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Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Draft Daily Mock Draft 1.0
With the combine over and pro days and individual team workouts on the way, it's time for Draft Daily's Mock Draft 1.0! With each pick you'll see my grade for that player and a very brief analysis. Non-seniors will be noted with an asterisk. Enjoy.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) - OT Luke Joeckel*, Texas A&M (97)
Offensive tackle probably isn't one of their biggest needs but when you're picking first overall, you don't have the luxury of picking for positional needs. Joeckel is arguably the best prospect in this draft and could be inserted instantly as the day 1 starter at left tackle, helping protect the investment the team just made in new QB Alex Smith.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) - OLB Jarvis Jones*, Georgia (95)
I think the Jags would love to take an offensive skill position player here to make an instant impact but this year's class just doesn't have a prospect that fits that description that would warrant being picked this early. However they desperately need a pass rush on defense as they ranked dead last in sacks last season, and I think Jarvis Jones is the best pass rushing prospect available.
3. Oakland Raiders (4-12) - QB Geno Smith, West Virginia (90)
Yes, it'd be a pretty big reach but quarterbacks tend to get drafted earlier than they should and the Raiders need a change at quarterback as badly as anyone else in the league. Carson Palmer has been a major disappointment since coming to the Raiders and is now old and injury prone. Terrelle Pryor is still very raw and is not anywhere close to being a starter in this league. Geno Smith is a good quarterback and could be the Raiders' answer at QB for a long time.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12) - DT Sharrif Floyd*, Florida (97)
I think Sharrif Floyd is the best prospect in this year's class but defensive tackles just don't make as big an impact as other positions so for that reason, I have him landing here at 4th overall. The Eagles need to improve their disappointing defense that ranked in the bottom 10 in rush defense and Floyd would be a big boost.
5. Detroit Lions (4-12) - CB Dee Milliner*, Alabama (94)
The Lions gave up the 6th most points of any defense last season and have a big hole at cornerback. Fortunately for them, Dee Milliner not only fills that hole but also fits perfectly in this range in terms of value (I have him 7th overall on the Double-D Big Board). Always nice when need meets value and the Lions get a player that should start from day 1.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon (94)
The Browns are another team that desperately needs help offensively but again, there's just no offensive skill position players that they could defend picking this high. So they draft one of the top defensive prospects available in an attempt to improve their bottom 10 defense.
7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - OT Eric Fisher*, Central Michigan (94)
QB is their biggest need but this is a down year for quarterbacks and with Geno Smith already off the board, they'll have to wait. Instead they go with Eric Fisher who's stock is on the rise post-combine. He could be a day 1 starter at left tackle and would improve the Cards' offensive line that gave up the most sacks of any team in the league.
8. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - OLB Barkevious Mingo*, LSU (93)
The Bills have a hole at weakside linebacker and Mingo has the size and athleticism to make the move from defensive end to outside linebacker. He's one of the best players available at this point and would help improve the Bills' poor defense.
9. New York Jets (6-10) - OLB/DE Ezekiel Ansah*, BYU (92)
The Jets have wanted and needed a pass rusher at outside linebacker for some time. Don't forget they planned on taking Seahawks pass rusher Bruce Irvin last year before Seattle scooped him up ahead of them. Ezekiel Ansah fills this hole. He's a little raw but still a freak athlete and looks to be one of the top pass rushing prospects in this year's class.
10. Tennessee Titans (6-10) - OG Chance Warmack, Alabama (96)
In terms of talent, I think Chance Warmack is a top 5 player but because of the nature of the guard position, I expect him to fall a little bit. The interior of the Titans' offensive line needs help and Warmack fits the bill. Their offense needs Chris Johnson to produce to be successful and adding a solid run-blocking offensive lineman like Warmack would really help.
11. San Diego Chargers (7-9) - OT Lane Johnson*, Oklahoma (93)
The Chargers need Philip Rivers to return to his 2011 form for the team to be successful. They could start by keeping him off his back (they gave up the 4th most sacks last season). Lane Johnson is another tackle whose stock is on the rise post-combine and he'd improve the Chargers' poor offensive line.
12. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - DT Star Lotulelei, Utah (95)
In light of Lotulelei's recently discovered heart condition, I have him falling a little bit. Depending on the results of his additional health tests in the coming weeks, his stock could head back upward or continue to fall but for now he lands here at 12th overall. The Dolphins have a need at defensive tackle and Lotulelei is top 5 in terms of talent.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - DT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina (92)
The Bucs would love a quality defensive tackle to pair with Gerald McCoy in their 4-3 front and Sylvester Williams would do that nicely. He'd also improve their defense that ranked 29th in the league last year.
