Top 3 Underrated Players in the Draft (1 Viewer)

[JimboJim]

1. Jamaal Anderson - I'd take him over any other D-line player. Think Richard Seymour or Aaron Kampann. Add up Adams and Carriker, split the difference and you have Anderson. Should be effective versus the run with his size and be able to rush the passer in the NFL.

2. Zach Miller - Consensus #1 TE for a long time before Olsen trhew done a mad 40 time. Think Todd Heap. Would rather have him than take a chance for the next Shockey in Olsen.

3. Aaron Ross - Wins the Thorpe award for best DB in the nation, has great Size (6-1, 190) and speed (4.4-4.5) and is sometimes shown as the fourth or fifth corner off the board.

 

[Chaos Commish]

1. Jamaal Anderson - I'd take him over any other D-line player. Think Richard Seymour or Aaron Kampann. Add up Adams and Carriker, split the difference and you have Anderson. Should be effective versus the run with his size and be able to rush the passer in the NFL.

Anderson is very close to a consensus top 10 pick. It's pretty hard to underrate him unless you are predicting super stardom, hall of famer, best player in his class, kind of production...1. Ted Ginn Jr. (this kid is the draft's most polarizing player, and is being hyped as overrated in the other thread, but in truth the haters outnumber the smart people by about three to one, thus he is underrated.)2. Dwayne Jarrett3. Sidney RiceThe wide receivers are very good ball players this year. There is a a collective fear of historical wrs busting precedent driving the group think to illogical conclusions. Rice and Jarrett are Fitz caliber wrs.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Paul Posluszny

There's something to be said for having a linebacker like Patrick Willis with blazing speed to run sideline to sideline as well as attacking the line of scrimmage. But there is also lots to be said for having top notch anticipation and feel (call it football smarts) and taking proper angles to the ball, not to mention finishing tackles. Poz is just such a player.

Joe Staley

People are enamored with images of hulking, man-mountainesque left tackles that are impossible to get around no matter what you try. But with the steady emergence of the cat-quick defensive end (like the Dwight Freeney type) comes the importance of the quick footed, more mobile left tackle like Joe Staley. He has a way to go yet, but the rapid improvement he's shown over the last two seasons makes him an ideal fit for teams using the zone blocking scheme such as the Texans, Panthers, and Broncos.

Adrian Peterson

How can a top 10 pick be underrated? Because he's not being spoken of in the same breath as Calvin Johnson. AP has just as much of potential to be a "once in a decade" type player at his position as CJ has to be at his. I personally think a franchise RB has more impact than a franchise WR. But with the emergence of the "plug and play" idea at the RB position becoming en vogue in the NFL, the emphasis has shifted away from the franchise back a bit.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Jason Hill, Michael Griffin and Desmond Bishop

 

[Biabreakable]

1. Ted Ginn Jr. (this kid is the draft's most polarizing player, and is being hyped as overrated in the other thread, but in truth the haters outnumber the smart people by about three to one, thus he is underrated.)

So people who have brought up serious issues and concerns about Ginn and reasons why they doubt him becoming an elite talent you label them as haters, without to my knowledge refuting thier reasons.What kind of study have you done to determine that 75% of people hate Ginn while 25% are smart and think he is a star?

2. Dwayne Jarrett

3. Sidney Rice

The wide receivers are very good ball players this year. There is a a collective fear of historical wrs busting precedent driving the group think to illogical conclusions.

What illogical conclusions would those be?

How is it "group think" to recognise the fact that 50% of Wrs drafted in the 1st round over the past decade and longer have been total busts? Including such sure things as Charles Rogers and David Terrell as they were considered to be at the time.

Even the talented Wr crop in 2004 produced busts such as Rashaun Woods who most believed in because how he performed in the game despite his less than ideal measurables. Was it illogical group think then that caused many a astute owner to see the marriage of talent, track record and opportunity in Woods? Only to later be completly wrong.

In actuality the group think in these smaller circles (NFLdraftguys) have been highly rating Rice and Jarrett despite the flaws and blemishes that have emerged about them.

Rice and Jarrett are Fitz caliber wrs.

Fitz is a unique player in that he learned from Chris Carter as a youth which instilled in him the work ethic and drive as well as him having the god given ability to be a gifted Wr.I would be very interested to hear why Rice and Jarrett are of the same caliber as Fitz.

