Bracie Smathers March 2nd mock (1 Viewer)

[Bracie Smathers]

We've been doing the FBGs Shark Pool mock and we've gotten to the end of the third round so I've had to do research to try and dig up prospects and along the way I figured I could do just as bad a job, if not worse, of making a mockery of myself as some of the draft prognosticators.

Here ya go, have at it.

March 2nd Smathers first round NFL draft mock

1 KC - Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M

The trade for QB Alex Smith addressed their biggest need so they can take BPA and strengthen their offensive line by moving Albert to the right side or inside.

2 JAC - Sharrif Floyd DT Florida

The Jags want pass rushers but not all pass rushers have to be EDGE pass rushers. Sharrif provides one of the RAREST kinds of pass rush and that is between the tackles. I luv this kid and he fits best on a 4-3 base-D. I like him better than Barkevious or Werner. He reminds me of a gap shooting DT like Michael-Dean Perry but he‘s bigger and doesn‘t have the degenerative arthritic ankle condition that MDP had when he came into the league.

3 OAK - Dee Milliner CB Alabama

Oakland’s corner suck. They can get someone at the top of the second round, oh wait, they don’t have a second round pick so if they don’t get their corner here they are SOL. If Sharrif is gone then Milliner is worthy and a great fit at this spot.

4 PHI - Star Lotulelei DT Utah

Philly has a significant need a nose tackle to make their defense run, they just cut two DTs who didn’t fit their new 3-4 scheme. If Star checks out he‘s a perfect fit and too good not to go in the top four. I’m assuming he’ll be medically cleared.

5 DET - Ziggy Ansah DE BYU

With Dee Milliner off the board the Lions take a guy who their coaching staff worked with at the Senior bowl. I like him much better as a 4-3 DE than trying to project him as a 3-4 OLB. The pairing of Ziggy to the Lions and the great players already on their defensive line feels like a great match.

6 CLE - Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia

If his stenosis checks out then he’s the best fit for what the Browns want, an attacking edge rushing 3-4 OLB. Jones had 28 sacks in 26 college games. Exactly what the Browns D needs, edge pass rushers.

7 ARI - Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan

They would take Geno if Fish wasn’t here but that O-Line may be the worst in the entire NFL and Fisher looks like he’ll be a solid OLT to man the blind side for years.

8 BUF - Geno Smith QB West Virginia

Tough to pass up Jordan but their GM said they were going to get a QB and by gum he gets the best from this draft class. This might wind up working out very well for Buddy Nix and the Bills.

9 NYJ - Dion Jordan DE Oregon

I just don’t see Rex Ryan and the Jets taking a chance with a guy like Patterson if a pass rusher like Jordan is sitting on the table.

10 TEN - Chance Warmack OG Alabama

A perfect landing spot. Should provide grit to the interior of the Titan offensive line and help out Locker and Britt and CJ.

11 SD - Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma

Talk about perfect landing spots, sheesh. Lane might end up as the best OLT of this draft class and the Chargers would be thrilled if he’s there.

12 MIA - Barkevious Mingo DE LSU

Barkevious could go higher but right now he’s light in the trunk and needs to add muscle and some base against the run. Right now he’s a liability against the run but he has the frame to easily add fifteen to twenty pounds and not impact his speed or athleticism but it will take at least a year. In the meantime he’ll make a mark as a situational pass rusher.

13 TB - Bjoern Werner DE Florida St.

I think he’s the best 4-3 DE in the draft. I don’t like the projections of him to 3-4 OLB. I think he’ll be a solid NFL player if he goes to a 4-3 defense.

14 CAR - Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee

Steve Smith can’t play forever. Cam needs some new toys to grow with over the years.

15 NO - Alec Ogletree ILB Georgia

All of the top pass rushers who project as 3-4 OLBers are off the board, I don’t put Damontre Moore in the OLB group, I see him as a 4-3 DE and his combine was sketchy. Ogletree is a risky player but talented. He could fall like Janoris Jenkins did last year or some team could and probably will take a shot. The Saints are switching to the 3-4 and need linbackers so I think they let his off-field issues slide.

16 STL - Jonathan Cooper OG North Carolina

Rams offensive line needs all the help it can get and in this case they get BPA at this point of the draft.

17 PIT - Keenan Allen WR California

With the top pass rushers that fit their scheme gone and with WR Mike Wallace likely gone as a free agent the Steelers find more than an adequate replacement.

18 DAL - Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri

The Boys sure could use help at the interior of their offensive line but if Richardson falls they snatch Shel who is a great fit inside of their new 4-3 scheme.

19 NYG - Xavier Rhodes CB Florida St.

Big, fast, corners are hard to find and harder to pass up in the first round of the NFL draft.

20 CHI - Tavon Austin WR West Virginia

This draft is deep at O-Line so they can fill that need in the second round. Austin paired with Brandon Marshall will finally give Cutler explosion to stretch the field and open up things with blazing speed.

21 CIN - Kenny Vaccaro SS Texas

The Bengals are very close and begin to put finishing touches on what could turn into a top notch defense.

22 STL - Tyler Eifert TE Notre Dame

The Rams added some young wideouts last year so they get the top TE of this draft class and pair him with Lance Kendricks to run double TE sets.

23 MIN - Manti Te'o ILB Notre Dame

Manti will run faster at his pro day. Te’o looks like a solid but not spectacular linebacker who can man the middle for awhile and play at a high caliber.

24 IND - Menelik Watson OT Florida St.

Need to protect the new franchise and that line needs upgrading.

25 SEA - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

The Hawks have many pieces but lack wideouts.

26 GB - Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

Margus can play five-tech as a 3-4 DE. He can rush the passer and disrupt plays. He probably needs to add bulk so he can win those leverage wars at the LOS.

27. Houston - Robert Woods, WR, USC

They could really use someone opposite Dre Johnson.

28 DEN - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Champ is still good IMHO but its time to re-load.

29 NE -Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

I like Damontre as a 4-3 DE and unbeknownst to many the Pats switched their base to a 4-3. Damontre provides a pass rush to the opposite side of Chandler Jones.

30 ATL - Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

Apparently Atlanta needs a replacement for DE John Abraham. I was shocked they let him walk but he’s had injuries.

31 SF - Matt Elam, S, Florida

Donte Whitner can plug people but he can’t cover.

