Andy D's draft talk thread. Mock drafts, prospect notes, (1 Viewer)

[gethugefast1]

13. Minnesota Vikings - Vontae Davis, CB - Illinois

In Minnesota, Cover 2 is code for "our corners can't cover". Griffin has regressed terribly this year and it's questionable how long Winfield will stay.

Alternates: Duke Robinson, Pettigrew

Like the pick, but if Minny can't get a QB in a trade by opening day, they may want to give David Johnson or Graham Harrell a look.

 

[jurb26]

Can someone please explain Bradford> Stafford to me? Stafford has one of the biggest arms coming out and is accurate to boot. Please don't say it's a numbers thing because if so you must not watch college football. I'm pretty sure I could sit back and pick apart a defense with the pocket that Bradford gets. I just don't understand?

Stafford has the best arm the draft has seen since Cutler. Like I said, I place him comfortably ahead of Bradford. It's not a run away, but I think he is the clear choice for #1 QB.

 

[awesomeness]

You can stop reading at #2. Millen is gone they will not take a QB at 1 or 2

So just because you disagree with the #2 pick it makes the rest of it invalid. Mmmmmkay.Having said that, I was less than impressed with Stafford this weekend and more than impressed with Crabtree.

I don't understand how Stafford is rated so highly. His completion % is mediocre at best, he doesn't throw for much yardage, and his TD/INT ratio is pretty bad. He has a very strong arm, but Jamarcus Russell has shown thats not enough.

As I saying below you draft skills not numbers. I guess you would take David Klingler over Stafford? Too hard to compare as he plays in a tough defensive conference and has people in his face at all time. Someone like Bradford is rarely touched.Ty DetmerAndre WareDavid KlinglerAny TT qbJust saying

Bradford runs a NFL style offense at Oklahoma, TT QBs don't. I try not to involve myself in fighting over which conference are the best overall defensively, but to say that Stafford has hands in his face all the time and Bradford is rarely touched sounds like a rather large exaggeration. I just question Stafford's decision making, and wouldn't spend a top 5/10 NFL draft pick (or any FF pick for that matter) on him.

 

[jurb26]

You can stop reading at #2. Millen is gone they will not take a QB at 1 or 2

So just because you disagree with the #2 pick it makes the rest of it invalid. Mmmmmkay.Having said that, I was less than impressed with Stafford this weekend and more than impressed with Crabtree.

I don't understand how Stafford is rated so highly. His completion % is mediocre at best, he doesn't throw for much yardage, and his TD/INT ratio is pretty bad. He has a very strong arm, but Jamarcus Russell has shown thats not enough.

As I saying below you draft skills not numbers. I guess you would take David Klingler over Stafford? Too hard to compare as he plays in a tough defensive conference and has people in his face at all time. Someone like Bradford is rarely touched.Ty DetmerAndre WareDavid KlinglerAny TT qbJust saying

Bradford runs a NFL style offense at Oklahoma, TT QBs don't. I try not to involve myself in fighting over which conference are the best overall defensively, but to say that Stafford has hands in his face all the time and Bradford is rarely touched sounds like a rather large exaggeration. I just question Stafford's decision making, and wouldn't spend a top 5/10 NFL draft pick (or any FF pick for that matter) on him.

Sounds like you simply need to pay more attention to Georgia football. Georgia has been riddled with injuries this year. Particularly along the Oline where they have lost both there starting LT Trinton Sturdivant and LG Vince Vance. Loosing Sturdivant was a huge blow to this team and it's pass protection. It's a rather common statement that Oklahoma has arguably the best Oline in the nation. If they are not #1 they are certainly in the top 5. Georgia, given the injuries is far from that. Then you factor in the pass rushing abilities and speed of the SEC and it only gets worse. Stafford isn't a very mobile QB and will never be confused with fleet of foot. He is a guy that likes to be comfortable in the pocket. Couple all of these things and what cowboysin07 is saying is too far off. If off at all.

 

[awesomeness]

You can stop reading at #2. Millen is gone they will not take a QB at 1 or 2

So just because you disagree with the #2 pick it makes the rest of it invalid. Mmmmmkay.Having said that, I was less than impressed with Stafford this weekend and more than impressed with Crabtree.

I don't understand how Stafford is rated so highly. His completion % is mediocre at best, he doesn't throw for much yardage, and his TD/INT ratio is pretty bad. He has a very strong arm, but Jamarcus Russell has shown thats not enough.

As I saying below you draft skills not numbers. I guess you would take David Klingler over Stafford? Too hard to compare as he plays in a tough defensive conference and has people in his face at all time. Someone like Bradford is rarely touched.Ty DetmerAndre WareDavid KlinglerAny TT qbJust saying

Bradford runs a NFL style offense at Oklahoma, TT QBs don't. I try not to involve myself in fighting over which conference are the best overall defensively, but to say that Stafford has hands in his face all the time and Bradford is rarely touched sounds like a rather large exaggeration. I just question Stafford's decision making, and wouldn't spend a top 5/10 NFL draft pick (or any FF pick for that matter) on him.

Sounds like you simply need to pay more attention to Georgia football. Georgia has been riddled with injuries this year. Particularly along the Oline where they have lost both there starting LT Trinton Sturdivant and LG Vince Vance. Loosing Sturdivant was a huge blow to this team and it's pass protection. It's a rather common statement that Oklahoma has arguably the best Oline in the nation. If they are not #1 they are certainly in the top 5. Georgia, given the injuries is far from that. Then you factor in the pass rushing abilities and speed of the SEC and it only gets worse. Stafford isn't a very mobile QB and will never be confused with fleet of foot. He is a guy that likes to be comfortable in the pocket. Couple all of these things and what cowboysin07 is saying is too far off. If off at all.

