

Might as well pin this bad boy!

 

[Gustavo Fring]

Bob McGinn Mock - http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/bob-mcginns-first-round-nfl-mock-draft-b99264770z1-258398211.html

1. HOUSTON TEXANS: Jadeveon Clowney, OLB, South Carolina

Clowney played DE but would generally stand up as an OLB in the Texans' 3-4 defense. Secured 14 of 21 votes as draft's best player in Journal Sentinel poll of 21 national-oriented personnel people.

2. ST. LOUIS RAMS-a: Jake Matthews, T, Texas A&M

Matthews isn't as highly regarded as Greg Robinson. However, he should be more ready to play, and coach Jeff Fisher coached his father, Bruce, for nine years in Tennessee.

3. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Beginning to look as if troubled WR Justin Blackmon might not play at all in 2015 because of NFL suspension. Cecil Shorts is Jaguars' only WR of note. GM David Caldwell might trade up late into first round for QB.

4. CLEVELAND BROWNS: Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

Browns think more of QB Brian Hoyer than most. New GM Ray Farmer opens with Evans, who should be an effective counterpoint to WR Josh Gordon.

5. OAKLAND RAIDERS: Khalil Mack, LB, Buffalo

Third-year GM Reggie McKenzie, under considerable pressure from owner Mark Davis, resists taking a quarterback in favor of the second-best defensive player in the draft. Mack can help the Raiders win now.

6. ATLANTA FALCONS: Greg Robinson, T, Auburn

The Falcons are trying to become more physical on both sides of the ball. Robinson is one of the more dominating collegiate run blockers in years.

7. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS: Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

Coach Lovie Smith has the power in Tampa and uses it to take the best three-technique DT in the draft. Donald could be better than Tommie Harris was for Smith in Chicago.

8. MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Vikings try again at the most vital position with Bridgewater, probably the most ready to go quarterback on the list. Playing next two seasons outdoors at TCF Bank Stadium worked against taking Johnny Manziel.

9. BUFFALO BILLS: Taylor Lewan, T, Michigan

GM Doug Whaley considers Eric Ebron and Zack Martin before opting for Lewan, who would start immediately at RT and give Buffalo a formidable line.

10. DETROIT LIONS: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State

The Lions have been thin at CB for more than a decade. The current depth chart lists Chris Houston, Rashean Mathis, Darius Slay and Bill Bentley. Help is on the way.

11. TENNESSEE TITANS: Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA

The Titans need new-look defensive players to fill out their transition from 4-3 to 3-4 under new D-coordinator Ray Horton. Barr, the pass rusher, gets the nod over a QB or ILB.

12. NEW YORK GIANTS: Zack Martin, T-G, Notre Dame

Injuries and disappointing performances have left the Giants' once-proud O-line in disarray. Drafting RT Justin Pugh in Round 1 a year ago helped. Martin will help even more.

13. ST. LOUIS RAMS: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Some teams might want Manziel more than the Rams. But as a dome team with a quarterback, Sam Bradford, wearing out his welcome, selecting Manziel makes a lot of sense.

14. SAN FRANCISCO (from Chicago): Odell Beckham, WR, Louisiana State

Projected trade in which the 49ers, with six of the top 100 picks, deal several to the Bears after Aaron Donald, the Bears' obvious target, was taken early. 49ers GM Trent Baalke wants Beckham, possibly the best deep threat in the draft, to augment Anquan Boldin. Michael Crabtree will be entering the final year of his contract.

15. PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

CB Ike Taylor is 34. Others on the cornerback depth chart are William Gay, Cortez Allen and Brice McCain. It's a position of dire need.

16. DALLAS COWBOYS: Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State

The Cowboys were beyond hopeless on defense in 2013. They need a massive influx of talent, and Shazier has more of it (plus a better record of durability) than C.J. Mosley.

17. BALTIMORE RAVENS: Eric Ebron, TE, North Carolina

The Ravens already added veteran Owen Daniels to pair with Dennis Pitta at tight end. Now they take Ebron to flex all over the formation and ease the pressure on Torrey Smith outside.

18. NEW YORK JETS: Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State

The Jets signed WR Eric Decker from Denver but he's not a real No. 1. Diminutive Jeremy Kerley led the Jets in receiving yards with a scant 523 last year, and the return game was below average. Cooks can help there, too.

19. MIAMI DOLPHINS: Ja'Wuan James, T, Tennessee

Desperate? You talk about desperate...new GM Dennis Hickey has Lions retread Jason Fox No. 1 at RT. James gets the nod over Alabama T Cyrus Kouandjio, who is off multiple team draft boards (knee).