32 BAL - Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

The Ravens could go in a number of directions but Minter is interesting and worthy of their first round pick.

 

[Donnybrook]

I won't be in favor of the Vikings taking Te'o at 23. The combine numbers do matter. Rey Maualuga had an outstanding college career but failed to impress at the combine. He went in the second round and now there are questions as to whether the Bengals even want him back.

 

[Banemorth]

While the Giants secondary is a wasteland I think they address the D-Line in the first. I wouldn't be unhappy with that pick though.

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

We've been doing the FBGs Shark Pool mock and we've gotten to the end of the third round so I've had to do research to try and dig up prospects and along the way I figured I could do just as bad a job, if not worse, of making a mockery of myself as some of the draft prognosticators.

Here ya go, have at it.

March 2nd Smathers first round NFL draft mock

1 KC - Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M

The trade for QB Alex Smith addressed their biggest need so they can take BPA and strengthen their offensive line by moving Albert to the right side or inside.

2 JAC - Sharrif Floyd DT Florida

The Jags want pass rushers but not all pass rushers have to be EDGE pass rushers. Sharrif provides one of the RAREST kinds of pass rush and that is between the tackles. I luv this kid and he fits best on a 4-3 base-D. I like him better than Barkevious or Werner. He reminds me of a gap shooting DT like Michael-Dean Perry but he‘s bigger and doesn‘t have the degenerative arthritic ankle condition that MDP had when he came into the league.

3 OAK - Dee Milliner CB Alabama

Oakland’s corner suck. They can get someone at the top of the second round, oh wait, they don’t have a second round pick so if they don’t get their corner here they are SOL. If Sharrif is gone then Milliner is worthy and a great fit at this spot.

4 PHI - Star Lotulelei DT Utah

Philly has a significant need a nose tackle to make their defense run, they just cut two DTs who didn’t fit their new 3-4 scheme. If Star checks out he‘s a perfect fit and too good not to go in the top four. I’m assuming he’ll be medically cleared.

5 DET - Ziggy Ansah DE BYU

With Dee Milliner off the board the Lions take a guy who their coaching staff worked with at the Senior bowl. I like him much better as a 4-3 DE than trying to project him as a 3-4 OLB. The pairing of Ziggy to the Lions and the great players already on their defensive line feels like a great match.

6 CLE - Jarvis Jones OLB Georgia

If his stenosis checks out then he’s the best fit for what the Browns want, an attacking edge rushing 3-4 OLB. Jones had 28 sacks in 26 college games. Exactly what the Browns D needs, edge pass rushers.

7 ARI - Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan

They would take Geno if Fish wasn’t here but that O-Line may be the worst in the entire NFL and Fisher looks like he’ll be a solid OLT to man the blind side for years.

8 BUF - Geno Smith QB West Virginia

Tough to pass up Jordan but their GM said they were going to get a QB and by gum he gets the best from this draft class. This might wind up working out very well for Buddy Nix and the Bills.

9 NYJ - Dion Jordan DE Oregon

I just don’t see Rex Ryan and the Jets taking a chance with a guy like Patterson if a pass rusher like Jordan is sitting on the table.

10 TEN - Chance Warmack OG Alabama

A perfect landing spot. Should provide grit to the interior of the Titan offensive line and help out Locker and Britt and CJ.

11 SD - Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma

Talk about perfect landing spots, sheesh. Lane might end up as the best OLT of this draft class and the Chargers would be thrilled if he’s there.

12 MIA - Barkevious Mingo DE LSU

Barkevious could go higher but right now he’s light in the trunk and needs to add muscle and some base against the run. Right now he’s a liability against the run but he has the frame to easily add fifteen to twenty pounds and not impact his speed or athleticism but it will take at least a year. In the meantime he’ll make a mark as a situational pass rusher.

13 TB - Bjoern Werner DE Florida St.

I think he’s the best 4-3 DE in the draft. I don’t like the projections of him to 3-4 OLB. I think he’ll be a solid NFL player if he goes to a 4-3 defense.

14 CAR - Cordarrelle Patterson WR Tennessee

Steve Smith can’t play forever. Cam needs some new toys to grow with over the years.

15 NO - Alec Ogletree ILB Georgia

All of the top pass rushers who project as 3-4 OLBers are off the board, I don’t put Damontre Moore in the OLB group, I see him as a 4-3 DE and his combine was sketchy. Ogletree is a risky player but talented. He could fall like Janoris Jenkins did last year or some team could and probably will take a shot. The Saints are switching to the 3-4 and need linbackers so I think they let his off-field issues slide.

16 STL - Jonathan Cooper OG North Carolina

Rams offensive line needs all the help it can get and in this case they get BPA at this point of the draft.

17 PIT - Keenan Allen WR California

With the top pass rushers that fit their scheme gone and with WR Mike Wallace likely gone as a free agent the Steelers find more than an adequate replacement.

18 DAL - Sheldon Richardson DT Missouri

The Boys sure could use help at the interior of their offensive line but if Richardson falls they snatch Shel who is a great fit inside of their new 4-3 scheme.

19 NYG - Xavier Rhodes CB Florida St.

Big, fast, corners are hard to find and harder to pass up in the first round of the NFL draft.

20 CHI - Tavon Austin WR West Virginia

This draft is deep at O-Line so they can fill that need in the second round. Austin paired with Brandon Marshall will finally give Cutler explosion to stretch the field and open up things with blazing speed.

21 CIN - Kenny Vaccaro SS Texas

The Bengals are very close and begin to put finishing touches on what could turn into a top notch defense.

22 STL - Tyler Eifert TE Notre Dame

The Rams added some young wideouts last year so they get the top TE of this draft class and pair him with Lance Kendricks to run double TE sets.

23 MIN - Manti Te'o ILB Notre Dame

Manti will run faster at his pro day. Te’o looks like a solid but not spectacular linebacker who can man the middle for awhile and play at a high caliber.

24 IND - Menelik Watson OT Florida St.

Need to protect the new franchise and that line needs upgrading.

25 SEA - DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson

The Hawks have many pieces but lack wideouts.

26 GB - Margus Hunt, DE, SMU

Margus can play five-tech as a 3-4 DE. He can rush the passer and disrupt plays. He probably needs to add bulk so he can win those leverage wars at the LOS.

27. Houston - Robert Woods, WR, USC

They could really use someone opposite Dre Johnson.

