NFL Draft Thread

[Megatron]

The scouting combine begins this weekend, where some guys that have big weekends could move up the board and earn some extra millions. You can discuss here what your team needs, where you think certain players will go, who you think is overrated/underrated, and even make a mock draft or two if you like.

Here is the draft order as well (barring trades, of course)-
1. Indianapolis
2. St. Louis
3. Minnesota
4. Cleveland
5. Tampa Bay
6. Washington
7. Jacksonville
8. Carolina/Miami
9. Carolina/Miami (determined by coin flip)
10. Buffalo
11. Kansas City/Seattle
12. Kansas City/Seattle (determined by coin flip)
13. Arizona
14. Dallas
15. Philadelphia
16. New York Jets
17. Cincinnati (from Oakland)
18. San Diego
19. Chicago
20. Tennessee
21. Cincinnati
22. Cleveland (from Atlanta)
23. Detroit
24. Pittsburgh
25. Denver
26. Houston
27. New England (from New Orleans)
28. Green Bay
29. Baltimore
30. San Francisco
31. New England
32. New York Giants

 

[tommyh]

Im a panthers fan.i believe we need another wide reciever to help cam newton out. Would love if they were able to trade up an get a number 1 reciever but i just dont see it happing

 

[Big Sexy]

I was just about to make this thread this week as the NFL discussion has gone cold in here and the combine is right around the corner. As for the Lions I would love to see a guy like Janoris Jenkins fall to them. He may be a bit of a risk because of his past but I believe the Lions have the guys to keep him in check. Jenkins is a top 10 talent and corner is the biggest need for the Lions. If he is available it would be tough to pass him up.

 

[Big Sexy]

RG3's stock continues to rise. I'm not one to put too much stock into combine numbers but it is being said that RG3's unofficial 40 time was 4.38 seconds. If that stands it will be the fastest time a qb has put up since Michael Vick over 10 years ago. There were already reports of teams trading up to get him at number two and if he keeps impressing like this then it's basically a guarantee he will go number two to the highest bidder. The Rams have to be extremely happy because they are going to have multiple potential deals to choose from.

 

[PlayTheGame]

There's obviously a horde of teams vying for the Rams #1 pick (which is good for the Rams) in order to secure RG3, and with his draft stock rising, the price for that pick will continue to rise. I think the frontrunnner for the trade is the Browns from what I'm hearing from ESPN. I have an Insider account there, and a lot of speculation is pointing toward the Browns acquiring the 2nd overall pick in the draft in order to get RG3. I think this would be a good move for them, as it would all but assure that team that they will get a productive QB to build around in the future, whether it's McCoy or RG3 (they'd compete for the job). They'd sort of hedge their bet, as one of them should be able to develop into "the guy", something the Browns have been missing for quite some time at QB. Luck will obviously go to Indy with the #1 pick, and with the #2 pick, I think the Browns will acquire it in order to select RG3.

 

[Big Sexy]

The Browns are definitely the clear cut favorites because they would not have to mortgage any of their future to move up. The Falcons trading up to get Julio Jones last year gave the Browns a second first round pick and the Browns already have the best pick of the interested teams to offer St Louis. The Browns would likely just have to give up the number 4 pick, number 22 pick, and then a couple of mid round picks. That gets them RG3 and it allows St Louis to move down only 2 spots and still likely get Justin Blackmon plus they have more picks to fill the many holes they have.

This also wouldn't necceasrily mean the end of Colt McCoy's career. This could be the motivation he needs to pull off a Drew Brees type revival and still make a name for himself as a starting qb in this league. Overall the Browns make a lot of sense and they have the best assets to offer.

 

[SuperHater]

I'm a Redskins fan(let the hate follow/we stink) and I hope we make the deal to move up. I don't think the Rams want to go down to 6 though. They want Blackmon or a OL.

 

[evantay26]

Mccoy isnt a bad qb. He needs some weapons, and hopefully a healthy and focused Peyton Hillis. I think the skins have a good chance of trading for the 2 and getting RG3.

 

[Tastycles]

With today's announcement of Peyton Manning's release, it makes it all but certain (that is slightly more certain than it was) that the Colts will draft Andrew Luck with their first pick. However, there are some interesting talking points that are still to be had with the Draft being just under two months away. The big questions (for me, a fairweather foreign fan) as it stands are the following:

1. What will the LondonSt Louis Rams do with their 2nd overall pick?

The logic is that as they have Bradford and only RGIII presents a decent QB choice outside of Luck, the Rams will trade this pick down - who do you see them trading with, and what should they be looking for in return. Does the availability of Manning affect the marketability of this pick?

