Random 2011 Draft Chatter....

[sbk92]

Who wants Leshoure?

The productive career span of NFL running backs is generally shorter than that of other skill positions, and most teams have adopted a committee approach in the backfield. But many teams will be interested in adding a competitor to their RB stable this offseason, and one method of so doing is the draft. Though Mark Ingram -- the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner -- is getting much of the attention thus far, Illinois product Mikel Leshoure is another intriguing prospect, according to Wes Bunting of National Football Post.

Bunting's initial point -- that Leshoure's name hasn't generated much buzz in draft circles -- might be a little off-base. The RB was a first-round pick in Mel Kiper, Jr's first mock draft, is the No. 3 RB prospect according to Scouts, Inc., and was also third amongst RBs in this positional breakdown of prospects by Mike Mayock. It's not that Leshoure isn't well-regarded amongst RBs, it's that RBs aren't considered a vital draft need in today's NFL.

In any case, Leshoure is built like a tank -- he's 6-0, 230 pounds -- but as Bunting notes, he has great balance, agility and acceleration. Add a developed set of receiving skills to the mix, and you've got a versatile back that could be on the field in just about any offensive situation.

As for the teams possibly interested in selecting Leshoure, Bunting thinks he may go to the New Orleans Saints (No. 24), New England Patriots (No. 28 or 33), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 35) or Washington Redskins (No. 41). Kiper thinks he might go before Ingram:

- Tim Kavanagh

---------------

Mel Kiper, Jr.
Mikel might be top RB available

"Keep an eye on Leshoure, who can run well and push to be the first back taken."

 

[sbk92]

Amukamara as a FS

Just as we all got a lot of practice in spelling Nebraska standout Ndamukong Suh's name during draft season a year ago, so it will be with his former teammate, cornerback Prince Amukamara this draft season. The Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay's of the world have a head start, but given the emphasis placed on the draft this year -- with the possibility of free agency not happening until later this summer -- we'll certainly be able to get a lot of reps in.

On Tuesday, Wes Bunting of National Football Post built a column around the question: Is Amukamara worth a Top 10 pick this year? That's where he's being taken in many mock drafts that we've seen, so it's surprising to read Bunting's dissenting opinion.

Bunting writes that Amukamara does not have any of the elite athletic qualities that project to his being a true shutdown corner at the NFL level; in particular, his lack of straight-line speed and issues with press coverage make him more of a candidate to wind up as a safety. Two players with similar shortcomings that made the transition from collegiate CB to NFL safety are Antrel Rolle and Malcolm Jenkins.

The conclusion is that while Amukamara may make a very good addition to a team at the safety level, a Top 10 pick -- and the contract that this would require -- would be better expended on a player that projects to being elite at one of the positions that McShay considers critical: offensive tackle, quarterback, pass-rusher or CB.

It should be noted that one team to which Amukamara has been projected in some mock drafts -- the Dallas Cowboys at No. 9 -- need help at both corner and safety this offseason.

 

[sbk92]

Falcons thinking RB in Round 1?

After the Atlanta Falcons were eliminated from the playoffs, we took a brief look at the franchise's plans this offseason regarding player acquisitions. Much of the heavy lifting ahead appears to be on defense.

But what if a certain Heisman Trophy-winning running back is still on the board when the Falcons' first-round pick comes up at No. 27 overall? Within his Monday mailbag, ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas addresses the possibility of the Falcons taking RB Mark Ingram, while making note of the fact that he's been projected to be taken higher in most mock drafts thus far:

-----------------------

Pat Yasinskas
This could be a smart idea

"The early stuff I'm seeing has Ingram going before the Falcons pick at No. 27. But, if he somehow lasts to that point, I think it's something the Falcons would have to consider. Yes, they might have more glaring needs (defensive end, perhaps), but, it's important to have several quality running backs. Michael Turner certainly is a good one, but he's had a ton of carries the last few years. Jason Snelling is a solid backup and I don't anticipate Jerious Norwood staying with Atlanta. I wouldn't mind seeing Ingram landing with the Falcons."

 

[sbk92]

Denver open to dealing No. 2 pick?

The Denver Broncos are slated to have the second overall pick in the draft, but according to some analysis of team executive John Elway's recent remarks by Dave Krieger of the Denver Post, they might be looking to trade the pick.

"We're in the process of setting that board up," Elway responded when asked about the second pick during an appearance on the NFL Network. "The board is set, but as far as where we're going to go with it, we don't really know until we find out what's going to go on the collective bargaining agreement, because obviously that second pick is an expensive pick if it stays as it is."

If the former Broncos QB's comments were a football, Krieger took the handoff and ran for daylight. The columnist notes that without a cap on rookie salaries -- something that may or may not be included in the next CBA -- the second overall pick will be getting a massive contract. Krieger adds that the Broncos have been conservative in their spending habits recently, and might not be interested in changing that pattern.

If the pick is on the block, there may be some suitors interested (especially if LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson does what he's promised to do at the NFL draft combine), though these hypothetical suitors may also be put off by the high price tag.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Great idea in Houston to take an elite pass rusher and force him to play DE in a 3-4.