28 DEN - Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

Champ is still good IMHO but its time to re-load.

29 NE -Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

I like Damontre as a 4-3 DE and unbeknownst to many the Pats switched their base to a 4-3. Damontre provides a pass rush to the opposite side of Chandler Jones.

30 ATL - Alex Okafor, DE, Texas

Apparently Atlanta needs a replacement for DE John Abraham. I was shocked they let him walk but he’s had injuries.

31 SF - Matt Elam, S, Florida

Donte Whitner can plug people but he can’t cover.

32 BAL - Kevin Minter, ILB, LSU

The Ravens could go in a number of directions but Minter is interesting and worthy of their first round pick.

Nice job man, love what you have the Rams doing

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

i swear every single mock has SD taking this guy11 SD - Lane Johnson OT Oklahoma Talk about perfect landing spots, sheesh. Lane might end up as the best OLT of this draft class and the Chargers would be thrilled if he’s there

 

[Kenny Powers]

No way the Steelers take Allen. Ive started to love the thoughts of Cordarrelle Patterson as our pick in theory, but if he's still available, I still think they will go defense. Meaning, I doubt they take the best WR at 17, let alone the arguably 2nd best WR.They have much bigger needs at multiple positions that could/should be there at 17: OLB, NT, S, possibly CB. If Keenan Lewis leaves, Rhodes who you have going after the Steelers pick makes much more sense and is the type of CB they draft in the first few rounds. ILB is also a need, but Im guessing Ogletree is off their board bc of off-field issues, and I absolutely do not want Teo.

 

[pantherclub]

I think it would be tough for the Panthers to pass on Patterson if he is there. Although they need dline help I think a big super fast wideout is custom made for newton.

 

[Carl Eller's Dead Liver]

You have 5 first round WR's I see! I was being relentlessly ridiculed by numerous people when I said there would be even 4 WR's 3 weeks ago. Now people are coming up with excuses why there are WR's on the rise. They always have been up there! This is an underrated WR class....I'll say it again!

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

good stuff. nothing too out of line and you've definitely been paying attention lately. allen should be in play for steelers if they are looking for a big WR. hearing more murmurs about hunt getting into first.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

No way the Steelers take Allen. Ive started to love the thoughts of Cordarrelle Patterson as our pick in theory, but if he's still available, I still think they will go defense. Meaning, I doubt they take the best WR at 17, let alone the arguably 2nd best WR.They have much bigger needs at multiple positions that could/should be there at 17: OLB, NT, S, possibly CB. If Keenan Lewis leaves, Rhodes who you have going after the Steelers pick makes much more sense and is the type of CB they draft in the first few rounds. ILB is also a need, but Im guessing Ogletree is off their board bc of off-field issues, and I absolutely do not want Teo.

1. I don't see any OLBers worth the pick in my version of the mock.2. The Steelers just took an NT last year in the fourth round albeit a flakey prospect, Alameda Ta'amu, they let some off-field issue slide after he was on their team when they didn't with RB Chris Rainey so it seems they decided in-house to give him a second chance.3. The Steelers haven't taken an OLB in the first round since 1991, Huey Richardson. I even know the Steelers MO on taking OLBers in the first round, shocked you don't. They simply DO NOT take OLBers in the first round, they wait for value later and that is how they have gained their competitive advantage in the league.4. The Steelers history of taking CBs in the first round isn't as stark as taking OLBers but the last CB taken in the first round by the Steelers was Chad Scott back in 1997. He didn't start his first four years with the Steelers, oh and Huey Richardson didn't exactly set the league on fire either. From the time they took Chad Scott they have drafted THREE WRs in the first round. - 1991 13th pick in the first round WR Troy Edwards- 2000 8th pick in the first round WR Plaxico Burress- 2006 25th pick in the first round WR Santonio HolmesSince the year 1997 when they took CB Chad Scott, here are the Steelers first round picks tallied by position:CB - 0WR - 3OG - 3NT - 1 S - 1QB - 1TE - 1MLB - 1RB - 1DE - 2OC - 1OG and WR are the most at any position that they have taken but considering the Steelers used their top pick last year on an OG and none are worthy at their pick I didn't consider a guard.It seems a bit of a myth that the Steelers now can pick starting WRs later in the draft with ease, it seems more like a fluke that Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown had success in a short period of time but their was a loooooooooooong draught before that quick flash and now it seems like Mike Wallace is ready to walk. Pittsburgh can 'think' that they've got the WR position all figured out but I see an undersized/gimpy Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown who now has gotten paid so he's not a value any longer. Bottom line, they need a starting caliber wide receiver who has the talent to turn into a legit #1WR because AB isn't perfect and probably figures in better as a #2WR role he had when Wallace was getting coverage slid his way which opened up things for AB. I mean you do know they re-signed Plax off the waiver wire right?As a Browns fan I'd love for them to try and square-peg/round-hole 4-3 DE Damontre Moore into a 3-4 OLBer position or bypass a legitimate #1WR prospect like Allen for a late round CB Chad Scott-type of player but I picked this mock in a way that made the most sense for the teams considering the value on my board.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

good stuff. nothing too out of line and you've definitely been paying attention lately. allen should be in play for steelers if they are looking for a big WR. hearing more murmurs about hunt getting into first.

Hey Sig,The one guy I see more in than others is DT Sharrif Floyd or you'd say, 'I'd put it on my Momma' pound the table for pick.My comparison is a 3-tech gap-shooter like Michael-Dean Perry.We've seen how much of a problem Geno Atkins is but Sharrif seems even quicker and more disruptive.I see the Jags taking him second overall.What's your take on Sharrif and how do you view my take on him?

 

[GroveDiesel]

good stuff. nothing too out of line and you've definitely been paying attention lately. allen should be in play for steelers if they are looking for a big WR. hearing more murmurs about hunt getting into first.

Hey Sig,The one guy I see more in than others is DT Sharrif Floyd or you'd say, 'I'd put it on my Momma' pound the table for pick.My comparison is a 3-tech gap-shooter like Michael-Dean Perry.We've seen how much of a problem Geno Atkins is but Sharrif seems even quicker and more disruptive.I see the Jags taking him second overall.What's your take on Sharrif and how do you view my take on him?

Daniel Jeremiah absolutely loves Floyd as well. He frequently mentions him as a top 3 pick.