I admit i dont know as much college football as a lot of people here, seeing as i live in Canada and don't own satellite it really isn't on TV all that much. But watching Bradford against Texas (in which Orakpo blew up one of the top 5 offensive lines in the nation) Bradford still completed 70% of his passes, and threw for 5 TDs and 385 yards. Most QBs are more comfortable in the pocket, and there arent all that many Oline's in the NFL that are gonna allow Stafford to just sit back in the pocket all day. So I wouldn't just give Stafford a pass if his mobility is poor as whose to say it won't be like that for him in the NFL?

 

[cowboysin07]

You can stop reading at #2. Millen is gone they will not take a QB at 1 or 2

So just because you disagree with the #2 pick it makes the rest of it invalid. Mmmmmkay.Having said that, I was less than impressed with Stafford this weekend and more than impressed with Crabtree.

:(I don't understand how Stafford is rated so highly. His completion % is mediocre at best, he doesn't throw for much yardage, and his TD/INT ratio is pretty bad. He has a very strong arm, but Jamarcus Russell has shown thats not enough.

Yeah, to each their own. I have watched both teams quite a bit this year and there really is a difference between what Bradford works with and what Stafford works with and against. I could put at least 5 other qb's in the big 12 behind the OU line and they would put up the same numbers (in fact most are on their own teams). Now when it comes to mobility in the NFL I don't usually consider that in per QB skills. What I look for is if you can throw the 15 yard out. If you would of judged Peyton on his mobility out of college he wouldn't of been drafted. Ha, I know that's not a fair comparison. I just think that Stafford has a better NFL skill set. Will that transfer over, who knows. IMHO, this is not even a comparison though.As I saying below you draft skills not numbers. I guess you would take David Klingler over Stafford? Too hard to compare as he plays in a tough defensive conference and has people in his face at all time. Someone like Bradford is rarely touched.Ty DetmerAndre WareDavid KlinglerAny TT qbJust saying

Bradford runs a NFL style offense at Oklahoma, TT QBs don't. I try not to involve myself in fighting over which conference are the best overall defensively, but to say that Stafford has hands in his face all the time and Bradford is rarely touched sounds like a rather large exaggeration. I just question Stafford's decision making, and wouldn't spend a top 5/10 NFL draft pick (or any FF pick for that matter) on him.

Sounds like you simply need to pay more attention to Georgia football. Georgia has been riddled with injuries this year. Particularly along the Oline where they have lost both there starting LT Trinton Sturdivant and LG Vince Vance. Loosing Sturdivant was a huge blow to this team and it's pass protection. It's a rather common statement that Oklahoma has arguably the best Oline in the nation. If they are not #1 they are certainly in the top 5. Georgia, given the injuries is far from that. Then you factor in the pass rushing abilities and speed of the SEC and it only gets worse. Stafford isn't a very mobile QB and will never be confused with fleet of foot. He is a guy that likes to be comfortable in the pocket. Couple all of these things and what cowboysin07 is saying is too far off. If off at all.

I admit i dont know as much college football as a lot of people here, seeing as i live in Canada and don't own satellite it really isn't on TV all that much. But watching Bradford against Texas (in which Orakpo blew up one of the top 5 offensive lines in the nation) Bradford still completed 70% of his passes, and threw for 5 TDs and 385 yards. Most QBs are more comfortable in the pocket, and there arent all that many Oline's in the NFL that are gonna allow Stafford to just sit back in the pocket all day. So I wouldn't just give Stafford a pass if his mobility is poor as whose to say it won't be like that for him in the NFL?

 

[cowboysin07]

Wow, great use of quotes by me:

Yeah, to each their own. I have watched both teams quite a bit this year and there really is a difference between what Bradford works with and what Stafford works with and against. I could put at least 5 other qb's in the big 12 behind the OU line and they would put up the same numbers (in fact most are on their own teams). Now when it comes to mobility in the NFL I don't usually consider that in per QB skills. What I look for is if you can throw the 15 yard out. If you would of judged Peyton on his mobility out of college he wouldn't of been drafted. Ha, I know that's not a fair comparison. I just think that Stafford has a better NFL skill set. Will that transfer over, who knows. IMHO, this is not even a comparison though.

 

[Spike]

Bump - because this is such a good thread.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Still lots of fluctuation in the rankings of this year's draft prospects. I think Stafford might be playing well enough to be the #1 overall, if he comes out.

Otherwise I still think Oher is the #1 prospect.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I get tired of seeing total morons attending a school just to play ball. So this story makes me feel good...

‘Noles DB wins big study award… Congratulations are in order for Florida State safety Myron Rolle who has been awarded a Rhodes scholarship. Rolle, a true junior who has already graduated and is working on a masters degree is also considered a potential first-day pick at the 2009 draft, had a 20-minute interview Saturday in Birmingham and later found out he was one of the two winners out of the 13 finalists who interviewed. There are 32 Rhodes Scholars selected each year, considered the most prestigious postgraduate academic scholarship in the world. Rolle didn’t have much time to celebrate, though, as he immediately jumped a plane and joined his FSU teammates for their key ACC game with Maryland.

Wow. That's quite an achievement.

 

[blend]

I get tired of seeing total morons attending a school just to play ball. So this story makes me feel good...

‘Noles DB wins big study award… Congratulations are in order for Florida State safety Myron Rolle who has been awarded a Rhodes scholarship. Rolle, a true junior who has already graduated and is working on a masters degree is also considered a potential first-day pick at the 2009 draft, had a 20-minute interview Saturday in Birmingham and later found out he was one of the two winners out of the 13 finalists who interviewed. There are 32 Rhodes Scholars selected each year, considered the most prestigious postgraduate academic scholarship in the world. Rolle didn’t have much time to celebrate, though, as he immediately jumped a plane and joined his FSU teammates for their key ACC game with Maryland.

Wow. That's quite an achievement.

That is amazing... wonder if he is any relation to samari or the other Rolle's who have played in the NFL???

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Some quick notes...

Regarding the first overall pick...

