2010 NFL Draft Discussion

[Immortalfire]

He's going to the draft just because he can. I don't think anyone has breathed a word about him any discussions.

 

[StorminNorman]

You don't make one of the most important decisions in your life "just because you can". In football terms, this is likely the biggest decision he will ever make about his future.

He hasn't been talked about a lot because no one assumed he would come out this year. Before the college football season began, he was considered the number 1 QB draft prospect. His year was mediocre and his stock plummeted. His physical tools are still there, however, and it's not as if he was playing for a coach with a good track record of developing QB's. He didn't have the privilege of playing for Mark Richt or Bobby Petrino - he was playing for Houston Nutt. While Nutt is a great coach (a personal favorite of mine), he has never developed an NFL QB and the Offensive Coordinator/QB Coach for the Rebels, Kent Austin, has no NFL experience (his playing and coaching experience previously came exclusively from the CFL).

This isn't an awful move for Snead. It's also not a great one. How wise his decision is comes exclusively from what he does during this post season. If he is one of the first 42 players chosen in this draft, it was the right move.

 

[RAMORE]

Anybody think Tebow helped his draft status with his great bowl performance? What about Colt?

 

[StorminNorman]

No, because he didn't answer any of the questions about him.

Looking amazing in a college football game wasn't unexpected for Tebow - we have seen him have a similar game time and time again. The Alabama game hurt him more than the Cinci game helped him, mainly because Alabama was more Pro Style than...well...the Bearcats.

Nothing in that game changed concerns about Tebow's release, Tebow being a "system" QB, Tebow's horrible mechanics, Tebow's accuracy. Etc.

Tebow CAN do himself a lot of good by playing in the Senior Bowl. Tebow CAN do himself a lot of harm by playing god awful by playing in the Senior Bowl.

 

[StorminNorman]

Demaryius Thomas - WR Georgia Tech

Joe McKnight - RB USC

Will enter the NFL Draft.

Ryan Mallett will not.

Full List of Early Departures:

Spoiler

QUARTERBACKS


Sam Bradford, Oklahoma
Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame
Jevan Snead, Ole Miss




RUNNING BACKS

Toney Baker, North Carolina State*
Jahvid Best, Cal
Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
Joe McKnight, Southern Cal



WIDE RECEIVERS


Arrelious Benn, Illinois
Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas
Antonio Brown, Central Michigan
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State
Golden Tate, Notre Dame
Demaryius Thomas, Georgia Tech
Mike Williams, Syracuse




TIGHT ENDS


Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma
Aaron Hernandez, Florida




OFFENSIVE LINE


Bryan Bulaga, Iowa
Bruce Campbell, Maryland
Anthony Davis, Rutgers




DEFENSIVE LINE


Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State
Everson Griffen, Southern Cal
Jerome Hayes, Penn State*
Abe Koroma, Western Illinois
Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
Jason Pierre-Paul, USF
Brian Price, UCLA
Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech




LINEBACKERS


Navarro Bowman, Penn State
Rennie Curran, Georgia




DEFENSIVE BACKS


Eric Berry, Tennessee
Dominique Franks, Oklahoma
Joe Haden, Florida
Reshad Jones, Georgia
Donovan Warren, Michigan

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

Will the last person out of USC please turn off the lights.

I have a feeling that some crap is gonna come down on that program real soon and that's why you're seeing Carroll, McKnight, Williams, Griffen, etc. all getting the hell out of there

 

[Alex The Great]

Will the last person out of USC please turn off the lights.

I have a feeling that some crap is gonna come down on that program real soon and that's why you're seeing Carroll, McKnight, Williams, Griffen, etc. all getting the hell out of there

The University of South California is having trouble?!?!?!

 

[RAMORE]

No, because he didn't answer any of the questions about him.

Looking amazing in a college football game wasn't unexpected for Tebow - we have seen him have a similar game time and time again. The Alabama game hurt him more than the Cinci game helped him, mainly because Alabama was more Pro Style than...well...the Bearcats.

Nothing in that game changed concerns about Tebow's release, Tebow being a "system" QB, Tebow's horrible mechanics, Tebow's accuracy. Etc.

Tebow CAN do himself a lot of good by playing in the Senior Bowl. Tebow CAN do himself a lot of harm by playing god awful by playing in the Senior Bowl.

