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Andy D's draft talk thread. Mock drafts, prospect notes, (2 Viewers)

Rovers said:
A bit late, but....JETSCB — The Jets employed a CB-by-committee approach to filling the spot opposite young star Darrelle Revis in 2008. It didn’t work.DE — Defensive end is the one front-seven position the Jets haven’t appropriately addressed in their transition from the 4-3 to the 3-4. Shaun Ellis enjoyed a rebound season in 2008, but Kenyon Coleman doesn’t offer much.QB — With Brett Favre unlikely to return, Kellen Clemens assumes starting honors. They obviously aren’t sold on him considering their acquisition of Favre in the first place.CB/DB- The Jets DO need a DB, but a good cover safety might fit just as well as an upgrade at CB. A cover safety brings Rhodes back into the playmaker's role, ala Ed Reed's role in a Ryan defense. Elam/Smith at SS OR the CB spot opposite Revis has to be addressed, but not necessarilly both, at least this year. DE- Ellis and Coleman are OK IF Pace rotates in on passing downs, which leads to needing either Gholston or another OLB that can pass rush to be added to the mix. Ellis and Colemn played the rush pretty well, but the pass rush has to be augmented with another OLB that can get to the QB better than Bryan Thomas can. If Hobson leaves, then an ILB becomes much more of a need than DE. Pace simply cannot play coverage as an OLB on passing downs. That is a mismatch that was exploited by opposing offenses all year, and a big part of why the Jets' pass D was so bad. QB- They will let the dice role... it's Favre or Clemens/Ratliff with Ainge on the bubble. The latter 3 have yet to be given an opportunity to play in the NFL behind an offensive line that can pass block. Favre did... and he was awful. QB will be at the bottom of the FA/draft strategy this year. The 3-4 is all about the NT and the LB's. Jenkins is great, but this defense needs a reliable backup/rotational NT behind Jenkins. When he broke down in 2008, so did the defense. Now... go find a good 3-4 NT... good luck with that. They are few and far between. The Jets need another RB behind Jones and Leon. Chatman looked good early before going on IR, and is now an UFA. WR- This is the top need IMO, but not likely to be addressed by a R Ryan philosophy. AZ may have a need at OLB/DE after this season... I dream of a deal of the first round pick and Bryan Thomas for Boldin, but it won't happen. The Jets have 3 possession WR's, and 3 smallish fast deep WR's. What is missing is the big end zone guy that can get YAC. Boldin, even with his baggage would be perfect. Top needs:LB, either ILB or OLB. DB, a cover safety or a CB.RB/WR- Depth at RB, a game breaker at WR.
Pretty much agree with all of this. All i'd add is that I'm not sure i want to write off Lowry as a CB2 just yet. he got picked on a bit this year, but he held up well at times. With Revis on the other side, whoever we put there will always be targetted, but i'd like to see him get a shot. I really think he can be solid once he gets some more experience. He's got good ball skills and didnt look overmatched athletically. Plus, if it looks like he cant hack it at CB, i think he could be a VERY good coverage safety. (a position that many people thought he'd be moved to when he was drafted).I'm not sure who my ideal first rounder is yet. I need a little while to see how the pre-draft stuff shakes out.
 
Just saying they haven't liked him from the beginning. They have him as the 8th rated T and not even going in the first round. In fact after just looking at it Sporting News by far has the worst mock draft I've seen.
It is strange. I'd like to see another opinion too. I'd read an article earlier in the year that the Ole Miss staff was impressed with his decision to come back to school and had really improved his technique this year. Anyone who's read his story should want this kid to make it. I know I do.
Yeah I do too but one of their reasons is the story made him look to dumb to be able to learn the playbook.
The kid is a beast. Watch him on the field in the game and form you own opinion.
 
I love when Andy gets into mock draft mode.... thanks for the read.
I liked it better when Bradford was #1. One of my son's friends once told me 'Even a weather man gets it correct once a week'. That being said nice job Andy. Can't wait to see your final rankings after the combine.Great job.
 
I love when Andy gets into mock draft mode.... thanks for the read.
I liked it better when Bradford was #1. One of my son's friends once told me 'Even a weather man gets it correct once a week'. That being said nice job Andy. Can't wait to see your final rankings after the combine.Great job.
The Senior Bowl reports have given me a bit to think about. One of the hardest choices is where to put the two quarterbacks, especially Sanchez.
 