 

[FUBAR]

5 DET - Ziggy Ansah DE BYU

With Dee Milliner off the board the Lions take a guy who their coaching staff worked with at the Senior bowl. I like him much better as a 4-3 DE than trying to project him as a 3-4 OLB. The pairing of Ziggy to the Lions and the great players already on their defensive line feels like a great match.

10 TEN - Chance Warmack OG Alabama

A perfect landing spot. Should provide grit to the interior of the Titan offensive line and help out Locker and Britt and CJ.

Love what you have my "birth team" and "chosen team" doing. Surprised Lacy isn't templated as a 1st, but I think you're right.

 

[5Rings]

Nice job Bracie. Its a helluva mock when the only pick I strongly disagreed with was Allen to PIT at 17, and even then, I respect your analysis.

 

[JaxBill]

Jags are going to a 3-4 hybrid defense like Seattle's. If they go DL, it'll be a LEO type guy like Dion Jordan or Mingo.

 

[Ridgelake]

Dallas could easily go DL exactly as you showed. Especially with the premier OL off the table. The other option that would get strong consideration at Valley Ranch would be Kenny Vacaro. Dallas has struggled at safety since Darren Woodson retired. And safety is a major piece of the Tampa 2 defense.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Jags are going to a 3-4 hybrid defense like Seattle's. If they go DL, it'll be a LEO type guy like Dion Jordan or Mingo.

The term 'hybrid defense' has become ubiquitous but in the case of the Jags, they certainly have many pieces in place to run a 'hybrid' so I'll humbly defer to any Jags fan who doesn't think Sharrif would fit but in any scheme, 'hybrid' or not, the base isn't run over fifty percent of the time. Basically I really ilke Sharrif Floyd. I see him as game-changer.

I'll come clean on how I see Dion Jordan.

First I'll point out the positives.

Size, Speed, Athletcism, can drop in coverage and long reach makes him very dangerous in coverage, not a liability. Obviously can rush the passer and he also is great sealing the edge in the running game. I also like the way he DEVOURS people when he's got a clean shot on them, he completely ENGULFS them.

Negatives.

- Long strider in pass rush so if he takes two steps in his pass rush and he hasn't gotten leverage he is past the pocket and has taken himself out of the play because his third step pushes him too far off the action.

- Lacks bull rush so if he rushes the passer he's primarily trying to go outside or press the gap inside, if he tries a bull he's stood up too far for his emmense size to be disruptive so he's lacking a key component in his pass rush. If he could somehow bulk up with muscle he could develop some sort of a bull rus but for guys his hieght its a leverage game that he simply cannot win so he's either going to have to drop in coverage or try to take the edge and any NFL OLT can figure that out.

- Great athlete who seals the edge in the run game with his LOOOOONG ARMS where he can bend and twist back even when he's engaged with a blocker to grab a piece of the runner BUT this is a double-edged sword where he is VERY VULNERABLE when he's outstretched like that trying to make tackles, i.e., his current shoulder surgery isn't a shocker to me. I think he'll have this issue throughout his NFL career.

- He's injured and facing surgery which is not a big deal in and of itself but he's a rookie so he's going to miss crucial instals and be behind the eight-ball his rook season. Not the best way to start a career especially since he would be expected to start from game-one and play at a high level or at least flash his high draft status.

Ziggy is raw and a risk IMHO but his upside is very high.

I just like Sharrif Floyd better than anyone with the second pick. I think he's as sure of a bet that I can predict with that high of a pick.

If the Jags were outside of the top-five then Ziggy or Dion Jordan or Jarvis Jones are much better names but with the second pick I'd want a sure thing so I'd go with Sharrif.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I won't be in favor of the Vikings taking Te'o at 23. The combine numbers do matter. Rey Maualuga had an outstanding college career but failed to impress at the combine. He went in the second round and now there are questions as to whether the Bengals even want him back.

Your opinion has been aired and noted.Don't think this will sway you but from today's MMQB.

My link

... I think, still, that Manti Te'o will be a first-round pick (not past No. 21 to Cincinnati). As one scout told me over the weekend, if you assume Te'o is likely to be a two-down player out of the lineup on most third downs, or passing downs, then the importance of his 40 time diminishes. And his 10- and 20-yard intervals were in the range of what players who run 4.6-second 40s would do. So if you assume it's important for an inside linebacker to have good burst, strength and instinct, then a guy with fast 10-yard speed is going to be valuable for that position.

 

[Donnybrook]

I won't be in favor of the Vikings taking Te'o at 23. The combine numbers do matter. Rey Maualuga had an outstanding college career but failed to impress at the combine. He went in the second round and now there are questions as to whether the Bengals even want him back.

Your opinion has been aired and noted.Don't think this will sway you but from today's MMQB.

My link

... I think, still, that Manti Te'o will be a first-round pick (not past No. 21 to Cincinnati). As one scout told me over the weekend, if you assume Te'o is likely to be a two-down player out of the lineup on most third downs, or passing downs, then the importance of his 40 time diminishes. And his 10- and 20-yard intervals were in the range of what players who run 4.6-second 40s would do. So if you assume it's important for an inside linebacker to have good burst, strength and instinct, then a guy with fast 10-yard speed is going to be valuable for that position.

Vikings could re-sign Brinkley if they wanted a two-down inside LB. He is a borderline first rounder at this point.

 

[Kenny Powers]

No way the Steelers take Allen. Ive started to love the thoughts of Cordarrelle Patterson as our pick in theory, but if he's still available, I still think they will go defense. Meaning, I doubt they take the best WR at 17, let alone the arguably 2nd best WR.They have much bigger needs at multiple positions that could/should be there at 17: OLB, NT, S, possibly CB. If Keenan Lewis leaves, Rhodes who you have going after the Steelers pick makes much more sense and is the type of CB they draft in the first few rounds. ILB is also a need, but Im guessing Ogletree is off their board bc of off-field issues, and I absolutely do not want Teo.

1. I don't see any OLBers worth the pick in my version of the mock.

I have a feeling one of the pass rushers will be there at 17, but with your mock true.

2. The Steelers just took an NT last year in the fourth round albeit a flakey prospect, Alameda Ta'amu, they let some off-field issue slide after he was on their team when they didn't with RB Chris Rainey so it seems they decided in-house to give him a second chance.