14. Carolina Panthers (7-9) - WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia (91)
The Panthers need to add a quality weapon for Cam Newton and in Austin, they'd be getting a very nice playmaking compliment to Steve Smith. His stock has been soaring since the combine and he is arguably the biggest offensive gamechanger in this year's draft.
15. New Orleans Saints (7-9) - S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas (92)
Safety is a big need in the New Orleans' secondary and Vaccaro would fill that need well. In a strong 2013 safety class, Vacarro ranks at the top and he'd really help improve the Saints' defense that ranked 31st last year.
16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - OT D.J. Fluker*, Alabama (90)
Offensive tackle is probably the Rams' biggest need as they continue to develop their young franchise QB Sam Bradford. Their current left tackle Rodger Saffold projects as a better fit at right tackle and Fluker could take over the blind side.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - OLB/DE Bjoern Werner*, Florida State (91)
James Harrison could be a cap casualty this offseason and even if he's not, he's getting old and has become injury prone in the latter stages of his career. Werner is a guy that's high on a lot of boards and could potentially make the move to 3-4 outside linebacker.
18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - OG Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina (93)
This is another guard that despite talent, drops because of his position. The Cowboys offensive line as a whole wasn't very good last year and Cooper projects as a guy that could start for them from day 1.
19. New York Giants (9-7) - ILB Alec Ogletree*, Georgia (91)
Ogletree would be a pretty good value pick here in terms of talent. Due to character concerns, I have him dropping a bit but Tom Coughlin has the type of strong leadership and strict coaching style that could straighten him out. The Giants have a big need at linebacker and Ogletree would help fill it.
20. Chicago Bears (10-6) - TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (91)
The bottom line is the Bears need to get Jay Cutler another weapon other than just Brandon Marshall. Tyler Eifert would be a great addition as he is a very good tight end and would be an instant contributor in Chicago's passing game.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - S Matt Elam*, Florida (87)
The Bengals have a need at safety as two of their regular contributors, Nate Clements and Chris Crocker, are set to leave via free agency. Matt Elam is the second best safety on my board and could contribute as a rookie.
22. St. Louis Rams (via 10-6 WAS) - WR Cordarrelle Patterson*, Tennessee (90)
At 22, I have the Rams continuing to help out Sam Bradford. They haven't really had a receiving weapon to speak of outside of Danny Amendola and Bradford has struggled because of it. Patterson is still raw at this point but he could develop into a legit no. 1 receiver, the athletic ability is there.
23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) - DT Sheldon Richardson*, Missouri (91)
The Vikings could go receiver here but for now I have them going with Richardson at 23, who's among the best available at this point, to compliment Kevin Williams along their defensive front.
24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - CB Desmond Trufant, Washington (89)
The Colts need a corner to play opposite Vontae Davis. Desmond Trufant is a player whose stock has been on the rise thanks to strong showings during Senior Bowl week and the combine and would likely improve the Colts' defensive unit that ranked 26th last season.
25. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) - WR Keenan Allen*, California (88)
After Russell Wilson's phenomenal rookie year, I expect the Seahawks to make an effort to provide him with more weapons offensively. Seattle is weak at wide receiver and Keenan Allen is the best wide receiver available at this point on my board.
26. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - RB Ed Lacy*, Alabama (88)
The Packers don't have a true every down running back that can handle a full workload. With Donald Driver retired and Greg Jennings possibly leaving via free agency, I expect the Packers to enhance their run game to help out Aaron Rodgers. Ed Lacy can be an every down back and is the best running back in this class.
27. Houston Texans (12-4) - ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame (91)
The Texans have a hole at inside linebacker in their 3-4 system next to Brian Cushing. I have Te'o falling here due to his mediocre combine showing and the whole catfish hoopla. Houston would be filling a need and getting good value.
28. Denver Broncos (13-3) - DT Johnathan Jenkins, Georgia (87)
Denver's defense was very good last season but they have a pretty big void at both defensive tackle positions. The big 358lb. Jenkins is one of the best players available at this point and would help fill that need.
29. New England Patriots (12-4) - WR Justin Hunter*, Tennessee (87)
Wes Welker could be leaving via free agency, which would leave Tom Brady with the overrated Brandon Lloyd as his best option at receiver. Justin Hunter had better production and is a more polished receiver than his Volunteer counterpart Cordarrelle Patterson and would help give the Patriots another receiving option outside of Lloyd.
