Another 2006 mock to chew on. Since Young declared (1 Viewer)

[sho nuff]

Are we really buying into the White @ #5 rumored crap?

Not really, but if he doesn't go there, he goes in the 20's and then you have people saying "no way he lasts that long."It's not that farfetched though.

Yea I really think it is. I cannot see the Packers going RB in the 1st unless Bush drops to them. He won't, and they won't.I don't see them passing up Hawk at #5. If they TRULY want White, they can trade down and grab him around #15- $20. If they don't trade down and take him at #5, well that just shows you TT doesn't know what he's doing.

I still don't see them going RB in the 1st.

What if Ferguson drops to #5 - they REALLY need OL help more than ANYthing else on that team.

I'd grab Freguson in a heartbeat.

Who would you then move to guard?Brick? Tauscher? Clifton?

OT is not their need...guard and possibly center depending on Flanagan's contract situation is their need on the line.

But I think alot of the L. White talk has been smoke screen.

If they take him at #5... I just do not like that with Mario Williams, Hali, and Hawk out there.

 

[sho nuff]

Also, I've seen no one mention Jon Orr yet, and he has a very real shot at being the first WR drafted.

From Wisconsin?No, he will not be the first WR drafted.

Later round value though.

Big...but still a project for the NFL.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

OT is not their need...guard and possibly center depending on Flanagan's contract situation is their need on the line.

Take Hawk at #1 and get Jean-Gilles with their 2nd rounder and that draft would be an "A" grade right there.

 

[msommer]

If Lendale White is a product of the Rose Bowl hype and is expected to plummet after the measurables come in (per Marc Levin), what about Vince Young?  How much of all of these draft projections at #3 or higher are products of the Rose Bowl hype?  Dont you think when the Pro Scouts start looking at tape that they are going to tear apart his throwing motion?  Young will not work out at the combine so everything will come down to his Pro Day.  30 for 40 is still 30 for 40 but I did not see any NFL caliber throws in that Rose Bowl.  No deep outs, no deep ins.  Where were the post patterns and flag patterns?

Jeff Fisher is still well respected as a coach but he hasnt won for awhile.  Will he use a top 3 pick on a QB?

Fisher does not make the picks...the GM Floyd Reese does.Fisher last season wanted a WR (Williams) and Reese wanted a CB...Pacman was drafted.

And thank God for that. The Titans does not need a TE that thinks he is a WR.Now Floyd Reed is a well respected GM - Will he use a #3 pick for a QB.

He might. Would Vince Young put butts to seats in Nashville. Last I checked there was a waiting list for season tickets so that might not matter so much.

Would Vince Young sell Titans Merchandise - probably more than D'Brickashaw Ferguson or any other O-Lineman, I'll grant that.

Would VY improve the Titans - if his funky mechanincs gets sorted out and he gets it - absolutely, when McNair retires.

Will McNair return in 2006 - Probably. The new contract will probably be structured to 2007 is a potential retirement year (since it is still expected to be uncapped).

Could the Titans want to trade down and get another QB? That is the big question.

If Cutler were to drop out of the 1st round all bets are off I think (If he is indeed all that)

 

[pigskinliquors]

Great Post Andy.I have to disagree with Cutler not being drafted in the first round. He's a big, mobile, strong QB, who throws accurately (more mobile than Leinart, a better passer than VY). Being SEC Offensive player of the year on a team like Vanderbilt is amazing (he's the opposite of Leinart/VY = his surrounding cast did not assist his stats). While you have to question his ability to "be a winner" he did beat Tennessee this year (David beat Goliath). Detroit, Arizona, Baltimore, Miami, Minnesota, Dallas, KC, and Chicago will all be looking hard at him in the combine. My gut tells me that Miami gets him (wishful thinking as a Dolphin fan, but I'd also be ecstatic with Scott), but IMHO no way he gets by this group of teams.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Great Post Andy.

I have to disagree with Cutler not being drafted in the first round. He's a big, mobile, strong QB, who throws accurately (more mobile than Leinart, a better passer than VY). Being SEC Offensive player of the year on a team like Vanderbilt is amazing (he's the opposite of Leinart/VY = his surrounding cast did not assist his stats). While you have to question his ability to "be a winner" he did beat Tennessee this year (David beat Goliath).

Detroit, Arizona, Baltimore, Miami, Minnesota, Dallas, KC, and Chicago will all be looking hard at him in the combine. My gut tells me that Miami gets him (wishful thinking as a Dolphin fan, but I'd also be ecstatic with Scott), but IMHO no way he gets by this group of teams.