2. Who do you expect to be drafted early on, will we see any surprises?

Pretty straight forward.

3. Who or what position would you like to see your favourite team prioritise?

Again straight forward. Do you trust your team to pick the right guy?


4. Will the Raiders really enter the draft with nothing but 5th and 6th round picks?

I haven't really followed a draft before, but it's surely not normal for a team to have traded/forfeited 5 of their 7 picks, including those from the first 4 rounds, is it?

5. Any other business.

I'm sure there's more interesting things to add to these questions, so please, don't be restrained by this framework.

 

[Theo Mays]

1. What will the LondonSt Louis Rams do with their 2nd overall pick?

The Rams have gotta trade down, it makes too much sense. Like mentioned above RG3's stock is through the roof right now and someone is gonna trade the farm to get him. I'm looking at a team like Washington to swoop in. The Skins obviously want Manning, but he ain't going there and this is likely the next best option. I can't see Cleveland going for him, as I expect them to try and pull in Matt Flynn.

2. Who do you expect to be drafted early on, will we see any surprises?

The top 5 should consists of Andrew Luck, RG3, Matt Kalil, Morris Claiborne, and Justin Blackmon. Those in my mind are the 5 guys likely to go at the top. Some guys to keep an eye on would be Michael Brockers, DT from LSU. I think Brockers has top 10 talent, but seems to be falling in recent mocks (unsure as to why, maybe there are some issues I'm unaware about). The guy has the makings of a beast DT.

3. Who or what position would you like to see your favourite team prioritise?

I trust the Vikings completely. We've had some nice success in recent years in the first round and our guy should be there come the third pick. That guy obviously being Matt Kalil, OT from USC. With RG3's rise Kalil should be a lock at three.

4. Will the Raiders really enter the draft with nothing but 5th and 6th round picks?

The Raiders likely will enter the draft with few picks and will probably stay that way. Unless they plan on shipping out future picks to get guys in this draft.

5. Any other business.

The only thing I can think of is will a team reach for a QB like Ryan Tannenhill from Texas A&M like last year with Ponder and Locker. Someone like Washington if they don't get RG3 or an upgrade at the position. Also the draft stock of Trent Richardson. He is a high pick projected but with this injury talk he could slide to a team like Cincinnati and that could be huge for them.

 

[Fire Marshall Bill]

I'm a Redskins fan(let the hate follow/we stink) and I hope we make the deal to move up. I don't think the Rams want to go down to 6 though. They want Blackmon or a OL.

Well you got what you wished for. However, you had to make an unprecedented trade to make it happen (along with mortgaging your future in the process). Three 1st round picks (2012, 2013, 2014) and one 2nd round pick in 2012 (39th overall).

That's a hell of a lot for the 2nd best quarterback in the draft. Though, leave it to the Washington Redskins to overpay for anything (Hello Albert Haynesworth).

As for the Rams, between Sam Bradford, Stephen Jackson, and a young improving defense, if they can't turn these picks into a very good, contending team, I'd consider that a failure on their part.

Now who do the Rams pick up at #6? I'm thinking Blackmon will be gone by then to the Browns, who now need someone for McCoy to throw to very badly. He might actually be their QB for the long term if they would put a few other worty players on the field with him. But the Rams need someone for Bradford to throw to badly as well. Do they overpay for the 2nd best WR, or do they pick up someone like Vincent Jackson in FA?

Still more questions than answers as usual with the NFL Draft.

 

[Nev]

I despise Jeff Fisher. I think he's a classless, dirty coach (despite his innocent off the field look and personna) and its no surprise he and Greg Williams are bests of his friends.

But you can't deny the already great job he's doing there. Fisher's always been known as a pretty good talent evaluator as well. If I'm the Rams I'd probably draft a receiver or corner with that #1 pick. They're not good at the outside positions despite their talent on the defensive line, LB level, and obviously Jackson

 

[BooCocky]

Well you got what you wished for. However, you had to make an unprecedented trade to make it happen (along with mortgaging your future in the process). Three 1st round picks (2012, 2013, 2014) and one 2nd round pick in 2012 (39th overall).