20. ARIZONA CARDINALS: Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida

GM Steve Keim could use a safety, an outside linebacker and an interior defensive lineman. When Carson Palmer (34) and Drew Stanton are at quarterback, taking Bortles and allowing him to watch for a year or two makes too much sense.

21. GREEN BAY PACKERS: C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama

The Packers need a safety but can't pass on Mosley, who would make it this far only if teams have reservations about his injury history. GM Ted Thompson seeks a safety (does he trade up?) a bit later.

22. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Marqise Lee, WR, Southern California

One of the capable cornerbacks might fall here. Instead, coach Chip Kelly and GM Howie Roseman draft someone they hope can replace DeSean Jackson.

23. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt

WR Dwayne Bowe enters his eighth season and Donnie Avery is a marginal No. 2. Matthews provides the senior steadiness and size that should play well at Arrowhead.

24. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech

The Bengals entertain SS Calvin Pryor but opt for Fuller at cornerback. Leon Hall is coming off his second Achilles injury, backups Terence Newman and Pacman Jones are aging, and Dre Kirkpatrick is lingering near the bust line.

25. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Jason Verrett, CB, Texas Christian

The Chargers also are looking for defensive line reinforcement. They can get that later. After the first five cornerbacks go, it's basically a graveyard at cornerback.

26. CLEVELAND BROWNS-b: Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

Carr might go top 10. Carr might go second round. As the wild card, Carr's odyssey ends with a call from Farmer to compete with Hoyer.

27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

The Saints would like a stretch-the-field receiver. With no one of that ilk short of Indiana's Cody Latimer remaining, Roby arrives with talent and problems.

28. CAROLINA PANTHERS: Joel Bitonio, T, Nevada

The Panthers dispatched coach Ron Rivera for a personal interview with Bitonio last month. With LT Jordan Gross having retired, the Panthers' depth chart shows third-year free agent Nate Chandler listed No. 1. Help!

29. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: Calvin Pryor, S, Louisville

The Patriots have no voids in their lineup. Bill Belichick has been grab-bagging too long in the back end.

30. CHICAGO BEARS (from San Francisco): Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, S, Alabama

Projected trade finds GM Phil Emery acquiring a player he probably would have entertained at No. 14. The Bears' last top-notch safety was Mike Brown.

31. DENVER BRONCOS: Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State

You can never have enough pass rushers. That's what Lawrence does, either from a two- or three-point stance.

32. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Ra'Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota

Coach Pete Carroll loves to get after the quarterback. He also has gambled many times in the past on players with character flaws.

a – From Washington in March 9, 2012, trade of draft choices in which the Redskins selected QB Robert Griffin III; b – From Indianapolis in Sept, 18, 2013, trade for RB Trent Richardson.

What is this guy thinking, no way Haha or Pryor fall that low. Bears would take Jimmy Ward or best CB/DT in that position.

 

[Faust]

I Think … It’s Draft Day!

Peter King

Still dubious about a big trade at the top of the draft. Trades will happen; they always do. But at the top of the draft? Too much to give away for risky players who aren’t quarterbacks.

So here are 10 Draft Things I Think I Think, hours before we finally kick off this sucker:

1. I think if Houston wants to trade the No. 1 pick—and there is mounting evidence the Texans really do want to deal—the chances are very slim … unless the Texans don’t try to do a ransom deal. Let’s say you’re Oakland, and you’re dying for Jadeveon Clowney. Houston will want at least Oakland’s 2014 and 2015 first-round picks. Going down from one to six (Atlanta) or Minnesota (eight) would require at the very least this year’s second-round pick to make the deal happen. Why, if you’re sitting there knowing you can get a prime player at a position of need, do you deal for a player who might be number one on your board but is not a mortal lock? Houston’s problem is there are a lot of very good players there to choose—but not the kind of faultless franchise player there was a couple of years ago when Andrew Luck went first overall.

2. I think, when the dust settles, Houston, with some regret, will probably take Clowney. Regret because the Texans wish they could move down and take Khalil Mack and get a pick or two as a broker’s fee.

3. I think you can take it to the bank that Khalil Mack will not get past the Oakland Raiders.

4. I think, if somehow Clowney doesn’t go number one, you should not eliminate him from the Rams at No. 2. I don’t just think that; I know it. Not saying the Rams will pick Clowney if he doesn’t go No. 1. But the Rams love him, aren’t concerned about his lousy production in 2013 at South Carolina, and, though I know they would prefer a standout tackle, Clowney versus Greg Robinson would be a serious discussion in the draft room. And has been.