I do not see Ta'Amu as a reason the Steelers would not take a NT in the 1st round, and I think most Steeler fans would agree. He truly is getting a 2nd chance because they did actually cut him but brought him back. I dont think they will go NT in the first as its more of a position/pick thats a last resort of other positions/players getting picked before 17, but its a need. Hampton currently is not on the team.

3. The Steelers haven't taken an OLB in the first round since 1991, Huey Richardson. I even know the Steelers MO on taking OLBers in the first round, shocked you don't. They simply DO NOT take OLBers in the first round, they wait for value later and that is how they have gained their competitive advantage in the league.

Timmons was drafted in 2007 as an OLB prospect, first played OLB for PIT, and was moved inside. If Harrison gets cut, I think it is fair to say the PIT OLB's are as weak as they been since 1991. I dont think thats an overstatement by any means, and a testament to the players theyve had there for the past 2 decades and their replacements - which they dont have right now, or at least at the talent level desired.

4. The Steelers history of taking CBs in the first round isn't as stark as taking OLBers but the last CB taken in the first round by the Steelers was Chad Scott back in 1997.

Im not expecting a CB in the first, but I think its more likely than a WR. Ike Taylor will be 33 by the preseason, Keenan Lewis is probably gone (they just brought back William Gay), so IMO a 1st round graded CB makes a lot of sense for them.

From the time they took Chad Scott they have drafted THREE WRs in the first round. - 1999 13th pick in the first round WR Troy Edwards- 2000 8th pick in the first round WR Plaxico Burress- 2006 25th pick in the first round WR Santonio Holmes

When they took Edwards and Burress, WR was a obvious hole for them. Although Hines was on the roster, he was mostly an unknown commodity who had yet to have a 700 yard season. In other words, they didnt have anyone who appeared to be as good or as proven as Brown right now. The Holmes pick was during a year a loaded Steeler team was coming off a Super Bowl win and had no glaring needs, I consider it more of a luxury pick. I do not think the fact that theyve taken a WR in the 1st 3 times in 15 years makes it more likely they do that this year, mostly because of the current state of the Steelers and their roster.

WR - 2OG - 2NT - 1 S - 1QB - 1TE - 1LB - 1RB - 1DE - 2OC - 1

Convenient to start this list a year after they took a CB ('97) for your argument. If you start it in 2000, when current GM Kevin Colbert became the Steelers GM, it looks like this as I adjusted it (takes off OG Faneca and WR Edwards). To me, that looks pretty balanced and suggests a BPA approach. I think the Steelers could take any position besides QB or OC (OL in general unlikely) in the first round, this team has that many holes.

Pittsburgh can 'think' that they've got the WR position all figured out but I see an undersized/gimpy Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown who now has gotten paid so he's not a value any longer.

I still believe Cotchery is quite a good player who has seen limited snaps primarily due to PIT's WR depth, not his talent or the deterioration of it. Breaston recently met with the team and may be signed as a FA (he's also originally from Pittsburgh). Not to say either is equivalent to a 1st round talent WR, but they may have 4 solid, proven WRs by draft day on the roster. If they go WR I wouldnt be shocked, but I expect they will go on the defensive side of the ball one way or another. Maybe one of the pass rushers slips to them, or in the case of your mock Vaccaro or Rhodes is there, and I think they would go that route over WR. I'll be interested to see if they bring Allen or Austin in for an interview as that would go a long way IMO for them going WR in the 1st

 

[GridironMenace]

The chances the Bears take Tavon Austin (or any WR with their 1st pick) are about as high as me trying out for the Bears and winning a starting gig. In other words, zilch. They just took Alshon Jeffrey last season and are very high on him. The Bears, with 100% certainty, will draft a player on the OLine, a TE (Eifert) or a MLB (Teo) with the 1st pick.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

good stuff. nothing too out of line and you've definitely been paying attention lately. allen should be in play for steelers if they are looking for a big WR. hearing more murmurs about hunt getting into first.

Hey Sig,The one guy I see more in than others is DT Sharrif Floyd or you'd say, 'I'd put it on my Momma' pound the table for pick.My comparison is a 3-tech gap-shooter like Michael-Dean Perry.We've seen how much of a problem Geno Atkins is but Sharrif seems even quicker and more disruptive.I see the Jags taking him second overall.What's your take on Sharrif and how do you view my take on him?

yeah he's going to be a handful as a 3tech. great first step, strength, and just a bad attitude towards his opponent. great stamina and makes life hard on an offense, lives in the backfield. high character kid who came up thru school of hard knocks. feels like a top 5 pick, top 10 in any scenario.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The chances the Bears take Tavon Austin (or any WR with their 1st pick) are about as high as me trying out for the Bears and winning a starting gig. In other words, zilch. They just took Alshon Jeffrey last season and are very high on him. The Bears, with 100% certainty, will draft a player on the OLine, a TE (Eifert) or a MLB (Teo) with the 1st pick.

There's no such as 100% certainty when it comes to the draft. The Bears brought in Trestman to revitalize the offense. He comes from the CFL and he helped make Andrew Hawkins what he is today. Austin is like a souped up Hawkins and Trestman may well think he is a missing piece to bringing the Bears offense back to respectability. I agree that on paper OL/Eifert/MLB makes more sense, but nothing is 100%...

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

I'm not really compelled by the argument that team X doesn't draft Y in the Z round. Belichick NEVER traded up until he did. Jerry Jones didn't take Razorbacks until he did. The Steelers have all kinds of needs and in a draft like this, I wouldn't rule out CB or OLB just because they haven't taken one in the first for a while.

 

[heidbrink]

I'm not really compelled by the argument that team X doesn't draft Y in the Z round. Belichick NEVER traded up until he did. Jerry Jones didn't take Razorbacks until he did. The Steelers have all kinds of needs and in a draft like this, I wouldn't rule out CB or OLB just because they haven't taken one in the first for a while.

"Jeff Fisher never takes Oline in the first round"...until he does.Nice Mock, Bracie.

 

[Biabreakable]

The Steelers haven't taken an OLB in the first round since 1991, Huey Richardson. I even know the Steelers MO on taking OLBers in the first round, shocked you don't. They simply DO NOT take OLBers in the first round, they wait for value later and that is how they have gained their competitive advantage in the league.

