Shark Pool Mock Draft - V1.0. (2 Viewers)

[massraider]

On the heels of scrumtrulescent dumping all over him...

The Atlanta Falcons select: James Laurinaitis OLB; Ohio State

For the Falcons, one of their off-season priorities will be to revamp their LB corps, a process that began last year with the drafting of Curtis Lofton. Keith Brooking has probably played his last down as a Falcon, and it appears the Falcons are content to allow Michael Boley to leave via FA after a disappointing contract year. While this is not set in stone, I suspect neither player will don a Falcons uniform in ’09.

As such, LB becomes a significant priority this off-season and the choice here is between Laurinaitis and Clay Matthews. Matthews is intriguing because of his versatility and potential to play either the strong side or the weak side. But the Falcons choose to move Laurinaitis to the weak side (after playing the middle during college) because of his all-around ability, not to mention substantial track record and 3-down outlook. Lofton was a 2-down MLB and the Falcons have the option of moving Laurinaitis to MLB on 3rd downs now. While his stock has slipped a bit in the past year, he grades out as a player who should be at the very least very solid, and he should provide an immediate and capable replacement to the departed Brooking.

It'll be cool with fans showing up with Laurinaitis jerseys and Road Warrior haircuts.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

On the heels of scrumtrulescent dumping all over him...

The Atlanta Falcons select: James Laurinaitis OLB; Ohio State

For the Falcons, one of their off-season priorities will be to revamp their LB corps, a process that began last year with the drafting of Curtis Lofton. Keith Brooking has probably played his last down as a Falcon, and it appears the Falcons are content to allow Michael Boley to leave via FA after a disappointing contract year. While this is not set in stone, I suspect neither player will don a Falcons uniform in ’09.

As such, LB becomes a significant priority this off-season and the choice here is between Laurinaitis and Clay Matthews. Matthews is intriguing because of his versatility and potential to play either the strong side or the weak side. But the Falcons choose to move Laurinaitis to the weak side (after playing the middle during college) because of his all-around ability, not to mention substantial track record and 3-down outlook. Lofton was a 2-down MLB and the Falcons have the option of moving Laurinaitis to MLB on 3rd downs now. While his stock has slipped a bit in the past year, he grades out as a player who should be at the very least very solid, and he should provide an immediate and capable replacement to the departed Brooking.

I sounds like you wanted a linebacker and Laurinatis was the best left. Did you consider any other players or positions?

In reality, the offensive side of the ball seems pretty solid for the Falcons. Unless Pettigrew made it down to #24, then I was going to focus on defense (even might still have). I think the Falcons would be fortunate to see the draft fall this way. DT (specifically NT) & S are other significant need areas, but the value is not there. I think the Falcons feel better about their CB situation than most outsiders do.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Sorry I dumped on him.For what it's worth, I think he's a much better fit with the Falcons than he is with the Pats.

 

[Wadsworth]

On the heels of scrumtrulescent dumping all over him...

The Atlanta Falcons select: James Laurinaitis OLB; Ohio State

For the Falcons, one of their off-season priorities will be to revamp their LB corps, a process that began last year with the drafting of Curtis Lofton. Keith Brooking has probably played his last down as a Falcon, and it appears the Falcons are content to allow Michael Boley to leave via FA after a disappointing contract year. While this is not set in stone, I suspect neither player will don a Falcons uniform in ’09.

As such, LB becomes a significant priority this off-season and the choice here is between Laurinaitis and Clay Matthews. Matthews is intriguing because of his versatility and potential to play either the strong side or the weak side. But the Falcons choose to move Laurinaitis to the weak side (after playing the middle during college) because of his all-around ability, not to mention substantial track record and 3-down outlook. Lofton was a 2-down MLB and the Falcons have the option of moving Laurinaitis to MLB on 3rd downs now. While his stock has slipped a bit in the past year, he grades out as a player who should be at the very least very solid, and he should provide an immediate and capable replacement to the departed Brooking.

I sounds like you wanted a linebacker and Laurinatis was the best left. Did you consider any other players or positions?