30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - TE Zach Ertz*, Stanford (89)
Tony Gonzalez may or may not be retiring but he's old regardless and the Falcons need to be thinking about replacements. Ertz is probably the most complete tight end in this year's class and would be an asset to Matt Ryan for years to come.
31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) - CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut (88)
The 49ers have a strong defense but they have a need at cornerback. Rumors have surfaced this past week that they could be pursuing a trade for the Jets' Darrelle Revis. If that doesn't happen, they could go with Wreh-Wilson who fits the need and is one of the best players available at this point.
32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) - ILB Kevin Minter*, LSU (87)
The Ravens will have a hard time replacing what Ray Lewis brought to their team over the years, not just physically but psychologically. At any rate, the need at inside linebacker remains and Kevin Minter is a good player that could begin the attempt at filling the void left by #52.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) - OT Luke Joeckel*, Texas A&M (97)
Offensive tackle probably isn't one of their biggest needs but when you're picking first overall, you don't have the luxury of picking for positional needs. Joeckel is arguably the best prospect in this draft and could be inserted instantly as the day 1 starter at left tackle, helping protect the investment the team just made in new QB Alex Smith.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) - OLB Jarvis Jones*, Georgia (95)
I think the Jags would love to take an offensive skill position player here to make an instant impact but this year's class just doesn't have a prospect that fits that description that would warrant being picked this early. However they desperately need a pass rush on defense as they ranked dead last in sacks last season, and I think Jarvis Jones is the best pass rushing prospect available.
3. Oakland Raiders (4-12) - QB Geno Smith, West Virginia (90)
Yes, it'd be a pretty big reach but quarterbacks tend to get drafted earlier than they should and the Raiders need a change at quarterback as badly as anyone else in the league. Carson Palmer has been a major disappointment since coming to the Raiders and is now old and injury prone. Terrelle Pryor is still very raw and is not anywhere close to being a starter in this league. Geno Smith is a good quarterback and could be the Raiders' answer at QB for a long time.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (4-12) - DT Sharrif Floyd*, Florida (97)
I think Sharrif Floyd is the best prospect in this year's class but defensive tackles just don't make as big an impact as other positions so for that reason, I have him landing here at 4th overall. The Eagles need to improve their disappointing defense that ranked in the bottom 10 in rush defense and Floyd would be a big boost.
5. Detroit Lions (4-12) - CB Dee Milliner*, Alabama (94)
The Lions gave up the 6th most points of any defense last season and have a big hole at cornerback. Fortunately for them, Dee Milliner not only fills that hole but also fits perfectly in this range in terms of value (I have him 7th overall on the Double-D Big Board). Always nice when need meets value and the Lions get a player that should start from day 1.
6. Cleveland Browns (5-11) - OLB Dion Jordan, Oregon (94)
The Browns are another team that desperately needs help offensively but again, there's just no offensive skill position players that they could defend picking this high. So they draft one of the top defensive prospects available in an attempt to improve their bottom 10 defense.
7. Arizona Cardinals (5-11) - OT Eric Fisher*, Central Michigan (94)
QB is their biggest need but this is a down year for quarterbacks and with Geno Smith already off the board, they'll have to wait. Instead they go with Eric Fisher who's stock is on the rise post-combine. He could be a day 1 starter at left tackle and would improve the Cards' offensive line that gave up the most sacks of any team in the league.
8. Buffalo Bills (6-10) - OLB Barkevious Mingo*, LSU (93)
The Bills have a hole at weakside linebacker and Mingo has the size and athleticism to make the move from defensive end to outside linebacker. He's one of the best players available at this point and would help improve the Bills' poor defense.
9. New York Jets (6-10) - OLB/DE Ezekiel Ansah*, BYU (92)
The Jets have wanted and needed a pass rusher at outside linebacker for some time. Don't forget they planned on taking Seahawks pass rusher Bruce Irvin last year before Seattle scooped him up ahead of them. Ezekiel Ansah fills this hole. He's a little raw but still a freak athlete and looks to be one of the top pass rushing prospects in this year's class.
10. Tennessee Titans (6-10) - OG Chance Warmack, Alabama (96)
In terms of talent, I think Chance Warmack is a top 5 player but because of the nature of the guard position, I expect him to fall a little bit. The interior of the Titans' offensive line needs help and Warmack fits the bill. Their offense needs Chris Johnson to produce to be successful and adding a solid run-blocking offensive lineman like Warmack would really help.
11. San Diego Chargers (7-9) - OT Lane Johnson*, Oklahoma (93)
The Chargers need Philip Rivers to return to his 2011 form for the team to be successful. They could start by keeping him off his back (they gave up the 4th most sacks last season). Lane Johnson is another tackle whose stock is on the rise post-combine and he'd improve the Chargers' poor offensive line.