I may be underestimating him. If you look at my "on second toughts" I did have him going to the Dolphins.As for the other teams, I think you can take AZ, Balt, MN, Dallas, and Chicago off the list and here's why:

AZ - Denny is in the last year of his contract. If he doesn't win NOW, he won't re-up. He's not interested in this point in developing a young QB.

Dallas - Same thing with Parcells. Now if he walks away, then I think you DO add Dallas in the Cutler mix.

Balt - Possibly. But Boller may have shown juuuuust enough to preclude taking a QB in the first.

Chicago - They have other needs to fill before QB in the first and he won't last 'til their second. Besides, Grossman has them fooled.

MN - Culpepper is staying. Apparently, and I didn't know this before last night, Culpepper ran a west coast style offense at UCF. He should fit in with the new head coache's system just fine.

Detroit, Miami, and KC make sense. I'd actually like to see Detroit get a decent QB. Even though I'm a Vikings fan, I can't stand watching bad football. Since I HAVE to see the Lions play three times a year, can they at least be watchable? Please?

 

[msommer]

Great Post Andy.

I have to disagree with Cutler not being drafted in the first round.  He's a big, mobile, strong QB, who throws accurately (more mobile than Leinart, a better passer than VY).  Being SEC Offensive player of the year on a team like Vanderbilt is amazing (he's the opposite of Leinart/VY = his surrounding cast did not assist his stats).  While you have to question his ability to "be a winner" he did beat Tennessee this year (David beat Goliath). 

Detroit, Arizona, Baltimore, Miami, Minnesota, Dallas, KC, and Chicago will all be looking hard at him in the combine.  My gut tells me that Miami gets him (wishful thinking as a Dolphin fan, but I'd also be ecstatic with Scott), but IMHO no way he gets by this group of teams.

I may be underestimating him. If you look at my "on second toughts" I did have him going to the Dolphins.As for the other teams, I think you can take AZ, Balt, MN, Dallas, and Chicago off the list and here's why:

AZ - Denny is in the last year of his contract. If he doesn't win NOW, he won't re-up. He's not interested in this point in developing a young QB.

Dallas - Same thing with Parcells. Now if he walks away, then I think you DO add Dallas in the Cutler mix.

Balt - Possibly. But Boller may have shown juuuuust enough to preclude taking a QB in the first.

Chicago - They have other needs to fill before QB in the first and he won't last 'til their second. Besides, Grossman has them fooled.

MN - Culpepper is staying. Apparently, and I didn't know this before last night, Culpepper ran a west coast style offense at UCF. He should fit in with the new head coache's system just fine.

Detroit, Miami, and KC make sense. I'd actually like to see Detroit get a decent QB. Even though I'm a Vikings fan, I can't stand watching bad football. Since I HAVE to see the Lions play three times a year, can they at least be watchable? Please?

Parcells just extended through 2007- BUT they could take a guy to back up (and take over from) Bledsoe - Jerry Jones will still be with the club (and with his hand on impact player decisions) after that and that might mean that Dallas is back in it afterall. I don;t follow Dallas very much so this is a legit question; other than LB what other big needs do they have?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Parcells just extended through 2007- BUT they could take a guy to back up (and take over from) Bledsoe - Jerry Jones will still be with the club (and with his hand on impact player decisions) after that and that might mean that Dallas is back in it afterall. I don;t follow Dallas very much so this is a legit question; other than LB what other big needs do they have?

I didn't know he just extended. Huh. Cutler could be a Cowboy.Other than that, their WR corps isn't getting any younger.

Also, with Kitna and Volek probably starting somewhere else this next year, the QB openings aren't as numerous as they may seem.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm absolutely convinced that the Vikings, hiring Mike Tomlin from the Bucs who will institute the Tampa 2, will draft a linebacker.

There's very little in free agency that appear to fit the bill.

Article.

 

[Capella]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

You can have the same playbook, but if the coaches and players can't execute it, then it's all for naught.

 

[Capella]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

True, but they're hiring the coaches -- Dungy (obviously the guy behind it, with Kiffin), Lovie, Edwards, Tomlin and likely Rod Marinelli (will get a job somewhere this offseason) will all be running it somewhere next year. Those are all former Bucs assistants who took what they learned elsewhere. That's six teams next year, about 1/5th of the league.Lovie seems to be doing a great job with it.

 

[Jason Wood]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

You can have the same playbook, but if the coaches and players can't execute it, then it's all for naught.

