C
Cr122
Guest
Palmer and McNappy aren't going anywheres.
As far as QB for the Seahags I would go with Colin Kaepernick or Ryan Mallet, Locker has accuracy issues.
- Thread starter sbk92
- Start date
Palmer and McNappy aren't going anywheres.
As far as QB for the Seahags I would go with Colin Kaepernick or Ryan Mallet, Locker has accuracy issues.
Cythim
2
- Messages
- 3,919
- Reaction score
- 0
I understand the thinking, but Hasselbeck is not expected to be the starter for much longer (some think he already started his last game in Seattle) and reaching on a project in the first round will not fix the QB situation in Seattle. Waiting for Dalton, Stanzi, Kaepernick or Devlin would be a much better move than drafting Locker or Mallet in the first because of a need.
Cythim
2
- Messages
- 3,919
- Reaction score
- 0
I believe Palmer will retire if he doesn't get his trade or release and McNabb staying in Washington is stupid on Washington's part. I was just throwing out names of two possible guys that might be available. There are a lot of capable QBs in FA this season.
C
Cr122
Guest
It's possible they will look for a vet. One vet out there worth giving another starting chance before he retires is Bulger.
I think a team like the Cardinals will go after him though.
- Messages
- 10,636
- Reaction score
- 0
They went after Whitehurst hard. You have to think he gets a look before they invest too heavily in a QB
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Finding Hines Ward's heir
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward declared after the Super Bowl that he'll be back for the 2011 season, but one has to wonder how many more campaigns he's got left. In fact, ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. included Ward on his list of veterans that need heirs, published Friday.
Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders took it a step further in his "Plugging the Holes" offseason column on the AFC North on Monday. Schatz used the Outsiders' similarity scores to help assess the immediate future for Ward. His conclusion? While Ward may have another solid year or two, it would be logical for the Steelers to invest in a player of his mold to gradually develop and take over his role.
So while the Steelers may be leaning towards addressing their offensive line in Round 1 (as we've seen in a number of mock drafts), Kiper envisions a future where this "Ward in waiting" is found a little later:
- Tim Kavanagh
--
Mel Kiper, Jr.
They've got a knack for finding steals
"Pittsburgh should stick to its solid recent philosophy of finding mid-round value."
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward declared after the Super Bowl that he'll be back for the 2011 season, but one has to wonder how many more campaigns he's got left. In fact, ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. included Ward on his list of veterans that need heirs, published Friday.
Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders took it a step further in his "Plugging the Holes" offseason column on the AFC North on Monday. Schatz used the Outsiders' similarity scores to help assess the immediate future for Ward. His conclusion? While Ward may have another solid year or two, it would be logical for the Steelers to invest in a player of his mold to gradually develop and take over his role.
So while the Steelers may be leaning towards addressing their offensive line in Round 1 (as we've seen in a number of mock drafts), Kiper envisions a future where this "Ward in waiting" is found a little later:
- Tim Kavanagh
--
Mel Kiper, Jr.
They've got a knack for finding steals
"Pittsburgh should stick to its solid recent philosophy of finding mid-round value."
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Bucs to add DEs?
ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas writes Wednesday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely address the defensive end position in some way this offseason, whether it's by the draft or free agency.
As it turns out, that dovetails nicely with the latest mock draft from ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper, Jr., who has the team going that direction in the first round this April:
--
Mel Kiper, Jr.
Adrian Clayborn is the pick at No. 20
"Clayborn fits the Tampa system well and provides immediate help at a need position. A year after they addressed the interior of the line, with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, the Bucs can use Clayborn to turn the defensive line into a long-term strength. Clayborn has good size, holds up well against the run and can battle big offensive lineman as a physical pass-rusher. He should hold the edge well and start early for Raheem Morris."
ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas writes Wednesday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will likely address the defensive end position in some way this offseason, whether it's by the draft or free agency.
As it turns out, that dovetails nicely with the latest mock draft from ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper, Jr., who has the team going that direction in the first round this April:
--
Mel Kiper, Jr.
Adrian Clayborn is the pick at No. 20
"Clayborn fits the Tampa system well and provides immediate help at a need position. A year after they addressed the interior of the line, with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, the Bucs can use Clayborn to turn the defensive line into a long-term strength. Clayborn has good size, holds up well against the run and can battle big offensive lineman as a physical pass-rusher. He should hold the edge well and start early for Raheem Morris."
