I'm not going to pretend to have extensive knowledge about the centers available in this year's draft. In fact, I've only truly analyzed the play of two of them. But from reading a number of different scouting services, and watching one player in particular, it's clear that only one man is fit for the job of first center off the board: California's Alex Mack.
Mack was truly the gold standard for centers in the Pac-10 (a conference I'm familiar with) as well as around the country. At 6'3", 310 pounds, he has the necessary size to translate to the next level. He has been a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top center, each of the last two seasons. And he was awarded the 2008 Draddy Trophy as the top scholar-athlete in all of college football. In other words, he has the skills and the brains to be an NFL player.
Mack currently sits at No. 32 on ESPN.com's Scouts Inc. board, and I would not be surprised if a team took a chance on him late in the first round.
Other Names to Watch: Max Unger (Oregon), Johnathan Luigs (Arkansas), A.Q. Shipley (Penn State)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
If the Draft Happened Today...
If the draft happened today, how would the top five picks play out? Like this:
1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia
There's no denying Detroit needs a quarterback, and right now that is probably the Lions' most pressing need. Which signal-caller will it be? Stafford seems to get the slight edge on a majority of boards, and as of now, he gets the edge here.
2. St. Louis Rams: OT Andre Smith, Alabama
It's no secret that the Rams have needed a solid offensive tackle since Orlando Pace was in his prime, and Smith fits that need. He has the physical attributes and skill to be that type of tackle, and the intangibles to go with it.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
The Chiefs don't need a QB - they need an anchor on the offensive line. Monroe provides that stability in the first round.
4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
The Seahawks haven't had a big-play wide receiver in quite some time, and Crabtree is an all-world talent. He is, at this point, the best player on the board (and might have been from the start) as well as the best player at a need position.
5. Cleveland Browns: OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
The Browns need help on defense, and Curry is the best player left on the board. He is an athletic linebacker who brings immediate ability to the table. He could start on day one, and Cleveland certainly needs that type of help.
1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia
There's no denying Detroit needs a quarterback, and right now that is probably the Lions' most pressing need. Which signal-caller will it be? Stafford seems to get the slight edge on a majority of boards, and as of now, he gets the edge here.
2. St. Louis Rams: OT Andre Smith, Alabama
It's no secret that the Rams have needed a solid offensive tackle since Orlando Pace was in his prime, and Smith fits that need. He has the physical attributes and skill to be that type of tackle, and the intangibles to go with it.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
The Chiefs don't need a QB - they need an anchor on the offensive line. Monroe provides that stability in the first round.
4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
The Seahawks haven't had a big-play wide receiver in quite some time, and Crabtree is an all-world talent. He is, at this point, the best player on the board (and might have been from the start) as well as the best player at a need position.
5. Cleveland Browns: OLB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
The Browns need help on defense, and Curry is the best player left on the board. He is an athletic linebacker who brings immediate ability to the table. He could start on day one, and Cleveland certainly needs that type of help.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
TOP 5: Wide Receivers
(1) Michael Crabrtree, Texas Tech
(2) Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
(3) Percy Harvin, Florida
(4) Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
(5) Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
(5) Brandon LaFell, LSU
There's no doubt that Crabtree is the top of the class. He's a physical specimen with a world of talent, and if the Detroit Lions didn't have the first overall pick, I'd say Crabtree had a shot to be the top selection in April. (If Detroit takes another wide receiver, all hell may break loose).
After Crabtree clearly comes Maclin, who is quite the talent himself. I wanted to put Nicks above Harvin, because I think Nicks is a better route-runner and pure receiver than Harvin. But the Florida product is more explosive and a pure playmaker. Don't discount Nicks, though.
After those two come two fine receivers. I know this is a top five, but I can't differentiate between Darrius Heyward-bey and Brandon LaFell. Both are similar in size (LaFell has an inch and a half and nine pounds on Heyward-Bey) and skill, and I think they're largely interchangeable on draft boards.
Other names to watch: Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma), Mike Thomas (Arizona)
I've always liked Iglesias' style of play and his big-play ability. He thrived with Sam Bradford at the helm, and I think he could slot into a third receiver role very well in the NFL. As for Thomas, he is certainly undersized (5'8", 197), but he plays with a lot of heart and he's a very quick receiver. With some good workouts, he could rise up teams' boards. He also has a bit of special teams potential.
