Diesel's Draft Analysis

2011 NFL Draft Day 3

2011-04-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

2011 NFL Draft Day 3

2011 NFL Draft Day 2

2011-04-29T16:37:00.000-05:00

2011 NFL Draft Day 2

2011 NFL Draft- Live Coverage

2011-04-28T18:12:00.001-05:00

Live Coverage of the NFL Draft- Day One

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 3 (picks 81-97)

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81. Oakland Raiders- DeMarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami

So I’m being a bit of a smart ass here by having the Raiders make somewhat of a reach for the guy who ran the fastest 40 time at the combine. The thing is, this is typical of how Al Davis does things. With a need at CB, this makes the pick make that much more sense as well. Van Dyke is very raw, but some will point to Sam Shields of the Packers who went undrafted last year and ended up being a major contributor in the playoff run. You can’t coach speed, and Van Dyke has this in spades, so the risk/reward actually makes a bit of sense here even if I intended this to be a bit of a joke.

82. San Diego Chargers- Akeem Dent, ILB, Georgia

This is a tough call as a speed WR like Edmond Gates would be a solid addition at a secondary need, as would a TE like Tennessee’s Luke Stocker. But both these guys aren’t going to have the potential to make an immediate impact like Dent can. This is a team with some holes and weakness at the ILB spot, and Dent is your two down plugger who can really impact the run game. He’s not the best in pass coverage, but he won’t be needed for this. He has the bulk to take on blockers well, shed them, and make the play, and this is what this team does not have on its roster right now. If not Dent, I could very well see this be another ILB prospect like Quan Sturdivant of UNC or Nate Irving of NC State.

83. New York Giants- Nate Irving, MLB, North Carolina State

I like Irving a bit more than most draft experts because I think he has better upside than the remaining prospects at this position. Irving is very athletic with good speed and very good strength at the point of attack. The Giants absolutely need to come away from the first three rounds with some help on the OL and help at LB, and in this scenario they have been able to do this. I would be willing to bet Irving is a day on starter when it’s all said and done, and he will fit very well in the Perry Fewell Cover-2 defense.

84. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Marcus Gilbert, OL, Florida

Gilbert is a very good value pick at this point as he has versatility to play both OG spots and RT. While grabbing another skill position player like a TE or a RB to help spell over achieving rookie LeGarrett Blount, The Bucs know they must continue to build this team in the trenches. Gilbert could definitely go higher than this as some feel he can definitely play RT in the NFL. I’m a bit more on the fence as I think he may struggle on the exterior but will be very good on the interior. Gilbert is still a very good value pick this late in the third round.

85. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah

Burton is one of those corners who could go a lot higher depending on how a defensive coordinator looks at him. Burton can have a tendency to gamble and try to get his hands on the ball, which can leave him vulnerable to double moves and fakes. So the team that takes him is more than likely going to be an aggressive defense that wants their corners to press their man, be physical, and do what they can to get to the ball in the air. This fits the Eagles MO to a tee, so Burton to me is a very logical choice. I fully expect the Eagles to address the cornerback position at some point in the first two days, and depending on who falls in the first, this may be their top overall choice (not this player, but this position).

86. Kansas City Chiefs- Stefen Wisniewski, OC/OG, Penn State

After mentioning his name many times in the past two rounds, I finally have Wisniewski coming off the board. I think too many people are focusing on his 2010 season where he moved back to guard and wasn’t as effective in my opinion. I think he’s best suited as a center, and he looked very good there in 2009. The Chiefs absolutely need to improve at the hub position, and Wisniewski can come in and start immediately. Being that I mentioned his name so many times, I do think he could go much higher than this, but this is a solid value and about where he should slot.

87. Indianapolis Colts- Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington

I will readily admit, I have not seen any Eastern Washington film. I have read Jones’ stats though, and saw his eye popping results from his Pro Day, and I think it’s enough to throw him in here to the Colts. Jones has not played against top competition, except he did light up Nevada for 145 yards rushing this season, which makes me believe he can do this at the next level. 4.3 speed in the 40 is just tough to come by, especially when paired with production at the college level (even though it’s not the major college level). There are more recognized players like Kansas St’s Daniel Thomas, but I worry about his ability to hold on to the ball consistently. The Colts don’t need a feature back, they need a situational guy who can come in and make for yet another weapon a defense has to account for. That’s what Jones brings to the table.

88. New Orleans Saints- Clint Boling, OG, Georgia

The Saints could very well address the RB position, but I just don’t think they have to do this at this point. They have three serviceable guys already on their team, so adding another body to the rotation just isn’t a priority. The Saints could definitely lose Pro Bowl OG Carl Nicks (and an all time personal favorite of mine) to free agency as it’s not fiscally responsible to pay two top OGs when you already have the highest paid guard in football on the other side of the center in Jhari Evans. Boling played OT at Georgia, but he’s not athletic enough to play in space on the outside. He’s a good run blocker though and can transition easily to playing on the inside. He has enough experience and talent to start right away as well.

89. San Diego Chargers- Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee

I considered Stocker with the 82nd pick, but went with the better value of an ILB instead, but he’s still here at the 89th pick. Stocker is not a vertical threat in the passing game, he’s more of a throw back traditional inline TE. He’s a solid blocker with good size, and he’s a very good short to intermediate passing option. Nevada’s Virgil Green is more similar to current All Pro Charger Antonio Gates in that he’s a raw athlete who is effective as a deep seam stretcher. So I think getting a complimentary TE is a smarter thing to do at this point.

90. Baltimore Ravens- Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada

Yes, Moch is very much a straight line speed rusher, but he’s the versatile weapon this defense could use to help Terrell Suggs get after the QB. Fresno State’s Chris Carter is a bit more polished as a rush OLB, but his ceiling is not nearly as high as Moch’s. Those that have him going higher than this are buying a bit too much into his stellar combine performance. He’s a very good athlete, but he has a lot more to prove as a football player. A complimentary RB like Kendall Hunter of Oklahoma State is a smart selection for value, but there are complimentary running backs to be had in rounds four or five. Pass rushers are always a commodity, and even though I think Moch needs a year or two of coaching to maximize his potential, he has the athletic skill set you can’t teach.

91. Atlanta Falcons- Virgil Green, TE, Nevada

With future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzales contemplating retirement this off-season, the Falcons have to come away from this draft with at least one pass catching TE eveni f it’s simply for depth. Green is very fast, but is not ideal size as an inline blocker. He’s the typical pass catching threat that the new wave of TEs coming out of the college game these days. If Green had more consistent hands, he could go as high as the second round. If TE is not the pick here, then a CB like Colorado’s Jalil Brown would be solid; as would a back up RB like Kendall Hunter or Daniel Thomas.

92. New England Patriots- Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian

A RB might be a higher rated value at this point, but this is the kind of luxury the Patriots can take with the quantity of picks they have. Johnny Knox has proven Abilene Christian WRs can transition to the pro game quick enough, and Gates is even faster than Knox is. New England hasn’t had that true deep ball threat at the WR position since Randy Moss left, so they can transition Gates in easily to the offense by running a limited amount of plays with him where he can just run down the field and pull the top off of the defense.

93. Chicago Bears- Tyler Sash, SS, Iowa

This may not be the kind of pick Bears fans want to see, but I really like Sash. He’s instinctive, tackles well, and he has experience dropping back into coverage over the deep middle. He won’t have to start right away, but he can be the heir apparent for Chris Harris, as well as provide yet another key special teams player. I was tempted to take an OL like Lehigh’s Will Rackley, but I’m not as sold on him as others seem to be. He just did not perform well enough in the Shrine Game for me to think he’s as good as other media outlets are claiming (I like other OGs like Andrew Jackson of Fresno St better in the 5th round or so). Sash is simply a very good value here, and it’s not worth reaching for another position of need.

94. New York Jets- Chris Carter, OLB, Fresno State

Carter played DE for the majority of his college career, but moved to the OLB spot part time last season to prove he can play with his hand off the ground. Carter is a solid pass rusher, but he impressed me this season by showing he has the ability to drop into coverage if needed. He’s the bigger style of OLB the Jets tend to like, and he’s experienced and proven, which makes him worth this spot even if he’s not a double digit sack potential player.

95. Pittsburgh Steelers- Will Rackley, OL, Lehigh

Typical Steelers pick to take a value player at this spot, and he happens to fit a need. Even though I’m not sold on Rackley, I think this is a good spot for him to go where he can be surrounded by veteran players to help teach him the things he missed by not playing at a top level college program.

96. Green Bay Packers- Jah Reid, OT, Central Florida

The Packers have no real desperate needs, and although an OLB prospect would be good, I don’t see the value at this point. Reid is a bit of an unknown, but he looked very good at the Shrine game. He’s very big, and strictly a RT prospect as I think he’s too tall to play inside at OG, but with some time he might be a very solid starting RT. He’s bigger than what the Packers typically have right now in their OTs, but that’s a good thing.

97. Carolina Panthers- Jordan Cameron, TE, USC

Cameron is similar to Miami’s Jimmy Graham last year. He was a former basketball player who still has his best football years ahead of him. He’s a good athlete, he understands body position, and he’s a very good pass catcher. He needs time to fully develop, but he can learn under Shockey for a couple years. He’ll never be anything more than a serviceable blocker, but so be it.

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 3 (picks 65-80)

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65. Carolina Panthers- Jerrell Jernigan, WR/KR, Troy

If I had to bet, I would say Jernigan goes higher than this because of his return skills. I have let him slip here though because I do feel the rules change to move kick offs up will really hurt the value of return guys like Jernigan. I’m a bit concerned about Jernigan’s size as I feel he may be relegated to the slot position only. But this is a team that needs depth at the WR position and some game breaking speed. Jernigan is fast and quick, meaning he can get open in the short area and break that for a long gain. Colin Kaepernick is sitting there staring the Panthers in the face, but he’s not a better prospect than Jimmy Clausen in my opinion. Or if he is, he’s not better enough to warrant skipping over a need that is just as big. Another DL wouldn’t hurt, and the value is there with some solid DTs on the board still, but I think that not having the second round pick forces the need to address the offense here. If Jernigan or an equivalent receiver weren’t there with this pick, I’d scoop up Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks and be very happy.

66. Cincinnati Bengals- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU

At this point of the draft I’m starting to take advantage of what I consider the value picks, and I’m throwing needs out the window to an extent. Nevis was outstanding in 2009, and to me looked simply average in 2010. He flashed at times, but nothing like what I saw in 2009 when I thought he very well could be a first round pick. Depending on why this happened, Nevis very well could go higher than this, but I think this is the right spot balancing out his career as a whole. The Bengals need some juice in the pass rush from the interior and Nevis can bring thing this to the table. While I wouldn’t argue with a running back like Shane Vareen of Cal or Dion Lewis of Pitt, they have to get some help n the defensive side of the ball, and Cedric Benson can be resigned to be the lead back on offense.

67. Denver Broncos- Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin

Some people are more sold on Kendricks and some of the other TE prospects in this draft, but outside of Rudolph, I’m not buying into any of them before the third round at the earliest. Kendricks is never going to be a blocker, but the Broncos already have those guys on the roster. They need a pass catching speed TE who can help stretch the field. This is what Kendricks does well, and it’s the perfect fit of value and need at this point. I do believe that if Kaepernick is still on the board as he is in my mock, Elway and the lot may look very hard at taking him if they agree with me and don’t believe Tebow is the answer. The only problem there is he’s a project QB as well, so is it really worth it to try again with someone you just don’t know will be your QB of the future? I don’t think so, that’s why I add some punch to the offense with a seam stretching TE.

68. Buffalo Bills- Orlando Franklin, OL, Miami

The Bills really need a franchise LT, but they weren’t going to get one at any of their picks before this. And they still aren’t getting one in Franklin. What they do get is a very good value for a player who could potentially be their day one starting RT, or at worse will be one of their starting OGs. I think the Bills almost have to address the OL here, so it’s down to who they feel fits their needs best. It’s possible they could go with a player like Indiana’s James Brewer, who I think has the feet to play LT but needs some time in the weight room to fill out and become a better run blocker. Or they could go with an OC/OG combo player like Wisniewski. I think either way you slice it, they will get a solid lineman

69. Arizona Cardinals- Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada

You can start the rude comments now, as I am sure I will hear the ‘if they weren’t drafting a project in the first two rounds, why now?’ My answer to that is because it’s the third round! Getting a project QB here is much more palatable to me than the rounds before. Add to that the fact that while he is a project, he has much greater potential than the other QBs on the Arizona roster. They still should sign a veteran, but Kaepernick is your QB of the future and Skelton is potentially a very good back up of the future or a bargaining chip moving forward like Kevin Kolb is now for the Eagles. I almost went with a bigger need on the OL for the Cards, but this is just too good of a value at this point. I really don’t think Kaepernick will ever be a franchise QB, but he has the potential to be as good as the other guys drafted before him. I just feel he has the most to work on as he has to learn to play under center and he needs to tweak his awkward throwing motion.

70. Cleveland Browns- Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida

The Browns have some options here at several positions of need. McClain is a solid fit though as they are still missing an interior pass rushing threat at the DT position. McClain really stood out at the Shrine game against top competition, enough so to get an invite to the Senior Bowl last minute, where he also looked good in limited action. McClain isn’t great against the run because his game is built on penetrating and disrupting plays in the backfield. He can have the tendency to turn his shoulders to get through the seams to get into the backfield, which can cause blockers to get to the second level easier. A solid LB like Miami’s Colin McCarthy wouldn’t be a bad idea either, but I think the trenches need to be built up first before LB is looked into. A solid RT prospect like Florida’s Marcus Gilbert or James Brewer would fit and could start right away, but there is still some depth at this spot to get someone in the next round. Now, a RB would also be a very good value, but the Browns have to hope last year’s second rounder Montario Hardesty is healed up and ready to back up Peyton Hillis.

71. Dallas Cowboys- Colin McCarthy, ILB, Miami

As you’ve read in the positional breakdowns, I’m one of McCarthy’s biggest fans. ILB is not a huge need for the Cowboys, but it’s a position where they need to add some young talent to eventually pair with up and comer Sean Lee. McCarthy is a perfect fit as an ILB in the 3-4 as he’s not the biggest or fastest guy, but he’s instinctive and knows how to play the position. Even if he’s not a starter right away, he’s going to make a big splash on special teams. I had a tough time with this pick though as an OG like Georgia’s Clint Boling would be a very good fit, as would a solid back up NT like Kenrick Ellis. But at the end of the day, I think this is a solid fit for value and also for need.

72. New Orleans Saints- Jarvis Jenkins, DT, Clemson

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Jenkins is long gone before this point. And while this may not be the best fit as he’s similar in style of play as Sedrick Ellis, the value is far too great to pass him up. He’ll be a rotational player, and that’s what this team needs, depth on the DL and interior guys who can rush the passer. Jenkins can do this. He stood out in the games I saw when watching Da’Quan Bowers, and stood out in a good way. Jenkins holds up well in the run game, but he has very quick hands and can get off blocks and get after the passer when needed. There are some top notch RBs here as well, and I would not argue with going that direction, but there will still be solid complimentary type RBs when the Saints are next on the clock.

73. Houston Texans- Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton

I’ve said it countless times but true 3-4 or zero-technique nose tackles are very hard to find. Using that logic, you may wonder why Ellis has slipped this far if he has the ability to play the position. There are two reasons why I have Ellis falling a little lower than some others may. First of all, he has some off-the-field concerns with his character. He was kicked off of Penn State’s team and that is why he played at Hampton. Second, he is a bit taller than you would ideally like in a true NT prospect. A true NT is ideally short and squat and can use leverage and size to hold the point. Ellis is a bit more like the Cowboys Jay Ratliff in that he’s taller and more athletic, so he will also provide more movement skills in getting to the passer. Ellis is plenty big though, and very strong and thick through his lower body, so I am confident he can play the position. This is a lot of effort put into the defensive side of the ball for the Texans, but they are missing some key pieces to make the 3-4 defensive transition. Ellis provides the main cog to make this work as the run stuffer up the middle. The only thing else that could be added is safety help, but that’s something they can look into within the next few rounds. Houston would have to be extremely pleased if the first three rounds shook out this way.

74. New England Patriots- Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa

So this may be the first real surprise for some of you in my mock draft. With the surplus of picks in each of these first three rounds, the Patriots can make a bit of a future investment without worrying about forsaking other positions. Stanzi isn’t flashy, but I think you could probably say that about Brady when he left college as well. The Pats don’t really have a solid back up plan should Brady go down to injury again, so it makes sense to take Stanzi at this point than risk waiting and hoping he will fall to a later pick. Stanzi has a good enough arm, he has good size, and he’s a decent athlete. There are no discussions here about his role, he’s the back up and future QB at best, and his job is to hold a clip board and learn from one of the best in the game. Since there aren’t many other needs this team has to address, the only other option to me is Wisniewski as a back up center. So yes, the QB trumps this here in value.

75. Detroit Lions- James Brewer, OT, Indiana

The Lions are sitting pretty here as they can take their pick of a variety of players at positions of need. I would rate OT as a slightly bigger need, so that’s why I take a shot on Brewer. I don’t think Brewer is ready to start right away, but he may not have to. The Lions have a decent OL as is, but Jeff Backus could extend his career by moving inside to guard in the next two seasons. Getting Brewer a year of coaching and putting on some more weight and added strength could mean he can take over next year as the starting LT and Backus can move in to guard. Worst case scenario, he’s a valuable swing tackle back up should either starter go down. The only other pick worth the value right now would be a RB, and there are plenty of good options available.

76. San Francisco 49ers- Shane Vereen, RB, California

I think the 9ers have a tough call here between a pass rushing OLB like Dontay Mach of Nevada or Chris Carter of Fresno State and one of the top RBs on the board like Vereen. I almost chose DeMarco Murray of Oklahoma here because of his ability to catch passes in the new WC offense being installed, but I just think Vareen is a better overall prospect with fewer miles on his tires. I’ll pass on the OLB because these are project players anyway, so I’d rather get a player who can transition easily and make an impact right away. Yes, Frank Gore is still on the team, but his injury history scares me and this team has no one else behind him. Vereen is a solid running back with very good long speed and size for a shorter back. He reminds me a bit of MJD of the Jags, which is high praise, but I do think he has some potential to make that kind of impact based on the physical and playing characteristics.

77. Tennessee Titans- Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville

The Titans have options here, but this team needs players to defend the top passing teams in its division. Cortland Finnegan is solid on one side, but that’s about where this starts and ends. Patrick isn’t a big name player at this position, but he’s solid. His technique is very good, which is what helps him be in good position to make plays. He’s not quite the athlete you want in an elite corner, but he’s scrappy and fits this team’s profile well. If the team feels that WR Kenny Britt’s offseason antics are enough to worry about his eligibility for next season with a looming suspension, then a WR like Austin Pettis of Boise State or Edmund Gates of Abilene Christian.

78. St. Louis Rams- DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma

Steven Jackson can only take the mass amount of carries he gets per year for so long before becoming less effective or breaking down completely. Drafting Murray will hopefully help extend his career, and it also reunites him with former teammate Sam Bradford. Murray is one of the better receiving backs I have seen come out of college, and this is a team that could use some options in the passing game. The only concern I have with Murray is his upright running style, as it can lead to injury. The good thing is he’s not going to be asked to carry the load on this team, just do what he does best.

79. Miami Dolphins- Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh

Lewis had a very good close to his season with a solid bowl game, but 2010 was not nearly as successful for Lewis as 2009. I give him the benefit of the doubt though as there was not much of a passing game to speak of on this offense. Lewis is shifty, runs with very good balance, and at times reminded me of a young Barry Sanders. The Dolphins have publicly stated that they want a smaller scat back type, and Lewis fits this mold. It’s a need, and he will get carries right away behind a very good offensive line. Yes, a center would also be a very solid pick and Wisniewski is still on the board, but I think RB is a bigger need and a better value here.

80. Jacksonville Jaguars- Kelvin Sheppard, MLB, LSU

The Jags could use a physical presence behind a very stout DL, and Sheppard is a true thumper up the middle. The Jags need to be more physical against the run, and Sheppard isn’t as good against the pass, but there are already players of that ilk on the Jags roster. A corner or safety would be solid but the value is simply not there. Sheppard is a bit under the radar because he’s not the most athletic player, but he’s NFL ready.

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 2 (picks 49-64)

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49. Jacksonville Jaguars- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland

While I’m not a huge fan of Smith, I think this is a solid value in the middle second round. Smith is still a bit raw in terms of his overall polish at the WR position, and I don’t like his tendency to body catch at times, but he has a good deal of potential to work with. The Jags simply do not have a threat at the WR position right now with Sims-Walker being shown the door, so they need playmakers. If it wasn’t Smith, it would have been Boise State’s Titus Young. Young is a bit smaller than you like in an outside receiver, and Mike Thomas is a good enough slot receiver, so a perimeter threat like Smith is more ideal. A corner or safety are bigger needs for the Jags, but the value just is not commensurate with this selection. Some people may say a developmental QB like Nevada’s Colin Kaepernick would be smart, but I just don’t see him a viable long term solution, so I’d wait for somewhere in the third round to consider him.

50. San Diego Chargers- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina

The Chargers have a very talented team returning, and with two picks in this round and their biggest need already address in round one, they can take the best player available. To me that comes down to either Bruce Carter or Alabama OT James Carpenter. Carter is coming off of an injury, and is probably not ready to play right now, so this is more of a future benefit for San Diego. Carter has played in the 4-3, but he has the size and pas rush ability to transition fairly easily to the 3-4 OLB spot. Unlike the DE converts, he’s got experience and ability to play in space in pass coverage, so I think this is a very good fit. A starting RT like Carpenter would be great here, but there is enough depth at that spot for me to pass at this point and assume I can get a solid player in that role with the second pick the Chargers have in this round.

51. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Davon House, CB, New Mexico State

I was very tempted to go with another DE, and double up two rounds in a row at the same position, but I just don’t see how I can have the Bucs do this for two years in a row (remember, they took back-to-back DTs in last year’s draft in rounds one and two). With the recent off the field transgressions of starting corner Aqib Talib, I think the team may be moving on and cutting him because of character concerns. House is another player who I feel is flying under the radar after a subpar 2010 season due to a minor injury. With Tampa Bay, House can learn from one of the best in the business in Ronde barber, and he won’t necessarily be counted on to more than likely only play the nickel spot as a rookie. House has the length and size to be a very good press corner, and with a young and very talented defensive line starting to take shape, he will eventually be a cornerstone for this defensive backfield.

52. New York Giants- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech

Sure, the Giants have Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw on the roster, but I don’t think both will be there when the season starts. Jacobs started to show last year how big backs in the NFL simply cannot hold up long term (the last one I can think of that did was Jerome Bettis). With Bradshaw’s fumbling woes, and no history of him showing he can be the full time feature back, it’s prudent to take a very good insurance policy in Ryan Williams. He’s an ideal back to put into a rotation, and the Giants have shown the propensity to do just that. Williams is not the biggest back out there, but he’s got good speed and hits the hole hard. A linebacker would fit better for need, but the players left just aren’t worth passing over a very good talent in Williams at this point.

53. Indianapolis Colts- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

I may have waited a little too long to take Austin, but I still have some unanswered concerns with him after not playing for the entire season due to NCAA violations. I questioned his consistency play to play, and I wanted to see him work on this in 2010, but I never got to see that. So with that in mind, and considering the fact that he obviously did enough to warrant a full one year suspension, I was a bit risk weary with him as a prospect. But at this point, his reward outweighs the risks, and he’s an ideal fit for a team that needs to get bigger on both sides of the trenches. The Colts addressed the OL in the first, and they very well could keep addressing this with an assortment of bigger lineman that would help drastically improve their run blocking, but the DT spot needs some beef as well. Austin is thought of more as a pass rusher, but he’s also a very good run stopper as well. He’s very quick for his size, and he fits this scheme perfectly. If Austin is gone, then dipping back into the OL well is probably best. But USC’s Jurrell Casey is also a very good fit at DT for this defense.

54. Philadelphia Eagles- Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh

Before anyone questions this by saying that the eagles drafted a DE in the first round last year in Brandon Graham, hear me out. Graham injured his knee though late in the season, so trusting that he will be back at 100% at the start of the season is not good business. Plus, the Eagles love to run rotations of players out there at this position, so depth is key. Sheard is a very solid value at this point, and he’s slipped on my board only because of some off the field questions regarding a fight earlier in his college career. He’s a bit of a tweener player, but that’s what Philly likes for their DEs. Sheard needs to work on his strength with holding the point of attack, but what he does know well is rushing the passer. A corner is a bigger need here, but the eagles can get by with what is there, especially considering the value they can get here with upgrading their pass rush to hide the secondary deficiencies.

55. Kansas City Chiefs- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami

The Chiefs absolutely have to come away from this draft with another perimeter receiver who can take away the double coverage from breakout star Dwayne Bowe. It was clear that once teams caught on that Bowe had done enough to turn the corner and realize his potential, that they needed to focus on shutting him down and letting the other receivers beat them if they could. Well, they couldn’t. Yes, the Chiefs are a run first team, but I think that is partially because they lack another weapon in the pass game. Dexter McCluster is a gimmick player who fits better in the slot. Hankerson is the bigger perimeter player who is very solid in the short to intermediate range, which is what is missing. There are some concerns with Hankerson’s focus as he did have a decent amount of drops this year, but I don’t question his hands. I think he’s a player who will get better as a pro with a better QB throwing to him. What this also does is give Kansas City two very good red zone threats that can go up and get the jump ball in the corner of the end zone. This is a bit of a no-brainer for me with fit, need, and value.

56. New Orleans Saints- James Carpenter, OT, Alabama

I am aware that in the first round I said that the Saints have Charles Brown on the roster ready to take over if Bushrod leaves, but this is more for the RT position. Carpenter has some ability to play LT, but I don’t think he has the feet to do so. He’s a very good fit as a RT, and I also think that worst case scenario he can play some OG as well. He’s versatile, and proven against top level pass rushers at the SEC level. Some media outlets prefer the I-AA product in Villanova’s Ben Ijalana, but I prefer the player with big time college experience instead. Jurrell Casey isn’t a bad idea at DT, but he’s a bit too similar to current DT Sedrick Ellis. And Iowa’s Christian Ballard can play DE even though he played DT in college, but he’s better fit to a three man front. He would not be a bad idea though if Greg Williams plans on adding some odd man front looks this season.

57. Seattle Seahawks- Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU

As you may recall from my OL coverage, you will remember that I said Cannon is one of my personal favorites in this draft on the offensive line. The Seahawks have publicly stated, after getting rid of zone-blocking guru Alex Gibbs, that they want to build a bigger offensive line. Cannon is a mountain of a man who played tackle in college, and could possibly be tried out at RT, but is best fit inside as a guard. Putting him in next to outstanding, young, franchise level LT Russell Okung would bring back memories of the golden days of Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson. I could see connecting the dots of Jurrell Casey to his former coach in Pete Carroll, but I feel that OL is simply a much bigger need for this team at this point. Cannon could easily go lower as I don’t see many other media outlets as high on him as I am, but if my evaluation is right, he could also go higher than this.

58. Baltimore Ravens- Titus Young, WR, Boise State

It’s a bit tough for me to go with the pick I think is right here, balanced with the fact that I know how conservative the Ravens tend to draft, but Baltimore absolutely needs to add youth and speed to its receiving core. Young is not the ideal perimeter receiver as he’s a bit slight in build, but I do think he can play there and won’t have to play only in the slot. Young is quicker than fast, but that’s what allows him to gain separation from the DB and get open downfield. He’s a very good return man as well, so it’s a two-for-one value with this pick. An OT would help, even if for depth only, but that is a position that can be addressed later. Young is simply far too good of a value this late in the second round. I do think this pick should be a receiver regardless, so if Young and Hankerson are gone, don’t be surprised to see another suspended UNC player in Greg Little come off the board here.

59. Atlanta Falcons- Greg Little, WR, North Carolina

A run on WRs starts here, as there is about to be a large drop off in talent after Little goes. Troy’s Jerrel Jernigan is about the only other receiver in this tier that I would consider here, but he’s strictly a slot receiver in my opinion, and Little is more of the prototypical NFL WR. Yes, he’s rusty having not played at all last year, but I think he has potential to be one of the top four or five WRs overall when it’s all said and done. Even though I do strongly believe this, I’m worried about how the time off may have affected his progress and the fact that he also made a big enough mistake to warrant a year long suspension by the NCAA. At this point of the draft though, his risk is worth the reward. Michael Jenkins has never become the compliment to Roddy White that the Falcons needed, so they need to admit the mistake and draft someone to move on with.

60. New England Patriots- Sam Acho, DE/OLB, Texas

I’m going with a player I really like here, even if there are better players to choose with a ‘best player available’ mentality. Acho is another underrated player who seems to have been somewhat ignored in the lead up to draft day, and I feel that’s a mistake. Acho has the speed and athleticism to transition to the rush OLB spot, and he has the length and size the Pats tend to prefer at this position. Sam Acho can get after the passer, he’s smart, he has a good motor, and he’s clean off the field to boot. Iowa’s Christian Ballard is the best player available at this point, and would fit well in this defense too, but New England has already addressed this position. I can’t justify going back to the position when a player I like an awful lot at another position of need is still on the board.

61. San Diego Chargers- Ben Ijalana, OL, Villanova

This shakes out just as I expected where San Diego was able to address DE and OLB with their first two picks, and can still come back and get a potential starter at RT in Ijalana with their third pick in the first two rounds. I am weary not only of the level of competition Ijalana played against, but also the fact that he had to delay his personal workouts due to having double hernia surgery. That’s not a long term issue, but it’s still enough to make me wonder if there is some kind of medical concern with him. If he’s clean medically, this is a decent spot for him to fall to as he won’t necessarily be forced into starting right away unless he earns it. Ijalana has the elements you look for in a prototypical tackle though as he’s big enough and has the long arms to play the position. The games I saw him play, he dominated the competition he played against. But that is a big difference between the big time guys at the next level. It would have been great to see him play at the Senior Bowl, as he could have proven doubters like me wrong by showing well against the top Seniors in the game, but the injury prevented this. He’s worth the gamble here though.

62. Chicago Bears- Jurrell Casey, DT, USC

I’m slightly shocked Casey is still available, but he’s a perfect fit as a three-technique, even though he’s big enough to play the 4-3 nose spot as well. I’m confident that if the Bears give Henry Melton a chance, he will be a very good impact pass rusher at this position. But Melton is not big enough to hold up over an entire game, so the Bears need someone for the rotation that is talented enough to contribute immediately. Casey has shown flashes, but I was a bit surprised he came out early as I felt he needed more time to improve, so he will get that training and experience on the job. The value is simply too high at this point to look elsewhere, especially since it’s also a position of need. Christian Ballard could fit this role as well, and so would LSU’s Drake Nevis, but I rate Casey higher than those two so he’s my pick. If none of those players are available, then I’d love to see a center or guard as the pick here with either Penn State’s Stefen Wisniewski or Miami’s Orlando Franklin. If a big, physical WR like Greg Little is here, I’d be very tempted to pull the trigger on a secondary need due to the value and fit for what is missing at that position for the Bears.

63. Pittsburgh Steelers- Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa

This is true Steelers through and through as they can sit back and just take the best player available. I would say Pittsburgh needs to upgrade at the DE spot, but it’s not as big of a need as addressing the OL or CB spot. The problem is I don’t see a value at the OL position that overrules taking a much better value at this point in the draft. Ballard played mostly as a DT at Iowa, but did play some on the outside. He’s not big enough to hold up as a DT in a 4-3, he’s not quick enough to play the DE spot in that scheme, which makes him ideal as a five-technique DE in the 3-4. He can fit immediately into the rotation and he will eventually take over as the long term starter with going on third year pro Ziggy Hood at the other spot. If Ballard is gone, I could see a NT prospect like Kenrick Ellis of Hampton. Or alternatively I could see an OL like Clint Boling of Georgia or James Brewer of Indiana.

64. Green Bay Packers- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami

This pick came down to two former Hurricanes: Bailey or OL Orlando Franklin. I went with bailey because I think he has more potential to provide an impact than Franklin. Bailey played some DE and some DT at Miami and he is the classic tweener type that will fit very well at DE for the Packers three man front. He’ll provide a bit more pass rush potential than the current group of players the Packers rotate in at this position, and that’s probably the best way to use his skills while he continues to mature as a football player. Bailey is an absolute physical specimen with good athletic ability, but his technique is not consistent enough. Green Bay is the perfect place for a player like him to go where he won’t be counted on to play a full time role right away and he will benefit from good coaching and situational play. Franklin would be a good fit as he can probably start at OG right away and at worst provides a good swing back up at both OG spots and at RT, but getting a player like Bailey who has a higher ceiling is a better value at the end of round two. A swing OL can easily be had in the next few rounds as there is good depth there.

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 2 (picks 33-48)

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33. New England Patriots- Danny Watkins, OG, Baylor

I know, this is not a ‘sexy’ pick whatsoever, but it’s a very Patriots-like selection. Although Watkins is older than most rookies as I have already mentioned, he’s still young in football years. He was a hockey player and did not play high school football. So in football years, he’s actually younger than what his physical age would say. Watkins is NFL ready, even though he could use more time and technique work. With the retirement of RG Stephen Neal, New England needs someone to step in and at the least provide depth on the interior. It also lets them potentially look at trading Logan Mankins if they cannot get him signed to a long term extension. A pass rusher like Brooks Reed is a solid pick here as well, but I think Reed may be available later, and a blocker like Watkins may not be.

34. Buffalo Bills- Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State

Ponder before Locker, crazy you say? I don’t think so. I think Ponder has more potential long term, and he’s more ready technique wise. Ponder is as athletic as Locker, but he’s smarter. I love smarts in a QB, and the Bills do as well as current starter Ryan Fitzpatrick is a Harvard alumnus. Ponder doesn’t need to start right away, so the nagging injuries he has had this year can be healed while he sits and learns the offense. It’s a solid selection for the future, although I could see this team liking a player like Locker and thinking along these same lines. This is not a player that will start right away, they will have time to sit and learn and work on technique, so it’s a matter of which one you like more. I like Ponder more because he’s more accurate, so that’s why I take him here.

35. Cincinnati Bengals- Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

And the run on QBs starts for me now. I do think that this run will actually happen in the bottom of the first round as some of these teams who want a QB will attempt to get in front of each other for the guy they want. The Bengals are putting in a new West Coast style offense with Jon Gruden’s brother, and they now have the horses to run it at the skill position, so they need someone to pull the trigger on it. Dalton is moving up draft boards because he’s solid if not unspectacular. He doesn’t have as good of an arm as someone like Locker, but he’s more accurate, and he fits better into the WC offense here. Even though I think Dalton could use some time before he starts, he’s more NFL ready than some of the others. So if Palmer does bolt, he can come in and start right away if need be. If it’s not Dalton, and Ponder is there, I still see him being the pick over Locker because of the accuracy issues I have seen with Locker. If the Bengals go another direction other than QB, then I could see a FS like Rahim Moore of UCLA or a DT like Stephen Paea as a very good value pick here. Or if the Bengals don’t re-sign free agent CB Jonathan Joseph, then Brandon Harris is a smart pick here as well.

36. Denver Broncos- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

I’m a bit shocked I have let Paea slip this far as I am a huge fan of his. Now, before you start to knock me and say it’s because I am falling for the workout warrior who set the combine bench press record, so see what I said about him last season before I knew he was as strong as a damn horse. I think Paea is being mislabeled because of this record now as a ‘hold the point’ type of run stuffer. But if you watch him play, he’s anything but that. Paea makes his living by being quick off the ball and penetrating into the backfield to disrupt the flow of an offense. Yes, his outstanding upper body strength helps him do this, but it’s not his only asset. He’s exactly what is missing from this Broncos DL, and he’d be an immediate starter and impact player. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Paea gone in the top 25-30 picks either, so this might be a long shot to happen anyway.