As far as who I think is underrated, I do not want to reveal my opinions about that in this public forum when I have drafts ahead where I want to still get those players at a discounted price if I feel I can get away with it.

 

[Festivus]

Michael Bush - He'd be a 1st rounder if not for a freak injury, which should not have long term effects.

 

[guru_007]

Michael Bush - He'd be a 1st rounder if not for a freak injury, which should not have long term effects.

yep. Dwayne Jarrett is also underrated by what I'll call the Mike Williams factor. Highly hyped USC receiver with incredible stats. However, it wouldn't surprise me at all if Jarrett has a huge NFL career, should be a top 15 pick imo, and I think he is being downgraded way too much

 

[Chaos Commish]

1. Ted Ginn Jr. (this kid is the draft's most polarizing player, and is being hyped as overrated in the other thread, but in truth the haters outnumber the smart people by about three to one, thus he is underrated.)

So people who have brought up serious issues and concerns about Ginn and reasons why they doubt him becoming an elite talent you label them as haters, without to my knowledge refuting thier reasons.What kind of study have you done to determine that 75% of people hate Ginn while 25% are smart and think he is a star?

2. Dwayne Jarrett

3. Sidney Rice

The wide receivers are very good ball players this year. There is a a collective fear of historical wrs busting precedent driving the group think to illogical conclusions.

What illogical conclusions would those be?

How is it "group think" to recognise the fact that 50% of Wrs drafted in the 1st round over the past decade and longer have been total busts? Including such sure things as Charles Rogers and David Terrell as they were considered to be at the time.

Even the talented Wr crop in 2004 produced busts such as Rashaun Woods who most believed in because how he performed in the game despite his less than ideal measurables. Was it illogical group think then that caused many a astute owner to see the marriage of talent, track record and opportunity in Woods? Only to later be completly wrong.

In actuality the group think in these smaller circles (NFLdraftguys) have been highly rating Rice and Jarrett despite the flaws and blemishes that have emerged about them.

Rice and Jarrett are Fitz caliber wrs.

Fitz is a unique player in that he learned from Chris Carter as a youth which instilled in him the work ethic and drive as well as him having the god given ability to be a gifted Wr.I would be very interested to hear why Rice and Jarrett are of the same caliber as Fitz.

As far as who I think is underrated, I do not want to reveal my opinions about that in this public forum when I have drafts ahead where I want to still get those players at a discounted price if I feel I can get away with it.

Wow, that's a serious response to my not so serious comments.I have done no study nor did I ever intend too.

Sorry you seem a touch offended by my tongue in cheek comments. This is and should be fun. It was just sarcasm designating haters (who I doubt are really haters) and smart people (who might have this wrong). Guess my sense of humor needs work... or maybe yours?

I was also playing with words in the "group think" sentence, but I was just playing.

I am being mostly silent this year, in part, for the same reason you won't provide a list, btw. EBF and Construx are thieves I say, THIEVES!! There I go being funny again, hopefully.

I enjoy digging into this topic, but really, I've long since learned not to take it too seriously. We simply cannot measure heart and maturity before these kids grow up. And that makes all the difference in most cases.

I watch more college football than anyone I know but Matt Waldman. I have Ohio State and Michigan on right now.

I think Ginn is incredible. I asked a year ago for someone to show me a receiver who separates easier. No one could. It is phenomenal. I have read about all of these possible serious issues and... know what.. so has Mayock and he gets to break down coach's tape, and thinks Ginn is pretty awesome.

If I take issue with the issues are his detractors going to change their minds? The answer, Bia, is no. That is the nature of a polarizing player. VY last year. No one hung up on the issues would listen to anyone who who wasn't. So why debate it? It deteriorates into circular arguments where I would rather just agree to disagree... and see who had it right later.

I'm very regularly seeing Rice and Jarrett in the 2nd round. I won't be surprised if it works out that way, but Rice and Jarrett have all the tools Fitz has, imo. The draft is always a gamble. They have both been astonishingly productive, they both make the same insane catches, they all have very similar physical ability, and the only thing we don't know about the rookies is how hard they're willing to work. If that is the only "measureable" difference, then as rookies go, these are Fitz caliber WRs. Time will tell, right?