I love when Andy gets into mock draft mode.... thanks for the read.
I liked it better when Bradford was #1. One of my son's friends once told me 'Even a weather man gets it correct once a week'. That being said nice job Andy. Can't wait to see your final rankings after the combine.Great job.
The Senior Bowl reports have given me a bit to think about. One of the hardest choices is where to put the two quarterbacks, especially Sanchez.
Have followed Mr.Sanchez since his HS days. I don't like the fact that he got hurt in College. But Mr.Sanchez is by far the best QB coming out this year. That's my take on him. My guess is you like Mr. Stafford better, correct?
 
Have followed Mr.Sanchez since his HS days. I don't like the fact that he got hurt in College. But Mr.Sanchez is by far the best QB coming out this year. That's my take on him. My guess is you like Mr. Stafford better, correct?
I'm not crazy about either of them. I currently have Stafford going to the 49ers and Sanchez going somewhere around the Bears and Jets pick.I could easily be convinced that Sanchez should go first.
 
Possibly my favorite article ever...(okay not ever, but you get the point)

Why the Lions don't HAVE to take o-line with pick #1.
I've gone through this a couple of times over the last few years so I won't dive into the details, but the finances involved with the #1 overall pick strongly suggest that the pick should be used on a QB, which is also typically a highly paid player on each team. If you choose an offensive tackle for instance, he immediately becomes one of the highest paid players(if not the highest) at his position. Unless a team already has a franchise QB(unlikely since they are drafting #1 overall) or unless they don't believe any of the incoming class of QB is of the franchise caliber, the finances suggest that is the position that they should take.Obviously if any player busts from the #1 overall, it is going to be a financial hit to the team. If the player succeeds however, the value to be gained is much higher at QB than it would be at say an offensive line position.

 
Possibly my favorite article ever...(okay not ever, but you get the point)

Why the Lions don't HAVE to take o-line with pick #1.
I've gone through this a couple of times over the last few years so I won't dive into the details, but the finances involved with the #1 overall pick strongly suggest that the pick should be used on a QB, which is also typically a highly paid player on each team. If you choose an offensive tackle for instance, he immediately becomes one of the highest paid players(if not the highest) at his position. Unless a team already has a franchise QB(unlikely since they are drafting #1 overall) or unless they don't believe any of the incoming class of QB is of the franchise caliber, the finances suggest that is the position that they should take.Obviously if any player busts from the #1 overall, it is going to be a financial hit to the team. If the player succeeds however, the value to be gained is much higher at QB than it would be at say an offensive line position.
That's one way to look at it. Another would be that once you draft and sign a guy you are committed to them for around 5 years. If you draft a position that historically takes a few year to develop, like QB or WR for example, you are paying him for at least a couple season where he has limited value. Where as if you draft a position that historically should be able to start and contribute from day one, like offensive line for example, you get 5 years of production out of that draft pick. Obviously that's a generalization as some QBs can start and succeed from day one and some offensive lineman are busts and never contribute much. At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.

 
At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.
I've actually come to disagree with this. I think the top 5 players are paid fairly for the simple reason that they give the fans a reason to buy tickets again. I know Matt Ryan is the easy example, but look at how much he brought to the franchise this year. I'd say that was worth the investment. Jake Long, while not flashy, helped the Dolphins line make big strides this year. He was worth it.They're not just paid for performance. They're also paid for PR.
 
At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.
I've actually come to disagree with this. I think the top 5 players are paid fairly for the simple reason that they give the fans a reason to buy tickets again. I know Matt Ryan is the easy example, but look at how much he brought to the franchise this year. I'd say that was worth the investment. Jake Long, while not flashy, helped the Dolphins line make big strides this year. He was worth it.They're not just paid for performance. They're also paid for PR.
Players that also helped sell tickets or with PR that were not "paid" for it include Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, Desean Jackson, and John Carlson and that's just skill players.
 
At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.
I've actually come to disagree with this. I think the top 5 players are paid fairly for the simple reason that they give the fans a reason to buy tickets again. I know Matt Ryan is the easy example, but look at how much he brought to the franchise this year. I'd say that was worth the investment. Jake Long, while not flashy, helped the Dolphins line make big strides this year. He was worth it.They're not just paid for performance. They're also paid for PR.
Players that also helped sell tickets or with PR that were not "paid" for it include Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, Desean Jackson, and John Carlson and that's just skill players.
Once again, you miss the point. Those guys play for squads that were going to have people show up no matter what.Fans in Miami and Atlanta had every reason to stay away (and in the case of Falcons fans were doing just that). The top guys bring people back to the stadiums by themselves and are a greater PR asset to the teams picking at the top of the draft than those picking later.
 