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Seattle to go OL?
As Mel Kiper points out in his latest mock draft, the offensive line of the Seattle Seahawks has been in a steady state of decline since their Super Bowl appearance in 2005. He predicts they'll try to shore things up with Mike Pouncey, a center/guard out of Florida, and the twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (whose superlative rookie year know doubt boosted his brother's draft stock).
ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando tries to figure out where Pouncey would fit in Seattle's history of drafting linemen, only to find that such a history barely exists.
Since the turn of the century, the Seahawks have drafted five offensive linemen in the first or second round:
* tackle Chris McIntosh in 2000;
* guard Steve Hutchinson in 2001;
* center Chris Spencer in 2005;
* center/guard Max Unger in 2009;
* and tackle Russell Okung last year.
Results there are mixed. McIntosh played only two seasons in Seattle, his career derailed by a recurring neck injury. Hutchinson was one of the decade's best blockers, but played only four seasons in Seattle before leaving in free agency. Spencer has been the Seahawks' starter at center since 2006, but has not been very effective, and he'll probably leave the team whenever free agency begins. Unger started every game his rookie season, but missed most of 2010 with a toe injury. He'll likely move to center if Spencer leaves. Okung missed six games his rookie season with assorted ailments, but generally impressed when he was on the field.
It's the last two names that would give Seattle fans hope. Add Pouncey to a healthy Unger and Okung, and you'd have a trio of young, talented blockers the likes of which may be unprecedented in the Pacific Northwest.
As Mel Kiper points out in his latest mock draft, the offensive line of the Seattle Seahawks has been in a steady state of decline since their Super Bowl appearance in 2005. He predicts they'll try to shore things up with Mike Pouncey, a center/guard out of Florida, and the twin brother of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (whose superlative rookie year know doubt boosted his brother's draft stock).
ESPN NFC West blogger Mike Sando tries to figure out where Pouncey would fit in Seattle's history of drafting linemen, only to find that such a history barely exists.
Since the turn of the century, the Seahawks have drafted five offensive linemen in the first or second round:
* tackle Chris McIntosh in 2000;
* guard Steve Hutchinson in 2001;
* center Chris Spencer in 2005;
* center/guard Max Unger in 2009;
* and tackle Russell Okung last year.
Results there are mixed. McIntosh played only two seasons in Seattle, his career derailed by a recurring neck injury. Hutchinson was one of the decade's best blockers, but played only four seasons in Seattle before leaving in free agency. Spencer has been the Seahawks' starter at center since 2006, but has not been very effective, and he'll probably leave the team whenever free agency begins. Unger started every game his rookie season, but missed most of 2010 with a toe injury. He'll likely move to center if Spencer leaves. Okung missed six games his rookie season with assorted ailments, but generally impressed when he was on the field.
It's the last two names that would give Seattle fans hope. Add Pouncey to a healthy Unger and Okung, and you'd have a trio of young, talented blockers the likes of which may be unprecedented in the Pacific Northwest.
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Peterson as a free safety?
On Feb. 8, Wes Bunting of National Football Post considered whether Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara would be better suited as a free safety at the NFL level. Little did we know, another prominent draft analyst was having similar thoughts about the other blue-chip CB prospect in this year's class.
During a conference call Thursday, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock opined that LSU CB Peterson "might be best served as a safety," according to Evan Silva of Pro Football Talk. But, Mayock added, "he might be an All-Pro safety."
As noted in our Amukamara post, two recent examples of successful transformations from CB to S in the NFL are Antrel Rolle and Malcolm Jenkins. And, given the way the position has evolved in recent seasons -- ESPN the Magazine's Seth Wickersham wrote about the ongoing changes at the position in December -- there doesn't appear to be as much of a stigma in taking a safety with a high first-rounder anymore. Just ask the Kansas City Chiefs and Eric Berry.
In any case, the teams in the Top 10 that need a CB also need an upgrade at safety, so either way, it doesn't appear that his stock will slide too far by April 28.
--
Share4UPDATE: For a dissenting opinion, we offer this tweet from Rob Rang, senior analyst at NFLDraftScout.com:
"I, for one, see Patrick Peterson as a cornerback -- and a damn good one at that. In fact, he's my No. 1 rated player at any position."