I just wanted to say that the Steelers in the past have been able to take OLB prospects later in the draft because not as many teams were running a 3-4 defense. That is not the case anymore as the league has shifted to more 3-4 teams than 4-3 teams now. There is much higher demand league wide for OLB than there was when the Steelers were taking advantage of this situation.So because of this I do not think is right to assume that the Steelers will be able to get these players outside of the 1st round as often as they have been able to in the past. I think demand at the LB position league wide is increasing as more teams have shifted to 3-4 defenses a lot more players at the LB position are required.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I'm not really compelled by the argument that team X doesn't draft Y in the Z round. Belichick NEVER traded up until he did. Jerry Jones didn't take Razorbacks until he did. The Steelers have all kinds of needs and in a draft like this, I wouldn't rule out CB or OLB just because they haven't taken one in the first for a while.

It is a falacy of logic to take the outcome and project the next argument but over time if the outcome is consistent over time then their is something to the outcome.How about this thesis?The Steelers don't overpay, in terms of first round draft picks, for LB or CB more-often than most other positions specifically WR or OG.They 'could' take a LB or CB but they typically have not in the past. They 'could' if they had a top talent fall into their lap thereby they wouldn't overpay and that fits.They've been able to get tweeners later in the draft and corners are not high priorities in their scheme, the high priority is on the front seven or with a dynamic safety.Basically some Pittsburgh fans feel one of the top pass rushers will fall to them but the way certain teams have switched to the 3-4 meshes up with this draft that is top-heavy with pass rushers who would fit as 3-4 OLBers/DEs. I think the best are going to be off the table by the time Pittsburgh selects and if one does happen to fall he'll be flawed medically or not be a great fit in which case if Pittsburgh does take one they will be overpaying and that doesn't fit with their long drafting history.

 

[matuski]

Is Ziggy Ansah really pulling ahead of D Jordan?

Between two freaks, wouldn't you take the more proven player?

 

[TheLurkerBelow]

I like your picks, and love that you have a good rationale for why you made the selections you did. You mentioned you had gotten into the third round, can you post the picks you've mocked at least through round two?

 

[Whoosah]

Good mock, but as a Bears fan, I doubt they will go WR when they drafted Alshon Jeffery last year. I predict they will take best o-line available or grab Eifert.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I like your picks, and love that you have a good rationale for why you made the selections you did. You mentioned you had gotten into the third round, can you post the picks you've mocked at least through round two?

Oh, I only did a first round mock. I mentioned the Shark Pool is doing a mock that Andy D has been doing the past couple of years where people choose NFL teams and pick, supposedly, like the real NFL draft.Here is a link to that thread and you can check the picks taken by round on the first page or go to the last page for an ongoing update of the draft. We are in the fourth round right now but we're losing steam so it might end at the end of this round.

My link

I only attempted the first round in my mock and with KC franchising OLT Bradon Albert it means they are paying him top OT money. That means it would be pretty tough to take an OLT with the top pick unless they move him to the right side for the first couple of seasons. They certainly won't move Albert to OG and pay him top OT money and I also don't see them moving Albert to the right side with that sort of a contract.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that the top pick in my mock isn't as good of an option today from when I did the mock only a few days ago. Now a defensive lineman is a distinct possibility or at least equal to taking a top OLT prospect and letting them season on the right side of the O-Line.

But check out the Shark Pool mock. Its probably not very accurate due to the number of different people picking but as a participant it forced me do some draft research and gain a wide perspective of what regional teams are thinking and what the NFL talking heads are saying about top prospects and risers/fallers.

 

[craxie]

I really like this mock (except for the first pick now):

http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-mock-draft/2013/3/4/4058656/2013-nfl-mock-draft-geno-smith-jamie-collins

Shows Jamie Collins, Cyprien and Tank Carradine in the first and drops Menelik out

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Is Ziggy Ansah really pulling ahead of D Jordan?Between two freaks, wouldn't you take the more proven player?

I didn't pick players strictly based off of my personal opinions of who I like or don't like and with the Lions selection I based the pick off of what many are saying about their top draft priorities and specifically that the Detroit coaching staff coached Zig at the Senior Bowl and saw him every day at practice so they know how he responds to THEIR coaches and from what I've gathered they really like him and from research they feel DE is a high priority. They certainly won't get him later.I've gone into detail on my thoughts of Dion Jordan a few posts up.

 

[Bigboy10182000]

4 PHI - Star Lotulelei DT Utah Philly has a significant need a nose tackle to make their defense run, they just cut two DTs who didn’t fit their new 3-4 scheme. If Star checks out he‘s a perfect fit and too good not to go in the top four. I’m assuming he’ll be medically cleared.

Assuming he checks out I wouldnt be upset with this pick. I do believe if he checks out he becomes a serious contendar for the #1 pick though

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Good mock, but as a Bears fan, I doubt they will go WR when they drafted Alshon Jeffery last year. I predict they will take best o-line available or grab Eifert.

When I made the Bears pick I didn't see an O-Lineman that I liked enough to justify the pick but I felt Austin was a value who kept dropping so his value was increasing.I made the pick on that but when I looked at it later I liked it and it is because of Trestman.Sigmond voiced the same thought where he mentioned Trestman which only solidifies the possibility. As an NFL fan it does make you think and when I made the pick I hadn't even thought of it in those terms so I kinda like that pick on value alone before even trying to think how Trestman would use him to create mismatches all over the field.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

4 PHI - Star Lotulelei DT Utah Philly has a significant need a nose tackle to make their defense run, they just cut two DTs who didn’t fit their new 3-4 scheme. If Star checks out he‘s a perfect fit and too good not to go in the top four. I’m assuming he’ll be medically cleared.

Assuming he checks out I wouldnt be upset with this pick. I do believe if he checks out he becomes a serious contendar for the #1 pick though

Yes, NOW he does.A few days ago when I did the mock it looked much better for KC to take Joekel with the top pick but he's still in play IMHO.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

good stuff. nothing too out of line and you've definitely been paying attention lately. allen should be in play for steelers if they are looking for a big WR. hearing more murmurs about hunt getting into first.

Hey Sig,The one guy I see more in than others is DT Sharrif Floyd or you'd say, 'I'd put it on my Momma' pound the table for pick.

My comparison is a 3-tech gap-shooter like Michael-Dean Perry.

We've seen how much of a problem Geno Atkins is but Sharrif seems even quicker and more disruptive.

I see the Jags taking him second overall.