At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.
I've actually come to disagree with this. I think the top 5 players are paid fairly for the simple reason that they give the fans a reason to buy tickets again. I know Matt Ryan is the easy example, but look at how much he brought to the franchise this year. I'd say that was worth the investment. Jake Long, while not flashy, helped the Dolphins line make big strides this year. He was worth it.They're not just paid for performance. They're also paid for PR.
Players that also helped sell tickets or with PR that were not "paid" for it include Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, Desean Jackson, and John Carlson and that's just skill players.
Once again, you miss the point. Those guys play for squads that were going to have people show up no matter what.Fans in Miami and Atlanta had every reason to stay away (and in the case of Falcons fans were doing just that). The top guys bring people back to the stadiums by themselves and are a greater PR asset to the teams picking at the top of the draft than those picking later.
How many fans did Alex Smith bring in this season? How much was he paid? Guys like Peyton Manning and Reggie Bush might fit your argument. But there simply is not a Peyton Manning in every draft class. But whoever happens to be that lucky guy is still paid like he is Peyton Manning. Sedrick Ellis, the 7th pick was guaranteed $19.5m and his contract could reach close to $50m. Really? And you can bet your bootstraps that whoever is the 7th pick this year is going to want more. I'd prefer that the system more favored guys that have already proven to be quality NFL players. Because that money is not paid in a vacuum. Whatever the team pays the rookies, is that much less they can spend on the vets.
 
How many fans did Alex Smith bring in this season? How much was he paid?
Alex Smith has already been in the league for what, four years now? That's not what I'm saying. I'm willing to bet that the 9'ers have recouped their Alex Smith investment in terms of dollars. Not for what it did to the franchise though.
Guys like Peyton Manning and Reggie Bush might fit your argument. But there simply is not a Peyton Manning in every draft class. But whoever happens to be that lucky guy is still paid like he is Peyton Manning. Sedrick Ellis, the 7th pick was guaranteed $19.5m and his contract could reach close to $50m. Really? And you can bet your bootstraps that whoever is the 7th pick this year is going to want more. I'd prefer that the system more favored guys that have already proven to be quality NFL players. Because that money is not paid in a vacuum. Whatever the team pays the rookies, is that much less they can spend on the vets.
Vets that prove their worth are paid. :shrug:Once you get out of the top 10, the rookie pay scale is pretty reasonable.But whatever. This is a topic for another thread, IMO.
 
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At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.
I've actually come to disagree with this. I think the top 5 players are paid fairly for the simple reason that they give the fans a reason to buy tickets again. I know Matt Ryan is the easy example, but look at how much he brought to the franchise this year. I'd say that was worth the investment. Jake Long, while not flashy, helped the Dolphins line make big strides this year. He was worth it.They're not just paid for performance. They're also paid for PR.
Players that also helped sell tickets or with PR that were not "paid" for it include Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, Desean Jackson, and John Carlson and that's just skill players.
Once again, you miss the point. Those guys play for squads that were going to have people show up no matter what.Fans in Miami and Atlanta had every reason to stay away (and in the case of Falcons fans were doing just that). The top guys bring people back to the stadiums by themselves and are a greater PR asset to the teams picking at the top of the draft than those picking later.
I missed the point? Right. You cherry picked Ryan and Long for earning their money by stating the organizations benefitted from ticket sales and PR from them. Okay. What about Glenn Dorsey? How many tickets did he sell in KC? Did he earn top 5 money? What about Chris Long? Solid first year but how many tickets did he sell? Or Vernon Gholston? I know you'll argue he wasn't top 5 since he was #6 but did he earn his money? Did McFadden earn his money? You also claimed Ryan and Long helped with attendance. Atlanta's attendance dropped from 2007 to 2008. Miami did not report attendance in 07 but was 29th of 30 that did report in 08 in attendance percentage. The OP stated that top 5 picks were overpaid and should not walk in the league being paid top 5 at their position. First, it's an opinion but one I would agree with.
 