I can hear the nattering nabobs groaning "no you moron, you build from the lines first." Well that's simply not true. It is true that you need to have good lines to succeed, but that doesn't mean you need to burn the number one pick on a lineman.

Look at the teams most likely to make the playoffs and I'd bet that the vast majority of fans don't know who their starting LT is and if you look closely, only a couple of them (Carolina & Minnesota) have starting LT's taken in the top 10.

Next look at the teams drafting in the top 10. Several of them have drafted first round LTs in the last few years. The point? That there is no correlation between taking a lineman high in the draft and success on the field.

Stafford Vs. Bradford...

I really don't care to debate who is better. If you think Stafford is more worthy of the #1 than Bradford, I'm okay with that. I just have a man-crush on Sam because I've seen him play more and play really well.

Tim Tebow...

I'm sorry. He's just not a first rounder.

Missing prospects...

I didn't include guys like Jeremy Maclin and Darrius Heyward-Bey since it's hard to get a line on whether or not they're coming out. Also, there are a few guys on the fringe that could jump into the first. Maybe tomorrow, I'll take a swing at the top 10 of the 2nd round.

1. Detroit - Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma

I take Bradford for a couple reasons. First, he's really good. Second, I have a lot of empty seats to fill in Ford Field and Bradford's going to put cheeks in those seats more than a tackle would.

2. St. Louis - Matt Stafford, QB - Georgia

Once a QB goes south, like Bulger has, it's awful tough for him to come back. I think he's mentally at the same spot as David Carr was after his stint in Houston. Plus this move keeps him out of the hands of division rivals Seattle and San Francisco.

3. Kansas City - Andre Smith, OT - Alabama

The AFC West is, IMO, a running division. After missing out on the two QBs, they'll have to roll with Thigpen (or maybe sign a free agent). Adding Smith to last year's first rounder Albert will conjure images of Willie Roaf and Will Shields.

4. Cincinnati - Michael Oher, OT - Ole Miss

Oher would be the other guy that I'd consider for the #1 overall. With the Bengals' running backs YPC hovering somewhere around what I suspect Plaxico Burress' GPA to have been, Oher is a boon. Plus he's a bit lighter on his feet than Smith which is helpful facing the 3-4 defenses of their divisional opponents.

5. Seattle - Aaron Curry, LB - Wake Forest

Just to be different because a Crabtree pick is boring now. Curry is a stud that would fill in for Leroy Hill should he choose not to resign.

6. Oakland - Michael Crabtree, WR - Texas Tech

It helps to have at least one WR on the roster.

7. Cleveland - Michael Jenkins, CB - Ohio St.

The Browns severly overestimated what they had at corner when they let Leigh Bodden go.

8. San Francisco - Eugene Monroe, OT - Virginia

Bookends of Monroe and Joe Staley will help the 49ers near-bottom ranked rushing attack.

9. Green Bay - Everette Brown, DE - Florida St.

The Packers failed this year when they traded away their d-line depth and the guys that remained underperformed. This fast riser could be a surprise top 5 pick.

10. Jacksonville - Terrence Cody, DT - Alabama

If he declares, Cody would be the big body that Jacksonville needs to replace the hole made when Stroud left.

11. San Diego - Brian Orakpo, DE - Texas

What a strange team. They don't look to have many holes, but if Merriman can't come back full strenghth, Orakpo can play either DE or OLB in their 3-4.

12. Buffalo - Greg Hardy, DE - Ole Miss

I'm not comfortable with most of the remaining DE's, but a lot of people are high on Hardy. The Bills' ofense could use some help, but I don't see any skill players available this year at this spot that can help.

13. Washington - Rey Maualuga, LB - USC

Another player drawing mixed reviews, but he would be just the "thumper" that the Skins could use in the physical NFC East.

14. New Orleans - William Moore, S - Missouri

The Moore/Mays debate will rage up until draft day. Take your pick but either is better than Kevin Kaesviharn. Whatever the pick is, it better be defense. A linebacker wouldn't hurt either.

15. Houston - Taylor Mays, S - USC

They'd prefer a DE, and I could see them rolling the dice on someone like Michael Johnson or George Selvie, but I think Mays is going to wow at the combine and likely go way higer than even this.

16. Chicago - Jason Smith, OT - Baylor

Another enigma of a team. But with the jury still out on the Chris Williams pick, adding another young body to the aging o-line makes great sense.

17. Denver - Brandon Spikes, LB - Florida

When will they ever solve their problems on defense? They could definitely go d-line since that still stinks. But adding some speed at the LB position would help immensely too.

18. Arizona - Chris Wells, RB - Ohio St.

After giving the Cards hope for about a game and a half that they'd found a steal, Hightower proved why he went to Richmond and was a late round pick. Wells is a steal here and takes a lot of pressure off the passing game.

19. Philadelphia - Eben Britton, OT - Arizona

This is a guy that may or may not declare, but if he does, he's going to go high. In fact, this year's tackle class will rival last year's if all the underclassmen declare that could.

20. Miami - Vontae Davis, CB - Illnois

Probably their biggest need. Too bad Jason Allen didn't pan out even though he's shown flashes. Parcells would also like a big body like Raji or Duke Robinson here.

21. Atlanta - Michael Johnson, DE - Georgia Tech

Jamaal Anderson has busted out so far and Johnson could be the guy they've been looking for if he plays up to his potential.

22. New England - Clint Sintim, LB - Virginia

Their linebacking corps has aged to the point where they need replacements. This pass rushing monster will pair with last year's pick of Mayo to fix that problem.

23. NY Jets - Knowshon Moreno, RB - Georgia

Thomas Jones has been unreal this year, but he's still an aging vet and the NFL is a two back party now. Moreno would be a great compliment that would turn into a lead back soon thereafter.

24. Tampa Bay - George Selvie, DE - USF

I'm not terribly high on Selvie, but he does fit the mold of the prototypical Tampa 2 type DE.