He is playing in the senior bowl as qb for the southern team so we'll see. ESPN said 6 coaches and or GM's thought Tebow would go first round also Dungy thought he would go first round and be succesfull at the next level time will tell but I believe.

 

[StorminNorman]

He is playing in the senior bowl as qb for the southern team so we'll see. ESPN said 6 coaches and or GM's thought Tebow would go first round also Dungy thought he would go first round and be succesfull at the next level time will tell but I believe.

Those GM's and Coaches don't know anything about the draft this far away from April. Teams are only now preparing their boards.

 

[Cmill216]

Going first round and actually being GOOD are two different things. Tim Tebow can be a tremendous NFL talent, but not as an everydown QB.

 

[Excel]

Tebow is going to be 110% dependent on the system in which hes placed in.

I will DIE OF ALUGHTER is if Al Davis takes him early hoping hes one of those guys who "just wins".

 

[Dark Donnie]

Where's Taylor Mays projected to fall?

 

[StorminNorman]

Probably around pick 10-20. He could slip further.

 

[The Incredible Hulk]

But I thought Tebow was put on this Earth to do more than score touchdowns? Isn't Pa Tebow supposed to have that talk with him the driveway and then umm...die???

 

[StorminNorman]

I know I said I would wait until January 15th to do my first mock, but the last few undergrads pending are not first round talents (not yet at least) so I figured I would do one earlier.

I decided to only do the first 24 picks until the next picks are solidified as the playoffs continue.

1-24 Mock Draft (1/13)

1. St. Louis (1-15) - Ndamukong Suh, DT Nebraska. This pick is a very difficult one to mock so far out because there are so many question marks here. Do the Rams acquire a QB another way? Can the Rams afford to put another defensive lineman on a 1st round salary? Does Spags fall in love with Clausen or Bradford the same way Schwartz, Ryan and Morris fell in love with Stafford, Sanchez and Freeman? I dunno, but the one ? that is not around is the worthyness of Suh for this top pick.

2. Detroit (2-14) - Joe Haden, CB Florida. Yes, Eric Berry is still on the board, but the draft is loaded with safety talent. Yes the Lions need a DT and McCoy is there too - but the Lions need speed and someone who can cover the pass and Haden helps with both. Right now I am projecting, but a 4.4 40 would move him into top 10 consideration and a sub 4.4 would make him a legit top 5. I like the Lions to look hard at trading down at this spot, possibly with Tampa wanting to lock up McCoy (who could easily be a Lions pick here) or a team looking for a QB before Washington picks.

3. Tampa Bay (3-13) - Gerald McCoy, DT Texas. Tremendous defensive line prospect whose only flaw is not having the media hype Suh enjoys. Had he come out last year he likely would have been the first DT off the board and he did nothing to lower his stock. A great fit for Tampa to pair next to former teammate Roy Miller.

4. Washington (4-12) - Jimmy Clausen, QB Notre Dame. Every new coach needs HIS QB and Snyder has made it clear he has no qualms getting rid of Jason Campbell. Clausen seems to be controversial amongst fans, but it's hard to deny his talent. He was a top QB coming out of high school because of his talent and displayed maturity by improving his performance expontentially each year.

5. Kansas City (4-12) - Rolando McClain, LB Alabama. Kansas City converted to a 3-4 before having the proper pieces for it - adding a linebacker like McClain can do wonders. If you want an NFL comparison, look at Patrick Willis with his speed and playmaking ability. Derrick Johnson may have saved his spot with his 2 TD game against Denver, but the Chiefs still have needs at two other LB positions.

6. Seattle (5-11) - Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers. When most people think OT in this draft class, they think Russell Okung - it's time for people to start thinking Anthony Davis. I called Jason Smith the top tackle prospect in last years draft class while everyone was talking about Andre, Davis is very similar. Extremely quick feet and tremendous size.

7. Cleveland (5-11) - Eric Berry, S Tennessee. Eric Mangini is a lucky man.

8. Oakland (5-11) - Carlos Dunlap, DE Florida. Carlos Dunlap is 290 lbs and reportedly runs a 4.6. Hakeem Nicks ran a slower time than that. Al Davis loves speed and freakish athletic ability and doesn't care about character concerns so Dunlap isn't penalized at all for his DUI.

