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***Official 2008 NFL IDP Draft Thread*** (1 Viewer)

Plenty of interesting names available today. A few worth watching include:

Darrell Robertson

Jeremy Thompson

Chris Ellis

Dan Connor

Tavares Gooden

Jonathan Goff

Phillip Wheeler

Beau Bell

Vince Hall

Xavier Adibi

Erin Henderson

Gary Guyton

Wesley Woodyard

DaJuan Morgan

Thomas DeCoud

Corey Lynch

Josh Barrett

Tom Zbikowski

Craig Steltz

Jamar Adams

A few of the linebackers could end up in nice places. The linemen, along with a few others not listed, aren't likely to have any impact, but will be worth tracking. None of the safeties look like stud NFL players, but one or two could end up in situations where they could get playing time.

 
Surprised Conner is still layin' out there. I would think he comes off the board early in the 3rd. You would think anyone (4-3 team) who needs help at LB was probably workin the phones last night to trade up.
 
Jene Bramel said:
2.45 -- LB JORDON DIZON -- Detroit Lions

Much better fit for a Tampa-2 than the Dan Connor rumors floating about. Should compete for an every down role at MLB immediately. Solid IDP value likely here. Should prove to be a good fit and a much better talent than Paris Lenon.
Good news for Dizon. There were predraft rumors that the Lions were strongly considering breaking a rookie backer in on the strong side. Sounds like Dizon will get a look in the middle right away.The Lions will give Dizon a shot at earning the starting job at middle linebacker, but if he doesn't make an immediate impact there, he's expected to be a valuable contributor on special teams.

"You can't teach great instincts," Millen said. "As soon as I watched him on film, that was the first thing that hit me. He kind of reminded me of a cross between Kurt Goveia and Tedy Bruschi. He plays with great feel. He can do a lot of different things, but the big thing is his presence. When you watch him, he just jumps off the tape. He's always around the football. Stephen (Boyd) had a real good feel also."

Dizon played at 229 pounds in college and he'll probably bulk up for his shot at professional football.

"You want him to get a little bigger, but that's usually what you get when you draft a kid out of college," Millen said. "I'd like to see him inside, but at the least he'll upgrade the special teams and will upgrade the depth all the way across. He's a bright kid, too. We'll have to get him a little bit bigger but he played a lot of football in a good conference against some outstanding people."

 
Confirming some discussions about the new Jacksonville ends here. Jaguars expecting Derrick Harvey to become an every down end. Quentin Groves looking like a situational rusher for now, with hopes for more in the future.

Jaguars.com

Groves, considered to be more of a 3-4 rush-linebacker prospect than an every-downs defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, will likely be used as a pass-rush specialist by the Jaguars in his rookie year, but the combination of Harvey and Groves could become one of the league’s top pass-rush combinations of the future.

...

“He [Groves] was standing out a little bit,” Del Rio said. “We drafted him to be a right end, a pass-rusher.”

Del Rio seems to believe Groves can gain enough weight and strength to become an every-downs end in the future.

“We saw enough on tape. He can stack the point. He did 30 (bench-press) reps. He can roll his hips,” Del Rio added.

Jaguars personnel boss James “Shack” Harris said the team is excited by its first two picks.

“Going in, we were looking for help at the defensive end position,” Harris said. “In Derrick Harvey, we added an every-downs end. Groves is a 4.5 guy.”

 
3.67 -- DB CHARLES GODFREY -- Carolina Panthers

Played corner in college, but probably projects to FS in Carolina. May not be much value with guys like Richard Marshall and Chris Harris in the secondary behind Jon Beason, but a prospect to watch in deep leagues with safety/corner splits.

 
3.71 -- LB TAVARES GOODEN -- Baltimore Ravens

First of the linebackers off the board to land in a key "heir apparent" slot. Very likely to take over for Ray Lewis, who will be a free agent after this year. Very athletic and rangy, but scouts have questioned his instincts. He'll have another U alum to mentor him. Good chance to grow into a very good NFL player and IDP value.