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At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.
I've actually come to disagree with this. I think the top 5 players are paid fairly for the simple reason that they give the fans a reason to buy tickets again. I know Matt Ryan is the easy example, but look at how much he brought to the franchise this year. I'd say that was worth the investment. Jake Long, while not flashy, helped the Dolphins line make big strides this year. He was worth it.They're not just paid for performance. They're also paid for PR.
Players that also helped sell tickets or with PR that were not "paid" for it include Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, Desean Jackson, and John Carlson and that's just skill players.
Once again, you miss the point. Those guys play for squads that were going to have people show up no matter what.Fans in Miami and Atlanta had every reason to stay away (and in the case of Falcons fans were doing just that). The top guys bring people back to the stadiums by themselves and are a greater PR asset to the teams picking at the top of the draft than those picking later.
I missed the point? Right. You cherry picked Ryan and Long for earning their money by stating the organizations benefitted from ticket sales and PR from them. Okay. What about Glenn Dorsey? How many tickets did he sell in KC? Did he earn top 5 money? What about Chris Long? Solid first year but how many tickets did he sell? Or Vernon Gholston? I know you'll argue he wasn't top 5 since he was #6 but did he earn his money? Did McFadden earn his money? You also claimed Ryan and Long helped with attendance. Atlanta's attendance dropped from 2007 to 2008. Miami did not report attendance in 07 but was 29th of 30 that did report in 08 in attendance percentage. The OP stated that top 5 picks were overpaid and should not walk in the league being paid top 5 at their position. First, it's an opinion but one I would agree with.
Whatever dude. Be aware that I won't be discussing anything with you in the future.
 
At the end of the day it's mostly about picking the right player at any position. Hopefully the NFL and NFLPA will eventually do something about the insane money rookies are making now. Guys walking into the league should not instantly be in the top 5 highest paid players at their position.
I've actually come to disagree with this. I think the top 5 players are paid fairly for the simple reason that they give the fans a reason to buy tickets again. I know Matt Ryan is the easy example, but look at how much he brought to the franchise this year. I'd say that was worth the investment. Jake Long, while not flashy, helped the Dolphins line make big strides this year. He was worth it.They're not just paid for performance. They're also paid for PR.
Players that also helped sell tickets or with PR that were not "paid" for it include Joe Flacco, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton, Desean Jackson, and John Carlson and that's just skill players.
Once again, you miss the point. Those guys play for squads that were going to have people show up no matter what.Fans in Miami and Atlanta had every reason to stay away (and in the case of Falcons fans were doing just that). The top guys bring people back to the stadiums by themselves and are a greater PR asset to the teams picking at the top of the draft than those picking later.
I missed the point? Right. You cherry picked Ryan and Long for earning their money by stating the organizations benefitted from ticket sales and PR from them. Okay. What about Glenn Dorsey? How many tickets did he sell in KC? Did he earn top 5 money? What about Chris Long? Solid first year but how many tickets did he sell? Or Vernon Gholston? I know you'll argue he wasn't top 5 since he was #6 but did he earn his money? Did McFadden earn his money? You also claimed Ryan and Long helped with attendance. Atlanta's attendance dropped from 2007 to 2008. Miami did not report attendance in 07 but was 29th of 30 that did report in 08 in attendance percentage. The OP stated that top 5 picks were overpaid and should not walk in the league being paid top 5 at their position. First, it's an opinion but one I would agree with.
Whatever dude. Be aware that I won't be discussing anything with you in the future.
:popcorn: Sorry to offer an opinion different from yours and provide you a few attendance facts.
 
:lmao: Sorry to offer an opinion different from yours and provide you a few attendance facts.
What you did was take an offhand comment that I wasn't putting any weight behind and turned it into a pissing match. Like you always do.It's obvious you don't like me. I don't like you either. It's okay. There's about 20,000 other users that I'm sure will dialog with you. I'm just not one of them. :bye:
 
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:lmao: Sorry to offer an opinion different from yours and provide you a few attendance facts.
What you did was take an offhand comment that I wasn't putting any weight behind and turned it into a pissing match. Like you always do.It's obvious you don't like me. I don't like you either. It's okay. There's about 20,000 other users that I'm sure will dialog with you. I'm just not one of them. :bye:
Again, :lmao: You argued/disagreed with/started a pissing match (you decide which one) with another poster on an opinion he made. I commented on said opinion by providing other rookie players that haven't made their money but have made as big an impact to their team as Ryan and J. Long. Your response is telling me I missed the point and even tossed in a once again for effects. Exactly who turned what into a pissing match now?Your comments weren't offhand. At least not until they were proven to be factually incorrect. I don't care if you like me or not. Not here to find a drinking buddy. But I would suggest you not take things so personal. For the record, I don't like or dislike you as I've never met you. I have people point out things to me that are incorrect here everyday or disagree with me everyday. It's not a big deal.
 