The Marty Morhinweg WCO was a far cry from the Bill Walsh WCO

Mike Shanahan, Andy Reid and Mike Holmgren all run the WCO...but their play-calling, productivity and run/pass balances are all markedly different.

The NFL is a "me too" league, always has been. It's usually the teams that break from the mold [and execute at a high level] which take the league by storm. When Vermeil's Rams made that meteoric rise it was because no one else was using a spread offense in the same way. Now several other teams are trying to do the same. Same with the 3-4, the 4-6 years ago, the run 'n' shoot years ago, etc...

 

[Ridgelake]

Andy, I agree with your comments about Dallas taking a QB re: Parcells. Its rather unlikely that he is going to spend the last year or two of his career grooming a QB for his successor. Dallas had a chance to take a first round QB in Parcells' first draft in Leftwich. But this hotly debated subject went to CB Newman instead. Like I said, I seriously doubt that it happens now.I'll add some additional thoughts about Dallas to the ones that I posted previously in this thread wherein I mentioned OLB, NT, and ILB as likely draft spots.If the value is not there, don't be surprised to see them move down. Why?Because they may well go for a TE. Yes, they have Witten. But Parcells loves TEs and knows what problems they cause defenses. Adding a guy like Pope or Lewis would make life interesting for opposing defenses.Think it won't happen? Take a look at New England's first round draft picks over the last few years. TEs Watson and Graham. DL Seymour, Warren, and Wilfork. Interior OL Mankins and Woody. LB Katzenmoyer. Parcells and Billichek share many philosophies. Not drafting first round QBs, WRs, etc is one of them.

 

[pigskinliquors]

Great Post Andy.

I have to disagree with Cutler not being drafted in the first round. He's a big, mobile, strong QB, who throws accurately (more mobile than Leinart, a better passer than VY). Being SEC Offensive player of the year on a team like Vanderbilt is amazing (he's the opposite of Leinart/VY = his surrounding cast did not assist his stats). While you have to question his ability to "be a winner" he did beat Tennessee this year (David beat Goliath).

Detroit, Arizona, Baltimore, Miami, Minnesota, Dallas, KC, and Chicago will all be looking hard at him in the combine. My gut tells me that Miami gets him (wishful thinking as a Dolphin fan, but I'd also be ecstatic with Scott), but IMHO no way he gets by this group of teams.

I may be underestimating him. If you look at my "on second toughts" I did have him going to the Dolphins.As for the other teams, I think you can take AZ, Balt, MN, Dallas, and Chicago off the list and here's why:

AZ - Denny is in the last year of his contract. If he doesn't win NOW, he won't re-up. He's not interested in this point in developing a young QB.

Dallas - Same thing with Parcells. Now if he walks away, then I think you DO add Dallas in the Cutler mix.

Balt - Possibly. But Boller may have shown juuuuust enough to preclude taking a QB in the first.

Chicago - They have other needs to fill before QB in the first and he won't last 'til their second. Besides, Grossman has them fooled.

MN - Culpepper is staying. Apparently, and I didn't know this before last night, Culpepper ran a west coast style offense at UCF. He should fit in with the new head coache's system just fine.

Detroit, Miami, and KC make sense. I'd actually like to see Detroit get a decent QB. Even though I'm a Vikings fan, I can't stand watching bad football. Since I HAVE to see the Lions play three times a year, can they at least be watchable? Please?

I'm not stating that these teams WILL take Qb's, or are even likely to. I'm saying these teams will take a good look at Cutler in the combines (among others). Who in their right mind would have guessed the Packers would pick QB in the first round? The reason they took him was that they believed he fell further than he should have in the draft. IF VY didn't declare, many would have Cutler projected in the top 4 of this draft right now. I believe he'll do well enough in the combine for a team with need at qb to feel they have "value" in picking him, and the teams I've listed are the ones I feel are most likely to grab him.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

IF VY didn't declare, many would have Cutler projected in the top 4 of this draft right now.

The top 4 picks? You really think so?

 

[The Ref]

BTW, wouldn't Omar Jacobs go somewhere above where the phins draft?  If not, I could easily see them going with Jacobs over LT here (over my objections) or go for LB - they need impact LBs in a super bad way.

Jacobs is kind of a wild card. A lot depends on his combine performance. He could go higher or fall big time. I dunno.All I did for this was read the projections from a few different sites, combined it with what I observed (which admittedly wasn't much) and came up with what seemed like the best fit in each case.