9. Buffalo (6-10) - Russell Okung, OT Oklahoma State. Since trading Jason Peters the Bills have been trying to fill the LT spot. Okung has been on most people's top 5 list for a long while now and while he has slipped from that spot he still remains a very solid LT prospect.

10t. Denver (acquired from Chicago) (7-9) - Dez Bryant, WR Oklahoma State. I am assuming Brendan Marshall is gone at this point so in comes a WR very similar to his style. Bryant is a big, strong WR who will be prepared and mentored by the same group that got Crabtree ready while he was waiting to sign with San Fran.

10t. Jacksonville (7-9) - Tim Tebow, QB Florida. Kidding. Earl Thomas S Texas. Reggie Nelson has seemed to have made few fans in Jacksonville over the last few years, luckily this draft is saturated in safety talent. Tebow should be available in round 2. Thomas is an explosive play maker from the safety spot.

12. Miami (7-9) - C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson. Ronnie Brown is coming off knee surgery and Ricky Williams is going to be 33 - plus Spiller is an absolute beast. He offers tremendous potential in a wildcat and would be a great change of pace back to Williams or Brown. Dan Williams could be an option here if the Dolphins don't get Vince Wilfork. I don't think there is a receiver warranting a pick this high.

13. San Francisco (8-8) - Trent Williams, OT Oklahoma. Offensive line was always an area of need for San Fran, Williams provides help. He played most of his college career at right tackle and had some issues when he transitioned to the left side, but he is worthy of a selection at this point in the draft.

14. Seattle (acquired from Denver) (8-8) - Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma. Taylor Mays would have been a sexy pick here, but it's hard to pass on a QB when all you have is Matt Hasselback.

15. New York Giants (8-8) - Dan Williams, NT Tennessee. A large, 3-4 style nose tackle to help bolster the New York front. This is a team that, in spite of its record, doesn't have many weaknesses.

16t. Tennessee (8-8) - Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, USF. An extremely talented, raw, defensive end that has a lot of Javon Kearse (circa 1999) in him. Kyle Vandon Bosch is likely gone, and Kearse already is.

16t. San Francisco (acquired from Carolina) (8-8) - Taylor Mays, S. A physical safety with tremendous athleticism but questionable play making instincts.

18. Pittsburgh (9-7) - Terrence Cody, NT Alabama. Casey Hampton is close to being gone and it's time to identify that next 3-4 nose.

19t. Atlanta (9-7) - Derreck Morgan, DE Georgia Tech. Atlanta needs a pass rusher so they grab the local talent.

19t. Houston (9-7) - Jonathon Dwyer, RB Georgia Tech. Houston has a need for a big, power back and Dwyer fits the drill. He has shredded a wide array of strong running teams while being confined to mostly dive plays in GT's triple option. He should be a very nice fit for Houston's zone offense.

21. Cincinnati (10-6) - JermaineE Gresham, TE, Oklahoma. The Bengals have a very nice offense developing (though Palmer needs a new thumb), but they have a very huge, gigantic need at TE. Luckily they can pick up the best one in the draft.

22. New England (10-6) - Golden Tate, WR Notre Dame. The Patriots receiving corp has seemed to become reduced to Randy Moss and Wes Welker (with Edleman playing Welker from time to time), they are in need for another play maker at the position, especially with Randy looking less and less like his 2007 version. In comes Golden Tate from the familiar face of Charlie Weis.

23. Green Bay (11-5) - Bryan Bulaga, OT Iowa. The poor performance of the Green Bay offensive line was well documented, in comes Bulaga from Iowa that can play Guard or Right Tackle and may be able to transition to the Blind Side.

24. Philadelphia (11-5) - Patrick Robinson, CB FSU. Not a particularly strong cornerback draft, but Robinson has the raw talent to be a very good cornerback in this league.

 

[Cmill216]

3. Tampa Bay (3-13) - Gerald McCoy, DT Texas.

McCoy went to Oklahoma.

 

[StorminNorman]

McCoy went to Oklahoma.

Same team.

 

[Cmill216]

A good mock, though. I absolutely love Bradford to the Seahawks, which I've been feeling for a while now. He won't be rushed in to start, and he's a perfect fit for what Seattle will likely employ.

 

[Dark Donnie]

CB isn't a huge need for The Eagles...S is however They need another DE and a DT with size as well. Long offseason.