Whiplash Inc. said:
2nd round of NFP's Mock Draft: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...t-second-round/

Vontae Davis to Oakland at pick 39 overall. Pretty sure I've seen him as a top 15 pick in several mock drafts so far. Any thoughts?
Has William Moore's stock dropped so much that he's not even a 2nd rounder anymore?Yet another mock that has Houston taking a WR early. Just further shows how little attention anyone outside of Houston pays to that team.

 
Whiplash Inc. said:
2nd round of NFP's Mock Draft: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...t-second-round/

Vontae Davis to Oakland at pick 39 overall. Pretty sure I've seen him as a top 15 pick in several mock drafts so far. Any thoughts?
Has William Moore's stock dropped so much that he's not even a 2nd rounder anymore?Yet another mock that has Houston taking a WR early. Just further shows how little attention anyone outside of Houston pays to that team.
Yeah, i really don't think people not close to the situation understands how much Kubiak and co. like Walter. I am ok with the idea of a WR early if the Texans think it will take them from an above average offense to a truly dynamic one or if he is clearly the best talent on the board, but the idea that Walter needs replacing is unfounded and uninformed.
 
I just saw an interview on ESPN with Jason Smith. What a great kid. Graduated in three years with a 4.0 in education. Very well spoken.

BTW - New mock draft coming in the next couple of days. :unsure:

 
Have followed Mr.Sanchez since his HS days. I don't like the fact that he got hurt in College. But Mr.Sanchez is by far the best QB coming out this year. That's my take on him. My guess is you like Mr. Stafford better, correct?
I'm not crazy about either of them. I currently have Stafford going to the 49ers and Sanchez going somewhere around the Bears and Jets pick.I could easily be convinced that Sanchez should go first.
I've seen a lot of comments here (on various threads, by a few people) criticizing Sanchez's pro day, which differed from my impressions. Here's an article that was impressed by him:http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nf...k-sanchez_N.htm

 
2nd round of NFP's Mock Draft: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...t-second-round/

Vontae Davis to Oakland at pick 39 overall. Pretty sure I've seen him as a top 15 pick in several mock drafts so far. Any thoughts?
Has William Moore's stock dropped so much that he's not even a 2nd rounder anymore?Yet another mock that has Houston taking a WR early. Just further shows how little attention anyone outside of Houston pays to that team.
I don't view Moore as a 2nd round prospect.I also have Houston taking a WR 1st, but it was more about a top 10 talent falling to them and somebody they couldn't afford to pass up (Maclin).

 
2nd round of NFP's Mock Draft: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...t-second-round/

Vontae Davis to Oakland at pick 39 overall. Pretty sure I've seen him as a top 15 pick in several mock drafts so far. Any thoughts?
Has William Moore's stock dropped so much that he's not even a 2nd rounder anymore?Yet another mock that has Houston taking a WR early. Just further shows how little attention anyone outside of Houston pays to that team.
I don't view Moore as a 2nd round prospect.I also have Houston taking a WR 1st, but it was more about a top 10 talent falling to them and somebody they couldn't afford to pass up (Maclin).
Huh. That's funny. I didn't have a chance to look at your mock but I have Maclin to the Texans too in the one I'm finishing up. :lmao:
 
Andy Dufresne said:
2nd round of NFP's Mock Draft: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...t-second-round/

Vontae Davis to Oakland at pick 39 overall. Pretty sure I've seen him as a top 15 pick in several mock drafts so far. Any thoughts?
Has William Moore's stock dropped so much that he's not even a 2nd rounder anymore?Yet another mock that has Houston taking a WR early. Just further shows how little attention anyone outside of Houston pays to that team.
I don't view Moore as a 2nd round prospect.I also have Houston taking a WR 1st, but it was more about a top 10 talent falling to them and somebody they couldn't afford to pass up (Maclin).
Huh. That's funny. I didn't have a chance to look at your mock but I have Maclin to the Texans too in the one I'm finishing up. :lmao:
Be prepared for me to rip on it. :goodposting:
 
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Andy Dufresne said:
2nd round of NFP's Mock Draft: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/0...t-second-round/

