Draft Chat With our Draftniks Matt Waldman and Sigmund Bloom Tonight D (1 Viewer)

[Bracie Smathers]

Bama's QB sitting on the couch with a looking girl next to him.

Someone is getting a bargain. Love McElroy. I agree with the assessment that ESPN reported from an NFL coach with a QB guru background saying that the Bama QB will be a starter eventually in the NFL.

I kept noticing him when checking out Julio.Very accurate and nice ball placement, Julio didn't seem to have to nearly as much work as A.J. Green on those catches and it was one of the reasons why I loved the trade-down with the Falcons. I think Julio had it pretty good in College with McElroy.

In the championship season, Mcelroy was not good at all until the 2nd half of the LSU game. You wouldn't believe how many passes he just flat out missed. Julio broke open so many times, and McElroy sailed it over his head repeatedly.They really came together last year and McElroy was much, much better. He really improved a lot in his two years there.

AJ Green had Stafford in his freshman year, which was the year that really let him take off.

All in all, Green had it much better from a QB perspective, though McElroy was good this past year.

Alabama fan here (I know you are as well) who watched most of his games in the past few years. I like the guy, I think he's a very suitable NFL caretaker-type QB, but I'm just not as high on his pro prospects as some of the ESPN guys are. I know it's just a cliche'd comparison, but as a Bills fan, he reminds me a lot of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Good leader, very respectable player, a guy who teammates seem to like, but can be erratic at times when he's forced to make a play.I don't know if I'd say that he took a step back last year, but you indicated it above as well - he frankly wasn't that good for the first part of the season.

I hope he lands in a good situation and proves me wrong.

The light came on for McElroy midway through his Senior season. Ironically, we lost three games after that light came on, which was wierd. But I do think he can make it in the NFL. I think he had confidence issues that he finally worked through right as his career was ending.

Light blazed on in more ways than one for Greg.I don't have his Wonderlic score but he was a Rhodes Scholar finalist in addition to being the SEC Scholar Athlete of the year.

Then a quick comparison of accuray for the top QBs last year:

Cam Newton - 66.1%

Blaine Gabbert - 63.4%

Jake Locker - 55.4%

Andy Dalton - 66.1%

Christian Ponder - 61.5%

Ryan Mallett - 64.7%

Colin Kapernick - 64.9%

Greg McElroy - 70.9%

 

[Matt Waldman]

Denarius Moore to Oakland. Very nice value for a team that doesn't have the WR depth chart nailed down. However, they really need a QB and I wish they drafted a hedge for Campbell. Hope they still do.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Glad to see Philly address the RB backup spot here before the tier runs out.

 

[HellToupee]

Rogers is going to be a great role player in the NFL.I like to compare him to Sproles.

I like Quizz but he lacks Sproles speedgreat spot for him to succeed

 

[Matt Waldman]

Eagles get a terrific backup to McCoy and I think they need one.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Glad to see Philly address the RB backup spot here before the tier runs out.

McCoy's teammate too.... interesting

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Bama's QB sitting on the couch with a looking girl next to him.

Someone is getting a bargain. Love McElroy. I agree with the assessment that ESPN reported from an NFL coach with a QB guru background saying that the Bama QB will be a starter eventually in the NFL.

I kept noticing him when checking out Julio.Very accurate and nice ball placement, Julio didn't seem to have to nearly as much work as A.J. Green on those catches and it was one of the reasons why I loved the trade-down with the Falcons. I think Julio had it pretty good in College with McElroy.

In the championship season, Mcelroy was not good at all until the 2nd half of the LSU game. You wouldn't believe how many passes he just flat out missed. Julio broke open so many times, and McElroy sailed it over his head repeatedly.They really came together last year and McElroy was much, much better. He really improved a lot in his two years there.

AJ Green had Stafford in his freshman year, which was the year that really let him take off.

All in all, Green had it much better from a QB perspective, though McElroy was good this past year.

Alabama fan here (I know you are as well) who watched most of his games in the past few years. I like the guy, I think he's a very suitable NFL caretaker-type QB, but I'm just not as high on his pro prospects as some of the ESPN guys are. I know it's just a cliche'd comparison, but as a Bills fan, he reminds me a lot of Ryan Fitzpatrick. Good leader, very respectable player, a guy who teammates seem to like, but can be erratic at times when he's forced to make a play.I don't know if I'd say that he took a step back last year, but you indicated it above as well - he frankly wasn't that good for the first part of the season.

I hope he lands in a good situation and proves me wrong.

The light came on for McElroy midway through his Senior season. Ironically, we lost three games after that light came on, which was wierd. But I do think he can make it in the NFL. I think he had confidence issues that he finally worked through right as his career was ending.