What's your take on Sharrif and how do you view my take on him?

yeah he's going to be a handful as a 3tech. great first step, strength, and just a bad attitude towards his opponent. great stamina and makes life hard on an offense, lives in the backfield. high character kid who came up thru school of hard knocks. feels like a top 5 pick, top 10 in any scenario.

I've gone back to watch some more Sharrif and he does have some nasty but the thing that stands out to me is his football smarts.Oh and just saw this.

Matt Miller of NFLDRAFTSCOUT has updated his top five and he has Sharrif Floyd going to the Jags with the second overall pick as of yesterday.

My link

Matt MillerVerified account‏@nfldraftscout

Updated top 5: 1KC - Dee Milliner 2JAX - Sharrif Floyd 3OAK - Geno Smith 4PHI - OLB Dion Jordan 5DET - Luke Joeckel

Jaguars Blog‏@JaguarsBlog

@nfldraftscout I am curious why you feel Sharrif Floyd is a better fit for Jacksonville than Jordan, Geno, Ansah, Mingo, Star, Richardson

Matt MillerVerified account‏@nfldraftscout

@JaguarsBlog I feel that he's the better overall player, so when faced with all possible DL, he'd be my pick.

Jaguars Blog‏@JaguarsBlog

@nfldraftscout Does he fit a need better than the pass-rushers? Caldwell has said he is a "needs-based drafter"

Matt MillerVerified account‏@nfldraftscout

@JaguarsBlog I think Floyd is a pass rusher. And an interior pass rush is key to stopping mobile QBs.

Jaguars Blog‏@JaguarsBlog

@nfldraftscout Would Floyd's role in Jacksonville be 3-tech DT or 5-tech DE? Or both? Just trying to learn

Matt MillerVerified account‏@nfldraftscout

@JaguarsBlog he would be a three-tech pass rusher.

Christopher Hansen‏@ChrisHansenNFL

@JaguarsBlog @nfldraftscout I think Floyd can be used as a 3-tech or 5-tech which will make him appealing to hybrid defenses.

-------

Floyd actually was playing some 3-4 DE and he plays smart, he reads and reaacts quickly.

 

[Whoosah]

Good mock, but as a Bears fan, I doubt they will go WR when they drafted Alshon Jeffery last year. I predict they will take best o-line available or grab Eifert.

When I made the Bears pick I didn't see an O-Lineman that I liked enough to justify the pick but I felt Austin was a value who kept dropping so his value was increasing.I made the pick on that but when I looked at it later I liked it and it is because of Trestman.Sigmond voiced the same thought where he mentioned Trestman which only solidifies the possibility. As an NFL fan it does make you think and when I made the pick I hadn't even thought of it in those terms so I kinda like that pick on value alone before even trying to think how Trestman would use him to create mismatches all over the field.

I get the value, but at the same time, how can Cutler throw it to Austin without having the time? Bears fans have been clamoring for a revamped oline and even Austin is value at that pick, no one is going to like it saying that the Bears did not address the offensive line. Anything is possible, but I cannot stress how important of upgrading the oline is.

 

[Casting Couch]

The chances the Bears take Tavon Austin (or any WR with their 1st pick) are about as high as me trying out for the Bears and winning a starting gig. In other words, zilch. They just took Alshon Jeffrey last season and are very high on him. The Bears, with 100% certainty, will draft a player on the OLine, a TE (Eifert) or a MLB (Teo) with the 1st pick.

If Tavon slips to the bottom of the first, I can see NE taking him, if they move on from Welker.WRs and 1st round picks are not synonymous with NE, but I can see this playing out, only if they let WW walk.

 

[Sinrman]

I guess it boils down to how he does on his Pro Day, but I'm thinking up to this point, Manti Te'o has played himself out of the 1st round.

And as a Lions fan I will be completely deflated if Oakland or someone snaps up Milliner before we get to him. :(

 

[GeeYouknit]

I see the Steelers taking Kenny Vaccaro at the #17 spot because of value. This kid is a top10 talent and him dropping down later will really help. I love this kid and would be absolutely giddy if he went to Pittsburgh. This seems a lot more likely than taking a WR in the 1st IMO.

If either Vaccaro or Jarvis Jones drops to 17 that would be ideal for the Steelers I think. Now if both of them aren't there I still don't see a WR that would we would take unless Patterson is available, but even then its questionable.

 

[Bronx Bomber]

I guess it boils down to how he does on his Pro Day, but I'm thinking up to this point, Manti Te'o has played himself out of the 1st round.And as a Lions fan I will be completely deflated if Oakland or someone snaps up Milliner before we get to him. :(

Listen to the latest ESPN First Draft. They went over the first 5 draft positions and each one(all the way up to 1st overall) they brought up Millner as the only guy they see teams trading up to get.

 

[TheFanatic]

I see the Steelers taking Kenny Vaccaro at the #17 spot because of value. This kid is a top10 talent and him dropping down later will really help. I love this kid and would be absolutely giddy if he went to Pittsburgh. This seems a lot more likely than taking a WR in the 1st IMO. If either Vaccaro or Jarvis Jones drops to 17 that would be ideal for the Steelers I think. Now if both of them aren't there I still don't see a WR that would we would take unless Patterson is available, but even then its questionable.

I think the Rams take him at 16 and take an OG at 22. I think Kendricks showed enough late last year that they don't draft a TE in the first.... And yes, Vaccaro is legit...

 

[UKColt]

Nice mock, though I expect the Colts to address OL in free agency. Grigson recently said that he'd rather have a rookie CB than a rookie OL, so I think he values experience on the line.

Looking at the players left at 24 in your draft, I think the Colts would look at Trufant to play opposite Davis. Possibly Okafor as well, if he can play OLB. Hunt might be an option, but I worry that he's a physical freak rather than a 'football' player.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I see the Steelers taking Kenny Vaccaro at the #17 spot because of value. This kid is a top10 talent and him dropping down later will really help. I love this kid and would be absolutely giddy if he went to Pittsburgh. This seems a lot more likely than taking a WR in the 1st IMO. If either Vaccaro or Jarvis Jones drops to 17 that would be ideal for the Steelers I think. Now if both of them aren't there I still don't see a WR that would we would take unless Patterson is available, but even then its questionable.

I think the Rams take him at 16 and take an OG at 22. I think Kendricks showed enough late last year that they don't draft a TE in the first.... And yes, Vaccaro is legit...