The Carolina Panthers could use a young playmaker at CB who can also return kicks. Hmmm ...
On Feb. 8, Wes Bunting of National Football Post considered whether Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara would be better suited as a free safety at the NFL level. Little did we know, another prominent draft analyst was having similar thoughts about the other blue-chip CB prospect in this year's class.
During a conference call Thursday, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock opined that LSU CB Peterson "might be best served as a safety," according to Evan Silva of Pro Football Talk. But, Mayock added, "he might be an All-Pro safety."
As noted in our Amukamara post, two recent examples of successful transformations from CB to S in the NFL are Antrel Rolle and Malcolm Jenkins. And, given the way the position has evolved in recent seasons -- ESPN the Magazine's Seth Wickersham wrote about the ongoing changes at the position in December -- there doesn't appear to be as much of a stigma in taking a safety with a high first-rounder anymore. Just ask the Kansas City Chiefs and Eric Berry.
In any case, the teams in the Top 10 that need a CB also need an upgrade at safety, so either way, it doesn't appear that his stock will slide too far by April 28.
--
Share4UPDATE: For a dissenting opinion, we offer this tweet from Rob Rang, senior analyst at NFLDraftScout.com:
"I, for one, see Patrick Peterson as a cornerback -- and a damn good one at that. In fact, he's my No. 1 rated player at any position."
The Carolina Panthers could use a young playmaker at CB who can also return kicks. Hmmm ...
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Browns' conundrum on Green
In ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper, Jr.'s first mock draft in January, he had the Browns taking Green at No. 6 overall. However, in his new edition from this week, Green is off the board already, taken by the Cincinnati Bengals fourth overall, so the Browns grab Wisconsin product J.J. Watt instead.
If that happens -- or if they elect to grab another player for another reason -- the Browns will need to find a way to get a dominant WR at some point later in the draft. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock had some ideas for them that he discussed during a conference call on Thursday. According to Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mayock mentioned Pitt's Jonathan Baldwin, Boise State's Titus Young and Maryland's Torrey Smith as options. Mayock also mentioned that Young is comparable to Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Browns general manager was part of the Eagles front office that drafted Jackson in 2008.
--
UPDATE: ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker pondered whether the Cleveland Browns should snag wide receiver A.J. Green with their top pick (if he's available) or go defense first, then nab a WR in the second round (as in the scenario below). Find his take at the bottom of this post.
In ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper, Jr.'s first mock draft in January, he had the Browns taking Green at No. 6 overall. However, in his new edition from this week, Green is off the board already, taken by the Cincinnati Bengals fourth overall, so the Browns grab Wisconsin product J.J. Watt instead.
If that happens -- or if they elect to grab another player for another reason -- the Browns will need to find a way to get a dominant WR at some point later in the draft. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock had some ideas for them that he discussed during a conference call on Thursday. According to Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Mayock mentioned Pitt's Jonathan Baldwin, Boise State's Titus Young and Maryland's Torrey Smith as options. Mayock also mentioned that Young is comparable to Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Browns general manager was part of the Eagles front office that drafted Jackson in 2008.
--
UPDATE: ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker pondered whether the Cleveland Browns should snag wide receiver A.J. Green with their top pick (if he's available) or go defense first, then nab a WR in the second round (as in the scenario below). Find his take at the bottom of this post.
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Taylor as Top 15 pick?
With the continued prevalence of the 3-4 defensive formation in the NFL -- nearly half the league makes use of the scheme as base defense -- and the lack of human beings on the face of the planet large enough to play nose tackle in such a scheme, players who can handle the rigors of the position are highly valued. From a draft perspective, a collegiate DT that projects to playing NT at the NFL level may see his stock rise disproportionately as a result.
One such player is Baylor product Phil Taylor. According to what Wes Bunting of National Football Post has heard from scouts, Taylor may wind up being taken in the Top 15 of this year's draft, given his ability to play the nose.
Four teams in the Top 10 run a 3-4 -- the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins -- though there are bigger needs elsewhere for each. The Houston Texans sit at No. 11, and they will need an NT as they make the switch to a 3-4, but help in the secondary is a more pressing concern. The next possibilities are the Miami Dolphins at 15, the San Diego Chargers at 18 and the Kansas City Chiefs at 21.
