Your top 10 draft prospects (1 Viewer)

[chris1969]

Every time this is done most people put QB's too high, but I'll try it anyway. Post the 10 best prospects no matter what position. You should be comparing these guys purely on how you would rate them if you were a scout, ie.. a guy rated 8.5 should be rated above a guy rated 8.4 even though his position is more valuable in the NFL.

For my post...

1) Calvin Johnson, but you could flip a coin with Joe Thomas

2) Joe Thomas

3) Alan Branch, you could flip a coin with Adams

4) Gaines Adams

5) Leon Hall

6) Adrian Peterson

7) Marshawn Lynch, yeah I have the 2 RB's rated that close. Lynch is bigger and Peterson now has an injury concern.

8) LaRon Landry

9) Amobi Okoye, I heard some others say he's over-rated due to rating potential over talent, but when I watch the guy play, I see a 25 year old NFL player, not a 19 year old college player.

10) JaMarcus Russell after watching them both, I pick Russell over Quinn, but Quinn would probably be pick #11.

Please post your ratings and opinions.

 

[chris1969]

I'm bumping this. I expected at least a few guys telling me I'm a moron. This isn't too hard guys, just pick the top 10 no matter where they play!

 

[aposulli]

Best pro prospects:

1. Calvin Johnson- Outstanding. Acceleration/Separation is the only thing he will need to work on.

2. Alan Branch- Dominating. Ideal size, strength. Technique is a little rusty, but that can be taught. Could be the next Richard Seymour.

3. Joe Thomas- Only thing he needs to work on is his meanstreak.

4. Jamaal Anderson- Had one of the dominating seasons for a big-school DE in recent memory. Can't say the same about some other top guys like Mario Williams.

5. Brady Quinn- If Charlie Weis says the kid has ability to become a top 3 NFL QB, I buy it. Has the Brady calm and cool, while he still needs work on his accuracy.

6. LaRon Landry- Only question is acceleration and speed which he may put to rest at the combine. Amazing instincts.

7. Gaines Adams- Most physically dominating abilities at his position of any player in this draft besides Calvin Johnson. Strikes me as a bit immature... his motor is my question.

8. Adrian Peterson- This is assuming his collarbone won't be a re-occuring problem. His style compares to Larry Johnson, minus a bit of strength, plus a little wiggle.

9. Amobi Okoye- Okay, I'm a little bias, but this guy has a motor like Dwight Freeney, plus actual tackling ability.

10. Marshawn Lynch- Laurence Maroney redux.

And I think the #1 overall pick will be someone not listed here. (Gee I wonder who?)

 

[Chaos Commish]

I'm bumping this. I expected at least a few guys telling me I'm a moron. This isn't too hard guys, just pick the top 10 no matter where they play!

I'm working on it.

 

[Chaos Commish]

3) Alan Branch, you could flip a coin with Adams

4) Gaines Adams

5) Leon Hall

9) Amobi Okoye, I heard some others say he's over-rated due to rating potential over talent, but when I watch the guy play, I see a 25 year old NFL player, not a 19 year old college player.

Please post your ratings and opinions.

The four above are not in my top 10. So agreeing on six is pretty good considering my top ten looks very sensationalized.Branch and Adams are solid prospects. Currently, both are being inked in as sure top 10ers. I'm not so sure. Not having them in my top 10 isn't really about thinking them overrated. I think they are exactly what they are and most of us have seen them play. Elite top 10 NFL talent? Nah. But both in my top 20.

Hall is way overrated. He's not in my top 30. I've beat this horse enough.

I've struggled and struggled to wrap my mind around Okoye. I saw Louisville many times this year and Grady (20 year old sophomore) was more powerful than Amobi over 50% of the time. As DTs go, the kid can pass rush, but not with explosive penetration. He's got this funky leg drive and leverage thing going; he uses it to bull his way into the backfield. It's intriguing, but not in my top 30 either.

I think both Hall and Okoye could and should fall a round.

Best pro prospects:

2. Alan Branch-

4. Jamaal Anderson-

5. Brady Quinn-

7. Gaines Adams-

9. Amobi Okoye-

I don't have any of these five in my top 10. Okoye again. Maybe I'm missing it, but I honestly watched him very closely. I don't see it. I saw him pushed around an awful lot against Wake. He is billed as a run stuffer, but he is weakest in that capacity from what I saw. Anderson intrigues me. I didn't see the explosiveness or the strength to be as impressed with him as many are. A very hard worker, a taller Tamba Hali, a real horse, a very solid prospect. In my top 20 and I can possibly be convinced to slip into the top 10.

Quinn is a fine choice if he works out. No doubt franchise QBs are the most valuable football players on earth. Color me just a little skeptical but a pretty big fan.

Chris did ask for opinions.

My list is crazy sounding, sensationalized perhaps, but honest. I'm just trying to be right. I don't care for prevailing opinion until sometime in April.