5. I think I cannot find a spot for Johnny Manziel in the top half of the draft if Tampa Bay passes on him. Not sure if that says more about the wimpiness of the teams in the top third of the draft or more about NFL decision-makers coming to their senses with so much on the line by picking the lightning rod that is Manziel. And I do not think his landing spot is Dallas, with all due respect to Mike Mayock.

6. I think one of the big spots in this draft is No. 19. The Dolphins don’t have a tackle at 19 they love, and at No. 20 sits Derek Carr-smitten Arizona. Teams behind Arizona know they have to move up to at least No. 19 if they want a shot at Carr. I am sure new Miami GM Dennis Hickey is getting some calls about the pick, and if I were him, I’d sell.

7. I think there’s a team with a very good veteran quarterback in his 30s that loves Blake Bortles. Just loves him. And if Bortles somehow falls into the twenties, this team is going to try to trade for a pick to get him.

8. I think I will be very surprised if the Niners, with six picks in the top 100, don’t make a big move, a Falcons/Julio Jones-type move, by the middle of the first round tonight.

9. I think, speaking of Atlanta, my gut feeling after talking to two agents with top-10 picks Wednesday night is the Falcons will not sell the farm for anyone at the top of the draft, and will go left tackle at No. 6.

10. I think this could well be the first draft in awhile with no trades in the top five. There’s just too much disagreement on the value of the picks—and no quarterback that stokes the fire of GMs with itchy trigger fingers for solving the quarterback problem.

 

[monk]

P. Schrager ‏@PSchrags

Some late night Draft Day nuggets after a day spent on the phone... 5 of them..

1. Giants are liking Odell Beckham more and more. Could be the guy at 12.

2. Feeling around the league is that Bridgewater will go somewhere in the 20's tomorrow.

3. Mike Evans is way up there on boards, too. Could go higher than expected tomorrow.

4. Ravens could be in play for Ha Ha Clinton-Dix if he falls to 17...which could happen.

5. Jets will look wideout, but if it's slim pickings after top 3 are off board, they also like DBs Fuller and Verrett.

As a Giant fan I would be beyond disappointed to get the 3rd rated WR with the 12th pick in the draft. This never even crossed my mind

 

[CentralPA]

My sources tell me OAK wants Mack or Watkins at #5. If neither are there, I expect them to trade down. -Dodds

 

[GroveDiesel]

Report: Texans want 3 1st rounder, 2nd rounder for No. 1 overall pick

Then they're going to have to use the #1 pick themselves. There's no chance that they're getting that kind of ransom.

 

[GroveDiesel]

The hot rumor today for Buffalo is that they love Odell Beckham and would have a hard time choosing between Beckham and Ebron if both Watkins and Matthews were off the board already. And if they take a WR, Steve Johnson will be on the trade block.

Joe Buscaglia (WGR550 Bills beat reporter) is one of the generators of this rumor and he nailed the Manuel pick last year based on what he was hearing.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

My sources tell me the Falcons want Clowney. If he's not there they are expected to pick a different player

 

[cstu]

Report: Texans want 3 1st rounder, 2nd rounder for No. 1 overall pick

Then they're going to have to use the #1 pick themselves. There's no chance that they're getting that kind of ransom.

Love that they want a 2nd as well. They'd jump at 3 1st's for the 1.1.

 

[Sweetness_34]

The hot rumor today for Buffalo is that they love Odell Beckham and would have a hard time choosing between Beckham and Ebron if both Watkins and Matthews were off the board already. And if they take a WR, Steve Johnson will be on the trade block.

Joe Buscaglia (WGR550 Bills beat reporter) is one of the generators of this rumor and he nailed the Manuel pick last year based on what he was hearing.

This is what I never understand. This is why some teams never win.....you do not trade Stevie Johnson ... you have both on your team so you can be a top notch O. There are lots of ways to maneuver the cap to fit multiple great players on a team.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The hot rumor today for Buffalo is that they love Odell Beckham and would have a hard time choosing between Beckham and Ebron if both Watkins and Matthews were off the board already. And if they take a WR, Steve Johnson will be on the trade block.

Joe Buscaglia (WGR550 Bills beat reporter) is one of the generators of this rumor and he nailed the Manuel pick last year based on what he was hearing.