With the continued prevalence of the 3-4 defensive formation in the NFL -- nearly half the league makes use of the scheme as base defense -- and the lack of human beings on the face of the planet large enough to play nose tackle in such a scheme, players who can handle the rigors of the position are highly valued. From a draft perspective, a collegiate DT that projects to playing NT at the NFL level may see his stock rise disproportionately as a result.
One such player is Baylor product Phil Taylor. According to what Wes Bunting of National Football Post has heard from scouts, Taylor may wind up being taken in the Top 15 of this year's draft, given his ability to play the nose.
Four teams in the Top 10 run a 3-4 -- the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins -- though there are bigger needs elsewhere for each. The Houston Texans sit at No. 11, and they will need an NT as they make the switch to a 3-4, but help in the secondary is a more pressing concern. The next possibilities are the Miami Dolphins at 15, the San Diego Chargers at 18 and the Kansas City Chiefs at 21.
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Ravens going WR in Round 1?
The Baltimore Ravens had another successful season in 2010, but ultimately fell short of their top goal after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. In order to reload for another run in 2011, some have argued that the team needs to add a weapon to its corps of wide receivers.
There are three ways to do this: a trade (as they did last offseason in acquiring Anquan Boldin), free agency (ditto for Donte' Stallworth) or the draft. That third method was the focus of a column for Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times on Friday, who passes along word from NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock that Maryland product Torrey Smith might be their man at No. 26 overall on April 28.
As for our draft experts, Mel Kiper, Jr. has the Ravens going with cornerback Aaron Williams in his latest mock, while Todd McShay has them taking another WR, Kentucky's Randall Cobb.
The Baltimore Ravens had another successful season in 2010, but ultimately fell short of their top goal after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. In order to reload for another run in 2011, some have argued that the team needs to add a weapon to its corps of wide receivers.
There are three ways to do this: a trade (as they did last offseason in acquiring Anquan Boldin), free agency (ditto for Donte' Stallworth) or the draft. That third method was the focus of a column for Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times on Friday, who passes along word from NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock that Maryland product Torrey Smith might be their man at No. 26 overall on April 28.
As for our draft experts, Mel Kiper, Jr. has the Ravens going with cornerback Aaron Williams in his latest mock, while Todd McShay has them taking another WR, Kentucky's Randall Cobb.
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Ingram in NY?
ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley has some interesting thoughts on Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who Todd McShay (and everyone else) says has a chance to be the next Emmitt Smith.
"No one's really talking about running back in this draft," Mosley writes, "but keep a close eye on New York Giants GM Jerry Reese. I don't think Ingram will be available at No. 19, but if he is, I believe the Giants would pounce." Mosley points out that the Giants drafted Ingram's father, Mark Sr., at wide receiver, and he helped them win Super Bowl XXI.
It's kind of an odd fit, though, because the Giants already have a young running back -- Ahmad Bradshaw went over 1,200 yards last year, and he only turns 25 in March. While Bradshaw could be a free agent (depending on the details of a new CBA), Mosley himself says there's "no way" Bradshaw hits the open market.
Which is why Mosley's other NFC East prediction makes more sense: the Washington Redskins. "Everyone assumes the Redskins will select a quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick," he says, "but it wouldn't shock me if Mike Shanahan chooses Ingram."
ESPN NFC East blogger Matt Mosley has some interesting thoughts on Alabama running back Mark Ingram, who Todd McShay (and everyone else) says has a chance to be the next Emmitt Smith.
"No one's really talking about running back in this draft," Mosley writes, "but keep a close eye on New York Giants GM Jerry Reese. I don't think Ingram will be available at No. 19, but if he is, I believe the Giants would pounce." Mosley points out that the Giants drafted Ingram's father, Mark Sr., at wide receiver, and he helped them win Super Bowl XXI.
It's kind of an odd fit, though, because the Giants already have a young running back -- Ahmad Bradshaw went over 1,200 yards last year, and he only turns 25 in March. While Bradshaw could be a free agent (depending on the details of a new CBA), Mosley himself says there's "no way" Bradshaw hits the open market.