 
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3.74 -- LB DAN CONNOR -- Carolina Panthers

Be interesting to see how this works out. Not a very good spot for Connor to land. Likely will battle Landon Johnson for playing time at WLB this year and will have to play well to get meaningful playing time. Would be a major surprise if he's used inside and bumps Jon Beason outside as Beason took control of the huddle and defense immediately last year. Also would be a surprise if he worked into an every down role with Beason and Thomas Davis seemingly locked in there.

 
3.78 -- LB SHAWN CRABLE -- New England Patriots

Solid replacement for Rosie Colvin here. Pats filling in the linebacker corps nicely with young guys that fit well in his hybrid scheme. Not much IDP value for Crable, though, unless he can bring his solid run support skills and generate some pass rush consistently.

3.79 -- CB ANTWUAN MOLDEN -- Houston Texans

Nice pickup for the Texans and could have some value in the future opposite Fred Bennett if Dunta Robinson can't recover from his knee injury. Will compete for the third corner role initially and a starting role long term. Has the size and the tackling ability to have an impact in the boxscore. Ceiling limited by what appears to be a lack of instincts and ball skills. Could also project to a FS role.

3.80 -- LB BRYAN SMITH -- Philadelphia Eagles

Undersized pass rusher who looks athletic enough to move to OLB. Probably not a major impact here, but he's drafted early enough that you have to consider that the Eagles might not see Bradley MLB/Gaither WLB as the future.

3.82 -- S DAJUAN MORGAN -- Kansas City Chiefs

Excellent fit in a interchangeable Cover-2 scheme. Unfortunately, for IDP purposes, he'll compete to be a part of a rotation with Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page. Chiefs have used Wesley in a three headed role in the past, so that may be the future here.

3.86 -- S TOM ZBIKOWSKI -- Baltimore Ravens

Downhill type strong safety who may not be athletic enough in coverage to hold up one-on-one. Depth behind Dawan Landry. Another of the safeties with a little IDP potential who lands in a not-so-great situation.

 
3.93 -- LB PHILLIP WHEELER -- Indianapolis Colts

This is interesting. Lot of folks mocking Xavier Adibi to the Colts, who go with Wheeler instead, whose stock has been dropping since the beginning of the 2007 college season. Doesn't play as physical as his size would suggest, but has had some success in coverage in the past. Unless he improves, he's probably projects as depth behind Keiaho and Hagler on the outside.

 
It's probably also worth noting that the Lions' last selection, Cliff Avril, who played a lot of defensive end in coverage, will probably get some talk as able to slot at either SLB or RDE there. His instincts in space were a little questionable in the post season workouts, but he was apparently as agile as any of the tweener prospects and could potentially be coached into a decent zone dropping backer. More likely, though, the Lions will want him to provide pressure off the open end in their Tampa-2.

 
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Oh, and I completely missed the Lions' selection of DT Andre Fluellen. He's a nice prospect to fill the undertackle role if Cory Redding doesn't return to his contract season talent.

 
3.98 -- S THOMAS DeCOUD -- Atlanta Falcons

DeCoud was one of the better safeties left on the board. The Falcons have two vets (Lawyer Milloy and Erik Coleman) slotted in the starting roles, but now a couple of young guns behind in Daren Stone and DeCoud. Mike Smith's scheme is an interchangeable safety alignment with a bunch of zone looks, which fits DeCoud well but may not bode well for his long term IDP value.

4.102 -- DE JEREMY THOMPSON -- Green Bay Packers

Scouts knock him for being inconsistent, but there's room for him to contribute opposite Aaron Kampman in a part time role.

4.104 -- LB BEAU BELL -- Cleveland Browns

Good fit inside in the Browns' 3-4. Doesn't bode well at all for Andra Davis' future in Cleveland. May have the cover skills to push Leon Williams back into a backup role. First Browns pick of this draft, so it'll be interesting to see where they think he fits -- and how soon.

 
hey jene big thanks for maintaing this thread all weekendany thoughts on bruce davis to the steelers?
Gets converted to OLB as the "replacement" for Clark Haggans. Looks like another perfect fit for the Steelers, who have been killing this draft I think. Should get time to grow behind James Harrison and Lamarr Woodley as is the usual MO for Pittsburgh. Always worth noting that Davis, like Woodley, is another guy that could fit as a DE if Mike Tomlin ever decides to move back toward a 4-3.
 