Well he is nearly 300 lbs. and how many 300 lbs. OLBs are there?

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Todd McShay
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

"There is a lot of talk about the Texans becoming more versatile in their fronts, and while Miller played end in college we believe he is a good fit as a SAM linebacker in a 4-3 or an inside linebacker in a 3-4. He is a freakish athlete who plays sideline-to-sideline against the run, has upside in coverage and can get after the quarterback as a blitzing linebacker."

Trade down opportunity.

 

[LAZARUS_LOGAN]

Jordan's stock rising

Earlier this week, we passed along a quip from Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, who noted that Cal defensive end Cameron Jordan would be a good fit for the New England Patriots' system. The question is: Will he even last as long as their first pick (No. 17 overall)?

Trade down opportunity. Give us the first of one of their 2nd rounders (33rd pick).

 

[sbk92]

Well he is nearly 300 lbs. and how many 300 lbs. OLBs are there?

That's my point. They're switching to a scheme that doesn't fit their one impact player on defense.

 

[sbk92]

Ravens target WRs in draft

The Baltimore Ravens wide receivers combined for 157 receptions in 2010, but not one of those passes was caught by a player under 30 years old. And the aging receivers on the roster might not be there long -- Derrick Mason has already retired once in his career, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Donte Stallworth will be free agents (pending a new CBA).

Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta told Ryan Mink of the team's web site that the Ravens want to get younger at wideout. "I think it's important to get a bunch of guys here that are going to be here for a while that can work with Joe Flacco and develop a great relationship with Joe long-term," DeCosta said.

He specifically mentioned that he wants to follow the same trail blazed by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers drafted Mike Wallace in 2009 and Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown this year, and those players have yielded big results. Wallace was third in the NFL in receiving yards, while Sanders and Brown have led all Pittsburgh wideouts in receiving yardage in the postseason.

"[Ben Roethlisberger's] been able to bring these guys together and work with them, develop a relationship," DeCosta said. "I think between the quarterback and receivers, you've got to have that kind of relationship. That's the most critical thing is be in sync at all times."

 

[sbk92]

Can Newton had his workout today. Trent Dilfer called it "phenomenal".

I'm waiting for a summary on it. Hopefully it was and it convinces one of these top 8 teams to take him or a team behind us to covet our pick.

 

[sbk92]

The Broncos' potential pick trade

When we first heard about the possibility that the Denver Broncos could be looking to trade the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft, we speculated that successfully marketing the pick might be reliant upon LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson impressing everyone at the Combine. A number of teams need CB help -- including the Broncos, of course -- and a team could work out a conditional deal with Denver to be carried through if the Carolina Panthers don't grab Peterson first overall. Bear in mind that a defensive back has not been taken first overall since the Pittsburgh Steelers tabbed Gary Glick in 1956.

Thursday, Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post approaches the potential trade from another angle, writing that the Broncos will need the stock of one of the draft-eligible quarterbacks to rise considerably in order for the pick to be more desirable.

The minor flaw in this line of thinking is that QB-needy teams wouldn't need to jump all the way to No. 2 to ensure they got their choice of gunslinger, since the Buffalo Bills aren't expected to go that direction at No. 3. The first team that is envisioned to go QB is the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 4, based on the uncertainty with Carson Palmer. As a result, teams that want a QB would only need to jump to No. 3, not No. 2.

 

[sbk92]

Surprising destination for Newton?

In his most recent mock draft, Mel Kiper has Cam Newton going at number 10 to the Washington Redskins, and Todd McShay agrees.

So it came as something of a surprise when Kiper suggested that the Seattle Seahawks would be a good fit for Newton.

Kiper looks at two of the most successful young quarterbacks in the league -- Aaron Rodgers and Philip Rivers -- and how they spent the early years of their career behind Brett Favre and Drew Brees, respectively. He sees a similar scenario in the Pacific Northwest, where Matt Hasselbeck is likely to return for at least one season, but the Seahawks must also be thinking about his replacement -- and Charlie Whitehurst showed little in 2010 to indicate that he's the best man for the job.

If Newton does go in the top 10 of the draft, the Seahawks will have to make a hefty trade to move up and get him -- they don't pick until number 25. The Week 17 win over the St. Louis Rams may have cost them a shot at Newton -- had they lost to the Rams and missed the playoffs, they'd be picking at seventh overall, prime position to take the Auburn quarterback.

 

[sbk92]

Locker in the outfield

As Mel Kiper and Todd McShay argue about whether or not Jake Locker will go in the first round of the NFL Draft, it's easy to forget that Locker has already been drafted -- by the Los Angeles Angels.

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reminds us that the Angels picked Locker as a centerfielder in the 10th round of the 2009 draft, and even with the knowledge that Locker might never play for them, signed him to a $300,000 contract.

Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, citing a Locker interview with radio station ESPN 710 Seattle, reports that Locker believes he is "done with baseball," and that his contract with the Angels will void the minute he signs an NFL contract. Two problems for Locker. One, he hasn't signed his NFL contract yet. Two, with no CBA in place, he may not sign one anytime soon.