Which is why Mosley's other NFC East prediction makes more sense: the Washington Redskins. "Everyone assumes the Redskins will select a quarterback with the No. 10 overall pick," he says, "but it wouldn't shock me if Mike Shanahan chooses Ingram."
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Browns' draft strategies
While we've been discussing the Cleveland Browns and how they'd love to draft Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green in the first round of the draft, an ESPN draft analyst says they'll go in an entirely different direction and take Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus.
Todd McShay talked to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal about Dareus. "When this guy's going and he's 100 percent, he's as disruptive as any player in this draft," McShay said, adding "He's not as big and athletic as [Auburn defensive tackle] Nick Fairley, but he might be a more complete player when he's 100 percent."
The Browns opened a hole in their starting lineup when they released Shaun Rogers last week. The Browns are also transitioning from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3, creating an even bigger need for linemen.
"He can play [in] a 4-3, a 3-4," McShay says. "For teams that are going back and forth, like Cleveland, that want to do different things up front, I think that he's a good fit."
While we've been discussing the Cleveland Browns and how they'd love to draft Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green in the first round of the draft, an ESPN draft analyst says they'll go in an entirely different direction and take Alabama defensive lineman Marcell Dareus.
Todd McShay talked to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal about Dareus. "When this guy's going and he's 100 percent, he's as disruptive as any player in this draft," McShay said, adding "He's not as big and athletic as [Auburn defensive tackle] Nick Fairley, but he might be a more complete player when he's 100 percent."
The Browns opened a hole in their starting lineup when they released Shaun Rogers last week. The Browns are also transitioning from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3, creating an even bigger need for linemen.
"He can play [in] a 4-3, a 3-4," McShay says. "For teams that are going back and forth, like Cleveland, that want to do different things up front, I think that he's a good fit."
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Packers' first-round ideas
It's been well-documented that the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl victory was all the more impressive given the number of players who finished the season in the injured reserve. So while the return of those players will bolster the champions, they'll also have the usual crop of young talent culled out of the college ranks from the draft this April. In a recent column, Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette examined some of their positions of need and assessed which direction they might go with their first-round pick.
In Dougherty's opinion, these positions are outside linebacker, offensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver (and he also thinks the team needs to find someone that can return kicks).
Our draft gurus disagreed on pick No. 32 in their most recent mock draft efforts. Mel Kiper, Jr. has the team pursuing one of Dougherty's positions of need while Todd McShay has them making a move to prepare for the possibility of a post-Cullen Jenkins future:
- Tim Kavanagh
--
Mel Kiper, Jr.
OLB Justin Houston makes sense here
"We know the Packers are set at one outside linebacker position. The question now is whom they can get to provide pressure and matchup problems on the other side. Houston has the ideal frame, quickness and pass-rushing skills to develop into a rusher who can give Dom Capers all kinds of options in terms of how he attacks opposing quarterbacks. Remember: As long as the Green Bay offense is as good as it is, the Packers must prepare for opposing teams to be throwing a lot as they play catch-up. Houston fits the system nicely."
--
Todd McShay
DE Muhammad Wilkerson an anchor on the line
"Wilkerson has impressive size and overall power and would be a very good fit as a 5-technique in defensive coordinator Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme. He can stack and shed against the run and is a power pass-rusher with active hands."
It's been well-documented that the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl victory was all the more impressive given the number of players who finished the season in the injured reserve. So while the return of those players will bolster the champions, they'll also have the usual crop of young talent culled out of the college ranks from the draft this April. In a recent column, Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette examined some of their positions of need and assessed which direction they might go with their first-round pick.
In Dougherty's opinion, these positions are outside linebacker, offensive tackle, cornerback and wide receiver (and he also thinks the team needs to find someone that can return kicks).
Our draft gurus disagreed on pick No. 32 in their most recent mock draft efforts. Mel Kiper, Jr. has the team pursuing one of Dougherty's positions of need while Todd McShay has them making a move to prepare for the possibility of a post-Cullen Jenkins future:
- Tim Kavanagh
--
Mel Kiper, Jr.