(2) Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
(3) Percy Harvin, Florida
(4) Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
(5) Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
(5) Brandon LaFell, LSU
There's no doubt that Crabtree is the top of the class. He's a physical specimen with a world of talent, and if the Detroit Lions didn't have the first overall pick, I'd say Crabtree had a shot to be the top selection in April. (If Detroit takes another wide receiver, all hell may break loose).
After Crabtree clearly comes Maclin, who is quite the talent himself. I wanted to put Nicks above Harvin, because I think Nicks is a better route-runner and pure receiver than Harvin. But the Florida product is more explosive and a pure playmaker. Don't discount Nicks, though.
After those two come two fine receivers. I know this is a top five, but I can't differentiate between Darrius Heyward-bey and Brandon LaFell. Both are similar in size (LaFell has an inch and a half and nine pounds on Heyward-Bey) and skill, and I think they're largely interchangeable on draft boards.
Other names to watch: Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma), Mike Thomas (Arizona)
I've always liked Iglesias' style of play and his big-play ability. He thrived with Sam Bradford at the helm, and I think he could slot into a third receiver role very well in the NFL. As for Thomas, he is certainly undersized (5'8", 197), but he plays with a lot of heart and he's a very quick receiver. With some good workouts, he could rise up teams' boards. He also has a bit of special teams potential.
Friday, January 23, 2009
TOP 5: Running Backs
(1) Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
(2) Beanie Wells, Ohio State
(3) LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
(4) Shonn Greene, Iowa
(5) Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Moreno, Wells and McCoy are pretty close, but the edge goes to the Georgia back. His name surfaced in pre-season Heisman Trophy discussions, but that didn't pan out. Still, Moreno, is a high-quality back with a ton of pro potential.
Don't count out the diminutive Ringer, either. He cracks my top five because of his work ethic and determination. He gave opposing defenses fits throughout the year, and I think he's got what it takes work-wise to make it to the next level. Ringer is only 5'9", but I think teams are beginning to realize that height isn't the be-all, end-all. Just look at the success of Maurice Jones Drew (5'7") and Darren Sproles (5'6"). Plus, 1,600+ yards and 22 touchdowns speaks volumes about Ringer's skill.
Other names to watch: Glen Coffee (Alabama), Jeremiah Johnson (Oregon)
At this point in time, I'd be surprised if either of these two guys were drafted before the third round. Coffee has the better shot of the two, but I think Round 3 is a better target for these guys. Coffee is small for his height (a bit under 200 pounds at 6'1"), but doesn't shy away from bruising guys from time-to-time. Johnson has great quickness and could translate into a fine receiving back or special teams player.
(2) Beanie Wells, Ohio State
(3) LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
(4) Shonn Greene, Iowa
(5) Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Moreno, Wells and McCoy are pretty close, but the edge goes to the Georgia back. His name surfaced in pre-season Heisman Trophy discussions, but that didn't pan out. Still, Moreno, is a high-quality back with a ton of pro potential.
Don't count out the diminutive Ringer, either. He cracks my top five because of his work ethic and determination. He gave opposing defenses fits throughout the year, and I think he's got what it takes work-wise to make it to the next level. Ringer is only 5'9", but I think teams are beginning to realize that height isn't the be-all, end-all. Just look at the success of Maurice Jones Drew (5'7") and Darren Sproles (5'6"). Plus, 1,600+ yards and 22 touchdowns speaks volumes about Ringer's skill.
Other names to watch: Glen Coffee (Alabama), Jeremiah Johnson (Oregon)
At this point in time, I'd be surprised if either of these two guys were drafted before the third round. Coffee has the better shot of the two, but I think Round 3 is a better target for these guys. Coffee is small for his height (a bit under 200 pounds at 6'1"), but doesn't shy away from bruising guys from time-to-time. Johnson has great quickness and could translate into a fine receiving back or special teams player.