25. Detroit - B.J. Raji, DT - Boston College

Raji could go much higher than this. Detroit needs help everywhere but this pick would help them get more from their younger DE's like Cliff Avril.

26. Minnesota - Duke Robinson, OG - Oklahoma

The weakest area of the team, other than QB, is the right side of the o-line. A replacement for

27. Baltimore - Kenny Britt, WR - Rutgers

A guy that's under the radar but looks more NFL-ready than a lot of other guys. What happened to Mark Clayton?

28. Indianapolis - Peria Jerry, DT - Ole Miss

The most glaring need is on the defensive line. I'm not sure if there are any WRs that the Colts would like. RB maybe?

29. Philadelphia - Jermaine Gresham, TE - Oklahoma

The fact that they went after Winslow last offseason speaks volumes to me. Gresham's play has been very impressive from what I've seen. Great body control.

30. Pittsburgh - Tyson Jackson, DE - LSU

Started off the season very slow and a lot of people thought he'd made a mistake not leaving last year. But has improved steadily as the year has progressed.

31. NY Giants - Brandon Pettigrew, TE - Oklahoma St.

Kevin Boss hasn't seemed to blossom like they'd hoped and Pettigrew looks like the all around TE the Giants like.

32. Tennessee - James Laurinaitis, LB - Ohio St.

Don't think Laurinaitis can fall this far? I didn't think Posluszny would drop to the 2nd either.

 

[jurb26]

1. Detroit - Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma

I take Stafford for three reasons. First, he's really good. Second, I have a lot of empty seats to fill in Ford Field and Bradford's going to put cheeks in those seats more than a tackle would.

Sneaky play there, Andy. Trying to cover your bases eh?Joking aside, I still contest that Det will not go QB with their pick. It is likely IMO that the 2 best overall players in this draft are A. Smith/M. Oher at T and M. Jenkins at CB, both huge needs for the Lions and both likely to hold a higher draft grade than either QB.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

1. Detroit - Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma

I take Stafford for three reasons. First, he's really good. Second, I have a lot of empty seats to fill in Ford Field and Bradford's going to put cheeks in those seats more than a tackle would.

Sneaky play there, Andy. Trying to cover your bases eh?Joking aside, I still contest that Det will not go QB with their pick. It is likely IMO that the 2 best overall players in this draft are A. Smith/M. Oher at T and M. Jenkins at CB, both huge needs for the Lions and both likely to hold a higher draft grade than either QB.

Ooops. I meant Bradford.I wouldn't fault them for taking any one of those four players. I approached this mock more from the perspective of "what if I were the GM" than I did what I think the individual teams will do. At this point it's impossible to say for many reasons. In the Lions case, a lot depends on who is in their front office and head coaching spots next year. The good thing for them is that this might be a year where the stars align and they're able to trade out of that top spot.

Like I wrote above, if I'm the GM, I give the fans a shiny new toy as a reason to come back to the stadium. Also, the offensive lineman position is quite deep again this year so with their second pick they could get a great starter whereas you can't wait on a potential franchise QB.

 

[MAC_32]

6. Oakland - Michael Crabtree, WR - Texas Tech

It helps to have at least one WR on the roster.

Call me crazy, but if presented with these options I think Crazy Al would take Harvin over Crabtree.

7. Cleveland - Michael Jenkins, CB - Ohio St.

The Browns severly overestimated what they had at corner when they let Leigh Bodden go.

Jenkins makes sense, we could use an upgrade. However calling trading Leigh Bodden a mistake? No. Shaun Rogers is a menace. Bodden's a decent corner who (undeservingly) wanted a big payday. Cleveland took Detroit to the woodshed on that deal.

14. New Orleans - William Moore, S - Missouri

The Moore/Mays debate will rage up until draft day. Take your pick but either is better than Kevin Kaesviharn. Whatever the pick is, it better be defense. A linebacker wouldn't hurt either.

If Jenkins is gone and Vontae Davis is available I think they have to take him.

21. Atlanta - Michael Johnson, DE - Georgia Tech

Jamaal Anderson has busted out so far and Johnson could be the guy they've been looking for if he plays up to his potential.

I'm beginning to read that many are becoming as sour on him as I am. This is way too high for at best a situational player.

22. New England - Clint Sintim, LB - Virginia

Their linebacking corps has aged to the point where they need replacements. This pass rushing monster will pair with last year's pick of Mayo to fix that problem.

You really think Chik is going to go forward with two youngsters in his LB corps? That's not his style.

27. Baltimore - Kenny Britt, WR - Rutgers

A guy that's under the radar but looks more NFL-ready than a lot of other guys. What happened to Mark Clayton?

If the handcuffs come off Flacco I think we may finally see Clayton take the next step in 2009. I've already bought dirt cheap in one league and will be keeping an open eye/ear in my others.Overall, solid job.

 

[jurb26]

Like I wrote above, if I'm the GM, I give the fans a shiny new toy as a reason to come back to the stadium. Also, the offensive lineman position is quite deep again this year so with their second pick they could get a great starter whereas you can't wait on a potential franchise QB.

While it is true that Oline, T in particular, is deep this year it is still a mistake to try and wait for a guy. We saw this last year as several teams traded up for standout Oline prospects.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

MAC_32

1. I can't figure out the quote tags so I'm replying like this.

2. I forgot Rogers was part of the Bodden deal. Good point.

3. Vontae Davis has been a bit up and down and Tracy Porter will return for the Saints.

4. I'm not sure Michael Johnson is a 1st rounder either.

5. I never thought he'd start Mayo as a rookie either.

6. Even so, Mason can't play forever.

 

[Idiot Boxer]

30. Pittsburgh - Tyson Jackson, DE - LSU

Started off the season very slow and a lot of people thought he'd made a mistake not leaving last year. But has improved steadily as the year has progressed.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Great stuff, Andy. I've come around on Crabtree since your last mock too, I think he could very well go top 10 and will be the first receiver chosen. I like Britt in round 1, but he needs to improve his hands... he's a riser, though. Surprised to see him above Maclin, though. Still think Orakpo is a little too low and could be a Gholston-like riser after the combine.