If the Rams pass on Cooper he won't make it past the Cowboys and quite frankly Cooper is a top-ten pick and by far the BPA if he's there with St. Louis' first-first round pick. They'd be insane to pass him considering they need to improve that offensive line.Their isn't an OG anything close to Coop at 22 and at that point if Eifert is there he's the BPA at that point and the Rams still could use weapons for Bradford and Fisher would love to run two-tights like Belechick to creae mismatches.Cooper is awesome.Take one look at the latest Super Bowl. Both of those teams don't just have so-so OGs they have some of the best OGs in the NFL. Other teams break down every little detail of Super Bowl teams and when both of the SB teams had dominating OGs the NFL-copycat league takes notice.

 

[TheFanatic]

I see the Steelers taking Kenny Vaccaro at the #17 spot because of value. This kid is a top10 talent and him dropping down later will really help. I love this kid and would be absolutely giddy if he went to Pittsburgh. This seems a lot more likely than taking a WR in the 1st IMO.

If either Vaccaro or Jarvis Jones drops to 17 that would be ideal for the Steelers I think. Now if both of them aren't there I still don't see a WR that would we would take unless Patterson is available, but even then its questionable.

I think the Rams take him at 16 and take an OG at 22. I think Kendricks showed enough late last year that they don't draft a TE in the first.... And yes, Vaccaro is legit...

If the Rams pass on Cooper he won't make it past the Cowboys and quite frankly Cooper is a top-ten pick and by far the BPA if he's there with St. Louis' first-first round pick. They'd be insane to pass him considering they need to improve that offensive line.Their isn't an OG anything close to Coop at 22 and at that point if Eifert is there he's the BPA at that point and the Rams still could use weapons for Bradford and Fisher would love to run two-tights like Belechick to creae mismatches.

Cooper is awesome.

Take one look at the latest Super Bowl. Both of those teams don't just have so-so OGs they have some of the best OGs in the NFL. Other teams break down every little detail of Super Bowl teams and when both of the SB teams had dominating OGs the NFL-copycat league takes notice.

I live in St. Louis and have yet to hear about Fisher wanting to emulate Belichek's offense. Not saying that's what he wants or doesn't want to do, I just haven't heard it...

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Fisher would love to run two-tights like Belechick to creae mismatches.

Cooper is awesome.

Take one look at the latest Super Bowl. Both of those teams don't just have so-so OGs they have some of the best OGs in the NFL. Other teams break down every little detail of Super Bowl teams and when both of the SB teams had dominating OGs the NFL-copycat league takes notice.

I live in St. Louis and have yet to hear about Fisher wanting to emulate Belichek's offense. Not saying that's what he wants or doesn't want to do, I just haven't heard it...

I am sure Fish hasn't said a thing about many things he'd like to do but any NFL coach would love the option to be able to run two-TE sets like BB. It creates mismatches and puts pressure on LBers all over the field.If the Rams can address their O-Line with the first pick and if Eifert's there he'd be the BPA and Fisher wouldn't bypass the opportunity because he could run two-tights so he probably isn't saying that is his desire or he's leaning that way but if opportunity presents itself he's plenty smart enough to take advantage IMHO.

 

[Ridgelake]

I see the Steelers taking Kenny Vaccaro at the #17 spot because of value. This kid is a top10 talent and him dropping down later will really help. I love this kid and would be absolutely giddy if he went to Pittsburgh. This seems a lot more likely than taking a WR in the 1st IMO. If either Vaccaro or Jarvis Jones drops to 17 that would be ideal for the Steelers I think. Now if both of them aren't there I still don't see a WR that would we would take unless Patterson is available, but even then its questionable.

I think the Rams take him at 16 and take an OG at 22. I think Kendricks showed enough late last year that they don't draft a TE in the first.... And yes, Vaccaro is legit...

I can very easily see Dallas taking Vacaro at 18. They need safeties after releasing Sensabaugh, leaving only guys coming off serious injury and/or street FA level guys on the roster. And the Tampa 2 requires strong safety play to be effective.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I see the Steelers taking Kenny Vaccaro at the #17 spot because of value. This kid is a top10 talent and him dropping down later will really help. I love this kid and would be absolutely giddy if he went to Pittsburgh. This seems a lot more likely than taking a WR in the 1st IMO.

If either Vaccaro or Jarvis Jones drops to 17 that would be ideal for the Steelers I think. Now if both of them aren't there I still don't see a WR that would we would take unless Patterson is available, but even then its questionable.

I think the Rams take him at 16 and take an OG at 22. I think Kendricks showed enough late last year that they don't draft a TE in the first.... And yes, Vaccaro is legit...

I can very easily see Dallas taking Vacaro at 18. They need safeties after releasing Sensabaugh, leaving only guys coming off serious injury and/or street FA level guys on the roster. And the Tampa 2 requires strong safety play to be effective.

Kenny Vacaro isn't Mark Barron - Safety - 6'2" 215 lbs - 40 Time: 4.56 Barron didn't run at the combine last year because he had surgery from a sports hernia so at his pro day when he was still only at 80% and still recovering from his surgery he posted better times than Vacaro.Still recovering from double hernia surgery performed in January, Barron reported ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.53- to 4.57-second range.

Kenny Vacaro was healthy at Indy but didn't run great at the combine so he'll have to do better at his pro day.

My link

Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro ran a 4.63 40-yard dash at this week’s NFL Combine, the 12th fastest at his position according to NFL.com.

Vacaro isn't at the same level of Cooper.

 

[TheFanatic]

I am sure Fish hasn't said a thing about many things he'd like to do but any NFL coach would love the option to be able to run two-TE sets like BB. It creates mismatches and puts pressure on LBers all over the field.

The NFL is a copycat league. Nobody has copied the two TE set like NE does. I think there's more to running two TE's. I think the fact that they have Gronk and Hernandez has a lot to do with it. Either way, nobody else is doing the same offense the Pats are running. Why is that? To say that Fisher is hoping to do that as justification for taking a TE is off base. The Rams have a deep threat at WR, a Welker type who can't stay healthy and wants to get a big paycheck, and may not have a RB that can carry load once FA starts in a week. They also have holes at the OLine, secondary, WR, to name a few. Taking a TE to run NE's offense seems like a luxury to me that they just don't have...