These aren't because I play fantasy football. Some of you know I tend to overvalue OLs and had a couple in my top ten last year, three at one point. I had exactly zero wide receivers in my top 30 last year. I had two offensive skill position players (Bush and Young) in my top 10. This year is stacked with talent at the skill positions, weak everywhere else, and right now without the organized input from real pro scouts during the all-star weeks, this is my top 10.

1. Adrian Peterson, RB - probably the best football player in the country.

2. Calvin Johnson, WR - the best if he's better than Peterson.

3. Dwayne Jarrett, WR - will have a significant NFL impact.

4. Marshawn Lynch, RB - not far from Peterson at all.

5. Tedd Ginn Jr., WR - gamebreaking talent substantially improves any offense.

6. Sidney Rice, WR - less experienced morph of Johnson and Jarrett.

7. Robert Meachem, WR - stride for stride with any of them.

8. Darrelle Revis, CB - 100% complete at CB with great special teams talent.

9. Jamarcus Russell, QB - freakish arm, clutch performer, franchise quality QB.

10. Joe Thomas, LT - rare 2nd level run blocker and franchise athleticism.

top 10 if Peterson and Ginn stay.

11. Charles Johnson, DE - lightening quick locomotive freight train qb killer.

12. LaRon Landry, FS/SS - dominating secondary playmaker.

Fully prepared to defend them all!

Exciting class for fantasy fans.

 

[Tenacious D]

1. Adrian Peterson, RB

2. Calvin Johnson, WR

3. Joe Thomas, OT

4. Gaines Adams, DE - first pick I feel the need to justify. There are some great DE prospects in this class, but I'm narrowly going with Adams as the best among them. He looks like a young Simeon Rice and could be the man to replace him in TB. Excellent quickness off the ball, with outstanding athleticism and nose for the ball. He needs to add some weight and pass rush moves, but has the same type of natural talent Rice had as a pass rusher coming in to the league.

5. LaRon Landry, S - his name has been among the top draft prospects for so long, he is almost taken for granted. The complete package like brother Dawan's teammate Ed.

6. Sidney Rice, WR - situation will be huge and it could take him longer to develop than older prospects, but his talent is awesome.

7. Marshawn Lynch, RB

8. JaMarcus Russell, QB - I kept trying to find reasons not to like him, thinking he's overhyped lately: benefits from outstanding receivers, ranking is relative to a weak QB class, facing ND's defense isn't the same as facing LSU's, etc., but when I go back and looking at him in other games, I see a gutsy performer with a cannon and good pocket awareness who can maintain accruacy on the run.

9. Dwayne Jarrett, WR - talent is special, but I question his speed.

10. Brady Quinn, QB - he won't get to play in Charlie's offense at the next level, but obviously it was a tremendous benefit for the physical skills that were already there. Grudgingly have to admit he is in pretty damn good shape to succeed at the next level. Still wonder if he will be tough enough to get through the challenges when things don't come as easy.

Alan Branch was a hard final cut, he could be the next Kevin Williams. I would have really liked to have seen him in the Senior Bowl, where I think you can really separate talent of interior linemen on both sides of the ball well for the first time.

There is a CB that probably deserves to be here, but I couldn't separate one from a pack of about three at this time.

I also expect Quentin Moses to bounce back up at the Senior Bowl and Combine and likely bump someone out of this top ten. Charles Johnson benefit from Moses being the focus of double-teams, but it is disappointing Moses couldn't overcome that. I don't know if he was playing through an undisclosed injury, or perhaps playing to avoid getting injured, or read through his press clippings too much, but his crazy athleticism has much bigger upside at the next level than he showed this year and I think he'll work hard to show it in the next crucial months.

 

[Chaos Commish]

4. Gaines Adams, DE - Alan Branch Quentin Moses Charles Johnson

Thanks TD. You made my list not look so outrageous. I can't argue strongly against Thomas and Landry that high. It's hard to say this x position player is better than that y position player when both dominate at their positions. Maybe I should desensationalize my top ten by moving some names around. Maybe it's more fun my way. Branch was pedestrian against good OLs. Not sure what to make of that, but it's easy to pick the players who were dominant for a list like this. I strongly agree with what you're saying about Moses but disagree with what you said about Johnson. It was Johnson being double teamed more often in the Chickafil and as the regular season progressed (will send link if you want me to dig). However, I already stated in the IDP forum that I think these two teammates are the best two DEs in the country. I also agree it's hard to separate the DEs (Adams, Moses, Johnson, so similar, Anderson more prototypical, all very very good players), and I've been wondering if it creates a situation like last year's deep but not elite OL talent. Will the supply decrease the demand? In the end it did with the OLs, but you can bet 31 teams know they choked on McNeill, O'Callaghan and others. I think in the tier of Moss, Abiamiri, Woodley, Carriker, McDonald-- some could fall, and there could be some surprises from a tier of Atkins, Crowder, Bauzin. It is pretty deep. A kid from Hawaii, my boy at UCLA, another Purdue edge rusher. Impossible to rank accurately. popcorn

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

1. Calvin Johnson - What's left to say that hasn't already been said? I know people don't like the label "can't miss" at this time of year, but he's just about earned it.

