I am going to take some time off of my mock draft and discuss other topics; listed are my top-5 most interesting prospects of this draft.
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
There aren't many players that are as dynamic as this man. He is fast runners, who when in the open field you just aren’t going to catch him; think a Chris Johnson like runner. His hands are on the level of a runner like Marshal Faulk, I honestly believe if he was a main back he could have a 1000 yard rushing and 1000 yard receiving season. Go watch Clemson highlights from the past season and ever couple games a C.J. Spiller kick/punt return would be one of them. The man is one of the best returners in the draft. It will be interesting to see what team picks him; it’s hard to see him falling out of the top-15 because teams will fall in love with how many things he can do to improve their offense and special teams.
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
This is the man that will be most talked about during draft day. Who will take him and where? Both are huge questions that will have us wondering till April. There is no denying he was just amazing in college and will go down as one of the best players ever. But looking at his professional future I don't think he can play QB, at lest not right away. His throwing motion is very ugly and trying to teach a QB to throw a ball differently takes time. If you want to run a gimmick offense like the Wild Cat then he is perfect, he might be even better option then Michael Vick or Pat White. Another positive is he is a good man who won't get in trouble, loves the game and has outstanding leadership. But when everything is said and done Tebow is a project, he needs to be selected by a half-way decent team where he can ride the bench and learn. Maybe it would be a good idea using him as a hybrid player or decoy by using him as a fullback or tight end on some plays. I don't see how Tebow falls past third round based on his upside.
Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
Williams is a head-scratching prospect, there is no denying his talent seeing as it is good enough to warrant consideration to be drafted in the first-round; but also you can't ignore his off-field issues. In 2008 he was suspended the whole year because of allegations of cheating and in 2009 he played in seven games until he quit the team in anticipation for yet another suspension for an accident with a tractor trailer. As a prospect his size (6-feet-2 and 210 pounds) and speed (estimated 4.4 40-yard dash) has scouts drooling. When he wore the Syracuse Orange there was no denying he was the best player on their team, in 07 he tied the team record in receptions, had 20 straight games with a reception and 9 straight games with a touchdown catch and Syracuse has had its share of good receivers in the past. All of Williams’s production came on an offense that was laughable on offense. Still with all that talent in the back of your head as a scout you have to be scared that Williams will turnout like TO or Brandon Marshall and be a loud mouth where if one thing doesn't go his way then he wants out. Because of the off-field concerns and questions in his dedication to football and his team Williams will fall anywhere to the second to fourth round. The farther he drops the bigger of a steal he will be; he is the definition of high risk-high reward player.
Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
Rolle missed a whole year of playing football after graduating from FSU in 2.5 years with a GPA of 3.75 and accepted the Rhodes Scholar which let him study at Oxford University in England for a year. He was an Second and Third Team All-American that was a great in run-support with his great tackling and has shown he can play great coverage whether man-to-man or in the zone. One knock against him is he never showed he has a knack for creating turnovers or making plays on the ball, evidence in his 1 career interception. Rolle is one the smartest people around there is no denying that fact, he has made it clear after his NFL career he would love to go to medical school and become a neurosurgeon. GM's and Scouts won't have to worry about off field issues or him trying to learn concepts or the playbook but they will worry that Rolle, up until the Senior Bowl, he didn't play football for a year and some might even question his dedication to football. Many people will wait to see what Rolle runs in his 40 yard dash because one of his knocks is he doesn't have great speed. Rolle's college resume, impressive performance at the senior bowl, fact that he has stayed in top athletic condition and possess undeniable intelligence and work ethic might just push him into the second to third round.
Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
Lee follows in line of Penn States great tradition of excellent linebackers. He is one of the most talented players around but his major concern is his inability to stay healthy the past few seasons. As a sophomore he surprised many by winning the outside linebacker job and having a great season finishing with 89 tackles. His junior year was even more impressive by increasing his tackles, tackles for loss, forced fumbles and deflected passes. But going into his final year he suffered an ACL tear, forcing him to redshirt. This year he came back from the injury but switched to inside linebacker posting a solid campaign, but another concern: he missed three games due to a sprained knee. Lee is a special athlete because of his natural talent and his ability to play all the different linebacker positions in the 4-3, which is a huge upside for teams to consider. His speed does not seem to suffer greatly from his injuries because he is able to cover sideline to sideline. The injuries will be a major turnoff but if he can stay healthy he could be a steal for any team and a solid playmaker for years to come. His stock is mostly projected in the third round but he could sneak into the second round if doctors have good things to say and he impresses people at combine.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Second Round Part 2
49. San Francisco 49ers: Chad Jones, S, LSU
The 49ers need some major help at Safety. Young emerging starter Dashon Goldson looks promising, but the other side has its question marks since Mark Roman is one of the worst safeties in the league and starter Michael Lewis is turning 30 in two months and has come off a season where he suffered two concussions.
50. Kansas City Chiefs (From Atlanta): Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina
Ron Edwards is a bottom of the league starting caliber NT, if the Chiefs really hope to improve their defense then it starts in the trenches.
51. Houston Texans: Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
The Texans are finally a winning franchise but if they want to make the jump to the playoffs it will need some help beating its divisional opponents. In a division with the smartest QB in the league, Payton Manning, the Texans could use as much help in the secondary as they can get.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa
The offensive line has been a problem for the past few years, Big Ben was sacked a career high 50 times this year. If the Steelers hope to make it back to the playoffs they need to protect their franchise QB.
53. New England Patriots: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
It looks like Welker will miss the beginning of the 2010 season, having Sam Aiken starting next to Randy Moss is not a good idea. LaFell falling this far is to good to pass up and should be a great #2 target for Tom Brady.
54. Cincinnati Bengals: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
When Chad Ochocinco has to try and recruit TO to come and play with him then you know the Bengals really need help. Benn is a younger version of TO with his numerous drops and poor effort, he has the talent to be a first round draft pick but his attitude will drop him out of the first easily.
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Morgan Burnett, FS, Georgia Tech
The Eagles were used to a big play Safety in their backfield for almost a decade until last year. It was obvious the Eagles defense needs another dynamic player to fill that role.
56. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
The Packers arguably have the pieces for a championship level defense, but their elite CB, Al Harris, missed most of last season and is 35 years old and Charles Woodson is in his 30s as well. If the Packers want to see their pass defense stay on top then it is time for the youth movement.
57. Baltimore Ravens: Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, California
He is an undersized corner but he has a knack for the ball with great experience being a four year starter and backed up his performance in the Senior Bowl by impressing many.
58. Arizona Cardinals: Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Watching Kurt Warner get destroyed by the Saints defense shows why the Cardinals need to draft another Tackle. Especially since Matt Lenard is starting now he could use all the time he can get to find his duo of Pro Bowl WR.
59. Dallas Cowboys: Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts
Flozell Adams is getting old and just had a bad year overall. Like him or not, Tony Romo is a Pro Bowl caliber QB who finally won his signature playoff game. If this team is gonna make a deep run it needs to block Romo and stop committing so many stupid penalties.
60. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Tomlinson days as a charger are done, at lest in his words. I am going to assume its true and try and find a QB that can help replicate the master of the one-yard touchdown. Dwyer has a great frame and size plus combine that with his strength, combining him with Sproles could be a great duo to watch.
61. New York Jets: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Revis is considered the best CB is the league but after that it gets murky. Lito Sheppard didn't look like a Pro Bowl defensive back last year and Lowery can be a liability. Give the Jets a better #2 Corner and we could be looking at a 2000 Ravens level defense.
62. Minnesota Vikings: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
The Vikings have a top notch defensive team and one of the best pass rushes around with Jared Allen. The Vikings will love Kindles versatility to play either DE or OLB and adds yet another great piece for their team to stay dominate.
63. Indianapolis Colts: Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois
The Colts were just horrible running the ball last year, they could really use a big guy that will open up running lanes.
64. New Orleans Saints: Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
A very underrated prospect who was looking like a first-rounder till suffered a knee injury. If you watched the Super Bowl then you saw the Colts running all over the Saints defense, yes the Colts rushing game that ranked last in the league. Help stopping the run in the middle is a big need here.