After all is said and done, I'm sure it will end up quite different than this.

What's remarkable, however, is how deep this draft is at several positions. That and how bad some teams are - as in drafting a punter may actually help (yeah, I'm talking to you 49ers.)

I have been saying for weeks that jacobs isn't gong to go anywhere near the first round and the best pro from BG will be Charles Sharon WR, not Jacobs.

 

[The Ref]

If the Colts get Derek Hagan he immediately becomes the #1 WR picked in most rookie drafts next Spring.This guy doesn't get much hype,but every time I watched him the past two years he was awesome

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

True, but they're hiring the coaches -- Dungy (obviously the guy behind it, with Kiffin), Lovie, Edwards, Tomlin and likely Rod Marinelli (will get a job somewhere this offseason) will all be running it somewhere next year. Those are all former Bucs assistants who took what they learned elsewhere. That's six teams next year, about 1/5th of the league.Lovie seems to be doing a great job with it.

Lovie is the one guy other than Dungy that I can see being able to truly implement it well. He also has the speed in the secondary and at linebacker to make it work - most teams, especially those that play 4-3, don't have the requisite speed to be effective running it, IMO.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

After boning up on this Tampa 2 thing, DeMeco Ryans will obviously not be the Viking's pick as he is probably too slow.Perhaps - Thomas Howard or Bobby Carpenter instead?

 

[Capella]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

True, but they're hiring the coaches -- Dungy (obviously the guy behind it, with Kiffin), Lovie, Edwards, Tomlin and likely Rod Marinelli (will get a job somewhere this offseason) will all be running it somewhere next year. Those are all former Bucs assistants who took what they learned elsewhere. That's six teams next year, about 1/5th of the league.Lovie seems to be doing a great job with it.

Lovie is the one guy other than Dungy that I can see being able to truly implement it well. He also has the speed in the secondary and at linebacker to make it work - most teams, especially those that play 4-3, don't have the requisite speed to be effective running it, IMO.

Well, Lovie walked into the guys he needs and Dungy had to take a few years to get it right. It'll take Tomlin and Edwards quite a few years as well, imo.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

True, but they're hiring the coaches -- Dungy (obviously the guy behind it, with Kiffin), Lovie, Edwards, Tomlin and likely Rod Marinelli (will get a job somewhere this offseason) will all be running it somewhere next year. Those are all former Bucs assistants who took what they learned elsewhere. That's six teams next year, about 1/5th of the league.Lovie seems to be doing a great job with it.

Lovie is the one guy other than Dungy that I can see being able to truly implement it well. He also has the speed in the secondary and at linebacker to make it work - most teams, especially those that play 4-3, don't have the requisite speed to be effective running it, IMO.

Well, Lovie walked into the guys he needs and Dungy had to take a few years to get it right. It'll take Tomlin and Edwards quite a few years as well, imo.

What kind of bizzaro world do we live in where we have 33 year old defensive coordinators and 28 year old general managers in the professional sports ranks?

 

[Capella]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

True, but they're hiring the coaches -- Dungy (obviously the guy behind it, with Kiffin), Lovie, Edwards, Tomlin and likely Rod Marinelli (will get a job somewhere this offseason) will all be running it somewhere next year. Those are all former Bucs assistants who took what they learned elsewhere. That's six teams next year, about 1/5th of the league.Lovie seems to be doing a great job with it.

Lovie is the one guy other than Dungy that I can see being able to truly implement it well. He also has the speed in the secondary and at linebacker to make it work - most teams, especially those that play 4-3, don't have the requisite speed to be effective running it, IMO.

Well, Lovie walked into the guys he needs and Dungy had to take a few years to get it right. It'll take Tomlin and Edwards quite a few years as well, imo.

What kind of bizzaro world do we live in where we have 33 year old defensive coordinators and 28 year old general managers in the professional sports ranks?

Wish I was one.

 

[Bailiver]

Soon, every team in the league will be running the Tampa 2.

That doesn't mean they'll do it well. I've seen a number of teams copy the Steeler defense for years now, switching to the 3-4, running some manner of zone blitz scheme, etc.. etc... but few can execute it.Tampa will always run this system best.

True, but they're hiring the coaches -- Dungy (obviously the guy behind it, with Kiffin), Lovie, Edwards, Tomlin and likely Rod Marinelli (will get a job somewhere this offseason) will all be running it somewhere next year. Those are all former Bucs assistants who took what they learned elsewhere. That's six teams next year, about 1/5th of the league.Lovie seems to be doing a great job with it.