12. Miami Dolphins (7-9) - DT Star Lotulelei, Utah (95)
In light of Lotulelei's recently discovered heart condition, I have him falling a little bit. Depending on the results of his additional health tests in the coming weeks, his stock could head back upward or continue to fall but for now he lands here at 12th overall. The Dolphins have a need at defensive tackle and Lotulelei is top 5 in terms of talent.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) - DT Sylvester Williams, North Carolina (92)
The Bucs would love a quality defensive tackle to pair with Gerald McCoy in their 4-3 front and Sylvester Williams would do that nicely. He'd also improve their defense that ranked 29th in the league last year.
14. Carolina Panthers (7-9) - WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia (91)
The Panthers need to add a quality weapon for Cam Newton and in Austin, they'd be getting a very nice playmaking compliment to Steve Smith. His stock has been soaring since the combine and he is arguably the biggest offensive gamechanger in this year's draft.
15. New Orleans Saints (7-9) - S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas (92)
Safety is a big need in the New Orleans' secondary and Vaccaro would fill that need well. In a strong 2013 safety class, Vacarro ranks at the top and he'd really help improve the Saints' defense that ranked 31st last year.
16. St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) - OT D.J. Fluker*, Alabama (90)
Offensive tackle is probably the Rams' biggest need as they continue to develop their young franchise QB Sam Bradford. Their current left tackle Rodger Saffold projects as a better fit at right tackle and Fluker could take over the blind side.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) - OLB/DE Bjoern Werner*, Florida State (91)
James Harrison could be a cap casualty this offseason and even if he's not, he's getting old and has become injury prone in the latter stages of his career. Werner is a guy that's high on a lot of boards and could potentially make the move to 3-4 outside linebacker.
18. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) - OG Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina (93)
This is another guard that despite talent, drops because of his position. The Cowboys offensive line as a whole wasn't very good last year and Cooper projects as a guy that could start for them from day 1.
19. New York Giants (9-7) - ILB Alec Ogletree*, Georgia (91)
Ogletree would be a pretty good value pick here in terms of talent. Due to character concerns, I have him dropping a bit but Tom Coughlin has the type of strong leadership and strict coaching style that could straighten him out. The Giants have a big need at linebacker and Ogletree would help fill it.
20. Chicago Bears (10-6) - TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame (91)
The bottom line is the Bears need to get Jay Cutler another weapon other than just Brandon Marshall. Tyler Eifert would be a great addition as he is a very good tight end and would be an instant contributor in Chicago's passing game.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) - S Matt Elam*, Florida (87)
The Bengals have a need at safety as two of their regular contributors, Nate Clements and Chris Crocker, are set to leave via free agency. Matt Elam is the second best safety on my board and could contribute as a rookie.
22. St. Louis Rams (via 10-6 WAS) - WR Cordarrelle Patterson*, Tennessee (90)
At 22, I have the Rams continuing to help out Sam Bradford. They haven't really had a receiving weapon to speak of outside of Danny Amendola and Bradford has struggled because of it. Patterson is still raw at this point but he could develop into a legit no. 1 receiver, the athletic ability is there.
23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) - DT Sheldon Richardson*, Missouri (91)
The Vikings could go receiver here but for now I have them going with Richardson at 23, who's among the best available at this point, to compliment Kevin Williams along their defensive front.
24. Indianapolis Colts (11-5) - CB Desmond Trufant, Washington (89)
The Colts need a corner to play opposite Vontae Davis. Desmond Trufant is a player whose stock has been on the rise thanks to strong showings during Senior Bowl week and the combine and would likely improve the Colts' defensive unit that ranked 26th last season.
25. Seattle Seahawks (11-5) - WR Keenan Allen*, California (88)
After Russell Wilson's phenomenal rookie year, I expect the Seahawks to make an effort to provide him with more weapons offensively. Seattle is weak at wide receiver and Keenan Allen is the best wide receiver available at this point on my board.
26. Green Bay Packers (11-5) - RB Ed Lacy*, Alabama (88)
The Packers don't have a true every down running back that can handle a full workload. With Donald Driver retired and Greg Jennings possibly leaving via free agency, I expect the Packers to enhance their run game to help out Aaron Rodgers. Ed Lacy can be an every down back and is the best running back in this class.
27. Houston Texans (12-4) - ILB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame (91)
The Texans have a hole at inside linebacker in their 3-4 system next to Brian Cushing. I have Te'o falling here due to his mediocre combine showing and the whole catfish hoopla. Houston would be filling a need and getting good value.