 

[Chaos Commish]

Oh, and on the collective fear of a historical precedent-- wide receivers busting. I actually do find it a bit illogical to rely on the precedent for each individual class for the simple reason that each class is, well, individual, and should be evaluated accordingly. It is illogical to assume since a certain percentage of WRs have busted in the past then they will continue to do so for each and every class. In the long run, the trend is probably valid. But each class must always be weighed on it's merits or group think laziness will reign. It is my position that this class is in fact above the trend and very talented.

It could be that this group think is accurate and over half of the top 6 wide receivers will bust. That would be what... 4 of Johnson, Ginn, Jarrett, Bowe, Meachem and Rice? That precedent includes a very high rate of mental squirrels not just physical failures. That precedent also represents many teams desperately reaching for a need at WR when many of us wondered what was up. We can scroll through the history of the precedent and analyze what we thought of the busts before they busted and look at their careers, and I think we'll find much greater cause for concern with those players than these... based on game film and personality types. This is the best wide receiver class, top to bottom, in NFL history, but a wide wide margin... I think. I even think there's a reason for that, but I'm tired of typing what I think.

 

[Biabreakable]

Ah I see CC my bad I have been in a unushualy serious mood today so I think it was my sense of humor lacking. Group think is such an ugly thing to say though. Suprised Joe allows it.

I definitly have a lot of respect for how much college game you watch CC. I have no idea how you can stomach it but thanks all the same.

If there is one thing I have learned and try to not forget is to keep an open mind.

Does anyone think Ginn after some seasoning might have similar game to Steve Smith of the Panthers?

On Rice and Jarret I did not realise you were refering to mock drafts (which I hardly pay attention to). I was thinking as always in FF terms. So your statement has an entirely different meaning than I originaly thought.

Whichever Wrs they may be some good ones are going to fall into later rounds. That is what this time of year is for to me. To find those guys and keep sight of them even as they fall in the NFL draft. Sometimes that really helps thier situations as well.

From a FF perspective I have been saying at different times all year that this Rb group has more to offer (again from a FF perspective) than some think of this group of Rbs. So to me many of the underrated players come from that position.

 

[Biabreakable]

Oh, and on the collective fear of a historical precedent-- wide receivers busting. I actually do find it a bit illogical to rely on the precedent for each individual class for the simple reason that each class is, well, individual, and should be evaluated accordingly. It is illogical to assume since a certain percentage of WRs have busted in the past then they will continue to do so for each and every class. In the long run, the trend is probably valid. But each class must always be weighed on it's merits or group think laziness will reign. It is my position that this class is in fact above the trend and very talented. It could be that this group think is accurate and over half of the top 6 wide receivers will bust. That would be what... 4 of Johnson, Ginn, Jarrett, Bowe, Meachem and Rice? That precedent includes a very high rate of mental squirrels not just physical failures. That precedent also represents many teams desperately reaching for a need at WR when many of us wondered what was up. We can scroll through the history of the precedent and analyze what we thought of the busts before they busted and look at their careers, and I think we'll find much greater cause for concern with those players than these... based on game film and personality types. This is the best wide receiver class, top to bottom, in NFL history, but a wide wide margin... I think. I even think there's a reason for that, but I'm tired of typing what I think.

That is a pretty bold statement that this is the best Wr class evah. Curious about what the reason for that being may be that you elluded to.As far as each class being looked at seperatly I agree with that. When looking at the good Wr class of 2004 most of those Wrs have shown some signs of life allready and not that many have totaly busted. Woods was the worst case.1 3 Larry Fitzgerald WR Pittsburgh - Star1 7 Roy Williams WR Texas - Star1 9 Reggie Williams WR Washington - Still very young. Was raw rookie. Qb problems and run 1st team.1 13 Lee Evans WR Wisconsin - Star1 15 Michael Clayton WR Louisiana State - Great rookie year. Been derailed by injuries since.1 29 Michael Jenkins WR Ohio State - Still has had some success. Plays with Vick which hurts him.1 31 Rashaun Woods WR Oklahoma State - Bust2 50 Devery Henderson WR Louisiana State - showed some life last year with Brees2 54 Darius Watts WR Marshall - Bust2 62 Keary Colbert WR Southern California - has not done much.3 77 Derrick Hamilton WR Clemson - MIA3 78 Bernard Berrian WR Fresno State - emerged last year. Injury issues and Qb issues.3 82 Devard Darling WR Washington State - Meh4 99 Carlos Francis WR Texas Tech - I do not even remember ranking this guy.4 105 Samie Parker WR Oregon - not Wr friendly system.4 108 Jerricho Cotchery WR North Carolina State - emerged last year. Qb issues.4 120 Ernest Wilford WR Virginia Tech - has scored a lot of TDs in limited action.Other notables from after round 4:5 157 D.J. Hackett WR Colorado - has shown some promise.So that is a lot of Wrs and only a few could really be considered busts at this point. Thus proving you point about each draft class being different.Now about this being the best draft class evah... better than 1996?