4.117 -- S QUINTIN DEMPS -- Philadelphia Eagles

Moves into the rotation behind Brian Dawkins and Quentin Mikell, biding his time until Dawkins moves on.

4.118 -- LB XAVIER ADIBI -- Houston Texans

Morlon Greenwood is signed through 2009 and Adibi isn't a great fit on the strong side, so there doesn't appear to be any immediate value here. But Adibi is a fine all-around player who could push Greenwood before his contract is up and should project to an every down role soon enough.

Texans defense keeps getting better.

 
Plenty of interesting names available today. A few worth watching include:

Darrell Robertson

Jeremy Thompson

Chris Ellis

Dan Connor

Tavares Gooden

Jonathan Goff

Phillip Wheeler

Beau Bell

Vince Hall

Xavier Adibi

Erin Henderson

Gary Guyton

Wesley Woodyard

DaJuan Morgan

Thomas DeCoud

Corey Lynch

Josh Barrett

Tom Zbikowski

Craig Steltz

Jamar Adams
A few guys still on the board who could still land in impact roles. Particularly interested in Guyton, Goff, Henderson, Robertson and Barrett.
 
After adding Marcus Stroud, Spencer Johnson, Kawika Mitchell, and William Peterson this offseason, I expected the Bills to focus a bit more on offense in the draft.

But, here we are in the 4th round and they've spent 3 of their top 4 picks on defense.

1.11 CB Leodis McKelvin

Top corner in the draft, has excellent speed. Should compete for a starting job right away, pushing Jabari Greer back to the nickel role. Has below-average ball skills which hurts his value, but may offset a little if he can become primary return option on kickoffs or punts.

3.09 DE Chris Ellis

Bills needed a 4th DE after the year-long suspension given to Anthony Hargrove. Bills like their top-3 in Schobel, Kelsay, and Denney but they also like to rotate defensive linemen in all the time to try and keep them fresh. Ellis should see time early as part of a rotation and could develop into a quality starter down the road if he can put his shoulder problems behind him.

4.15 CB Reggie Corner

Looks like a promising CB from the MAC who has good speed, good hands, and will likely wind up as the long-term nickel back in Buffalo. Bills seem to have very good depth at the corner position now, and should have the pass rush up front to complement them well.

 
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Craig Steltz will compete for playing time at safety in Chicago. Not a great tackler and might struggle to cover the ground necessary in deep zone coverage. Sounds an awful lot like a less physical, slightly better in coverage Adam Archuleta to me.

Bryan Kehl will compete with Gerris Wilkinson for playing time at WLB in New York. Giants traded up to get him ahead of some other interesting prospects, which might be an indication of what they think of both of those guys.

 
Jene Bramel said:
LB JORDON DIZON -- Detroit LionsMuch better fit for a Tampa-2 than the Dan Connor rumors floating about. Should compete for an every down role at MLB immediately. Solid IDP value likely here. Should prove to be a good fit and a much better talent than Paris Lenon.
I think this was mistake because of his size, but the way he plays and the opportunity in front of him, probably makes him the #1 IDP for immediate rookie impact, and maybe #1 for rookie drafts.
 
1.09 -- LB KEITH RIVERS -- Cincinnati BengalsI don't even want to speculate what to think here, but I will anyway. :confused:Rivers likely slots into an OLB spot in the 4-3. But there's all sorts of scenarios with Ahmad Brooks and Odell Thurman on the roster. Though Thurman doesn't fit at SLB/LOLB, all three of these guys could fit at any of the LB slots. I suppose it's not completely out of the question that he's a piece in a hybrid scheme. Very difficult to predict IDP value until we see how these three potentially line up.Best guess today if all three start is Rivers LOLB, Brooks MLB, Thurman ROLB.
i smell a little DeMeco here and feel he may be the answer at MLB. He is the Bengals most talented LB right now. Trying to project something here gives me a knot in my stomach, but I'm pretty positive about production from Rivers on that defense. Excellent opportunity, better than it looks on the surface, and an elite talent to step into it. He's probably IDP #2 on my first blush rankings... behind Dizon.
 