With so much OT talent in this draft, I'd love to see Pittsburgh move up and get one of the elite prospects, but I doubt it will happen. I've seen mocks that have Oher dropping into the teens... if they could get him, I'd have a boner a midget could do chin-ups on (yes, I'll be using that in my next mock.) I'd really like to see their round 1 pick go to an OL, but if Tyson Jackson is there, I'd take him... he's a PERFECT fit for the Steelers' defense.. prototypical 3-4 DE size and stout as all hell vs. the run. He'd be a great bookend for Keisel or Smith when one goes by the wayside.

 

[Buckna]

Keep an eye on what Oakland and Houston do with the 2 premier CB's that will be FA's this offseason.

Oakland may not be able to keep Asomugha for many reasons (price, plus who wouldn't want to get out of Oakland?) If they lose him, you've got to figure they will look hard at Malcolm Jenkins. But that assumes Oakland ever acts rationally.

I would expect Houston to resign Dunta Robinson but if they can't they will be left in desperate straits at Corner. A franchise tag is a possibility if they can't get a new contract worked out (plus it would let them take a wait and see approach to next season and make sure he is fully back to where he used to be after his bad injury in 2007.) I think safety is about the most likely of a draft projection as you can make for the Texans. DE and Corner being the other glaring spots of weakness. Edit - everybody always says it for their team, but Houston would be a prime suspect for trading down. Especially if the top DE's & safeties are gone by their pick.

Gotta wonder what those two guys will sign for this year, the draft looks to be absolutely loaded with corner prospects which may push down demand.

 

[jurb26]

Oakland may not be able to keep Asomugha for many reasons (price, plus who wouldn't want to get out of Oakland?) If they lose him, you've got to figure they will look hard at Malcolm Jenkins. But that assumes Oakland ever acts rationally.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Keep an eye on what Oakland and Houston do with the 2 premier CB's that will be FA's this offseason.Oakland may not be able to keep Asomugha for many reasons (price, plus who wouldn't want to get out of Oakland?) If they lose him, you've got to figure they will look hard at Malcolm Jenkins. But that assumes Oakland ever acts rationally.

They're going to have a mess on their hands since they'll likely have to franchise him to keep him and if they do I bet he holds out for a loooooonnng time.

I would expect Houston to resign Dunta Robinson but if they can't they will be left in desperate straits at Corner. A franchise tag is a possibility if they can't get a new contract worked out (plus it would let them take a wait and see approach to next season and make sure he is fully back to where he used to be after his bad injury in 2007.) I think safety is about the most likely of a draft projection as you can make for the Texans. DE and Corner being the other glaring spots of weakness. Edit - everybody always says it for their team, but Houston would be a prime suspect for trading down. Especially if the top DE's & safeties are gone by their pick.Gotta wonder what those two guys will sign for this year, the draft looks to be absolutely loaded with corner prospects which may push down demand.

I forgot to include Alphonso Smith who could/should be a 1st rounder too.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Great stuff, Andy. I've come around on Crabtree since your last mock too, I think he could very well go top 10 and will be the first receiver chosen. I like Britt in round 1, but he needs to improve his hands... he's a riser, though. Surprised to see him above Maclin, though. Still think Orakpo is a little too low and could be a Gholston-like riser after the combine.With so much OT talent in this draft, I'd love to see Pittsburgh move up and get one of the elite prospects, but I doubt it will happen. I've seen mocks that have Oher dropping into the teens... if they could get him, I'd have a boner a midget could do chin-ups on (yes, I'll be using that in my next mock.) I'd really like to see their round 1 pick go to an OL, but if Tyson Jackson is there, I'd take him... he's a PERFECT fit for the Steelers' defense.. prototypical 3-4 DE size and stout as all hell vs. the run. He'd be a great bookend for Keisel or Smith when one goes by the wayside.

I didn't include Maclin since I'm wondering about him declaring. I don't know where he'd fall, but he'd be a likely 1st rounder. Wouldn't mind him as a Viking.If Oher goes in the teens then someone got a steal. Dude's going to be really good.

 

[gman74]

1. Detroit - Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma

I take Stafford for three reasons. First, he's really good. Second, I have a lot of empty seats to fill in Ford Field and Bradford's going to put cheeks in those seats more than a tackle would.

Sneaky play there, Andy. Trying to cover your bases eh?Joking aside, I still contest that Det will not go QB with their pick. It is likely IMO that the 2 best overall players in this draft are A. Smith/M. Oher at T and M. Jenkins at CB, both huge needs for the Lions and both likely to hold a higher draft grade than either QB.

Andy if the lions take Bradford or any QB at 1 it will not put butts in seats there will be a revolt.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

1. Detroit - Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma

I take Stafford for three reasons. First, he's really good. Second, I have a lot of empty seats to fill in Ford Field and Bradford's going to put cheeks in those seats more than a tackle would.

Sneaky play there, Andy. Trying to cover your bases eh?Joking aside, I still contest that Det will not go QB with their pick. It is likely IMO that the 2 best overall players in this draft are A. Smith/M. Oher at T and M. Jenkins at CB, both huge needs for the Lions and both likely to hold a higher draft grade than either QB.

Andy if the lions take Bradford or any QB at 1 it will not put butts in seats there will be a revolt.

Then Lions fans aren't any smarter than they guy they just dumped.

 

[Loopdog]

why would there be a revolt? Fans don't want the Lions to draft a franchise QB? Why the hell not? I mean I could see Orlovsky being a serviceable starter actually, but NFL teams can turn it around fast in one year. If the Lions got a good football man in the front office to run them, they could get pretty good next season. They need to sure up the offensive and defensive lines, but winning cures a lot of ills. They have nice pieces to build on with Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith looking more and more impressive each week. Atlanta looked awful last year too, but they made smart signings and drafted well and look at them now. Detroit is in a garbage division and if they played their cards right and got some football acumen in that front office like a Cowher type (long shot i know, but bear with me) they could really turn it around in a year or two i think.