 

[LHUCKS]

Stanton

Bush

Beck

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

1. Eric Wright

2. Paul Posluszny

3. Michael Griffin

 

[tex]

Johnnie Lee Higgins, Dan Bazuin, Kevin Kolb

 

[slimflop]

WR-Jacoby Jones- Lane

C- Dan Mozes- WV

DE- Tim Crowder-Texas

 

[Chaos Commish]

Now about this being the best draft class evah... better than 1996?

Um... Marvin HarrisonTerrell OwensKeyshawn JohnsonTerry GlennEric MouldsMuhsin MuhammadJoe HornAmani ToomerEddie Kennison Piece a cake... Just nine long term starters and pro bowlers? Am I missing anyone important?

 

[phthalatemagic]

Steve Smith

Johnnie Lee Higgins

 

[Wildman]

Jason Hill

Trent Edwards

Ahmad Bradshaw

 

[ConstruxBoy]

I am being mostly silent this year, in part, for the same reason you won't provide a list, btw. EBF and Construx are thieves I say, THIEVES!! There I go being funny again, hopefully.

Division winners have to share their rankings, gb.

 

[faulkfan]

To say this hurts me more than you will ever know because I absolutely DESPISE Notre Dame, but Brady Quinn is underrated IMHO only because I would take him over Jamarcus Russell every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I'm not going to take the traditional route and compare him to Joe Montana because lets be honest, he is one of a kind. I will say this though, Joe wasn't a big guy, but he was smart and accurate and surrounded by talent. Russell is getting love because of his size and strength, but I can name another QB who had some physical qualities that has been a bit of a disappointment as a QB. You know who I'm talking about his name rhymes with slick and sick and *ick.

As much as I would love to see Notre Dame's athletic program shrivel up and die I personally would want Quinn if I was a GM. He is strong enough, tough enough, has a proven track record, and seems awefully intelligent. As long as he is rated behind Russell he is underrated IMHO.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Paul Posluszny There's something to be said for having a linebacker like Patrick Willis with blazing speed to run sideline to sideline as well as attacking the line of scrimmage. But there is also lots to be said for having top notch anticipation and feel (call it football smarts) and taking proper angles to the ball, not to mention finishing tackles. Poz is just such a player.

I'm excited that this high quality Bruschi replacement MAY be available to the Pats with their first pick.

 

[jurb26]

Underrated:

Ginn - the negative hype around this guy the past month or so is amazing, especially the past week. It's like a whole bunch of people saw his 4.37 40 time and it wasn't the 4.2 that he should have posted and they suddenly drop him. We constantly hear these same people compare Ginn to Williamson saying he runs poor routes and can't beat a jam. Williamson's only problem in the NFL right now has been that he can't catch due to vision issues. He regularly gets open. Ginn will do the same and can catch far better than Williamson.

Any 2nd tier QB after Russell/Quinn - OK, I have to admit I'm just not sold on either of the top QBs in this years draft. Russell has horrible footwork and just does not play consistent enough for my taste. Quinn on the other hand I feel had his skill set maximized in a very QB friendly environment at ND. I don't hear anyone talking about the other QBs in this draft at all.

Steve Smith - I really don't know why he is being ignored (or so it seems) by a lot of folks leading up to this draft. This guy can flat out play though. He catches the ball well, runs solid routes, has decent size and can separate from DBs. May not be a star, but looks like a very solid NFL WR to me.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Lorenzo Booker, RB, Florida St

Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina

Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR, UTEP

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Lorenzo Booker, RB, Florida St Sidney Rice, WR, South CarolinaJohnnie Lee Higgins, WR, UTEP

That sounds like my dream draft for the Vikings rounds 2-4. Go Rice/Higgins/Booker?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Zach Miller is also getting a bad rap leading up to the draft.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Zach Miller is also getting a bad rap leading up to the draft.