Lovie is the one guy other than Dungy that I can see being able to truly implement it well. He also has the speed in the secondary and at linebacker to make it work - most teams, especially those that play 4-3, don't have the requisite speed to be effective running it, IMO.

Well, Lovie walked into the guys he needs and Dungy had to take a few years to get it right. It'll take Tomlin and Edwards quite a few years as well, imo.

What kind of bizzaro world do we live in where we have 33 year old defensive coordinators and 28 year old general managers in the professional sports ranks?

One in which the players are older than the coaches.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

One in which the players are older than the coaches.

Just think of that. The Vikings new defensive coordinator was a teammate of his starting safety.

 

[Bad_Mo]

I may have the order at the bottom a bit off since I haven't seen an update from the last weekend.

Enjoy:

1. Houston - Reggie Bush

Cooler heads prevail and take Bush at #1. I doubt they keep this pick, though.

2. New Orleans - Matt Leinart

I just think he fits better here than Young.

3. Tennessee - Vince Young

Perfect place for young to land.

4 New York Jets - D'Brickashaw Ferguson

So many needs. But fill the LT spot for the next 10 years and stop worrying about it.

5. Green Bay - Lendale White

Defense is a big concern for the Pack, but that side of the ball is deep and they should be able to snag a starter in the second round. Their running back corps is in dire need of a stud (please don't talk to me about Gado). Drafting White is a major coup.

6. Oakland - Mario Williams

Pair him with Burggess and that's one of the top DE tandems in the league. To win the AFC West, more defense is needed.

7. San Francisco - A.J. Hawk

SF was one of, if not THE worst defenses in the league this year. Hawk fixes that a bit.

8. Buffalo - Haloti Ngata

Every other mock has this. Why not me? Letting Pat Williams go was a baaaaad decision.

9. Detroit - Winston Justice

Justice played the RT position at USC. He'll fit naturally on that side of the line for the Lions as Jeff Backus has started 80 straight at LT and has not been bad. Naturally, the two could easily switch sides as well. The Lions were 7th worst in rushing and 9th worst in sacks allowed. Not going O-Line would be criminal.

10. Arizona - Vernon Davis

Gives them an excellent chance to win. Tackle is also a possibility, but Davis' talent is too tough to pass up.

11. St. Louis - Mathias Kiwanuka

He should go higher, way higher, but the top of this draft is hard to crack.

12. Cleveland - Marcus McNeill

It's too bad injuries have this team snakebit. What a lineup the offense would be with the addition of a stud LT to Winslow and Edwards.

13. Baltimore - Michael Huff

Paired with Ed Reed, yikes! Dale Carter and Deion Sanders are both expected to retire. A starting 4 defensive backfield of Reed/Huff/Rolle/McAlister would be most impressive.

14. Philadelphia - Chad Greenway

Seems like a no brainer.

15. Atlanta - Jimmy Williams

The freefall ends here. He has the talent to be top 10, but his 'tweener' status hurts. Will help a team that has zero currently at the Safety spot.

16. Miami - Jonathan Scott

I just can't see them spending a first rounder on Jay Cutler when a shoe in LT like Scott is left on the board.

17. Minnesota - DeMeco Ryans

Or D'Qwell Jackson or Abdul Hodge. I like Ryans the best. Their LB corps is bad/old and any of these guys would really help.

18 Dallas - Eric Winston

Need a LT in the worst way and Winston is the best left on the board. QB would also make sense. I'd say Omar Jacobs ahead of Jay Cutler.

19 San Diego - Antonio Cromartie

Jammer is not a corner, but would make a good safety. This pick alllows them to move Jammer to safety.

20 Kansas City - Abdul Hodge

They still need D, and paired with Johnson makes lethal pair.

*21 Tampa Bay - Omar Jacobs

They miss out on the OL run, which is what they needed most. I don't think Gruden believes Simms is the answer. Jacobs gives him the athlete like he had in Gannon in Oakland. Yes, this is over Cutler.

*22 Cincinnati - Rodrique Wright

Their run defense has been a problem for a while now. Not the best problem to have in the AFC north.

*23 New York Giants - Broderick Bunkley

The interior of the line needs shoring up in order to make the ends even more effective. Which is a scary thought.

*24 Jacksonville - Tye Hill

Total need pick here and they're lucky to get someone who fits the bill so well.

*25 New England - D'Qwell Jackson

ILB is where the defense needs the most help. That he's here this late is fitting, since the Pats always seem to strike gold late.

