Shark Pool Mock #1 (1 Viewer)

[krsone21]

With the 5th pick in the 1st round, the Oakland Raiders select Blake Bortles QB UCF.

Bortles has prototypical size for a QB. He is 6'3" and weights 230lbs. Bortles has good arm strength and has nice mobility. The Raiders have been looking for a franchise QB since Rich Gannon retired and I think Black Bortles has the ability to be just that. I wouldn't be surprised if the Raiders still bring in a veteran like Schaub during free agency to hold the fort down for a year and to be a mentor to Bortles.

Some other players considered here were Jake Matthews, Sammy Watkins, and Khalil Mack. Clowney, Robinson, Bridgewater and Manziel also would have been considered here as well if they hadn't already been selected.

Here is some analysis on Bortles: http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1749727/blake-bortles

STRENGTHS: Good height and a NFL-build. Very athletic mover and picks up chunks of yards with his legs. Anticipates pressure and uses his mobility to move the pocket. Quick feet with very good pocket footwork and maneuverability.

Climbs well and keeps his eyes downfield. Good set up and delivery with a balanced base and quick eyes to survey his reads and take what is there. Terrific peripheral vision and feel to see the entire field. Above average poise and accuracy under pressure. Efficient decisions and always under control of the situation.

Smooth release with good zip and the arm strength to get away with off-balance throws. Very good rhythm and timing from snap to delivery and won't shy from tight windows with his confident arm. Tough, hard-nosed ballcarrier and delivers well on the run.

Strong competitor and exudes toughness, leadership and confidence. Coachable with a high football IQ - game comes natural to him. Hard worker on and off the field and already prepares like a pro. Very alert and observant. Recorded 71 career touchdowns (56 passing, 15 rushing) and a .815 winning percentage as a starter (22-5 career record).

WEAKNESSES: Can make every throw, but lacks elite arm strength. Ball placement has room for improvement and his touch is undeveloped. Throwing mechanics have room for refinement. Doesn't always step into his throws and will sometimes deliver with his momentum falling away from his target.

Needs to learn how to better use his eyes to hold defenders - will too often lead defensive backs to the intended target. Not afraid to take chances, but too many risky throws.

Room to improve his spatial awareness from inside the pocket. Deep accuracy is a work-in-progress. Ball security when scrambling has room for improvement.

COMPARES TO: Mix of Andrew Luck (Colts) and Jake Locker (Titans) - Bortles has the arm strength and delivery that is reminiscent of Luck and also the mobility and some of the inconsistencies of Locker. Bortles projects to the NFL somewhere in the middle of those two players.

--Dane Brugler (1/8/14)

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Yep, this is what I expect to happen to the Vikings.

 

[False Start]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

 

[Soulfly3]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

 

[False Start]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

At this point, Vikings would (and are) be looking to trade down.

 

[Soulfly3]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

 

[Bracie Smathers]

With the first pick of the 2014 NFL draft, the Houston Texans select Jadeveon Clowney.

My logic behind the pick breaks down as follows:

Clowney is going to have a monster combine. There is no questioning he is a physical freak, he has been since HS. My key question behind him is his motivation after he gets paid, however I feel JJ Watt is the best thing that could happen to him. JJ will be pushing him and making him better. This will give the Texans a nearly unstoppable DE combo. I actively tried to trade this pick and move back, but couldn't find the right value for the pick. I'm pretty confident if this mock was post combine, I'd get the value I want.

If anyone is interested in trading for his rights, please send an offer.

ETA: I like Bridgewater here, but I think Cowney ends up number 1.

Houston Texan beat writer John McClaine said that thier is a 'zero percent chance' that the Texans will take Clowney.

Romeo Crennel is the new Texan DC and he has always ran a 3-4 base and Clowney doesn't fit his scheme.

McClaine said Clowney isn't a 5-tech DE and that he would not be drafted by a 3-4 defense.

McClaine has 'literally' been embedded in the John Manziel camp four a few weeks and put out a great article on him a few days ago.