 

[gman74]

1. Detroit - Sam Bradford, QB - Oklahoma

I take Stafford for three reasons. First, he's really good. Second, I have a lot of empty seats to fill in Ford Field and Bradford's going to put cheeks in those seats more than a tackle would.

Sneaky play there, Andy. Trying to cover your bases eh?Joking aside, I still contest that Det will not go QB with their pick. It is likely IMO that the 2 best overall players in this draft are A. Smith/M. Oher at T and M. Jenkins at CB, both huge needs for the Lions and both likely to hold a higher draft grade than either QB.

Andy if the lions take Bradford or any QB at 1 it will not put butts in seats there will be a revolt.

Then Lions fans aren't any smarter than they guy they just dumped.

Ouch kick a man while he is down why don't you . But in all seriousness not many annalist think that Bradford's game will translate good to the NFL.

 

[NoFBinLA]

:blinks as he comes out of his hole:

Is it mock draft time already?

I don't see my shadow so I guess so.

Don't have time to reply now so

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Ouch kick a man while he is down why don't you . But in all seriousness not many annalist think that Bradford's game will translate good to the NFL.

They're just saying that because of their dislike for the spread offense. They think by default that he can't make it because of that.The Oklahoma offense and Bradford's running of it is not your typical spread offense. Typically spread offenses are more like a "one and run" offense where if the first read isn't there the QB either runs or eats the ball. Bradford, OTOH, goes through his progressions nicely, can throw on the run and is accurate while doing so. Also, most spread qb's have terrible footwork. Bradford almost always sets his feet quickly before delivering his passes. His style is more reminiscent of Manning in the Colts offense. It may take Bradford a while to get used to dropping back from center more, but his footwork and agility that he shows now leads me to believe that won't be a problem.

 

[gman74]

Ouch kick a man while he is down why don't you . But in all seriousness not many annalist think that Bradford's game will translate good to the NFL.

They're just saying that because of their dislike for the spread offense. They think by default that he can't make it because of that.The Oklahoma offense and Bradford's running of it is not your typical spread offense. Typically spread offenses are more like a "one and run" offense where if the first read isn't there the QB either runs or eats the ball. Bradford, OTOH, goes through his progressions nicely, can throw on the run and is accurate while doing so. Also, most spread qb's have terrible footwork. Bradford almost always sets his feet quickly before delivering his passes. His style is more reminiscent of Manning in the Colts offense. It may take Bradford a while to get used to dropping back from center more, but his footwork and agility that he shows now leads me to believe that won't be a problem.

That may be true but if Detroit does not get some oline help God could not survive at QB. I think Orlovsky can be a good enough QB if he gets coached correctly.Much rater see Oher or A Smith.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Look at the teams most likely to make the playoffs and I'd bet that the vast majority of fans don't know who their starting LT is and if you look closely, only a couple of them (Carolina & Minnesota) have starting LT's taken in the top 10.

Jake Long says hi

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Ouch kick a man while he is down why don't you . But in all seriousness not many annalist think that Bradford's game will translate good to the NFL.

They're just saying that because of their dislike for the spread offense. They think by default that he can't make it because of that.The Oklahoma offense and Bradford's running of it is not your typical spread offense. Typically spread offenses are more like a "one and run" offense where if the first read isn't there the QB either runs or eats the ball. Bradford, OTOH, goes through his progressions nicely, can throw on the run and is accurate while doing so. Also, most spread qb's have terrible footwork. Bradford almost always sets his feet quickly before delivering his passes. His style is more reminiscent of Manning in the Colts offense. It may take Bradford a while to get used to dropping back from center more, but his footwork and agility that he shows now leads me to believe that won't be a problem.

That may be true but if Detroit does not get some oline help God could not survive at QB. I think Orlovsky can be a good enough QB if he gets coached correctly.Much rater see Oher or A Smith.

More talent is available in this draft at the tackle position than at QB.

Look at the teams most likely to make the playoffs and I'd bet that the vast majority of fans don't know who their starting LT is and if you look closely, only a couple of them (Carolina & Minnesota) have starting LT's taken in the top 10.

Jake Long says hi

Not from the playoffs he doesn't.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

21. Atlanta - Michael Johnson, DE - Georgia Tech

Jamaal Anderson has busted out so far and Johnson could be the guy they've been looking for if he plays up to his potential.

One thing to consider here...even though it's a different regime, the Falcons are not very far removed from having a player who had been considered to have 'busted out' after year 2, make a quantum leap in Year 3 - Roddy White.Anderson declared after his junior season and had his rookie season ruined by Petrino's college coaching staff.

The Point: The Falcons may fortify that position, but I think they'll wait to sink more 1st round money into the LDE position.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

10. Jacksonville - Terrence Cody, DT - Alabama

If he declares, Cody would be the big body that Jacksonville needs to replace the hole made when Stroud left.

Sold. Would love for the Jags to draft some of the big guys.

 

[hauser42]

9. Green Bay - Everette Brown, DE - Florida St.

The Packers failed this year when they traded away their d-line depth and the guys that remained underperformed. This fast riser could be a surprise top 5 pick.

Andy this pick scares me as Jamaal Reynolds part 2 and the failure of T-Buck in Green Bay. NCan Brown play the run as well as rush the passer? Odds are Sanders gets shown the door at the end of the season and new DC gets a shot to turn things around also.

 

[Sinrman]

Ouch kick a man while he is down why don't you . But in all seriousness not many annalist think that Bradford's game will translate good to the NFL.