 

[Excel]

There is no way the Pats would go Golden Tate over Sergio Kindle or Jerry Hughes. Pass rush was non existent.

If they go wide receiver in the draft and not free agency, theyll use one of their round 2 picks on a guy Arrellious Benn or Brendan Lafell (whome I hate).

That said, I expect them to get someone via free agency. They wont draft a wr of the future until next season, where perhaps theyll take Golden Tates buddy Michael Floyd.

 

[StorminNorman]

There is no way the Pats would go Golden Tate over Sergio Kindle or Jerry Hughes. Pass rush was non existent.

I actually thought I had Sergio Kindle already drafted when I made that mock. I had him going to the Browns at 7 when I was first playing with this.

Jerry Hughes is certainly a possibility there. I expect the Patriots to make a strong play for Peppers and they have that OLB from USF coming off of injury for them as well.

 

[Darthphere]

12. Miami (7-9) - C.J. Spiller, RB Clemson. Ronnie Brown is coming off knee surgery and Ricky Williams is going to be 33 - plus Spiller is an absolute beast. He offers tremendous potential in a wildcat and would be a great change of pace back to Williams or Brown. Dan Williams could be an option here if the Dolphins don't get Vince Wilfork. I don't think there is a receiver warranting a pick this high.

Eh. I don't love the pick really. I think we can get a decent back later in the draft. Ricky is running pretty good and Ronnie has come back from injury before. I really think the fins need to get younger on defense.

 

[StorminNorman]

Eh. I don't love the pick really. I think we can get a decent back later in the draft. Ricky is running pretty good and Ronnie has come back from injury before. I really think the fins need to get younger on defense.

I agree that the Dolphins need to get younger on defense, I just see C.J. Spiller as a real game changer giving the Dolphins a far more potent offensive attack. He would also be best player available. The Dolphins definitely need to add some young defenders, especially at both inside and outside linebacker. I think George Selvie would be a good 3rd round addition to be a 3-4 OLB. Michah Johnson is a good later round ILB talent.

If the Dolphins want to go defense in the first round, I would place Brandon Spikes as the top 3-4 ILB.

The real key is Free Agency. If Vince Wilfork resigns with New England (an event I find unlikely at this point), I would definitely pencil in either Dan Williams or Terrence Cody. In a 3-4, the nose is the most important single position.

 

[Excel]

I actually thought I had Sergio Kindle already drafted when I made that mock. I had him going to the Browns at 7 when I was first playing with this.

I see...he would be a beast there as well

Jerry Hughes is certainly a possibility there. I expect the Patriots to make a strong play for Peppers and they have that OLB from USF coming off of injury for them as well.

If we get Peppers, which would be amazing, than I could see Golden Tate or possibly Jahvid Best (if CJ Spiller falls, hell be a Patriot period). But if not, theres no way the picks isnt either Kindle or especially Hughes.

Watch for Carlos Dunlap too, should he fall.

I agree that the Dolphins need to get younger on defense, I just see C.J. Spiller as a real game changer giving the Dolphins a far more potent offensive attack. He would also be best player available. The Dolphins definitely need to add some young defenders, especially at both inside and outside linebacker. I think George Selvie would be a good 3rd round addition to be a 3-4 OLB. Michah Johnson is a good later round ILB talent.

Selvie would be a S.T.E.A.L. in the 3rd round. Should Ronnie Brown leave, I could see CJ Spiller being the pick. But in the event he stays that seems very unlikely.

I would love to see them trade up for Dez Bryant myself, or maybe sign T.O. Their receivers are just dreadful.

The real key is Free Agency. If Vince Wilfork resigns with New England (an event I find unlikely at this point), I would definitely pencil in either Dan Williams or Terrence Cody. In a 3-4, the nose is the most important single position.

Wilfork is the Pats most important player on defense, I would be absolutely shocked if they let him go, regardless of how cheap they are. If they let him go, New England as a whole will blow a gasket.

 

[StorminNorman]

Wilfork is the Pats most important player on defense, I would be absolutely shocked if they let him go, regardless of how cheap they are. If they let him go, New England as a whole will blow a gasket.

I think the Patriots were definitely ready to let him before their recent implosion. Drafting Ron Brace last year and not working on Wilfork's contract were big tip offs that they were certainly preparing themselves for the idea. After seeing the impact losing veterans had, though, I could see them reconsidering that.