I think in the real NFL draft that Johnny Manziel may very-lkely be the first pick.

Go to the link for the full article. Here's the teaser headline.

McClaine seems genuinely convinced that the Texans should take Manziel and he makes a pretty convincing case.

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/From-Johnny-Football-to-Johnny-Manziel-The-5235518.php?t=c80d489e2a2b1a0ac9#/0

From Johnny Football to Johnny Manziel: The making of an NFL quarterback Manziel puts Johnny Football in his past as he focuses on the draft, Texans-----------------------------------

If Manziel goes first then its possible that the Rams trade the rights to Clowney but I can't argue with the selection of OT Greg Robertson. Great pick and the Rams might by-pass any trade-downs where they'd miss the opportunity to take him in the real NFL draft so no arguments on that selection.

Either Clowney goes 2nd or the Jags will very-likely take him 3rd in the real NFL draft unless they fall in love with a QB and their owner has stated that they will take a QB so I really can't argue with the Bridgewater selection.

Then if in the real NFL draft the picks are 1. Manziel 2. Robertson and 3. Bridgewater, then it is possible the Browns would trade the rights to Clowney and I think it 'could' happen but in the real NFL draft I don't think Manziel will be there at 4 as he is in this scenario.

Always fun to see the Shark Pool's live mock though.

 

[False Start]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

Some of the 32 GMs and Coaches may disagree with you. Not all players play QB. Clowney's impact could be worthy of a high price maybe even Watkins.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I'll do Dallas, just like Debbie

Already requested in post #49 upthread, unless there is a solo owner. Though it sounds like are still a few straggler, orphan teams.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Bob, how about you take Washington?

 

[Late225]

Giants looking to move down a few spots.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm not inclined to skip a guy (and we're not going to yet) but this pick should be an easy one to make for Atlanta.

 

[lsutigers]

Gotta think Atlanta would be able to come out like a bandit in a trade here with Watkins still on board unless a Barr or Mack or OT fits their needs.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Bob, how about you take Washington?

Of course, Andy, and if a homer pops up before the 2.2 (DOH! ), they are welcome to it.

I was about to add to the DAL reminder - unless you already assigned it (besides, I already have two first round picks).

 

[Soulfly3]

Gotta think Atlanta would be able to come out like a bandit here with Watkins still on board unless a Barr or Mack or OT fits their needs.

as much as Watkins would be a sick fit in ATL, WR is the least of their worries, currently. Id be shocked if they drafted him, tbh

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Gotta think Atlanta would be able to come out like a bandit here with Watkins still on board unless a Barr or Mack or OT fits their needs.

as much as Watkins would be a sick fit in ATL, WR is the least of their worries, currently. Id be shocked if they drafted him, tbh

I think he means someone should be willing to trade up for Watkins.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

Gotta think Atlanta would be able to come out like a bandit here with Watkins still on board unless a Barr or Mack or OT fits their needs.

as much as Watkins would be a sick fit in ATL, WR is the least of their worries, currently. Id be shocked if they drafted him, tbh

Yup, I think OT is a no brainer for them.

 

[Soulfly3]

Gotta think Atlanta would be able to come out like a bandit here with Watkins still on board unless a Barr or Mack or OT fits their needs.

as much as Watkins would be a sick fit in ATL, WR is the least of their worries, currently. Id be shocked if they drafted him, tbh

I think he means someone should be willing to trade up for Watkins.

Ah ya... reading that again I think you're right

 

[Bracie Smathers]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

I gotta agree that the price does not seem reasonable and that their isn't a Luck or RG III but that price doesn't seem reasonable.

I have no clue what new Browns GM Ray Farmer is thinking or what he'll do.

A rumor came out that the guy he liked at QB went back to school, Mariota, so if he traded down in this draft I think he would want a 1st in the 2015 NFL draft but in a Shark Pool mock I understand the logic of getting a high 2nd round pick but in the real NFL if Farmer only moves-up and does not get an extra pick in this draft or a 1st in next year's draft then I would not want him trading down for that low of a price.