They're just saying that because of their dislike for the spread offense. They think by default that he can't make it because of that.The Oklahoma offense and Bradford's running of it is not your typical spread offense. Typically spread offenses are more like a "one and run" offense where if the first read isn't there the QB either runs or eats the ball. Bradford, OTOH, goes through his progressions nicely, can throw on the run and is accurate while doing so. Also, most spread qb's have terrible footwork. Bradford almost always sets his feet quickly before delivering his passes. His style is more reminiscent of Manning in the Colts offense. It may take Bradford a while to get used to dropping back from center more, but his footwork and agility that he shows now leads me to believe that won't be a problem.

That may be true but if Detroit does not get some oline help God could not survive at QB. I think Orlovsky can be a good enough QB if he gets coached correctly.Much rater see Oher or A Smith.

I agree. They'll probably go QB, but they have GOT to address the O-line. That is the absolute worst I've ever seen in football... EVER.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

9. Green Bay - Everette Brown, DE - Florida St.

The Packers failed this year when they traded away their d-line depth and the guys that remained underperformed. This fast riser could be a surprise top 5 pick.

Andy this pick scares me as Jamaal Reynolds part 2 and the failure of T-Buck in Green Bay. NCan Brown play the run as well as rush the passer? Odds are Sanders gets shown the door at the end of the season and new DC gets a shot to turn things around also.

I'm not sure about that. This isn't the best year to be looking for a complete DE.

 

[Buckna]

Ouch kick a man while he is down why don't you . But in all seriousness not many annalist think that Bradford's game will translate good to the NFL.

They're just saying that because of their dislike for the spread offense. They think by default that he can't make it because of that.The Oklahoma offense and Bradford's running of it is not your typical spread offense. Typically spread offenses are more like a "one and run" offense where if the first read isn't there the QB either runs or eats the ball. Bradford, OTOH, goes through his progressions nicely, can throw on the run and is accurate while doing so. Also, most spread qb's have terrible footwork. Bradford almost always sets his feet quickly before delivering his passes. His style is more reminiscent of Manning in the Colts offense. It may take Bradford a while to get used to dropping back from center more, but his footwork and agility that he shows now leads me to believe that won't be a problem.

That may be true but if Detroit does not get some oline help God could not survive at QB. I think Orlovsky can be a good enough QB if he gets coached correctly.Much rater see Oher or A Smith.

I agree. They'll probably go QB, but they have GOT to address the O-line. That is the absolute worst I've ever seen in football... EVER.

Detroit does have Dallas 1st rounder which looks to be somewhere in the low to mid 20's when all is said and done. I wasn't a big fan of what Carolina and Atlanta did this past draft trading back up in the 1st round to take an OT after spending their own pick's on a RB and QB but obviously it has paid off for both teams. Detroit should think about that blueprint.

 

[FUBAR]

Ouch kick a man while he is down why don't you . But in all seriousness not many annalist think that Bradford's game will translate good to the NFL.

They're just saying that because of their dislike for the spread offense. They think by default that he can't make it because of that.The Oklahoma offense and Bradford's running of it is not your typical spread offense. Typically spread offenses are more like a "one and run" offense where if the first read isn't there the QB either runs or eats the ball. Bradford, OTOH, goes through his progressions nicely, can throw on the run and is accurate while doing so. Also, most spread qb's have terrible footwork. Bradford almost always sets his feet quickly before delivering his passes. His style is more reminiscent of Manning in the Colts offense. It may take Bradford a while to get used to dropping back from center more, but his footwork and agility that he shows now leads me to believe that won't be a problem.

That may be true but if Detroit does not get some oline help God could not survive at QB. I think Orlovsky can be a good enough QB if he gets coached correctly.Much rater see Oher or A Smith.

I agree. They'll probably go QB, but they have GOT to address the O-line. That is the absolute worst I've ever seen in football... EVER.

Detroit does have Dallas 1st rounder which looks to be somewhere in the low to mid 20's when all is said and done. I wasn't a big fan of what Carolina and Atlanta did this past draft trading back up in the 1st round to take an OT after spending their own pick's on a RB and QB but obviously it has paid off for both teams. Detroit should think about that blueprint.

If I'm in charge, I'm taking Oher and then either Nate Davis, Tim Tebow, or Sanchez. Tebow IMO is an interesting prospect, he could be a difference maker in this league or he could bust big time. Just the kind of player the Lions like

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If I'm in charge, I'm taking Oher and then either Nate Davis, Tim Tebow, or Sanchez. Tebow IMO is an interesting prospect, he could be a difference maker in this league or he could bust big time. Just the kind of player the Lions like

Sanchez interests me. As does Rhett Bomar.

 

[harryhood]

Nice work AD, as always. The one hangup I have is that DanO, while not a great QB has seemed to perform well for Detroit as the season progressed. Not saying he is opening day starter material but I think there is worse out there. Adding Bradford/Stafford, which will fill seats, will not help the fact that they give up massive amounts of yardage on defense. Calvin/Smith is a nice start on offense and with 3 of the first 33 picks, if they can find the right OT, DE, CB I say they go for it. They can always grab a QB in the 3rd, no?

 

[Incogneto]

5. Seattle - Aaron Curry, LB - Wake Forest

Just to be different because a Crabtree pick is boring now. Curry is a stud that would fill in for Leroy Hill should he choose not to resign.

If Seattle goes LB (a strenght STILL with Tatupu and Peterson in the fold) while both Jenkins and Crabtree on the board, I will be pissed. Jenkins would be a fantastic fit beside Trufant.Also, weaknesses of the Seahawks are: OLine, Corner, WR, RB, QB. In that order.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Nice work AD, as always. The one hangup I have is that DanO, while not a great QB has seemed to perform well for Detroit as the season progressed. Not saying he is opening day starter material but I think there is worse out there. Adding Bradford/Stafford, which will fill seats, will not help the fact that they give up massive amounts of yardage on defense. Calvin/Smith is a nice start on offense and with 3 of the first 33 picks, if they can find the right OT, DE, CB I say they go for it. They can always grab a QB in the 3rd, no?