In reality, the offensive side of the ball seems pretty solid for the Falcons. Unless Pettigrew made it down to #24, then I was going to focus on defense (even might still have). I think the Falcons would be fortunate to see the draft fall this way. DT (specifically NT) & S are other significant need areas, but the value is not there. I think the Falcons feel better about their CB situation than most outsiders do.

I'm a Jaguars fan so I'm very familiar with Mike Smith. I think Laurinatis would fit well with the Falcons, but I always thought Smithy as a guy that believed in building out from the tackles. I have no idea how most Falcons fans feel about the DTs, but Peria Jerry would seem to be a good marriage of value and need to me. I'm not trying to knock your selection as I think it's a good pick. I just had a strong feeling that Jerry was the pick here.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Love the Sintim pick. If I were to put together a mock today, he'd be the player I'd put to the Pats.

Not sure about Laurinatis. Seems like either he or Lofton would be playing out of position.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

On the heels of scrumtrulescent dumping all over him...

The Atlanta Falcons select: James Laurinaitis OLB; Ohio State

For the Falcons, one of their off-season priorities will be to revamp their LB corps, a process that began last year with the drafting of Curtis Lofton. Keith Brooking has probably played his last down as a Falcon, and it appears the Falcons are content to allow Michael Boley to leave via FA after a disappointing contract year. While this is not set in stone, I suspect neither player will don a Falcons uniform in ’09.

As such, LB becomes a significant priority this off-season and the choice here is between Laurinaitis and Clay Matthews. Matthews is intriguing because of his versatility and potential to play either the strong side or the weak side. But the Falcons choose to move Laurinaitis to the weak side (after playing the middle during college) because of his all-around ability, not to mention substantial track record and 3-down outlook. Lofton was a 2-down MLB and the Falcons have the option of moving Laurinaitis to MLB on 3rd downs now. While his stock has slipped a bit in the past year, he grades out as a player who should be at the very least very solid, and he should provide an immediate and capable replacement to the departed Brooking.

I sounds like you wanted a linebacker and Laurinatis was the best left. Did you consider any other players or positions?

In reality, the offensive side of the ball seems pretty solid for the Falcons. Unless Pettigrew made it down to #24, then I was going to focus on defense (even might still have). I think the Falcons would be fortunate to see the draft fall this way. DT (specifically NT) & S are other significant need areas, but the value is not there. I think the Falcons feel better about their CB situation than most outsiders do.

I'm a Jaguars fan so I'm very familiar with Mike Smith. I think Laurinatis would fit well with the Falcons, but I always thought Smithy as a guy that believed in building out from the tackles. I have no idea how most Falcons fans feel about the DTs, but Peria Jerry would seem to be a good marriage of value and need to me. I'm not trying to knock your selection as I think it's a good pick. I just had a strong feeling that Jerry was the pick here.

I know folks are high on Jerry, but to me, he is a Jonathan Babineaux clone. I think the Falcons need a real space eater at that position and that's not Jerry's game. Don't think he's as great a fit with the Falcons as some would think.

 

[Wadsworth]

Love the Sintim pick. If I were to put together a mock today, he'd be the player I'd put to the Pats.Not sure about Laurinatis. Seems like either he or Lofton would be playing out of position.

So I'm not the only one that sees Laurinatis as MLB only?

 

[Blackjacks]

Miami is on the clock.....................

 

[Warhogs]

We should have screened the drafters. This looks like a pick made by a CHICAGO Hooligan for the Green Bay Packers. I just not in a million years could see this happening with the defensive players on the board. This team had defensive issues and there are so many better choices on that side of the ball with this pick. This just aint gonna happen.

Oh, I've got something for you to screen.

Whatever. That is just a horrible pick for the Packers. End of Story.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I sure hope Miami picks this evening.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I sure hope Miami picks this evening.

He was here at 4:30. Too bad he didn't send a PM.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

We should have screened the drafters. This looks like a pick made by a CHICAGO Hooligan for the Green Bay Packers. I just not in a million years could see this happening with the defensive players on the board. This team had defensive issues and there are so many better choices on that side of the ball with this pick. This just aint gonna happen.

Oh, I've got something for you to screen.

Whatever. That is just a horrible pick for the Packers. End of Story.