If Farmer gets labeled an 'easy-mark' then it would hurt him in future drafts and we can't afford to let that happen.

If he trades down he would have to get a rock-solid exchange. He doesn't have to 'win' a trade in a landslide because those sorts of trades can hurt a team because other teams won't deal with them in the future but he would have to get a 'rock-solid' exchange in return for moving down in a draft that has cream at the top like this draft has.

 

[MoveToSkypager]

There are plenty of good defensive players on the board still. Why wouldn't ATL go for one of those? Their defense was what let them down last year.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'll wait until 11:00 Central and then make the pick.

Guys, don't get too bent out of shape if picks are made for you in your stead, okay? Things like this have to be moved along or else they die on the vine.

If at all possible, we'll try to avoid skipping though.

 

[Soulfly3]

For the purposes of this draft, and who I traded down with, I feel like I made out VERY well. (I was 95% sure who they would take, inc. the guys after him)

I get a very early 2nd pick for my 3rd (in a deeeeeep draft w hot talent still sitting in the 2nd) and Im still getting one of the two guys I wouldve taken at 1.04

 

[Andy Dufresne]

There are plenty of good defensive players on the board still. Why wouldn't ATL go for one of those? Their defense was what let them down last year.

They could. But they're also getting Ryan killed and minimizing the effect of their potent offense by not having decent o-linemen.

And at #6, the guys on the board don't really fit into their 4-3 scheme, IMO.

 

[JetMaxx]

Matthews or OLB is the pick here but Cle is a bandit getting an early 2 and possibly the best player in the draft Watkins after a trade down. Beautiful.

 

[MoveToSkypager]

There are plenty of good defensive players on the board still. Why wouldn't ATL go for one of those? Their defense was what let them down last year.

They could. But they're also getting Ryan killed and minimizing the effect of their potent offense by not having decent o-linemen.

And at #6, the guys on the board don't really fit into their 4-3 scheme, IMO.

I can see 2. Granted, I probably am overrating one and that's cool. Also, FO has ATL as the #7 pass blocking OL with their adj sack rate significantly lower than league avg. Maybe you guys see stuff I don't. I didn't see but 2 or 3 ATL games last season.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Huh, no one wanted to move up for a QB Bob? I thought for sure we'd see a trade up to get Bridewater. I'm almost certain we'd have seen a trade if Clowney was there.

Looks like I was too conservative, DH. I should have moved to the 1.7, I would have been able to get one of the two players left on my shortlist (maybe even Robinson, OAK mentioned as a possible but think Bortles would be the pick regardless).

Than it would have been...

1) HOU - Clowney

2) TB (from STL) - Bridgewater

3) JAX - Manziel

4) CLE - Is a tradedown opportunity still there?

5) OAK - Bortles (unless a team traded into the 1.4 spot for him, in which case?)

In the actual draft, I would have been more confident of multiple QBs going in the top, but wasn't sure what to expect in this mock. If we have a do over later (post-Combine and/or free agency), I would trade to 1.7.

 

[Soulfly3]

Matthews or OLB is the pick here but Cle is a bandit getting an early 2 and possibly the best player in the draft Watkins after a trade down. Beautiful.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

There are plenty of good defensive players on the board still. Why wouldn't ATL go for one of those? Their defense was what let them down last year.

They could. But they're also getting Ryan killed and minimizing the effect of their potent offense by not having decent o-linemen.

And at #6, the guys on the board don't really fit into their 4-3 scheme, IMO.

I can see 2. Granted, I probably am overrating one and that's cool. Also, FO has ATL as the #7 pass blocking OL with their adj sack rate significantly lower than league avg. Maybe you guys see stuff I don't. I didn't see but 2 or 3 ATL games last season.

Let's not worry about spotlighting players here. We all know who's available and should be targeted.

I could definitely see them being interested in Mosley. To a lesser extent Barr/Mack would help out their pass rush, but I'm not sure they'd take a 4-3 OLB at #6.