37. Cleveland Browns- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame

The Browns could really use an elite receiver, but the guys available at this point are far too similar to the players they already have on their roster. And they are also players who potentially will be available in the third round. The only exception may be Jonathan Baldwin, but there are a few other players at other positions that I think are more valuable. I actually don’t think it’s an elite receiver the Browns need, they just need a go-to outlet for young QB Colt McCoy. Rudolph is exactly what this offense needs. He’s the short to medium range safety valve that McCoy can rely on to make positive yardage. His injury this past season does scare me, but the risk is worth the value at this point. A CB like Brandon Harris is a good value, but it’s not a huge need for this team. I think the offense needs some help here, and Rudolph will be a solid option and a good fit for this new offense. Anther pick that may surprise some, but I think is a good fit, is Illinois LB Martez Wilson. He’s raw and doesn’t have a set position yet at either ILB or OLB, but he’s the kind of athlete this defense needs in the front seven.

38. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami

The Cardinals desperately need some help at QB, but as I said in the first round, I don’t think this is a team looking for yet another developmental QB. Now, I’m not saying John Skelton is better than Jake Locker at all, but it’s not enough difference to pass on addressing another area of need with a very good talent. Locker isn’t ready to start now, and the Cardinals need that more than anything. Getting Quinn in the first and Harris in the second now makes this an extremely formidable defense from top to bottom. I wouldn’t be surprised or shocked if they did decide to go for Locker as the second round makes a lot more sense to me value wise, but I just think it’s better to address a team that is closer to being a division winner with a corner and a veteran QB than the opposite.

39. Tennessee Titans- Jake Locker, QB, Washington

I fully expect Locker to go higher as some team will fall in love with his skill set and think they can develop him. I just don’t see it though, and I have doubts he will ever develop into an elite QB. So getting him here in the second round makes a lot more sense from a value perspective. I actually think of this in the same vein as Jimmy Clausen last year. I think they are somewhat similar players, although I do think Locker has a better attitude toward the game than Clausen, but no one thought Clausen would slip as far as he did last year either. So with that in mind, I think this seems that much more likely. The two major things that concern me with Locker are his accuracy and decision making. And I think his accuracy issue comes down to his footwork when dropping in the pocket. So that could potentially be worked on, but why isn’t it better at this point in his career development? So that does make me wonder if he can correct that. The decision making is something he will have to learn, and it’s correctable. But if he can’t correct that, he will never make it at the next level. The risk/reward finally matches for me to pull the trigger on Locker though, based on what else is left on the board. If Locker and the other QB prospects before this are off the board, then I think a LB like Martez Wilson or a corner like Curtis Brown of Texas or Ras-I Dowling of Virginia would be solid fits as well.

40. Dallas Cowboys- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA

With the Cowboys addressing the OT spot in the first, they will now be looking for either a five-technique DE or a FS. The free safety position is something the Cowboys have been struggling to fill for years now, and Moore is the kind of player that can come in and start right away. Dallas needs the centerfield type player who will stay deeper than the deepest offensive player and can make plays on the ball in the air. Some people are pointing to the corners on this defense as the ones at fault. I actually disagree and think the Cowboys have enough talent at that position right now, and would be better off filling the FS a solid talent. Moore is one of only two safety prospects I would consider in the first two rounds (Aaron Williams being the other). If the Cowboys do go the DE route, then Christian Ballard of Iowa would be a solid fit and value. Alternatively I could see Dallas deciding to bank on the versatility and athleticism of Martez Wilson, and try to find a spot to play him (they do need some youth and athleticism at the ILB spot).

41. Washington Redskins- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas

I like Curtis Brown more than some other draft experts out there, and I think he’s one of those under the radar guys who will make an immediate impact. The Redskins can technically throw the top 10 players available at all positions and throw a dart and not go wrong. This team has so many needs that it’s foolish to go with anything but the best available player. I thought long and hard about rush OLB Brooks Reed of Arizona here to pair with young star Brian Orakpo, but I think there is just a much bigger void at the CB position on this team. Brown is a clean player who is just a solid overall technician. He has great hands and plays the ball very well in the air. He’s an instant upgrade over the vastly overrated DeAngelo Hall.

42. Houston Texans- Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

I think once again I am higher on Reed than many other experts are as well. Brooks Reed is going to be transitioning to playing with his hand off the ground in this defense, but his attitude and effort on the field are what make me certain he will make an impact on this transitioning defense. The Texans now have strengthened their defensive backfield and still have walked away with an instant upgrade to their pass rushing woes. Martez Wilson may be rated higher by some people, and I will admit he has more athleticism than Reed, but it’s reed’s tenacity that sets him apart. You cannot teach the heart and effort that Reed shows on the field, and I could easily see him going in the first round. But here I feel is about ideal for the position and value.

43. Minnesota Vikings- Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh

This may seem like a luxury pick, but hear me out. Bernard Berrian stinks and Sydney Rice is a free agent that will want a fat payday. Percy Harvin is an elite level weapon, when he’s not sitting on the sidelines with a headache. So who is left to throw the ball to? That’s right, no one, so that’s why I pick Baldwin here. Building up this team’s talent from the inside out with some OL help or a new DT or DE is the smart way to go, but smart doesn’t fit the value here. Only Marvin Austin is a player I would consider here, but I still think Baldwin has the talent to be one of the best if not the best WR from this class. He’s a bit limited with the types of routes he can run, but he’ll be asked to run deep and be the Randy Moss player this team has missed since he left. That will leave the middle of the field open for Harvin, who you can leave in the slot where I feel he’s most effective. Randall Cobb of Kentucky is a very good receiving talent as well, but I think he’s too similar to Harvin. Baldwin is the bigger outside threat this team will be missing when/if they don’t resign Rice. If not Baldwin, then I do think Austin is a solid fit next to Kevin Williams now that Pat Williams will be going elsewhere. Some say DE is a bigger need with Ray Edwards being a free agent, but I think they will do what they can to resign him. If not, Brian Robison is solid enough to pass on this position at this point.

44. Detroit Lions- Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois

Wilson is one of the wildcards in the first two rounds. On one hand I think he has the untapped potential that can be unleashed by the right defensive coordinator, which will make him an outstanding NFL linebacker at any of the three positions. On the other hand I worry that he is what he has been, a very good athlete that really doesn’t have a set position and may be nothing more than a very talented athlete but a limited football player. At this point, he’s definitely the gamble on a team that needs LB help almost as much as they need help in the secondary (which they addressed in round one). With Jimmy Smith and Wilson, the Lions continue to build a very dangerous and young defense. Wilson is a lot like current MLB DeAndre Levy who is capable of playing multiple positions, so Gunther Cunningham has options for what he wants to do with both players. It’s a huge upgrade to the speed on that side of the ball though, which is needed.

45. San Francisco 49ers- Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia

The only knock I have on Dowling is his injury history, which is lengthy and a concern. But if he can stay healthy, and that’s a big if, he can be every bit as good as any of the top three to four corners taken in this draft. Like I have already brought up, upgrading the pass rush may make more sense in hiding the coverage liability that the 49ers have right now, but none of the rush OLB prospects at this point is worth the gamble. Bruce Carter of UNC would be someone I would look at very hard here, but he is also coming off an injury like Dowling, but it’s a much more recent injury than Dowling’s. It’s definitely still early in the draft for me to start gambling on risk/reward players, but this is a team in transition with a whole new coaching staff. So it’s the kind of gamble I am willing to take.

46. Denver Broncos- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois

I can almost hear Ralston yelling while reading this that the Broncos don’t need another RB. I disagree though, as Knowshon Moreno was a terrible pick from the previous regime that needs to be made a rotational back. Leshoure is the power back that will fit well in a complimentary situation, and a strong running game is something new head coach John Fox has been well known to favor. A WR like Randall Cobb would actually make a lot of sense here, but I think the Broncos need to continue to take players who can transition quickly and play now. RBs have shown over the years to be positional players that can transition very easy from college to the pros. Leshoure is no different, and comes with minimal wear on the tires. What I love most is his ball security, as he very rarely puts the ball on the ground. That’s a huge plus in my book. Attacking the defensive side once again with a DE like Jabaal Sheard of Pitt wouldn’t hurt, and neither would an OLB like Bruce Carter, but I think an offensive pick is the right way to go after already upgrading the CB and DT spot. Looking at other running backs, some like Ryan Williams of Virginia Tech more, but I don’t like his injury history at a position known for breaking down quickly (and they have that kind of player already with Moreno).

47. St Louis Rams- Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky

I could see Cobb going much higher than this as he played in relative obscurity on a not so talented Kentucky team. Cobb is very versatile, and will also be the starting kick returner for the Rams as well and provide a lot of upside in that area as a plus. I do think Cobb is probably best suited to the slot only, but he can play on the outside if needed, and that part doesn’t matter as much to me at this point. Sam Bradford needs weapons, as he made a group of afterthoughts look good, and Cobb is the most talented pass catcher left on the board.

48. Oakland Raiders- Rodney Hudson, OG/OC, Florida State

I am an unabashed fan of Hudson, and I actually think he could and should go higher than this. Many media outlets will say he’s too small, but watching the game tape doesn’t lie. Hudson has some of the best technique I have seen in an interior lineman in some time. He’s best suited to come right in at guard, but he can play center if needed as well, and that is more than likely where the Raiders will try him to start. I think Hudson is more NFL ready than any other offensive lineman other than Gabe Carimi. And I am confident that those teams that pass on him will regret this in years to come. I understand a lot of people are connecting the dots between Al Davis going with an old time favorite’s nephew in Penn State OC/OG Stefen Wisniewski (whose uncle is former Raider bad boy OG Steve Wisniewski), but to me this is typical Al Davis rhetoric of skipping over a more talented player for someone he likes better. I won’t argue that this fits the modus operandi of the league’s craziest owner, but I’m running the team in this version, and I’m not passing on the vastly more talented Rodney Hudson. With Asamough more than likely leaving as well, corner may be an area the raiders address, but the value doesn’t fit the need here.

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 1 (picks 17-32)

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I’m splitting up the selections to save on space for you to read as it’s already really long with just 16 picks.

17. New England Patriots- Cameron Jordan, DE, California

As always, the rich get richer when it comes to the Patriots. Bill Belichick can seriously flip a coin here between Jordan and Watt and come away with an immediate starter at the 5-technique DE position. I went with Jordan here because of his pedigree, as he’s the son of long time NFL TE Steve Jordan. He’s a high character player, with a high motor, who is solid against the run, solid against the pass, and is about a safe of a pick as you will find. An OT like Gabe Carimi would be an excellent choice as well, but I just value Watt and Jordan higher right now, and this is also a position of need. The Patriots could go another direction as well with DE Ryan Kerrigan and transition him to rush OLB. He does fit the type of player New England likes at this position, but Jordan doesn’t have to transition at all. He played this position in college, so he’s NFL ready.

18. San Diego Chargers- J.J Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Let the run on 5-techniques begin! I’m surprised to see Watt available here, as I could easily see him going as high as number nine overall to the Cowboys. The Chargers are fairly loaded with talent, and have only a select few holes where they could use some infusions of young talent. When looking at all of these positions (OLB, DE, OT, and ILB), Watt is the best value. I really love Watt’s motor and versatility, and he’s the type of player GM AJ Smith goes for. His best football is ahead of him, and he’s going to be the hard working type that will bring a very good return on a first round investment. The Chargers have two second round picks, and they can take advantage of the depth at those other positions and address them later.

19. New York Giants- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

So I think I am the only person who thinks that Carimi is either the top OT in this draft, or at least 1B to Tyron Smith’s 1A. Carimi allows the Giants to improve at three positions on the OL immediately. How is that so you may ask? Current LT David Diehl can move to the LG spot, which I have always felt he is better suited. Emerging young OT William Beatty can then move to RT and replace the ineffective and old Kareem McKenzie. So in one player, the team is essentially locking up and drastically improving almost their entire starting five offensive linemen. I don’t see the Giants going with anything but an offensive lineman with this pick, whether it’s one of the other OTs or an OC/OG like Mike Pouncey. I’ve seen a lot of rumors in the media say the Giants should seriously look at Mark Ingram here. While I am a big fan of Ingram, I just think a RB can be had in a later rounds, and an OT makes a lot more sense for value in the first.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

I think the Bucs would do cartwheels if the draft shakes out like this and Kerrigan is still available. I have some concerns with how he will hold up at the next level against larger OTs, but Kerrigan showed consistently over his time at Purdue that he can make plays in the backfield. It is the continuation of last year’s top two picks at DT for the Bucs in building a young, elite, front four. If Jimmy Smith were to fall I think Tampa Bay should think hard about him over the available DEs, but even if he and Kerriga are gone, then one of the other DEs like Adrian Clayborn or even one of the top OTs would be a solid value selection.

21. Kansas City Chiefs- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

This selection came down to three players for me: Taylor, Anthony Castonzo, and Pouncey. Taylor is just too hard to pass on as I believe he is a true impact 3-4 NT, and those are extremely hard to find. A tackle or guard/center can be had in any of the ongoing rounds, but true 0-technique space eaters are few and far between. Don’t believe the recent media reports that Taylor has issues with his feet, as I think that’s nothing but a smoke screen from another team hoping it will push Taylor down further so they can draft him (the Jets have to be a team hoping Taylor is there at 30 when they pick). Kansas City could also use a rush OLB as well, but I just don’t like the value for what is left on the board at this point. Taylor can start immediately and is the missing piece to this defense to really shore up their run defense.

22. Indianapolis Colts- Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

Again, I am apparently in the minority in that I don’t think Castonzo is as good as everyone is saying he is. Yes, he has the potential and ability to play LT, but he’s going to take some bumps and bruises while developing and working on refining his technique and improving his strength. Good thing is, the Colts offense is a perfect fit for an athletic tackle like Castonzo. He will be asked to come in and start immediately, which in the long run will make him better. Don’t expect a huge impact by him right away, but the Colts absolutely have to address the OT position in the first round and perhaps once again later for a solid back up. A DT like Stephen Paea is a player I really like and think fits extremely well, but protecting the best QB in the league is more paramount to Indy’s success.

23. Philadelphia Eagles- Mike Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida

The Eagles are predictable in a good way. The believe strongly in building from the line outward, and Pouncey is a solid value at this point. I do think that Mike lives a bit on his brother Maurkice’s Pro Bowl rookie season, as he’s solid but I don’t think he’s as athletically gifted as his twin brother. Mike should start out at guard, and may stay there, but he has the ability to play center as well. His versatility is what makes him valuable, and he will fit well on this Eagles OL. Center Jamaal Jackson spent a good amount of time on the disabled list last year, and LG Todd Heremans is not outstanding by any means. So Pouncey should come in and challenge foe one of those positions right away. I came every close to choosing UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers, but I think Pouncey is just a better fit for this team and for the positional value.

24. New Orleans Saints- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

The Saints have been missing an elite talent at OLB for years now, and Ayers is the kind of player who can make a huge difference for this defense. Greg Williams likes to mix fronts and blitz packages with his front seven, and Ayers is the exact kind of versatile OLB that this team does not have. Yes, a pass rushing DE like Adrian Clayborn would fit well, but I think Ayers fills a bigger void. I have seen many mock drafts that have the Saints potentially addressing the OT position as well with current LT Jermon Bushrod being a potential free agent once the lockout is sorted, but I remember that the Saints very smartly grabbed USC OT Charles Brown last year, who can take over if needed. I wouldn’t argue with Nate Solder though if he’s the pick here either.

25. Seattle Seahawks- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

I think by now most of you know I am a big fan of Clayborn’s. I know there has been a lot of talk recently about how Clayborn suffers from Erb’s Palsy and he has weakness in his left arm and shoulder. Well, I’m here to say I don’t care. Just watch tape of Clayborn play and it’s all you will need. Yes, he did not have a great 2010 campaign, but it’s not enough for me to pass him at this point in the draft. What stands out most to me with Clayborn are the splash plays he makes, which are events in a game that can change momentum. I still remember the Penn State game in 2009 where he blocked a punt, had one of the most clean sacks on a bull rush I have seen, and made more than one stop in the run game behind the line of scrimmage. Clayborn is a bigger DE as well, and that is what the Seahawks seem to prefer, and he will instantly upgrade their pass rush potential. I know some will connect the very obvious dots of in-state prospect Jake Locker to Seattle, but I just don’t think that the Seahawks need to address the QB right now. Re-sign Hasselbeck, keep Whitehurst around, and maybe look at a QB in the next round or the next draft. If it’s not Clayborn here I would think very long and hard about Nate Solder, Derrick Sherrod, or Danny Watkins to continue to improve that OL.

26. Baltimore Ravens- Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple

I would say that the glaring need for the Ravens is a CB, but at this point there is simply too much value left at secondary positions of need for this team. The Ravens love versatile defensive linemen that can line up at several spots, whether it’s a big DT that can play the nose in a four man front or slide down and play the zero-technique in a three man front, a quicker and longer DT who can slide over to play the five-technique or down to a three-technique, or the undersized DE who can also stand up and play OLB. Wilkerson fits the middle instance of a player who can rush the passer as a three-technique DT, or slide out and stuff the run when the Ravens run a three man front. There are some mocks that have Wilkerson going much higher than this, but I just don’t think he’s as game ready as some of the other players with similar styles. To me, this is the ideal value and he goes to a defense that fits him better than probably any other team in the first round. If Jimmy Smith is free falling because the character concerns are that great, I think this is the absolute farthest he will go as the Ravens have the strong locker room that can keep him in line and watch him blossom. If this same scenario pans out though and he’s not there, a CB like Brandon Harris of Miami would be a solid value for their needs as well, but I value Wilkerson higher. For me, if it’s not Wilkerson, then I look at a RT like Nate Solder or Derrick Sherrod.

27. Atlanta Falcons- Justin Houston, DE, Georgia

This one really put me on the spot as I had a tough time picking between the really dire need for a pass rushing threat like Houston or a potential RT replacement for Tyson Clabo (who is a potential free agent) in Nate Solder. What sticks in my memory is watching the Falcons get absolutely torched by Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense in the playoffs, so I go for the pass rusher who can help bridge that gap between a one-and-done playoff team and a NFC Championship contender. John Abraham is not getting any younger, and I really liken Houston to him as a player. He’s a tweener who isn’t a great fit for either a 4-3 DE or a 3-4 OLB, but I think he’s better fit with his hand on the ground and doing what he does best which is get to the passer. He won’t be asked to do much except play in a rotation and rush the passer as a rookie, which is ideal while he develops as two-way defender. Besides the above facts, the Falcons could resign Clabo and still be in decent shape on the OL, so it makes more sense to go with a player with potential at this stage of the first round.

28. New England Patriots- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

The Patriots will probably move some of the massive amount of picks they have this year, but I think they’d be better off staying where they are and addressing a few positions of need with some good young players. I count DE, OLB, OT, and RB as the positions New England would do well to address with their first four picks in the first two rounds; and they will have some very solid options at all of those picks. As much as I absolutely love Mark Ingram, I just struggle to pick a first round RB over another position that will potentially last longer career-wise. Solder is far from a polished or finished prospect, but this is the perfect situation for him. If the Pats re-sign matt Light, he can sit and learn behind him and very promising young RT Sebastian Vollmer. That should give Solder the time to get stronger and work on stopping the inside counter move. If Light is not resigned, I wouldn’t say it’s a bad idea to throw Solder at RT and Vollmer at LT and just let him learn on the fly. Solder has the athleticism to plat LT at some point in his career, and in this scenario he is given the time to do so. If Solder is gone, then I would very quickly grab mark Ingram over the next best OT (Derrick Sherrod). As for the rush OLB, that’s something that can easily be addressed with pick 33 at the top of the second round.

29. Chicago Bears- Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi St

I think I hear a collective groan from Bears fans all over as they have to settle for what looks like the fifth best OT in the draft. Could I have potentially looked at a top guard like Danny Watkins of Baylor? Sure, but he’s also a 27 year old rookie, and this is a team that needs youth and talent (especially on the edges). What I really like about Sherrod is his arm length. It’s the one knock on Chris Williams, he didn’t have the ideal long arms you look for in an OT who can lock out and ride defenders outside the pocket. Sherrod has good feet to go along with those long arms, and even if he maybe isn’t as athletic of a player as you want at LT, he can play the position. Absolute worst case scenario, Sherrod can play RT and put J’Marcus Webb back to where he should be, as a decent back up player. Although I would rate Sherrod as the fifth best OT, I think he’s the third best rub blocking tackle behind Carimi and Tyron Smith. Mike Tice loves bigger players who can maul in the run game, and he can work on protection schemes to help hide any deficiencies in their pass blocking. OL is such a gaping hole as far as need for this team that I just don’t know how they can go with another position. A CB or a DT would be a good selection, and they can get some good value here with Stephen Paea of Oregon St or Brandon Harris of Miami, but I think the need and value of Sherrod just outweigh either of those players at this point. Those people hyping DT Marvin Austin of UNC are just off base here. I like Austin, but he’s not a first rounder. And Paea is flat out a better DT than Austin is anyway.

30. New York Jets- Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

The Jets would love to see a true 3-4 nose like Phil Taylor fall here, but I don’t think he makes it this far because of his rare skill set and size. The Jets need versatile defensive players who can help get after the passer, and Heyward is a four year long favorite of mine. I think he’s being very undervalued at this point due to his off-season elbow surgery, and the Jets will be the benefactors of this. Heyward can come right in and play one of the DE spots for this hybrid 34/46 defense, and he will provide stout run stopping skills and good enough pass rushing skills as well. A high energy rush OLB like Brooks Reed of Arizona is tempting, but I think this is a position the Jets can address later on. It sounds crazy, but Mark Ingram could even be a possibility here because his value is immense at this late stage of the first round. A sleeper pick that some may think I scrazy considering what they already have at the position is Texas CB Aaron Williams. Why would that be the choice you may ask? Because Williams will be converted to FS on this team and fill a huge hole that is currently missing. But a transition player isn’t what a championship contending team needs. Heyward is the steady value presence that makes this team that much better.

31. Pittsburgh Steelers- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

I look at Williams as a two-for-one pick here for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has some very glaring needs on the OL and at CB. They have some solid prospects staring at them right here in Williams or Brandon Harris at CB or Danny Watkins at OG/RT. Williams is the pick as he can come in and play at CB immediately, and if he doesn’t work out there, he can transition to FS and help make up one of the stronger safety tandems in the entire league. Pittsburgh likes bigger corners that can be physical at the line and re-route receivers., and this is what Williams is very good at. I just worry about his slight stiffness in turning and running with faster WRs in the NFL. I’d liken him to Malcolm Jenkins of the Saints, where he should be tried at corner, and if not then stick him at FS and be very happy with your return on investment. If Heyward were available, or Sherrod, then I would easily take either of these players over Williams as they are better fits and values.

32. Green Bay Packers- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

This simply amazes me that I have gotten to the last pick of the first round and Mark Ingram is still available. I would be willing to bet a large amount of money that this does not happen. Ingram is just too good of a RB to last this long. But having said that, the fact that the feature-back type of RB is a dying breed in the NFL makes this much more likely. Even though Ingram is very good, his shelf life is probably 8 years. That doesn’t seem bad, but when you think that a CB like say Ronde Barber can play for about 13-15 years, it makes one think very hard about passing on the running back and going another direction. It pains me to say this, but the Packers do the draft right and have a very talented and young team. There are very few needs for the defending Super Bowl champs, so they can take the enviable position of drafting the best player available in each round. Don’t forget the mass amount of injuries this team ahd last year, so they have players coming back at many positions. So I think getting younger at CB, picking up another OT, another DE, a rush OLB to rotate in alongside Mathews, and possibly a RB is solid. Ingram could make what is already a potent offense close to unstoppable. Don’t give me James Starks and Ryan Grant. Can they get the job done? Sure, they proved that with the Lombardi Trophy this year. But there is a difference between getting the job done and having a potentially elite player at the position. He fits this style of offense perfectly as well, so if he’s here, there is no one I would pick over him. The rich get richer and it make me feel sick as a Bears fan.

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 1 (picks 1-16)

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I’d like to say I am so good that I only need one version of my mock draft, but the reality is I barely had time to get this one version out (let alone several). The only time I really like to do several is when free agency is happening, as it can vary the needs. I think I say this every year, but ignore all of the big sways in players moving one way or another in mock drafts. This is the season of misinformation, and teams are trying to get anything they can in the media to confuse other teams and try to get the player they want to slide to their pick. I always rely on what I have watched on film, and what perhaps the combine and pro days have confirmed from a measureable numbers standpoint. Unlike the big dogs on ESPN, I don’t have “sources” or ‘insider information’. And I don’t pick my mock drafts like I am pretending to be psychic and know what a team will do. I look at this as if I am the GM of that team and I am drafting based on who is available. I look at what the team needs, the value of the players left, the depth of the positions available, and several other minor things that factor into a decision (like is it a position that transitions quickly to the next level, or am I picking in the bottom quarter of the round and can afford a project player).

So you will notice my Mock Draft will look very different to the other media outlets. What I always pride myself on is going back in 3-5 years and seeing what I had thought was right. It usually turns out the players I thought should go higher ended up being better players. When teams get caught up in ideas like ‘positional value’ and that, it’s when you let better football players pass you by. You can’t assume you will get player X in round Y. If you like them, and they fit your scheme, and you are confident they will be better than what other people think they will be, go take them. The teams that can do this with conviction are the teams that consistently do well.

The only caveat I throw in here is I do not have detailed information on injury reports or character questions other than what is available in the media. Those are probably the two key things that will cause someone to slide when I think they should be picked higher.

Here goes nothing, feel free to post comments or stop by next Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for the Live blog coverage.

1. Carolina Panthers- Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

No QB here for me, as I just have too much risk aversion in both Gabbert and Newton to get this one wrong. QB is definitely the most important position on a team, so the value is higher, but that also means the magnitude of messing this up is so much higher. This pick won’t set back the franchise for years as Dareus is NFL ready, a clean prospect, and he’s very versatile. New head coach Chico Rivera has run both 4-3, 3-4, and even hybrid 46 defenses. He’s more than likely going to be pressing his D-coordinator to do the same. Dareus is a great fit in this regard as he can play all along the line in even and odd man fronts. He’ll make an impact from day one in a positive way, which is all that matters. The only other player I consider here is Patrick Peterson, but the Carolina defensive backfield was actually pretty good last year. I wouldn’t complain if that were the pick though.

2. Denver Broncos- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

I think Peterson is the best overall player in this draft, regardless of position. Denver could probably use front seven help on the defensive line, but Champ Bailey isn’t getting any younger, and Parrish Cox may be going to prison (look it up for more details). Peterson can come in and start immediately, and he also gives Denver a huge weapon in the punt return game. Is it a risk to put the number two overall pick in on kick returns? Sure, but it’s also bound to bring some reward when he potentially changes a loss to a win with a return TD. The only other players I consider here are Da’Quan Bowers or Robert Quinn. I skip both because I rate Peterson higher, and all three are even needs at this point. Plus he has a clean injury record, so it’s a no-brainer.

3. Buffalo Bills- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

I make this pick with some trepidation. I’m one of the few still a bit on the fence about Miller. While he improved this year, I still worry that he is more of a one-dimensional speed rusher than a complete prospect. I thought about Robert Quinn here, but I think Buffalo does not want to risk drafting another transition player who will be learning to play with his hand off the ground in a 3-4. Miller proved this year he can drop into coverage, and he’s played in a hybrid defense like this. Plus he’s good enough to play SLB if the Bills do move to more 4-3 looks. Don’t believe the hype of people saying ‘they have Merriman and Kelsay, they don’t need an upgrade on the OLB spot’. I think that’s precisely why they need an upgrade, as neither of those players strikes fear into opposing offenses any more.

4. Cincinnati Bengals- AJ Green, WR, Georgia

Gabbert and Newton are still on the board, and the Bengals need a long term option at QB even if Palmer decides to come back, but I just think it’s still not worth the risk here. I’d rather take a player like Green, and now you have a potentially lethal group of pass catching options with the late surging Jerome Simpson, Jordan Shipley in the slot, Chad Johnson potentially staying, and a healthy Germaine Gresham at TE. I really have a hard time splitting hairs between Jones and Green as I really like both. I think Jones is the best blocking WR I have seen since Hines Ward, but Green just has a feel for the position that can’t be taught and he will be a star in time. If I’m Palmer, I’d be rushing back to play with this cast of weapons to throw to, as you won’t find another team as loaded with young talent on the skill positions as they are. If they did go for Gabbert, I wouldn’t argue too much. I would argue if it’s Newton though, more on that later. If Cincinnati went with a DE like Bowers or Quinn, I would also not argue one bit.

5. Arizona Cardinals- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina

I absolutely love Robert Quinn, and I’m confident he can make the transition to OLB in a 3-4 and make a huge impact for this Cardinals team. Arizona is loaded on the defensive line, but they’ve been missing that true rush OLB for some time now. Quinn can provide that, and it’s all he will be asked to provide. With a sleeper player I liked previously (O’Brien Schofield) developing on the other side, this Cardinals front seven could very quickly be one of the most dangerous in all of the NFL. It doesn’t matter who is QB’ing, as they will be in ever game if this develops like I think it can. Drafting Newton or Gabbert here doesn’t make much sense to me. The Cardinals drafted two developmental QBs last year, they don’t need a third. They need a veteran like Palmer or Bulger in here instead.

6. Cleveland Browns- Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

I’m one of the few apparently who really think that Bowers will be an excellent pass rusher at the next level. What I like best is he’s a stout run defender as well, so he’s a two-way player worthy of a top ten pick. The only thing that makes me think this will not happen is all of the bad press about how his knee may be a long term issue. As someone who has a knee that went from something simple being cleaned out to it now being a lifelong problem, I can see why a team may be skeptical to invest such a large chunk of money in a player with this issue. But I am going to assume it’s fine until we all see otherwise, and in this case, Bowers is a steal. The Browns could use a top notch WR talent like Julio Jones, but as long suffering Browns and DDA fan Danimal pointed out, Cleveland only has two defensive linemen under contract right now. So of it’s not Bowers, it’s Quinn if he’s here, or it may even be Nick Fairley (although I would pass on Fairley at this point due to the risk).

7. San Francisco 49ers- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Once again I make this pick with trepidation. While I like Gabbert, and see the potential, it’s just that: potential. Do not believe for one second he’s in the league of Sam Bradford. Everyone wants to compare this year’s QBs to Bradford or Ryan or Flacco. The closest one I would compare them to is Flacco, but he went in the late teens, not in the top 10. Bradford was always a QB I said would be a star. His accuracy and ability to throw people open superseded any offensive scheme he played in. You can’t teach that. And that’s something I don’t see in any of these QBs this year. Gabbert has the least flaws though, and he fits well in a WC style offense that Harbaugh is more than likely to run. Plus, Gabbert has the athleticism and ability to throw on the move, which we have seen Harbaugh do in his days at Stanford. It’s the best case scenario, and it’s finally to the point where I think the risk balances with the reward. If everyone else in the media is right, and Gabbert is gone by this pick, then I think a corner like Prince Amukamara is the best choice. Or if Quinn were available, he’s a solid pick as well.

8. Tennessee Titans- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

I think this is the highest I would feel comfortable taking Fairley, and I did a good bit of thinking before I put pen to paper here. It’s a solid fit, and what makes me choose Fairley here is his college positional coach Tracy Rocker is the new DL coach for the Titans. Rocker obviously did something right to get the most out of Fairley this year, and having someone he’s comfortable with makes me think he will be more likely to succeed. But I am saying this with hesitation as I think he’s got the highest ‘boom or bust’ potential of these top ten picks. If he can learn to play at the next level with the same quickness, but with better pad level, he will be what this defense has desperately missed since they had a motivated Albert Haynesworth. I know Newton is still here and Tennessee needs a QB, but they have the same player on their roster in Vince Young, They will not make that same mistake twice, and will look for a prospect with a better value for the position in the second round.

9. Dallas Cowboys- Tyron Smith, OT, USC

I know some of you will immediately point out how I have said Gabe Carimi is my favorite OT in this draft, but hear me out on this one. While I do like Carimi slightly better, I do think Smith has as good of a floor as him but a higher ceiling as well. So I am going a bit on potential here, and because Smith will be asked to line up at a position he is confident playing in the right tackle spot. Dallas has a good number of options here with top notch players available at their three greatest positions of need (CB, DE, OT). I rate Smith slightly higher in the need department, and on par with someone like Amukamara at CB or J.J. Watt of Wisconsin at DE. This will be the start of rebuilding the Cowboys OL with some youth and talent at both tackle spots now.

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

I would run to the podium with the card tat this point, as Jones is a flat out steal. I thought long and hard about drafting him four overall, and at six, and at eight, so I cannot pass on him here at the ten spot. Due to years of incompetence in the draft room, the Redskins have needs all over their roster. Cam Newton is a possibility since he has the skills to roll out and throw on the run that Shanahan likes in his QBs, but I just feel Jones is a better overall NFL prospect. He will immediately be their number one receiver, and I think Jones will be in the top 10-15 WRs in the league within the next three years. If not Jones, then a DE like J.J. Watt would make an awful lot of sense here.

11. Houston Texans- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

I will always agree that a very good pass rush makes up for a weak secondary, so going for a rush OLB here like Aldon Smith would actually make sense. But when comparing where I feel these players rate value wise, I can’t pass on a secondary need in the secondary (get it? Yeah, that was weak). This would make for back to back first round CB selections for the Texans, but I think it’s warranted based on how poorly they played last year. Wade Phillips will make a difference, but it’s a big issue considering this team really doesn’t have the horses to run the 3-4 defense. Having said that, they have talented players that should fit, and I think getting an immediate starting corner of Amukamara’s talent is necessary when playing the Colts twice a year. Amukamara is a value at this point of the first round, and I could very easily see him go as high as number seven overall. If Prince is not the man here, then Aldon Smith does make sense and even Baylor NT Phil Taylor would fit probably the most glaring need on this transitioning defense (although he’s third on this list if all were available).

12. Minnesota Vikings- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

Sure, I am probably one of the only mock drafts you will find with Newton going this low. But if I am honest with myself, I’d have him go even lower, probably in the second round. I look at Newton very much how I looked at Tim Tebow last year. I just don’t see him as a successful NFL QB. It has nothing to do with the off-the-field stuff, although that doesn’t help; it has everything to do with his on the field ability to transition to a pro-style QB. I think it’s the chic thing to compare him to Vick, but I think that’s not a great thing as Vick is exactly what Newton may be. He’s potentially good enough to get you to the playoffs, but that’s it. And even that is with a very strong cast around him. I just don’t see it in him, and it’s a huge risk taking him this high. I actually prefer Ryan Mallet, but with a somewhat porous OL, Minnesota needs a QB who can escape and hopefully make plays on the move. It’s a decent situation for him to go to, as there is a strong running game in place, so he won’t be asked to do too much right away. Going through progressive reads and putting the ball where it needs to be accurately will never be things Newton can do. Hopefully he proves me and other doubters wrong, but I am sticking strongly to this assessment until I see it. Personally, I would rather take a DT like Corey Liuget, a DE like Aldon Smith, a CB like Jimmy Smith, or an OT like Gabe Carimi. But I will weight need, with positional value, with some potential here and make take the plunge while holding my breath. And as a Bears fan, I secretly hope this happens and he’s as bad as I think so that it’s one less team to worry about in the division.