28. Denver Broncos (13-3) - DT Johnathan Jenkins, Georgia (87)
Denver's defense was very good last season but they have a pretty big void at both defensive tackle positions. The big 358lb. Jenkins is one of the best players available at this point and would help fill that need.
29. New England Patriots (12-4) - WR Justin Hunter*, Tennessee (87)
Wes Welker could be leaving via free agency, which would leave Tom Brady with the overrated Brandon Lloyd as his best option at receiver. Justin Hunter had better production and is a more polished receiver than his Volunteer counterpart Cordarrelle Patterson and would help give the Patriots another receiving option outside of Lloyd.
30. Atlanta Falcons (13-3) - TE Zach Ertz*, Stanford (89)
Tony Gonzalez may or may not be retiring but he's old regardless and the Falcons need to be thinking about replacements. Ertz is probably the most complete tight end in this year's class and would be an asset to Matt Ryan for years to come.
31. San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) - CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Connecticut (88)
The 49ers have a strong defense but they have a need at cornerback. Rumors have surfaced this past week that they could be pursuing a trade for the Jets' Darrelle Revis. If that doesn't happen, they could go with Wreh-Wilson who fits the need and is one of the best players available at this point.
32. Baltimore Ravens (10-6) - ILB Kevin Minter*, LSU (87)
The Ravens will have a hard time replacing what Ray Lewis brought to their team over the years, not just physically but psychologically. At any rate, the need at inside linebacker remains and Kevin Minter is a good player that could begin the attempt at filling the void left by #52.
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Double-D Big Board
Here is my current big board for this year's draft! You'll see next to each player is my grade for them. A grade in the 90s means that player's a first round caliber player. Similarly, a grade in the 80s means that player's a second round caliber player. (Please note this doesn't mean there'll be 32 players with grades in the 90s as each player is graded based only on that player's talent. In other words, just because there's 32 picks in the first round, doesn't mean there's 32 players in the draft that have "first round" talent.) With each player, I'll include position, height, weight, school, and grade. Underclassmen will be noted with an asterisk.
Well without further ado, here it is!
Double-D Top 25
- DT Sharrif Floyd*, 6'3" 298lbs., Florida - 97
- OT Luke Joeckel*, 6'5 3/4" 306lbs., Texas A&M - 97
- OG Chance Warmack, 6'2 3/8" 325lbs., Alabama - 96
- OLB Jarvis Jones*, 6'2" 242lbs., Georgia - 95
- DT Star Lotulelei, 6'3" 320lbs., Utah - 95
- OLB Dion Jordan, 6'6 1/8" 239lbs., Oregon - 94
- CB Dee Milliner*, 6'0 3/4" 197lbs., Alabama - 94
- OT Eric Fisher*, 6'7 1/4" 305lbs., Central Michigan - 94
- OLB Barkevious Mingo*, 6'5" 240lbs., LSU - 93
- OG Jonathan Cooper, 6'3" 320lbs., North Carolina - 93
- OT Lane Johnson*, 6'6 1/4" 302lbs., Oklahoma - 93
- DE Ezekiel Ansah*, 6'6" 273lbs., BYU - 92
- DT Sylvester Williams, 6'2 3/4" 313lbs., North Carolina - 92
- S Kenny Vaccaro, 6'0 1/2" 210lbs., Texas - 92
- WR Tavon Austin, 5'8 3/8" 173lbs., West Virginia - 91
- ILB Alec Ogletree*, 6'3" 237lbs., Georgia - 91
- TE Tyler Eifert, 6'6" 250lbs., Notre Dame - 91
- DT Sheldon Richardson*, 6'2 7/8" 290lbs., Missouri - 91
- ILB Manti Te'o, 6'1" 248lbs., Notre Dame - 91
- DE Bjoern Werner*, 6'4" 255lbs., Florida State - 91
- QB Geno Smith, 6'2 3/4" 208lbs., West Virginia - 90
- WR Cordarrelle Patterson*, 6'3" 205lbs., Tennessee - 90
- OT D.J. Fluker*, 6'4 7/8" 355lbs., Alabama - 90
- TE Zach Ertz*, 6'6" 249lbs., Stanford - 89
- CB Desmond Trufant, 5'11 1/8" 190lbs., Washington - 89
Thanks for reading and don't forget to check in with Draft Daily tomorrow night as I'll be releasing my first official mock draft! Stay tuned!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Alex Smith Trade Grades
For those of you who don't know, the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs have agreed in principle to a deal in which the 49ers send QB Alex Smith to the Chiefs in exchange for the Chiefs' 2nd round pick this year (33rd overall) and a conditional mid-round pick next year. (Photo Credit: Getty Images File Photo)
49ers' Grade: A-
This was a great trade for San Francisco. Coming off a Super Bowl appearance, clearly they're already a very good football team and these quality picks give them the ability to make their team even stronger. Alex Smith was expendable after current starter Colin Kaepernick came on strong in the 2nd half of the regular season and took over the starting role. So why an A- instead of an A+? With this trade, the team is essentially putting all of their eggs in the Kaepernick basket. That may not be a bad decision as he's looked outstanding so far, but you have to keep in mind he has very limited experience and has yet to play in even a season's worth of games. If he gets hurt or teams figure him out and he begins to play ineffectively, the team no longer has the luxury of falling back on the veteran Smith who has tons of experience and has proven to be a solid game manager.