TOP 5: Quarterbacks
(1) Matthew Stafford, Georgia
(1) Mark Sanchez, USC
(3) Josh Freeman, Kansas State
(4) Nate Davis, Ball State
(5) Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State
The question at the quarterback position remains: Who is number one? Is it Stafford or Sanchez?. Depending on who you ask, you will get a different answer. I have done nothing to settle that debate because I truly see them on equal footing for now. That could change, of course, as teams continue to evaluate their performance at the various scouting stops.
Everyone agrees, however, that after these two, it's really slim pickings. Freeman has ascended the draft charts to be the (almost) consensus number three, with Davis close behind.
Everyone also seems to be in agreement that Texas Tech's Graham Harrell and Missouri's Chase Daniel are quickly falling out of favor. I was never high on Harrell, but I think Daniel could surprise as a late-round draft pick.
Other names to watch: Drew Willy (Buffalo), Cullen Harper (Clemson), Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State)
These are not the next three names on my list, but they're three guys who should garner some attention on day two and, if drafted, have a lot of potential.
(1) Mark Sanchez, USC
(3) Josh Freeman, Kansas State
(4) Nate Davis, Ball State
(5) Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston State
The question at the quarterback position remains: Who is number one? Is it Stafford or Sanchez?. Depending on who you ask, you will get a different answer. I have done nothing to settle that debate because I truly see them on equal footing for now. That could change, of course, as teams continue to evaluate their performance at the various scouting stops.
Everyone agrees, however, that after these two, it's really slim pickings. Freeman has ascended the draft charts to be the (almost) consensus number three, with Davis close behind.
Everyone also seems to be in agreement that Texas Tech's Graham Harrell and Missouri's Chase Daniel are quickly falling out of favor. I was never high on Harrell, but I think Daniel could surprise as a late-round draft pick.
Other names to watch: Drew Willy (Buffalo), Cullen Harper (Clemson), Rudy Carpenter (Arizona State)
These are not the next three names on my list, but they're three guys who should garner some attention on day two and, if drafted, have a lot of potential.
Mock Critique: SI.com's Don Banks
[Don Banks' mock draft can be found here]
The big break from a lot of different drafts here is that Banks has the Detroit Lions taking Alabama OT Andre Smith instead of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford. I can't say I completely disagree, but I have the feeling that Stafford and Mark Sanchez are pro-type quarterbacks who would fit well. Can I see Detroit going non-QB? Absolutely. Do I think they will? No. The rest of Banks' top 10 is pretty feasible, although you already know my feelings on the Kansas City Chiefs and their QB situation. Give Tyler Thigpen a chance.
I'd be stunned if the Buffalo Bills took TE Brandon Pettigrew at 11. Sure, the Bills need help on offense, but not from the TE position. WR Jeremy Maclin seems more likely for Buffalo if they choose an offensive player. I also disagree with Banks' prediction at 12. The Denver Broncos should grab DT B.J. Raji if he's on the board, which he is in this mock. The success of the 3-4 defense is predicated on the defensive tackle position moreso than the ILB position.
I don't have too many qualms with the rest of Banks' draft either. Again, at this point, I'm not going to critique each and every pick. I will say one thing though: If the Tennessee Titans are able to grab Percy Harvin at 30, Nashville should throw a party. He's a very versatile player and I think he would give the Titans the explosive receiving threat they didn't have this year.
The big break from a lot of different drafts here is that Banks has the Detroit Lions taking Alabama OT Andre Smith instead of Georgia QB Matthew Stafford. I can't say I completely disagree, but I have the feeling that Stafford and Mark Sanchez are pro-type quarterbacks who would fit well. Can I see Detroit going non-QB? Absolutely. Do I think they will? No. The rest of Banks' top 10 is pretty feasible, although you already know my feelings on the Kansas City Chiefs and their QB situation. Give Tyler Thigpen a chance.
I'd be stunned if the Buffalo Bills took TE Brandon Pettigrew at 11. Sure, the Bills need help on offense, but not from the TE position. WR Jeremy Maclin seems more likely for Buffalo if they choose an offensive player. I also disagree with Banks' prediction at 12. The Denver Broncos should grab DT B.J. Raji if he's on the board, which he is in this mock. The success of the 3-4 defense is predicated on the defensive tackle position moreso than the ILB position.