 

[Bob Magaw]

ATL (I mean the real one ) has already said they want to get stronger in the trenches.

That sounds like DL or OL.

Clowney is gone. Mack a LB and Barr a better fit at 3-4 OLB than 4-3 DE, IMO. I would think Matthews. They have a lot invested in Ryan and Jones. If I had traded to 1.7, Robinson might have been in the mix, too.

 

[FUBAR]

With the 4th pick, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Johnny Manziel.

I tried to trade up to the 2nd pick so I could draft Bridgewater, but I'd still be ecstatic getting Manziel here. Obviously, I'm not sold on Glennon, and if we were able to trade players, I'd immediately be looking to trade him for a 3rd round pick.

I expect the Bucs to sign a DE in free agency (probably Jared Allen), and getting Allen and Manziel would be huge steps in turning the Bucs into a legit playoff contender.

You probably saw more than I did, but from what I saw it seems they should at least give him an opportunity to improve and keep the job.

 

[FUBAR]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

I gotta agree that the price does not seem reasonable and that their isn't a Luck or RG III but that price doesn't seem reasonable.

I have no clue what new Browns GM Ray Farmer is thinking or what he'll do.

A rumor came out that the guy he liked at QB went back to school, Mariota, so if he traded down in this draft I think he would want a 1st in the 2015 NFL draft but in a Shark Pool mock I understand the logic of getting a high 2nd round pick but in the real NFL if Farmer only moves-up and does not get an extra pick in this draft or a 1st in next year's draft then I would not want him trading down for that low of a price.

If Farmer gets labeled an 'easy-mark' then it would hurt him in future drafts and we can't afford to let that happen.

If he trades down he would have to get a rock-solid exchange. He doesn't have to 'win' a trade in a landslide because those sorts of trades can hurt a team because other teams won't deal with them in the future but he would have to get a 'rock-solid' exchange in return for moving down in a draft that has cream at the top like this draft has.

I never considered this. Seems to me that if you want a player you fully expect to fall to 7, anything you can get to go with that player is a win for your team.

 

[FUBAR]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

Some of the 32 GMs and Coaches may disagree with you. Not all players play QB. Clowney's impact could be worthy of a high price maybe even Watkins.

Dare say 32 of the GMs would agree that an elite QB prospect far exceeds the value of any other elite prospect.

 

[False Start]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

Some of the 32 GMs and Coaches may disagree with you. Not all players play QB. Clowney's impact could be worthy of a high price maybe even Watkins.

Dare say 32 of the GMs would agree that an elite QB prospect far exceeds the value of any other elite prospect.

Yes, but thats considering RG3 is an elite, jury is still out on that. Luck was the only can't miss, RG3 had questions.

 

[Bob Magaw]

RG3 was very coveted, CLE was prepared to give up three firsts, too (nobody is going to do that for Clowney).

He did win ROY over Luck (and Wilson) in a historically good season.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Okay, this pick for Atlanta really should be Matthews, right?

 

[FUBAR]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

Some of the 32 GMs and Coaches may disagree with you. Not all players play QB. Clowney's impact could be worthy of a high price maybe even Watkins.

Dare say 32 of the GMs would agree that an elite QB prospect far exceeds the value of any other elite prospect.

Yes, but thats considering RG3 is an elite, jury is still out on that. Luck was the only can't miss, RG3 had questions.

RG3 absolutely was an elite prospect. The jury is out on whether he becomes elite, but his future has nothing to do with how he was seen as a prospect.

 

[FUBAR]

Okay, this pick for Atlanta really should be Matthews, right?

but I might have taken Matthews #1.

(ETA: not for Houston, but if another team had the pick)

 

[False Start]

RG3 was very coveted, CLE was prepared to give up three firsts, too (nobody is going to do that for Clowney).

He did win ROY over Luck (and Wilson) in a historically good season.