Vontae Davis to Oakland at pick 39 overall. Pretty sure I've seen him as a top 15 pick in several mock drafts so far. Any thoughts?
Has William Moore's stock dropped so much that he's not even a 2nd rounder anymore?Yet another mock that has Houston taking a WR early. Just further shows how little attention anyone outside of Houston pays to that team.
I don't view Moore as a 2nd round prospect.I also have Houston taking a WR 1st, but it was more about a top 10 talent falling to them and somebody they couldn't afford to pass up (Maclin).
Huh. That's funny. I didn't have a chance to look at your mock but I have Maclin to the Texans too in the one I'm finishing up. :)
Feel free to take shots at it. Reply or PM.Cookiemonster's Mock

 
I don't know about that. More than just Mayock has said this, and everybody expected Johnson to excel in workouts. He's tailor-made for Pro Days and the Combine. The tape says that he is a late 2nd, early 3rd round talent. His body and athleticism says he is a high-mid 1st. These atheletic types always find a team in love with their measurables that take them too high. He will probably find his way into the late-1st and will go no later than 2.07 to the Raiders. He's closer to late-2nd on my draft board.
 
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Interesting quote on Maybin from Russ Lande:

Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts take a quick look at the Top 10 draft prospects at defensive end:

1. Everette Brown, Florida State (6-1 7/8, 256)

With his great build and athleticism, Brown is an elite pass rusher. He made the wise decision to come out early, but he still needs to improve against the run, continuing to develop a better use of hands, technique and leverage. A surefire firstrounder, Brown will make an immediate impact as either a 4-3 end or 3-4 rush linebacker.

2. Brian Orakpo, Texas (6-3, 263)

Orakpo has the size, strength and athleticism of an elite end. He just needs to work on becoming more consistent. He also needs show more aggressiveness and competitiveness on every snap. As he develops from an athlete into a complete football player, he will be a very productive NFL starter. Like Brown, he can be a 3-4 linebacker.

3. Larry English, Northern Illinois (6-2 1/8, 255)

English, a very productive prospect, is equally adept against the run and the pass. He also will benefit against seeing fewer double teams in the NFL. A complete player and another first-round pick versatile enough to play end or outside linebacker, English should have a long career as an edge pass rusher.

4. Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech (6-6 7/8, 266)

Johnson can be an impact pass rusher in the mold of Jevon Kearse.

WAR ROOM ANALYSIS:

More: DE | DT | RB | WR | TE | C | G | T

Draft Dish:

Michael Johnson climbs boards

Heyward-Bey challenges the best

To become a steady force, however, he must want it, showing more desire on every snap. Although he struggled in his final college season, performing more like a fourth- or fifth-round pick, teams drafting on Day 1 and early Day 2 will find it difficult to pass on his rare physical tools.

5. Robert Ayers, Tennessee (6-3 1/8, 272)

Ayers showed his worth by winning several battles against Alabama offensive tackle Andre Smith. Ayers has all the characteristics to thrive against both the run and the pass. Even with his strong predraft workouts, he won't be drafted as high as he should be, but some astute team will get to see him emerge as an impressive starter at either end or outside linebacker.

6. Connor Barwin, Cincinnati (6-3 5/8, 256)

Barwin, a marginal NFL prospect before moving from tight end as a senior, showed great potential in his new role, leading the Bearcats with 11 sacks. He is a coach's dream. After an amazing workout at his pro day this past week, he has likely moved himself up to the second round. Barwin is an elite athlete, but teams must be patient as he refines his raw defensive talent.

7. Paul Kruger, Utah (6-4 1/2, 260)

Kruger, 24, is older than the usual NFL draft prospect. He is not a blazer off the edge, but he is intelligent, athletic and versatile. Those attributes should help get him drafted in the second or third round and to immediately help his team in one of several roles in a 4-3 or 3-4.

8. Tyson Jackson, LSU (6-4 1/8, 296)

Jackson, an every-down end, is versatile enough to produce at defensive tackle. With the relentlessness and effort he brings as a pass rusher, it will get him drafted within the top three rounds. Jackson, however, is a great fit for a 3-4 team, and the right one may target him in Round 2.

9. Lawrence Sidbury Jr., Richmond (6-2 3/8, 266)

Using his fine frame and athleticism, Sidbury has moved up draft boards with an outstanding spring. His quickness, agility and burst are all signs he will be a productive pass rusher. He just needs to bulk up to hold up better against the run. Sidbury also can play 3-4 rush linebacker.

10. Aaron Maybin, Penn State (6-3 3/4, 249)

Maybin may have come out too early, considering he had only one standout season in State College. A team needs to be patient for him to reach his potential. By getting a little heavier and more aggressive, he can be an NFL force. His raw athleticism will keep him from being drafted before the third or fourth round.
 

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