The 49ers need some major help at Safety. Young emerging starter Dashon Goldson looks promising, but the other side has its question marks since Mark Roman is one of the worst safeties in the league and starter Michael Lewis is turning 30 in two months and has come off a season where he suffered two concussions.
50. Kansas City Chiefs (From Atlanta): Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina
Ron Edwards is a bottom of the league starting caliber NT, if the Chiefs really hope to improve their defense then it starts in the trenches.
51. Houston Texans: Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State
The Texans are finally a winning franchise but if they want to make the jump to the playoffs it will need some help beating its divisional opponents. In a division with the smartest QB in the league, Payton Manning, the Texans could use as much help in the secondary as they can get.
52. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kyle Calloway, OT, Iowa
The offensive line has been a problem for the past few years, Big Ben was sacked a career high 50 times this year. If the Steelers hope to make it back to the playoffs they need to protect their franchise QB.
53. New England Patriots: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
It looks like Welker will miss the beginning of the 2010 season, having Sam Aiken starting next to Randy Moss is not a good idea. LaFell falling this far is to good to pass up and should be a great #2 target for Tom Brady.
54. Cincinnati Bengals: Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
When Chad Ochocinco has to try and recruit TO to come and play with him then you know the Bengals really need help. Benn is a younger version of TO with his numerous drops and poor effort, he has the talent to be a first round draft pick but his attitude will drop him out of the first easily.
55. Philadelphia Eagles: Morgan Burnett, FS, Georgia Tech
The Eagles were used to a big play Safety in their backfield for almost a decade until last year. It was obvious the Eagles defense needs another dynamic player to fill that role.
56. Green Bay Packers: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
The Packers arguably have the pieces for a championship level defense, but their elite CB, Al Harris, missed most of last season and is 35 years old and Charles Woodson is in his 30s as well. If the Packers want to see their pass defense stay on top then it is time for the youth movement.
57. Baltimore Ravens: Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, California
He is an undersized corner but he has a knack for the ball with great experience being a four year starter and backed up his performance in the Senior Bowl by impressing many.
58. Arizona Cardinals: Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia
Watching Kurt Warner get destroyed by the Saints defense shows why the Cardinals need to draft another Tackle. Especially since Matt Lenard is starting now he could use all the time he can get to find his duo of Pro Bowl WR.
59. Dallas Cowboys: Vladimir Ducasse, OT, Massachusetts
Flozell Adams is getting old and just had a bad year overall. Like him or not, Tony Romo is a Pro Bowl caliber QB who finally won his signature playoff game. If this team is gonna make a deep run it needs to block Romo and stop committing so many stupid penalties.
60. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech
Tomlinson days as a charger are done, at lest in his words. I am going to assume its true and try and find a QB that can help replicate the master of the one-yard touchdown. Dwyer has a great frame and size plus combine that with his strength, combining him with Sproles could be a great duo to watch.
61. New York Jets: Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
Revis is considered the best CB is the league but after that it gets murky. Lito Sheppard didn't look like a Pro Bowl defensive back last year and Lowery can be a liability. Give the Jets a better #2 Corner and we could be looking at a 2000 Ravens level defense.
62. Minnesota Vikings: Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas
The Vikings have a top notch defensive team and one of the best pass rushes around with Jared Allen. The Vikings will love Kindles versatility to play either DE or OLB and adds yet another great piece for their team to stay dominate.
63. Indianapolis Colts: Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois
The Colts were just horrible running the ball last year, they could really use a big guy that will open up running lanes.
64. New Orleans Saints: Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse
A very underrated prospect who was looking like a first-rounder till suffered a knee injury. If you watched the Super Bowl then you saw the Colts running all over the Saints defense, yes the Colts rushing game that ranked last in the league. Help stopping the run in the middle is a big need here.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Second Round Part 1
33. St. Louis Rams: Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida
The Rams have drafted their supposed Quarterback of the future, next they will need to look to improve their sad defense. Dunlap is a first round talent that I have falling to the second only because of his DUI and suspension. This shouldn't be a problem for a team that had Leonard Little who was charged for DUI twice and killed someone the first time, not to mention Little is 35 years old about time to find a replacement.