Relax and let the draft play out. Moreno could be an impact player on offense and the rest of the draft could be to fill needs. Do you think Raji or Everette Brown are slam dunks? Nobody knows.Last year Tennessee did pretty good with their first round pick when they took Chris Johnson. Everybody scratched their heads because it wasn't considered a need. That seemed to work out ok.

 

[Wadsworth]

I sure hope Miami picks this evening.

He was here at 4:30. Too bad he didn't send a PM.

I checked his profile and it said last seen 5:30 am, am I doing it wrong?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I PM'ed him about 30 mins ago...

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I sure hope Miami picks this evening.

He was here at 4:30. Too bad he didn't send a PM.

I checked his profile and it said last seen 5:30 am, am I doing it wrong?

Must be. Maybe your profile has a different time zone defaulted?

 

[Warhogs]

We should have screened the drafters. This looks like a pick made by a CHICAGO Hooligan for the Green Bay Packers. I just not in a million years could see this happening with the defensive players on the board. This team had defensive issues and there are so many better choices on that side of the ball with this pick. This just aint gonna happen.

Oh, I've got something for you to screen.

Whatever. That is just a horrible pick for the Packers. End of Story.

Who would you have taken?

Fair enough question. Jenkins or Raji in a heartbeat. I actually prefer Jenkins here. Green Bay needs to retool that defense as they are switching schemes and were one of the top offenses but could not stop anyone. I think Packer backers might be able to accept an OL if they drafted anything on offense but I believe a huge majority of backers see the need to draft defensive help. I would rather see about half a dozen defensive players before going for Moreno.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

We should have screened the drafters. This looks like a pick made by a CHICAGO Hooligan for the Green Bay Packers. I just not in a million years could see this happening with the defensive players on the board. This team had defensive issues and there are so many better choices on that side of the ball with this pick. This just aint gonna happen.

Oh, I've got something for you to screen.

Whatever. That is just a horrible pick for the Packers. End of Story.

Who would you have taken?

Fair enough question. Jenkins or Raji in a heartbeat. I actually prefer Jenkins here. Green Bay needs to retool that defense as they are switching schemes and were one of the top offenses but could not stop anyone. I think Packer backers might be able to accept an OL if they drafted anything on offense but I believe a huge majority of backers see the need to draft defensive help. I would rather see about half a dozen defensive players before going for Moreno.

It does seem like a TT pick though. When he took Justin Harrell a couple year's back a lot of people said WTF?

 

[The Captain]

I have a feeling a lot of Lions fans won't like this pick, but I think it would be a great addition and it ties in with the Stafford pick.

20. Detroit Lions select: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

I don't really think the O-lineman available here are any different than the guys who will be available at the top of round 2. I would have taken Davis at CB if he'd fallen here, but really this pick came down to Pettigrew or Laurinaitis.

Adding Pettigrew should give them a reliable underneath target for Stafford while teams are doubling and tripling Calvin Johnson, plus Pettigrew is a very good blocking TE and that will benefit Kevin Smith and the running game.

I kinda view Pettigrew as a more athletic Heath Miller and that is well worth a mid first round pick in my eyes.

This pick gives the Lions a very promising set of skill position starters with Stafford, Smith, Calvin and now Pettigrew.

You would be correct, Sir. If the Lions end up with Stafford & Pettigrew as their first round, fans will revolt. We spent the past eight years hearing how you build a team from the inside out, only to see the front office do the exact opposite of what they preach. We are not looking for glitz and glamour in this draft. We want O & D-line and linebackers. Anything else prior to our second pick in the 3rd round and gaskets will be blown. We had the worst D in the league and it wasn't scheme, it was talent (or lack there of). I applaud the effort, but I pray you are wrong.

 

[Blackjacks]

Starting tommorrow can we have a 1 hr clock on each team? One team taking 4 hours or more really ruins it for everyone else. I know the draft isn't tommorrow or anything but this has taken 2 days and we're only about 70% of the way done with the first round.

Just asking

P.S. I know my 1st pick (2nd overall) took a long time but I didn't know when we were starting or else I would have been around my computer to make my selection quicker.