13. Detroit Lions- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

I’m probably making a mistake here based on the fact that I don’t really know any of the history of Smith’s apparent ‘off-the-field’ issues. I’m going strictly based on the talent of this player and the glaring hole in the Lions secondary at the CB position. I think if Smith is a ‘clean prospect’, he’s potentially going in the top ten, and may even go higher than Amukamara. But weighing the risk, it’s worth it at this point as I think he can make a bigger impact than a DE or OT for the Lions. Those are positions that can be addressed later or in free agency if that ever occurs. Smith is very physical and is great at jamming guys at the line of scrimmage. It’s perfect for a young Lions team with an outstanding DL, as it will slow the passing routes up just enough to let those big guys get to the QB. Scary to admit it, but the Lions are starting to look VERY good. They just need to develop that finisher’s mentality, and they could be a force to be reckoned with.

14. St. Louis Rams- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois

I almost picked Liuget before I picked Fairley from the DT group as I know you are at the very least getting a high motor player with almost as much impact potential in Corey Liuget. Liuget is slightly undersized, but he’s quick, and his initial penetration is what causes him to be so effective. The Rams would love to see Green or Jones fall here, and I could actually see them making a move up to try to get one (which I wholeheartedly support), but neither will be available. So the Rams are better off going with a DT, a DE, or even a CB if Jimmy Smith is still available. I think Liuget may end up making a quicker impact than the other two DTs picked above him simply because he’s coming in to a better situation with some pass rushing talent already there on the outside in Chris Long and George Selvie. He’s the ideal three technique, and I’d love to see the Bears make a move for him, but this is pretty high to move up and they have to get at least to this spot to get him.

15. Miami Dolphins- Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas

I know most of you are probably wondering what changed my mind on Mallet considering I was not that high no him before. I think what has changed my mind slightly is the fact that he just has a much better base to work with than the other QBs in this draft. He is very limited athletically, but this is the perfect fit for him. Mallet is a pocket passer who needs some time, and he can pick a defense apart. He has the throwing ability you find in a franchise level QB, so with a good OL like the Dolphins have in place, he fits perfectly. Yes, Miami could use a center like Mike Pouncey, but I don’t think they will go with OL over the QB like they did three years ago with Jake Long over Matt Ryan. They made that choice then, which I still defend and think was the right choice, to make a selection like this possible. With the value of players left on the board, based on what the Dolphins are lacking, this just makes too much sense to me. I understand that Miami has no starting caliber RBs under contract right now, and Mark Ingram would be a great idea, but good RBs can be had in free agency or in rounds three and onward. I’d much rather pick Mallet, sign a free agent like Darren Sproles or DeAngelo Williams and get a veteran OC, then trying to fill those spots at this point in the draft. This is where the risk is worth the reward. I will also say this though: It would not surprise me one bit to see Mallet go higher or much, much lower. This QB class is really up and down and every team probably looks at every prospect very differently.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars- Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri

While I slightly prefer J.J. Watt, I think Smith is a better fit for this defense. There is more potential there from a pass rushing perspective, although Watt is a much better run defender. The Jags desperately need someone who can really bend the edge and get after the passer, and with a solid DT group and a healthy Aaron Kampman coming back, Smith will fit in very nicely into their DL rotation. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Jacksonville go with a QB they like to develop over the next couple of years while they run out the David Gerrard, but they have a team that can win now, so this is not as pressing a need in my opinion. If Smith is not here, and DE is the choice, than Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt, and Ryan Kerrigan would all be very good fits as well and I would not argue at all with any of those guys.

Mock Draft is on its way!!

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Sorry for all of the delays ladies and gents, I've been sitting on these past few posts for a month, but I promise to have a mock draft up by the end of the week. I will more than likely go through three rounds, and only do one mock draft this year as nothing will be changing between now and the draft.

I will also be covering the draft LIVE on all three days, so remember to stop in, post some comments, and enjoy the fun.

As always, feel free to share with your friends, and there is now an easier way to share entries at the bottom of each post (or at least from what Blogger tells me, I have no clue).

Defensive Backs

2011-04-18T15:03:00.005-05:00

I’m combining these as I don’t think there are enough safeties worth mentioning to break them into their own section. The cornerback class on the other hand, has some real star potential and also has very good depth. The one player who I think is potentially the best overall player available is LSU’s Patrick Peterson. I know most of you have probably read about how no CB has ever been taken with the first pick overall, but I think this is the year where all of the ‘history’ of events is thrown out. This draft is taking place while there is a lockout going on and the threat of an impending rookie salary wage scale. Because of that, I think drafting strategies will change and I think teams will start to pay less attention to positional value based on contract numbers and just grab the best player available at a position of need. Peterson has everything you want in an elite shut-down corner. He will start from day one, and if a team wants to risk it, I let him return punts as well because he’s so dangerous doing this. I think he’s the best corner I’ve seen to come out since Deion. Yes, Revis is great, but I didn’t think he’d be as good as he is when he left college. Peterson, to me, has everything to be great and I expect it. He should not make it out of the top five picks, and if I am drafting in the top three, it will be a very difficult argument to get me to take someone other than him if he’s on the board still. After Peterson, there are two guys who I think will be fantastic immediate starters. Prince Amukamara of Nebraska is a polished corner who can play on or off man coverage. He’s played in a pro-style defense under Bo Pelini, and he has proven he has the athleticism to turn and run with NFL WRs. The only thing that makes me hesitate a bit about him is his poor game against OSU WR Justin Blackmon this season. Blackmon absolutely torched him more than once, and it made me worry about his catch up speed after seeing that game (although the combine proved he has plenty when he ran a 4.39 40). I’m willing to say it’s a one game thing, but it’s still in the back of my mind and may sway me to consider the next guy as the second best corner. Colorado’s Jimmy Smith is suffering right now from a tarnished image with off-the-field character concerns. I obviously do not have access to this, so all I can judge is his on the field play. Throw Smith’s stats out as no one would throw his way. He’s one of the best press-man cover corners in this draft, and he has the size to absolutely abuse guys at the line of scrimmage. He visibly frustrated top-10 WR AJ Green when they played each other because he was in his face and would not let him break cleanly into his routes. If a team is willing to accept the character concerns, Jimmy Smith has top 10 talent you can probably get from picks 12-26. I hope he keeps it on the straight and narrow and uses this as fuel to prove why teams should not have passed on him.

The next tier of guys will be taken in the late first to early second round. Brandon Harris of Miami is a bit slight of build, but he’s got very good technique and plays the position extremely well. I think with some time in the weight room, and time as a nickel corner to start, he’s going to be a very good starting NFL corner. Aaron Williams of Texas is a guy who I think may be better fit at safety because he’s a bit stiff when it comes to turning and running. He’s a big and physical corner though, so teams who covet a player who will press and be physical near the line of scrimmage may like him more at corner than at safety. I actually question his hands a bit after seeing him drop some balls he should catch in games and at the combine. I actually prefer his teammate, Curtis Brown, more so because he can be had more than likely in the mid second to early third round. Brown is most definitely a corner, and he is a smooth athlete who has a nose for the ball. Two other guys who are more ‘potential’ players with some other concerns as Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling and New Mexico St’s Davon House. Dowling comes with a long list of injury concerns, and House has some injury concerns as well as a slippage in performance this past season. Both are bigger corners who can play the press and would be ideal Cover-2 corners, thus why you may have seen the Bears have looked into both prospects extensively. The Bears took an injury risk CB previously in Zac Bowman, so they may do the same here, although both these guys could very well be gone in the top portion of the second round (making that a moot point). A guy I really like, who might be available in the third round, is Virginia Tech corner Rashad Carmichael. I don’t think Carmichael is getting the buzz he should, much like his former teammate Brandon Flowers a few years back (who is an outstanding CB for the Chiefs), and he may be a complete steal when we go back and look at this daft a few years from now.

Want one guy I really like, who is probably a 5th round or onward corner? Richard Sherman of Stanford. He was a WR previously, and has only played corner for two years now (I think, might be three). So he’s still raw and learning the subtle nuances of playing on that side of the ball But he has everything I want in a corner for the Bears, and he’s someone who can be had late and can develop over the next few years. You can’t teach his size and athleticism, and I love his aggressiveness and ability to make plays on the ball in the air from his time playing on offense. He would be an exceptional special teams player as well, and he’s the bigger young boundary corner the Bears currently do not have on their roster (Tillman is aging and Bowman appears to have worn out his welcome).

The section on safeties should be short and sweet! The only safety who has a chance of being a first round pick is Rahim Moore of UCLA. Moore is a pure cover Free Safety, and is not going to be an in-the-box type of physical presence. What Moore is best at doing is playing the deep centerfield position, reading the QB, and making plays on the ball. He is very good at getting picks, and for a team like the Jets, he’s ideal. I could very easily see him sliding into the top half of the second round though as well. Another less heralded guy who I really like is Iowa’s Tyler Sash. He’s not the biggest or fastest safety, but he is quick in his breaks, he accelerates well, and he is a very smart football player. On the right defense, he’s going to be dangerous, and I’d look at him as early as the late second round.

As for the in-the-box Strong Safety types, there isn’t much there either. Quinton Carter of Oklahoma is the best in my opinion, but he’s limited when it comes to coverage. For teams looking at a physical presence who can play the run well and cover to an extent, Carter is a solid value in the late third to fourth round. A guy I loved previously on tape is Robert Sands of West Virginia. While I still like Sands, I am a bit concerned that he won’t make the transition at this spot in the NFL. Sands is very tall for a defensive back (6’4”), and it shows when he is asked to change directions quickly as he struggles to drop his hips and plant/go quickly. What he has shown in games though is he is an absolute head hunter in the run game, and his size makes him an intimidating presence. In fact, I think he might even be a nice project for a Cover-2 team at WLB, as he can put some size on and learn to play closer to the line. As an OLB, he has great coverage skills. As a Safety, he has subpar coverage skills.

There are some other guys like Clemson’s De’Andre McDaniel and North Carolina’s Deunta Williams that also bear mentioning, but they aren’t guys who I think will make a big impact at the next level.

Linebacker

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If you are in need of a linebacker this year, unfortunately you may leave unhappy as this is not a good year for talent at this position. I have already covered some of the rush OLB guys in the DE section, and those will be the primary ones who will have first round grades. As for true LBs, only two have first round grades in my opinion (with a third on the very fringe). Texas A&M’s Von Miller was someone who I left last year saying ‘prove it to me’ as I felt he was a one trick pony that used nothing but speed on the corner to rush the passer. I think he really proved himself well and showed that he worked hard on improving his overall game. He looked much more comfortable dropping back in coverage and he showed that he has learned how to engage blockers, fight with his hands, and make plays with more than speed. Miller is an extremely clean prospect who will continue to get better as a Pro, and I don’t see him sliding any further past the Cardinals with pick five overall. The next one with a first round grade is UCLA’s Akeem Ayers. I really liked Ayers last season, and once again this year he really stood out. He’s a guy who can fit well as a SLB in a 4-3 or as a rush OLB in a 3-4. He can get after the passer well, but he’s also affective dropping into coverage. I know he had a disappointing combine performance, but he just makes plays when you watch him in games. Because of that I don’t think he makes it out of the first round as someone will realize he’s better than his measurable numbers may indicate. The third LB on the fringe of the first, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see move into the first round when it’s all said and done is Illinois’ Martez Wilson. What may keep Wilson out of the first round are two things: his neck surgery from last year and the fact that he’s not stayed at one position for more than one season. The second issue is not really his problem, as Illinois has changed defensive schemes several times during his tenure. I also think that this somewhat plays well in regards to his value though, as he’s shown the versatility to play several positions. I actually don’t know what Wilson’s best position is at the next level. What I do know is he is extremely fast and athletic, and he has the size to hold up in the middle or the outside. If he does fall into the second round, it won’t be very far.

After these guys, the next level of players will go anywhere from the mid second round onward, and many of them really aren’t guys who I think will be immediate contributors. UNC’s Bruce Carter is probably the next best prospect and will be a solid SLB in the NFL. I think he can be had in the mid to late second round and could start right away. A guy I have liked for several years but really took a large step back this year was Michigan St’s Greg Jones. I think teams attacked his weaknesses this year, and got bodies on him quicker, which he struggled with. I really like Jones’ instincts and ability to diagnose plays and get there quickly. His slow times at the combine and stiffness in the drills mean that his ability to read his keys quickly helps him make up for this lack of athleticism. I think he’s probably best fit inside a 3-4 where he can be covered up a bit or play next to a more athletic inside guy who can help in coverage. Dontay Moch of Nevada is definitely this year’s workout warrior. He absolutely killed the combine, especially considering they had him listed as a defensive lineman. My problem with Moch is not his speed, as he has this in bunches; it’s his ability to change directions quickly. It’s why he played DE in college as he will struggle to cover as a LB. But his speed and explosive power are going to intrigue some team to take him in the second and work with him to hopefully develop an edge rushing terror.

Two underrated guys who I think will be absolute steals are Miami’s Colin McCarthy and LSU’s Kelvin Sheppard. Sheppard is a true MLB and can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3. He’s stout, takes on blocks with power, sheds, and makes plays. He has the size, strength, and short area quickness to play right away and he might be available as late as the third round (which would be a steal). McCarthy is very similar but I think he’s a bit more versatile. He’s plays SLB and MLB, and I’m not sure what his best position will be in the NFL. What I do know is that while my coaching staff figures that out, he will be an absolutely ace on special teams. He’s the type of high effort and high energy guy who at worst will annually be one of the top tacklers on special teams and will be able to provide flexibility in backing up all three LB spots.

Defensive Tackle

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I may have said last year was the best group of DTs I had ever seen, and that probably still holds true considering that I still strongly believe Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy will be two of the best DTs in the NFL for the next 10 years. This year’s crop may not have that high of a grade, but they make up for it with amazing depth. I think that this is one position where a team can get a quality starter at this position into and through the third round. Now, that may seem like a no brainer to most, but I’m not talking about one or two per round in the first three rounds. I’m talking about 10-15 very solid starters that contribute immediately. I think Suh is proof positive that an elite prospect at this position is worth drafting high no matter what. They can make a huge impact immediately, and it’s an easy position to transition to from college to the NFL. So with the lockout, it’s a position that I think will move up in importance.

And before I start, don’t think that just because I am posting this now I am jumping on the bandwagon of recent reports and mock drafts. I will use my good friend Tom as proof that I have been saying these same things about the following prospects for months now. It’s just that I was doing it over email and not beating everyone else to this. I think the best defensive line prospect in this draft is Alabama DT/DE Marcell Dareus. Why do I like him more than say Da’Quan Bowers or Nick Fairley? It’s because of his versatility and overall body of work (combined with his measureables). I think Dareus is the safest pick for number one as it’s an impact position that transitions quickly to the pro game, and he can fit both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. With new Panthers head coach Ron Rivera having experience in both as a defensive coordinator, Dareus makes perfect sense as someone who can slide down and be an impact pass rushing 3-technique DT or a stout and powerful 5-technique. Dareus is a game changer who can manhandle offensive lineman when he gets his hands on them, and he can rush the passer well for a man of his size. Everyone’s favorite DT this season has been Auburn’s Nick Fairley. I think those claiming Bowers is a one-year wonder should look no further than Fairley. He’s not even been on the radar. I have seen Auburn games before this season and I never found a single note on Fairley, which means he showed nothing prior to this year. That concerns me a great deal as I just don’t know if he has the consistent motor and work ethic to be worth a top five pick. I will admit that Fairley can be dominant when he wants to. He’s a very good pass rusher and has excellent quickness for a guy his size. My biggest problem with him, which is what I discussed with Tom several months ago, is his tendency to play far too high. At the college level, he could swim past over matched guards and make plays. At the pro level, if he shows his numbers like I saw on tape, he will catch a 6in punch to the chest from the likes of Logan Mankins or Carl Nicks and he will find himself on his backside. Everyone is athletic at the NFL level. He’s going to have to work on his technique and consistency to really make an impact in the NFL, and it’s what would make me hesitate to take him until picks 8-15. Even then, I’m going to be on him constantly in the offseason to ensure I am getting return on my draft investment.

After the top two guys, the next tier of DTs could go anywhere from the mid first and onward; and a lot of it depends on if a team is willing to look past certain flaws that each of these guys has. Illini DT Corey Liuget is a guy who grew on me as the season wore on. He’s still a bit raw and has room and time to fill out more physically, but he is very quick and has very good hands when fighting for position on the inside. I think he will make an immediate impact as a pass rusher, and with time, will be a solid two-way player. He also has some ability to play the 3-4 DE as well, but I think he’s better fit as a 3-technique DT. Another guy in this same category is Temple DT Muhammad Wilkerson. I think he’s probably better fit as a 5-technique because of his length, but he can fit either positions well. He’s got very good athleticism for a man his size and he flat out dominated on a defense where no one else was helping him out. Another guy who some may now label as a ‘workout warrior’ after smashing the record at the combine for bench reps at 225lbs is Oregon St’s Stephen Paea. You will remember from last year’s coverage how much I liked Paea, so it was good to see some of the things validated that appeared on tape. I think too many people who do not know him as a prospect will think the bench is what got him drafted high despite him having a knee injury and not being able to do much more than bench right now, but this is far from the case. Paea is very quick off the ball and makes his living on disrupting the flow of a play by getting into the backfield quickly. If he can’t shoot the gap, he can overpower a guard and force them into disrupting running and passing lanes. I would personally love to see him in a Bears uniform should there be a run on the top OTs.

The third tier are guys who maybe did not live up to expectations this season, but could make extremely good values in the second or third round. UNC’s Marvin Austin, like Quinn, was suspended for the entire season; which is a shame as I felt the one thing he needed was to prove he can consistently dominate game in and game out. I think regardless of this, his performance at the Shrine Game and his amazing performance at the combine should see him go no lower than the mid second round. He’s just too talented to pass up in my opinion. LSU’s Drake Nevis was a guy I said could be a first half of the first round player, but simply did not show the dominance he did the past two years. I’m willing to give him a mulligan though, and if the Bears do get an OT in the first, he’s someone I would see them target hard in the second as he is a great fit in the cover-2 defense. Want another name of a player that fits well into this defense? Jurell Casey of USC. I’m not as big of a fan of Casey as others, as I think he’s just a bit too lazy of a player and it shows in his physique. Having said that, I think if he puts some effort behind his natural talent, he can be a very good starter at the NFL level because of his quick and hands and feet.

What should also be mentioned are the decent amount of true NT prospects in this draft. The best of them all is Baylor’s Phil Taylor. Taylor has a huge lower body and is absolutely impossible to root out of the hole by one guy, and he even handles the double team very well. He has surprisingly decent pass rush moves as well for a guy who will be looked at as a space eating 0-technique nose tackle. I don’t see how he make it past the Chiefs in the first round, and no chance he goes past the Jets. Ole Miss’s Jerell Powe and Hampton’s Kenrick Ellis are also two more guys who should be available in the third round and onward who can help make a difference at the 3-4 NT position. Both have some issues off the field that need to be carefully balanced with what they provide on the field, but it’s simply too difficult to find human beings that are large enough and strong enough to fit this position and do well. Both these guys can contribute and do well, even if it’s in a rotation.

Defensive End

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Technically speaking I could also call this group the DE/Rush LB group, but I figure I will speak to this on each individual prospect. This is definitely one of the more impressive crops of pass rushers to come out in one draft than I have seen in some times. What makes it even more interesting is the scheme diversity of the players in the elite, first round category. There are a handful of edge rushers with the size and strength to hold up as a 5-technique in an odd man front, or move to the left or power end in an even man front, and with that you also have a handful of guys who are rush right ends or rush OLBs in a 3-4. There are even some guys I will cover in the Defensive Tackle section that could be considered as 5-techniques in an odd man front as well, so this is a position group that is loaded with solid talent. In fact, I think teams will get the most value by going early with these players who will contribute immediately in what will be a shortened offseason due to the lockout.

There are two guys who I think are elite level pass rushers that can and should be gone within the top 8 picks, and that’s Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers and UNC’s Robert Quinn. The most interesting thing to note is both have some question marks surrounding them going into the draft, and it may push them down a few spots lower than they should have gone.

For Bowers, look no further than what I wrote about him last year when watching Clemson games:

Da’Quan Bowers, DE, So- Bowers has a really bright future, and he’s someone I could see who comes out early next year and be in first round consideration. He can rush the passer and is very stout against the run. Next year Bowers needs to show that he can still make an impact once Ricky Sapp is gone (and he will face more double team blocks). What I like most about him is that he is absolutely relentless and never stops moving on a play. So makes more plays on second effort than on talent alone. That’s a dangerous mix when considering an NFL draft prospect

So what I don’t get is the misconception that he is a ‘one year wonder’ as some media outlets are saying. I think saying that his breakout junior season may appear to be this as he had better statistics, but I will argue right back that this is more of a case of a developing prospect learning to put everything together after getting experience. The above speaks volumes to this point exactly. He’s had the natural talent, and he was always a high motor player, he just learned how to put this all together this season. Watch some of the highlights they show of him on NFL network. He does a great job of getting second effort sacks, where he’s either doubled and beats this or he gets cut to the ground, gets up, and still gets the sack. I think he could be the number one overall pick, but his knee surgery really does scare me. I may wait until I see how his pro day goes as it sounds worse than what was released, and I would say this could move him down as low as the 6th pick. As for what position Bowers fits best, I’d be hesitant to say he can fit as a rush OLB, but his pro day could dispel that assessment. I’ve only seen him with his hand down, and that is where I would put him (in an even man front).

If not for making the mistake of accepting improper benefits, Robert Quinn may have something to say about anointing Bowers the top DE in this class. If Quinn had reasonable answers in his interviews with team personnel about what happened, and understands what he lost by making the choices he did, then I don’t think his draft stock will be that adversely affected. I can’t help but remember what I saw on the field in 2009 and that was someone born to rush the passer. Quinn has a natural feel for this part of the game, and he flattens around the corner better than most rush ends I have seen at his age. I think that he tested well enough and showed enough agility that I would be confident saying he could stand up and play rush OLB in a 3-4 as well. Because of that, I don’t see how Quinn makes it out of the top 10 either, regardless of the fact that he did not play last year. Elite pass rushers can make the difference between the cellar and playoffs (just look at the Bears with and without Peppers), and that’s worth more than taking a risk on a QB with ‘potential’.

After these two, the next group falls into the first group of versatile DEs I mentioned previously. What Adrian Clayborn of Iowa, J.J. Watt of Wisconsin, and Cameron Jordan of Cal have in common is that all of them would be very good fits at DE in a 3-4, but can be just as impactful as a left end in a 4-3. Clayborn had a down season this year, coming in with very high expectations from the media and myself based on his 2009 play. I’m not as down on him though as others seem to be as I think some of this has to do with teams scheming away from his side and neutralizing him with their offensive game plan. Clayborn is just a very good two-way DE. He has good size, good strength, and plays the run and pass equally well. Same goes for Watt, who really impressed at the combine. He always looked like an effort guy on film who won battles with his motor, but the combine showed he is much more athletic than most thought and those numbers match his effort as well. I think of any of these DE prospects, the bowl game and combine helped him the most as it confirmed his athleticism and scheme versatility. I think he goes no lower than the 13-15th pick overall, and when he declared many people would have considered that far fetched. Jordan is like Watt in that he is relentless and wins a good number of battles on effort. He also has great measurable numbers though, and what I liked most in what I have seen is his feel for mixing pass rush moves. He knows how to set up tackles with speed to power and vice versa. He’s not a guy who will wow you with double digit sacks, but he’s someone with experience playing the 5-technique position that will be solid against the run and the pass at this position. Like Watt, I doubt he makes it past the middle of the first round. One name you may notice was missing from my early comments, who I have been raving about for the past three years, is Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward. That’s not to say I am down on Heyward and letting this year’s games speak for his body of work. I’m simply saying that I think the other prospects mentioned above have fewer nicks on them than Heyward does. What really affects his value is the fact that he had Tommy John surgery on his elbow at the end of the season. Granted, he’s not an MLB pitcher, so this isn’t that big of a deal but it does affect his draft stock. I think because if this, he’s going to make a steal in the back half of the first round to the early second round. He’s the ideal 5-technique, but could play some 3-technique as well.

The third group of elite guys are the undersized 4-3 DEs who have also shown they can play out of the two point stance. Ryan Kerrigan of Purdue is someone who has grown on me this season. I wasn’t a huge fan of him previously as I felt he was a one trick pony with the speed rush. This year he did a better job of mixing pass rush moves, and also showed he can hang against some of the better tackles in this year’s class. Kerrigan’s motor runs non-stop, and he’s lucky enough to be blessed with solid athleticism to boot. I personally think he fits best as a down rush end, but he definitely showed the ability to learn how to play with his hand off the ground. He should not make it past the Patriots at pick 17 as I think he’s exactly the type of player they need (but he may be gone before then anyway). Aldon Smith of Missouri is a lot like Quinn in that he missed almost the entire 2010 although he was injured. Taking Smith high is banking on his potential, which is higher than some of the other DE’s already mentioned. I’m just worried about where his floor is, and I don’t know if he’s strong enough at the point of attack to hold up as a 4-3 DE unless it’s the right system. Having said all of that, he’s a dynamic pass rusher who also is athletic enough to stand up and rush as an OLB. When all is said and done, someone is going to fall in love with his potential and draft him in the top 12-15 picks, although I would wait until the 15-20 range due to my concerns about how consistent he will be at the next level. Justin Houston of Georgia is very similar as well. He’s a tweener, but he has elite athleticism and speed for someone his size, and teams will fall in love with what they can mold him into. I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see a team like the Bears take someone like Houston to play DE in a Cover-2 defense, but I think he’s better fit as a rush OLB on a team like the Ravens or Jets as he just looks a lot like that type of football player.

I’ve saved two of my favorite players for last as I think they are under the radar guys who really should be talked about. Brooks Reed of Arizona will be an outstanding 3-4 rush OLB. He stood out more this season when I watched some Arizona games checking up on his linemate Ricky Elmore, and I came away much more impressed with what Reed has to offer. You will see that places like ESPN Scouts Inc are also singing Reed’s praise, and I’m glad to see this. I’ve just always thought of him as a poor man’s Clay Mathews, and I don’t mean that as a slight either. I think he’s a very similar player; he was overshadowed by other talented teammates and managed to continue to develop and grow based on hard work and effort. Reed is more experienced with game time than Mathews was at this point, and like Mathews, I think Reed will be a better pro than he was a collegian. He will not be the biggest, the fastest, or the most technically sound player on the field but he will fight tooth and nail to make a play. I actually think he could slip to the end of the first round and be paired with Mathews to make what might be the best pair of rush OLBs other than the Steelers duo. I hope that doesn’t happen as that makes for some difficult times for Bears fans moving forward. The other DE is Sam Acho of Texas. I can’t understand why he does not get the respect he should, but I think Acho is going to be a steal no matter where he goes. He’s a very intelligent player, and he’s just a well rounded prospect. I don’t think he’s a first round talent, but he’s someone I would take in the second round and be very pleased with my return on the investment. I actually thought Acho had more potential than his teammate last year in Sergio Kindle. Since he got hurt last year and never played for the Ravens (and may not ever play again due to a skull injury he suffered). In fact, if he’s there when Baltimore picks in the second round, I think he’d be an ideal fit in that defense. I think he’s athletic enough to stand and play in the 3-4, and he can play a traditional 4-3 DE position on a team that values speed and edge rushing more than size and run stuffing.

Offensive Guard/Center

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I’m combining the interior line positions as there are very few guys who are true centers or true guards. What this class is lacking in overall talent it makes up for with good depth and versatility. The top three to four interior offensive linemen can play either position and start at the next level, and that is what will more than likely push them the up in draft position.

The only interior OL with a first round grade in my opinion is Mike Pouncey of Florida. Yes, it’s Pro Bowl Rookie Maurkice’s twin brother, who moved from guard to center this season after his brother left school a year early. I actually think Mike is a better fit at guard, but he can definitely play center as well. He’s very good in the run game, and stout enough to handle the big nose tackle types at the next level. I don’t think there is any way he makes it past the Bears, unless one of the top OTs is still left on the board. He will be a day one starter and is about as clean as it gets from a prospect. He may never reach the level his brother did right away, but he will be a very good interior NFL offensive lineman for a long time.

The only other guy I would consider at the very end of round one is Rodney Hudson of Florida St. The one knock you will hear from everyone is that he is undersized as he’s only 299 pounds and not 305 pounds. I find it laughable that this is what things have come to in this day and age. Even a 20 pound difference can be wiped away clean if the player in question has good technique, gains good leverage, and is powerful enough for their size. This is exactly what Hudson brings to the table. He has some of the absolute cleanest technique I have seen in a guard prospect in some time. His hand placement, base, and footwork are the kind of thing you can show a young player and say ‘do that EXACTLY’ and you will be a good offensive lineman. I’m sure some teams will shy away because of the weight issue, but whoever takes a chance on him in the second round will be very pleased. I think he has potential to be a Pro Bowl player in the NFL at guard or even at center. I’d love to see him in a Bears uni, if he happened to slip that far in the second round.

After these two, there is a second tier of players that could be taken in the second and third rounds, and are all very solid but unspectacular players. This is the ideal fit for what is considered one of the true blue-collar positions in the NFL. Honestly, you could interchange any of the following guys and get a very good guard prospect. Guys like John Moffitt of Wisconsin, Danny Watkins of Baylor, Clint Boling of Georgia, and even small school tackles turned guards like Ben Ijalana of Villanova and William Rackley of Lehigh. I would not argue with any of these guys in the second or third round as I think they all have potential to be starters right away.

Two guys who I have really fallen for that I would consider sleepers are Andrew Jackson of Fresno St and Marcus Cannon of TCU. These are two different types of players but two guys I want on my team very badly. They may end up going in the fourth or fifth round at the highest, but when it’s all said and done, I think these two guys may have some of the best return on the investment of all of the OL picks. Cannon played OT at TCU, but he does not have the feet to play this at the NFL level. What he does have is massive size, and he transitions very well to guard. He’s the kind of mauling space eater that a team like the Bears desperately need inside. Jackson is not nearly as big, but every game I watched him play you see him consistently moving guys out of the hole. He has great technique, he locks his hands inside on guys, and he can just straight up rag doll people and drive them off the ball. I don’t remember seeing a single play where he was pushed behind the line of scrimmage. He may be a tidbit over aggressive, but I would rather have that in my interior OL. In fact, what impressed me the most was his play against a very good, albeit rusty, DT in Marvin Austin at the East/West Shrine game. Keep an eye out for these two as I have a very good feeling I am right about this assessment and these two will be starting sooner than you’d think. As an additional treat, I’ll throw a very late round sleeper at you who I think can play at the next level, but might not start right away (and may even be a career backup). Chris Stewart of Notre Dame is a player who flashed a bit on an awful ND line in 2009 and looked solid again this season. I’m not going to say he’s as good as Cannon or Jackson, but he’s a value guard who can be had in the 6th or 7th round more than likely.

Offensive Tackle

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Now to my favorite position, the offensive tackle! You will have heard most experts say this year’s class is lacking in top talent, which I agree and disagree with. While there is not that top five type talent like a Jake Long or a Joe Thomas, I think most are missing the fact that there are some very good prospects in this class that can be quality starting tackles at the next level. What that means is that players will more than likely be selected where their value fits well, so the return on investment in this position this year should be very good.

The one thing that strikes me the most with this position is how every draft expert in the media will talk about the ‘potential’, ‘upside’, or ‘ceiling’ of the guys in this draft and are potentially overrating players who haven’t shown me yet that they will ever do anything with that great potential. To me, with this position, it has to be about the floor and not the ceiling. That means it’s all about what you are getting at the very least from this player. This is also a position that has some solid players in the top four to five, but it really falls off in talent and depth after that point.

That is why I think that Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin is the best OT in this draft. Too many people are saying he can’t play LT in the NFL, but they said the same thing about Jake Long, and look how that’s gone (Long has been to the Pro Bowl in every season he has been in the league I believe…at LT). now, I’m not saying Carimi is as good as Long is or was, but what I am saying is I think he is the most polished pro prospect at this position. I think that people assume you have to be a Pro Bowl LT if taken in the top 15 picks, but I think most teams (especially the Beats) would take just a quality starter at the position that you don’t have to worry about. Carimi, at the very least, does this for you. Worst case scenario, he can play RT and be a potential pro Bowler on that side. But to me, I would take Carimi anywhere from the 9th pick onward in the first round. Carimi is the best run blocking tackle of this first round group, and he’s very underrated as a pass blocker. His form is absolutely impeccable, and he can start at either tackle or guard position immediately regardless if there is a lockout.

Along those same lines is USC OT Tyron Smith. Smith actually has a very high ceiling, but it’s his floor that interest me most. He made some solid strides this season after standing out at RT last season when I watched a lot of USC games. He has the potential to play LT because of his feet and long arms, but worst case scenario he’s a very good RT. Smith has a finisher’s attitude as well, but he needs to continue to work on keeping a wide base while blocking the second level as this is a bad habit I continued to see this year.

Anthony Castonzo of Boston College is a favorite of some people, and I want to like him more because he’s a local IL kid (from Lake Zurich high school I believe?), but there are just some small things there that make me rank him slightly below the above two. He may have as high of a ceiling as Smith, which may be higher than Carimi, but I still see some fundamental mistakes in his game that give me a slight concern about how that potential will translate. One of the big things I saw was that he is a bit soft on his post leg to the inside, which allowed the more complete DE prospects to go outside-in on him and get past him. He’s also not as much of a finisher as the other two. He still is definitely a first round pick and I think he can be a solid left or right tackle in the NFL, but I would not expect big things from him right away.

I’m sure most of you are wondering when I will get to Colorado’s Nate Solder, who seems to be the consensus favorite after a good athletic performance at the combine. I think Solder is the one guy who is labeled with the ‘upside’ or ‘potential’ claim that I just don’t know if he will ever see this. Solder is very big and very athletic, but he is strictly an OT and cannot play OG like I believe the rest of these first round caliber guys can. He has good feet and can definitely keep up with speed rushers, but he absolutely has to learn how to post harder with his inside leg. More so than Castonzo, I have seen Solder get beat countless times with the simple outside-in rush move by quick DEs. It’s something that I saw happen far too often, which really concerns me, as this is something he can easily fix with some hard work and coaching. He’s gotten that at the Senior Bowl and throughout his career, so I just have concerns he’s not going to be able to figure that out. And if he can’t, he’s a liability in the NFL. I would be willing to bank on him figuring this out though as the kid is a great athlete, so if he works hard, I would agree that he definitely has the highest ceiling of any of these prospects. Bears fans, I think it’s a realistic possibility he could slip to the end of the first and go to the bears, and if that’s the case, don’t expect big things right away. But some time with Mike Tice, and I think he could be very good.

The only other OT with a first round grad in my book is Derrick Sherrod of Mississippi St. Sherrod isn’t quite as polished as the above guys, and I don’t think he has the ceiling that any of them do either, but he’s definitely worthy of a late round selection. His long arms alone, and the fact that he’s held up well against top competition, means he can come right in and start at RT at the worst and be a solid player for a team like the Bears, Steelers, or Packers near the end of the first round.

The only other tackle I will bother mentioning is James Carpenter of Alabama. I do not think Carpenter has the feet to play on the left side, but he should be able to play on the right side and can also play some guard due to this size and ability to push the pile in the run game. I really like the value you can get with a versatile guy like him in the second round, and wouldn’t at all be surprised to see him move up in that round due to the lack of depth at this position in the draft, and the fact that almost every team in the league seems to need help on the OL.