This is what I never understand. This is why some teams never win.....you do not trade Stevie Johnson ... you have both on your team so you can be a top notch O. There are lots of ways to maneuver the cap to fit multiple great players on a team.

Stevie Johnson makes it a top notch O?

 

[Faust]

San Francisco 49ers among teams in position to control draft

 

[Sweetness_34]

The hot rumor today for Buffalo is that they love Odell Beckham and would have a hard time choosing between Beckham and Ebron if both Watkins and Matthews were off the board already. And if they take a WR, Steve Johnson will be on the trade block.

Joe Buscaglia (WGR550 Bills beat reporter) is one of the generators of this rumor and he nailed the Manuel pick last year based on what he was hearing.

This is what I never understand. This is why some teams never win.....you do not trade Stevie Johnson ... you have both on your team so you can be a top notch O. There are lots of ways to maneuver the cap to fit multiple great players on a team.

Stevie Johnson makes it a top notch O?

As a #2 WR, it is not a bad option given your QB is average at best

 

[Bob Magaw]

Players that seem to be moving up.

OBJ

Donald, Shazier and Fuller

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The hot rumor today for Buffalo is that they love Odell Beckham and would have a hard time choosing between Beckham and Ebron if both Watkins and Matthews were off the board already. And if they take a WR, Steve Johnson will be on the trade block.

Joe Buscaglia (WGR550 Bills beat reporter) is one of the generators of this rumor and he nailed the Manuel pick last year based on what he was hearing.

This is what I never understand. This is why some teams never win.....you do not trade Stevie Johnson ... you have both on your team so you can be a top notch O. There are lots of ways to maneuver the cap to fit multiple great players on a team.

Stevie Johnson makes it a top notch O?

As a #2 WR, it is not a bad option given your QB is average at best

He's expensive and lazy. And in year 2, Robert Woods has a chance to be as good if not better. It wouldn't be a terrible thing for the Bills to be rid of Johnson.

 

[Faust]

Carlos Hyde, other prospects who could shake up Round 1 of the 2014 NFL draft

 

[Faust]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter

Houston is now locked in on its player and is not expecting a trade, per sources. Texans happy to sit at 1 and take player it wants.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter

Houston is now locked in on its player and is not expecting a trade, per sources. Texans happy to sit at 1 and take player it wants.

And by leaking this they are clearly making one last desperate play to raise the price of the #1 pick

-QG

 

[Soulfly3]

Could never see anyone ponying what HOU would want. ATL will wait and move up to 2 or 4 most likely

 

[QuizGuy66]

Could never see anyone ponying what HOU would want. ATL will wait and move up to 2 or 4 most likely

There's what they "want" and what they'll actually take. Fun as always when we find out for real

-QG

 

[GroveDiesel]

The hot rumor today for Buffalo is that they love Odell Beckham and would have a hard time choosing between Beckham and Ebron if both Watkins and Matthews were off the board already. And if they take a WR, Steve Johnson will be on the trade block.

Joe Buscaglia (WGR550 Bills beat reporter) is one of the generators of this rumor and he nailed the Manuel pick last year based on what he was hearing.

This is what I never understand. This is why some teams never win.....you do not trade Stevie Johnson ... you have both on your team so you can be a top notch O. There are lots of ways to maneuver the cap to fit multiple great players on a team.

Between Johnson, Woods, Goodwin and Mike Williams, plus a receiver they would draft, that's more than enough. With Johnson's injuries, inconsistent play, contract and constantly coming up small in big situations, the Bills would have no problem moving on from Stevie.

My problem with Beckham is that he would be too similar to Woods, Goodwin and Williams. He is probably faster than Woods and more polished than Goodwin, but the Bills need a big receiver that can fight for balls. Ebron or Evans would be my preference.

Watkins would be similarly sized to what they have too, but he's dynamic enough that I'd be OK with it. Beckham isn't nearly as dynamic as Watkins and doesn't win the ball as well as Watkins either.

 

[Soulfly3]

Not an ATL fan by any means, but really wouldnt be a fan of Dimitroff thinking he's the cat's ### and blowing ATL's future for a nonQB

he's so damn smug tho, he probably would

 

[QuizGuy66]

Not an ATL fan by any means, but really wouldnt be a fan of Dimitroff thinking he's the cat's ### and blowing ATL's future for a nonQB

he's so damn smug tho, he probably would

The guys running STL and JAX both used to work for him. Conceivable the price to move up may not be quite as extortionary as it otherwise could be.