The Redskins have a solid foundation though. They believe they're a QB away from winning. If that's the case, they may lose a late first round draft pick each year. Which is still significant, but it's not like they're losing a top 5 pick each year. Shannahan is a solid coach and he gets a lot out of lesser talent. Plus you can find quality players late in the draft. I think the Redskins made a great trade. Griffin looks to be a very good quarterback...

That's a hell of a lot for the 2nd best quarterback in the draft. Though, leave it to the Washington Redskins to overpay for anything (Hello Albert Haynesworth).

That was dumb but at the time he had the potential to be a game changer on defense.

Now who do the Rams pick up at #6? I'm thinking Blackmon will be gone by then to the Browns, who now need someone for McCoy to throw to very badly. He might actually be their QB for the long term if they would put a few other worty players on the field with him. But the Rams need someone for Bradford to throw to badly as well. Do they overpay for the 2nd best WR, or do they pick up someone like Vincent Jackson in FA?

the rams will take Blackmon. No doubt...

With today's announcement of Peyton Manning's release, it makes it all but certain (that is slightly more certain than it was) that the Colts will draft Andrew Luck with their first pick. However, there are some interesting talking points that are still to be had with the Draft being just under two months away. The big questions (for me, a fairweather foreign fan) as it stands are the following:

1. What will the LondonSt Louis Rams do with their 2nd overall pick?

trade it to Washington for 3 first round picks...

2. Who do you expect to be drafted early on, will we see any surprises?

the Browns will draft Tannehill at 4....

3. Who or what position would you like to see your favourite team prioritise?

The Steelers can draft like the best of them. They need a ILB, some lineman, and secondary help. They'll get the help they need.

4. Will the Raiders really enter the draft with nothing but 5th and 6th round picks?

yes.

I haven't really followed a draft before, but it's surely not normal for a team to have traded/forfeited 5 of their 7 picks, including those from the first 4 rounds, is it?

No. But they wanted Palmer. So sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[Fire Marshall Bill]

That was dumb but at the time he had the potential to be a game changer on defense.

Yeah, but he also said he didn't want to be in a 3-4 defense. Why pay the man that much money when your plan is to instill a defense he said he didn't want to play in? The fact that he went there anyways was a testament to the fact that he went for the money alone and not to play hard.

the rams will take Blackmon. No doubt...

Not if the Browns take him first. The Browns have their share of holes, but WR is a huge one because McCoy has shown some good signs now and then, but he has no one to throw to. And taking Tannehill at 4 is way overpaying for someone who hasn't even played QB that long. If they trade down it would make more sense. Washington's obviously out of the running for Tannehill and Miami is the best chance to nab Manning.

 

[Megatron]

With the draft now only 19 days away and with many of the pro days/combines cleared up, it's time for me to really look at the Lions needs.

Low priority (don't bother to look at for first few rounds): QB, K, P, TE, WR
Medium priority (only draft if you fall in love with prospect/best player available): RB, LB, D-Line
High priority (should be focus in the first few rounds): DB, O-Line

The Lions were the 4th best scoring offense last year, and I think it's quite clear they don't need much from skill positions early on, especially after locking up Calvin to an extension that will make him a Lion for life. The O-Line has needed work on it for years, especially the left tackle (the most important position on the line) and center. While I appreciate Jeff Backus and Dominic Raiola's ability to just step in and play every game for most of their careers, they are getting up there in age, Backus suffered a pectoral injury in the last playoff game, and you need to protect your franchise QB as well as you can. I've seen Stanford T Jonathan Martin being taken by the Lions in some mocks and I wouldn't mind that pick one bit. He played in a pro style at Stanford and was important in protecting the likely #1 overall pick.

The other spot I've seen the Lions take is defensive back, namely CB. Janoris Jenkins' name has been thrown around by some, but I'm not sure if they will go after him given his checkered past. However, he's been said to have top 15 talent with a poor attitude, and the Lions haven't been afraid of going BPA where it fits under the new regime (see: Fairley, Nick).

Depending on what they take in the first round, I think they take the opposite in the 2nd round (so if DB in first, OL in 2nd, and vice versa). While you never want to reach and BPA is a good strategy, unless someone really falls that you love in a spot where you can add depth (D-Line or RB), they should address their main needs.