Running back

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Unlike what I have been saying about the spread game changing positions like QB or TE, I think the life of a professional RB is what has changed this position. NFL teams and front offices know this is a position that simply does not have a long professional shelf-life and is also a position that you can find solid players at in the later rounds. Because of the short period of time a RB lasts in the NFL world, I think this has pushed the value of this position down greatly, as you can pick a first round DE who will last for ten years as opposed to the RB who will last maybe five to six.

And true to the above, this is a position where there is good depth and a few players who I think will make a huge impact right away.

Mark Ingram made the right choice to come out early. The former Heisman Trophy winner missed the early part of the season after recovering from minor knee surgery, but he still showed everything I loved about him last year when he came back. His balance is perhaps the best I have seen since Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith. You just cannot bring him down unless you really wrap him up, as he can shift his weight, stay under control, and break away for a long gain. He’s got very good hands as well, so in my opinion, he’s as close to a can’t miss prospect at this position as you will find. Even with this in mind, I could easily see him slipping to the 15-25 range in the first round because of the shelf-life issue. The team that gets him though will be extremely pleased, and I would be shocked to see the Patriots pass up on him. He’s exactly the kind of RB they need to complete that offense.

Mikel LeShoure really broke onto the scene in a big way this season for the Illini. He made the smart move by coming out early as well, as I think he’s the second best RB behind Ingram, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he snuck into the late first round. He’s a big back with good enough speed, and has low mileage on his legs, so he should hold up well at the next level.

The remainder of the group consists of players who have some very good potential, but will go no higher then the mid second round. Again, I think that the real value will be the players who slip to the third round and later who will fill a specific niche with a team looking for a compliment back.

Guys with the ability to potentially be feature backs are Ryan Williams of Va Tech and Daniel Thomas of Kansas St. I also like what I saw from Jordan Todman of UConn this season, as I have no notes on him from the previous years. His solid combine moves him up as well. These three guys are the best suited to the run game at the next level as they have the size and speed to hold up.

The rest of the bunch is guys who fit specific needs. I have made no bones about how much I like DeMarco Murray of Oklahoma. I think the negatives about him that have been there continue to be there: runs too upright, too narrow in his base, skinny legs. But it’s his ability to contribute on third downs that makes him special. He’s got home run speed, and hands like a WR. He’s also a very good pass blocker that understands this part of the game, which is rare to find in a young RB coming in to the league. A team like St. Louis would be smart to grab him in the third as a compliment to the battering ram style of Steven Jackson.

Shane Vareen of Cal and Dion Lewis of Pitt both took a step back this season, and both are undersized guys with very good shiftiness in their running styles. Neither has the size to hold up as an every-down back, but for a zone-blocking team like the Redskins or Colts, they’d be fantastic second to third day picks.

Two other very good college players who I think just may be too small to be anything other than return men or situational backs are Jaquizz Rodgers of Oregon St and Kendall Hunter of Oklahoma St. I like both these guys, as they have some likeness to Darren Sproles in my opinion, but I don’t see the thicker lower body like Sproles has in these two. And even with that Sproles’ shown he has had trouble staying healthy at the next level with much bigger guys coming at them.

Overall it’s one of the better position groups in this draft, and I think you can get a really good contributor in the 4th -7th rounds.

Tight end

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This will be a very short section, as this is easily the weakest position in all of the draft. As you may recall, I said the same thing last year about this position group, and I think this is testament to the spread offense taking hold at the college level. The TE position just isn’t as important in the spread, unless you are a blocker or more of an H-Back type. So either way, it’s nothing an NFL team is going to be looking at early in the draft. There are a few players with some talent, but I just don’t see any of them being considered before the late second round.

Kyle Rudolph of Notre Dame surprised me when he declared early, considering he had surgery on a partially torn hamstring this season. It makes sense to take advantage of a weak draft class, but having seen how hamstring surgery can really hurt a player’s career (i.e. Tommie Harris); I would be very leery of spending a first or second round pick on him. He’s definitely the most complete TE of these prospects as he can block, has decent size, and good speed. If his hamstring is fine and he shows well at the combine and private workouts, I could see him locking up a second round grade for certain.

Weslye Saunders of South Carolina missed the entire season after several violations of team rules. You have to REALLY mess up for Steve Spurrier to kick you off his team as well, so I would be very careful when handing out a six to seven figure contract on a young man who is obviously not mature enough to handle this yet. But Saunders will get drafted because of his natural athletic gifts. For Bears fans, you will understand when I say he’s Kellen Davis but a better receiving threat. For those that aren’t Bears fans, he basically a power forward playing football. He needs work, and hopefully he spent his time off getting in the best shape of his life and working on blocking technique. He has the size and natural athleticism you want in an inline TE though, so if he has truly learned his lesson, he could be a steal.

The remaining TE’s worth mentioning are all H-Back types who just aren’t big enough to hold up as an inline TE on the line of scrimmage, so they will need to go to the right offense where they will be used off the line in varying formations.

Lance Kendricks of Wisconsin is a guy I really like, but he has had some durability issues. He’s got a very good feel for zone coverages though and knows how to find the soft spots, sit down, and make the catch. He’s a good offensive weapon, if he can stay healthy.

DJ Williams of Arkansas is almost identical to Kendricks except he’s stayed healthy. He’s even smaller than Kendricks though, so he’s almost like a big WR more so than a true TE or HBack. He can catch the ball well though, and in some games this year he reminded me of Aaron Hernandez as he did an excellent job of selling the TE screen.

Preston Dial of Alabama is actually a guy I would love to have on my team. He’s not big enough to play inline, but he actually looks pretty good playing FB and slipping out into coverage to make plays in the passing game. He has very good hands, and was Greg McElroy’s security blanket this season on third and short. He’s one of those solid late round picks who will play special teams and find a way to contribute in various formations for a creative offensive coordinator.

Wide Receiver

2011-01-19T13:14:00.001-06:00

I expected this to be far and away the deepest position as far as star power, but it lost some luster with Justin Blackmon and Michael Floyd deciding to return to school. Having said that though, this is still a very deep position group with some absolute top-notch talent, and there is good enough depth as well. It’s also a good draft for teams looking at different types of receivers as you have some very good perimeter guys with great size/speed and smaller guys who are quick and will do well in the slot.

AJ Green is a super star WR and could possibly be the top overall pick in the draft with Luck no longer an option. I would not disagree with this either, as he’s the most NFL ready WR I have seen since Calvin Johnson (and I would argue he’s a better route runner than Johnson at the same point in their career). Green is the rare talent that is very good in all phases of the game, and his suspension earlier this year doesn’t bother me at all. His size, speed, and awareness are an offensive coordinator’s dream.

Julio Jones is not far behind Green either, and is also a prospect that I think is a super star in the making. Some ‘experts’ have said he has inconsistent hands, but the guy played more than one game with a broken hand and still managed to catch passes and make an impact. They just don’t make humans his size and his speed often, and those are elements you can’t teach. I love his willingness and ability to block as well. I don’t see any way he makes it out of the top ten either.

Jonathan Baldwin took a step back this year as far as production from the previous two years, but I feel this was more due to having an inexperienced QB throwing him the ball. I stand by what I said lat year about Baldwin in that I think in five years from now, we may end up saying he was the best player of these bug three. But Baldwin needs some time and refinement on his route running, so he may not make a huge impact right away. Those reasons may cause him to slip low enough for a team at the back end of the first round looking for a big game breaker (come on Angelo, if he’s there you take him!).

Torrey Smith came on strong this year and statistically had the biggest year of all of the top prospects. He’s not as big and strong as the previous three, but he seems to always find a way to get past coverage and make big plays. I think he’s the rawest of these prospects, which is why I wouldn’t be surprised to see him slip to the second round, but he is a solid receiving prospect that should merit first round consideration.

Other than these big name prospects, there are two guys who I think you should pay attention to in the second round onward. I’m highlighting these guys as I am looking at this from a Bears fan’s perspective, as I believe the Bears are lacking that big, physical playmaker at this position to draw coverage away from the open-field guys they have in Knox and Hester.

Tori Gurley of South Carolina came out early, and I suspect it has something to do with future super star Alshon Jeffery taking away the balls he would have gotten. I really like Gurley though as he is a big guy, with good game speed, and he can jump as well. He needs some good NFL style coaching, but he could be had in the third or fourth rounds, which is where the Bears would be looking at if they decide to attack the OL and CB position early.

Tandon Doss of Indiana is a guy I really liked last year, and I was also surprised he came out early. In this deep of a draft class, it was probably a mistake, but it’s a mistake some GM is glad he made as he will be a steal. He’s like Gurley in that he has very good size and leaping ability. He can overpower corners and outrun safeties, and he is really only starting to reach his potential since he’s young.

Quarterback

2011-01-19T13:13:00.002-06:00

This position lost all of its glitz and glamour when Andrew Luck went back to Stanford. I’m not quite as in love with him as Trent Dilfer (who I will state unequivocally that I cannot stand), who said he was the best QB prospect of the last 10-20 years, but I do like him enough to say he was a lock for the first overall pick.

Without Luck, you were left with what this class has to offer, nothing but question marks.

Blaine Gabbert is the best of the group in my opinion, but he’s not ready to start at the next level at all. I think this comment resonates for almost all of the prospects being looked at in the first three rounds.

Jake Locker has potential, but I think he needs the right offense and time to develop.

Cam Newton will never be a top level QB in my eyes. At a minimum, he’s going to need a few years to really develop into an NFL QB after playing in a gimmick offense in college.

Ryan Mallet is a wooden cigar Indian (thanks for that one Tom) with a cannon for an arm that he can’t get good control over. I’ve also heard rumors of character concerns, and I would not doubt this considering he melted down more than once this season in critical games.

Christian Ponder is like Luck in that he needs to go to the right offense, but with time could be a starter.

To me, all of these guys aren’t worth taking in the first half of the first round. With all of the question marks, I’d rather go with a higher rated player at a different position. My personal philosophy is that the QB is the most important position on the field, so if you spend a first round pick on one, you better be certain they will be your man for the next five to ten years. I don’t feel that strongly about any of these guys this year though.

What makes this even more of an issue is that several teams really need a franchise QB, and will take some of these players in the first round. If they don’t plan on starting a bridge veteran while this rookie develops, they will be making a big mistake. I don’t see any of these prospects being better off by starting now for a poor team in order to get experience. Teams in the back half of the first, like Seattle, those are the teams who I think would benefit from taking these prospects as they can afford to let them sit, learn, and develop. Look no further than America’s Sweetheart Aaron Rodgers for proof of the theory I am espousing here (although I had Rodgers over Smith in that draft!).

Positional strengths and weaknesses

2011-01-19T13:13:00.001-06:00

It’s interesting to see that college footballs trends over the past three to five years are starting to influence the trends on NFL prospects more so than what I have seen five to ten years ago. The uptake of the spread and spread option offenses have forced defenses to find athletic players and putting them in as DBs to help stop the multiple WR sets. So where as those athletic players may have been RBs or WRs in the past, they are now leading to deeper draft classes for the secondary. It also means that DL can tend to suffer, especially the DE position. It is hard to find a real 4-3 DE prospect anymore, although this year there are at least two elite level players at that position (Mario Williams is the last real super-star 4-3 DE that comes to mind). The issue I have with this though is that it makes it very hard to read certain positional players in regards to how they will translate to the pro game.

Each subsequent post will breakdown what I think of each positional group, with DL and OL broken down interior (OG/OC and DT) and exterior players (OT and DE/rush OLB)

The state of the NFL

2011-01-19T13:12:00.004-06:00

I’ve had a few of you email me this year about some of the bigger names in the draft and what I thought of their potential NFL impact. I’ve also gotten the obligatory ‘what should the bears do other than OL?’ I’ll address those in my next posts, but first I want to touch on how the labor unrest in the NFL will affect this Draft season.

The first thing to say is that this draft will be entirely different than any other we have seen as free agency and player trades will not be in effect until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed, or the first day of the new football year starts (which is March). This may not seem like a big deal, but this really does hamper some teams who may fill needs with high-profile free agents and then draft for best player available in the draft (like the Bears). It also means that draft picks can only be traded for other draft picks, and not for players. So while player trades for draft picks are not something that happens often each year, it does happen and now prevents teams from having one other method of making something happen on draft day. I assume what we will see are teams making ‘hand-shake’ trades of a player for a pick, with the team trading the player telling the other team who they want them to pick in that draft position. One thing you can count on in the NFL is that teams will be creative and find ways around the rules.

I also think that a rookie wage scale will absolutely be in place for this draft class. So you may find teams more willing to take a player who might not give you the best positional value for the pick. For example, the past few years the players being drafted in the top five are often times one of the highest paid at that position once their contract is signed. So it made some teams shy away from taking say an Eric Berry last year as those teams may not want to make him the highest paid Safety in the league before he steps on the field by taking him with the second overall pick. This will slot salaries like the NBA does, so I believe teams will be more willing to just take the best player available to fit their need. Now, this may not have any impact at all and I’m reading too far into this, but I do think this is the right thing to do. Make rookie contracts shorter, say two to four years, and control how much they can make. Once they have proven they are worth it, then let them get paid appropriately where they fit in the grand scheme of the NFL for their position. I think teams like the Rams and Lions who drafted near the top several years in a row will be hamstrung by the amount of salary cap space they have dedicated to only a few players. And should one of those players bust, you’ve set that franchise back a year or two in their development.

I hope something gets done though as you all must really love football if you are reading this blog, and like me, you hope we have something to watch next season. I don’t see how something doesn’t get done in time, as deadlines have a way of making things happen quickly, and the amount of money to be had or lost is astronomical. Players and owners know that, and that’s what makes me certain something gets done. I just don’t think it will be before the Draft occurs.

The good news…

2011-01-19T13:12:00.003-06:00

This is only a one year hiatus from full on coverage! By the time the 2011 college football season rolls around, my daughter will hopefully be old enough to not only play on her own without my direct interaction but to also get me beer from the fridge while Daddy watches yet another football game.

So hang in there and keep coming back from time to time as you never know what you will see.

The bad news…

2011-01-19T13:12:00.001-06:00

I have come to the unfortunate realization that I am terrible with time estimates, especially now having a newborn at home.

So this season will be ‘Diesel Draft Analysis Light’. I won’t be posting the detailed player breakdowns I had the past two years as I just simply don’t have the time before the draft will be upon us. I probably won’t be breaking down the Senior Bowl on CoverItLive either for the same reason.

What I will do though is provide random posts here and there on some of my general thoughts of this year on some of the more talked about prospects (or the prospects that aren’t being talked about but I think should be), and I will also still do a few mock drafts before Draft Weekend is upon us.

I will be up on CoverItLive for all three days of the draft though, so I hope all of my regular readers will join like last year and we will have a blast once again.

What I’d also like to do is answer any questions you may have, as a nice way to give back since I won’t be doing the full analysis of all players. So feel free to drop a comment in the comments section below this post with any questions on teams or players you want me to post about, and I will do my best to keep up and write any thoughts I have from the notes I have collated through this college football season. It can even be about your favorite team, like what do I feel the Houston Texans need to address this year.

I'm still here...

2010-12-07T18:41:00.003-06:00

I know many of you have been hitting me up asking when new updates will be made this year, and my answer is soon. I'm sorry for not having anything up this season so far, but as many of you will know, the last few months have been busy prepping and now taking care of my new baby daughter.

On the plus side, I now have a second set of eyes on game film. On the negative, she seems to have the same thing to say about every player. I'm guessing she thinks this is a down year.

In order to get the best info out there, up to date and hot off the press, I will start adding in new content when the bowl games get rolling.

Again, apologies to all of the loyal followers and thanks for being patient. Your patience will be rewarded with brand new NFL Draft 2011 coverage.

Live Blog: NFL Draft Day 3

2010-04-24T08:43:00.001-05:00

NFL Draft: Day 3

Live Blog: NFL Draft Day 2

2010-04-23T16:25:00.000-05:00

NFL Draft Day 2

2010 NFL Draft: Day 1

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2010 Draft Day 1

LIVE NFL Draft Blog!

2010-04-22T16:00:00.002-05:00

The live blog will start at around 5:30-5:45pm CST for fun pre-draft banter and what not. It will be exactly the same as last year, where you just click on the Live Blog button and it launches on your computer.

I don't know what version of IE you will need, and I have no idea if this works over Foxfire or Chrome. I have a recent version of IE and it works fine, so you should be safe if you get to the sitge with that.

Speak to you all soon!

Mock Draft- 3rd round, picks 82-98

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82. Pittsburgh Steelers- Taylor Price, WR, Ohio

Price is another late riser who looked very good at the Senior Bowl in practices and in the game. He’s tall and has very good long speed. On the plus side, he’s a solid character player, so he comes in as the hopeful replacement for Santonio Holmes. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Pittsburgh reach out for West Virginia OT Selvish Capers either.

83. Atlanta Falcons- Dorin Dickerson, TE, Pittsburgh

After the unreal Combine performance that Dickerson put up, I don’t think he slips any further than this. I think Dennis Pitta is a more refined product at this point of their careers, but Dickerson has a much higher ceiling. Dickerson is a bulked up WR, and I actually think he can still play this position to create mismatches with smaller corners. He ultimately will fit into the TE position, and he gets to learn under perhaps the greatest to ever play the position in Tony Gonzales.

84. Cincinnati Bengals- Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas

Briscoe is a guy who I loved and hated. At times he looked like the big 6ft+ WR who could be a great perimeter guy at the next level, and at other times he looked pedestrian trying to break away from coverage. I think he’s worth the gamble at this point based on what he can potentially do. He can serve as an understudy to Ochocinco, and he may eventually develop into one of their top two receivers. If Briscoe is not the pick, don’t be surprised to see Jordan Shipley go here as he could make a more immediate impact than Briscoe in the slot and in the return game.

85. Cleveland Browns- Dennis Pitta, TE, BYU

Pitta would be an ideal fit for a West Coast offense, and this is the perfect fit for him. He did not block much, and not very well when he did block, but he showed the strength to do so at the combine by benching the most for the TEs. Pitta has some of the best hands I have seen on a TE, and he will be used a lot like Dallas Clark is used for the Colts. He will end up being Colt McCoy’s future go-to receiver when the pressure is on. And that’s when Pitta really makes plays. He understands zone coverage very well, and knows how to sit down, make the catch, and move the chains.

86. Green Bay Packers- Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale

Veldheer impressed me with his athleticism at the Combine, so even though I have not seen any game film on him, I have him go here based on his athletic ability. He has the size and feet to play either tackle spot, and this is a value pick for Ted Thompson. Veldheer doesn’t need to play this year or even next year, so he has time to fully develop under NFL coaching. I think that’s the best thing that can happen to Veldheer as he has the potential, the frame, and the athleticism to eventually be a starter.

87. Philadelphia Eagles- Selvish Capers, OT, West Virginia

Once again, Andy Reid will not walk away from the first three rounds without at least two offensive linemen. The Eagles could use a backup tackle, and Selvish is an athletic guy that is still very raw. He has decent feet, and may be able to move to the left side eventually, but at worst he can provide a primary back up on the right side. The Eagles are one of the best in the business at developing offensive lineman, so this is as good of a place to go as Capers could hope.

88. Arizona Cardinals- Brandon Ghee, CB, Wake Forest

I actually like Jerome Murphy more than Ghee, but Murphy is a better fit in a Cover-2defense, so Ghee is the pick here. Ghee has impressive catch up speed, but he has to use it too often. He won’t be asked to come in and start next to DRC, he can play the nickel and use his speed on special teams. It’s a nice value and need pick.

89. Arizona Cardinals- Ed Dickson, TE, Oregon

The Cardinals have not had a true receiving threat at the TE position, and Dickson can step right in and start as a rookie. Dickson is a liability as a blocker, but he won’t need to do that in this offense. He’s a short to intermediate threat who can help bail out Leinart if he gets into trouble. Dickson probably would have went earlier in any other draft, but this one was stocked with quality TEs, so the Cardinals benefit.

90. Dallas Cowboys- Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas

Shipley gets to stay home with Cowboys, and this is about as good of a fit as he could hope for. Shipley can help the Cowboys right away as a slot receiver, and this is a spot where the Cowboys really don’t have a solid player. He can also return kicks and punts now that Felix Jones will take more responsibility in the offense, and I think Shipley is the best return man in this draft. To get him in the late third is a great value.

91. San Diego Chargers- Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan

Warren really slid because he did not run the optimal 40 time you’d like for a corner. That won’t matter for the Chargers as they like physical ball hawking corners in the nickel, and Warren fits that very well. Antoine Cason was similar to Warren, but definitely more talented, and he now moves to the outside to replace Antonio Cromartie. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chargers went with Mike Neal of Purdue to fit as a five-technique, or Reshad Jones of Georgia at Safety, but Warren is just too good of a value to pass up.

92. Cleveland Browns- Reshad Jones, S, Georgia

Jones is a desperate need pick at this point as safety is a huge need for the Browns, and it would not surprise me one bit to see them attack this position even earlier than this. Jones is a solid pick, who should have come back to work on his instincts as a Senior, but he makes a very good value late in the third. I don’t know if he’s ready to start right away, but he may have to for this defense. Danimal, if you are wondering who else may fit here in my opinion, I think Joe McKnight may be the guy (but I didn’t have the heart to give the Browns a guy I don’t really like).

93. Minnesota Vikings- Joe McKnight, RB, USC

The Vikings need to add another RB who can fill the shoes of Chester Taylor as a versitle third down back. I’m not saying McKnight is anywhere near Taylor, but he is a good receiver out of the backfield. He’s a decent value here at a position of need and fit for the team. This would also be the first place where I’d consider Tim Tebow, but this is a team with Super Bowl aspirations while Favre is still playing, so the future can wait as this team needs people who can help them meet that goal now.

94. Indianapolis Colts- Pat Angerer, MLB, Iowa

Angerer is a great fit for this Cover-2 defense as he can get deep and cover, and he’s the typical tough-guy player the Colts love. Angerer won’t have to start, but he’s a solid back up to Gary Brackett in the middle and even has some ability to move to the outside and potentially contribute at the SLB spot as well. He will play special teams and will be very good as well. I almost grabbed Tony Pike as the long term project to replace Peyton Manning, but Manning has a good 6-8 years, so they are better off taking a player who can help them.

95. New Orleans Saints- Mike Neal, DT, Purdue

Neal is a true undertackle who uses very good strength to hold the point, and quickness to rush the passer. Neal is a very good fit next to Sedrick Ellis, who has quickly developed more into a 4-3 NT prospect than a quick and penetrating undertackle like I thought he would. The Saints once again have the luxury to pick who fits their needs. If Neal isn’t the pick, I could also see Pike go here as a long term replacement for Brees.

96. Cincinnati Bengals- Tony Pike, QB, Cincinnati

I know, Carson Palmer isn’t that old, but who’s behind him on the bench? Yeah, his brother, Jordan. I don’t trust him to take the reigns of the first team offense should Palmer get hurt again. Pike is insurance, and with compensatory picks, you take players like this as they are almost like found money. Pike needs to get stronger and put some size on, but he is the prototypical pocket passer with good enough accuracy. He won’t have to play unless something happens, and that’s how it should be.

97. Tennessee Titans- Brandon Lang, DE, Troy

Lang will benefit from the recent alumni at his position from Troy (Umenyiori and Ware), but he’s not quite on that level. Lang still has good pass rush ability, and the Titans like to rotate players in along the DL. Lang will fit right into that spot, and will primarily play in passing situations so he can play to his strengths.

98. Atlanta Falcons- Matt Tennant, OC, Boston College

Those of you who laugh at me for this pick, go ahead. In three years, Tennant will be a better center than Pouncey will. Yes, this is a VERY bold prediction but I’m willing to stick to it. I think he goes here because no one else seems to like him as much as I do. The Falcons know him very well considering they saw him play when scouting Matt Ryan. Tennant fits a big need for this team, and I think he will be playing sooner than later. I will either fall on my face with this prediction, or I will boldly go where no one else is right now (except the NFL Network’s Pat Kirwin, who I obviously like an awful lot!).

Mock Draft- 3rd round, picks 65-81

2010-04-22T11:26:00.001-05:00

65. St. Louis Rams- Eric Decker, WR Minnesota

If Decker had not hurt his foot earlier in the season, I think he’s a high second rounder with some conversation that he slips into the end of the first. But he did hurt his foot, and that is an issue for a skill position player like a WR. Even considering the foot injury, I would jump all over Decker if he’s available here in the third. The Rams have some undersized WRs and Decker is a good compliment as a bigger outside receiver. If his foot is healed, I think Decker is one of those rare guys who will make an impact as a WR within the first three years of his career.

66. Detroit Lions- Sean Lee, LB, Penn State

I personally think that Lee is a better fit inside, but in Jim Schwartz’s defense, Lee can fit at the weakside LB position now that Ernie Sims has been traded. Lee might not be as fast as Sims was, but he doesn’t need to be, he’s bigger and stronger at the point. He should have a shot to start in his rookie year as well, and he’s a very good value here in the third round.

67. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ricky Sapp, DE, Clemson

Sapp might be a better fit as a 3-4 OLB, but with the Bucs getting back to their old Tampa-2 roots, Sapp is a good fit as quicker and smaller defensive end. Ricky Sapp can get after the passer, and that’s what this defense needs. With McCoy and Sapp, this defensive line is quickly moving back into relevance.

68. Kansas City Chiefs- Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

I think you know by now that I’m not a big fan of pikes because I just don’t think he has the athleticism to hold up in the NFL. But if he is going to make it, being in a 3-4 will be his best option as he will have someone next to him to help cover up his lack of athleticism. What Spikes does bring is size and physical strength over the middle, which is something this defense actually could use.

69. Oakland Raiders- Zane Beadles, OT/OG, Utah

I’m a big fan of Beadles, although this season somewhat tempered my enthusiasm from last year. While I don’t think that Beadles can play LT, I do think he can play RT and OG. In this zone blocking style of offense, Beadles fits very well, and he should fight right away for the starting spot at right tackle or right guard. This is a great value pick.

70. Philadelphia Eagles- Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee

Hardesty is a late riser who had a very good Senior season after having some injury problems earlier in his college season. He’s an ideal compliment to LeSean McCoy, the Eagles second rounder from last year. Hardesty is a between the tackles runner that has enough speed to break long runs to the outside. He will be the finisher for this team late in the third and fourth quarters after McCoy has gotten them up on the scoreboard. A big WR like Brandon LaFell would also make good sense here, but I think RB is a better fit for value and need at this point.

71. Cleveland Browns- Alex Carrington, DE, Arkansas State

This is a name not many will be familiar with, but if you watched the Senior Bowl game and practices, you will know who Carrington is. He’s a very big 4-3 DE who will fit right in as a five-technique in this defense. Carrington impressed me when he put Zane Beadles completely on his back with a power bull rush and shove. He will make his way into the starting lineup sooner than later, and I think he’s going to be a steal this late. It’s not a sexy pick like say TE Aaron Hernandez or OLB Thaddeus Gibson, but it’s a smart pick.

72. Buffalo Bills- Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

Hernandez is not my favorite player because he’s strictly a receiving weapon, but it’s the right move for the Bills. Buffalo just lacks playmakers on offense, and Hernandez can help open up the passing game. I really liked the move they made last year for Shawn Nelson, but he’s the inline TE that can be used in tandem with Hernandez potentially split out. I could see a WR like Mardy Gilyard being a solid value pick as well, but I just think Hernandez is a bit more versatile.

73. Miami Dolphins- Linval Joseph, NT, East Carolina

Linval Joseph is now officially the hottest name over the past week. Someone apparently told Todd McShay and Mel Kiper that he’s the next great NT prospect. As I have said before, always be weary of the player that makes a giant move up mock drafts in the last week or so preceding the draft. It’s all smoke screens. Joseph has value and has played the 3-4 nose position in college, but this is where he belongs as far as his actual value. The Dolphins desperately need a future replacement for Jason Ferguson, and Joseph is the perfect fit.

74. Jacksonville Jaguars- Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati

I had a very hard time choosing between SS Larry Asante, Iowa CB Amari Spievey, and a WR like Gilyard or Brandon LaFell. While the defense does need more help, I think that passing on Gilyard would be a mistake, so I don’t let that happen. Gilayard gets away from the Jags recent love of tall, big, and fast perimeter receivers. He will be a starter in the slot for them and can make an immediate impact in the return game as well.

75. Chicago Bears- Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa

Boy, I was almost scared to make this pick as it was so long in the making. And I hope that doesn’t happen to Jerry and crew as they wait until late in the second day to finally make this move. To be honest, I would not be surprised to see them move down some and add more picks in either this round or the next. If they stay here, the choices left on the board have to be corner or safety, as the OL left just aren’t what the Bears need (trust me, it’s the one position I know well and I’d go DB here for sure). Spievey is a very good fit for this defense. He’s extremely aggressive and likes to play on the line and be physical with wideouts. He has the size you look for in an ideal Cover-2 corner as well, so I cannot argue with this pick. It also allows the luxury to move Peanut Tillman to FS if you really wanted to do so. I think that they should keep Tillman where he is and hope they can address the safety position later as well, so they build depth and add talent at both positions (which are probably the two biggest needs). If this is not exciting enough to all of my fellow Bears fan friends, I apologize, but I’m drafting with my brain and not my heart. I could see Larry Asante being the pick here as well, even though he’s a SS and we really need a FS. I wouldn’t argue with a FS like Morgan Burnett of Georgia Tech or Kam Chancellor of Virginia Tech. If they go with a big WR like Brandon LaFell, I will scream and break things, even though he’d be a good fit with our otherwise midget crew of receivers.

76. New York Giants- Arthur Jones, DT, Syracuse

The Giants defense revolves around pressure from the DL. Jones is a very good pass rushing interior player and is an outstanding athlete as well. Defensive tackle may not be the biggest need for this team, but this is a better value to me than reaching for a corner that might not fit this defense well (like Javier Arenas). I could definitely see Asante going here as insurance in case Kenny Phillips does not come back healthy

77. Tennessee Titans- Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama

I still question Arenas’ ability to cover solo on an island, but I think the Titans will use him as a nickel corner in the slot, which is where his strength is. The biggest reasont o take Arenas here is his ability to return punts. He can be an immediate contributor in this phase for the Titans, and I expect him to be a very good punt returner right away.

78. Carolina Panthers- Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU

As I said in the second round, the Panthers need DL and WR help, and they’ve addressed both in the past two rounds. If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that LaFell would fall this far in the draft, I would have laughed at you. But as the season wore on and I saw LaFell play more, he seemed too big and a bit disinterested. I think if the Panthers can motivate him, he can be that secondary threat that this team has not had since Moose Mohammed was actually considered a Pro Bowl caliber player. Now, I don’t know if I would say LaFell can play at that high of a level, but he should make the compliment receiver that the Panthers have not had in years.

79. San Francisco 49ers- Eric Norwood, OLB, South Carolina

The 49ers have been missing the big play sack artist the past few years, ever since they moved to the 3-4 defense. I’m a bit surprised I had Norwood falling this far, but my concerns over his ability to cover are real, so this means he makes a spectacular value this late in the draft. He won’t be asked to cover, he’s going to turned loose and allowed to attack the passer and make plays. This is when Norwood is at his best, and I think that if used right, he could be a 10+ sack a year guy at this position.

80. Denver Broncos- Thaddeus Gibson, OLB, Ohio State

If you read the evals, I’m not a big fan of Gibson as a player ready to contribute. What he is though is a phenomenal athlete with a great size/speed/strength ratio. He will be best fit here in a 3-4 defense as a rush OLB, and he will be given a bit of time to develop as a situational pass rusher in his first few years. It’s easy to compare him to first round flop and former teammate Vernon Gholstan, but the difference is there are no expectations on busting when you are a third round pick. It’s a good fit for the Broncos and should give them some juice in the pass rush.

81. Houston Texans- Larry Asante, S, Nebraska

I know I have been saying Asante is best fit at SS, but I think the Texans will start him out as a FS. They already have a heavy hitting in-the-box safety in Bernard Pollard, so that’s why I think that Asante will be asked to play deep. Asante played FS at Nebraska, so it’s nothing new, but I just don’t know if he has the deep coverage skills. I think he can still start and be better than what the Texans already have at the position.

Mock Draft- 2nd round, picks 49-64

2010-04-22T07:31:00.002-05:00

49. San Francisco 49ers- Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

The 49ers need to come away from the first two rounds with a RT and a CB, and with Robinson sliding, they can make that happen. Robinson may have the best natural skills of any corner in this draft, but he just lacks consistency in putting it all together (which is why he slides this far). If Robinson is actually here, it’s a no brainer as he can be an immediate starter. If he’s not here, then the pick will more than likely come down to ILB Sean Lee or OLB Koa Misi.

50. Kansas City Chiefs- Koa Misi, OLB, Utah

I’m a huge fan of Misi’s and I was very surprised this year that I hadn’t heard anything about him previouslty, nor did I remember him from watching the Utes play the previous two seasons. Kansas City is still a team in transition to the 3-4 defense, and Misi can help move that transition along quicker. He played a hybrid DE/OLB position at Utah, so he will have a very small learning curve, and will have a very good mentor in Mike Vrabel. I think Misi will eventually be a Pro Bowler.

51. Houston Texans- Ben Tate, RB, Auburn

After Spiller, Mathews, and Best, it’s a matter of what flavor of RB you like for who goes next. I really like Tate a lot as he has a very good blend of size and interior running skills, but also has the long speed to hit the home run on the outside. He’s not a playmaker in the same vein as Spiller or Best, but he’s more like Mathews in that he consistently chews up positive yards. He’ll make a nice compliment back to Steve Slaton.

52. Pittsburgh Steelers- Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

I really like Oklahoma State’s Perrish Cox, but with some off the field character issues, this is the last team that will be taking that risk. Cook is a cleaner player off the field, and he fits the mold of physical corners that this team likes. Cook is very tall, but is very smooth turning and running with the receiver. Cook won’t have to start right away, but with the questionable play last year from this team’s current starters, it would not surprise me if Cook was in the starting lineup come week one.

53. New England Patriots- Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss

This move makes so much sense on so many levels. The Patriots have used Kevin Faulk as an undersized third down back as successfully as a team could. The problem now is that Faulk is getting up in age and really only has a season or two left at the very most. In comes McCluster, who is even smaller than Faulk, but can fit that same slash role as a runner and underneath receiving option. McCluster is an offensive weapon, and his size won’t be that much of an issue at the next level as I don’t see any team that drafts him using him every down. He’s a change of pace guy who can really make big plays, and this is a team that has the luxury to take a player like this in the second round.

54. Cincinnati Bengals- Chad Jones, FS, LSU

Jones was a centerfielder on the LSU Tigers baseball team, and he plays like one on the football field. Jones is at his best playing deep over the middle of the field, and he’s also great at tracking the ball in the air. Jones doesn’t have ideal size or speed, but he is just always around the ball and makes plays. The Bengals have some guys who can play in the box as physical SS’s, but they are lacking that deep coverage playmaker, and Jones brings that. If not, I could see the Bengals going for a DE like Clemson’s Ricky Sapp, Arkansas State’s Alex Carrington, or Northwestern’s Corey Wooton.

55. Philadelphia Eagles- Major Wright, FS, Florida

Wright is still a little bit raw, but he’s the perfect blend of speed and power that will fit this defense well. The Eagles really struggled without Brian Dawkins last year, and I think that Wright is one of the few guys who can really fill that same role here. He’s got some of the best closing speed I saw on tape, and he showed the ability to blitz. That’s critical in this defense as they require the FS to come up hard and either attack the LOS, or get back into coverage quickly. Wright can do that for them.