OLB Justin Houston makes sense here
"We know the Packers are set at one outside linebacker position. The question now is whom they can get to provide pressure and matchup problems on the other side. Houston has the ideal frame, quickness and pass-rushing skills to develop into a rusher who can give Dom Capers all kinds of options in terms of how he attacks opposing quarterbacks. Remember: As long as the Green Bay offense is as good as it is, the Packers must prepare for opposing teams to be throwing a lot as they play catch-up. Houston fits the system nicely."
--
Todd McShay
DE Muhammad Wilkerson an anchor on the line
"Wilkerson has impressive size and overall power and would be a very good fit as a 5-technique in defensive coordinator Dom Capers' 3-4 scheme. He can stack and shed against the run and is a power pass-rusher with active hands."
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Torrey Smith's stock
Recently, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock predicted that the Baltimore Ravens may wind up selecting Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith as their top draft choice at No. 26 overall. Smith is part of a second tier of WRs behind potential Top 15 picks A.J. Green and Julio Jones.
On Monday, Kevin Weidl of ESPN's Scouts, Inc. updated our Insider NFL Draft blog with three prospects who might be able to make some headway with impressive performances at this week's NFL draft combine, and Smith was amongst the three. Here are Weidl's thoughts on Smith:
--
Insider NFL Draft blog
Late first-round is possible
"Smith is expected to wow scouts during workouts. His big-play skills and ability to get behind the defense are evident on film, and while he's listed at 6-foot and 202 pounds he had a much bigger physical presence when I saw him in person at a recent skills competition. His 40-yard dash time is expected to be in the low 4.4-second range and Smith will almost certainly be among the fastest receivers on the field in Indy. ... However, his film does raise some concerns about unpolished routes and somewhat inconsistent hands so it will be important for him to show improvement in those areas. If he does, Smith could move from the early second round into the back half of the first."
Recently, NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock predicted that the Baltimore Ravens may wind up selecting Maryland wide receiver Torrey Smith as their top draft choice at No. 26 overall. Smith is part of a second tier of WRs behind potential Top 15 picks A.J. Green and Julio Jones.
On Monday, Kevin Weidl of ESPN's Scouts, Inc. updated our Insider NFL Draft blog with three prospects who might be able to make some headway with impressive performances at this week's NFL draft combine, and Smith was amongst the three. Here are Weidl's thoughts on Smith:
--
Insider NFL Draft blog
Late first-round is possible
"Smith is expected to wow scouts during workouts. His big-play skills and ability to get behind the defense are evident on film, and while he's listed at 6-foot and 202 pounds he had a much bigger physical presence when I saw him in person at a recent skills competition. His 40-yard dash time is expected to be in the low 4.4-second range and Smith will almost certainly be among the fastest receivers on the field in Indy. ... However, his film does raise some concerns about unpolished routes and somewhat inconsistent hands so it will be important for him to show improvement in those areas. If he does, Smith could move from the early second round into the back half of the first."
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Rams' top pick strategy
Given that the St. Louis Rams were on the cusp of reaching the playoffs up until their regular season finale, it's a nice bonus that though they missed the playoffs, they get the 14th overall pick in Round 1. For a team that appears to be on the right track, they should be able to find an impact player to add to the nucleus at that spot, possibly a wide receiver or defensive lineman. But what if that's not the plan at all?
"Gosh, it'd be great if we get there and there's three or four guys that we really love," Rams general manager Billy Devaney admitted, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Where we say we'd be happy with any of those guys and then we can move back a little bit, knowing that chances are you still may have a shot at one of those four guys. That's the best scenario to be in."
Trading down from the Top 5 has been difficult over the past several seasons due to the lack of a cap on rookie salaries, but teams have traded down from picks in the 'teens frequently. Given that the Rams are not just one player away from world domination, it might be the best strategy to add as many young talented players as possible.
Given that the St. Louis Rams were on the cusp of reaching the playoffs up until their regular season finale, it's a nice bonus that though they missed the playoffs, they get the 14th overall pick in Round 1. For a team that appears to be on the right track, they should be able to find an impact player to add to the nucleus at that spot, possibly a wide receiver or defensive lineman. But what if that's not the plan at all?
"Gosh, it'd be great if we get there and there's three or four guys that we really love," Rams general manager Billy Devaney admitted, per the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "Where we say we'd be happy with any of those guys and then we can move back a little bit, knowing that chances are you still may have a shot at one of those four guys. That's the best scenario to be in."
