DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum Mid-Season Mock Drafts (Cont'd)

There's some good FAs to be had this year too.

Steve Breaston, Tony Scheffler, David Baas, Logan Mankins, Nick Kazcur, marlin jackson are the immediates that catch my eye.

A: None of those guys are even the best at their positions. Serious talent in FA this year.

B: Unfortunately, if there isn't a new CBA, almost none of the FA's will be UFA's, as all 4 and 5 year pros would be restricted.

Any mock draft that does not consider TE a need, is not worth consideration.

some have a limit of how many 'needs' a team is allowed to have.

they just probably ran out of room after listing QB, RB, WR, RT, RG, OLB, ILB, S, CB

I never said a TE wasn't a need. I just didn't pick one based on other needs.

One name I saw in this older article was Cincy WR Mardy Gilyard. Id be happy to have Gilyard or Notre dame WR Golden Tate in this upcoming draft.
http://www.newerascouting.com/11/draft-report-november-9th-2009/

Draft Report: November 9th, 2009Posted by Matt Miller On November - 9 - 2009

This week we focus on what every team in the NFL will be looking for come April, dynamic playmakers. With offenses becoming more complex and versatile with each year that passes, the decision makers on draft day are always on the prowl for that extra weapon that makes their arsenal a deep force to be reckoned with.
- I’ve seen Clemson three times this year (Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, Florida State) and I’ve been back and forth on CJ Spiller in regard to his role at the next level. Does he have the strength and balance to break tackles in the NFL as a running back? I don’t see it but that does not mean he will simply be another athlete without a position. Without the hype and more importantly without the top 5 pick status, Spiller can be another Reggie Bush if he gets put in to the right system. He moves well in space and is incredibly dangerous with green in front of him as he can outrun the fastest of defensive backs. Spiller has hands that belong on a wide receiver and the assertiveness with the ball to get moving forward once he is in possession. He is not the every down back kind of guy that runs between the tackles well, but his mere presence on the field will give an offense plenty of options while keeping the opposition aware of where he is.

- This year’s class of wide receivers figures to be a strong one if a few of the top notch juniors decide to leave school early. The one that brings the most big play potential will most likely by Cincinnati’s Mardy Gilyard. He truly is one of the few players in the nation that makes you believe a touchdown is ensuing when he has the ball in his hands. He breaks away from defenders in space with ease, makes himself small to tacklers, and has the late twitch movements that avoid the meat of contact. His value as a return man alone would make him a day one draft selection but when putting that on top of his ability to make plays in the passing game on all three levels as well as his impact on the running game, Gilyard has the potential to be the first receiver taken among this strong group.

- While Dexter McCluster of Ole Miss will not be a first round pick in April, his dynamic playmaking ability is going to be heavily sought after by NFL teams. At just 5’9” – 170 pounds, his lack of size and strength is going to be an issue but he plays bigger than he is and has a balanced tool set that can effectively be used within both offense and special teams. While he is considered a wide receiver on the depth chart, McCluster is counted on as a running back for a good portion of the game. Why? He has outstanding vision with blockers in front of him and makes himself in smaller when running through traffic. If and when he breaks through the trenches, all bets are off as he is very dangerous in space. He won’t ever be a big time deep threat as a receiver, but his quickness and light feet get him open in the short passing game as he is an outstanding route runner.

- The most discussed debate that will surround the draft is and will continue to be the future of Tim Tebow. While the concerns around his ability to be a franchise quarterback are real, there is one thing that I am sure of; he is going to be sought after by every team in the NFL. First round prospect? That remains to be seen but considering all that he can do on the field combined with the best possible set of intangibles a prospect can have, Tebow has a place on an NFL roster. The emergence of the wildcat package only increases his value as he can run with similar power to the Dolphins’ Ricky Williams. If Pat White can make his way in to the 2nd round, Tebow could be a top 40 pick without question.

- Sticking with the Gator theme, Brandon James is a special teams ace that can be put in the backfield, or split out wide to make plays. He is too small at 5’7 – 185 pounds to be an every down back or receiver, but he could boost a team’s screen pass package in a heartbeat. He works well in traffic with blockers in front of him as he can set defenders up to take poor angles once he gets going. On special teams, college opponents have completely stopped punting the football to him, giving the Gators an obvious, effortless advantage in the field position aspect of the game. While he does not offer the offensive potential that Percy Harvin did heading in to the 2009 draft, James is a versatile weapon that can give an playcaller multiple options.

Mid-Round Stars

We will discuss, at great length, the top prospects in this draft class in the coming months. However this part of the new bi-weekly draft report is designated for the middle round players that will not ‘wow’ anyone in the grade column, but have impressed me through the scouting process. These are the kind of players that make or break a draft class, not the ones that are drafted in the top 32.