Because he flopped at the combine and that's all anyone knows about.Someone else pointed out to me that he really redeemed himself at his pro day.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Just to throw out a couple names for folks to kick around...

I think the "small" school guys are always underrated. With the sheer numbers of teams out there, there's a lot of great players that, for many reasons, don't end up playing at the Miami's, USC's, Texas', etc. but are every bit as good as the bigger names.

Some guys getting a lot of attention right now are:

Zak DeOssie - LB, Brown

Justin Durant - LB, Hampton

Travarous Bain, CB Hampton

Maybe "underrated" isn't the right term. Maybe "unheralded" is better.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Just to throw out a couple names for folks to kick around...

I think the "small" school guys are always underrated. With the sheer numbers of teams out there, there's a lot of great players that, for many reasons, don't end up playing at the Miami's, USC's, Texas', etc. but are every bit as good as the bigger names.

Some guys getting a lot of attention right now are:

Zak DeOssie - LB, Brown

Justin Durant - LB, Hampton

Travarous Bain, CB Hampton

Maybe "underrated" isn't the right term. Maybe "unheralded" is better.

Durant has been soaring up draft boards.Other small schoolers on the rise:

Allen Barbre, OL, Missouri Southern

Jacob Bender, OT, Nicholls State

Jermon Bushrod, OT, Towson

Kyle Shotwell, LB, Cal Poly

Rashad Barksdale, S, Albany

Geoff Pope, CB, Howard

Corey Graham, CB, New Hampshire

Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly

We talked to Shotwell this week - we'll be talking to Allen Barbre on Monday, and we're looking to talk to Bender, and Pope before the draft.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Just to throw out a couple names for folks to kick around...

I think the "small" school guys are always underrated. With the sheer numbers of teams out there, there's a lot of great players that, for many reasons, don't end up playing at the Miami's, USC's, Texas', etc. but are every bit as good as the bigger names.

Some guys getting a lot of attention right now are:

Zak DeOssie - LB, Brown

Justin Durant - LB, Hampton

Travarous Bain, CB Hampton

Maybe "underrated" isn't the right term. Maybe "unheralded" is better.

Durant has been soaring up draft boards.Other small schoolers on the rise:

Allen Barbre, OL, Missouri Southern

Jacob Bender, OT, Nicholls State

Jermon Bushrod, OT, Towson

Kyle Shotwell, LB, Cal Poly

Rashad Barksdale, S, Albany

Geoff Pope, CB, Howard

Corey Graham, CB, New Hampshire

Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly

We talked to Shotwell this week - we'll be talking to Allen Barbre on Monday, and we're looking to talk to Bender, and Pope before the draft.

Other names I see mentioned more and more are:Jacoby Jones, WR, Lane

Craig Dahl, S, N. Dakota State ( My alma mater!)

BTW - How good was Hampton this year? They've got at least a half-dozen guys on the radar.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Just to throw out a couple names for folks to kick around...

I think the "small" school guys are always underrated. With the sheer numbers of teams out there, there's a lot of great players that, for many reasons, don't end up playing at the Miami's, USC's, Texas', etc. but are every bit as good as the bigger names.

Some guys getting a lot of attention right now are:

Zak DeOssie - LB, Brown

Justin Durant - LB, Hampton

Travarous Bain, CB Hampton

Maybe "underrated" isn't the right term. Maybe "unheralded" is better.

Durant has been soaring up draft boards.Other small schoolers on the rise:

Allen Barbre, OL, Missouri Southern

Jacob Bender, OT, Nicholls State

Jermon Bushrod, OT, Towson

Kyle Shotwell, LB, Cal Poly

Rashad Barksdale, S, Albany

Geoff Pope, CB, Howard

Corey Graham, CB, New Hampshire

Courtney Brown, CB, Cal Poly

We talked to Shotwell this week - we'll be talking to Allen Barbre on Monday, and we're looking to talk to Bender, and Pope before the draft.

Other names I see mentioned more and more are:Jacoby Jones, WR, Lane

Craig Dahl, S, N. Dakota State ( My alma mater!)

BTW - How good was Hampton this year? They've got at least a half-dozen guys on the radar.

Jones is a guy that FBG hopefully already know from our Shrine Game coverage. He may well be a first day pick at this point. We are also looking to get him on for an extended interview before the draft.Hampton underachieved - one insider I talk to privately thinks that their program knows how to spot talent, they just don't know how to develop it.