1.10 -- LB JEROD MAYO -- New England PatriotsBelichick has passed a few very good linebackers by in the early rounds in recent years. The secondary looks terrible. Bill Belichick must really love Mayo. While Mayo would obviously have looked better as a Lion for IDP purposes, this may not turn out too badly. We've busted the "3-4 ILB suck as IDP options" myth multiple times in this forum over the past few years, and the "Belichick" 3-4 system has generated plenty of nice production -- Andra Davis before the three headed monster in Cleveland and David Harris last year. It'll be interesting to see where and how Mayo is used. It's possible he may play in a rotation with Hobson and Bruschi early on, but Mayo should have solid long term value. Very unlikely that he approaches what Ryans, Willis, etal have in their rookie seasons.
I'm not sure why I'm not too excited about this. I guess I just don't expect anyone one LB on that defense to be ultra productive. I love the talent, but hoped for a much different situation. IDP3?
 
2.37 -- LB CURTIS LOFTON -- Atlanta Falcons

Big upside here. Lofton slots into the MLB job at some point. Stuck behind Keith Brooking for now, though there were rumors around the free agency period that Brooking could be released. Should be able to claim an every down role as a starter. Only question will be whether his relatively limited range will allow him to reach elite solo tackle stats.
And how does that range translate into a 3 down backer. I have mixed emotions about this one too. I don't see him on the weakside, but I could see Brooking released, which would launch Lofton to the top of my board. Long-term you have to like it, but there's always a danger in waiting for next year.
 
3.74 -- LB DAN CONNOR -- Carolina Panthers

Be interesting to see how this works out. Not a very good spot for Connor to land. Likely will battle Landon Johnson for playing time at WLB this year and will have to play well to get meaningful playing time. Would be a major surprise if he's used inside and bumps Jon Beason outside as Beason took control of the huddle and defense immediately last year. Also would be a surprise if he worked into an every down role with Beason and Thomas Davis seemingly locked in there.
His 3 down opportunity really took a blow, but I never questioned his ability in coverage. This could get real interesting. The scouts have spoken and Connor was overhyped, but this kid lined up with Poz and out tackled him. I could see him do the same to Beason... just not sure I would bet on it. Still this is a quality pick up on your dynasty team if the poor draft status causes a slide. He remains a target for me, based now on value more than expectations, but a decent combo of both.
 
2.37 -- LB CURTIS LOFTON -- Atlanta Falcons

Big upside here. Lofton slots into the MLB job at some point. Stuck behind Keith Brooking for now, though there were rumors around the free agency period that Brooking could be released. Should be able to claim an every down role as a starter. Only question will be whether his relatively limited range will allow him to reach elite solo tackle stats.
And how does that range translate into a 3 down backer. I have mixed emotions about this one too. I don't see him on the weakside, but I could see Brooking released, which would launch Lofton to the top of my board. Long-term you have to like it, but there's always a danger in waiting for next year.
My impression from the scouting reports that the range was more of a marginal foot speed thing, but that he had enough athleticism to at least hold his own in coverage -- a Gerald Hayes like player. You've seen much more of Stephen Nicholas than I, but I tend to project the MLB to the every down role by default unless both OLB have tremendous coverage skill (like Bulluck/Thornton).
 