34. Detroit Lions: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
No surprise that the teams picking first had some of the worst defenses this past season. The Lions would love to go back to having a secondary like the days they had Dre Bly; after a great Senior Bowl Wilson has become in my mind the third best CB and gives Lions another solid defensive player.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
Buccaneers passed on drafting a stud DT to pick a stud safety. This time they will address the much needed position with a prospect that quietly had a monster year at Texas and is worthy of the second round label.
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
Chiefs got their franchise LT but still are not complete in improving their line. Pouncey, the best center in the draft fills another need and will help protect their prized Quarterback.
37. Washington Redskins: Jason Fox, OT, Miami
This is a somewhat risky pick because the Skins are reaching for a player coming off of surgery but I think Fox is the best tackle prospect on the board and the Skins will realize that. Fox has the size, experience and potential that they cannot pass up to have blocking their QB of the future.
38. Cleveland Browns: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
Both of the Browns ends are in their 30s, time to continue the youth movement on the defensive side of the ball. His versatility of being capable to play DE or DT based on the 3-4 or 4-3 scheme will make him an attractive player.
39. Oakland Raiders: Mike Johnson, G, Alabama
First Team All-American, Mike Johnson, helps to fix an offensive line that guards are in their 30's and one was even cut by the Bills. His outstanding run blocking would help a team loaded with running backs and he has the versatility to play either guard position and right tackle if need be.
40. Seattle Seahawks: Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
Julius Jones is a pathetic excuse for a starting running-back, earning a lowly 3.7 yards per carry last year and if you know who Justin Forsett is congratulations you know the most mediocre RB group in the league. Best is a brilliant athletic prospect with his quick feet and elusiveness but he isn't a great blocker and isn't powerful at all combine that with backs are a dime a dozen now he drops to the second round.
41. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
Senior Bowl MVP helped his draft stock with a strong performance constantly penetrating into the backfield. But don't be surprised if he sneaks into the first round, but here he fits perfectly with the Bills who just hired a defensive coordinator that will transition their defense to the 3-4, which he would play OLB in that scheme and is his best fit.
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago): Damian Williams, WR, USC
Possibly the best route-runner in the draft, Williams could be a reciever that comes in and immediately contributes to a team that needs help at the position. Antonio Bryant could replicate his phenominal 2008 season and Michael Clayton hasn't done anything significant in five years, it is about time to give Josh Freeman some help.
43. Miami Dolphins: Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
After hopefully solving their receiver problem the Dolphins address their LB situation by planning for the future. Long time league starter, Akin Ayodele, isn't getting any younger and Channing Crowder is coming off an injury.
44. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville): Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State
Off field issues will hurt his draft stock, but falling to the patriots will only be beneficial seeing how Belichick can make almost any player look great (see Tully Banta-Cain). Great news is this pick fits one of the Patriots biggest needs.
45. Denver Broncos: Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane
After passing on Bryant the Broncos will need to address their receiving core by giving Royal an additional teammate besides Brandon Stokley. After dealing with prima-dona, last name Marshall, there is no way they pick Arrelious Benn. LaFell is another option but Williams offers more to the table with his multidimensional play, something McDaniels may love.
46. New York Giants: Nate Allen, S, South Florida
Watching the Giants defensive backs try to cover wide-receivers made me sick to my stomach. Allen has good size and a knack for making interceptions, anything right now would be an upgrade over what the Giants made us suffer through last year.
47. New England Patriots: Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
Another need for the patriots solved? Check. The Patriots defense has clearly dropped off from being Super Bowl caliber but with addition of Bowman and Ghee the future could be bright. Ghee is a good corner who could probably come in and automatic become their nickle corner if not starter.
48. Carolina Panthers: Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson
Julius Peppers seems destined to leave, after trading to draft Everett Brown they will look to fill the void on the other side of the line. Sapp might be a little undersized to play DE but he is a great pass-rushing specialist which would help after losing their best pass-rusher and has the versatility to adjust to a 3-4 defense and play OLB.
The Rams have drafted their supposed Quarterback of the future, next they will need to look to improve their sad defense. Dunlap is a first round talent that I have falling to the second only because of his DUI and suspension. This shouldn't be a problem for a team that had Leonard Little who was charged for DUI twice and killed someone the first time, not to mention Little is 35 years old about time to find a replacement.