Which brings us back to the Angels. According to DiGiovanna, "Locker's contract includes 'parameters' for him to participate in spring training, and it is believed to include provisions for him to play or train with one of the Angels' minor league affiliates when there are breaks in his football training and playing schedule."

"[Locker] has a contractual obligation [to be in camp], and the expectation is he will fulfill it," Angels General Manager Tony Reagins told Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times on Thursday. "We're abreast of the situation. We don't know what's going to happen with the NFL. Right now, Jake has options."

 

[marionbarberthe4th]

I ldo ove this guy.

And a QB w/ a baseball contract sounds like an awesome thing and I dont think would ever backfire on anyone.....ever

 

[sbk92]

Eagles to stay local in Draft?

The Philadelphia Eagles gave up 49 sacks in 2010, the fourth-highest total in the league. Most observers expect them to augment their offensive line with a blocker in April's draft. ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay agree that the pick will be Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi. One observer disagrees, saying the Eagles will address the other side of the ball, and that they won't have to look far to find their guy.

Peter Schrager of FOXSports.com has put together his own mock draft, and his pick for the Eagles is intriguing: Temple defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson. "This year's big surprise name could very well be the 6-5, 305-pound Wilkerson," Shrager writes, adding that Wilkerson was a two-time All-MAC selection and the Owls' team MVP this season. "He's a run stuffer inside with pass rushing capabilities. Andy Reid loves building from the inside out, and in Wilkerson, he can add depth to a defensive line that was ravaged by injuries last season."

The pick isn't that much of a stretch. Both Kiper and McShay expect Wilkerson to go in the first round, though after the Eagles pick. Kiper says he will go at number 30 to the New York Jets, while McShay says he'll be the last pick of the first round for the Green Bay Packers.

 

[sbk92]

Kaepernick a first-rounder?

Unlike some of his predecessors and contemporaries, Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick plans on fully participating at the NFL Draft Combine this draft season, according to a report from Pro Football Talk.

"He is absolutely going to do everything at the Combine," Scott Smith, Kaepernick's agent, told the website. "He wouldn't do it any other way."

So how high could the QB go in the draft this April? There are a number of teams looking for immediate help at QB, and several more looking for a long-term answer. One team that could be interested is the Miami Dolphins, currently sitting at No. 15 overall. As Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post writes, the Dolphins appeared interested in mobile QBs Kaepernick and Jake Locker at the Senior Bowl recently, and have taken a specific shine to Cam Newton.

Newton may be gone by the time the Dolphins are on the clock, but Kaepernick could be available. In spite of recent testimony that the team still has faith in Chad Henne, Kaepernick offers a different set of skills, and this would theoretically provide some new possibilities for Brian Daboll's playbook.

Of course, that's what everyone was saying about the Pat White Experience two years ago, and that didn't exactly pan out.

 

[sbk92]

The annual QB push is on.

I hope Gabbert, Newton, Mallett, Locker, Kaepernick and Ponder are all off the board in the first 40 picks. Push a better player down to us in the 2nd round.

And the more QB hype we get, the better the odds are some team is going to really covet that 9th overall pick. People tend to lose their mind in trades when a QB is involved.

 

[Cr122]

Kaepernick a first-rounder?

Unlike some of his predecessors and contemporaries, Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick plans on fully participating at the NFL Draft Combine this draft season, according to a report from Pro Football Talk.

"He is absolutely going to do everything at the Combine," Scott Smith, Kaepernick's agent, told the website. "He wouldn't do it any other way."

So how high could the QB go in the draft this April? There are a number of teams looking for immediate help at QB, and several more looking for a long-term answer. One team that could be interested is the Miami Dolphins, currently sitting at No. 15 overall. As Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post writes, the Dolphins appeared interested in mobile QBs Kaepernick and Jake Locker at the Senior Bowl recently, and have taken a specific shine to Cam Newton.

Newton may be gone by the time the Dolphins are on the clock, but Kaepernick could be available. In spite of recent testimony that the team still has faith in Chad Henne, Kaepernick offers a different set of skills, and this would theoretically provide some new possibilities for Brian Daboll's playbook.

Of course, that's what everyone was saying about the Pat White Experience two years ago, and that didn't exactly pan out.

I like this kid a lot, so I'm hoping teams overlook him and we draft him in the later rounds.

 

[Cythim]

I keep checking on what everyone thinks about Seattle and all they ever do is project Locker to the Seahawks. If I am Pete I look at one of the vets that will be available (maybe Palmer or McNabb?) and address QB next year with what looks to be a better class.

 

[sbk92]

I keep checking on what everyone thinks about Seattle and all they ever do is project Locker to the Seahawks. If I am Pete I look at one of the vets that will be available (maybe Palmer or McNabb?) and address QB next year with what looks to be a better class.

Well the thinking is they already have a veteran in Hasselbeck and they want to get a young guy in to groom him ASAP.