Light blazed on in more ways than one for Greg.I don't have his Wonderlic score but he was a Rhodes Scholar finalist in addition to being the SEC Scholar Athlete of the year.

Then a quick comparison of accuray for the top QBs last year:

Cam Newton - 66.1%

Blaine Gabbert - 63.4%

Jake Locker - 55.4%

Andy Dalton - 66.1%

Christian Ponder - 61.5%

Ryan Mallett - 64.7%

Colin Kapernick - 64.9%

Greg McElroy - 70.9%

I think it was 43. Originally stated as 48, but 43 was the official score. Still good.

 

[Madscott]

Interesting blurb on NFLN as they were interviewing Coach H of the Ravens.....mentioned that Doss was a player Flacco singled out in film study as someone he would want on the team.

 

[massraider]

Denarius Moore to Oakland. Very nice value for a team that doesn't have the WR depth chart nailed down. However, they really need a QB and I wish they drafted a hedge for Campbell. Hope they still do.

I would have liked one too, but that carcass has pretty much been picked clean this year, no?I mentioned this in the Raider thread, but with so many teams taking QBs this year, we might find it less crowded next year.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Rogers is going to be a great role player in the NFL.I like to compare him to Sproles.

Really thought Sproles would be in ATL as a FA. So much for that now.

 

[LHUCKS]

Devine is an intriguing pick this late...I hope he lands in a good spot.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Interesting blurb on NFLN as they were interviewing Coach H of the Ravens.....mentioned that Doss was a player Flacco singled out in film study as someone he would want on the team.

He said that on the ESPN interview. Flacco should be happy. Good positive sign for Doss.

 

[smackdaddies]

I don't know if DJ Williams has a chance to be a starter, but this ESPN reportmakes me want to root for him. Pretty sure he is a guy who will leave it all on the field

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Rogers is going to be a great role player in the NFL.I like to compare him to Sproles.

I like Quizz but he lacks Sproles speedgreat spot for him to succeed

Agreed he's in great spot to succeed. I had Quizz in my Top 5 RB's so I think ATL should be thrilled.Sproles simply can't run between the tackles. I'd take Quizz as a 5th rounder (cheap salary) over Sproles (and his salary along with the reduction in the return game (with kickoffs 5 yards closer).Quizz is a damn good football player. I question whether the people that say he's too small have actually seen him play.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

And then there were three.

Only three players left on Rick Gosselin's top-100 list:

one -

80, Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State

two -

87, Johnny Patrick CB Louisville

three -

98, Jerrell Powe NY Mississippi

Also one of the two guys I threw out has been taken (Denarius Moore, wide receiver, Tennessee) so the only bonus player I've got is:

Chris Carter, defensive end, Fresno State

 

[LHUCKS]

Dilfer salivating over Yates.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I like the physical potential of Niles Paul and I think he's a long-term guy to watch.

Another guy I want to see land somewhere: Jeremy Ross.

 

[Abrantes]

And then there were three.

Only three players left on Rick Gosselin's top-100 list:

one -

80, Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State

two -

87, Johnny Patrick CB Louisville

three -

98, Jerrell Powe NY Mississippi

Also one of the two guys I threw out has been taken (Denarius Moore, wide receiver, Tennessee) so the only bonus player I've got is:

Chris Carter, defensive end, Fresno State

Saints took Patrick in round 3.

 

[LHUCKS]

Rogers is going to be a great role player in the NFL.I like to compare him to Sproles.

I like Quizz but he lacks Sproles speedgreat spot for him to succeed

Agreed he's in great spot to succeed. I had Quizz in my Top 5 RB's so I think ATL should be thrilled.Sproles simply can't run between the tackles. I'd take Quizz as a 5th rounder (cheap salary) over Sproles (and his salary along with the reduction in the return game (with kickoffs 5 yards closer).Quizz is a damn good football player.

I'd also take Quizz over Sproles.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

And then there were three.

Only three players left on Rick Gosselin's top-100 list:

one -

80, Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State

two -

87, Johnny Patrick CB Louisville

three -

98, Jerrell Powe NY Mississippi

Also one of the two guys I threw out has been taken (Denarius Moore, wide receiver, Tennessee) so the only bonus player I've got is:

Chris Carter, defensive end, Fresno State

Saints took Patrick in round 3.

Thanks, I figure I missed a few.Down to two.

80, Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State

98, Jerrell Powe NY Mississippi

 

[renesauz]

TE 4 NE? Has to be a BPA pick, but still don't see it.

 

[Jene Bramel]

TE 4 NE? Has to be a BPA pick, but still don't see it.

Blocking TE, Crumpler replacement.

 

[Matt Waldman]

TE 4 NE? Has to be a BPA pick, but still don't see it.

Blocking TE, Crumpler replacement.

Mort will second that one. I'll third it...