They have a behemoth coming up next year on the DL - Kendall Langford. 3-4 teams are going to drool over this guy.

 

[JimboJim]

1. Jamaal Anderson - I'd take him over any other D-line player. Think Richard Seymour or Aaron Kampann. Add up Adams and Carriker, split the difference and you have Anderson. Should be effective versus the run with his size and be able to rush the passer in the NFL.

Anderson is very close to a consensus top 10 pick. It's pretty hard to underrate him unless you are predicting super stardom, hall of famer, best player in his class, kind of production...1. Ted Ginn Jr. (this kid is the draft's most polarizing player, and is being hyped as overrated in the other thread, but in truth the haters outnumber the smart people by about three to one, thus he is underrated.)2. Dwayne Jarrett3. Sidney RiceThe wide receivers are very good ball players this year. There is a a collective fear of historical wrs busting precedent driving the group think to illogical conclusions. Rice and Jarrett are Fitz caliber wrs.

I should have clarified my explanation better on Anderson. I believe he has the combination of size/speed to be the best defensive lineman and defensive player in this draft. Like I said, I think he compares well to Richard Seymour. He can rush the passer from a 4-3 or be a combo end in a 3-4. However, I have seen a lot of rankings/mock drafts that have him falling behind Adams, Okoye, Branch and Carriker.If a team could get Anderson as the fifth D-lineman off the board, I think that would be a steal. If a team is set at end and is looking for a tackle only, I could see them passing up Anderson for Branch or Okoye.If he makes it out of the top ten, it will be a travesty, with all of the teams in the top ten needing a DE.

 

[ruelvis]

Posluszny

Stanton

Bush

 

[Colin Dowling]

Jamaal Anderson - I'd take him ahead of Adams, so even if he's a top-10 selection he's underrated if another DE goes ahead of him.

Justin Harrell - I think he'll be every bit the player that Okoye is.

Justin Durant

 

[Chaos Commish]

1. Jamaal Anderson - I'd take him over any other D-line player. Think Richard Seymour or Aaron Kampann. Add up Adams and Carriker, split the difference and you have Anderson. Should be effective versus the run with his size and be able to rush the passer in the NFL.

Anderson is very close to a consensus top 10 pick. It's pretty hard to underrate him unless you are predicting super stardom, hall of famer, best player in his class, kind of production...1. Ted Ginn Jr. (this kid is the draft's most polarizing player, and is being hyped as overrated in the other thread, but in truth the haters outnumber the smart people by about three to one, thus he is underrated.)2. Dwayne Jarrett3. Sidney RiceThe wide receivers are very good ball players this year. There is a a collective fear of historical wrs busting precedent driving the group think to illogical conclusions. Rice and Jarrett are Fitz caliber wrs.

I should have clarified my explanation better on Anderson. I believe he has the combination of size/speed to be the best defensive lineman and defensive player in this draft. Like I said, I think he compares well to Richard Seymour. He can rush the passer from a 4-3 or be a combo end in a 3-4. However, I have seen a lot of rankings/mock drafts that have him falling behind Adams, Okoye, Branch and Carriker.If a team could get Adams as the fifth D-lineman off the board, I think that would be a steal. If a team is set at end and is looking for a tackle only, I could see them passing up Anderson for Branch or Okoye.If he makes it out of the top ten, it will be a travesty, with all of the teams in the top ten needing a DE.

Fair enough. I like this kid a ton. There is "precedent" for DEs sliding in deep years and this is year has nice depth. I won't be shocked if he does fall from the top 10, but I agree he is a very impressive talent... and so young.

 

[jurb26]

Justin Harrell - I think he'll be every bit the player that Okoye is.

I really like Harrell as well. Hasn't his stock been on a rather significant rise lately though?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Justin Durant

If anything, Durant might be overrated at this point. Second round seems likely for him, and that is a lofty grade for an ILB. He's definitely an athletic wonder, but he blended in at the Shrine Game with second day guys like Zak DeOssie, Kyle Shotwell, and Quincy Black. Teams LOVE LBs that can cover a lot of ground with the increasing use of the cover 2, and especially the Tampa 2, but they might be a little too high on Durant.

 

[grind]

Micheal Turner was under rated when he came out of college. I still think he will get traded.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Hate the Buckeyes...but...