I might attack some other teams later, depending on if I get bored or not.

 

[Big Sexy]

The draft is tomorrow so I figured I'd share a first round mock draft that I wrote for a sports blogging site.

1.Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford- Luck Griffin IIILuck is the consensus number one pick. He will be the Colts quarterback of the future and have the job of trying to fill Peyton Manning’s enormous shoes.

2.Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor- As soon as the Redskins traded up to number two everyone knew they would be taking a franchise quarterback. With Luck gone, RGIII becomes their choice.

3.Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC- The Vikings desperately need help on the offensive line and Matt Kalil is the best O lineman in the draft. Whether it’s Christian Ponder or Joe Webb behind center, the Vikings need to improve their protection and drafting Kalil is a great start.

4.Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama- Richardson is the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson and the Browns need help to improve a rushing attack that was atrocious last year. Richardson has a chance to be an impact player right away.

5.Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU- Claiborne is an extremely talented defensive back and the Bucs need an eventual replacement for Ronde Barber. The Bucs would love for Richardson to fall to them but Claiborne makes a lot of sense and he fills a need.

6.St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State-The Rams are in desperate need for some help at receiver. Blackmon doesn’t wow you with his athleticism but he has all the tools necessary to be a pro bowl wide out in the NFL. Blackmon has been an underappreciated prospect throughout the last few months

7.Jacksonville Jaguars: Stephen Gilmore, CB, South Carolina- This is way too high for Gilmore but it is being reported that the Jags want him and they are no strangers to reaching for players in the first round. They’d love to trade down but if they can’t, they will reach and grab Gilmore.

8.Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M- Tannehill is another prospect going too high but the Dolphins need to find their quarterback of the future. Hopefully they don’t make the same mistake as the Jaguars did with Blaine Gabbert last year, and they allow Tannehill to sit for a year.

9.Carolina Panthers: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State- The Panthers defense was awful last year and it all starts in the trenches. Cox has passed Dontari Poe as the top DT prospect and he should help the Panthers right away.

10.Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa- The Bills added Mario Williams to the defensive line through free agency and now they add Riley Reiff to help on the offensive line. Ryan Fitzpatrick got beat up a lot last year and Reiff gives them an immediate upgrade at left tackle.

11.Kansas City Chiefs: Luke Kuechly, ILB, Boston College- Inside linebacker isn’t a huge need for the Chiefs but Kuechly is too good to pass up. He should fit in nicely with Romeo Crennel’s defense.

12.Seattle Seahawks: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina- The Seahawks need a pass rusher and Ingram is the best one available in this draft. If he falls to Seattle then it is a no brainer.

13.Arizona Cardinals: David DeCastro, G, Stanford- The Cardinals need to make a lot of changes on the offensive line and drafting David DeCastro gives them a nice building block. He is the best guard in the draft and should be able to start right away.

14.Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, S, Alabama- It has been reported that Jerry Jones loves Mark Barron as a prospect. The Cowboys secondary needs a lot of help and Barron is one of the more talented players in the draft.

15.Philadelphia Eagles: Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis- Dontari Poe has been up and down draft boards the last couple months and the Eagles are getting good value here. Poe is freakishly strong and will help improve the middle of the Eagle’s D line.

16.New York Jets: Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Syracuse- This may be a little high for Jones but he has been skyrocketing up draft boards recently. He would be a great fit for the Jets 3-4 system and New York could use a young pass rusher. The athletic Jones is the younger brother of Baltimore Ravens DE, Arthur Jones and UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Jon Jones.

17.Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Coples, DE, UNC- Coples is a top ten talent but issues about his attitude and effort have caused him to drop. The Bengals have never shied away from those types of prospects and this year will be no different. Wide receiver Michael Floyd is also a possibility.

18.San Diego Chargers: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame- After losing Vincent Jackson the Chargers lack depth and playmaking ability at receiver. Robert Meachem was a decent signing in the offseason but being able to add Floyd at this point would be huge.

19.Chicago Bears: Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois- The Bears are another team that needs a pass rusher and the Illinois product would be a great pick up. He provides depth behind Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije.

20.Tennessee Titans: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama- The Titans lost Cortland Finnegan this off season and need a replacement. Kirkpatrick has had some off field issues cause him to drop and the Titans get great value here.