56. Green Bay Packers- Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma State

The Packers like bigger and physical corners who can press receivers at the line. Cox is one of the better press-man cover corners I saw this year, so the fit/need/value make sense. If Al Harris is not fully healed, Cox will push to get time right away. If Harris is healthy, the Packers have time to let Cox develop. He’s a great value here, but I’m also not surprised to see him slip due to the fact that he angered his college coach enough that he not only suspended him for the bowl game but also did not let him work out at their Pro Day.

57. Baltimore Ravens- Anthony McCoy, TE, USC

I had a very tough time here with two extremely talented players that have slipped a lot further than I would have thought earlier in the year: McCoy and Penn State LB Navorro Bowman. Bowman is the perfect LB for this team. He’s athletic, versatile, and exactly what this team likes in that position. But I chose the bigger need in TE with McCoy. Anthony McCoy is sliding as we draw near draft day due to testing positive for marijuana at the Combine. While that’s not good, it’s not a death sentence either, and it would never preclude me from taking a lesser talent before him. McCoy will be the heir apparent to Todd Heap, and I think he’s going to be a very successful NFL TE. He’s the best blocking TE of the so called top shelf group (the guys who will go in the first three rounds). I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bowman’s name called either though.

58. Arizona Cardinals- Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State

Bowman has slid some as we have neared draft day due to some concerns about off the field issues he had while at Penn State. So while he has slipped here, and it would make sense due to this issue, I think he may very well go a lot higher than this due to his on the field talent. Bowman is a great fit here as a replacement for Karlos Dansby. Yes, Bowman played OLB at Penn State, but so did Dansby at Auburn. Bowman is athletic enough to make the move and he will make plays on the inside as well. He can blitz, he can cover, and he can tackle well. He’s a very good overall LB prospect that can realistically play any spot at the position.

59. Dallas Cowboys- Vlad Ducasse, OT/OG, Umass

This is a pick that I don’t truly believe in, but I think it’s the way the Cowboys would go. The Cowboys need someone who can play RT or OG, and Dallas likes big guys. There is no question that Ducasse has a very bright future, but I’m concerned as what I saw of him at the Senior Bowl showed me he has along ways to go before he really understand how to play the position at the next level. He can be taught this, but I’m concerned that he will be pressed into action too soon if he does go here. I’d prefer John Jerry of Ole Miss as he has played RT and can definitely play LG. But when has Jerry Jones made a pick that really makes sense?

60. Seattle Seahawks- Damian Williams, WR, USC

Williams is reunited with his college coach in Pete Carroll, and this is a move that actually makes sense as well. The Seahawks need some young talent at the receiver position, and Williams can contribute right away in the slot. I think eventually he can move to the outside and replace Houshmenzadeh, and he’s the perfect mentor for Williams as they share a lot of the same qualities. I could also see Seattle making the move for a RB like Montario Hardesty here as well.

61. New York Jets- Corey Wooten, DE, Northwestern

The Jets don’t really have a huge need here, and I could see them going in many directions. A rush OLB like Ricky Sapp of Clemson or Thaddeus Gibson of Ohio State could very well be the pick. I just get the feeling that DE is the pick here though, and this pick will come down between Alex Carrington and Corey Wooten. I chose Wooten for a several reasons, most of which is that I remember how good he was prior to his knee injury. I think that we will see more of that ability this year after he gets a full year under his belt post-surgery. He’s a very good fit at the five-technique as he has the length and size to hold the point, but also has some juice to get to the passer. Want another silly reason why this may be the pick? Wooten originally hails from New Jersey.

62. Minnesota Vikings- Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma

I think the Vikings get a steal here in Franks, who definitely could have pushed his way into the first round had he come back for his Senior year. I think that Franks is the forgotten man in this year’s corner class as he played on a defense loaded with talent. Franks can hold his own on an island, and this is a perfect fit for his style of play. With Cedric Griffen getting hurt in the NFC championship game last season, Franks will have the chance to play sooner rather than later.

63. Indianapolis Colts- John Jerry, OG, Ole Miss

I’m a bigger fan of Jerry than most other draft experts. I think he can play RT at the next level, but he won’t need to for this team. Jerry fits the mold of bigger OL that the Colts have publicly said they want to move toward. Jerry can come right in and fight for one of the two guard positions, and I think by the end of training camp, he will be the starter at LG.

64. New Orleans Saints- Daryl Washington, OLB, TCU

Washington is a great value here, and it allows the Saints to get younger and much more athletic at the OLB position. Washington played inside at TCU, but he doesn’t have the size or strength to hold up on the inside in the NFL. He does however have the elite speed and quickness to make an impact on the outside. With Scott Fujita leaving for the Browns, Washington provides a better and younger athlete that this defense needed on the outside. The strong get stronger.

Mock Draft- 2nd round, picks 33-48

2010-04-22T07:29:00.001-05:00

33. St. Louis Rams- Lamarr Houston, DT, Texas

The Rams have a very enviable place to be in here, as all teams will have the night to sit and propose trades to move up for the player that slipped from the first round. In fact, I think because of the new draft format, we will see an incredible amount of movement in the second round as far as trades. Before the trade last night of Adam Carriker to the Redskins, I had the Rams taking a corner here. The funny thing is, before I even started this I had a feeling Houston was the pick all along. I like Lamarr Houston more than most others do, and I think he will make a big impact on this defense. Steve Spagnuolo likes to win on defense by pressuring the QB up front. Houston is a classic three-technique that can penetrate quickly into the backfield and really wreck havoc. I think he’s a starter from day one and he makes an impact on the interior of this DL.

34. Detroit Lions- Jahvid Best, RB, California

The Lions really need a home run threat in the backfield to couple with Calvin Johnson, and Best is a great fit. Kevin Smith is not the workhorse back the Lions expected him to be, but he can make a fine between the tackles compliment to Best’s perimeter speed. I really like Best, but I’m definitely scared off by his injury history. I’m not too scared to take him in the second round though, and this is an excellent fit for value plus need. I could see the Lions taking a stab at Taylor Mays to play SS, but I just think Best is a better player overall.

35. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Taylor Mays, SS, USC

This is a lot later than most other mock drafts will have Mays going, but I’m very concerned with his ability to play in coverage. The Bucs can minimize this with by playing him closer to the line of scrimmage at the SS position. The Bucs already have a decent FS in Tenard Jackson, so getting Mays as an intimidating physical presence over the middle is a good fit. A playmaking WR like Arrelious Benn or Demaryius Thomas are tough to pass on, but the Bucs pick again in seven spots thanks to the Bears, so they can fill this spot or the DE spot then when the value is a bit better. A corner like Kareem Jackson could be Ronde Barber’s long term replacement, but again this is a spot that can be filled later this round or in the third.

36. Kansas City Chiefs- Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

Thomas is player rising fast come draft time, and you will see plenty of mock drafts that have him going in the first round. I’m not quite as high on Thomas for several reasons. First off, the fact that he injured his foot and is coming off of surgery scares me. For skill position players, this is something that could really come back to haunt him throughout his career. Second, he played in an option style offense where he ran limited routes. Yes, he does show the speed and ability to hit the home run, but how much of that was based on the fact that teams were loading up to stuff the option rushing attack and how much was it Thomas’ abilities? He has the size/speed ratio you want in a starting NFL caliber receiver, but to me this is the perfect spot for him. The Chiefs need offensive weapons, and they are still rebuilding, so he doesn’t necessarily have to play right away. It’s a pick more for upside and potential three years down the road than it is for impact now. I could definitely see the Chiefs grabbing a LB or a TE like Rob Gronkowski as well, but the depth is better at those positions than it is at WR.

37. Philadelphia Eagles- Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

Jackson is the physical style of corner this team desperately needs right now. I’m not sure he will last this long, but if he does, the Eagles will not wait to run up to the podium and draft him. He’s a day one starter at a position of need for this team.

38. Cleveland Browns- Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

This pick makes too much sense as well, and I could realistically see the Browns trading some other picks to move up a bit to ensure they get McCoy. This team will eventually run a version of the West Coast offense with Mike Holmgren calling the shots in the front office, and McCoy is absolutely perfect for this style of offense. He’s a good leader, he’s accurate, and he can make plays on the run when needed. His size and arm strength are an issue, but not enough of an issue in the right style of offense. McCoy doesn’t have to start right away with Wallace and Delhomme there, which is probably the best thing overall. It’s a solid way to help this team build for the future since I think they are another year or so away from turning this thing around and rebuilding the roster.

39. Oakland Raiders- Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

As you will know from my player evals, I’m not a big fan of Dunlap, and I think he’s the biggest ‘boom or bust’ player in this draft. His physical skills and athleticism are unquestionable, but his effort and character are my big concerns. This is the team of all-star athletes though with Al Davis calling the shots, so this move makes so much sense on many levels. He will be given every chance to succeed here, so he can either prove me wrong or prove me right and join the other ‘all gym shorts team’ players that Al has drafted in the past few years.

40. San Diego Chargers- Cam Thomas, NT, North Carolina

I’m a big fan of Thomas and I think he can make an immediate impact as the NT for this team. There are some good players that will be hard for AJ Smith to pass on, like Bruce Campbell and Devin McCourty, but NT is the single biggest need for this team and Thomas is tailor made for the position. If for some reason the Bolts go with Terrance Cody in the first round, then expect this pick to be a RB like Ben Tate or Montarrio Hardesty.

41. Buffalo Bills- Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Campbell ideally needs some time on the bench to really learn some finer points of OL technique, but he won’t be afforded that luxury with the Bills. Buffalo has to come out of the first two rounds with an OT or they can enjoy another season of mediocrity. Campbell is a freak athlete who is already very good in the run game, but he just needs time to get consistent. He will learn on the job here, which for the long term success of this franchise may be their only option. If the Bills did manage to get a LT in the first round, then don’t be surprised to hear the name Linval Joseph called in the second. He’s a NT prospect on the rise.

42. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

This is a tough pick for me as I really like Devin McCourty and Benn, but I think the Bucs can get a better value at CB in the third than they can at WR. With a new DT and SS already added to a young and improving defense, Benn can be gleaned as the future go-to receiver for young franchise QB Josh Freeman. If Benn can stay healthy, I think he will have a better pro career than a college career due to the fact that he will at least get consistent play from the QB position.

43. Denver Broncos- Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

Tate is a very good fit in Josh McDaniels offense as a primary slot receiver. Yes, a big perimeter WR to replace the departed Brandon Marshall would be better, but Tate is the high character kind of player that McDaniels wants to start stocking his roster with. It doesn’t hurt that Tate played in an offense similar to this under Charlie Weis. Devin McCourty could very well be the long term replacement for Champ Bailey, but I think the offensive coach wants to continue to build up his weaponry. I would not be surprised to see Rob Gronkowski be the pick either, as Tony Scheffler was just traded to the Lions.

44. New England Patriots- Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona

It would not surprise me to see Gronkowski slip into the first round, but coming off of back surgery, I feel a lot better about his value in the early second. He’s the ideal fit for this team as well. He’s a solid character guy, he can block, and he’s an offensive weapon. He’s probably the most complete TE as he does everything well. To me, he’s a slight notch below Jermaine Gresham because Gresham is a better receiver. Gronkowski is NFL ready though, if fully healthy, and he will make an impact for this offense immediately.

45. Denver Broncos- Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers

I have a hard time believing that McCourty will actually fall this low, but it happens in my mock draft. McCourty’s presence will allow the Broncos to play last year’s second round pick Alphonso Smith inside as a nickel corner, and make this defensive backfield very strong. This is simply a pick of the best player available, which happens to make sense as far as fit.

46. New York Giants- Roger Saffold, OT/OG, Indiana

This may not be the sexiest pick for Giants fans, but it fits the MO of Giants GM Jerry Reese. Saffold is a versatile offensive lineman who can start off as an OG or RT and eventually be the long term replacement for David Diehl at the LT spot. This team needs to continue to build young depth along the OL, so if it’s not Saffold here, I could see the pick being Illini guard Jon Asamoah.

47. New England Patriots- Jon Asamoah, OG, Illinois

Depth across the entire OL is very shallow in this year’s draft, so the Pats will strike early on a true NFL starting caliber guard. Asamoah might not need to start right away, but he could beat out Stephen Neal for the RG position. He also provides insurance should the Pats decide to let Pro Bowl LG Logan Mankins walk instead of offering him an expensive contract extension after this year. A LB like Navarro Bowman would be tempting to provide an athletic, young playmaker next to Jerod Mayo, but this is a position that can be filled later with a player how might actually fit the role better.

48. Carolina Panthers- Tyson Alualu, DE/DT, California

The Panthers desperately need DL and WR help, and they will have some fine players available to them here at both positions. I personally like Alualu better as a 3-4 DE, but I think he is very capable of sliding down to tackle and making an impact with his quickness and strength. It’s possible Carolina could make the move and grab Steve Smith a partner in crime in Damian Williams, but their luck with second round USC receivers has not been great so far. While I think Williams will be better than Dwayne Jarrett has been, I also think WR or TE can be addressed later. DL is a much bigger need, and Alualu will be a very solid addition

LIVE DRAFT BLOG- Thursday through Saturday

2010-04-21T06:57:00.000-05:00

For those that joined in last year, I will be running the Live Blog for the entire draft once again. All you have to do is go to the website during the draft and you will be able to interact live with me and any of the other loyal Diesel Draft Analysis followers.

Since I am off work on Thursday and Friday, the coverage will go as long as it needs to. Plus, the second through third rounds will be up by tomorrow afternoon, and if I’m feeling saucy I may throw a fourth round in for good measures.

I hope you will all join me for fun, laughs, and Draft Day madness this weekend.

Mock Draft- 1st round, picks 18-32

2010-04-19T16:40:00.001-05:00

18. Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

The Steelers had good luck the last time they drafted a guard near this level of the draft in potential HOF’er Alan Faneca. I would not put Iupati in that category at all, but he’s the physical inside presence this team needs. The Steelers were terrible in short yardage situations last year and Iupati can help them there right away. He’s still raw though, and I’m not as high on him as many other experts are, but it’s tough to argue with picking him here. Once he puts some of the fundamental things together, he can straight up maul people and has the potential to help make their entire OL nastier. Kyle Wilson is a need at CB and a solid draft value to boot, but I just feel the OL is in more need of repair at this point.

19. Atlanta Falcons- Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

I think this fits very well for need and the type of player that the Falcons seem to draft ever since GM Thomas Dimitroff came on board. Graham is a guy that everyone will nit pick on because he doesn’t have ideal size or speed. But what I have seen out of Graham is that he flat out knows how to get to the QB, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters at the next level. Jason Pierre-Paul may be the splashier pick, but I’m just not sold on his actual potential. Graham has the higher floor than JPP, and to me that matters with a first rounder as the bust potential is much lower. Sergio Kindle is an excellent pass rusher as well, but I just think he’s better fit in a 3-4. I would not argue with Everson Griffen here either, but if they went for a TE like Jermaine Gresham, I think they may end up missing out on the bigger need in a DE. This is a deep TE class, so that value can be had in the third when they pick next.

20. Houston Texans- Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

I would think the Texans have to be crossing their fingers and hoping the draft falls to them like this. CB is far and away the most glaring need for this team, and Wilson is not far behind Haden in my book. I think he can come in and immediately make an impact as a starter. It’s too perfect for of value, need, and fit.

21. Cincinnati Bengals- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

I was a big fan of Gresham last year, and the knee injury does not scare me off. He’s now realistically had a whole season to get healed and stronger, so he’s going to be ready to make an impact come training camp. Some panned him for not being a better blocker, but I write this off to the system he played in. Look no further than the National Championship game against Florida where he absolutely manhandled DBs like they were kids and he was an adult. He will come right in and be the starter and it allows the team to work with a personal favorite of mine from last year, Chase Coffman, to develop further. These two can make for some very interesting two-TE sets and should create mismatch nightmares for Carson Palmer to take advantage. I could see the Bengals going for the potential in Jason Pierre-Paul, but I’m too scared of his bust potential and limited experience to pass on a player of Gresham’s value.

22. New England Patriots- Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

This is another home run for the Pats, as they will hope that Kindle falls down this far (he could go as high as #12 to the Dolphins). Kindle played a similar role in Texas’s defense where he was dropping into coverage, or had his hand in the dirt rushing the passer. He may not be an impact pass rusher in the caliber of Morgan or even Graham, but he will be very good. He is underrated against the run as well, and I just like this fit for the skill set he brings to the table. Everson Griffen can play this position as well and may end up having more upside, but I think he’s more of a work in progress than Kindle will be at the rush OLB position. Knowing the Patriots though, they will probably trade down to acquire even more picks this year and next year.

23. Green Bay Packers- Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, TCU

From a pure pass rushing standpoint, this move makes good sense. Couple that with Ted Thompson’s tendency to take the best player available, and this really makes sense. Everson Griffen and Jason Pierre-Paul may get more of the headlines, but I think Hughes is the better player right now. Hughes just finds ways to get to the passer, and he looked great running the LB drills at the combine. He’s going to have some learning to do playing a new position, but the Pack can afford the luxury to some extent. They will use him wisely at first as a pass rush specialist while developing him into a overall fantastic book-end rusher with last year’s first rounder Clay Matthews Jr. In fact, with Kevin Greene as the OLBs coach, this tandem reminds me a lot of the old Steelers nightmare of Greene and Greg Lloyd. I’m a big fan of Hughes, and I think he’s going to make an excellent NFL player.

24. Philadelphia Eagles- Maurkice Pouncey, OC/OG, Florida

It would be very un-Andy Reid-like to pass on a versatile offensive lineman should one fall to him. A corner is a bigger need, and I looked long and hard at Alabama’s Kareem Jackson, but Pouncey just makes sense. The Eagles have two second round picks where they can strengthen their defensive backfield when the value is better. If Pouncey were already gone, to say the Steelers instead of Iupati, then I think Iupati would be the pick. Some people will say Taylor Mays is a physical safety in the mold of Brian Dawkins, but he isn’t close to the player Dawkins was when he played in Philly. Don’t be surprised to see Philly move those two second round picks and this pick to grab a safety that would fit like Earl Thomas.

25. Baltimore Ravens- Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State

I really like Odrick and think this pick is a perfect marriage should Odrick fall. I think Odrick deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as McCoy and Suh because of his ability to change games from the interior defensive line position. The Ravens lost Dwan Edwards this off-season, and Odrick is the perfect guy to replace him in the starting lineup. Baltimore likes to run hybrid fronts, and Odrick can play the three and the five-technique equally well. A corner is hard to pass up, as is a TE like Rob Gronkowski, but I would do back flips if Odrick fell to me this late.

26. Arizona Cardinals- Charles Brown, OT, USC

I like Brown more than a lot of other experts. He can play the blindside tackle spot, which with left handed Matt Leinart will be the right side, or the left tackle spot where he played the past three seasons at USC. There are some character concerns with him, but he’s an athletic tackle who can pass protect on an island, and this team desperately needs some more athleticism at that spot. The Cardinals already have had some success with another USC OL in OG Duece Lutui, so I can see them dipping into the well once again to solidify the OT spots with young and talented Brown’s (current RT Levi and now Charles). If it’s not an OT here, look for the Cards to grab a NT like Shaun Cody to help solidify the middle of their run defense with Karlos Dansby playing in Miami.

27. Dallas Cowboys- Nate Allen, FS, South Florida

Here’s a pick many of you probably did not see coming, nor do many of you even know much about. I really like Allen and he is a traditional FS that fits this team perfectly. Allen can cover deep, but he’s a willing and able participant in the run game. Taylor Mays gets more publicity, but I think Allen is the better overall player. Jerry Jones has learned his lesson with reaching on players with physical upside. If he drafts Mays, he’s nothing more than Roy Williams (the safety) reincarnated. Allen is just as physical, but he’s got much better field awareness. He’s the missing piece that this defense has been searching for for the past few years now. An OT like Bruce Campbell could very well end up being the pick, but he’s not game ready like Allen is. The Cowboys know they have a short window to win, so they go with the player that helps them keep that small window cracked for the immediate future.

28. San Diego Chargers- Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

This was an incredibly tough decision between RB in Mathews and NT in Terrance Cody. Both are big needs, and both fit very well, but I lean toward Mathews here because I like him a bit more than Cody overall when pressed to make a decision. Mathews will get a chance to be the workhorse back while splitting carries with Darren Sproles this year. He’ll get the reigns full time next year when the Chargers don’t want to pay Sproles the money he’s after. I wouldn’t argue one bit with Cody here, but I also think that the Chargers can grab a solid NT prospect like Cam Thomas in the top half of the second round to fill both needs.

29. New York Jets- Terrance Cody, NT, Alabama

The Jets struggled when Kris Jenkins went down last season, so they need a solid back up plan. The Jets really don’t have many needs after having a terrific off-season so far, so they can go with a bit of a luxury here in Jenkins heir apparent. It should help ensure that Jenkins is fully recovered from his injury last year, and help spell him for a few series a game. It’s very hard to pass on a potential pass rushing superstar in Everson Griffen or even TCU’s Jerry Hughes, but NT’s are hard to find and Cody is one of the best fits for this position.

30. Minnesota Vikings- Brian Price, DT, UCLA

The Vikings are also in a very enviable place in that they do not have many needs to fill. A CB would be a very fine pick here, but I like Price an awful lot, and this defense can win with good pressure up front and lesser players on the back end of the coverage. Price will fit immediately into the three man rotation and can eventually take over for Pat Williams (even though he’s a very different player than Williams is). I liken Price to a poor man’s Kevin Williams, who he will no doubt be lining up next to on passing downs. With Ray Edwards, Jared Allen, Price, and Kevin Williams rushing on 3rd downs I don’t want to be a QB in the NFC North. If the Vikings don’t think they will retain Edwards after this year, Griffen would make a great fit as well. If they go corner, expect this to be Kareem Jackson or Devin McCourty.

31. Indianapolis Colts- Everson Griffen, DE, USC

I don’t see Griffen lasting this long, but the way my picks have shaken out, he did. The Colts will immediately get a bigger and more physical presence at the POA on the edge, but also a guy with the speed to hang with their current undersized DEs. Griffen has some of the best potential of all of the defensive linemen in this draft, he just needs to consistently put his technique together with his physical skills. The Colts want to get bigger on the OL, and Bruce Campbell would accomplish this, but he’s too raw and needs more time to develop. Griffen helps this team win right now, and in the future.

32. New Orleans Saints- Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Jason Pierre-Paul scares me, but this is the perfect spot to draft a player like him. He has limited experience and all of the potential in the world, but he could also never turn that potential into anything. He’s going to get every chance to make an impact as a third down pass rusher, and he can learn behind standout veterans like Alex Brown and Will Smith. With the last pick in every round, these are the kind of players that New Orleans can afford to take. I’m sure he will end up going high than this as most other media outlets really like him, but I’m weary enough to pass until the last pick of the first round

Mock Draft- 1st round, picks 1-17

2010-04-15T22:28:00.001-05:00

So I’ve given up hope of getting all of my player evals done in time, so it’s mock draft time. The hits will keep on coming all the way through to at least the third round, but I may even go as far as the fifth. Lest we not forget, this is how I see it if I’m the GM for every team. I’m not a psychic and I don’t think a great mock draft is the one that ends up being accurate. I’m more concerned with three years from now when things end up looking a lot closer to what something my mock draft might look like today. To me, that brings more satisfaction than hitting it now. The only way we will see updates if I find some shocking new info coming in to draft week, or if another blockbuster trade like the Brandon Marshall trade happens. I hope you enjoy, and I apologize for the delay everyone!

1. St. Louis Rams- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

I think this is a no brainer, even if the outrageous rumor comes true, and the Browns trade up for this pick. Sam Bradford has steadily proved he’s the top pick in this draft. As I said before, I would not have hesitated to take him number one overall LAST YEAR. So this year? Well, there is hesitation due to the injury, but if you are cleared by the greatest orthopedic surgeon of all times then I’m cool with that grade as well. Bradford solves the biggest problem this team this has had, which is a stable franchise QB. He has a good enough arm, ideal size, and some of the best accuracy I have seen in some time. It’s cut and dry, Bradford is the pick and he should be.

2. Detroit Lions- Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

Many outlets may have you think that with the Lions off-season acquisition of Cory Williams that DT is no longer a need, and Russell Okung should be the pick. I disagree strongly and say that when the Lions have been most successful in the draft, they have drafted the best player available that also fit need. Suh is an outstanding player that will be a long time Pro Bowler. He’s Jim Schwartz’s Albert Haynesworth, but younger and more committed to the game. Suh will make the Pro Bowl in his first three years in the league, barring a catastrophic injury. Mark it now, and call me out if I’m wrong.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

Many experts will argue who is better between McCoy and Suh, but I think it’s a dumb discussion. They are two very different players that fit different styles of defensive fronts, but they have one major thing in common in that they are true impact players. It’s like asking me to pick my favorite American micro-brew beer right now. I can probably narrow it down to two choices, and both are GREAT beers, so who cares which one you get? You’ll be happy no matter what. I absolutely love McCoy as well, as his attitude is infectious. He will be a superstar, and if you have ever seen an interview with this kid, I challenge you to give me a reason why you dislike him. He’s the best possible combination of great character, great ability, great leadership, and great personality. I want to play with this guy, and that means something.

4. Washington Redskins- Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

I think the Redskins fleeced the Eagles. I just don’t understand why Philly treated McNabb like they did all those years. How can you not appreciate someone who takes you to so many NFC Championship games? Yes, he didn’t win a Super Bowl, BUT AT LEAST YOU GOT MORE THAN ONE CHANCE YOU A$$HOLES! Yeah, I said it. It’s the ungrateful fans similar to this that piss me off. Have you seen a championship for your favorite team? If the answer is yes, you cannot bitch. Anyway, Okung will be a very good LT for a long time. He will start immediately and McNabb will need him. This is how you win the right way. Is he young and will he struggle at times? Yep, but you have a veteran taking snaps so you rest easy. The Redskins have made some really bad moves in the past, this is not one of them and the McNabb trade is not one of them.

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Eric Berry, FS, Tennessee

Once again, many people will say that you don’t make a rookie safety the highest paid safety in the league by picking him this high. The problem with that theory? The teams that base their picks strictly on positional cost at their draft slot will be picking at this spot if not higher next year, and the year after, and the year after as long as this thinking continues. I’m the first person to say that a rookie wage scale is absolute necessary. No one argues with this point, and it’s why this isn’t an issue with the new CBA. Berry is the real deal, and he’s worth this pick. Hell, if Bradford’s shoulder hadn’t held up in follow up medical exams, I would have taken Berry as high as the third pick. Tell me this, when Ed Reed was drafted, do you think the teams that passed on him would go back and do the same thing if they knew how he would have turned out? No, I think price would not have been an issue. You improve as a team by getting the best players possible. Berry is that, and he will be one of the five best safeties. I wouldn’t argue with a pick like Bryan Bulaga here either to be honest, but I think Berry is a better player overall.

6. Seattle Seahawks- Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

So why are Kiper and McShay all of a sudden all over Trent Williams? Some agent or super secret source told them this week that they love him! And the funniest part of this all is they believed him, during the week where the most misinformation will be passed around than any other time. Seattle is lucky here in that they have a lot of very good players to choose from, especially at positions of need. I think LT is the biggest need, and Bulaga is good enough to fill this right now. My hardest decision is deciding between Bulaga, Joe Haden, Derrick Morgan, and Dez Bryant. I choose Bulaga because he can come right in and play, and he’s the most technically sound OT in this draft. It’s a lot like Jake Long, expect Long had more natural talent. In that draft, I felt Ryan Clady may have had better overall skills, but Long was more ready to come in and play. That’s the same way I feel about Okung and Bulaga, except I flip-flopped the picks this time and went for upside first. Morgan and Haden are the hardest to pass on, but a LT is just that much more important than these positions. But if either of them is the pick, I will not argue. And while I like Bryant, I don’t like him this much. You want to know what seals this the most for me? Seattle just hired all time, hall of fame caliber OL coach Joe Gibbs to teach the zone blocking scheme to this OL. Bulaga is a GREAT fit inn the zone scheme.

7. Cleveland Browns- Joe Haden, CB, Florida

Danimal, I know you are very happy to see this as this was one of the guys you told me you wanted for your beloved Browns. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but I didn’t make this decision because of you. I made this pick because I think it’s the right decision. Drafting Morgan to play OLB in the 3-4 is more risky than Haden here because there is no risk of wondering if he will make the transition. I personally think Morgan is better fit as a 4-3 DE, so that’s why I go with Haden here. Joe Haden can be the next great corner in this league, and I don’t care what he ran at the combine or his Pro Day. I saw enough of him on film to say unequivocally that Haden will be a starter from day one and will make an impact for this team for years to come. I would not argue with Morgan though, and even Dez Bryant wouldn’t be a bad pick. The wildcard is CJ Spiller. I would have no problem picking him here, but I don’t make that move because of the shelf life of RBs and the fact that a decent RB can be had in the third.

8. Oakland Raiders- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

Holy crap, four of the first seven picks are from the Big-12! Too many people automatically picked Bruce Campbell for this after his great combine, but I don’t think Al Davis can be that stupid. Or can he??? Once again, I’m not Al Davis, so I pick Williams. I won’t go back on what I said before that I don’t think Williams will be a good LT, but he’s going to be a solid player. He can be a LT, and ideally he’s a top notch RT, but he can be serviceable on the left side if needed. Morgan would be an excellent choice at another position of need, but Oakland will never succeed unless they improve the OL. Tom Cable is a former OL coach and he’ll push for this pick.

9. Buffalo Bills- Dan Williams, NT, Tennessee

This is a very tough decision for the Bills. If they like Jimmy Clausen, they make that move even without the LT. I don’t like Clausen, so I pass, but if they did go that route then I would look for the Bills to push hard to trade their second rounder to the Ravens for top notch LT Jared Gaither. Another option would be Dez Bryant, but I think that Buddy Nix knows that this is the wrong place for that young man. It would be Brandon Marshall 2.0. So Williams is a great consolation. If any of the top three OTs falls to here, then this would be the choice no matter which one fell, but it didn’t happen in my mock. Williams will be the day one NT for this new 3-4 defense and he will make it that much better overall. If I can walk away with my NT of the future in Williams, and Gaither in the second round, then I’m a happy man. A QB is a desperate need, but you don’t reach out of desperation. They can always wait until next year or hope they strike it rich with a late round pick a la Tom Brady.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars- Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

I know, you are probably screaming at me saying ‘David Gerrard went to the Pro Bowl last year!’. Yeah, and so did the ghost of Red Grange because so many RBs pulled out of the Pro Bowl as well. The Pro Bowl matters if you are part of the first people chosen, not the fifth alternate that somehow makes it. What does Jimmy Clausen bring this team that Gerrard doesn’t? A built-in fan base for a team that is massively struggling. You get the Notre Dame loyal followers, the Jimmy Clausen fans, and the hoards of Jimmy Clausen haters interested. For a franchise desperate for viewers, I make this move even though I don’t truly believe in it. If you asked me who is the best comparison to Jimmy Clausen in the NFL, I would say David Gerrard. I will disagree though with the people who think CJ Spiller is the pick here because they become the ‘Panthers South’. It’s a wasted pick for a position of strength. I’d rather take Dez Bryant but I go with Clausen instead. Who is the best value here you may ask? That’s easy, Derrick Morgan, but Clausen just fits in my mind for some odd reason (even though he may be the white version of Byron Leftwich).

11. Denver Broncos- Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama

It’s a tough choice between three players here: Earl Thomas, McClain, and Bryant. I don’t think Bryant will be the pick as they had the sure thing Bryant in Brandon Marshall that they just traded away. I think they can use that second 2nd rounder to fill the WR gap they now are faced with. McClain is the defensive leader that can take over for Brian Dawkins once he’s done playing. ILB is a desperate need, and defensive leadership and toughness is just missing from this team right now, and McClain fits perfectly with a combination of need/value/character. I really can’t argue with any of these three picks, but if Dan Williams fell here, I think they’d go value and pick him instead. I would not be surprised to see Morgan or another rush OLB player make it to this pick either.

12. Miami Dolphins- Earl Thomas, FS, Texas

I love what the Dolphins have done so far this off-season. Karlos Dansby is just coming into his prime and he will continue to get better. Brandon Marshall was worth two second rounders and the money they gave him, so another big hit. Thomas provides the sure thing starting FS that this team desperately needs. Gibril Wilson was supposed to bring toughness to the position but failed to cover deep. The Fins have two very big and physical corners, so a fast, efficient, and field aware deep centerfielder will make a big improvement for this team. I think Miami would love to see a NT like Dan Williams fall to this spot but it would take a serious shake up for that to happen (or yet another major reach by the Raiders). Derrick Morgan would fill a big need as a potential pass rushing superstar, but I love Earl Thomas and make this pick without hesitation.

13. San Francisco 49ers- CJ Spiller, RB, Clemson

You may call me crazy and say that because the 49ers have Frank Gore and last year’s third rounder Glenn Coffee that this is a wasted pick. I will argue that the 49ers are close to being a play off team and desperately need a return man. They could also use some offensive weapons, and Spiller is the biggest non-QB weapon in this draft. Coffee was not exactly a standout last year, so even though he was a third rounder, you don’t pass on a home run threat like Spiller for say someone like Anthony Davis who is the fourth best OT at best in this draft. Spiller can return both punts and kicks immediately, and he’s the second back behind Gore (who, least I remind you, has been very injury prone throughout his career). If not Spiller, than Davis or Morgan make great sense here.

14. Seattle Seahawks- Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

If this actually happened, I would be very shocked. Like Brian Orakpo falling as far as he did last year, I just don’t see Morgan falling this far in reality. But when trying to lay this out each time for each team, it’s realistic he could fall this far. If he does, this is an absolute home run for their first round picks. A franchise LT and a franchise DE is hard to come by with one pick, let alone two. Dez Bryant would be the explosive WR threat Pete Carroll is looking for, but I think he plays this smart and hopes to grab a player he’s familiar with in the late second like Damian Williams. Also, if the team opts to grab Morgan earlier or maybe even Joe Haden, don’t be surprised to see USC OT Charles Brown go this high. I like Brown and he’s a fantastic fit for this zone scheme as well.

15. New York Giants- Sean Weatherspoon, MLB, Missouri

Some will argue I am crazy, but I will argue that I just know football better than you. Weatherspoon is a player that steadily grew on me as time went by, and with new DC Perry Fewell calling the shots, he makes even more sense (seeing as it’s a Cover-2 defense, which requires faster MLBs). Weatherspoon is an athletic guy who can cover, blitz, tackle, and run. He’d be a great fit outside, but everyone said the same about Brian Urlacher when he came out and now look. Weatherspoon is unquestionably one of the best leaders in this draft class, and I think that matters the most to the Giants. I thought long and hard about Dez Bryant, who strangely enough makes very good sense here, but Weatherspoon is the pick.

16. Tennessee Titans- Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

It’s crazy to think I could see Bryant go as high as the 6th pick to as low as this. I don’t see him falling any further than here though, as this is a team desperate for more top notch playmakers to help out Vince Young. The problem with Bryant is that I do question his commitment to be great. Someone recently asked me what was the difference between Crabtree and Bryant, and the difference is that timed speed was Crabtree’s only issue. I question Bryant’s love of the game. I think because he’s naturally gifted, he takes hard work for granted and this is the difference between the first rounder that makes it and the one that doesn’t. Jeff Fisher is the perfect coach to get the most out of Bryant. If not him, then I could see a DE like Everson Griffen or Jason Pierre-Paul being very attractive. Don’t sleep on Boise St CB Kyle Wilson either.