I do not think any NFL team would move down 3 spots at the top of a draft to swap a 3rd for a 2nd. Not that I do not think there are any players worth Luck or RG3, its that is not near enough for 3 spots in the first.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

Yes.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

1.06 - Atlanta Falcons - Jake Matthews, OT - TAMu

For some dumb reason they gave Sam Baker a big contract. Unsurprisingly he didn't play up to it, getting himself and his quarterback hurt. Matthews would be a gift to this franchise.

And Dimitroff is enamored with this year's linemen.

 

[Soulfly3]

RG3 was very coveted, CLE was prepared to give up three firsts, too (nobody is going to do that for Clowney).

He did win ROY over Luck (and Wilson) in a historically good season.

I do not think any NFL team would move down 3 spots at the top of a draft to swap a 3rd for a 2nd. Not that I do not think there are any players worth Luck or RG3, its that is not near enough for 3 spots in the first.

Really is when the guys you want are sitting there.

I wouldnt have made the trade if I didnt think I was 99% sure to get them... and alas, here I am.. sitting pretty with the guy I wanted, and an extra early 2nd to go with my other early 2nd

 

[False Start]

The Cleveland Browns have traded their 1.04 pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(Browns give their 1.04 and 3.7 picks for 1.7 and 2.6)

Would never happen. But I enjoy seeing something against the norm.

I'll tell you what, from a Browns perspective, they'd 110% do this trade.... Not to mention of the two guys I was considering drafting, one will now guaranteed be there for me in 2 picks from now.

I'm loving it

A 3rd for a 2nd to move up from 1.07 to 1.04? They wouldnt move that without a first added or a 2nd without a later swap of any earlier than a 5th. This is an NFL draft not fantasy. Look at the price it cost the Redskins to move up to 1.2 to take RG3.

there is nothing even remotely close to an RG3 or Luck in this draft - only overrated QBs who will benchride most of their careers, or have Locker type careers

Some of the 32 GMs and Coaches may disagree with you. Not all players play QB. Clowney's impact could be worthy of a high price maybe even Watkins.

Dare say 32 of the GMs would agree that an elite QB prospect far exceeds the value of any other elite prospect.

Yes, but thats considering RG3 is an elite, jury is still out on that. Luck was the only can't miss, RG3 had questions.

RG3 absolutely was an elite prospect. The jury is out on whether he becomes elite, but his future has nothing to do with how he was seen as a prospect.

I love how this turned into RG3 when my point is that trade would never be made with the need at QB for Cleveland and the sheer value is off. A swap of 3rd for a 2nd to move up 3 spot? That would rarely happen in fantasy let alone the NFL.

 

[lsutigers]

Okay, this pick for Atlanta really should be Matthews, right?

I think so. They need to improve pass rush, but everyone is right in that a 3-4 OLB doesn't really do that with their scheme.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Okay, this pick for Atlanta really should be Matthews, right?

I love Mathews but Atlanta had serious issues trying to generate a pass rush last year when they let DE John Abraham walk in free agency.

It really hurt them.

FWIW I absolutely love Khalil Mack but I undertand the argument against taking an OLB prospect but I feel he's the best pass rusher left on the draft board so it can be seen as a wash of either taking Mathews or Mack but most NFL teams seemt to favor top pass rush prospects but its your call.

 

[Soulfly3]

1.07 Cleveland Browns - Sammy Watkins, WR - Clemson

Heard enough barking about my trade down, yet I made the correct decision 120%, as I had planned it to go. Matthews or Watkins were who I expected at 1.07 and ended up one or the other was mine, no matter what.

Stole an early 2nd round pick AND got the guy I wanted. Watkins plays opposite Gordon and Cameron and gives Brian Hoyer all the tools he needs to prove whether or not he is who many of us (and the coaching staff) thinks he is.

No QB in this draft class is worth an early 1st, and I make that clear in my moves.

CLE, the new owner of one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Oof. Tough decision for the Vikings here. I have an idea but give me a second...