Trading down from the Top 5 has been difficult over the past several seasons due to the lack of a cap on rookie salaries, but teams have traded down from picks in the 'teens frequently. Given that the Rams are not just one player away from world domination, it might be the best strategy to add as many young talented players as possible.
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
Panthers taking a Tar Heel first?
With about two months to go before the NFL draft, we're in the final stretch, and as the prospects are poked, prodded and tested at the combine, the picture as to who will go where will get clearer.
There isn't a standout No. 1 pick just yet, and so the Carolina Panthers have a tough task ahead in the coming weeks. One player who has the chance to shoot up draft boards through the combine and workout process is North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn. In fact, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock has indicated that Quinn may end up being his top DE prospect, and in the mix as the No. 1 overall prospect, per Toni Monkovic of the New York Times' Fifth Down blog.
Given that Charles Johnson's restricted free agent status is up in the air, it might not be a horrible idea for the Panthers to grab another pass-rushing dynamo in the draft.
With about two months to go before the NFL draft, we're in the final stretch, and as the prospects are poked, prodded and tested at the combine, the picture as to who will go where will get clearer.
There isn't a standout No. 1 pick just yet, and so the Carolina Panthers have a tough task ahead in the coming weeks. One player who has the chance to shoot up draft boards through the combine and workout process is North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn. In fact, NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock has indicated that Quinn may end up being his top DE prospect, and in the mix as the No. 1 overall prospect, per Toni Monkovic of the New York Times' Fifth Down blog.
Given that Charles Johnson's restricted free agent status is up in the air, it might not be a horrible idea for the Panthers to grab another pass-rushing dynamo in the draft.
sbk92
2
- Messages
- 12,134
- Reaction score
- 6
WR or DL for Browns at No. 6?
Though there are other positions for the Browns to address with their first draft pick this offseason, recently we've come to believe that it's likely down to defensive line or wide receiver. If they take one of the two in Round 1, they may simply go the other direction in Round 2.
Tuesday, Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository examined the perils of using such a high pick on a WR, as the Browns know first-hand from the Braylon Edwards Experience. Doerschuk also exhaustively compiled a list of all the WRs drafted between No. 35 and 55 overall from 1999 to 2008, splitting them into five categories: Elite, Keepers, Serviceable, Fringe and Busts.
In an indirect way, this might be an argument for skipping A.J. Green at No. 6 overall (if he's still on the board). The financial risk will be considerably lower, and there's a chance of landing an elite player, as current Browns general manager Tom Heckert did as GM of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008 with DeSean Jackson (No. 49 overall).
ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker ponders the dilemma:
--
James Walker
Recent top picks haven't panned out
"Braylon Edwards, Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi were all recent misses for Cleveland. Should that scare the team away from blue-chip prospect A.J. Green of Georgia?."
--
UPDATE: Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren wouldn't confirm whether the team was going offense or defense with their first pick in the draft.
Though the top of the draft class is loaded with impact defenders, Holmgren added, "I'm also looking for a home-run hitter," per Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Though there are other positions for the Browns to address with their first draft pick this offseason, recently we've come to believe that it's likely down to defensive line or wide receiver. If they take one of the two in Round 1, they may simply go the other direction in Round 2.
Tuesday, Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository examined the perils of using such a high pick on a WR, as the Browns know first-hand from the Braylon Edwards Experience. Doerschuk also exhaustively compiled a list of all the WRs drafted between No. 35 and 55 overall from 1999 to 2008, splitting them into five categories: Elite, Keepers, Serviceable, Fringe and Busts.
In an indirect way, this might be an argument for skipping A.J. Green at No. 6 overall (if he's still on the board). The financial risk will be considerably lower, and there's a chance of landing an elite player, as current Browns general manager Tom Heckert did as GM of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008 with DeSean Jackson (No. 49 overall).
ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker ponders the dilemma:
--
James Walker
Recent top picks haven't panned out
"Braylon Edwards, Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi were all recent misses for Cleveland. Should that scare the team away from blue-chip prospect A.J. Green of Georgia?."
--
UPDATE: Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren wouldn't confirm whether the team was going offense or defense with their first pick in the draft.
Though the top of the draft class is loaded with impact defenders, Holmgren added, "I'm also looking for a home-run hitter," per Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.