21.Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, G/OT, Georgia- At 17 the Bengals got help for the defensive line and here they improve the offensive line. Cordy Glenn has the ability to play both right tackle and guard, and that versatility is too good to pass up for the Bengals.

22.Cleveland Browns: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford- The Browns are set at left tackle but they are in need of huge upgrade at right tackle. Martin provides that upgrade and could be a starter from day one.

23.Detroit Lions: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama- Even with the recent arrests of Mikel Leshoure and Nick Fairley due to marijuana possession, the Lions have said they will not shy away from prospects just because of their past. Jenkins is the best player available at this point and he also happens to fill a huge need for the Lions.

24.Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama- The Steelers will be ecstatic to see Hightower fall to them. They recently released James Farrior and need someone to play opposite Lawrence Timmons. Hightower would be a great addition to an already great Steelers defense.

25.Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers, DT, LSU- The Broncos defense has a lot of needs but none bigger then defensive tackle. Brockers is the best D tackle available here and the Broncos won’t hesitate to draft him at 25.

26.Houston Texans: Nick Perry, DE, USC- The Texans don't having any glaring needs but it's always nice when you can add a pass rusher as talented as Nick Perry, especially late in the first round. This is more of a value pick then anything

27.New England Patriots: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama- The Patriots need a ton of help on defense and Upshaw is the most talented defensive player on the board at 27. If the Pats don’t package picks and move up then this would be a great pick up.

28.Green Bay Packers: Shea McClellin, DE/OLB, Boise State- McClellin has been rising up draft boards as of late and the Packers will be happy to see him at 28. He is very versatile and fits in nicely with the Packers 3-4 scheme.

29.Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin- Matt Birk can’t play forever and Konz is the best center prospect in the draft. He also has some versatility and can play guard if needed.

30.San Francisco 49ers: Reuben Randle, WR, LSU- Randle has been climbing up draft boards as of late and the 49ers need depth at receiver even after signing Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. Randle ran a 4.42 40 at LSU’s pro day and teams are enamored with his combination of size and speed. There may be better wide outs available in Kendall Wright and Stephen Hill, but I see the 49ers going with Randle.

31.New England Patriots: Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame- The Pats got a pass rushing linebacker at 27 and here they get a hardnosed safety to help the secondary. The combo of Upshaw and Smith can help the Pats defense from day one.

32.New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford- The Super Bowl champs could use depth at a few positions but if Coby Fleener is available at 32 then they will grab the 6-6, 247 pounder. Running back Doug Martin is another possibility after the departure of Brandon Jacobs.

 

[Trill Co$by]

Right now, my two favorite teams in the NFL are Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans.

Ravens since 2006 and Titans since I can remember, with them being my "hometown team". So with the draft coming up, obviously, I want my teams to tighten up on the areas that they play the best in.

For the Ravens, they're amazing in the run game and on the defensive end of the ball. So for me, it only makes sense that with Ed Reed and Ray Lewis contemplating retirement that they lock in two great defensive players that can show promise. No, I don't know all the college prospects heading into the draft and nor do I want to know... That's too many names to focus on. I will say that if the Ravens can secure their next big LB and FS then they can be in good shape for the next few seasons.

Likewise, they also need someone that can catch more passes. Anquan Boldin is, IMO, one of the best Wide Receivers in the league. And it showed last season with the amount of coverage teams put on him. Ravens need some people that can work in that tight coverage and make big plays, that way they can set up a solid running and passing game.


For the Titans, I believe they're still the type of team that takes to the air. I don't know for sure, since I don't keep up with them as much as I used to. But what I do know is that if they are still going the passing route, then they also might want to look for a solid RB who can get a few yards. To me, the Play Action passes are a terrific way to breakdown defenses. For a great example, look at how Brady destroyed the Broncos last season. Titans linemen need to also be strengthen, but that goes for every team in the league.

 

[DirtyD79]

Good to see the Steelers picked up a good offensive lineman in David DeCastro. Hopefully they can get some decent DBs too.

 

[tripolie atche]

Just curious, how come Lamar Miller's stock dropped??? I mean I knew Trent, Martin, & Wilson would all go before him, but I didn't expect Pead, LaMichael, Pierce, & Hillman to all go before him too.

I know he had shoulder surgery after Miami's season ended, but is that the reason he's still available on Day 3 even though the surgery took place months ago?