 

[False Start]

1.07 Cleveland Browns - Sammy Watkins, WR - Clemson

Heard enough barking about my trade down, yet I made the correct decision 120%, as I had planned it to go. Matthews or Watkins were who I expected at 1.07 and ended up one or the other was mine, no matter what.

Stole an early 2nd round pick AND got the guy I wanted. Watkins plays opposite Gordon and Cameron and gives Brian Hoyer all the tools he needs to prove whether or not he is who many of us (and the coaching staff) thinks he is.

No QB in this draft class is worth an early 1st, and I make that clear in my moves.

CLE, the new owner of one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL

Someone has to throw him the ball. They have Gordon, Cameron but NO QB or RB. WR is really deep and they could address that need with a later pick. You should of stayed and taken a QB. Just one mans thought.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

If Farmer gets labeled an 'easy-mark' then it would hurt him in future drafts and we can't afford to let that happen.

If he trades down he would have to get a rock-solid exchange. He doesn't have to 'win' a trade in a landslide because those sorts of trades can hurt a team because other teams won't deal with them in the future but he would have to get a 'rock-solid' exchange in return for moving down in a draft that has cream at the top like this draft has.

I never considered this. Seems to me that if you want a player you fully expect to fall to 7, anything you can get to go with that player is a win for your team.

Well back a few years ago when Eric Mangini was the HC and defacto GM and the Browns held the 5th pick in that draft he made a series of trade-downs from the 5th pick allllllllll the way down into the twenties where he took C Alex Mack.

Mack has been a solid NFL player but the net effect of all of those trade-downs amounted to absolutely nothing because Mangini and his stooge GM Kokonis didn't know how to draft. They made horrilbe trades to move down and other NFL teams saw two idiots running that draft and they took full advantage of them. Plenty of other great players were by-passed by Mangini and Kokonis because they had blinders on for Alex Mack. Mack turned into a Pro Bowl center but they passed up lots of top talent, to name just one who went a pick or two ahead of Mack, OLB Clay Mathews who many Browns fans wanted but he wasn't considered a top-five pick so when Mangini and Kokonis made those trades many thought they were targeting Clay Mathews.

In the end they wasted all of the draft picks that they got in those bad trade-downs and both were fired, Kokonis actually got fired a few weeks into his first season as a GM but Mangini held on for one year because he filled the roster with 'his older veteran guys' from NY Jets to keep the ship afloat for a bit.

So I don't agree that you should take any-deal to move-down because you know a player will be there that you like. Especially for a rookie GM because he needs to build a solid reputation around the league and you don't do that making bad trades in the first round. Those sorts of deals hork off other NFL front offices and destroys any potential future deals because that GM will never be able to ask for a reasonable exchange of value.

EDIT: Forgot to add that another Browns GM made a deal to move-down one spot to take the guy he wanted.

Phil Savage moved down one-spot and took OLB/DE Kamerion Wimbley where he only got a 6th round draft pick. He traded with his former boss, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome.

Ozzie moved-up one spot and got the guy he wanted.

DL Haloti Ngata.

Just two examples off the top of my head where two different GMs used that strategy of moving-down and taking any price because they got they guys that they wanted but it didn't work out for them. Just accumulating picks isn't a great strategy unless you had a clear plan on what to do with those picks. Basically young-inexperiened NFL GMs make those sorts of deals because they place too much value on the picks but if they don't know how to draft those picks won't amount to anything of value and they will likely lose-out on value that other experienced GMs will see and take advantage of a young pup GM.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Vikings defense was terrible last year and with their HC being their DC and that man being Mike Zimmer who loves to have his LBs rush the passer...

1.08 - Khalil Mack, OLB - Buffalo

Vikes are in real trouble this year. Their defensive line is in shambles, they have no QB (Ponder is the only one under contract), their corners (outside Rhodes) are awful, and their LB corps is in decline.

Long row to hoe for the Vikings the next two years.

Really thought about taking Mosley and Louis Nix here. But there's lots of talent available at DT in this draft.