Bump.
Ok, obviously Deep, you know I respect the amount of time and work you put into this and you have likely watched a lot more film on some of these prospects than I have. However, I do have a different feeling on several spots and would like to know why you ranked how you did there. Plus, what fun are lists if we don’t have some back and forth on them
And when I ask ‘why’ I’m not calling you out, I legitimately want to know ‘why’
Allrighty then,
QB: I think you are too high on Bradford. A Spread-Option QB who basically missed the 2009 season because of a shredded shoulder and has bulked up 30-40lbs since he lasted played football scares the life out of me. I was not that high on him last year, so this past year only downgraded him for me. That said, I am not really high on ANY of the QBs this year. Colt might be the best if his arm strength is enough, but I have serious reservations about him.
Of the late round guys, I like Zac and LeFevour the best, but as you mentioned, not much arm strength in either. Do you really like Jarrett Brown that much? Why? How can anyone be confident he can read defenses when WVU ran a spread-run offense (basically modern Veer).
RB: I like Ryan Mathews over Spiller, but I think that is just a preference in type of RB. I’d rather have the guy who can consistently get the tough yards than the guy who will break a couple more long runs. I think both are head and shoulders above the rest.
Why are you so high on Hardesty? From what I have seen of him, he did not seem impressive. I would much rather have the powerful Dwyer and take a chance that his vision will translate to normal running patterns than him, but you have Hardesty higher.
Also, you probably know I am very high on McCluster. I think he can be a Reggie and/or Slaton type role in the NFL which has become a legitimate role and a valuable one. And, he might be a better route runner than either, so he might be able to play some slot WR as well. Honestly, what most seem to see in Best, I see in McCluster more.
Tate over Dixon?
WR: Your top4 WRs scare the life out of me and I hope the Browns stay away. Not one guy who I am sold on. Too many guys who don’t run the routes the right way or can’t just catch the ball unless they are making a sideways diving catch over a defender (yeah, that’s a Tate reference). I actually like your #5 WR the best of the bunch but wouldn’t touch him until the late 2nd (obviously Dez has more talent, but I have serious reservations about him, I would ‘take him off the board’ so to speak).
Also, I love Eric Decker. I would have him much higher. If he can get past his injury concerns, then I think he will definitely stick in the NFL. I also disagree with him about not being a vertical threat. While it is true that he isn’t the fastest WR, he is so good at adjusting to the ball and using his body and hands downfield that I can see him being sent vertically just to get the matchup advantage.
Where is Jacoby Ford? And yes, I know he is only 5’9”, but I think he’s a poor man’s DeSean/Maclin and we know how much Heckert seems to like those guys (so maybe I’m talking myself into him. Which is why I want to know why he didn’t make your list).
TE: I would have Pitta and Hoomanawanui higher than you do, but with the Browns likely not looking at TE, let’s just move on.
OT: I share your vision at OT. I think Okung is a bit more skilled than Trent, so I’d probably rate him higher, but the fan in me that likes to watch OL play really likes Trent more. Trent, Davis, and Buluga are old school power OTs who can really beatup people in the trenches. I like that you have Bruce downgraded from where I have seen him most places as well.
OG: Mike Johnson. I am going to keep beating his drum. I think he is the best non-1st round OG. I hope that you are correct he is a 3rd round prospect, but I hope we are the ones to grab him there. Saban leaned on the left side of the Bama OL all year and he consistently delivered.
OC: thought I was going to have to convince you on Walton as most have him rated lower that I have seen, but looks like you agree there. My biggest question though is if you think he can play OG since he is such a mauler. If he can, then that would give him such more value to us as he could be the starting RG and also serve as Mack’s backup.
3-4 DE: agree pretty much with your rankings. Only minor quibble would be Carrington being a 3rd round guy, might end up that way, but I really think someone nabs him in the 2nd.
3-4 OLB: Here’s a fun one. I just don’t believe the hype on JPP. Maybe he’s the next Ware, but I don’t see it. I trust Graham much more in that regard. I still like the potential value of Kindle or Hughes (whichever one drops) in the 2nd over either in the mid-1st though. After that, I don’t think there are any starters in the mix and we have plenty of depth options on the Browns already.
NT: I like Cam Thomas and like that you have him rated as a 2nd round prospect, but do you really think he can go that high? I was actually hoping he would slip in the draft into the 4th round or so and that the Browns could make a move to get him.
ILB: I like Chaney a lot more than you do apparently. Don’t know why I’m so high on MissSt guys this year, very strange I’ll admit.
CB: one of my biggest arguments with you is your treatment of Brandon Ghee. I think he is a legitimate talent and the 2nd best coverage CB in this class (to Haden). He is also a good tackler who will actually help in the running game. He reminds me a bit of Cortland Finnegan. His main weakness is that he isn’t a ball-hawk but is instead a disciplined DB who will stay with his man in coverage. What am I missing?
S: I’d take Nate Allen over Chad or Taylor, but I pretty much agree here.
Browns Big Board:
Take away Bradford, Claussen, JPP, and move Dez down to the bottom (and obviously I’d have Ghee on the list). Also, just curious as to why you have Weatherspoon over McClain. I like both, but wanted to know why you think we’d prefer him since they would both probably play ILB for us.