Chiefs' Grade: D
Horrible. Just horrible. Did they need a quarterback? Yes. Are they better off at the quarterback position now than they were this past season with Matt Cassel? Yes. But that doesn't excuse this terrible trade. When you're a team picking first overall, you clearly need a lot of help. How do you get that help? Through the draft. If you're giving away high picks, you're only hurting yourself and hurting the rebuilding effort. This isn't the Bears in '07 who were a half-decent quarterback away from being Super Bowl Champions, this is the worst team in the league. Replacing one of the worst quarterbacks in the league with a league average quarterback is not going to significantly improve this team's record. Additionally, the Chiefs could've taken their own quarterback (such as Matt Barkley) with that 2nd round pick they traded away and probably been just as well off as they are now with Alex Smith. Not to mention he'd be 7 years younger (Alex Smith turns 29 in May). This isn't a guy that's gonna put the team on his back and carry you to wins. This is a guy who can effectively manage the game if he's on a team with good pieces around him. The Chiefs do not fit this description. This move just made no sense, and if I had to guess, I'd say this team will be picking in the top 10 again next year after a mediocre year from Smith.
As always, thanks for reading and don't forget Draft Daily's big board and mock draft are coming this weekend so stay tuned!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Looking Ahead...
Now that the combine is wrapped up, I just wanted to give everyone a quick look at two major features upcoming on Draft Daily!
Draft Daily will be introducing its first DOUBLE-D BIG BOARD on Saturday, March 2nd ranking the top prospects in this year's draft class!
Then the following day I'll be introducing my first MOCK DRAFT on Sunday, March 3rd taking a crack at how the first round will unfold!
And of course I'll report and break down major draft stories should something develop before then! I hope you're excited for what's to come and as always, thanks for reading!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Combine Day 4 Recap
Story of the Day
Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu. There may have been players coming in with higher grades today but there's no one I wanted to see more than the honeybadger. How would he look after a year off? Would he test poorly as expected? These questions were answered for me as he looked to be in great shape and turned in an overall solid day at the combine. The biggest concerns scouts have, outside of his off the field troubles, are his size and speed but he helped alleviate some of those issues today by posting an okay 4.50 40 time. On top of that, he looked very smooth in his backpedal and in transition, and he displayed the natural ball skills that made him such a playmaker at LSU. He had one of the best overall workouts in the drills portion and may have improved his stock today more than anyone else. If he interviewed well with teams this week, I could see him being a Day 2 pick which is great for him considering where he was a few months ago.
(Photo Credit: Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Others that Impressed
Disappointments
Former LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu. There may have been players coming in with higher grades today but there's no one I wanted to see more than the honeybadger. How would he look after a year off? Would he test poorly as expected? These questions were answered for me as he looked to be in great shape and turned in an overall solid day at the combine. The biggest concerns scouts have, outside of his off the field troubles, are his size and speed but he helped alleviate some of those issues today by posting an okay 4.50 40 time. On top of that, he looked very smooth in his backpedal and in transition, and he displayed the natural ball skills that made him such a playmaker at LSU. He had one of the best overall workouts in the drills portion and may have improved his stock today more than anyone else. If he interviewed well with teams this week, I could see him being a Day 2 pick which is great for him considering where he was a few months ago.(Photo Credit: Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Others that Impressed
- Syracuse S Shamarko Thomas. He was a top performer in the 40 yard dash and the bench press. He's very built at 5'9" and 213 lbs. and looks like a running back. He was a big hitter with speed in college and that translated to the stopwatch today with his 4.42 40. Currently a Day 2 prospect.