34. Detroit Lions: Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
No surprise that the teams picking first had some of the worst defenses this past season. The Lions would love to go back to having a secondary like the days they had Dre Bly; after a great Senior Bowl Wilson has become in my mind the third best CB and gives Lions another solid defensive player.
35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas
Buccaneers passed on drafting a stud DT to pick a stud safety. This time they will address the much needed position with a prospect that quietly had a monster year at Texas and is worthy of the second round label.
36. Kansas City Chiefs: Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida
Chiefs got their franchise LT but still are not complete in improving their line. Pouncey, the best center in the draft fills another need and will help protect their prized Quarterback.
37. Washington Redskins: Jason Fox, OT, Miami
This is a somewhat risky pick because the Skins are reaching for a player coming off of surgery but I think Fox is the best tackle prospect on the board and the Skins will realize that. Fox has the size, experience and potential that they cannot pass up to have blocking their QB of the future.
38. Cleveland Browns: Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern
Both of the Browns ends are in their 30s, time to continue the youth movement on the defensive side of the ball. His versatility of being capable to play DE or DT based on the 3-4 or 4-3 scheme will make him an attractive player.
39. Oakland Raiders: Mike Johnson, G, Alabama
First Team All-American, Mike Johnson, helps to fix an offensive line that guards are in their 30's and one was even cut by the Bills. His outstanding run blocking would help a team loaded with running backs and he has the versatility to play either guard position and right tackle if need be.
40. Seattle Seahawks: Jahvid Best, RB, Cal
Julius Jones is a pathetic excuse for a starting running-back, earning a lowly 3.7 yards per carry last year and if you know who Justin Forsett is congratulations you know the most mediocre RB group in the league. Best is a brilliant athletic prospect with his quick feet and elusiveness but he isn't a great blocker and isn't powerful at all combine that with backs are a dime a dozen now he drops to the second round.
41. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
Senior Bowl MVP helped his draft stock with a strong performance constantly penetrating into the backfield. But don't be surprised if he sneaks into the first round, but here he fits perfectly with the Bills who just hired a defensive coordinator that will transition their defense to the 3-4, which he would play OLB in that scheme and is his best fit.
42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Chicago): Damian Williams, WR, USC
Possibly the best route-runner in the draft, Williams could be a reciever that comes in and immediately contributes to a team that needs help at the position. Antonio Bryant could replicate his phenominal 2008 season and Michael Clayton hasn't done anything significant in five years, it is about time to give Josh Freeman some help.
43. Miami Dolphins: Daryl Washington, ILB, TCU
After hopefully solving their receiver problem the Dolphins address their LB situation by planning for the future. Long time league starter, Akin Ayodele, isn't getting any younger and Channing Crowder is coming off an injury.
44. New England Patriots (from Jacksonville): Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State
Off field issues will hurt his draft stock, but falling to the patriots will only be beneficial seeing how Belichick can make almost any player look great (see Tully Banta-Cain). Great news is this pick fits one of the Patriots biggest needs.
45. Denver Broncos: Jeremy Williams, WR, Tulane
After passing on Bryant the Broncos will need to address their receiving core by giving Royal an additional teammate besides Brandon Stokley. After dealing with prima-dona, last name Marshall, there is no way they pick Arrelious Benn. LaFell is another option but Williams offers more to the table with his multidimensional play, something McDaniels may love.
46. New York Giants: Nate Allen, S, South Florida
Watching the Giants defensive backs try to cover wide-receivers made me sick to my stomach. Allen has good size and a knack for making interceptions, anything right now would be an upgrade over what the Giants made us suffer through last year.
47. New England Patriots: Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest
Another need for the patriots solved? Check. The Patriots defense has clearly dropped off from being Super Bowl caliber but with addition of Bowman and Ghee the future could be bright. Ghee is a good corner who could probably come in and automatic become their nickle corner if not starter.
48. Carolina Panthers: Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, Clemson
Julius Peppers seems destined to leave, after trading to draft Everett Brown they will look to fill the void on the other side of the line. Sapp might be a little undersized to play DE but he is a great pass-rushing specialist which would help after losing their best pass-rusher and has the versatility to adjust to a 3-4 defense and play OLB.
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