2. Adrian Peterson - A rare true workhorse RB. The injuries don't worry me.

3. Joe Thomas - Textbook franchise LT. A streetfighter mentality would make him the #1 prospect, but that's nitpicking.

4. JaMarcus Russell - The strong, tall frame, cannon arm, variety of throws, and mental toughness to become a dominant QB.

5. Laron Landry - In the new mold of a franchise safety (see: Reed, Polamalu, Taylor) will give his team all kinds of flexibility on defense.

6. Gaines Adams - He won't be a dominant two way DE, but no one in the draft is better at turning the corner and uncoiling on a QB - an ability that might be the single most valuable in the NFL.

7. Brady Quinn - In a league without 32 starting quality QBs, Quinn is valuable. He's an excellent technical QB, but has not made a mark on the big stages.

8. Dwayne Jarrett - the coveted tall, physical WR.

9. Marshawn Lynch - a low built, gutsy, shifty, multitalented RB. Better prospect than Maroney or DeAngelo.

10.Darrelle Revis - shutdown corner abilities with a shutdown corner mentality.

Hate leaving these guys out - any of them could end up being one of the best 10 players from this class:

Sidney Rice - has the ability to be a transcendent franchise WR, can make plays that very few WRs in the NFL can make. Needs polish.

Jamaal Anderson - has the ability to be a franchise two-way DE. Has Peppers/Williams body type, but without quite as freakish athleticism. Needs polish.

Alan Branch - Rare athleticism in a HUGE frame, should control the line of scrimmage. Agree with CC that he wasn't as dominant as the guys in the top 10.

 

[Iceman56751]

Best pro prospects:

1. Calvin Johnson- Outstanding. Acceleration/Separation is the only thing he will need to work on.

2. Alan Branch- Dominating. Ideal size, strength. Technique is a little rusty, but that can be taught. Could be the next Richard Seymour.

3. Joe Thomas- Only thing he needs to work on is his meanstreak.

4. Jamaal Anderson- Had one of the dominating seasons for a big-school DE in recent memory. Can't say the same about some other top guys like Mario Williams.

5. Brady Quinn- If Charlie Weis says the kid has ability to become a top 3 NFL QB, I buy it. Has the Brady calm and cool, while he still needs work on his accuracy.

6. LaRon Landry- Only question is acceleration and speed which he may put to rest at the combine. Amazing instincts.

7. Gaines Adams- Most physically dominating abilities at his position of any player in this draft besides Calvin Johnson. Strikes me as a bit immature... his motor is my question.

8. Adrian Peterson- This is assuming his collarbone won't be a re-occuring problem. His style compares to Larry Johnson, minus a bit of strength, plus a little wiggle.

9. Amobi Okoye- Okay, I'm a little bias, but this guy has a motor like Dwight Freeney, plus actual tackling ability.

10. Marshawn Lynch- Laurence Maroney redux.

And I think the #1 overall pick will be someone not listed here. (Gee I wonder who?)

Do you coach D line to know if his technique is bad - or regurgitating someone else's information.I have seen this kid and think he is a beast and a stud - a perfect fit for Texans defense.

 

[aposulli]

Do you coach D line to know if his technique is bad - or regurgitating someone else's information.I have seen this kid and think he is a beast and a stud - a perfect fit for Texans defense.

Mostly regurgitation. Saw two Michigan games and he was great in one of them, mediocre in another (VS. ND and USC).I can see why technique would be his only weakness seeing how he is indeed "a beast"As you can see by others' boards, I'm actually in the minority with the thought that he's top 10.I see ALOT of Richard Seymour and Ty Warren and he's got the same quickness of the ball, can be just as strong, if not stronger... only thing he may need is some great coaching like the Pats have had on Defense with guys like Crenell. Speaking of Crenell, I can see the Browns picking him up in a flash if both QB's are gone.

 

[aposulli]

I'll call this my criticism of picks post:

Jarrett: Easily can sneak into my Top 10... I was considering copping out and making Lynch and Jarrett my 10a and 10b.

Rice: I absolutly love, but he's going to need some coaching to become a better ballhawk ala Jarrett and Johnson, and a better routerunner. He should be at least the 3rd best WR in this class and certainly will be one of the most valuable fantasy WRs due to his height/hands/jumping ability.

Russell: I think the Culpepper comparison is dead on and I have the same worries about him reading NFL D's. He's going to have some monster fantasy numbers at some point in his career (if he has the weapons) but his NFL prospects are going to be based on how well he can read and anticipate D's.