- Washington CB Desmond Trufant. He kept his Senior Bowl momentum rolling today at the combine. He ran a top time in the 40 (4.38) and looked good in drills. Should be a Day 2 pick as well.
- Day 3 prospects Steve Williams (California) and Darius Slay (Mississippi St.). Williams posted a solid 4.42 40 time and was a top performer in vertical and broad jump. Slay ran the fastest 40 of the day with a 4.36 and turned some heads with his speed.
Disappointments
- Top CB prospect Dee Milliner (Alabama). People will say that this workout didn't matter and they're right, he looked good on film all year where it counts and will still almost certainly be a top 10 pick. But the bottom line is that he didn't look very good today. He was very sloppy in his backpedal and dropped way too many balls. Posted a great 40 time (4.37) but had an overall poor day after that.
- Possible first round CB Johnthan Banks (Mississippi St.). An overall unimpressive showing. He started the day by running a disappointing 4.61 and didn't really do anything to improve his day from there. Mediocre work out and not something you'd expect from a first round pick.
Results from Day 4 (DB, S)
Here are the official 40-yard dash times and bench press results from the defensive back and safety group. The players are ordered alphabetically. I will bold the players that I think are first round talents and an asterisk denotes a top performance in that category.
DB
Johnny Adams (Michigan St.) - 4.48; 16 reps*
Robert Alford (Southeastern Louisiana) - 4.39*; 17 reps*
David Amerson (N.C. State) - 4.44; 15 reps*
Marc Anthony (California) - 4.63; 12 reps
Johnthan Banks (Mississippi St.) - 4.61; 10 reps
Adrian Bushell (Louisville) - 4.58; 17 reps*
Sanders Commings (Georgia) - 4.41*; DNP
Will Davis (Utah St.) - 4.51; 16 reps*
Mike Edwards (Hawaii) - 4.56; 14 reps
Dwayne Gratz (Connecticut) - 4.47; 22 reps*
Terry Hawthorne (Illinois) - 4.44; 13 reps
D.J. Hayden (Houston) - DNP; DNP
Aaron Hester (UCLA) - 4.62; DNP
Josh Johnson (Purdue) - 4.65; 16 reps*
Tyrann Mathieu (LSU) - 4.50; 4 reps
Demetrius McCray (Appalachian St.) - 4.54; 4 reps
Leon McFadden (San Diego St.) - 4.54; 10 reps
Brandon McGee (Miami) - 4.40*; 14 reps
Dee Milliner (Alabama) - 4.37*; DNP
Jordan Poyer (Oregon St.) - 4.54; 8 reps
Greg Reid (Florida St.) - DNP; 10 reps
Xavier Rhodes (Florida St.) - 4.43; 14 reps
Nickell Robey (USC) - 4.53; 10 reps
Logan Ryan (Rutgers) - 4.56; 14 reps
Tharold Simon (LSU) - 4.51; 9 reps
Darius Slay (Mississippi St.) - 4.36*; 14 reps
Daxton Swanson (Sam Houston St.) - 4.56; 15 reps*
Rod Sweeting (Georgia Tech) - 4.42*; 11 reps
Jamar Taylor (Boise St.) - 4.39*; 22 reps*
Desmond Trufant (Washington) - 4.38*; 16 reps*
B.W. Webb (William & Mary) - 4.51; 14 reps
Kayvon Webster (South Florida) - 4.41*; 14 reps
Steve Williams (California) - 4.42*; 12 reps
Khalid Wooten (Nevada) - 4.53; 17 reps*
Blidi Wreh-Wilson (Connecticut) - 4.53; 14 reps
S
Josh Boyett (Oregon) - DNP; 27 reps*
John Cyprien (Florida International) - DNP; DNP
Matt Elam (Florida) - 4.54*; 17 reps
Josh Evans (Florida) - 4.58; DNP
Micah Hyde (Iowa) - 4.56; 12 reps
Tony Jefferson (Oklahoma) - 4.75; 16 reps
Keelan Johnson (Arizona State) - 4.54*; 12 reps
Robert Lester (Alabama) - 4.66; DNP