*26 Denver (f/WAS) - Santonio Holmes

Rod Smith is almost done, and Lelie is not emerging. D-Line also makes sense from a need standpoint, but the talent isn't there to warrant it at this pick.

*27 Carolina - DeAngelo Williams

Davis is done and Foster let go, even with his impressive playoff performance as I believe he'll ask for too much money. Williams should go higher than this, but where?

*28 Chicago - Leonard Pope

A great fit as it's a top need for the Bears offense.

*29 Pittsburgh - Lawrence Maroney

He's gotta go somewhere. Is Parker really the answer? Bettis and Staley definitely aren't, at least for the long term. I don't think Parker is either.

*30 Denver - Tamba Hali

The D-Line proved itself to be what it was - Cleveland rejects.

*31 Seattle - Max Jean-Gilles

And the running game just keeps getting better and better.

*32 Indianapolis - Derek Hagan

I doubt they re-sign Wayne. Hagan is a nice replacement.

If you have IND and SEA projected in the SB, then NE would get the #21 pick, not #25. As I understand it, the SB teams are locked into #32 and #31. All other playoff teams are grouped according to their tier (i.e., all of the 10-6, 11-5, etc. teams are in their own tier) and then the tiebreakers are applied. So, basically WAS and NE are in the lowest tier for playoff teams. HTH

 

[TFN1995]

Huff is going to drop to the giants. Baltamore is going to draft a rb or an o-line person. THere defense is good but there two best players got injured.

 

[Running with scissors]

Give me AJ Hawk to replace Julian Peterson, and I'm a pretty happy Niners fan.

Keep up the good work, Andy.

As long as he doesn't remove his helmet.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Give me AJ Hawk to replace Julian Peterson, and I'm a pretty happy Niners fan. 

Keep up the good work, Andy.

As long as he doesn't remove his helmet.

I'm not wearing a helmet.

 

[Bloom]

If you have IND and SEA projected in the SB, then NE would get the #21 pick, not #25.  As I understand it, the SB teams are locked into #32 and #31.  All other playoff teams are grouped according to their tier (i.e., all of the 10-6, 11-5, etc. teams are in their own tier) and then the tiebreakers are applied.  So, basically WAS and NE are in the lowest tier for playoff teams.  HTH

This is correct. If IND and SEA go to the SB 21-32 look like this:NE

DEN (f/WAS)

TB

CIN

NYG

CAR

CHI

PIT

JAX

DEN

SEA/IND

SEA/IND

PIT/NYG and TB/CAR were both tied but the ties were broken by one of the teams lasting longer in the playoffs.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If you have IND and SEA projected in the SB, then NE would get the #21 pick, not #25.  As I understand it, the SB teams are locked into #32 and #31.  All other playoff teams are grouped according to their tier (i.e., all of the 10-6, 11-5, etc. teams are in their own tier) and then the tiebreakers are applied.  So, basically WAS and NE are in the lowest tier for playoff teams.   HTH

So, even if Washington and New England make it to their Conference championships, if they lose, they still get slotted at #21 and #22?As long as you don't go to the Super Bowl, your draft position is determined by your regular season record and your playoff wins mean nothing (other than for tiebreakers)?

 

[facook]

Give me AJ Hawk to replace Julian Peterson, and I'm a pretty happy Niners fan.  

Keep up the good work, Andy.

As long as he doesn't remove his helmet.

I'm not wearing a helmet.

My thoughts exactly. Seriously, I doubt Hawk makes it past the Packers. But if he does, he'd have to be considered a :win: for the 49ers 1st Round pick.

I wonder, though, if Cleveland might not be willing to trade up to take Hawk if he's still available? Home state kid, and Cleveland needs help all along the D. If the 49ers could trade down and pick up more picks in order to address more needs, I'd still be a happy Niners fan.

 

[Bloom]

If you have IND and SEA projected in the SB, then NE would get the #21 pick, not #25.  As I understand it, the SB teams are locked into #32 and #31.  All other playoff teams are grouped according to their tier (i.e., all of the 10-6, 11-5, etc. teams are in their own tier) and then the tiebreakers are applied.  So, basically WAS and NE are in the lowest tier for playoff teams.   HTH

So, even if Washington and New England make it to their Conference championships, if they lose, they still get slotted at #21 and #22?As long as you don't go to the Super Bowl, your draft position is determined by your regular season record and your playoff wins mean nothing (other than for tiebreakers)?