- The Tennessee defense has a few NFL caliber players and Eric Berry is receiving most of the attention, rightfully so. However the four UT games I’ve scouted, defensive tackle Dan Williams (6’3 – 327) has been a steady presence inside that has done it all. The importance of the nose tackle position in the 3-4 scheme, which is becoming the dominant scheme of NFL defenses, is sure to get Williams drafted in the top four rounds. He has staying power against double teams but also moves very in pursuit as he looks very comfortable in space. He has a knack for the football and is consistently in the opposition’s backfield when he has a penetrating role.

- Iowa has been put in the spotlight this season and there are a couple of prospects that figure to be solid contributors at the next level. Right tackle Kyle Calloway (6’7 – 315) certainly has the feet, size, strength, and reach to play out on the edge. His technique is nearly flawless and in a league where pass rushers are plentiful on almost every roster, those guys out on the edge are in high demand. AJ Edds (6’4 – 244) could be a guy that breaks into the top two rounds but if a team can grab him in the middle of the draft, we could be watching a Hunter Hillenmeyer type player. He can do a lot of little things effectively such as match up with a tight end in man coverage all over the field as well as hold up against a tough blocker versus the run. He has light feet and a strong base as well as the football savvy you want in a linebacker with good reading ability. The man in the middle right next to him, Pat Angerer (6’1-235), has elevated his game from undrafted thumper to a legit pro prospect. While his lack of top end speed and range will hurt him in the pre-draft process, he is a tackling machine that will not be passed on for a full seven rounds. He is constantly around the ball and his considered to be one of the most instinctive and intelligent football players in the nation. He’ll find his niche in the league, which could be a Tedy Bruschi type role within a 3-4 defense.

- The USC offense, in particular the ground attack, has been one of the most lethal in college football over the past couple of years. They use a running back by committee system that keeps the opposition honest. While they do have NFL caliber backs, it is the offensive line that has really opened up lanes. Charles Brown (6’5 – 295) has been excelling as the Trojans’ left tackle and he might be the most overlooked blind side protector in this class. He is a natural knee bender with light feet. He explodes out of his stance with fire consistently. He has strong hand placement and solid awareness when it comes to protecting from the inside out. He needs a couple years of NFL weight training before I would be comfortable putting him in the NFL trenches but if that comes along, he could fulfill one of the most vital roles football has to offer.

Underclassman Watch

The final part of this draft report focuses on an underclassman that is expected to forego his senior season and enter the draft a year early. Draft projection at this time of the year can always be tough considering that most if not all juniors have yet to officially declare, however there are some that have a spot in the first round reserved for them.

- Watching the North Carolina defense is a lot of work from the perspective of scouting for the draft. They have a lot of pro players on that unit, but the most impressive might be the emerging cornerback Charles Brown (5’10 – 200). His name is not out there yet as a top notch prospect but the more I watch him, the more I believe he could easily break his way into the top 32 picks of the 2010 draft. He has some of the best ball skills in the nation among cornerbacks and his reaction time has been unparalleled on my national grade sheet so far this season. He diagnoses well and plays the ball like a receiver. While his timed speed can be questioned, he is a blazer with the ball in his hands because of his ability to reach top speed so quickly. That kind if explosion combined with his fluid hips will get him plenty of looks from NFL talent evaluators.

Not a huge Tate fan; I think he drops too many balls. Gilliard won't be a very good value for where we're picking in the 2nd. I like him, but there will be better options.

Draft Report IIPosted by David Syvertsen On December - 3 - 2009
http://www.newerascouting.com/12/draft-report-ii/
No matter what team we are discussing in regard to the 2010 NFL Draft, pass rushers will be a topic of conversation. Even the sack leaders of the NFL look to boost the most important part of the defensive side of the football by adding guys that can reach the edge, collapse the pocket, or in some cases, both. Lets take a look at the top five senior pass rushers and their pending draft status’.
* With TCU officially on the National Championship radar, some are finally noticing the kind of talent they have on their defensive squad. If I had to take one senior pass rusher, it is Jerry Hughes (6’3 – 257). While the level of competition is not there on a week in-week out basis, his consistency certainly is. His first few steps are as good as anyone in the country and the technique, especially with his hands and shoulders, has been refined to the point of near perfection. His 19 tackles for loss and 15 sacks in 2008 really put him on the radar and there were rumors he could have surpassed the likes of Brian Orakpo and Aaron Maybin in the 2009 draft. He is on his way to another 12+ sack season and if his workouts are strong, he will likely be the top pass rusher selected in 2010.