17. San Francisco 49ers- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

Once again, Davis is a player with top notch talent and questionable work ethic. Mike Singletary is one of the best motivators in this game. I can vouch for this personally having been to a private talk Singletary once gave at a school. When he starts speaking, he makes you want to run through a wall because he told you to do so. Davis has all of the tools to be very good, but he needs motivation to fulfill his potential. Davis can start at RT if needed and between him and Joe Staley, they can fight for who should fit at which OT position. This automatically gives Alex Smith the time needed to actually make plays. If he can’t, he’s not the QB of the future and they need to move on.

SEC- South Carolina

2010-04-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

Stephen Garcia, QB, So- Arm is just not good enough for the next level. Needs to work on his arm strength or will not be draftable as an NFL DB will have more than enough time to break on the ball and get the pick.

Moe Brown, WR, Sr- Brown is a big receiver with what looks to be good speed. I think Garcia holds him back from being better. I think he will be a late riser and could make for a nice sleeper pick.

Weslye Saunders, TE, Jr- Not a top shelf prospect, but has another year, and with his size he could make for a tough matchup. For such a big guy he’s not a great blocker. Uses his size to his advantage by shielding defenders in the pass game and wins every jump ball because of his height. Saunders is definitely someone to keep an eye on, but he’s on that border right now of how Kellen Davis was in college. All the potential in the world, but has to put it all together still.

Tori Gurley, WR, Fr- Gurley has the potential to develop into a high first rounder. He’s 6’5” with good speed and good hands. He needs to learn how to use his body better to shield off defenders and go get the ball, but has game changing ability and is huge for a true Freshman. I will be watching him closely for the next two years.

Jarriel King, LT, Jr- Not too sold on King. Not quick enough to play LT, but moved him from tackle to guard and that is probably where he will fit best. He does not have the feet to play tackle, and he’s big enough to move the pile.

Devin Taylor, DE, So- Taylor is an impressive young pass rusher. Very good speed, long arms, good pass rush move variety, and relentless in pursuit. Blocked a punt as well.

Cliff Matthews, DE, Jr- I really like Matthews a lot. Good edge rusher who sets up the speed rush well with a good power bull rush. He’s long with long arms, and he does a good job of shooting his hands and locking out the tackle. He sheds well, stacks the line, and chases the backside play hard. Versatile, and fits best as a 4-3 DE in my book, but can play the five-technique.

Eric Norwood, OLB, Sr- Norwood just makes impact plays. He has an excellent burst, he’s explosive, he has an uncanny feel for the pass rush game and how to vary his moves, and when he gets to the QB he really delivers a hit. He is not very good in pass coverage, so he will need some coaching in this area. He’s the type of player I do not want to pass on, especially if I have a 3-4 defense.

Darian Stewart, SS, Sr- Stewart started off at corner, and I thought he looked poor and would make a better safety, and lo and behold he ended up moving to SS in the middle of the year. He’s a natural fit for SS as he’s a good hitter, a strong tackler, has good enough speed, and his stiff hips won’t hurt him as much at this position. His experience at both positions will help, but he’s not a coverage guy as much as he is a versatile weapon in the box.

Hakeem Auguste, FS, Sr- Smaller DB that plays big. Big hitter, always around the ball. Good break on passes. Looks decent returning punts as well.

Nathan Pepper, DT, Sr- Not a bad prospect, but a late rounder definitely. Good motor, effort player, who is decent in both phases.

SEC- Ole Miss

2010-04-08T18:49:00.000-05:00

Jevan Sneed, QB, Jr- Snead looked lost this year. He looked plain scared at times this season. Snead has several positive things to like, and I have a hard time forgetting all of the things I liked about him last season. The team that takes a chance on him will need to work on his confidence and decision making, but if given time, I think he can be one of the top QBs from this draft (and he can be had for a 4th round pick more than likely).

Dexter McCluster, WR/RB, Sr- His size will cause his stock to slip, but with a creative OC, he will be a major weapon. McCluster has great speed and an uncanny ability to make small moves and make tacklers miss. For a small guy, he breaks a lot of tackles. He’s a bit of a ‘tweener right now though, but I think ultimately his best spot is at WR and returning kicks. I would not be surprised to see him go in the second round, but I think he makes more sense in the third as he’s not an every down player.

John Jerry, RT/OG, Sr- I still like Jerry as a RT, but he is a bit slow off the snap. That scares me as he does not have the speed to catch up to edge rusher at the next level, so guard may end up being his position when it’s all said and done. Jerry is great in the run game, as once he locks on, he moves the pile. I like the fact that he’s versatile enough to play both positions, and a strong game here could push his stock up into the second round range. In fact, I’d be tickled pink should he possibly slip down to the Bears in the third round. He could start immediately at guard for a team, and can provide spot duty at RT if needed.

Shay Hodge, WR, Sr- The more I saw of Hodge in the post-season bowl games and workouts, the more I’m staying with what I previously thought. He’s got some talent there, but I’m not sold on him as anything more than say a 5th round pick.

Greg Hardy, DE, Sr- Hardy is perhaps the biggest enigma in this entire draft. Go no further than last year’s Florida game, where he almost single handedly beat the Gators with one of the more dominating performances I saw by a DL last season. He has ‘buyer beware’ written all over him due to past injury concerns, off the field incidents, and several problems with discipline. I think the injuries have hurt him most. He was very slow off the ball at times this year, and this is something to watch in this game. I’m concerned the injuries have taken a step away from his elite outside speed…but…he has a lot of technique and field awareness to make up for it. He’s very aware of the field and does a good job of bailing on screens and covering the back. He has shown he can drop into the zone if needed. Seeing Hardy workout at the Combine really pushed his stock down. The slowness I saw on film this year was magnified in the times he ran. With so many black marks, I see him sliding to the third. He’ll be a solid situational pass rusher at the next level, or he will disappear completely.

Kendrick Lewis, FS, Sr- Lewis is a converted WR so he’s still learning the position, but there is a lot to like. He’s very physical in run coverage, but it’s his instincts in deep coverage that concern me. There is enough upside there though that I would take a risk on developing him in the mid rounds.

Marcus Tillman, DE, Sr- Looked OK when dropping into zone coverage. Pursues very well downfield. I like what he brings. He’s not outstanding in any one area but he’s solid all around. Good effort guy who will make his way into a rotation.

Kentrell Lockett, DE, Jr- Lockett could be the next Hardy, but in a good way. He shows great outside speed and flattens around the corner well to get to the passer. He drops into coverage well and holds the point well enough for an undersized end. Would fit great into a cover-2 D as a rush DE.

Patrick Trahan, OLB, Sr- Decent prospect, not great, but solid.

Marshay Green, CB, Sr- Good straight line speed, and a decent punt returner. Not a great corner, but decent enough. A bit short though which is what will hurt him most.

Jerrell Powe, DT, Jr- I really like Powe a lot. He’s an ideal 3-4 NT and could be a game changer at that position. He commands double teams due to his size, but he’s also quick off the snap and gets penetration into the backfield. Very strong punch and knocks back OL with his initial punch. He’ll be very highly sought after next year because of his ability to play the nose.

SEC- LSU

2010-04-08T18:47:00.001-05:00

Jordan Jefferson, QB, So- Jefferson still has the tendency to run too often for my liking, but he’s developing and maturing as a passer. He has a plus arm, and is making better decisions. If he can keep improving his decision making and keep his eyes downfield when the play breaks down, he could develop into a McNabb style QB.

Charles Scott, RB, Sr- Scott is a good power back, but there’s no wiggle in his game. He’s a straight forward between the tackles runner that won’t break a game open but can wear down defenses. Scott’s a solid compliment back, but because he doesn’t have break away speed.

Brandon Lafell, WR, Sr- Silky route runner, with good speed. I question his ability to get off the jam though as he tends to play more slot or off the line. He’s got good size, but I don’t think he has the break-away speed of a number one receiver. Lafell should make a very solid compliment WR and I’d take him as high as the second round, but he could slip to the third, where he will be an excellent value.

Terrance Toliver, WR, Jr- Toliver is the top returning Senior WR in my opinion. His speed is game changing, and he does a great job of turning short slant routes into long gains. Toliver has the frame, hands, and physical makeup to be a dominant outside receiver.

Ciron Black, OT, Sr- I’ve never been a fan of Black, although many other draft experts considered him a solid tackle prospect. If you watch any bit of tape on Black it’s obvious he does not have the feet to play LT, and I will argue he doesn’t have the foot speed to play RT at the next level either. He is solid in the run game though, so he has some value at guard. He’s a four year starter, so there is something to say about experience and technique that he has developed over that time, but it cannot compensate for a lack of athleticism to play tackle in the NFL.

Joseph Barksdale, OT, Jr- I don’t buy the hype some other people have put on Barksdale. He’s got a good frame, decent feet, but he still gets beat by speed on the edge. He’s a bit light in the ass too, so he gets pushed back fairly easily. He needs to come back, switch to LT, and then I’d be more willing to re-think my position on him. The potential is there, but he needs to get stronger and bigger.

Trindon Holliday, RS, Sr- Holliday’s a very good kick returner, but that’s not someone you take higher than the 5th or 6th round. He’s very one dimensional but his speed will get him drafted late

Deangelo Peterson, TE, So- Peterson is a converted WR that looks like he will be a huge receiving threat and one of the top rated returning TEs next year. Good overall frame and can leap. I really like his potential.

Drake Nevis, DT, Jr- Nevis is one of the top returning DTs in next year’s draft. He’s so quick out of his stance that he really disrupts running lanes. Nevis shows a violent punch and stacks the line in the run game as well. He’s an aware player as well, and can scrape down the line and make plays.

Chad Jones, FS, Jr- Jones is a very good tackler, and is strong enough in this phase to even play some SS. He showed enough ability covering receivers man up that I think he can play deep centerfield as well. He’s not the most athletic guy out there, but he just makes plays.

Patrick Peterson, CB, So- Peterson has a very bright future! He can really plant and drive to make a play, can keep up with speed receivers, and is extremely physical. He’s a big corner, so he has ideal size for the next level. One thing I want to see him change next year though is he tends to bite on the first move a bit too much and can get beat with double moves. If he can work on that, he may be the best corner in next year’s draft.

Rahim Alem, DE, Sr- Alem is a very good pass rusher, but is a liability against the run. I’m not too sure if he can move to OLB at the next level, but for a team like the Colts, he’d be a solid rotational DE.

Al Woods, DT, Sr- For a DT some experts are saying can play NT, he gets washed far too easily in the run game. I don’t think he’s worth drafting.

Harry Coleman, OLB, Sr- Coleman is very undersized, shows good speed, and covers well. His size will hurt his stock though.

SEC- Kentucky

2010-04-08T18:46:00.000-05:00

Corey Peters, DT, Sr- I really like Peters. He does a good job of getting into the blocker first, shedding, and making the play. He can rush the passer well, and he has a big lower body to anchor against the run. He’s not got much publicity going for him now, but I think he’s going to be an outstanding value. I’d take him in the third, and I think that’s where he’ll go. He’s a true 4-3 DT who can anchor enough to play the NT spot but is quick enough to play the 3-technique as well.

Micah Johnson, MLB, Sr- Johnson’s inconsistent which will cost him a higher draft value. But when he is on, he’s a good MLB. He does a good job of reading his keys, being patient, and exploding on the ball carrier. I didn’t see him in coverage much as they blitzed him a lot, but it did show he has the strength to blitz up the middle. He can get caught in the wash a bit too much though, but I still like his upside. He’s probably a 4th rounder, or maybe a 5th rounder.

Trevard Lindley, CB, Sr- For some reason most other experts like Lindley, but I really don’t like him. I said he was really soft against the run last year, and he proved once again he’s just not interested in fighting to make a solo tackle. He will simply hold a guy up until someone else comes in and makes the tackle for him. And I’m not sold on his coverage skills either, so it’s not like he has one thing to fall back on.

Morgan Newton, QB, true Fr- If he were three inches taller, he may be one of the hotter QB prospects in this already solid true Freshman class. He has a great arm, good enough accuracy for a Freshman, and he’s very fast. He’s someone else to watch for the next three years.

Derrick Locke, RB, Jr- Locke is incredibly fast, but undersized. He has the burst and long speed to hit a crease and go all the way. He’s not an inside runner though.

John Conner, FB, Sr- Good senior FB prospect, and probably the best true FB I’ve seen this year. He’s not outstanding as a lead blocker, just good. He’s a late rounder

Zipp Duncan, LT, Sr- Duncan actually held up well against two really good DE’s in Kentucky’s bowl game. He did struggle at times with the edge speed, but he did a good job of running them wide of the pocket and allowing the QB to step up and throw. He is a bit light in the backside, so he struggles with anchoring, but he gives good effort. He’s nothing more than a late rounder, but he has something there to work with.

Justin Jeffries, RT, Sr- Jeffries actually looks like a solid RT prospect. He’s a good enough pass blocker, and he’s solid against the run. He’s a very nice sleeper RT who will slip through the cracks but will make for a nice value pick.

SEC- Georgia

2010-04-08T18:45:00.000-05:00

Geno Atkins, DT, Sr- Atkins is strictly a three-technique. He gets great penetration into the backfield and is very disruptive. One of the biggest issues I have with him is that his field awareness is not up to where it should be. An example is when he gets penetration, he can run right past the play without even noticing. He’s also had some disciplinary issues, and has not been a full time starter at all, so there are some bumps on him. He has the skills of a second round pick though, but the overall package has to be taken into consideration. Quickness is what his game is based on, but I think he’d be a decent value in the third, and a great value in the fourth for a Cover-2 based team.

Jeff Owens, DT, Sr- Owens is a one-dimensional run stuffer, but he does hold up well against the double team. He’s not big enough to be a zero-technique, but he can hold up as a nose in the 4-3. I wouldn’t risk the pick until the 5th round or so though because of the fact that he’s a two down player.

Kade Weston, DT, Sr- Weston actually showed a few flashes, and has not gotten as much of a chance due to the guys above. He’s a very nice late round pick who could definitely make his way into a rotation. He’s big enough to stuff the run, but he is quick enough to get to the passer.

Bryan Evans, FS, Sr- Evans is a BIG hitter for a small guy. The most glaring problem with Evans is that he looks very stiff in the hips and struggles to turn and run with receivers. Couple that with being too small to play SS, I think he’s more of a late round special teams type of prospect.

Prince Miller, CB, Sr- I love Miller’s aggressiveness on the jam and in the run game especially. He’s not afraid to attack the line against the run, which definitely helps him. There are some negatives though. He’s not fast enough to be a boundary corner, and he’s too small to play that position as well. To me, he’ll make a nice nickel corner and will be a fantastic gunner in the kicking game as well. Still, he’s a 5th rounder or so.

AJ Green, WR, So- Green is a very good prospect, but I’m thinking Jones and Baldwin are slightly ahead of him at this point (but not by much). He has all fo the makings of a number one receiver, but he will need to work hard next year of getting off the jam at the LOS when a bigger corner is in his face. This was the only part of his game I saw a hole in, but he’s a playmaker and a potential first rounder.

Drew Butler, P, rsSo- Kevin Butler’s son will be the best punter to come out in some time in two years. Fantastic leg, great kicking accuracy, has it all at a young age.

SEC- Florida

2010-04-08T18:40:00.001-05:00

Tim Tebow, QB, Sr- I think it’s plain and simple that Tebow is not and will never be an NFL QB. He just completely loses it once his primary and secondary reads are gone, and that wind up release is a major issue. If he goes any higher than the 4th round, it’s a waste of a pick and that team will be sorry. I’m tired of people giving him a break for being a great human being. I get that, and there is no doubting this kid is saint-like in everyday life, but this is one of the biggest businesses in the world. You don’t hire a CEO for a Fortune 500 company based on their personality. You hire them based on their ability to run your company. That’s the way things need to be looked at here, and that is strictly a commentary on what he can do on the field. If you get wrapped up with his off the field endeavors, you are wasting your pick on a player who could potentially be a starter.

Aaron Hernandez, TE, Jr- I don’t think I once saw him line up in a three-point stance this entire game. While there is not one doubt Hernandez is an offensive weapon, he has to go to the right system, and not all teams are going to be willing to spend a high second round pick on a one-dimensional player. Experts will rag on guys who are only pass rush specialists, and I think the same needs to go for Hernandez here. He’s a one dimensional pass catcher. He’s a good one, but I would rather have a player who is slightly better at blocking that I can rely on in more than one phase of the game. I can say this, Hernandez runs the TE screen better than any other TE I’ve seen. He sells the action well, and comes back to the line cleanly. He’s good in space with the ball in his hands, and this is what a team will have to endeavor to do with him.

Riley Cooper, WR, Sr- He can return kicks, and is a tough kid, but I don’t see him as more than a possession receiver and blocker. I don’t think he has the speed or strength to separate or get away from coverage, but he’s a tough slot receiver who will go over the middle. What makes reading his value much harder is that Tebow is not a passer, so Riley may end up being a better pro than college athelete.

Jeff Demps, RB, Sr- Demps is all speed, and game changing speed at that. He goes down far too easy to the first contact though, which is frustrating. He’s a change of pace back and return man, but don’t buy into the hype of him being like Darren Sproles. Sproles is a much better runner with big legs, and Demps does not have his size.

Chris Rainey, RB, Jr- Rainey’s a bit more physical than Demps, but he’s still a very poor between the tackles runner. I question if he will be effective outside of this type of offense. Rainey showed good hands in the passing game, and I think he may be a bit more valuable because of this. I think he’d be a lot like Dexter McCluster this year, and with some added strength and size, he could be a nice situational player.

Maurkice Pouncey, OC, Jr- I’m not as sold on Pouncey as the other experts are. I think coming out early was a smart idea since there are limited OC’s in this draft that could potentially start at the next level, and Pouncey is one of them. He has a bit of a tendency to get over extended with his weight too far forward, but he has good arm length, can get movement in the run game, and is athletic enough to slide around and help in pass coverage. The biggest thing that turns me off of Pouncey is his demeanor. On too many plays this year I saw him stop early with his blocks or just stand around the pile. A nasty attitude is hard to teach, so I worry that this may affect him at the next level. To me, the center position has a proud tradition of being the nastiest player on the entire OL, and Pouncey is missing that. He has the talent to start right away though, so I doubt he makes it out of the first round, even though I’d feel better with the value in the early 2nd.

Mike Pouncey, RG, Jr- This Pouncey twin made the right decision to come back. He needs to get bigger in the backside, and I think he’d be smart to move to center like his brother did this year as that may be his best fit in the NFL. He struggles a bit with athletic guys underneath, but once he locks on he can get DTs on skates and move them down the field. The plus side to him is he has the nastiness his brother doesn’t and he is always finishing his blocks. He’s less athletic and may have less upside, but I like his make up better. If he can show improved technique with sinking his hips and staying balanced, he could move up considerably next season.

Brandon Spikes, MLB, Sr- It’s funny to see the people like Kiper and McShay who were saying Spikes was a first rounder earlier now start to sour on this. His instincts just don’t seem to have improved for a fourth year player. Spikes still does not use his hands to shed blocks. He runs into plays with his head down and shoulder first into blocks. His hips are really tight, and he does not do well in zone coverage. I see him more as a compliment to another well rounded ILB in a 3-4 than manning the middle by himself. Someone will probably take him in the late second round, but I don’t think he will ever develop into an impact player.

Ryan Stamper, OLB, Sr- Stamper is going to be a special teams ace. He may never be a regular contributor for a defense but he’s a guy I want on my roster because of his versatility and ability to help in the third phase of the game.

Carlos Dunlap, DE, Jr- LAZY player. Dunlap’s all potential, and it’s a dirty word in his case. Dunlap is such an enigma in this draft that I would stay far away from him. I can’t say it enough but he is the dictionary definition of ‘boom or bust’ prospect. He looks like a terror at times off the edge, showing a nice mix of speed and power moves, but then on the next few plays he’ll be 15 yards down the field with a less talented tackle putting him on skates. He’s a liability in the run game, and I have to agree with earlier film study that he may make a better three-technique tackle than a true end. He’s going to need a very strict coach who will make him be accountable, and he’s a major risk to whoever decides to pick him. He will be the topic of many war room arguments come draft day.

Jermaine Cunningham, DE/OLB, Sr- Cunningham has the pass rush ability to get him drafted in the second round, but his inability to hold the point in the run game will push him down. He absolutely will need to make the move to a 3-4, unless he goes to a team like the Colts who value speed over size and strength. I like him though as he’s a solid player who gives a great effort and has talent to work with.

Joe Haden, CB, Jr- Joe Haden can thank Derrell Revis for his draft windfall. Haden is absolutely what I would call a shut down CB and he could easily be one of the 3-5 best at the position as a rookie. It’s a bold statement but I absolutely believe in it. I never once saw him out of position, and when plays were made on him they were simply great throws he could do nothing about. Great corners are so rare that you have to take them when they are there. He’s great in run coverage, he attacks the line hard, he has very smooth hips, good deep speed, and he tracks the ball very well for a DB. If he makes it out of the top ten picks I will be shocked, and I’d be willing to offer up a draft day bounty for that 6th pick to grab him if I’m a team like the 49ers (who have two first rounders and would be a great fit for Haden).

Major Wright, S, Jr- I’m interested to see what 40 time Wright runs as he’s one of those guys who may not have great long speed but has absolutely elite burst. His 10-yard closing speed to the receiver once they have the ball is elite. Even though he can absolutely lay the wood in the run game, he’s not great in this phase of the game. He’s not an in the box type who comes up hard to fill. He’s more of a secondary line of defense who tackles well and can really knock balls out of receiver’s hands with big shots. He probably made the overall correct decision to come out early, but he could slip further than he potentially could have gone if he stayed an extra year in college. If you can get this guy in the late second or early third, he could be an absolute steal.

SEC- Auburn

2010-04-08T18:39:00.000-05:00

Ben Tate, RB, Sr- Tate’s got very good size and good balance, but he does not have good burst. I think this may hurt him at the next level as the speed is that much faster which might cause him to be stopped for a loss more times than not. His 40 times at the Combine ease these concerns for me slightly. He’s a more complete back than many of the other more regarded prospects, and in my opinion, I see him sliding in to the second round at this point as he has distanced himself from guys like Jonathan Dwyer.

Mario Fanin, FB, Jr- I liked Fanin as a true Freshman, and I have no idea why he’s playing FB. He can play as a single back. He might make for a very good value next year as a versatile back who can block, catch, and run better than a traditional FB.

Lee Ziemba, LT, Jr- Ziemba’s already a three year starter, and someone to watch next year. Good feet and very good at blocking the second level. He looks like an ideal OT for a zone blocking scheme.

Andrew McClain, RT, Sr- McClain has decent power in the run game, but didn’t see enough to feel comfortable slotting him. He’s draftable, but probably late.

Antonio Coleman, DE/OLB, Sr- He’s an edge rusher, and he’s fairly one dimensional too. Coleman’s all about dipping and ripping around the edge and trying to get to the QB with speed. He struggles to set the edges against the run because he’s undersized. He might be able to fit into a Cover-2 that favors speed over size, but I think his best fit will have to be moving to the rush OLB position, but I question if he has the athleticism to be able to drop and cover. To me he’s a fringe 4th rounder because of his ability to rush the passer. His performance in the LB drills at the Combine leaves me even more unsure about his potential to translate at the next level.

Jake Ricks, DT, Sr- Ricks is very up and down. He can make some good plays in the backfield with quickness off the ball, and then he spends the next two plays five yards down the field as he’s being put on skates by an OL. He’s a fringe pick at best, but may go late.

Walter McFadden, CB, Sr- McFadden is hard to read. They play him a lot over the slot in off man coverage. He seemed to always be in the trail position on the receiver, and maybe a half step behind. What made this strange was made a very good play in coverage, got the pick, and absolutely ran away from everyone. So that showed he has decent long speed, but I wonder if his hips are a bit too stiff to be able to smoothly turn and run. He has something there, it’s just a matter of what defense he will fit best in. Because of his size, I think he’d fit well in a defense that likes to play a lot of press coverage.

SEC- Alabama

2010-04-08T18:37:00.004-05:00

Javier Arenas, CB, Sr- Arenas lacks the ideal size you want in a boundary corner, which makes me think his best fit is going to be as a nickel corner or in a Cover-2 where he can play up on the line and have safety help over the top. What Arenas has going for him are his ball skills and his return ability. He’s an elite punt returner, and he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball on defense and can make things happen once he does. I think his lack of ideal speed will push him into the third round, and he will primarily be used as a punt returner right away.

Terrance Cody, NT, Sr- I think all of the criticism you will hear about Cody is warranted. He is a two down player, they rotated him in and out a lot at Alabama so it’s difficult to know if he can even be a full time NT, and his weight will always be an issue for the off-season. Most will say he’s one dimensional, but he’s VERY good at that one dimension. Cody is impossible to move with one blocker, and his long arms allow him to jolt interior linemen back a yard or two. He’s an ideal 3-4 NT though, and those guys are hard to find, so I really think he will make it into the end of the first round. Again, had you told me that Tyson Jackson would go in the top five picks last year I would have laughed at you, so anything can happen. But with the 3-4 being so popular now, and the NT spot probably the hardest to fill, I think Cody belongs in the bottom part of the first round.

Rolando McClain, ILB, Jr- McClain is a machine. He’s one of the most instinctive LBs I’ve seen in some time. He reads his keys so quickly, and bursts to the ball. He’s a high first rounder, and I would not hesitate to take him in the top 10, and he very well could be the defensive rookie of the year. McClain’s field awareness is unparalleled. His angles to the ball carrier are the best I’ve seen since Patrick Willis.

Don’t’A Hightower, ILB, rs So- He will shine next season with McClain playing at the next level. He could be as good if not better than McClain when it’s all said and done. He’s extremely versatile and a very good blitzer with great size for the position. Watch him very closely next season.

Brandon Deadrick, DE, Sr- Deadrick is just a solid player at a position with high value right now. He stacks the run very well, and he has some ability to get to the passer. He’s not flashy though, but he’s the type of role player that will help a team. He can be had in the mid rounds as well, so he’s a solid draft value.

Eryk Anders, OLB, Sr- Anders’ short area quickness is fantastic, but his size will hinder him at the next level. He can cover, he can really rush the passer, and he chases the backside play to the whistle. I don’t think he will fit well in a 3-4 OLB position due to his lack of size, but I think he might be a great fit as a WLB in a 4-3. Very good all around prospect, and will make a great value as he will slip due to his lack of ideal height and weight.

Justin Woodall, FS, Sr- I like Woodall. He plays the run aggressively, and is a solid last line of defense as a tackler. I’m interested to see his timed speed, and how he opens his hips while running with a receiver, as he played primarily over the top in a deep centerfield zone for the Tide. If he does have trouble with deep coverage, I think he’s versatile enough and strong enough in the run game to move to SS.

Lorenzo Washington, DE, Sr- Washington is a very good speed rusher for a 3-4 end, and can move down to the interior spot on pass rushing downs. Very versatile, and good against the run as well. Seems to be a bit of a sleeper moving closer to the draft, but some 3-4 team that needs an end who can rush the passer as well (maybe SD) would do well to draft him.

Cory Reamer, OLB, Sr- It will be very hard to find the right position for Reamer in the pros. Probably best inside in a 3-4, but he’s not great in coverage either (he’s much better coming forward than moving backward). A later round prospect at best, but a versatile guy who can also play special teams.

Marcell Dareus, DE, So- Dareus is a very solid, versatile prospect. He’s quick enough to play a 4-3 DE but big enough to play 3-4 DE. I fully expect him to be a very hot commodity next year, and remember you heard it here first. He’s a big part of what makes this defense run so well, especially on third downs.

Julio Jones, WR, So- Jones got bigger this year, but did not lose one step of his speed. He’s an unreal physical specimen for a player his age and I do not think there is any way he does not come out next year. Jones is an ultra smooth strider who covers so much ground. He’s just a big, physical, playmaker. Can take short passes and make big plays out of them. Jones is the full package and should be a top 15 pick next season.

Mike Johnson, OG, Sr- Johnson was being touted by some as the best guard in this draft, but I don’t think that’s true at all. He’s very good in the run game. He gets good movement, he transitions well from the first to the second level, and he can block the moving target as well. The biggest problem is he struggles with quicker DTs, especially with the second pass rush move. Several times this year he would stall the initial move by the defensive lineman, only to get beat by a secondary rip move. It’s those consistency issues that push him down in my opinion, somewhere into the 5th round.

Mark Ingram, RB, So- Ingram’s outstanding and there is a reason he won the Heisman. He runs low and behind his pads so he’s very hard to bring down with just one guy. His balance and vision are absolutely outstanding, and that is what makes him such a good back. If you do not wrap him up, he has a great base, shakes the tackle, and can make long runs after first contact. Ingram is definitely a first rounder next year and a true workhorse running back in the NFL.

Colin Peek, TE, Sr- Peek is a decent two-way prospect, as he blocks better than his size would indicate. He’s not a seam stretcher, but he’s a good short to intermediate threat. He’s a nice throw back to the old TEs. He’s going to make a very good value pick for some team, and he’ll probably slip into the 3-5th round range

Marquis Maze, WR, Jr- Maze had a great game, and showed an uncanny knack for selling fakes with his head movement. Very smooth route runner and quickness allows him to get very open. He improved in every game I watched and I look forward to seeing him next year.

Drew Davis, RT, Sr- I would not draft Davis. He can’t play tackle due to his feet, and he doesn’t appear strong enough to move into guard and make a difference there.

Greg McElroy, QB, Jr- McElroy needs to really improve his accuracy and decision making next year. Good arm, but erratic in those other areas.

Leigh Tiffin, K, Sr- Tiffin has some value and he will get drafted. He doesn’t have a huge leg, but he’s accurate, and that is what is important.

SEC- Alabama

2010-04-08T18:37:00.002-05:00

Pac-10- Washington

2010-04-08T18:37:00.001-05:00

Jake Locker, QB, Sr- I’m not as sold on Locker as the experts seem to be, but he will be the top prospect coming back at the position next year. He’s a good athlete, can run and escape the rush. His arm strength is very good, but his accuracy was a bit inconsistent. It’s something he can definitely fix, and he has the size and make up of the potential top pick overall next season.

Daniel Te'o-Nesheim, DE/DT, Washington- He’s undersized for a DT, and might not fit at 4-3 end, but he looks the part of a 3-4 DE. He has good short area quickness, and he never stops moving forward. He’s a nice sleeper player who will slip through the cracks and could make for a solid value pick.

Donald Butler, MLB, Sr- I really like Butler as a two-down thumper in the middle. He’s big enough and strong enough to hold the point and is a force in the run game. He’s tight moving back in the pass game, but I like him more than Brandon Spikes. It would not surprise me to see Butler go in the late second, but he’s a good value in the third.

Pac-10- USC

2010-04-08T18:34:00.001-05:00

Matt Barkley, QB, Fr- Barkley has an extremely bright future. I watched a lot of USC games this year so I got to see the ups and downs Barkley went through as the season progressed. First things first, he is definitely a future upper echelon QB. He has good enough arm strength already as a true Freshman, and he makes some unreal throws in some very difficult situations. His touch and progression reads definitely need some work though. He can have the tendency to make some easy throws more difficult to catch than they should be. He was also a bit late with his reads and getting the ball out. These are small mistakes though and are forgivable for a true Freshman starting in a top level college football program. Barkley has so many positives though, and I think he has the abilities to be the best USC QB since Carson Palmer, if not better if he can continue to progress.

Charles Brown, LT, Sr- I’m completely sold on Brown as a bona fide first round left tackle. He has great feet, is a dominant pass blocker, does an amazing job of pulling hard and making blocks on the moving target at the second level, and he does a good job of getting movement in the run game as well (despite being more of a finesse blocker). I think he should go in the top 20, and may go even higher when it’s all said and done. Don’t be surprised to see him go as high as #14 to the Seahawks, considering the ties to Pete Carroll, and the fact that Brown would be an excellent fit in Alex Gibbs zone blocking front. I personally like him better than Davis or Campbell.

Jeff Byers, OG, Sr- Byers has received a lot more hype over his time at USC than is deserved. He did grow on me the more I saw of him, but he simply lacking in some areas that a player of his experience level should not be. He gets driven back in the run game because he’s undersized, and he can get beat by the speed rush at times as well. What he does do well is pull, and he can find the man on the second level and make a block. I think he’s draftable, but he’s a late rounder.

Kristofer O’Dowd, Jr, OC- O’Dowd is a solid two way blocker, and he does a really good job of getting to the second level and making the block. He also makes all of theline calls, so he’s smart and can handle the pressure of this at the next level. I think he’ll be the top center prospect coming back next year, and he will even get some talk about being a first round pick.

Alex Parsons, RG, Sr- Parsons is a pile mover in the run game even though he is not a big guy. He really gets pop off the line and can eliminate run defenders. Parsons is not a fantastic pass blocker though, but he’s good enough. His problems in the pass game stem from not sinking his hips when getting pushed back, which is strange considering he is so strong in the run game. I would draft him in the 4th or 5th and be very happy with him. Seeing as he’s a guard, I could see him going even lower and will be an excellent value there.

Tyron Smith, RT, So- Smith needs time but could be very good eventually. Right now he has technique of a player who is just starting to get playing time.

Stafon Johnson, RB, Sr- The fact that Johnson is actually playing still after the horrific weight lifting accident he was in earlier in the year earns him a shot. No one will EVER question his toughness after this. As for Johnson as a back, he churns his legs well and gets tough yards. He’s not explosive in the hole, but is more of a big back that picks up speed as he runs. If he can get through the hole, he can break tackles and has good long speed once he gets up to the top level. Teams may shy away because he was never a top flight prospect before the injury, but someone will take him late because of his toughness and never give up mentality.

Joe McKnight, RB, Jr- McKnight is a Reggie Bush clone except not quite as good. He has all of the tendencies that annoy me about Bush. He takes everything outside and is always looking for the sideline. He’s allergic to contact. McKnight is a good pass catcher though, and if you get him in space, he hits home runs. To me, McKnight is a good talent, just not a true football player. If he goes anywhere higher than the third, it’s a bad move.

Damian Williams, WR, Jr- Williams is a very good route runner can get off the jam and runs the quick slant better than any college WR I have seen in some time. Good leaper with great hands, but he should not go high, and if he does, he may struggle like some of the other high profile receivers from USC. You don’t see his speed as much which is impressive in a WR as he gets in and out of breaks so quickly that it’s tough for DBs to break on his routes. If you smack him in the mouth, he will start to shut down, as he lacks the toughness I want to see out of high profile WRs. What pushes him down is my fear that he won’t be able to consistently beat that jam due to his finesse style of play. If he can, he should make a great slot receiver and will be key on 3rd downs. If he can run that quick slant in the pros as well as he did in college, it’s an automatic first down.

Anthony McCoy, TE, Sr- McCoy has really impressed me as the season has worn on. Not only is he a threat in the passing game, but he is a top level blocking TE. He is one of the best blocking TE’s I have seen and he’s not the biggest guy either. He’s incredibly well rounded. McCoy is going to be a steal no matter where he goes as he can contribute in more ways than most the recent breed of TEs.

Stanley Havili, FB, rs Sr- I’ve always loved Havili. He’s definitely not a true fullback, as he’s not a good run blocker. He’s a good short yardage back and he has excellent hands in the pass game. He’s one of the better receiving fullbacks I have seen in college football, and he’s shown that year after year. Havili is not a battering ram, but a versatile back I want on my team. He will be a safety valve for Barkley, and he should continue to improve next year. If he can keep working on his run blocking, he may go as high as the second round next year.