 

[Matt Waldman]

I like Enderle here as a developmental guy in Chicago. Still think there were better options at QB to pick, but a pocket guy the Bears can work with.

 

[flapgreen]

Lol

 

[Jeff Haseley]

I like Enderle here as a developmental guy in Chicago. Still think there were better options at QB to pick, but a pocket guy the Bears can work with.

Matt are you referring to Louisville QB Adam Froman aka the "Sausage King"?

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

How many Hawkeyes are getting drafted? Crazy how many.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I like Enderle here as a developmental guy in Chicago. Still think there were better options at QB to pick, but a pocket guy the Bears can work with.

Matt are you referring to Louisville QB Adam Froman aka the "Sausage King"?

Froman and McElroy for sure.

 

[Matt Waldman]

How many Hawkeyes are getting drafted? Crazy how many.

Bill Parcells nailed that trend on his draft show: Iowa is among the best at producing pros.

 

[RaiderBones]

How many Hawkeyes are getting drafted? Crazy how many.

Bill Parcells nailed that trend on his draft show: Iowa is among the best at producing pros.

I expect Sash, DB from Iowa to get drafted yet.

 

[Clifford]

With all of the North Carolina players being drafted, why aren't they a better team?

Most of them see suspended to start the season. By the time they fame back the season was a lost cause.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Chris Carter looks like a pretty promising pick for a late 5th rounder

 

[Sudoku_in_the_Bathtub]

Matt Leinart era over in Houston with the selection of TJ Yates.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I think the draft has a very strong element about GMs picking players that hit resume bullet points. Bill Parcells explained this very well without saying so:

[*]Protytpical measurements (height, weight, speed, etc.)

[*]Big-time college program

[*]Lack of major injury

[*]Statistical production for multiple seasons

[*]Performs well in all-star games

[*}High character

There are others, but the more bullet points a GM can check off, the more he can justify an earlier pick.

I think there are a lot of faults in the fundamental logic used to picking players. It's a safe and basic format, but it creates scenarios where teams overlook players who can clearly play and settle for guys who have major faults but hit enough resume points to extend their job life a year or two longer.

Like the Cardinals round six choice of Sturdivant.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Matt Leinart era over in Houston with the selection of TJ Yates.

Highly likely. Yates is another one of those guys who could outproduce several at top of the class.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I think the draft has a very strong element about GMs picking players that hit resume bullet points. Bill Parcells explained this very well without saying so:

[*]Protytpical measurements (height, weight, speed, etc.)

[*]Big-time college program

[*]Lack of major injury

[*]Statistical production for multiple seasons

[*]Performs well in all-star games

[*}High character

There are others, but the more bullet points a GM can check off, the more he can justify an earlier pick.

I think there are a lot of faults in the fundamental logic used to picking players. It's a safe and basic format, but it creates scenarios where teams overlook players who can clearly play and settle for guys who have major faults but hit enough resume points to extend their job life a year or two longer.

Like the Cardinals round six choice of Sturdivant.

Much like the coaches not going for it on 4th down enough, sometimes safe choices trump more risky ones for job security. With people judging drafts the day after (or during) the draft itself, avoiding criticism can be a preferred path even if it isn't the most rewarding. Those who do take risks and win tend to win big.

 

[LHUCKS]

Like the Cardinals round six choice of Sturdivant.

thrilled with this pick...kid goes in the 2nd or 3rd round without the hamstring injury.It's amazing how much these kids get downgraded over silly injuries like hamstrings.If I'm a GM/Scout I start going out of my way to spot hamstring injuries at this point...ridiculous.

 

[twistd]

I like Enderle here as a developmental guy in Chicago. Still think there were better options at QB to pick, but a pocket guy the Bears can work with.

I couldn't disagree more. Drafting a developmental QB, especially after you drafted Dan Lefevour last year, then screwed up and lost him, was a luxury they could not afford. There were a lot of positions where they needed help. They had a bottom five O-line last year. They have found one guy to help with that. They could of drafted a CB, LB, DT, OG, OT, RB, or WR, all bigger needs than a developmental QB. I was extremely disappointed in both the Conte and Enderle picks. After the Cramini, and Paea picks were made you had three more picks to address a variety of needs. Using one on a special teams player like Conte, and another on a developmental QB was not using your picks effectively, IMO.

 

[LHUCKS]

Matt Leinart era over in Houston with the selection of TJ Yates.

What a waste of talent...kid just didn't work hard enough.ETA: With the lack of QBs available he'll probably get picked up since his production at AZ this past preseason was not terrible.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Apparently Mike Tannenbaum and Ryan were congratulating themselves over Powell pick - very telling that they liked him - especially after he visited them.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Evan Royster to Redskins...if he can show more speed I like it, but I don't think he will and it leaves me thinking that Shanny is nowhere near the RB guy some think of him to be. Hate the Charles Clay pick for the Dolphins unless planning to convert to TE and still don't like it nearly that much.