* I remember scouting Michigan Tim Jamison last fall when I could not help but notice, a junior at the time, Brandon Graham (6’2 – 263) fly on to the radar over and over again. He has such immense strength at the point of attack and he is constantly tossing away blockers with ease and putting himself where he wants to be. Who did he remind me of? Former Michigan defensive end and current Pittsburgh Steelers’ superstar LaMarr Woodley. The power game that gets him into the opponent’s backfield is unblockable and his 45 tackles for a loss on top of 20 sacks over the past two years is a true testament to that. While his timed speed will not make the combine highlights, he moves fast on the field and can get from the outside shoulder of the tackle all the way down to the center quicker than anybody. I expect his name to be called in the top 15 picks.

* If I had not known that Brian Orakpo was a part of the 2009 draft class, I would have simply believed he changed his number to 2. Sergio Kindle (6’4 – 255) has been playing the role Orakpo filled last year and plays with an awfully similar style. His combination of physical talents may be the best in this senior class when it comes to speed, power, strength, and explosion. However he is currently having a subpar year statistically and that will likely come back to haunt him come April, but his potential as an NFL pass rusher is enormous.

* The Florida defense is loaded with players that will make NFL rosters in 2010. The most overlooked name on that squad however is defensive end Jermaine Cunningham (6’3 – 252). He has the natural athletic ability to beat blockers to the edge but on top of that, his use of leverage and hand placement makes him an incredibly dangerous player. The high sack totals are not there but that has more to do with the abundance of talent around him than anything. He is used in a variety of ways and should be one of the most sought after 3-4 outside linebacker prospects come April.

* There have been some top notch prospects coming out of the Troy football program over the past few years, and the name that will come out of nowhere this winter will be Brandon Lang (6’4 – 256). The explosion I see out of Lang reminds me of Everette Brown, formerly of Florida State and the current up and coming edge rusher opposite Julius Peppers in Carolina. The national exposure has not been there for Lang but in his game against Florida, he looked liked the best defensive player on the field for both sides. He has length in him that is used correctly, keeping blockers separated from his body, making it easier to free up and pursue. He has a lot of raw ability that coaches love to work with and an Osi Umenyiora-type career could be in the future if his dedication in the work room is there.

Underclassman Watch

The final part of this draft report focuses on an underclassman that is expected to forego his senior season and enter the draft a year early. Draft projection at this time of the year can always be tough considering that most if not all juniors have yet to officially declare, however there are some that have a spot in the first round reserved for them.

* There is already a lot of talk surrounding the possibility that a defensive lineman could go number one overall come April. Senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska has been the talk of the draft community the entire season but watch out for a junior defensive end out of Georgia Tech. Derrick Morgan (6’4 – 275) is Mr. Versatility for the Yellow Jackets as he can line up on either side, inside and out and find his way to the quarterback one way or another. The size and strength are there and there simply some guys you look at in uniform and think to yourfself, “this kid was born to play football”. He jumps the snap well with great anticipation, while getting his nearly 280 pound frame moving with such explosion which creates a new line of scrimmage right away. What will attract every team in the NFL however is the ability to play all over the place. He has the strength and power to play on the left side in a 4-3, but also the speed and quickness to play on the right side. In a 3-4, I see him as a LaMarr Woodley type and that versatility will give his grade a huge boost in April.

I'd love for him to fall to the 3rd, but I don't think it's gonna happen. He's too much of a playmaker to last that long.

I remember Tate dropping like 3 passes in one game earlier this year. He has a lot of potential, but I hate drops.

mentioned it before, but I agree with you. Golden Tate makes the athletic grabs that get him on SC and there is a role for that on a NFL team. But, he drops a lot of very catchable balls.

Michael Floyd on the other hand runs precise routes, fights off coverage better than most WRs in college, and his hands are made of super-glue.

I really wish Floyd was a junior because he might fall in the draft this year with Tate overshadowing him due to his 'athleticism'.......I think he'll go in the 1st round next year for sure.

This is the most accurate draft I have seen so far this year and almost every pick makes a lot of sense.

http://www.sundaykickoff.com/

if NE gets Kindle, I am going to pound my head into the wall a few times for good measure

I think a lot of players are getting way overvalued.

And guys, I honestly don't see a chance of us taking Berry. I'm all but certain it's gonna be one of the QB's, and if it isn't, say hi to Ndamukong Suh.

hi to Ndamukong Suh....I would love for you to be a Cleveland Brown

I'd prefer Berry over Suh as I feel our defensive line could be okay without him. Besides in a 3-4 the linebackers are suppose to get the pressure. So Suh would be an 80 million Dollar Decoy. With that said depending on on our new coach/gm if we switch to a 4-3 then I would take Suh over Berry.