David Ausberry, WR, Sr- I think Ausberry may end up doing better as a pro because he does not get thrown to much in this offense. He’s much more physical than Williams but not as naturally talented. Not as quick either, but shields the defender off well, and fights for yardage. Ausberry is a tough kid and you can get him for a late round pick so he’s a nice value as well.

Ronald Johnson, WR, Jr- Johnson is the game breaking type with great acceleration and quickness. He’s different that the typical USC receiver as of late. He can be moved around a lot to expose the weakness in a zone defense, and has the speed and moves to make things happen in space. He should shine next year. Big play ability, can beat you deep, and he can beat you on short throws for long gains.

Everson Griffen, DE/OLB, Jr- I really like Griffen, as I saw noticeable improvements in his game from the beginning of the season until the end. He’s an incredible athlete; big enough to stuff the run as a down end and agile enough to play on his feet in space in pass coverage. His instincts and technique aren’t very consistent, but those will come with more experience. I saw him play enough time standing up that I think he’d make a fine 3-4 OLB, but he’s still growing, so I would rather see him as a top shelf down DE. The two most impressive parts were his first step off the snap, and his relentlessness when chasing the play on the backside. I think he will make a steal in the mid to late first round, and he will be better than media darling Jason Pierre-Paul.

Taylor Mays, FS, Sr- The more I’ve watched of Mays the less I’ve liked. He’s an athlete, not a football player, at this point in his career. He is incredibly fast, hits like a truck, is huge for a DB, and it all stops there. He does not wrap up in tackles, he seems to think too much and ends up not making plays he easily could with his athleticism, and his instincts just seem to be lacking. He does not have the technique of a senior, and I would be very weary of having him as my last line of defense. To be honest, he may be better fit as a SS or a LB in the pros as he won’t have to worry about the instincts part of the game. He will no doubt get massively over drafted due to his combine numbers, but I won’t budge from the thought that he is at best a late first rounder. Some points may be improved with good coaching, but I think some of this is just who he is and he should be played to is strengths in the right defense.

Chris Gallippo, MLB, Jr- I really like Gallippo. He’s a bit undersized and isn’t the best athlete on the field, but he’s a great football player. Gallippo has good instincts, reads his keys so quickly, gets in good position, fights his way through traffic, and makes plays in the backfield. He’s a step slow, but he makes up for it with instincts. He may be a bit of a liability in the pass game, but he can be covered up in the pros. I really like his potential, and with some time in the weight room, he can really push his stock up over the next year.

Malcolm Smith, OLB, Jr- Smith is a bit undersized, but has good speed and can cut off the outside well. He’s decent in pass coverage as well. With some more playing time I could see him developing into a quality prospect.

Kevin Thomas, CB, Sr- Thomas is soft in run support, but looks to have good catch up speed. He showed enough that I would say he’s draftable, but late.

Will Harris, SS, Sr- Harris really attacked the line in the run game, and made some impact plays in the pass game as well. He disappears for spells though, which is a concern. He is a good fit at the position at the next level and should be a good value in the mid rounds.

Josh Pinkard, CB, Sr- Pinkard is strong against the run and decent enough in the pass game. He can definitely be a solid cover-2 corner with his size and physical play.

Pac-10- UCLA

2010-04-08T18:32:00.003-05:00

Alterraun Verner, CB, Sr- I have two concerns with Verner. One is his straight line speed, as I’m not sure how fast he really is on the field. That actually clearly showed itself when he ran very subpar times in the 40 at the combine. The second issue is he plays almost exclusively off the line, so I think he may struggle when put in a system that requires press man coverage. He has very good instincts in zone coverage though, and he can read the QB and the receiver’s routes to make a play on the ball. He has shown decent one-on-one cover skills on film, but I think his lack of ideal speed is great enough to push his stock down a good bit (probably to the 4th or 5th round range).

Brian Price, DT, Jr- I was impressed with Price’s potential as a true Freshman, and he’s really continued to improve. He’s extremely disruptive with his quickness off the snap, but he also has great brute strength. His strength was so impressive he twice knocked a guard completely off balance with a simple inside hump move with the side of his arm. He can completely take out the run, and he’s a great, relentless interior pass rusher. In fact, he can play the 5 technique without a problem in my opinion. If he makes it out of the first round, I would be absolutely shocked. I think Price does suffer from being in a draft class that is about as good as it gets for top shelf DT prospects, and he makes up a portion of this.

Jerzy Siewierski, DT, Sr- Siewierski is a role player, but he has an unbelievably strong punch and can really lock out offensive linemen and shock them into the backfield. The only issue is that his lower body does not look strong enough to hold the second effort. He’s a good early down run stuffer though, and that’s valuable. He will be a late round pick, but he could develop into a very effective NT in a 4-3.

Korey Bosworth, DE/OLB, Sr- Bosworth is too small to play end at the next level, but he looks like he will transition well to the rush OLB spot at the next level. He can break down well in space, and he has very good instincts. He struggles if you run right at him due to his size, but he has good speed and effort in the pass rush. He’s a mid rounder who will need time to develop, but he’s a nice prospect.

Reggie Carter, MLB, Sr- I’m not sure about Carter. He gets caught in the trash a little too often, but he flashes at times. He does extend well and use his hands to fend off blocks, but he does not disengage quickly enough to find the ball. He’s a late rounder with limited upside but could still prove capable at the next level.

Kyle Bosworth, OLB, Sr- I didn’t see enough from him to warrant anything other than a late round pick as a special teams player.

Akeem Ayers, OLB, rs So- Ayers is incredibly impressive, and he’s got first round talent. He is a very good edge rusher, and puts his hand in the dirt on passing downs. He is very fast off the ball, he gets the corner immediately, and he does a great job of getting skinny and runs the arc right to the QB. He’s got very good pass drops, and he seems to always be around when a turnover happens (either causing it or getting the ball and making something happen). I’m glad he chose to come back as I’d like to see him get stronger, and prove he is what I think and that’s a legit superstar in the making. He’s well rounded, and versatile, as he’s big enough to play in a 3-4 but fast enough to play SLB in a 4-3. I really like Ayers.

Chane Moline, FB, Sr- Moline is labeled as a FB, but he’s not. He’s a big running back who can serve as a short yardage back. He got absolutely blown up as a lead blocker in some of the games I saw. I think he may struggle to get on a roster.

Terrance Austin, WR, Sr- Austin has some value. He has very good speed, and is a good returner. He’s undersized, so I think his NFL future is in the slot. He has potential though to be better as a pro because of the inconsistent QB play the past few years at UCLA.

Logan Paulsen, TE, Sr- I wouldn’t draft Paulsen. He’s not a blocker, and he is slow on film.

Pac-10- Stanford

2010-04-08T18:32:00.001-05:00

Toby Gerhart, RB, Jr- Gerhart runs with good power and rarely goes down at first contact, but I just don’t see him as a bell cow NFL back. He runs fairly upright as well, which scares me as he is a punishing, physical style of runner and this could lead to him breaking down sooner than later at the next level. He also does not show the deep speed to run away from anyone. He’s tough though, and he’ll make a nice compliment back. Even though he’s proved to be very productive, I don’t know if I would take him before the third round due to the issue mentioned above. He also showed some ball security issues after he’s made it past the front seven, so he will need to work on keeping the ball high when he’s broken past the first line so it can’t get punched out from behind.

Chris Marinelli, RT, Sr- Marinelli is a solid RT prospect. He has the feet to protect the edge, and he also has the intensity needed to attack the defenders in the run game. He seems to have the frame to get bigger and stronger as well (because he’s a bit light right now), and I think he could potentially sneak into the late third or early fourth round.

Jim Drey, TE, Sr- Drey makes for yet another intriguing TE prospect in this draft. He actually looks like he enjoys blocking, and he finishes them down the field. What stood out most to me is that he plays on all special teams units, and was effective covering kicks. That kind of versatility will get him drafted as he can fill several spots on the roster for a team. Drey makes for a great value in the later rounds.

Ekom Udofia, DT, Sr- Udofia is another solid prospect that hasn’t gotten much publicity to date. He’s a big guy who is very hard to move in the run game but also shows good initial quickness off the ball and can penetrate into the backfield. Once he gets past that first blocker, he’s hard to move around as well. He’s going to make a good value pick, and I could see his stock rising as I think he may be able to play in a rotation as a 3-4 NT.

Richard Sherman, CB, Sr- I really like Sherman, and if he can show up well in the drop back drills and the 40 at the combine, he will move up steadily come draft day. He’s 6’3”, so he has the ideal size every team wants these days, and it also makes me think that he can find a home at safety if CB doesn’t work out. He showed good coverage skills, and is excellent against the run. He’s a great sleeper pick in my opinion.

Bo McNally, FS, Sr- I’m not sure about McNally. He’s an effort guy, but his instincts seem to lack as does his athleticism. He fills hard against the run though, and plays bigger than his size would indicate. He’s probably a late rounder who will have to make his hay on special teams

Pac-10- Oregon State

2010-04-08T18:30:00.001-05:00

James Rodgers, WR, Jr- Rodgers is very undersized, has good speed, but to me seems nothing more than a gimmick player. He’s dangerous as a retuner, and is dangerous with the ball in the open field, but I don’t think he’s going to make an impact at the next level because of his physical limitations. He has another year to prove me wrong though.

Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, So- The same goes for James’ brother Jacquizz. He has great feet, where he can change directions and make people miss with very little wasted motions, but he’s completely taken out of the game if you force him to run north-south.

Sean Canfield, QB, Sr- The more I saw of Canfield through the post-season bowl games and Combine workouts the more I liked him less. He is fairly accurate, has just an alright arm, but is streaky and inconsistent with his footwork. He should get drafted as a third QB by some team in the very late round, but at this point several other Senior QB prospects have moved past him in my opinion making him a potential undrafted free agent.

Damola Adeniji, WR, Sr- Adeniji has very good size, is a good route runner, and has very good hands. He can leap and position himself as well. I want to see what his straight line speed is, as he takes a bit of time to get to top speed, which could be due to his long legs. I have not seen or heard anything more from him so either I gauged him wrong, he’s a super sleeper, or he’s only a rs Sr which means he is coming back next season.

Gregg Peat, RG, Sr- Peat plays too high, which is a shame as he gets good push even though he uses almost all upper body and no legs. He may be a decent late round pick to work on with a good line coach, but he needs a lot of work.

Keaton Kristick, OLB, Sr- I absolutely love Kristick! His technique is absolutely phenomenal, which is what really sold me on him as a prospect. He’s a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with outstanding instincts and great form. I think he’s versatile enough to play several LB positions, and I want this guy on my team. He’s a football player, and I don’t care what his combine numbers are, his film says he’s the real deal. His field awareness and technique make him NFL ready.

Stephen Paea, DT, Jr- Paea has the potential to be one of the top DTs in next year’s draft. He is extremely disruptive, gets great penetration, and can wreck havoc in both phases. I’d like to see him get stronger, and if he can do that, I think he can be a top half of the draft player next year. He’s definitely one of the better DT prospects I saw this year, so even if he stays static next year he’s still got first round ability.

Pac-10- Oregon

2010-04-08T18:28:00.001-05:00

Ed Dickson, TE, Sr- If he had a better QB, I think he would have had an even bigger year than he did. Like so many other TE prospects this year, he’s not a traditional inline TE, but he’s a great pass receiving threat. He’s one of the better pass catching TEs in this draft, and he should be a steal if he slips to the third like I think he may. If he showed even a slight bit of blocking skills, he’d push his way into the second round.

LeGarrette Blount, RB, Sr- I don’t see it and he’s a waste of a pick of he goes any higher than the 5th. He is a solid power runner, but he tries to run like a speed back. He waits too long for the hole to open, and he does not have the kind of one-cut burst to do this. Someone will take a chance on him, but I wouldn’t touch him because of his work ethic and questions about his character after the whole Boise State post-game punching thing.

LaMichael James, RB, Fr- He’s got a sick burst and great long speed. He’s another fantastic true Freshman RB who will no doubt be a three an out player. He can hit the home run in the run and pass game. James is a very good prospect. Strangely enough, after writing this many months ago, James has since been charged with domestic battery for assaulting his girlfriend. So no matter how talented he is, there will always be this stigma attached. It’s a shame, but he ahs no one to blame but himself for doing something so stupid.

Jeremiah Masoli, QB, So- Besides not having the skills of an NFL QB, Masoli’s too short to play the position at the next level. He will have to change positions at the next level and he may be able to because of his athleticism. He plays like a LB, but that’s not what you want in a QB. I question if he will be able to adjust to another position though, and may end up being a good college QB and nothing more. Like James, Masoli also ran into off the field problems this off-season. He got busted stealing a laptop from a fraternity house, so his playing season is in doubt at this point. Seriously, what are these guys thinking??

T.J. Ward, SS, Sr- I’m concerned about his pass coverage ability as he seemed to always be in a trail position, which makes me think his instincts I coverage are just not there. What he is though is an impact athlete in the run game. He absolutely blows up the ball carrier and drives through his tackles. But this one dimensional style of play is not what will drive his value up any higher than the late third to early fourth. If a team is looking for an in the box safety or someone who might be able to move to WLB, Ward is a great fit.

Walter Thurmond, CB, Sr- I was hoping to see big things from Thurmond this year as he looked solid the past two years, but he just did not look good. Couple that with the fact that he ended up blowing out his knee, and his stock will slip to the late rounds at the very best. He could provide a nice value though once he gets healthy, and he has shown he can return kicks as well, so someone may take a stab and hope he can turn it around eventually.

Will Tukuafu, DE, Sr- Tukuafu is an interesting guy who I would like to see some height/weight numbers on. He seems undersized, and is a bit too reliant on rushing right around the edge with speed, but he has some ability in this area. He’s not outstanding, but he’s a solid effort guy. I would expect him to make a solid back up at worst, and if he is in fact undersized, he should still make a decent rush OLB with his edge speed. His effort on film also shows he should be able to contribute on special teams.

Kenny Rowe, DE, Jr- Rowe is a VERY intriguing prospect. He reminds me a lot of the Eagles’ Trent Cole. Every game I watched, he just made plays. Explosive first step, gets the corner immediately, and he can really disrupt plays with backfield penetration in the run and pass games. His ability to penetrate is a blessing and a curse though as he can run himself out of plays because of it and is a bit susceptible to the draw and screen plays. What was really intriguing was that Rowe at times played from the two-point stance, and did an admirable job covering backs out of the backfield. Granted, he did not do great at this but it showed he can do this when asked to next off-season. He impressed me though, and if he can work on his field awareness a bit, I could see him making some noise next year.

Casey Matthews, MLB, Jr- He’s got the pedigree, but he is still trying to get used to playing the position. His technique is lacking, but his athleticism is on point. Another year of seasoning will hopefully show up in his play on the field next year, and he’s someone I have high expectations of improving like his cousin did at USC.

John Boyett, FS, rs Fr- I absolutely LOVE this kid!! He’s undersized, he’s not the fastest guy on the field, but he may be the smartest. He was all over the field and showed some of the best ball skills and field awareness I saw all year in a safety. For a player his age, that tells me he has the natural ability to play the position and his triangle numbers will never matter. He has time to get bigger, faster, and stronger and the thought of that makes me think this kid will make a fantastic NFL safety. He’s someone to watch over the next two to three years.

Eddie Pleasant, SLB, So- If Pleasant can put some size on, he can be very good overall. His speed is safety-like and he has the frame to put some size on without losing too much speed. He’s an intriguing guy to come back to in two years to see if he improved his technique and strength.

Pac-10- California

2010-04-08T18:26:00.001-05:00

Jahvid Best, RB, Jr- It’s too bad Best got hurt this year, as his durability was the only thing in my mind that would make me hesitate from drafting him in the mid to high first round. Once again this bit him though, and it bit him hard with the very nasty concussion. I think the questions about his durability cause him to slip to the second round, which is completely reasonable, and this will make him an outstanding value. I would be shocked if he makes it past the Lions in the second round, and he should immediately provide them with a home run hitter in the backfield.

Kevin Riley, QB, Jr- Riley has some potential and is someone I will watch closely next year. Good accuracy, good arm, the only thing I don’t like is he winds up a bit with his throwing motion. There is enough there though to think he can be in the mix next year as potentially being an NFL caliber QB.

Shane Vereen, RB, So- With Best leaving for the NFL, the feature back role is all Vereen’s. He’s compact, runs low, and has game breaking speed. Expect Vereen to be on many highlight reels next year; he has first round potential written all over him.

Brian Holley, FB, Sr- I don’t think he’s dratable as he does not do the little things a good blocking back should like keep his feet moving on contact.

Mike Tepper, LT, Sr- There is something there with Tepper. He has the length to play OT, but he just needs to work on playing with a bit better knee bend, and he also could use some more lower body strength to hold the POA. The Shrine game proved to me that Tepper does not have the foot speed to play LT at the next level. He got abused around the edge several times in this game. It also raises a bit of concern for me that even RT might be a struggle for him, but I do think there is enough potential there to take a stab at him in the late rounds as a swing tackle and versatile back up.

Tyson Alualu, DE/DT, Sr- I would not be surprised at all to see Alualu make his way into the first round due to what I am calling the ‘Tyson Jackson effect’. I never thought Tyson Jackson was that great last year, I would go as far as saying I would have never drafted him until the end of the first, and he went third overall to the Chiefs. Alualu is better than Jackson, but that doesn’t mean he will go in the top 10. He has the size and strength to play the five technique and be outstanding at the position, he has the speed to play a 4-3 power end, and he even has enough bulk to line up as a three technique in a Cover-2. He has good straight line speed, and can rush the passer around the edge as well. I really like what I have seen in Alualu’s overall game and I would be very surprised if he made it into the middle part of the second round. Whatever team takes him will get a versatile player who will be a very good value no matter where he’s taken.

Eddie Young, OLB, Sr- I don’t see it in him as he just seems late to break on everything.

Devin Bishop, ILB, Sr- Bishop can absolutely blow plays up, but he doesn’t play with good technique. He’s raw, and needs work, but has some athleticism. I think he’s worth a stab in the late rounds as a developmental prospect, especially for a 3-4 team.

Mike Mohamed, ILB, Jr- Mohamed is a very good prospect for next year. He needs to get stronger and work on shedding blockers faster, but he has very good field awareness and ability. Good speed, good tackling skills, and he is relentless in chasing the play.

Syd’Quan Thompson, CB, Sr- Thompson reminds me of Alphonso Smith from Wake Forest last year in that he has everything you want in a lock down corner except for ideal height. He’s aggressive in coming in against the run and will shoot like a bullet at a runner’s legs. He’s physical on the jam, and he has good ball skills. He’s smart in zone coverage and reads routes well, so he knows when to break. I think he’ll make a steal in the second to third round for a team who doesn’t care if he is only 5’9”. His 40 times at the Combine and Pro Day were not encouraging either, so I could see him sliding to the late third and becoming a nice value there. He’s perfect for a Cover-2 defense.

Pac-10- Arizona State

2010-04-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

Vontaze Burfict, MLB, true Fr- Burfict has incredible potential, along with great speed and explosiveness. He really hits hard when he gets to the ball. His instincts are what you expect for a true Freshman, but he compensates with his phenomenal athleticism. He’s one to watch very closely, and I think he may end up moving to the outside where he may be a better fit.

Terrell Carr, CB, Sr- Carr is too short, and he plays short as well. He got abused by the taller receivers in the games I saw. I don’t think he’s a draftable prospect, but he could go late.

Dexter Davis, DE/LB, Sr- I don’t see what others do in Davis. He has decent speed around the edge but he has no secondary pass rush move and he’s a liability in the run game as he’s not strong enough at the point. He will have to move to rush OLB at the next level, and I think someone will fall in love with his measureable at the combine and may overdraft him. He’s a mid-round prospect to me. As expected, Davis was the fastest ‘DE’ at the combine, so let the over-drafting begin.

Travis Goethel, LB, Sr- Goethel plays too fast. He covers good ground, really hits hard, but he does not have the athleticism to break down quick enough in space to make plays. I see his best value being on special teams, but he’s at best a late rounder.

Jarrell Holman, SS, Sr- Holman is not a well rounded SS. He plays the run well, but he seems to struggle back pedaling. Not sure where his draft value lies, but I don’t see him as anything other than a back up.

Ryan McFoy, FS, Sr- I like McFoy. He plays a lot of deep centerfield coverage, and that’s important for a team looking for a Cover-2 style safety that can play over the top. He’s actually a very good blitzer as well, he times his rush well, and he plays with the reckless abandon that you like to see. It may hurt him at the end of the day though as he’s a bit lean, and it could lead to injuries at the next level. McFoy makes for a very interesting prospect that I see falling a bit on draft day, and could potentially make a steal in the 4th round or onward.

Pierre Singfield, CB, Sr- I would not draft him as he does not have the speed or hips to play corner. He’s a bigger guy though, so he may be able to move in to safety.

Mike Nixon, LB, Sr- Nixon isn’t a full time player but he’s a jacked up safety type. I like his speed though, and he may fit well as a WLB in the right defense. If nothing else, he has the looks of a guy who will lead a team in special teams tackles. Very valuable.

Shawn Lauvao, OT/OG, Sr- Lauvao intrigues me as a tackle prospect. He is a bit inconsistent with his footwork though, and I don’t think he has the foot speed to play on the left side in the pros. He could fit very well on the right side though as he is a tough run blocker who also does well getting to the second level and keeping his feet moving on blocks. He could potentially move in to guard too, as I’m not sure his arms are as long as you’d like for a tackle. He held his own in the Senior Bowl practices, and I think he will make a nice value pick in the third to fourth round as a guy who can start at OG and potentially play some RT if needed as a back up.

Thomas Altieri, OC, Sr- Altieri got hurt late in the season, but showed up well before that. He’s a solid run blocker, and does a good job with pulling and blowing plays up. He’s another sneaky center prospect that will no doubt slip to the 6th round area or so but could eventually be a starter in the NFL.

Tom Njunge, RT, Sr- Absolutely horrible and not draftable. If someone does take a chance, it’s a wasted pick.

Dimitri Nance, RB, Sr- I think Nance doesn’t get enough credit as a legit running back. He’s a compact guy with good balance and good burst. He doesn’t seem to be someone how can run away from you, but he picks large chunks of yardage each carry because he keeps his legs churning after contact. He’s going to make some team very happy. He’s a good value pick, and seems to have very little bust potential to me since he probably won’t be drafted until some point in the fifth round or onward.

Kyle Williams, WR, Sr- Williams is another senior WR prospect not getting enough credit. Part of that is due to the fact that ASU has struggled to get good QB play the past two years. He’s very fast, and is a great deep threat. He has good hands, does a good job of catching the ball outside of his frame, and he can make some plays with the ball in his hands in space. He’s a good returner as well. I like what Williams brings to the table, and think he’s a solid prospect.

Pac-10- Arizona

2010-04-08T18:23:00.001-05:00

Adam Grant, RT, Sr- Grant has some upside in the run game. He’s very big and can engulf ends when he gets his hands on them. He could also move inside to guard, which may end up being his best fit as a pro since he doesn’t have the best feet. Best case, he’s a power RT and can start. Worst case, he moves inside to guard and starts as well. Solid value in my book.

Mike Diaz, LT, Sr- I don’t know about Diaz. He definitely does not have the feet to play left tackle, but he’s not very strong in the run game either. If he gets drafted, it should be late, and he will be looked at as a RT and not LT.

Chris Gronkowski, RB, Sr- He’s a fullback, but a running back. He’s at best a late rounder, but I don’t know if I would draft him.

Ricky Elmore, DE, Jr- Elmore has a very bright future. Good speed around the edge, he sets the edge well in the rush, and he never gives up on plays. He will be one of the top returning DE prospects next year.

Cam Nelson, S, Sr- Nelson has some upside. I didn’t see much in coverage from him as teams did not throw deep in the games I watched. He showed he has the ability to attack the line and can tackle well, so he can definitely play SS if he doesn’t show the speed and hips to play FS.

Vuna Tuihalamaka, MLB/OLB, Sr- He’s a bit tight in the hips in coverage, and he can over pursue in the run game a bit too much, but he’s a big linebacker who actually makes plays in zone coverage. He’d fit well inside in a 3-4 as his deficiencies could be covered up. If he runs well, I could see a team developing him as mid round prospect and being happy with him.

Devin Ross, CB, Arizona- In the two games I saw from the Wildcats, I didn’t see anything out of Ross. That’s actually not as bad as it sounds. With the TV angle we all get at home, scouting the boundary players, like corners and wideouts, is very difficult since the camera tends to focus more on the pocket until the ball is out. By not seeing Ross much, that means the QB wasn’t throwing the ball his way because he was covering his man.

Corey Hall, CB, Sr- Hall actually flashed on film. He broke down quickly, was right there when the ball got to the receiver to either break up the play or make the tackle. He’s got good quickness and plays with reckless abandon when attacking the ball. I like Hall and think he may make for a nice sleeper pick.

Earl Mitchell, DT, Sr- Mitchell seems a bit undersized and can get washed in the run game a bit too easily, but he is a solid interior pass rusher. He is absolutely relentless though, so I think he can definitely fit well as an undertackle in a Cover-2 or maybe even outside as a five technique in an odd man front.

Mountain West- Wyoming

2010-04-08T18:21:00.001-05:00

Jesson Salyard, TE, Sr- Salyard is a bit of a late round, low level sleeper. He’s not the biggest TE, but he really gives good effort in the run blocking phase. He keeps his base wide, keeps his feet moving, and he can seal things off even though he will need to get bigger and stronger. He’s nothing more than a late round prospect, but I like his effort and ability as a back up to groom as a blocking TE.

Ross Arnold, OC, Sr- Arnold is not consistent enough to make me think he can be a starter in the NFL. He is very good at pulling around the edge and blocking the moving target, but he’s too light in the legs to hold up against bigger DT prospects. His foot speed on the pull also doesn’t show up in blocking quick interior DTs either, as he got beat several times on a down block he missed. If he gets drafted, it will be late. And that team will have to commit to his long term physical development.

Ryan Otterson, LT, Sr- Much of what I said on Arnold goes for Otterson. He has good feet, good technique in his pass sets, and he does a good job of positioning. He’s just far too light at this point to be a starter in the NFL. If he can be hidden on a practice squad and pushed in the weight room, he could develop into a LT because of his feet. He’s definitely not ready though, and if he’s asked to start in the first two years of his pro career, he will get physically overwhelmed.

Alvester Alexander, RB, Fr- Alexander is a player to watch. He has elite level speed, so much so that he rules out angles by tacklers. He also has good hands in the pass game, and if he gets the ball in space, he can make big plays. He needs to get bigger and stronger, but he has at least two years to do that. I think he will be someone who we will hear about in a couple years, but not many will know about him due to playing in relative obscurity at Wyoming.

John Fletcher, DE, Sr- I really like Fletcher as a 3-4 DE. He plays the five technique, as well as all along down the line in this odd man front, and he shows very good ability in both phases. What impressed me most was his ability to hold up against the double team, keep his shoulders square, and shed the block to make the tackle. He has good quickness in the pass game as well, and can rush the passer from that position. He’s going to fly under the radar, but I could see him going to a team like Pittsburgh or New England and developing into a very solid starter.

Mitch Unrein, DE, Sr- Unrein is a small step below Fletcher, but valuable as well. He’s got better quickness and pass rush moves than Fletcher, but he doesn’t anchor in the run as well. He’s a late rounder, but he has the potential to end up at worst in a rotation as a 5 technique with a 3-4 team.

Fred Givens, NT, Sr- Givens will not be a 3-4 NT, but he could fit as a run stuffing 4-3 NT. He anchors well against the run and shows good power by being able to punch blockers back and into the backfield. He’s a nice late round pick.

Weston Johnson, OLB, Sr- Johnson is undersized and gets engulfed in the run, but he’s got decent hips in dropping into coverage. He may develop as a WLB in a Cover-2, but he’s a very late round pick at best, and will probably be nothing more than a solid special teams player for his career.

Mountain West- Utah

2010-04-08T18:19:00.001-05:00

Zane Beadles, OT, Sr- Beadles took a step back this year in my opinion. He has good feet, and could definitely play LT at the next level but I don’t think he has the height or long enough arms to do so. He also has a bad habit of getting his head too far into the block, so he ends up getting shucked, thrown to the ground, or he lunges and ends up on the ground himself. He will more than likely need to move inside to guard, but I don’t know if he has the strength to be a premier player there. I think he will eventually be good though, and he reminds me a lot of Green Bay OG Darryn Colledge, who was as close of a comparison as I can think of from having watched both in college. He’s still got second or third round potential due to his ability to play several positions and because of his nimble feet and aggressive nature of play.

Jordan Wynn, QB, true Fr- Wynn has very good potential. He has a plus arm, very good accuracy, and he just needs to learn to play a bit smarter. This isn’t a big deal though as he is a true Freshman so I expect simple mistakes like the ones he made this year. He has all of the makings of a top shelf QB prospect though and he will be someone to watch closely.

David Reed, WR, Sr- Reed is a scrappy guy who will probably not get the notice he deserves. He has great hands, he has good speed, and he has the quick cuts and acceleration to make big plays from short throws. He’s just a reliable receiver who will make a difference but won’t go until the mid rounds as he’s not your prototypical outside receiver. He will make a great value pick wherever he goes.

Jereme Brooks, WR, Jr- I loved Brooks as a return man when he was a true Freshman, and in this game he showed some game breaking ability as a slot receiver. He is very short, and small in stature, so he’s never going to be a huge impact guy. But I think in next year’s draft, he would make an impact as a return man and a slot receiver. He has game breaking speed and acceleration that you can’t teach.

Eddie Wide, RB, Jr- Wide’s undersized but he has great straight line speed. If he can get to the hole cleanly, he can flat out run away from you. He’s someone to keep an eye on next year, even though I don’t see him as anything more than a late round complimentary back at the next level. His speed is evident on film though, which is impressive.

Koa Misi, DE/OLB, Sr- I really like Misi, and I’m not sure why I haven’t noticed him before this season. He’s an ideal fit as a rush OLB in the 3-4, and essentially plays this position at the collegiate level. He’s 260+lbs, so he has the size, he has a very good grasp of pass rushing and uses a variety of moves, he does a good job of coming in on delayed blitzes when in the two point, and he is effective in coverage as well. Misi has good straight line speed and in one game almost ran down a very fast running back that had a ten yard head start. No one really is saying much about him, but I think he has the goods. After writing this, it was nice to see people start to talk about Misi’s promise after looking very good at the Combine. It’s a shame it took people waiting until a workout in shorts and a t-shirt to notice that Misi is a top shelf prospect. I’d go as high as the early second round for Misi and I think he will come right in and start for a 3-4 team.

Stevenson Sylvester, OLB, Sr- I’m probably one of the biggest fans of Sylvester out there, so my opinions maybe slightly slanted due to what I have seen to date. If it weren’t for the times where Sylvester flat out makes bad reads and overruns plays, I think he’d be a lock for the first round. He’s just an impact player who shows up at his best when the bright lights are on. He’s solid in coverage, he explodes into tackles and hits, and he can rush the passer as well. He’s versatile enough to play at any LB position and do well. If he can go to a team with a good position coach and a veteran who will work with him on some of the finer points of reading his keys and such, he could grow into a Pro Bowl player. I may be way off on this one as I seem to be the only person tooting the Stevenson Sylvester horn but I’m standing by what I have seen from him on film. If he ends up not being as good as I thought, then I read him wrong, but I think he has the ability to be outstanding at the next level. If he went to a team like the Ravens, I think he’d excel sooner than later even though they have good depth at the position already.

Kepa Gaison, OLB, Sr- Gaison is good rushing off the edge, but he gets swallowed up against the run. He seems like an effort guy who will make a living on special teams though, and may get drafted very late or at least make a camp as a free agent.

Robert Johnson, FS, Sr- Johnson is a hammer, and he will blow receivers up if they come across the middle. I didn’t see him in coverage much though because the games I saw on him he was playing more in the box and the opposing teams didn’t throw deep up the middle. He looks like a solid prospect though at a position that is steadily becoming one of the deepest in the draft.

Mountain West- TCU

2010-04-08T18:18:00.000-05:00

Jerry Hughes, DE/OLB, Sr- Hughes did everything right in coming back for his Senior year. He got stronger at the point and was more of a force against the run. There is no question in my mind that Hughes is a future impact pass rusher at the next level. With his performance at the Combine, I think his stock is rising very fast. He looked incredibly smooth in the LB drills, which wasn’t too much of a surprise to me, but he performed even better than I expected. I think he should be the first rush OLB off the board and any team that gets him will get an immediate presence in the pass rush.

Daryl Washington, LB, Sr- Washington was very raw last year and more athlete than football player, and like Hughes, he made a big turn in his Senior year. He was much more complete, even though he still needs some refinement on his technique. He was definitely playing out of position as well in the middle. He’s undersized and his game is based on speed, so he’s a much better fit moving to the outside.

Marshall Newhouse, OT, Sr- Newhouse is not a LT because his feet are not good enough. He has good short area quickness though and is a road-grader in the run game. I think he can make the transition to OG easily at the next level, but he’s not a guy I would reach for until the 4th or 5th round.

Mountain West- BYU

2010-04-08T18:16:00.001-05:00

Max Hall, QB, Sr- He’s just too short to play in the NFL. He has very good accuracy though, so he very well may end up getting drafted by someone as an emergency QB or third team guy. His arm is good enough but not ideal, his touch is good, and his decision making is decent. If he were 4 inches taller, he’d be in the mix as a potential NFL starter.

Dennis Pitta, TE, Sr- I really like Pitta, but he absolutely has to go to the right team. He is strictly an H-back, as he needs to be split out wide, or motioned into the backfield. He is a poor blocker and can be taken out of a game if you put a bigger LB on him at the line and jam him. He is an elite weapon in the pass game though, is a fantastic route runner, and has phenomenal hands. On the right team, he can be a difference maker in the pass game. On the wrong offense, he will be a liability. I think he’s worth a shot in the second round, but he may slip to the third because of his less than ideal ability to play in-line.

Jan Jorgensen, DE, Sr- Jorgensen is very up and down. He has some decent speed to the outside, but can also hold his ground in the run. He’s not great at any one thing, but he’s not bad either. He may end up being a late rounder who will fit well as a 3-4 DE. He reminds me of the Steelers 3-4 defensive ends. Effort guy who is drafted late and works his way into the rotation.

Harvy Unga, RB, Jr- Power runner, strictly north-south. Doesn’t have much wiggle, but gets the tough yards. Won’t run away from anyone either.

Manase Tonga, RB, Sr- He’s versatile and will more than likely end up at FB in the pros. He has good hands, is a solid blocker, and is a decent short yardage runner as well. He’s a nice late round value pick.

R.J. Willing, OC, Sr- Willing can get overpowered at the POA, but he has solid technique and gets into good position. He needs to go to a team that will give him help, or to a team which does not play many 3-4 teams as a NT will overpower him.

Andrew George, TE, Sr- George looks like a solid sleeper late round pick. He’s more of a traditional inline TE. He’s not as effective in the pass game as Pitta, but he has good hands, runs good routes, is big, tough, and can block. Good value for a player who has essentially always been overshadowed by Pitta.

Brett Denney, DE, Sr- Like Jorgensen, he’s a great effort guy. He gets by with his relentlessness, and it will take him a long way. He would be a good 3-4 DE to grab in the 5-6th round area.

Matt Bauman, ILB, Sr- I like Bauman as he plays hard, and can make plays behind the LOS. He’s a bit undersized like all of these BYU LBs, but he gives a good effort. He can definitely fit as an ILB in a 3-4 and looks like a late round pick.