1. Anthony Gonzalez, WR OSU (projected as a 2nd rounder)

2. Troy Smith, QB OSU (projected as a 2nd/3rd rounder)

3. Tony Hunt, RB PSU (projected as a 3rd rounder)

 

[JimboJim]

1. Jamaal Anderson - I'd take him over any other D-line player. Think Richard Seymour or Aaron Kampann. Add up Adams and Carriker, split the difference and you have Anderson. Should be effective versus the run with his size and be able to rush the passer in the NFL.

Anderson is very close to a consensus top 10 pick. It's pretty hard to underrate him unless you are predicting super stardom, hall of famer, best player in his class, kind of production...1. Ted Ginn Jr. (this kid is the draft's most polarizing player, and is being hyped as overrated in the other thread, but in truth the haters outnumber the smart people by about three to one, thus he is underrated.)2. Dwayne Jarrett3. Sidney RiceThe wide receivers are very good ball players this year. There is a a collective fear of historical wrs busting precedent driving the group think to illogical conclusions. Rice and Jarrett are Fitz caliber wrs.

I should have clarified my explanation better on Anderson. I believe he has the combination of size/speed to be the best defensive lineman and defensive player in this draft. Like I said, I think he compares well to Richard Seymour. He can rush the passer from a 4-3 or be a combo end in a 3-4. However, I have seen a lot of rankings/mock drafts that have him falling behind Adams, Okoye, Branch and Carriker.If a team could get Adams as the fifth D-lineman off the board, I think that would be a steal. If a team is set at end and is looking for a tackle only, I could see them passing up Anderson for Branch or Okoye.If he makes it out of the top ten, it will be a travesty, with all of the teams in the top ten needing a DE.

Fair enough. I like this kid a ton. There is "precedent" for DEs sliding in deep years and this is year has nice depth. I won't be shocked if he does fall from the top 10, but I agree he is a very impressive talent... and so young.

One player that would really scare me as an NFL GM for a top five, or even top ten pick is Gaines Adams. It seems like the "prototype" pass-rushing DE is heading towards a larger, stronger player, compared to the tall, lean, speed rusher.Look at the top players in sacks in the NFL last season at DE: Aaron Kampman, Aaron Schobel, Jason Taylor, Trevor Pryce, Julius Peppers, Leonard Little, Mark Anderson, Shaun Phillips...Most of these guys, aside from maybe Tayor and Little, are stout DEs in the 270-290 lb range.Adams may have excellent speed, but what happens when a NFL-caliber OT locks onto him or throws that hand punch at him? I could see him getting rag-dolled as often as he makes an impact. Also, will he be able to hold up against the run at 6-5, 250?If I'm picking in the top ten, the last thing I would want is a situational pass rusher that is a liability against the run and when he can't get around the corner.I'm not saying Adams won't succeed in the NFL, I just think guys like Anderson, Carriker, and even A Charles Johnson fit the mold of all around DE better.

 

[massraider]

Samson Satele--this guy can't get arrested with all the Kalil talk, but he is a big boy that knows pass pro.

Quentin Moses--Might be the favorite whipping boy of the draft, if he falls to the 3rd round, I think he's a steal.

Dallas Sartz--SLB's are tough to come by, and I think he'll be nice value wherever he goes.

Disclaimer: I really don't know crap about the draft.

 

[Chaos Commish]

One player that would really scare me as an NFL GM for a top five, or even top ten pick is Gaines Adams. It seems like the "prototype" pass-rushing DE is heading towards a larger, stronger player, compared to the tall, lean, speed rusher.

Not sure I agreed with all of that post with guys like Freeney, Suggs and Burgess making big impacts, but I have Gaines Adams as DE4 because he is a bit of a pass rush specialist who can be bullied in the run game. He is a tough cookie though, and he makes some very impressive plays against the run. He just doesn't hold up like the three I have ahead of him.

 

[bcr8f]

Johnnie Lee Higgins, Dan Bazuin, Kevin Kolb

Kolb will take a couple of years, but I like him.

 

[5Rings]

1. Alan Branch. On the field, this guy is a top 5 player, IMO. A manchild who was hands down the best player at Michigan last year. So Krumrie #####slapped him. He didn't have a great combine. Just means a team like SF ( ), StL, etc will get a top 5 talent in the teens. On the field performance>>>combine.

2. Dameyune Hughes. Guy is a great cover CB...probably best in this draft. Very fluid, good tackler, but didn't run well this offseason. Another player where On the field performance>>>combine. Should be an absolute steal in Rd 2-3.