That is correct. Only the SB teams get reslotted. playoff wins only break ties between playoff teams that had the same regular season record and strength of schedule - this year TAM/CAR and PIT/NYG.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If you have IND and SEA projected in the SB, then NE would get the #21 pick, not #25.  As I understand it, the SB teams are locked into #32 and #31.  All other playoff teams are grouped according to their tier (i.e., all of the 10-6, 11-5, etc. teams are in their own tier) and then the tiebreakers are applied.  So, basically WAS and NE are in the lowest tier for playoff teams.   HTH

So, even if Washington and New England make it to their Conference championships, if they lose, they still get slotted at #21 and #22?As long as you don't go to the Super Bowl, your draft position is determined by your regular season record and your playoff wins mean nothing (other than for tiebreakers)?

That is correct. Only the SB teams get reslotted. playoff wins only break ties between playoff teams that had the same regular season record and strength of schedule - this year TAM/CAR and PIT/NYG.

Interesting. Thanks!

 

[pigskinliquors]

IF VY didn't declare, many would have Cutler projected in the top 4 of this draft right now.

The top 4 picks? You really think so?

Absolutely. If you look at the need for QB's of the first 4 teams to draft it's not surprising. Many mocks conducted prior to the Rose Bows had Cutler in one of the top four slots (they all assumed VY would follow the TU tradition of not leaving early).

 

[Judge Smails]

Good work Andy...For Levin and others - White was one of the least "hyped" players in college football his entire career. He's been in the shadows of Bush, Leinart. M. Williams, Carroll. This kid did nothing in the Rose Bowl that he didn't do his entire career. There was no #1 and #2 RB at USC. It was always 1A and 1B. White was that good. I watched almost every game, and have zero doubt, "measurables" notwithstanding, that he will deliver as a 1st round talent on Sundays.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I think DeAngelo Williams, Lendale White, and Laurence Maroney are in a strange situation this year. How many teams, with the number of quality FA backs available, are going to look to draft a RB in the first round.

These are some of the top guys available as FA's:

Ahman Green

Chester Taylor

DeShaun Foster

Edgerrin James

Jamal Lewis (I'm not big on him, but some team undoubtedly would be)

Michael Bennett (Ditto)

Najeh Davenport

Shaun Alexander

Approximately half the teams in the league COULD be looking for new starting RBs.

Assuming that Alexander and James are signed by someone (a stretch, I know ), that leaves 13 teams.

I can see a scenario similar to what happened to Steven Jackson. Lots of talent, but the teams on the board have other needs than RB for the draft slot they're in. So he slid. I'm beginning to wonder if Maroney doesn't slide into the 2nd round.

Where could the three potential 1st round backs even go?

4. New York Jets - Low

No. Not in the #4 slot, they won't.

5. Green Bay - Medium

Possible, even though the pick screams defense.

7. San Francisco - Low

Doubtful as Gore came on late. And they need more help elsewhere.

8. Buffalo - Low

Doubt they're disappointed enough in McGahee to use a #8 overall on a back

10. Arizona - Medium

Arrington showed signs late.

13. Baltimore Medium

Could lose both backs to FA.

14. Philadelphia - Low

If Westbrook's foot isn't healed, they'll have to do something. But I doubt it's with this draft pick.

17. Minnesota - High

One of the highest probabilities. Especially if Maroney is there.

21. New England - High

Dillon is winding down.

22. Denver - Medium

Anderson is winding down. They have two picks. Shanny loves RBs. Tatum Bell is a big enough ? to warrant using one of their two picks on RB.

26. Carolina - High

One back is done, the other injury prone.

28. Pittsburgh - High

Bettis is done and I don't think Parker's the answer.

29. Jacksonville - High

Enough with Fred Taylor already.

31. Seattle - Low

They can't let Alexander go, can they?

32. Indianapolis - Low

They can't let James go, can they?

I can't wait to see how this turns out.

 

[Bad_Mo]

If you have IND and SEA projected in the SB, then NE would get the #21 pick, not #25.  As I understand it, the SB teams are locked into #32 and #31.  All other playoff teams are grouped according to their tier (i.e., all of the 10-6, 11-5, etc. teams are in their own tier) and then the tiebreakers are applied.  So, basically WAS and NE are in the lowest tier for playoff teams.   HTH

So, even if Washington and New England make it to their Conference championships, if they lose, they still get slotted at #21 and #22?As long as you don't go to the Super Bowl, your draft position is determined by your regular season record and your playoff wins mean nothing (other than for tiebreakers)?