New mock of mine:

1. Cleveland Browns: Jake Locker QB Washington
2. St. Louis Rams: Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
4. Detroit Lions: Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
5. Oakland Raiders: Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech
6. Kansas City Chiefs: Russell Okung OT Oklahoma St.
7. Washington Redskins: Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
8. Seattle Seahawks: Eric Berry S Tennessee
9. Buffalo Bills: Anthony Davis OT Rutgers
10. Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Rolando McClain LB Alabama
11. San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina): Trent Williams OT Oklahoma
12. New York Jets: Dez Bryant WR Oklahoma St.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Joe Haden CB Florida
14. Miami Dolphins: Taylor Mays S Southern California
15. Houston Texans: Marvin Austin DT North Carolina
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tim Tebow QB Florida
17. Tennessee Titans: Carlos Dunlap DE Florida
18. New York Giants: C.J. Spiller RB Clemson
19. Atlanta Falcons: Patrick Robinson CB Florida St.
20. Baltimore Ravens: Terrence Cody DT Alabama
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jerry Hughes OLB TCU
22. Green Bay Packers: Charles Brown OT USC
23. Seattle Seahawks (from Denver): Jason Fox OT Miami
24. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Graham DE Michigan
25. Arizona Cardinals: Sergio Kindle OLB Texas
26. Dallas Cowboys: Dan Williams DT Tennessee
27. New England Patriots: Corey Wootton DE Northwestern
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
29. San Diego Chargers: Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech
30. Minnesota Vikings: Colt McCoy QB Texas
31. Indianapolis Colts: Sean Weatherspoon LB Missouri
32. New Orleans Saints: Brian Price DT UCLA

For the record, I hate Locker pick, but it's my prediction. I'll give us Greg Hardy with the 33rd pick.

Not really true. Richard Seymour had 10 sacks last year. The best 3-4 ends still do provide pass rush. And the Patriots run a 2 gap 3-4 as well.

Far as I can tell they have one feared linebacker, and some other average - below average guys. Not sure how that impacts the pass rush either.

I can understand why someone would want Berry. He's a great player and he makes plays, but the same applies to Suh, and I feel like he is a superior player. I also tend to value a defensive linemen a lot more than a safety. Someone who who applies a pass rush while stuffing the run is the biggest priority for me.

I'd say the nose is quite a bit more important, but unfortunately there isn't really one for the Browns to jump on at the top of the draft.

You bring up a valid point there, and I'd say the answer depends a lot on the scheme. While that may seem like a cop out, it's the best answer I have. Most defensive schemes don't utilize the safety like the Ravens and Steelers do. Many teams use them purely to contain the big play. If it's one of those schemes, I definitely prefer Seymour.

But say in a scheme that does utilize the safety, it is a much closer competition. But I still think I choose Seymour. He has a bigger impact against the run, and still affects the pass game, providing a pass rush. He takes up two blockers and frees up other guys to make plays. Reed can only cover one guy at a time, and can only pick the ball off when thrown his way. Seymour still impacts the game when the offense is avoiding him.

The guy I want to trade back for is Rolando McClain. He's a stud.

I'm not going to get into a big argument about the importance of position. It's all opinion. I prefer the run stuffer. And we both know that Suh would have a bigger impact on the run and pass rush than Berry. Berry may make more plays, but Suh would have a bigger impact on the majority of plays.

I have never hid the fact that I think we need to go BPA. When a team is as bad as ours with as many holes as we have, we can't afford to be picking and choosing our biggest needs. While I agree safety is a bigger need than the defensive line, I just think Suh would help our team more.

Yeah, Ingram looks like a stud. I have a feeling that he's gonna be getting talked about a lot next year by Browns fans. And if we don't get a running back this year, I don't think I'll have a problem with that.

I am actually kinda excited to watch Suh go against that Texas OL. I would like to see Texas lose and if that's going to happen Suh is going to have to put alot of pressure on McCoy.

Also this year is miserable enough that we are thining about the draft already but we can't be soooo miserable that we are already thinking about two drafts from now are we

Well I'm a big enough draft geek where it isn't sad.

I really don't care if we run a 4-3, 3-4 or a 1-5, Suh is the best player in this draft by far. And that's coming from a Berry honk.

We must draft Suh.

I wish that I thought we would.

Just posted it in the College Football week 14 thread, but we have to go Suh. He is a beast on the d-line and seems like he could be a stud for us for the next 12 years.

I've said it before and I have a feeling I'm gonna say it again: I have a feeling there will be a lot of pissed off Browns fans come April.

Our only chance of getting Suh is if our scouts/decision makers decide the QB's suck. Otherwise, it's gonna be a quarterback. And if I thought the QB's were good, I'd be down with that.

Watching Suh tonight, I saw a defensive lineman almost almost single handedly beat a top 3 team.

Slight exaggeration I know, but he is amazing.

My comment was more along the lines of, "I didn't know that Nebraska had hired Brian Daboll."