3. Charles Johnson. I only watched 2 Georgia games, but when I did, he was a beast. Quick first step, strong at pt of attack, I see him as a Darren Howard type player who somebody will steal in rd 2-3.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

3. Charles Johnson. I only watched 2 Georgia games, but when I did, he was a beast. Quick first step, strong at pt of attack, I see him as a Darren Howard type player who somebody will steal in rd 2-3.

Chaos Commish will love you for this.

 

[Chaos Commish]

3. Charles Johnson. I only watched 2 Georgia games, but when I did, he was a beast. Quick first step, strong at pt of attack, I see him as a Darren Howard type player who somebody will steal in rd 2-3.

Chaos Commish will love you for this.

I used this thread to get on my WR soapbox, but I agree Big Bully is way underrated by the media. It remains to be seen if NFL teams are making the same mistake (and if it is really a mistake), but this dude is a baaaad man. His first step is vintage Bruce Smith, and comes off the edge like Peppers, but he supports the run like Reggie White and bats down balls like Ed Too Tall Jones.

 

[Bojang0301]

1. Brandon Jackson RB

2. Troy Smith QB

3. Anthony Gonzalez WR

 

[JimboJim]

One player that would really scare me as an NFL GM for a top five, or even top ten pick is Gaines Adams. It seems like the "prototype" pass-rushing DE is heading towards a larger, stronger player, compared to the tall, lean, speed rusher.

Not sure I agreed with all of that post with guys like Freeney, Suggs and Burgess making big impacts, but I have Gaines Adams as DE4 because he is a bit of a pass rush specialist who can be bullied in the run game. He is a tough cookie though, and he makes some very impressive plays against the run. He just doesn't hold up like the three I have ahead of him.

I have a really hard time calling Terrell Suggs a true DE. Heck, he had 8 passes defended, the majority of those coming from dropping back into coverage last season. IMO he's more in the DeMarcus Ware/Shawne Merriman mold. He puts his hand down sometimes, but he's really a linebacker/end hybrid.Freeney (6-1, 270) and Burgess (6-2, 260) are not small DEs. Just because they are short doesn't mean they are undersized or pass-rush specialists. Physically, Adams (6-5, 255) doesn't compare with either of those players. From a pure physical standpoint, Adams reminds me of Adewale Ogunleye or Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.I'm no expert, trust me. It just seems in my feebile opinion that the NFL is shifting towards larger/thicker DEs. There is no question the offensive linemen are getting bigger.

 

[Jayded]

1. Trent Edwards, QB Stanford

2. Michael Griffin, S Texas

3. Victor Abiamiri, DE Notre Dame

 

[LHUCKS]

1. Brandon Jackson RB

He should be on my list as well.

 

[Chaos Commish]

One player that would really scare me as an NFL GM for a top five, or even top ten pick is Gaines Adams. It seems like the "prototype" pass-rushing DE is heading towards a larger, stronger player, compared to the tall, lean, speed rusher.

Not sure I agreed with all of that post with guys like Freeney, Suggs and Burgess making big impacts, but I have Gaines Adams as DE4 because he is a bit of a pass rush specialist who can be bullied in the run game. He is a tough cookie though, and he makes some very impressive plays against the run. He just doesn't hold up like the three I have ahead of him.

I have a really hard time calling Terrell Suggs a true DE. Heck, he had 8 passes defended, the majority of those coming from dropping back into coverage last season. IMO he's more in the DeMarcus Ware/Shawne Merriman mold. He puts his hand down sometimes, but he's really a linebacker/end hybrid.Freeney (6-1, 270) and Burgess (6-2, 260) are not small DEs. Just because they are short doesn't mean they are undersized or pass-rush specialists. Physically, Adams (6-5, 255) doesn't compare with either of those players. From a pure physical standpoint, Adams reminds me of Adewale Ogunleye or Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.I'm no expert, trust me. It just seems in my feebile opinion that the NFL is shifting towards larger/thicker DEs. There is no question the offensive linemen are getting bigger.

My examples weren't so much about physical likenesses as impact players who are primarily pass rushers, which is how I see Adams. Kiwanuka is similar physically, and Strahan got under 260 last year. I think we agree about Adams for the most part. He isn't soft against the run by any means; he's just a bit hyped and the three you originally mentioned are more complete while still excellent pass rushers.