-QG

 

[werdnoynek]

Not an ATL fan by any means, but really wouldnt be a fan of Dimitroff thinking he's the cat's ### and blowing ATL's future for a nonQB

he's so damn smug tho, he probably would

The guys running STL and JAX both used to work for him. Conceivable the price to move up may not be quite as extortionary as it otherwise could be.

-QG

Good point. Past relationships or even past dealings seem to have an impact this time of year.

 

[Soulfly3]

Not an ATL fan by any means, but really wouldnt be a fan of Dimitroff thinking he's the cat's ### and blowing ATL's future for a nonQB

he's so damn smug tho, he probably would

The guys running STL and JAX both used to work for him. Conceivable the price to move up may not be quite as extortionary as it otherwise could be.

-QG

Good point. Past relationships or even past dealings seem to have an impact this time of year.

Yep.

That's why I always saw ATL moving up to #2... not so much #3, think the Jags stay put...

but #4 w my Browns I see happening as well if their guy is there (which I think would be Robinson)... tho many think Mack

 

[werdnoynek]

Not an ATL fan by any means, but really wouldnt be a fan of Dimitroff thinking he's the cat's ### and blowing ATL's future for a nonQB

he's so damn smug tho, he probably would

The guys running STL and JAX both used to work for him. Conceivable the price to move up may not be quite as extortionary as it otherwise could be.

-QG

Good point. Past relationships or even past dealings seem to have an impact this time of year.

Yep.

That's why I always saw ATL moving up to #2... not so much #3, think the Jags stay put...

but #4 w my Browns I see happening as well if their guy is there (which I think would be Robinson)... tho many think Mack

Browns moving back from 4 I could see.

Side note - I really want to see them go Watkins / Teddy in the first... I think they'd become my second favorite team if the chips fall that way... I'm just a huge fan of both tho.

 

[lod01]

Jesus...Gordon/Evans/Cameron would be ridiculous for whatever QB they'd take at 26. That's how you set up your rookie QB to succeed.

That rookie QB may not see the field. Hoyer will kick ### with that crew.

However, I could see Hoyer playing really well, the Browns still losing and then making a switch at QB to a rookie and watching him play poorly.

 

[TheFanatic]

Is the damn draft here already? I might as well be 7 years old and it's 2:30 am on Christmas morning...

 

[RBM]

Is the damn draft here already? I might as well be 7 years old and it's 2:30 am on Christmas morning...

The later start date has this feeling like the most highly anticipated first round I can remember.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Do the Texans draft a quarterback in the first 3 rounds or stay with Fitzpatrick, Mallett and Keenum this year?

(assuming Mallett being acquired by trade)

 

[Faust]

Ray Ratto ‏@RattoCSN

Once again, we need to remind the networks -- THEY'RE NOT WAR ROOMS, YOU OAFS! NOBODY GETS SHOT TODAY! THE ROOMS HAVE CATERED FOOD! STOP IT!

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Ray Ratto ‏@RattoCSN

Once again, we need to remind the networks -- THEY'RE NOT WAR ROOMS, YOU OAFS! NOBODY GETS SHOT TODAY! THE ROOMS HAVE CATERED FOOD! STOP IT!

 

[GregR]

Do the Texans draft a quarterback in the first 3 rounds or stay with Fitzpatrick, Mallett and Keenum this year?

(assuming Mallett being acquired by trade)

Not sure if you meant Fitzpatrick, Yates and Keenum, or if you are thinking the Mallett trade rumor is a done deal and Yates gets cut.

I think they will get another QB at some point whether drafting or trading. It could be a later guy, even top of the 4th, that will be another option besides Fitzpatrick, but not someone they are depending on being a long term answer.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Already having 25 pages for this 'draft thread' sucks balls.

 

[GregR]

Post for a link in OP to jump to discussion an hour before draft starts.

 

[QuizGuy66]

Ray Ratto ‏@RattoCSN

Once again, we need to remind the networks -- THEY'RE NOT WAR ROOMS, YOU OAFS! NOBODY GETS SHOT TODAY! THE ROOMS HAVE CATERED FOOD! STOP IT!

Next thing he'll tell us to stop calling it a gridiron because they aren't cooking hamburgers on it -QG

 

[GregR]

I can't wait for this to start so I can stop wondering if Houston will take Clowney... and can instead start wondering with every subsequent pick whether Houston is going to trade Clowney.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Post for a link in OP to jump to discussion an hour before draft starts.

 

[GregR]

Hangout with the FBGs from the Audible