 

[Lucky Lefty]

agree, but I would like to make my pick...

 

[Blackjacks]

I think Tyson Jackson seems like a Parcells guy.

I could also see Peria or D.J. Moore

 

[awesomeness]

1 hour clock is way too short.

There's really no rush to get this done. It just needs to be done by Feb. 17, the day before the combine.

I agree having to wait 6 hours is too long. Maybe something like if you don't make your pick within 4 hours just have Andy make it.

 

[Blackjacks]

1 hour clock is way too short.

There's really no rush to get this done. It just needs to be done by Feb. 17, the day before the combine.

I agree having to wait 6 hours is too long. Maybe something like if you don't make your pick within 4 hours just have Andy make it.

I could live with 2 hours

 

[Blackjacks]

I think it is safe to say that Miami doesn't know he is in this draft.

 

[Lucky Lefty]

pick for him please

 

[ChuckLiddell]

pick for him please

I dont know much about college ball, but I know the Fins need a WR, LB, and CB. Possibly a RT if Carey leaves, or a S if Bell leaves (or even if he doesnt). BPA at those positions should be the pick here IMO.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

A 12 hour time limit per pick should be the rule

 

[Blackjacks]

pick for him please

Let's leave this to the OPAndy, you up for it?

 

[Blackjacks]

A 12 hour time limit per pick should be the rule

Well than Miami is almost up

 

[Wadsworth]

pick for him please

I dont know much about college ball, but I know the Fins need a WR, LB, and CB. Possibly a RT if Carey leaves, or a S if Bell leaves (or even if he doesnt). BPA at those positions should be the pick here IMO.

I've never been very good at predicting Parcell's moves, but based on that list I say look at; Clay Mattews, Larry English, D J Moore, and ... I'm not even going to try and pick a WR for Parcell, but I doubt he'd draft a WR here anyways.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Miami here willing to fill in and make the Miami pick - if need be.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Miami here willing to fill in and make the Miami pick - if need be.

DO IT!

 

[Wadsworth]

Miami here willing to fill in and make the Miami pick - if need be.

Perfect timing.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

pick for him please

I dont know much about college ball, but I know the Fins need a WR, LB, and CB. Possibly a RT if Carey leaves, or a S if Bell leaves (or even if he doesnt). BPA at those positions should be the pick here IMO.

I've never been very good at predicting Parcell's moves, but based on that list I say look at; Clay Mattews, Larry English, D J Moore, and ... I'm not even going to try and pick a WR for Parcell, but I doubt he'd draft a WR here anyways.

Heyward-Bey? I only know what I have read about him, but WR seems to be the most glaring need IMO. They can resign Crowder, Carey, and Bell, and make those positions less of a need - and they have 2 picks in the 2nd round which should be considered when making this pick as well.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Miami here willing to fill in and make the Miami pick - if need be.

DO IT!

Who is running this show? I don't want to step on any toes.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Miami here willing to fill in and make the Miami pick - if need be.

DO IT!

Who is running this show? I don't want to step on any toes.

I am running this show (such as it is ). So when I say "DO IT!" I say it with authority man!

 

[JAA]

wtf is the rush here people?!?!

 

[Wadsworth]

Miami here willing to fill in and make the Miami pick - if need be.

DO IT!

Who is running this show? I don't want to step on any toes.

The guy that said "DO IT!" is running the show.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Heyward-Bey? I only know what I have read about him, but WR seems to be the most glaring need IMO. They can resign Crowder, Carey, and Bell, and make those positions less of a need - and they have 2 picks in the 2nd round which should be considered when making this pick as well.

I was going to post DHB. I think Ginn is turning out to make a good #2 and I think they found a gem in Bess for their #3. But they don't have a #1 WR after the Wilford experiment failed.

 

[Wadsworth]

pick for him please

I dont know much about college ball, but I know the Fins need a WR, LB, and CB. Possibly a RT if Carey leaves, or a S if Bell leaves (or even if he doesnt). BPA at those positions should be the pick here IMO.

I've never been very good at predicting Parcell's moves, but based on that list I say look at; Clay Mattews, Larry English, D J Moore, and ... I'm not even going to try and pick a WR for Parcell, but I doubt he'd draft a WR here anyways.