Shawn Doman, ILB, Sr- Doman is pretty much the same as Bauman, but has a bit more upside. I think he can hit harder, is more physical, and will probably go a bit higher even though it will still be in the late rounds.

Coleby Clawson, OLB, Sr- Clawson is too small to play OLB in a 3-4 at the next level, but could fit as a SLB in a 4-3. Good potential as a nice late round pick.

Scott Johnson, S, Sr- I really like Johnson. He’s not going to wow people with his measurables, but his field awareness is great. He makes very good breaks on the ball so he looks faster than he probably is. He’s a great tackler, he breaks up passes well without committing penalties, and he’s smart in playing deep zone coverage. He’s going to make a solid pick for a team willing to take a risk.

MAC- Northern Illinois

2010-04-08T18:15:00.000-05:00

Chad Spann, RB, Jr- Spann shows good balance and vision, but he’s just too light in the legs and up top to get tough yards. I’d like to see if he can bulk up a bit but still maintain his burst. He looks like a nice compliment back for a zone blocking team, as he has that one cut quickness and steadiness to stay up and get yards.

Eddie Adamski, OC, Sr- Adamski looks like he may be worth a very late draft pick or even bringing in as an undrafted free agent. He has good lateral quickness, he can get to the second level quickly, and he does a good job of staying balanced once he gets there. He’s got to get stronger though as he can get muscled off the ball, but he has enough there that I think he’s worth a shot as a developmental player.

Jason Onyebuagu, LG, Sr- I think Onyebuagu will be a very nice sleeper pick. In fact, he’s the local guy that I want to do well. I wish I would have seen more tape on him this year, but what I did see of him showed very good promise. Onyebuagu is big and strong, and gets a very good push off the ball in the run game. What surprised me is that he has very quick feet for a man his size. And what put him over the top for me is that he never stops blocking down field. If the runner gets past the first level, he keeps on chasing the play looking for someone to hit. He does a good job of keeping a wide base against LBs and ripping through to make the block. He’s your typical blue-collar guard prospect that should go late in the draft but may end up being a dependable starter for 10+ years in the league. I’m not saying he will be a future Pro Bowler, but from the limited things I saw I think he’s got NFL starting ability.

Brandon Bice, DE, Sr- Bice is right in line with your typical MAC undersized DL prospect. He’s going to have to move to rush OLB at the next level, but I think he’s someone worth working with as a late round pick. He has good speed around the edge and he never gives up on the play. He’d make a solid special teams player as well.

Cory Hanson, OLB, Sr- Hanson is very undersized for LB, and he’s going to have an uphill battle to make an NFL roster. Pluses for him are that he has good speed and he seems to be able to blitz well, but the minus is that he’s almost relegated to the safety position at the next level (where he may not have the speed to play). If he does make a team, it’s going to be as a life long special teams player.

MAC- Central Michigan

2010-04-08T15:14:00.000-05:00

Dan LeFevour, QB, Sr- I’ve called LeFevour a poor man’s Tim Tebow before, and I stick by that assessment. He’s been extraordinarily productive at the collegiate level, and he’s a great leader, but that does not make him an NFL QB. His arm is not strong enough, and he’s not accurate either. A good game here may make me reconsider my stance that he’s not an NFL QB prospect, but I still won’t budge from the fact that I don’t think he’s worth spending a pick on until the 4th-6th rounds.

In honor of Kit Harley

2010-03-30T16:46:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately, I lost a good friend this past weekend. Kit Harley was someone I worked with for the past almost eight years. He and I were part of a small group of guys who were young, driven, had a common love of sports, shared stories of DIII college athletics lore, and were stupid enough to spend more time together at work than we probably wanted.

After a courageous and valiant fight against brain cancer over the past three years, Kit passed away Saturday. As a token of my friendship, I’d ask that any of you reading this please give back for any joy this silly little draft Web site may have brought you by donating to the foundation built in his honor: Harley Helping Hands (www.harleyhelpinghands.com).

I learned a lot of lessons from Kit’s brave fight, and one of them will be to not sweat the small stuff. At 33 with a young child and another on the way, one of the only ways I can make sense of this loss and to honor his memory is by putting a post on my site in his honor.

So, I please ask to give what you can to help support a local charity that truly means something to me. The Harley Helping Hands foundation is 501 (c)(3) certified, and as an added bonus, I will offer the following to those that donate:

If you donate up to $50, you can send me a question through my e-mail address or via the comments section and I will answer it via a post. You will also get your name forever etched in the blogosphere. If you donate more than $50, I will let you post your own Mock Draft with any comments you may want to add.

So once you’ve donated, please let me know via the comments section or via my email address at cwsemenchuk@hotmail.com

You are missed already Kit.

Independents- Notre Dame

2010-03-20T22:17:00.002-05:00

Jimmy Clausen, QB, Jr- I’m not as sold on Clausen as some other media outlets. He’s got the potential to be a starter, but he’s still not there and I definitely do not think he is the top QB prospect in this draft. His deep ball still makes me cringe a bit as he throws up more than out. The positives are there though as he is very accurate, he makes good decisions on throws, and he’s good in the short to intermediate throws. He gets zip on throws by using a lot of hip torque, which isn’t ideal, but not terrible either. Simple things he needs to work on though are shortening his step on throws, ensuring his arm angle stays over the top because he’s not a super tall QB, and he has to stop rolling out and back as he leaves himself so far in the backfield that a pocket can’t be established and he gets dropped for big losses. If you expect him to start right away, I think that’s a mistake. He needs some more time to develop, but he has NFL starter potential. He’d be a great fit for a West Coast offense, and that makes me think that the Browns will look long and hard at him with 7th overall pick if they do in fact try to install an offense that Mike Holmgren favors. With Jake Delhomme there as a care taker, this makes sense, even though I think the value could be better for another position.

Eric Olsen, OC, Sr- Olson is a fringe draft pick to me as he gets beat by speed and power. He doesn’t get good push in the run game, and he does not hold up on an island in the middle in the pass game as well.

Golden Tate, WR, Jr- Tate will be a monster in the slot in the NFL. He’s not the biggest WR, but he’s incredibly fast and his burst allows him to clear defenders and tacklers before they can get an angle. Tate is a ball athlete meaning that he needs to be given the ball in the open field and you can allow him to make plays after the catch. This shows up well in the return game too as he makes solid plays on punt returns. His size is what hurts him as I do think he will be miscast as an outside receiver. But if team in the early second takes him and commits to using him to his strengths in the slot, he will be excellent. Don’t count out a second round reunion with his former coach Charlie Weis, who is the new OC in Kansas City.

Michael Floyd, WR, So- Floyd is a very tall receiver already but he has a HUGE vertical to boot. He high points the ball better than most pro receivers I’ve seen, which is just God-given considering his age. Floyd has the makings of a first rounder with his size, speed, and hands. With one more year of increased size and strength, Floyd should be right there in the first round mix.

Kyle Rudolph, TE, So- Rudolph reminds me of Anthony Fasano. He’s a reliable throwback TE. He’s big enough to cause problems with safeties, and quick enough to get around LBs. He’s not going to be a huge deep threat, but he’s a very effective weapon in the pass game. He’s a willing blocker, and is big for his age. Another year or two, and he may be a sure fire first rounder. He’s one of the top two to three returning TEs next year.

Armando Allen, RB, Jr- Allen is boom or bust. He either hits long runs or runs for no gain. It’s that inconsistency that will make him a late round pick at best come draft time. Allen needs to show next year he can gain better consistency with his yards per carry average.

Paul Duncan, LT, Sr- Duncan may be one of the worst LTs I have seen this year. He will not play in the NFL and should not be drafted. You may ask why I devoted space to say this, well, he was bad enough that it made me really wonder why he was even out there and it scares me to think who is behind him if he’s better than the subs.

Sam Young, RT, Sr- Young’s extremely experienced, is solid in the run game, but he will struggle a lot with speed on the corner at the next level. He seems as though he will make a decent starting RT at the next level, but it’s tough to spend anything higher than a 3rd rounder on a player who you have to say this about. Young is one of those players that won’t ever make you stand up and shout, but will find a way to be a decent starter for years.

Chris Stewart, LG, Sr- Stewart is an interesting prospect. He’s definitely a late rounder, but I still see something there that makes me think he has a future. Very good run blocker, very aggressive and nasty, but he struggles in the pass game because of said aggressiveness. With some work though, he could make a very nice starting, blue collar style guard.

Manti Te’o, OLB, true Fr- Te’o has an incredibly bright future. He has great closing speed, explosive hitter, and a good blitzer. If he can keep on improving at the rate he showed while getting experience this year, he can be an impact college player and high first rounder by the time he’s ready for graduation.

Brian Smith, MLB, Jr- I like Smith a lot and I think he will surprise some people next year. He would fit very well in a 3-4. Good delayed blitzer as an interior player, sheds blocks with his hands, and makes solid wrap up tackles. He can play the middle or the outside, but I see him being an impact player as an ILB in a 3-4. he’s got first round potential next season and the defense will be key to Notre Dame’s success next season.

Kyle McCarthy, SS, Sr- McCarthy will be a special teams ace. He’s undersized for SS, and he doesn’t look fast enough to play FS, but he is always around the ball. He’s smart, knows where to be, and he plays hard. I want guys like that on my team, regardless of whether their measurable numbers say they should play in the NFL.

Darius Fleming, OLB, So- Fleming has good speed around the corner and an incredibly bright future. He needs to get stronger and improve his technique, but his pass rushing ability is what will make him a highly sought after prospect in a few years time.

Conference USA- Central Florida

2010-03-20T22:17:00.001-05:00

Michael Greco, FS, Sr- Greco is limited athletically, and might not even be draftable. He hits hard though, so I could see him being a late round pick as a special teams player.

Cory Hogue, LB, Sr- There is a lot to like about Hogue, but he has some limitations as well. He can overreact to plays at times, but he is aggressive and relentless on all plays. He would make a perfect ILB for a team with a veteran in place who can help get him into the right places. He’s a mid to late round pick, but I think he has some potential.

Bruce Miller, DE, Jr- Miller was the Conf. USA DPOY, and he got this due to his all out relentlessness on every play. He’s not the biggest or fastest guy on the field but he never quits on a play. He’s too short to play DE in the NFL, but he would make a solid rush OLB. He’s not an elite prospect, but he’s a blue collar type of guy you want on your team as he will find a way to contribute.

Jarvis Geathers, DE, Sr- I think Geathers is a super sleeper, meaning I think he has upside even though I’m not thinking of him as a long time NFL starter. He’s a bit lean, and maybe a bit short, but he has excellent edge speed. He has long arms, uses them well, and has a nice bull rush considering he’s not very tall. I think he will probably be a late rounder due to his physical limitations, but he will make a very nice situational pass rusher. A name to watch as the draft draws closer.

Brett Hodges, QB, Sr- Too short to be an NFL QB, doesn’t have the arm, but has decent touch on his throws. He shouldn’t be drafted because he will struggle to see over an NFL line.

Conference USA- Southern Methodist

2010-03-20T22:16:00.002-05:00

Kyle Padron, QB, true Fr- Padron is another very good looking QB prospect. Good arm, good size, and a true pocket passer. He’s not just a byproduct of June Jones run-and-shoot offense, he’s got some real potential.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Sr- Sanders is actually a pretty decent looking prospect. He’s a bit undersized, but he has very good cutting ability and can make big plays in space. He’s a solid punt returner as well that can break big runs, but may also make you want to tear your hair out as he changes direction a lot (hello Devin Hester II). He showed well in the Shrine game and the Combine, so I feel even better about his prospects for the next level and think he can be had in the late third to early fourth round.

Shawnbrey McNeal, RB, Jr- MvNeal showed very good speed, runs with good power as well, and he really explodes through the hole. Has good hands as well and can take swing passes and make big plays. I was surprised to see him come out early as he will go much lower than he would have had he come back, but he will make for an excellent value pick in the mid rounds.

Chase Kennemer, ILB, Sr- I like Kennemer as he’s an effort player with good instincts. He’s definitely limited athletically, but he’s smart and gets himself into good position to make plays. His limited speed and agility will hurt him though and it’s probably why he’s noting more than a late round prospect at best.

Conference USA- East Carolina

2010-03-20T22:16:00.001-05:00

Linval Joseph, NT, Sr- Joseph should no doubt see his stock rise due to the positon he plays. He is a true NT as he’s a one-dimensional run stuffer. I think because this position is thin for most NFL teams, he may find his name called as high as the fourth round (even though I think that’s a bit too high for him).

C.J. Wilson, DE, Sr- Wilson is a power end. He’s a traditional 4-3 end as he can stuff the run, and he has decent pass rush ability as well. He’s different than most of the other ends in this game in that he’s not someone who will move to a 3-4.

Van Eskridge, FS, Sr- He has good instincts in coverage, and showed good burst, concentration, and hands. He’s another solid FS prospect, which may actually be deeper than the DL position.

Big Ten- Wisconsin

2010-03-20T22:14:00.001-05:00

Scott Tolzien, QB, Jr- Tlzien’s a bit too short, but I like his makeup. He’s not afraid to take a shot to make a throw, and he has a decent arm. I just don’t see him as a starter at the next level, but I think he will lead the Badgers to being fairly successful next year.

John Clay, RB, So- Clay’s a bell cow back who can be on the field for all three downs. Great power, good vision, good cutback ability and patience to wait for the hole to open, and good enough speed for a back his size. He will be one of the top returning backs next year, and he will be a good pro because of his combination of size and speed. I would expect him to come out early next year, barring injury.

Gabe Carimi, LT, Jr- Carimi will be one of the top, if not the top, returning LTs next season. He’s a true LT with elite pass blocking skills, and is very good in the run game as well. He’s also showed good ability to block the second level, which taller guys like him can struggle with. I don’t know why more isn’t being said about him now, but don’t be surprised if he’s the talk of the pre-season by the ‘experts’ next season.

Garrett Graham, TE, Sr- Graham’s not a big guy, but he blocks like one. Blue collar, hard worker, and will make a team better. He reminds me of Todd Heap, and he should go in the third to fourth round range. His size will be the only thing that holds him back, but I think he has the drive to overcome this and contribute at the next level

Lance Kendricks, TE, Jr- May be one of the best returning TEs. He’s an elite pass catcher and can stretch the filed. Good enough blocker to warrant a first round grade should he continue to improve and shine next year without sharing catches with Graham.

O’Brien Schofield, DE/OLB, Sr- It’s a shame Schofield tore his ACL in the Senior Bowl practices. He was peaking at the right time, and the Shrine game was his ultimate coming out party. Schofield showed during the season that he can rush the passer as an end, but the Shrine game showed he can stand up and play the OLB spot as well. A team with a dearth of second round picks and the luxury of taking a guy who probably won’t contribute this season will get one hell of a player. I could see a team like the Jets, Ravens, Browns, or Patriots making the move at some point in the second and that would be a good value for him.

J.J. Watt, DE, So- Watt is a young kid with loads of potential. A true 4-3 end who can rush the passer, really hold the point when run at, and can even get around the edge block to make the play in the backfield. If he can show even a little improvement, I could see him testing the waters next year, but in two years he should be one of the better DE’s in the nation.

Jeff Stehle, DT, Sr- Stehle is a one dimensional run stuffer. No pass rush moves and simply just locks up the blocker and holds the point. Not a bad quality to have, but it makes him borderline draftable.

Jaevery McFadden, OLB, Sr- I like McFadden and think he may be a bit of a sleeper like last year’s Badger LB D’Andre Levy (who ended the season as the starting MLB for the Lions), who he reminds me of. He’s a good coverage LB, good blitzer, and he holds up well at the point. He’ll probably slip, but I think he has the potential to be a starting SLB for the team that takes him.

Chris Maragos, FS, Sr- He’s an effort guy who will make his hey on special teams.

Big Ten- Penn State

2010-03-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

Daryll Clark, QB, Sr- Clark is not a pocket passer and he’s too inconsistent with his accuracy to be an NFL QB. When he drops back in the pocket, he hops around and it throws his mechanics off enough that it affects his accuracy. What is most troubling is that when he’s off, he’s always high with the throw, and this showed up over and over again in games. He has the athleticism and size to switch positions, so he should be drafted, but probably not til the later rounds. His throwing motion winds a bit as well which concerns me. I don’t see him being a QB, but he’s the type of athlete you want on your team as he will find a way to contribute. QB. He may be drafted late as an athlete though.

Evan Royster, RB, Jr- Royester is shifty and quick, but seems to lack the deep speed to run away from people. The best assets he has are his hands as he is a great receiver out of the backfield. I’d really like to see his timed speed as he doesn’t seem to run that fast on film, but that could just be the conditions of this game. I don’t see him as anything more than a third down back or compliment at the next level, but he will be relied on heavily next season with Clark gone.

Andrew Quarless, TE, Sr- Quarless is just like the recent breed of TEs: tall, good quickness, and only interested in catching passes. I think he’ll be a better pro than a college player because they don’t seem to run much more than short routes with him. He runs good routes, has good hands, and is a good pass catching weapon. He is a liability as a blocker though, but he does have a bigger frame to work with.

Dennis Landolt, LT, Sr- Landolt shows very good feet and he’s good at cutting off the outside. The biggest problem with Landolt is that he lacks the strength to anchor against the power rush and needs to work on this. He won’t start right away, but a team willing to take a chance on him and develop his lower body strength would be smart to draft him. He can definitely be a starter at the next level IF he develops his strength more. Landolt also does a good job of locating the moving player on the second level, so if he did start sooner than later, I think a zone blocking team would be his best bet. A team like Seattle, who just hired zone blocking guru Alex Gibbs would be an ideal landing spot for Landolt, so don’t be surprised if that’s the pick.

Stefen Wisniewski, OC, Jr- Wisniewski needs to work on more consistently getting his head out of blocks as he tends to get caught leaning. If he can fix this, he has very good potential. He’s a good run and pass blocker, but needs some time to further develop. Wisniewski has the bloodlines and technique, so if he can get his strength and size to match, he will make a very good center prospect for next year’s draft.

Chaz Powell, WR, So- There is a lot of positive things to like about Powell. He has very good speed, and if he gets past the jam, he’s gone. The things I don’t like about Powell are his size and ability to consistently get off the jam at the line, and his tendency to let balls get into his frame too often. He’s got solid return skills as well though, and is young enough to continue to develop.

Derek Moye, WR, Jr- I really like Moye. He’s a bigger receiver and he’s very smart. He does a great job of adjusting to the poorly thrown ball, and he goes up aggressively to get the jump ball. He could be a very good receiver with first day potential if he continues to grow. Good hands, good vision, and impressive body control. He’s someone to keep an eye on.

Navorro Bowman, OLB, Jr- I think Bowman is an unbelievable all around player. He has a great feel for angles and avoiding the trash over the middle, scraping down the line, and making the play in the backfield. He’s an explosive tackler who drives through the ball carrier and does not allow extra yardage. He’s shown he can rush the passer and hold his own in zone coverage as well. I think he’d make a fantastic WLB. The problem with Bowman right now seems to be some off the field issues which have not been published as far as I can find, which is a bit disappointing. He has first round talent, and if his character issues cause him to slip to the second, I think he’s a fantastic value there. A team would be very lucky to get him anywhere from the late first to the mid second.

Sean Lee, MLB, Sr- Lee’s injuries have cut down his speed a touch, but he’s still a solid LB. I’m not sure his best fit is outside anymore due to his lack of speed around the corner, and his ability to hold up against blocks has diminished. I think he’d fit better inside in the 3-4 where he can be covered up a bit. He still can pick, cut, and make tackles for a loss. The longer he had to recover from his injuries, the better he got. Lee does a great job of reading his keys and getting into position to make the play. He keeps his weight under him so he stays balanced, and he stays under control when moving to the outside. He’s going to make some team extremely happy if they take a chance on him in the late second to early third round, but it is a major risk as his injury history really scares me, even though he’s a solid player.

Eric Latimore, DE, So- Latimore is all edge speed right now. He needs to get stronger, and improve against the run, but he has some potential there.

Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Sr- I love Odrick! He’s a pure 3-technique who lives on penetration into the backfield to disrupt plays. He can often show a tendency to miss plays by getting too far up-field, but it’s successful more often than not. What impressed me most was the fact that he does not turn his shoulders too quickly, so he handles the double team well for an undersized tackle. He has the power, speed, and length to play the 5-technique as well; but I think he can be a game changer in a cover-2 style defense. In Penn State’s bowl game against LSU, Odrick absolute took over the game and was completely unblockable. In fact, there was more than just one game where I saw teams actively planning around him to try not to let him affect their offense but he still made plays. I think he will go a lot higher than most experts are currently saying. If he makes it into the 20’s, he’s a steal.

Big Ten- Ohio State

2010-03-20T22:12:00.000-05:00

Thaddeus Gibson, DE/OLB, Jr- Gibson is all athlete like Vernon Gholsten was when he came out. The only good thing about this is that teams will be weary about his workout numbers with the bust so far that we’ve seen with Gholston. His measureables may get him drafted in the second round, but to me he’s more of a situational pass rusher with upside to grow into a 3-4 OLB starter over time. He’s just too inconsistent with his technique and reads to be an every day player at this point. He cost himself some money by coming out early, but some team will fall in love with his potential and grab him in the second round. Don’t expect much more from him in the first three years other than as a spot rusher and back up.

Doug Worthington, DT/DE, Sr- Worthington is one of my super sleeper picks. He can play the 3-4 DE position as he is longer/taller than your normal DT. The need for this position should improve his draft status, and I think he’s definitely playing out of position as an interior tackle. 3-4 DE is where he needs to play and he might be a better pro because of this. He has good power and decent pass rushing. He even chases the play well. What I like most is that I have seen him knock down numerous passes at the line as he seems to have that knack for knowing when to get his hands into the passing lanes to knock down lower throws. I expect him to show up in blocking kicks as well as he has those long arms and the tall frame to be a beast at this in the NFL. I could see him going as high as the third round, and I think that’s a great value, but if he slides further than that he’s an absolute steal.

Cameron Heyward, DE, Jr- I feel that Heyward was the most underrated DL in the country this season. I’m shocked he came back for his senior year, but to me, he’s one of my top 3-5 players overall coming back. There really isn’t a spot in his game that is a weakness. To me, he’s next year’s Ndamakong Suh as he has a very similar build and style. He can beat you with power, he can beat you with speed, and he has very good field awareness. He’s just a complete prospect and as long as he stays healthy, he’s a sure fire first rounder and to me a top five pick potentially. I don’t know how he can get better to be honest as I think he’s already extremely well rounded.

Kurt Coleman SS, Sr- On film Coleman never really stood out. He was aggressive and solid coming up against the run, but he’s a bit of a liability in coverage. He’s a solid late round pick as a back up and special teams player though, so he has value.

Anderson Russell, FS, Sr- I’m not a big fan of Russell’s He seems to have solid tackling skills but he does not fill hard. He lets the runners get to him instead of getting downhill and making plays sooner. To add to this, he’s undersized and he seems to have poor hands (in one game he dropped what was the easiest pick anyone can ever hope for).

Ross Homan, OLB, Jr- Homan has a very bright future and I really like him. He’s versatile enough to play inside or on the strong side. He’s solid in zone coverage and has made more than one very good heads-up interception in several games. I’ll be watching him very closely next year as he’s one of the better returning LBs in all of college football.

Brian Rolle, MLB, Jr- Rolle’s size is a major issue, and I really think they’d do better to move Homan to the middle and Rolle to the outside. He’s just too short and small to take on blockers and still be able to make plays. He can tackle though, so he may fit as a WLB. Rolle has another year, but expect to hear this as his major drawback next year.

Terrelle Pryor, QB, So- I don’t care what anyone tries to say, Terrelle Pryor will NEVER be an NFL QB. He’s horrible at this point, and I just don’t see how he can improve enough in his last two years. He’s a phenomenal athlete and can run like a gazelle, but he’s a QB, so throwing is much more important than running. He’s terribly inaccurate, he does not scan the field when on the run, and his touch is non-existent. I’m being a bit harsh and some may even call me a ‘hater’ but I just don’t see it. I know the comparison to Vince Young will come up very often, but Young was a much better passer than Pryor at this point.

Dan ‘Boom’ Herron, RB, So- I like Boom a lot. He’s very explosive, great speed to the corner, he shows good running power, and good hands as well. I really like that he runs with solid forward lean, so he’s always getting positive yardage. Herron has the looks of a future first rounder, and that future may be as a Junior next season.

Brandon Saine, RB, Jr- Saine has very good hands out of the backfield, and ran the wheel route perfectly in their bowl game. He’s got good speed, and he runs low and behind his pads (much like Herron). Saine is a good, versatile, well rounded RB prospect for next year. The biggest plus is he has always shared carries so he will still be fresh for a player his age and experience level.

Dane Sanzenbacher, WR, Jr- Sanzenbacher is a crafty slot receiver in the mold of Anthony Gonzales. He gets open with quickness, and he’s a reliable middle of the field receiver who moves the chains. I’d like to see him get stronger so he can get off the jam on the exterior better, but I think he can be the hot slot receiver for next year’s draft.

Devier Posey, WR, So- Posey has very good potential because of his speed, quick cuts, and solid hands. It’s too bad his QB does not help him out any which makes me think he could eventually be a better pro than collegian.

Jake Ballard, TE, Sr- He played the role of blocker more often than not in this offense. When asked to make catches, he shows solid hands, but I like his value late as a back up who can block in short yardage situations.

Justin Boren, LG, Jr- Boren is one of the better guard prospects for next season. He’s a very good run blocker, and good enough as a pass blocker, and his stock will only go up.

Michael Brewster, OC, So- Brewster is a true Sophomore who could eventually be the rare first round center prospect. He needs some more bulk in the lower body, but he has good overall technique and leverage. He shows the technique of a player much older than he is, and I would not be surprised to see him make the jump after next season.

Jim Cordle, RT/OG, Sr- Cordle played LT, RT, and OC this season and I think he played them all poorly. I don’t see him as being draftable.

Ray Small, WR/KR, Sr- Small is an explosive kick returner. He’s not a big receiving threat, but has very good vision, good size, and great burst and long speed. His value is as a returner as I think that it almost strictly where he will contribute for some team. He can do this right away though and make an impact in this phase of the game.

Big Ten- Northwestern

2010-03-20T22:11:00.004-05:00

Mike Kafka, QB, Sr- Kafka has an uphill battle to be drafted in my opinion. He has good accuracy and seems to understand how to progress through his reads, but I don’t think he has the arm strength to make it in the NFL. He really pushes the ball instead of throwing it, and that’s a problem as it gives that extra time to break on the ball by the defender. If he’s drafted it will be late, but some team that runs a West Coast offense may like it.

Zeke Markshausen, WR, Sr- Markshausen seems to be a nice possession receiver type. He has reliable hands, he’s not afraid to go over the middle, and he’s a good short to intermediate route runner. Very slight build though so he will struggle with press man coverage. He’s a late rounder at best, and will struggle to make a team, but he seems to be one of those guys that will always find a way to hang in there on a scout team.

Andrew Brewer, WR, Sr- Almost the same thing goes for Brewer. He has to be absolutely precise in what he does as he’s limited physically and athletically.

Corey Wooten, DE, Sr- I think Wooten’s still struggling to overcome his knee injury from last year. He’s making some fundamental mistakes that he can correct with some time and coaching. Physically, he’s big enough and strong enough to hold the edge against the run. Once he can get more comfortable with his knee and work on his speed, he should get back some of that pass rush ability he showed the past two years. His technique issue is that he’s starting to stand up straight away out of his stance instead of firing out low and extending his arms to keep the tackle off of him. He’s big enough and versatile enough to play DE in an odd or even man front and I would take him in the second round because of his ability to impact both the run and pass plus the fact that he can be moved around the line to several different positions.

Adam Hahn, DT, Sr- Hahn is just too small to play DT. He does not have great strength at the point either. I don’t think he’s draftable, but he could go late.

Sherrick McManis, CB, Sr- McManis made one very memorable play in coverage and showed a great ability to read the play, jump the route, and make the pick. He actually looks like he might fit better as a FS at the next level. Worst case scenario is to start him at CB and potentially move him to FS if it doesn’t work there. If he runs well at his Pro Day, he could sneak into the late third, but would be a nice value in the fourth.

Big Ten- Minnesota

2010-03-20T22:11:00.003-05:00

Erick Decker, WR, Sr- I absolutely love Decker and I think he’s flying extremely far under the radar because of a late season injury. Yes, it is a foot injury and that is bad for skill position players, but I think it makes his value that much better. He’s big, physical, he gets separation from the DB, and he does a great job of using his body to position himself and shield off the defender to make the catch uncontested. He’s a great leaper and he had some of the best hands I saw all year. I’d be willing to take a stab at him in the late second round for a team like Baltimore that may go defense in the first. If he makes it to the third, he’s a bonafide steal!

Adam Weber, QB, Sr- He’s not consistent at all, and I don’t think he has a future at the next level.

Lee Campbell, MLB, Sr- Campbell is a nice looking prospect. He’s always around the ball, he shows decent speed, he’s a solid blitzer, and a good tackler. He’s still learning how to play the position as he is a former DE, so he’s a work in progress. He’d fit nicely as a back up ILB in a 3-4 though, and I could see him getting drafted in the later rounds.

Big Ten- Michigan State

2010-03-20T22:11:00.001-05:00

Greg Jones, MLB, Jr- I’m very surprised to see Jones come back considering this is a fairly weak inside LB class. Jones showed the improvements I wanted to see in him. He did a better job of taking on blocks with his hands and shedding them instead of always using his speed to run around them. With another year of strength training, I think Jones can push his way up into the top 15 range. He’s an absolute tackling machine, he can fit as a MLB or an ILB, and he can blitz. He’s a sideline to sideline playmaker, and I’m a huge fan.

Blair White, WR, Sr- I was not a huge fan of White going in to the post-season all star games, but he’s growing on me. I saw him use his body far too often to make catches during the season, but he always seemed to be able to make plays. It’s still one of the things that absolutely turns me off of receivers very quickly. Having said this, White has made a bit of a 180. He showed very solid hands in the Shrine game, and he was one of the few WRs who stood out in the game. He added to that by looking very smooth in the gauntlet drills at the Combine, catching the ball smoothly with his hands. I still don’t think he’s more than say a 3-5th rounder, but he has some upside (especially in the slot).

Big Ten- Michigan

2010-03-20T22:10:00.000-05:00

Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Sr- I really like Graham. He isn’t the tallest end, so he reminds me of Dwight Freeney. Because he’s short in stature, he gets good leverage. He shows a very strong initial punch, and has a fantastic bull rush (his strongest pass rush move in my opinion). He also does a very good job of knocking the tackles off balance and then swimming or ripping past them. He can anchor the edge and is solid against the run, and he’s close to being what I would call an elite pass rusher. He could fit in a 3-4 as an OLB, but I think he’d also make a good cover-2 rush end with his ability to stack the line against the run. He’s a first rounder without question.

Stevie Brown, LB, Sr- Brown is too small to play LB, but very fast. Because he’s a tweener, he will either have to show the hips and speed to play SS in the NFL, or put some bulk on and stay at WLB. Either way, he’s a developmental prospect and special teamer.

Donovan Warren, CB, Jr- I have no idea why Warren came out early. In the games I saw, he was very busy getting beaten by guys like Michael Floyd. With slow 40 times at the Combine and his Pro Day, I think Warren’s stock will slide heavily and he will wish he came back for his Senior year. I don’t think I’d go any higher than the late fourth round.

Obi Ezah, MLB, Sr- Eah gets lost in the trash too much and disappears from play to play. He’s a late rounder at the best but I would lean more toward him being undraftable.

Jonas Mouton, WLB, Sr- Mouton showed some promise. He’s best fit as an OLB in the 4-3, but he showed he can rush the passer and is fast enough to cover in the pass game as well. I’m not sure of a solid draft grade Mouton though, as I didn’t see enough on him to feel good about a certain round.

Tate Forcier, QB, true Fr- Forcier has a bright future. He is very good throwing on the run, but looks uncomfortable as a pocket passer. Forcier fits well in this spread option offense, but it does not translate to the pros well. He has at least two more years to prove me wrong, but I don’t think he’s an NFL QB. Good athlete though who may fit well at another position if he can’t improve.

Brandon Minor, RB, Sr- Minor shows good initial burst, but runs a bit upright. He’s not special, but a decent running back. I’d take him in the middle rounds and be happy with him as a back up.

Greg Mathews, WR, Sr- Mathews is a decent receiving prospect. He runs good routes and has good hands. Seems a bit small though, which is a concern. I also question his deep speed as he doesn’t seem to be able to run away from anyone.

Carlos Brown, RB, Sr- Good hands for a RB and can make plays in space. Built closer to the ground, with good leg movement, so he gets tough yards. Like Minor, he’s not special, but he’s a solid back who is effective in the pass and run games so he’s valuable.

Mark Ortmann, LT, Sr- Ortmann is a solid prospect as a pass protector as he has very good feet. He is all finesse though as he cannot get movement off the line in the run game, and he does have the tendency to get knocked back by the initial punch of the lineman. His feet will get him drafted a bit higher than I would probably think, somewhere in the mid rounds, but he’s going to need time to get stronger and bigger.

Stephen Schilling, LG, Sr- I’m not too impressed with Schilling. He’s serviceable in both aspects of the offense, but he’s just not someone who looks like they stand out. He’s draftable as a back up, but not til the late rounds.

David Moosman, RG, Sr- Moosman is a local boy, from Libteryville, so I want to root for him just based on that. Moosman doesn’t get enough credit for his ability to open holes in the run game. He gets movement off the line, and does a good job of walling off the second level to open up running lanes. He’s a guard, and not one that I would say is a high level player, but I could see him fighting his way into someone’s lineup.

Zoltan Mesko, P, Sr- He’s a punter. He looks decent, but nothing that makes me think he’s worth anything more than a 6th or 7th round pick.

Diesel's Draft Analysis

2011 NFL Draft Day 3

2011 NFL Draft Day 2

2011 NFL Draft- Live Coverage

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 3 (picks 81-97)

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 3 (picks 65-80)

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 2 (picks 49-64)

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 2 (picks 33-48)

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 1 (picks 17-32)

DDA’s 2011 Mock Draft- Round 1 (picks 1-16)

Mock Draft is on its way!!

Defensive Backs

Linebacker

Defensive Tackle

Defensive End

Offensive Guard/Center

Offensive Tackle

Running back

Tight end

Wide Receiver

Quarterback

Positional strengths and weaknesses

The state of the NFL

The good news…

The bad news…

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Live Blog: NFL Draft Day 3

Live Blog: NFL Draft Day 2

2010 NFL Draft: Day 1

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Mock Draft- 3rd round, picks 82-98

Mock Draft- 3rd round, picks 65-81

Mock Draft- 2nd round, picks 49-64

Mock Draft- 2nd round, picks 33-48

LIVE DRAFT BLOG- Thursday through Saturday

Mock Draft- 1st round, picks 18-32

Mock Draft- 1st round, picks 1-17

SEC- South Carolina

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SEC- Alabama

SEC- Alabama

Pac-10- Washington

Pac-10- USC

Pac-10- UCLA

Pac-10- Stanford

Pac-10- Oregon State

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Pac-10- Arizona

Mountain West- Wyoming

Mountain West- Utah

Mountain West- TCU

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MAC- Central Michigan

In honor of Kit Harley

More posts to come

Independents- Notre Dame

Conference USA- Central Florida

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Conference USA- East Carolina

Big Ten- Wisconsin

Big Ten- Penn State

Big Ten- Ohio State

Big Ten- Northwestern

Big Ten- Minnesota

Big Ten- Michigan State

Big Ten- Michigan