I don't have too many qualms with the rest of Banks' draft either. Again, at this point, I'm not going to critique each and every pick. I will say one thing though: If the Tennessee Titans are able to grab Percy Harvin at 30, Nashville should throw a party. He's a very versatile player and I think he would give the Titans the explosive receiving threat they didn't have this year.
What To Expect From This Blog
There are a lot of things you can expect:
- Critiques of other people's mock drafts: Below this post, I did a brief critique of Mel Kiper's first mock draft. Look for more critiques in the near-future, including one on SI.com's Don Banks' mock.
- Player Profiles: From time-to-time, I'll take a look at specific prospects and talk about their game and their pro potential.
- Player Rankings: I'll give you my top players at each position.
- The Mock: There should be multiple versions of my mock draft, but of course, the one the week of the draft is the one that matters most.
- Critiques of other people's mock drafts: Below this post, I did a brief critique of Mel Kiper's first mock draft. Look for more critiques in the near-future, including one on SI.com's Don Banks' mock.
- Player Profiles: From time-to-time, I'll take a look at specific prospects and talk about their game and their pro potential.
- Player Rankings: I'll give you my top players at each position.
- The Mock: There should be multiple versions of my mock draft, but of course, the one the week of the draft is the one that matters most.
Mock Critique: Kiper Version 1.0
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. released his first 2009 mock draft, which officially signals the start of the 2009 mocking season. Usually, anything done before that is simply attempts at grabbing the air. Nothing substantive occurs until the Duke of the Draft...ok, I'll stop putting Kiper on a pedestal.
But with the release of Kiper's first version (which, to no surprise, is only available in part to non-Insider subscribers [don't worry, I'll critique the second half of the first round too)], it provides us with some things to talk about.
There are a few picks I can't agree with. We'll start with my beloved New York Jets. There's just no way they can take Florida WR Percy Harvin with the 17th pick. There's no denying the Jets need a receiver to step up and be a big-play guy, but Harvin is not the answer. He's only about 5-10, and while he's an explosive weapon who can play multiple positions, he doesn't fit the type of receiver the team needs. They need a tall receiver - not another Santana Moss.
Backtracking for a moment, Kiper has the Kansas City Chiefs going with USC QB Mark Sanchez at No. 3. I'm not sold on this, at least for now. Tyler Thigpen showed considerable growth throughout the season, and I have to think there's some institutional confidence in him - perhaps enough to mean KC will not go QB in the first round.
A team that I do think will eventually take a quarterback is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, I don't think they will go that route in the first round. Kiper has the team grabbing Josh Freeman, the signal-caller from Kansas State, at 19. Freeman's stock has taken a jump in recent weeks, but I'm not sold on him. I think the team is more likely to use a late-round selection to draft a QB. To me, it makes sense to remain with Jeff Garcia at the helm, at least for the first year of the new coaching regime. I know the rookie coach-QB combo worked this year, but I wouldn't expect similar results.
But with the release of Kiper's first version (which, to no surprise, is only available in part to non-Insider subscribers [don't worry, I'll critique the second half of the first round too)], it provides us with some things to talk about.
There are a few picks I can't agree with. We'll start with my beloved New York Jets. There's just no way they can take Florida WR Percy Harvin with the 17th pick. There's no denying the Jets need a receiver to step up and be a big-play guy, but Harvin is not the answer. He's only about 5-10, and while he's an explosive weapon who can play multiple positions, he doesn't fit the type of receiver the team needs. They need a tall receiver - not another Santana Moss.
Backtracking for a moment, Kiper has the Kansas City Chiefs going with USC QB Mark Sanchez at No. 3. I'm not sold on this, at least for now. Tyler Thigpen showed considerable growth throughout the season, and I have to think there's some institutional confidence in him - perhaps enough to mean KC will not go QB in the first round.
A team that I do think will eventually take a quarterback is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, I don't think they will go that route in the first round. Kiper has the team grabbing Josh Freeman, the signal-caller from Kansas State, at 19. Freeman's stock has taken a jump in recent weeks, but I'm not sold on him. I think the team is more likely to use a late-round selection to draft a QB. To me, it makes sense to remain with Jeff Garcia at the helm, at least for the first year of the new coaching regime. I know the rookie coach-QB combo worked this year, but I wouldn't expect similar results.
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