3.74 -- LB DAN CONNOR -- Carolina Panthers

Be interesting to see how this works out. Not a very good spot for Connor to land. Likely will battle Landon Johnson for playing time at WLB this year and will have to play well to get meaningful playing time. Would be a major surprise if he's used inside and bumps Jon Beason outside as Beason took control of the huddle and defense immediately last year. Also would be a surprise if he worked into an every down role with Beason and Thomas Davis seemingly locked in there.
His 3 down opportunity really took a blow, but I never questioned his ability in coverage. This could get real interesting. The scouts have spoken and Connor was overhyped, but this kid lined up with Poz and out tackled him. I could see him do the same to Beason... just not sure I would bet on it. Still this is a quality pick up on your dynasty team if the poor draft status causes a slide. He remains a target for me, based now on value more than expectations, but a decent combo of both.
From what I saw of Beason last year, unless they shuffle Beason to Will and put Connor at Mike, that would be extremely surprising. No definitive word on a plan with Connor yet, but here's hoping that Beason stays put. I think he's a more dynamic player than Connor would be in the middle.
 
3.71 -- LB TAVARES GOODEN -- Baltimore Ravens

First of the linebackers off the board to land in a key "heir apparent" slot. Very likely to take over for Ray Lewis, who will be a free agent after this year. Very athletic and rangy, but scouts have questioned his instincts. He'll have another U alum to mentor him. Good chance to grow into a very good NFL player and IDP value.
Another obvious target and a sure 3 down backer with an aging HoFer in front of him. Long term, this looks pretty good. This makes five really nice LB prospects for this class, but situations aren't ideal. I'm hoping to land a couple and I think patience may be prudent with them however they fall.
 
5.12 Bills - OLB Alvin Bowen, Iowa St

Bills just loading up on defense. Bowen was very productive in college and should immediately upgrade the depth behind Crowell and Mitchell.

 
5.12 Bills - OLB Alvin Bowen, Iowa St

Bills just loading up on defense. Bowen was very productive in college and should immediately upgrade the depth behind Crowell and Mitchell.
Scouting reports I'm reading sound a lot like Keith Ellison -- small, easily overpowered -- but better in coverage. Bills need the depth there for sure.
 
Jonathan Goff goes to the Giants, who've already taken a linebacker earlier today. Goff is a plugger type, but gets knocked for moving slowly and some questionable instincts. Giants have had some bigger OLBs in the past and the Johnson/Spagnuolo system doesn't shy away from size, but this doesn't look like a great IDP fit. Looks like a backup and special teams guy for now.

 
Geno Hayes to Tampa Bay, where he joins a deep group of backers. It'll be interesting to see how they slot him with Quincy Black, Cato June and Barrett Ruud all signed through at least 2009. Best fit is probably at WLB.

Corey Lynch goes to the Bengals. Big special teams threat with some long term potential if Marvin White doesn't continue to progress at strong safety.

 
Jene Bramel said:
2.37 -- LB CURTIS LOFTON -- Atlanta Falcons

Big upside here. Lofton slots into the MLB job at some point. Stuck behind Keith Brooking for now, though there were rumors around the free agency period that Brooking could be released. Should be able to claim an every down role as a starter. Only question will be whether his relatively limited range will allow him to reach elite solo tackle stats.
Do Lofton or Connor have the speed to stay in on third down? Im starting to think both won't and will be fairly limited for overall production even though they both are inistinctive players that can strike the ball carrier.Thoughts?

PFW DRAFT ANALYSIS OF Curtis Lofton

ILB Curtis Lofton

Oklahoma junior

Ht: 6-0; Wt: 240; 40-time: 4.7 (all estimated)

http://www.profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDr.../rock022408.htm

Downside: Lacks ideal height. Is tight-hipped and will veer rather than sink his hips to change direction. Lacks great acceleration and top-end speed and can be late to transition in lateral chase pursuit. Marginal blitzer — does not use his hands well, exposes his chest and allows blockers to engulf him too easily.

Upside: Has a very compact, square-cut build. Plays downhill and fills gaps fast. Strong, drive-through tackler. Has good instincts and a knack for being around the ball. Plays with intensity and elevates the play of his teammates. Very competitive. Plays with good pad level and leverage. Keeps his shoulders squared, shuffles down the line and drives hard to the ball. Hits on the rise with good coil in his legs. Very reliable open-field tackler. Has a nose for the football and sniffs out the run exceptionally well. Sifts through traffic. Very instinctive and plays fast. Takes great angles. Shows awareness in zone coverage and plays alert. Can run with backs. Very productive and makes plays all over the field. Brings special-teams coverage value.