I wouldn't take a QB in the 3rd if I thought I could get a franchise guy in the 1st. I think it's easlier to find linemen (and linebackers) later in the draft than it is a QB. But really, with the QB position, it's a lot of luck that's involved.

5. Seattle - Aaron Curry, LB - Wake Forest

Just to be different because a Crabtree pick is boring now. Curry is a stud that would fill in for Leroy Hill should he choose not to resign.

If Seattle goes LB (a strenght STILL with Tatupu and Peterson in the fold) while both Jenkins and Crabtree on the board, I will be pissed. Jenkins would be a fantastic fit beside Trufant.Also, weaknesses of the Seahawks are: OLine, Corner, WR, RB, QB. In that order.

I just put Curry in there to be different. I got bored with seeing Crabtree mocked there. I did have them taking Jenkins in one iteration of the mock. He would be a great pick for them.I also didn't go left tackle since I'm assuming they put Locklear there when/if Jones retires.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

11. San Diego - Brian Orakpo, DE - TexasWhat a strange team. They don't look to have many holes, but if Merriman can't come back full strenghth, Orakpo can play either DE or OLB in their 3-4.13. Washington - Rey Maualuga, LB - USCAnother player drawing mixed reviews, but he would be just the "thumper" that the Skins could use in the physical NFC East.

I think I'd rather have Rey. I think he'd be a good young ILB that this team needs badly. Now let's lose both our last games and make sure we get him

 

[Whiplash Inc.]

5. Oakland Raiders - Eugene Monroe, OT - Virginia

Al Davis takes his pills and drafts a guy that can actually help his team. Monroe charters a hearse to drive him to Oakland.

Alternates: Orakpo, Michael Johnson

Getting a top notch tackle would certainly go a long ways in better protecting the team's long term investment with Russell at QB. AD is known to go against the grain and instead of doing what arguable should be done, go with something that's far less of a need. It wouldn't be surprising IMO, if he went with Crabtree or Johnson or even Jenkins, especially if they lose Asomugha. My question is, what are some tackle prospects that could be there when the team picks in the 2nd round (or would warrant being picked there)? Thanks a lot.

 

[Ridgelake]

12. Buffalo - Greg Hardy, DE - Ole Miss

I'm not comfortable with most of the remaining DE's, but a lot of people are high on Hardy. The Bills' ofense could use some help, but I don't see any skill players available this year at this spot that can help.

I live in Bills' territory and work with several guys who have season tickets to their games. So I see and hear a lot about this team. I was talking with one of the season ticket holders the other day about what Buffalo needs. We came to these conclusions:More playmakers on offense, especially the passing game. They are set at RB with Lynch and Jackson. But another playmaker, ESPECIALLY at TIGHT END, would help out this team a lot. Remember, they were heavy in the Gonzales bidding right at the trade deadline. Now I'm not sure that their 1st rounder is the spot to get a TE, but this is a definite need spot for them. At WR, they drafted Hardy in the 2nd last year. He's still in development. Not sure any rookie WR would make a better complement to Evans.

They need to keep investing in their Oline. Their line isnt terrible, but its not great either. They could invest a 1st in an OT to bookend with Peters.

Defense. They've invested a lot in the DBs with multiple 1st rounders, etc. They are decent/good there. They play a 4-3. They are solid at MLB with Poz. So what are the impact positions in a 4-3? The biggest is DE and thats right where you have them drafting. Buffalo has a good DE in Schobel. But once he got hurt, they got no pressure on the QB. If a passrusher is available for the Bills 1st rounder, that seems like a really good bet. It fits the need. And they are valuable enough to reasonably be drafted anywhere.

A good 4-3 DE seems like a solid play for Buffalo in the first.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

5. Oakland Raiders - Eugene Monroe, OT - Virginia

Al Davis takes his pills and drafts a guy that can actually help his team. Monroe charters a hearse to drive him to Oakland.

Alternates: Orakpo, Michael Johnson

Getting a top notch tackle would certainly go a long ways in better protecting the team's long term investment with Russell at QB. AD is known to go against the grain and instead of doing what arguable should be done, go with something that's far less of a need. It wouldn't be surprising IMO, if he went with Crabtree or Johnson or even Jenkins, especially if they lose Asomugha. My question is, what are some tackle prospects that could be there when the team picks in the 2nd round (or would warrant being picked there)? Thanks a lot.

Well, you're looking at the older mock I did. The one we're currently talking about is in post 112. And this time around, I do have him taking Crabtree.As far as 2nd round tackles, a lot depends on who declares and how they show at the combine. The guys that are most likely to be there in the 2nd are Phil Loadholt from Oklahoma, Jamon Meridith from South Carolina, Troy Kropog from Tulane, and Russell Okung from Oklahoma St. (although he's a possible 1st rounder).

 

[MDSkinner]

Tebow may not be a first rounder, but he seems like the type that could impress immensely at the combine thanks to his physical attributes (kind of like Boller did perhaps) which might move him higher than he should be. He clearly does not play a style of offense that is suited for the NFL (neither did Boller or Rodgers for that matter) but I could see him doing enough in the combine to climb close the end of the first round (Titans perhaps?) beginning of the second.

 

[el centro]

23. NY Jets - Knowshon Moreno, RB - Georgia

Thomas Jones has been unreal this year, but he's still an aging vet and the NFL is a two back party now. Moreno would be a great compliment that would turn into a lead back soon thereafter.

What are the chances my Packers inherit this pick? :slimandnone: But odds are good they'll get the Jets' 2nd.

 

[Max Power]

15. Houston - Taylor Mays, S - USCThey'd prefer a DE, and I could see them rolling the dice on someone like Michael Johnson or George Selvie, but I think Mays is going to wow at the combine and likely go way higer than even this.16. Chicago - Jason Smith, OT - BaylorAnother enigma of a team. But with the jury still out on the Chris Williams pick, adding another young body to the aging o-line makes great sense.

As a Bears Fan I hope Mays makes it to the Bears pick