T.J. McDonald (USC) - 4.59; 19 reps*
Bradley McDougald (Kansas) - 4.74; 19 reps*
Rontez Miles (California-PA) - 4.62; DNP
Zeke Motta (Notre Dame) - 4.83; 11 reps
Bacarri Rambo (Georgia) - DNP; 17 reps
Eric Reid (LSU) - 4.53*; 17 reps
Jamoris Slaughter (Notre Dame) - DNP; DNP
Daimion Stafford (Nebraska) - 4.69; 21 reps*
Jawanza Starling (USC) - 4.64; 17 reps
D.J. Swearinger (South Carolina) - 4.67; 17 reps
Shamarko Thomas (Syracuse) - 4.42*; 28 reps*
Phillip Thomas (Fresno St.) - 4.65; 14 reps
Kenny Vaccaro (Texas) - 4.63; 15 reps
J.J. Wilcox (Georgia Southern) - 4.57; 17 reps
Duke Williams (Nevada) - DNP; DNP
Shawn Williams (Georgia) - 4.46*; 25 reps*
Earl Wolff (N.C. State) - 4.44*; DNP
DB
Johnny Adams (Michigan St.) - 4.48; 16 reps*
Robert Alford (Southeastern Louisiana) - 4.39*; 17 reps*
David Amerson (N.C. State) - 4.44; 15 reps*
Marc Anthony (California) - 4.63; 12 reps
Johnthan Banks (Mississippi St.) - 4.61; 10 reps
Adrian Bushell (Louisville) - 4.58; 17 reps*
Sanders Commings (Georgia) - 4.41*; DNP
Will Davis (Utah St.) - 4.51; 16 reps*
Mike Edwards (Hawaii) - 4.56; 14 reps
Dwayne Gratz (Connecticut) - 4.47; 22 reps*
Terry Hawthorne (Illinois) - 4.44; 13 reps
D.J. Hayden (Houston) - DNP; DNP
Aaron Hester (UCLA) - 4.62; DNP
Josh Johnson (Purdue) - 4.65; 16 reps*
Tyrann Mathieu (LSU) - 4.50; 4 reps
Demetrius McCray (Appalachian St.) - 4.54; 4 reps
Leon McFadden (San Diego St.) - 4.54; 10 reps
Brandon McGee (Miami) - 4.40*; 14 reps
Dee Milliner (Alabama) - 4.37*; DNP
Jordan Poyer (Oregon St.) - 4.54; 8 reps
Greg Reid (Florida St.) - DNP; 10 reps
Xavier Rhodes (Florida St.) - 4.43; 14 reps
Nickell Robey (USC) - 4.53; 10 reps
Logan Ryan (Rutgers) - 4.56; 14 reps
Tharold Simon (LSU) - 4.51; 9 reps
Darius Slay (Mississippi St.) - 4.36*; 14 reps
Daxton Swanson (Sam Houston St.) - 4.56; 15 reps*
Rod Sweeting (Georgia Tech) - 4.42*; 11 reps
Jamar Taylor (Boise St.) - 4.39*; 22 reps*
Desmond Trufant (Washington) - 4.38*; 16 reps*
B.W. Webb (William & Mary) - 4.51; 14 reps
Kayvon Webster (South Florida) - 4.41*; 14 reps
Steve Williams (California) - 4.42*; 12 reps
Khalid Wooten (Nevada) - 4.53; 17 reps*
Blidi Wreh-Wilson (Connecticut) - 4.53; 14 reps
S
Josh Boyett (Oregon) - DNP; 27 reps*
John Cyprien (Florida International) - DNP; DNP
Matt Elam (Florida) - 4.54*; 17 reps
Josh Evans (Florida) - 4.58; DNP
Micah Hyde (Iowa) - 4.56; 12 reps
Tony Jefferson (Oklahoma) - 4.75; 16 reps
Keelan Johnson (Arizona State) - 4.54*; 12 reps
Robert Lester (Alabama) - 4.66; DNP
T.J. McDonald (USC) - 4.59; 19 reps*
Bradley McDougald (Kansas) - 4.74; 19 reps*
Rontez Miles (California-PA) - 4.62; DNP
Zeke Motta (Notre Dame) - 4.83; 11 reps
Bacarri Rambo (Georgia) - DNP; 17 reps
Eric Reid (LSU) - 4.53*; 17 reps
Jamoris Slaughter (Notre Dame) - DNP; DNP
Daimion Stafford (Nebraska) - 4.69; 21 reps*
Jawanza Starling (USC) - 4.64; 17 reps
D.J. Swearinger (South Carolina) - 4.67; 17 reps
Shamarko Thomas (Syracuse) - 4.42*; 28 reps*
Phillip Thomas (Fresno St.) - 4.65; 14 reps
Kenny Vaccaro (Texas) - 4.63; 15 reps
J.J. Wilcox (Georgia Southern) - 4.57; 17 reps
Duke Williams (Nevada) - DNP; DNP
Shawn Williams (Georgia) - 4.46*; 25 reps*
Earl Wolff (N.C. State) - 4.44*; DNP
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