The way we see it:

A better football player than athlete, Lofton more than makes up for his deficiencies with outstanding instincts and toughness. His exceptional production in his first full year as a starter is just a sign of what’s to come. Should be able to contribute readily in the pros.

 
Jene Bramel said:
2.37 -- LB CURTIS LOFTON -- Atlanta Falcons

Big upside here. Lofton slots into the MLB job at some point. Stuck behind Keith Brooking for now, though there were rumors around the free agency period that Brooking could be released. Should be able to claim an every down role as a starter. Only question will be whether his relatively limited range will allow him to reach elite solo tackle stats.
Do Lofton or Connor have the speed to stay in on third down? Im starting to think both won't and will be fairly limited for overall production even though they both are inistinctive players that can strike the ball carrier.Thoughts?
To me, it's not so much speed as having decent coverage instincts and skills and/or pass rush ability. I think both Lofton and Connor can handle an every down role. I think Connor would have more difficulty actually securing that role given the differences in their supporting casts.
 
Jene Bramel said:
Chaos Commish said:
3.74 -- LB DAN CONNOR -- Carolina Panthers

Be interesting to see how this works out. Not a very good spot for Connor to land. Likely will battle Landon Johnson for playing time at WLB this year and will have to play well to get meaningful playing time. Would be a major surprise if he's used inside and bumps Jon Beason outside as Beason took control of the huddle and defense immediately last year. Also would be a surprise if he worked into an every down role with Beason and Thomas Davis seemingly locked in there.
His 3 down opportunity really took a blow, but I never questioned his ability in coverage. This could get real interesting. The scouts have spoken and Connor was overhyped, but this kid lined up with Poz and out tackled him. I could see him do the same to Beason... just not sure I would bet on it. Still this is a quality pick up on your dynasty team if the poor draft status causes a slide. He remains a target for me, based now on value more than expectations, but a decent combo of both.
From what I saw of Beason last year, unless they shuffle Beason to Will and put Connor at Mike, that would be extremely surprising. No definitive word on a plan with Connor yet, but here's hoping that Beason stays put. I think he's a more dynamic player than Connor would be in the middle.
Tom Waddle/ NFLN just said the people he spoke with said they plan on bouncing Beason outside and and pluggin Conner inside.
 
What the hell. No sense in waiting until well into the afternoon and give into the Roger Goodell's effort to stretch the pre-draft day hype to near Super Bowl gameday proportions.

Multiple outlets are reporting...

1.02 -- DE CHRIS LONG -- St. Louis Rams

If this holds, it's about as good as it can get for Long's IDP value. It's clearly a better scenario than what Miami would have been. Long has the run support ability and array of pass rush skills to hit the 45-8 plateau necessary to have top IDP value. Depending on how healthy Leonard Little is, Long could play right away or ease into a 40 snap role in a rotation with James Hall. Little has been the strong side end for years, but it's very possible that Long might be slotted there with Little moving to the weak side. Long's value isn't changed much in either role, but Little could see some increased pass rush opportunity off the open end.

Now, if the Rams would permanently slot Adam Carriker in a 3-technique role, this could be a really menacing line on the field with plenty of IDP value to boot.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
But Long was a solid pick for this team. Haslett praised his versatility. He expects to deploy him at left end occasionally, flipping him with Leonard Little.

Haslett believes Long can play outside in a 3-4 scheme. He can also play inside, as he did at Virginia. He can play in every game situation.

“We really like his ability to rush the passer,” Devaney said. “He played a lot of inside, almost defensive tackle type, at Virginia and he played really good there. I think the way we plan to utilize him out in space more, he’ll be able to show just what kind of athlete he is, how good he is coming off the ball and what a good pass-rusher that he is.

“He will be good against the run. We look at him as a three-down player. There is no doubt in our mind he is a first-, second- and third-down player and we really expect big things of him as a pass rusher.”
 
bump

just to see last years

CAN'T wait to see this thread this year!!!!

 
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