Hall and Revis: Cornerback is my favorite position to play and see someone play it consistently well... but it is very rare in the NFL these days to see a consistent shutdown corner (Hall and Bailey are the only I can see... and Pacman has that potential)... but so many CB's are inconsistent from year to year as the ones who gamble are the ones who get burned. I've seen Hall get burned too often this year with poor technique. Revis got burned in his bowl game and I'm worried about the level of competition he's had over the years in the Big East (not exactly a passing game haven)

 

[aposulli]

Only guy I feel I have to defend would be Okoye.

Maybe I'm a little bias, but this guy has been huge all year for the Cards.

I'm going to give him a pass against Wake because they consistently have one of the best blocking O Lines in college.

Guy has a motor that I can't help but compare to guys like Hali and Freeney.

What's intruiging is he may be able to move to DE at some point.

If you can say anything about this 19-year old, it's that he's a quick learner.

Smart + motor + good size = pro bowler in my book

I can see him moving up draft boards ala Hali last year, but if he goes outside the top 10-15, whoever gets him is getting an absolute steal.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Only guy I feel I have to defend would be Okoye.I can see him moving up draft boards ala Hali last year, but if he goes outside the top 10-15, whoever gets him is getting an absolute steal.

I can't wait to see this one play out on draft day. He seems like a fine young man and I cannot help but read his story and hope he does great. I expected to see a better athlete, and who knows, maybe I saw the wrong games, maybe I was too involved watching other players. I do know Dallas needs an NT and I do not want them to draft him!

 

[Chaos Commish]

I'll call this my criticism of picks post:Jarrett: Rice: Russell: Hall and Revis:

Fair enough. One thing I do know is that none of us have this right. I am obviously smitten by the wide receivers. I'm not commenting on Ginn until, I don't know... February, and if he actually declares because I already can tell I am in for some long debate.

 

[The Jacket]

1. Calvin Johnson

2. JaMarcus Russel

3. Alan Branch

4. Adrian Peterson

5. Joe Thomas

6. LaRon Landry

7. Gaines Adams

8. Jamaal Anderson

9. Sidney Rice

10. Patrick Willis

 

[Chaos Commish]

10. Patrick Willis

In this format, he got consideration from me. He won't be listed this high in any mocks of mine because of his position, but on a list of best players. I like it.

 

[Chaos Commish]

6. Gaines Adams - He won't be a dominant two way DE, but no one in the draft is better at turning the corner and uncoiling on a QB - an ability that might be the single most valuable in the NFL.

Thanks for yours too. Good thread Chris.

I feel way out on a limb with Charles Johnson, but your blurb on Adams is exactly how I would describe Johnson. As I scan info at Scout, Insiders, NFLDC, and other sites, I get the odd feeling that I'm one of very who saw this guy so good, or maybe a different signal was beamed into my house.

Draft Daddy likes him-- way down the archives on the blog. Also for Tenacious D...

At 6'2" and 270 pounds, University of Georgia defensive end Charles Johnson is a flat out pass rushing menace. Hand-timed at 4.6 as a prep running back (30 pounds lighter), Johnson is explosive and aggressive, displaying excellent hand play to get upfield. He has made game changing plays against quality opposition and the league has noticed. Only 20 years old, he is an elite athlete, with low mileage, who will only get better as the years progress.

Some have suggested that the extra attention fellow Bulldogs defensive end Quentin Moses received from opponents really helped Johnson stand out last season. This was probably true for the first few games in 2006. But by the end of the season, it was Johnson who was attracting the extra blockers, not Moses.

 

[coolnerd]

1. C. Johnson WR

2. A. Peterson RB

3. J. Thomas OT

4. G. Adams DE

5. A. Branch DT

6. D. Jarrett WR

7. R. Nelson FS

8. M. Lynch RB

9. D. Revis CB

10. L. Landry S

 

[Chaos Commish]

7. R. Nelson FS

Tell me why. I trust your opinion as much as any.

 

[aposulli]

10. Patrick Willis

In this format, he got consideration from me. He won't be listed this high in any mocks of mine because of his position, but on a list of best players. I like it.

As a Pats fan I am PRAYING the Colts don't get this guy.

 

[coolnerd]

7. R. Nelson FS

Tell me why. I trust your opinion as much as any.

He similiar to Landry in terms of playing making skills and always being around the ball, but I like his quickness and athletic ability more. Also, I think he has excellent cover skills. If he lives up to his potential, I think he is a player that changes the dynamics of what you can do as defense. The Ed Reed/ Michael Huff style of safety.

 

[chris1969]

Now this thread is starting to take shape! From everybody's top 10's so far it looks like WR and DL will have a lot of depth in this coming draft. That should mean some second round steals in those positions.