That is correct. Only the SB teams get reslotted. playoff wins only break ties between playoff teams that had the same regular season record and strength of schedule - this year TAM/CAR and PIT/NYG.

Interesting. Thanks!

NE is in a weird situation. They could be one of the final 4 teams remaining and still get the 21/22 overall draft pick. Kinda makes you wonder if Cassel intentionally missed his (open) WR at the end of the Miami game......if they ended up winning that game, they'd be thrown into the 11-5 tier.

 

[Bloom]

If you have IND and SEA projected in the SB, then NE would get the #21 pick, not #25.  As I understand it, the SB teams are locked into #32 and #31.  All other playoff teams are grouped according to their tier (i.e., all of the 10-6, 11-5, etc. teams are in their own tier) and then the tiebreakers are applied.  So, basically WAS and NE are in the lowest tier for playoff teams.   HTH

So, even if Washington and New England make it to their Conference championships, if they lose, they still get slotted at #21 and #22?As long as you don't go to the Super Bowl, your draft position is determined by your regular season record and your playoff wins mean nothing (other than for tiebreakers)?

That is correct. Only the SB teams get reslotted. playoff wins only break ties between playoff teams that had the same regular season record and strength of schedule - this year TAM/CAR and PIT/NYG.

Interesting. Thanks!

NE is in a weird situation. They could be one of the final 4 teams remaining and still get the 21/22 overall draft pick. Kinda makes you wonder if Cassel intentionally missed his (open) WR at the end of the Miami game......if they ended up winning that game, they'd be thrown into the 11-5 tier.

and they would have faced pittsburgh, not jacksonville, in the first round. last time they played the steelers matt light and rodney harrison got sidelined for the season.

 

[Marc Levin]

If Lendale White is a product of the Rose Bowl hype and is expected to plummet after the measurables come in (per Marc Levin), what about Vince Young?  How much of all of these draft projections at #3 or higher are products of the Rose Bowl hype?  Dont you think when the Pro Scouts start looking at tape that they are going to tear apart his throwing motion?  Young will not work out at the combine so everything will come down to his Pro Day.  30 for 40 is still 30 for 40 but I did not see any NFL caliber throws in that Rose Bowl.  No deep outs, no deep ins.  Where were the post patterns and flag patterns?

Jeff Fisher is still well respected as a coach but he hasnt won for awhile.  Will he use a top 3 pick on a QB?

I don't disagree - I think Young needs to develop in two very important areas - delivery and standing in the pocket. Due to the system he was in at Texas, arm mechanics and hanging in the pocket were NOT taught.That said, it is likely a team would draft a QB with Young's raw talent and teach him those skills for a year or two behind one of the most experienced mobile QBs in the league (McNair).

Same with Houston, incidentally - they could draft Young and allow him some time to develop behind Carr (if Carr remains with the team next year).

VY might be the next best thing since sliced bread but taking a qb at #3 to make him develop for a few years when 60% of the starters on the O-Line is about to leave is not a wise decision.

Umm, you mean like the Bengals did with Carson Palmer at #1 overall? He sat for a year and a half. It is only SMART to take a guy with that kind of talent and allow him to learn the game instead of tossing him into the fire (ala Alex Smith).

 

[Marc Levin]

IF VY didn't declare, many would have Cutler projected in the top 4 of this draft right now. 

The top 4 picks? You really think so?

Absolutely. If you look at the need for QB's of the first 4 teams to draft it's not surprising. Many mocks conducted prior to the Rose Bows had Cutler in one of the top four slots (they all assumed VY would follow the TU tradition of not leaving early).

Would that be Leinert, Bush, Ferguson Cutler 1 through 4?W/O VY I could see it.

Heck, if Bush stays in school (not likely), I could see it. Lots can happen to QBs' status between January and April. Look at Rivers - many had him projected in the mid-first to the 'phins in February and then he moved to a top-5 selection a month later - same with Alex Smith supplanting Rogers for the #1.

 

[Marc Levin]

Good work Andy...

For Levin and others - White was one of the least "hyped" players in college football his entire career. He's been in the shadows of Bush, Leinart. M. Williams, Carroll. This kid did nothing in the Rose Bowl that he didn't do his entire career. There was no #1 and #2 RB at USC. It was always 1A and 1B. White was that good. I watched almost every game, and have zero doubt, "measurables" notwithstanding, that he will deliver as a 1st round talent on Sundays.

I completely agree with you on how he DELIVERS in the NFL.I question where he will end up going in the draft - not what his talent level is between the stripes.