Dwyane Harris to Cowboys! Whoa...this guy is going to be a special teams guy right away and then develop into a potential No.2 after some time in the slot. Really good pure football player who just needs to learn more about the receiver position beyond the slot and short passing game.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Apparently Mike Tannenbaum and Ryan were congratulating themselves over Powell pick - very telling that they liked him - especially after he visited them.

One of my favorite backs in this class. I was really hoping he would go somewhere he would get a chance to start, and i think he landed in a perfect situation.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Matt Leinart era over in Houston with the selection of TJ Yates.

What a waste of talent...kid just didn't work hard enough.ETA: With the lack of QBs available he'll probably get picked up since his production at AZ this past preseason was not terrible.

At least he wasn't a bust like AJ Hawk

 

[Matt Waldman]

Powell is my No.3 RB in this class so I'm right there with you. Funny that I Q&A'd him at Senior Bowl for NY Times and then featured him in my top five in same publication and he ends up in NY. Nice coincidence for NYers.

 

[Time Kibitzer]

I like Enderle here as a developmental guy in Chicago. Still think there were better options at QB to pick, but a pocket guy the Bears can work with.

I couldn't disagree more. Drafting a developmental QB, especially after you drafted Dan Lefevour last year, then screwed up and lost him, was a luxury they could not afford. There were a lot of positions where they needed help. They had a bottom five O-line last year. They have found one guy to help with that. They could of drafted a CB, LB, DT, OG, OT, RB, or WR, all bigger needs than a developmental QB. I was extremely disappointed in both the Conte and Enderle picks. After the Cramini, and Paea picks were made you had three more picks to address a variety of needs. Using one on a special teams player like Conte, and another on a developmental QB was not using your picks effectively, IMO.

We're talking about 5th round picks at this point right? At this stage there's no player you can just plug into a hole in your roster and not have to worry about. If the Bears have CB, LB, DT, OG, OT, RB, WR needs, no 5th round pick is going to fix any of them for this year, which seems to be what you are worrying about. You're being unrealistic imo.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Todman to the Chargers

 

[Matt Waldman]

If I'm going to pick a slot receiver with upside I would have taken players in this order:

Cobb, Harris, Jernigan. I think the Giants messed up here. Jernigan is the fastest, but Harris could develop into an outside receiver to complement Bryant one day. He has the dangerous underneath skill after the catch and what impressed me at the Sr. Bowl although Russ Lande was really disappointed with him, was that Harris got better with every drill in every practice.

Garrett on DeMarco Murray: "One of the things we wanted to do in this draft is stick to our board...we felt like he was an outstanding football player, played for four years...production off the charts as a runner and receiver...mature...and has production at highest level"

Resume points, resume points, resume points.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Tyrod Taylor to the Ravens - good backup QB with mobility. Could be some Wildcat utility as well.

Todman goes to SD, who will use him as their RB3 as Sproles will be gone.

 

[Matt Waldman]

I like Enderle here as a developmental guy in Chicago. Still think there were better options at QB to pick, but a pocket guy the Bears can work with.

I couldn't disagree more. Drafting a developmental QB, especially after you drafted Dan Lefevour last year, then screwed up and lost him, was a luxury they could not afford. There were a lot of positions where they needed help. They had a bottom five O-line last year. They have found one guy to help with that. They could of drafted a CB, LB, DT, OG, OT, RB, or WR, all bigger needs than a developmental QB. I was extremely disappointed in both the Conte and Enderle picks. After the Cramini, and Paea picks were made you had three more picks to address a variety of needs. Using one on a special teams player like Conte, and another on a developmental QB was not using your picks effectively, IMO.

In the scheme of draft strategy I see that point. In terms of single player's talent to that team, that's why I made the comment. Not looking at the forest as much as the tree in this case. We're talking about 5th round picks at this point right? At this stage there's no player you can just plug into a hole in your roster and not have to worry about. If the Bears have CB, LB, DT, OG, OT, RB, WR needs, no 5th round pick is going to fix any of them for this year, which seems to be what you are worrying about. You're being unrealistic imo.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Tyrod Taylor to the Ravens - good backup QB with mobility. Could be some Wildcat utility as well.Todman goes to SD, who will use him as their RB3 as Sproles will be gone.

If Chad Spann goes to Chargers via free agency because he was a guy A.J. Smith had his eye on, I'll be willing to do a sig bet with someone here that he beats out Todman if both stay healthy. Giants get Greg Jones - paging Jene Bramel Tyrod Taylor to Ravens - love this pick because I think he can develop into a real QB with a patient team behind him. He needs a ton of work, but the arm, model citizenship, and legs are there for him to develop faster than Vick took, not with the opportunity there.