Heyward-Bey? I only know what I have read about him, but WR seems to be the most glaring need IMO. They can resign Crowder, Carey, and Bell, and make those positions less of a need - and they have 2 picks in the 2nd round which should be considered when making this pick as well.

I just meant that Parcell always seemed to favor veteran WRs.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

wtf is the rush here people?!?!

There's no rush. But the guys picking shortly after this pick, guys that don't want to hold up the show, I'm sure have other things to do than check in every ten minutes to see if their pick is up.I OTOH, being unemployed, have just such time.

 

[=Smackdown=]

Miami here willing to fill in and make the Miami pick - if need be.

DO IT!

OK then - picking soonWho is running this show? I don't want to step on any toes.

The guy that said "DO IT!" is running the show.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

wtf is the rush here people?!?!

I think it's more a matter of consideration. Considering the last pick was made 15 hours ago, how would you like having to sit by your computer if you had the pick after MIA trying to keep things moving along?I agree that 1 hour is too short, but if you signed up for this, then 4 hours is more than enough time.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I just meant that Parcell always seemed to favor veteran WRs.

I don't think Parcells follows a pattern. He did draft Terry Glenn.

 

[ChuckLiddell]

pick for him please

I dont know much about college ball, but I know the Fins need a WR, LB, and CB. Possibly a RT if Carey leaves, or a S if Bell leaves (or even if he doesnt). BPA at those positions should be the pick here IMO.

I've never been very good at predicting Parcell's moves, but based on that list I say look at; Clay Mattews, Larry English, D J Moore, and ... I'm not even going to try and pick a WR for Parcell, but I doubt he'd draft a WR here anyways.

Heyward-Bey? I only know what I have read about him, but WR seems to be the most glaring need IMO. They can resign Crowder, Carey, and Bell, and make those positions less of a need - and they have 2 picks in the 2nd round which should be considered when making this pick as well.

I just meant that Parcell always seemed to favor veteran WRs.

In real life, I would love to see them trade this pick for Boldin

 

[=Smackdown=]

NO way Parcells takes a WR int he 1st rd . . .

25. Miami: Clay Matthews, LB, USC - Good lineage - might be a bit early but IMO Matt Roth is not the answer.

Parcells has a history of picking linebackers everywhere he's been early in the draft . .

Carl Banks with the Giants

McGinest in NE

Farrior with the NYJ

Ware with the Cowboys

 

[Andy Dufresne]

NO way Parcells takes a WR int he 1st rd . . .25. Miami: Clay Matthews, LB, USC - Good lineage - might be a bit early but IMO Matt Roth is not the answer.Parcells has a history of picking linebackers everywhere he's been early in the draft . . Carl Banks with the GiantsMcGinest in NEFarrior with the NYJWare with the Cowboys

Glenn with the Patriots. But that's okay...Matthews is a decent pick. Do you expect them to not re-sign Crowder? Where will Matthews play in the 3-4?

 

[Warhogs]

This might move along more quickly if guys who are coming up in the next few picks could submit a list. I don't want to volunteer anyone but since Andy started the topic maybe he would be willing to allow anyone within the next 2 or 3 picks to PM him a list if they think they will not get on for a while? The picks could get posted and those drafters could then come on when they have time and post about why they selected who they did.

It really matters not because it was intended to be a slow draft at the start. It just may be a considerate thing to do if you check, you are on deck, and you won't be able to get back to the thread for the next 10 hours.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

I'm here.

Baltimore pick is coming shortly.

 

[Wadsworth]

NO way Parcells takes a WR int he 1st rd . . .25. Miami: Clay Matthews, LB, USC - Good lineage - might be a bit early but IMO Matt Roth is not the answer.Parcells has a history of picking linebackers everywhere he's been early in the draft . . Carl Banks with the GiantsMcGinest in NEFarrior with the NYJWare with the Cowboys

Obviously I like the pick. Matthews should be able to play early and perhaps eventually replace Porter. I love his ability to get after the QB and while it might a slight reach, his best football is almost certainly in front of him. And I agree that the bloodlines might influence the selection.