Rob Rang 1st-Round Mock

[HPF Bob]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/11268534

"15. Houston Texans - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: Despite investing three first-round picks into the defensive line, the Texans still lack pass rushers to keep DE Mario Williams from being constantly double-teamed. Orakpo would provide a solid base end on the left side and be a public relations coup."

Other names frequently mentioned:

Raji at 9.
Cushing at 11.
Maualuga at 12.
Jerry at 13.

Those taken following:

Maybin
Maclin
Moreno
Laurinaitis
Wells

[Roy P]

I'm wondering here on the 30th of January if the Browns might not want to draft Orakpo to replace Willie McGinest. Then, that might just allow Aaron Curry to fall into our laps at #15. At least that's my hope. Otherwise, Jeremy Maclin is just too good in my opinion to let go to the Jets.

[TrickyTexan]

i dont see macklin coming here. we are set at wr moreso than any other position. As much as I would love having Macklin as a weapon, can't see us using a #1 on him in any scenario with so many other holes needed to be filled. Although after watching Arizona, can't say it wouldnt be fun to have Andre Johnson, Macklin and Walters lining up and Andre Davis/Jacoby Jones coming in while running 4 wr sets

[barrett]

You have to have a great slot guy to make 3 wide sets work. The patriots used Troy Brown/Branch/Welker in this role. The Colts used Stokely/clark. Arizona uses Boldin.

Walter almost never plays in the slot. His size serves him very well on the outside and helped make him a great deep threat this year, but he is not a slot guy. AJ played there some but I would not want to turn him full-time into a slot guy catching 8 yard passes like Wes Welker.

Can Maclin be a slot guy with his slight build? Did he ever play there at Mizzou? Anyone watch them a lot?

[Roy P]

The patriots used Welker in this role.

Can Maclin be a slot guy with his slight build? Did he ever play there at Mizzou? Anyone watch them a lot?

Wes Welker is 5'9" 185lbs. Maclin is 6'1" 200lbs, so I wouldn't worry too much about his slight build. I wouldn't also dismiss the possibility that he'd be better than our current #2.

He could play the slot when we had 3 WR sets, but I'd have him on the field as much as possible. Imagine how successful Reggie Bush would be if he were a WR instead of a RB/WR hybrid.

[sinnister]

Wes Welker is 5'9" 185lbs. Maclin is 6'1" 200lbs, so I wouldn't worry too much about his slight build. I wouldn't also dismiss the possibility that he'd be better than our current #2.

He could play the slot when we had 3 WR sets, but I'd have him on the field as much as possible. Imagine how successful Reggie Bush would be if he were a WR instead of a RB/WR hybrid.

One difference between Walter and Maclin is blocking. I doubt that Maclin will ever be as good of a blocker as Walter. With that being said, Maclin has a lot of potential as a weapon. Whether it develops is another thing.

[barrett]

Wes Welker is 5'9" 185lbs. Maclin is 6'1" 200lbs, so I wouldn't worry too much about his slight build. I wouldn't also dismiss the possibility that he'd be better than our current #2.

He could play the slot when we had 3 WR sets, but I'd have him on the field as much as possible. Imagine how successful Reggie Bush would be if he were a WR instead of a RB/WR hybrid.

I definitely think he'd be an upgrade as our #2 guy. But he would eliminate Walter's effectiveness by playing the only spot it appears Walter can play. That is my question. If we draft Maclin I assume he becomes our #2 WR. But can he play the slot in 3 WR sets so that Walter is still an asset?

As for Welker's and Maclin's build, Welker is far thicker. The guy has no neck, is as muscled as a WR comes, and plays extremely physical. Height and weight is extremely deceiving sometimes. For example Reggie Bush is 6' and 203 and is absolutely a slight build.

So I repeat what I asked. Did Maclin ever play the slot at Mizzou? Can he shift over there and be our slot guy in 3 WR sets? If he can he upgrades both our #2 and #3 WR spots by allowing Walter to keep a value on our team. He would obviously upgrade our return game as well. So if he can play the slot, I can see value that measures up with a first round pick even if the need isn't a perfect match.

[Roy P]

Take a look...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWaqPMpqIWQ

0:43, 1:02, 1:11, 1:33

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzrltr66LqI&feature=related

0:33, 0:45, 0:59, 1:58, 3:03


These plays are where he's going over the middle and making plays. I'm not 100% certain that he lined up in the slot for each of these plays. However, based upon what I see here along with his ability to return kicks, it's obvious that he can run through traffic.

[painekiller]

He would be an upgrade over Jacoby Jones.

[papabear]

I definitely think he'd be an upgrade as our #2 guy. But he would eliminate Walter's effectiveness by playing the only spot it appears Walter can play. That is my question. If we draft Maclin I assume he becomes our #2 WR. But can he play the slot in 3 WR sets so that Walter is still an asset?



I don't think Walter gets anywhere near enough credit. Maybe it's because he's white:rolleyes:(100% joke guys) He runs great routes and can get open underneath. Good hands. Great blocker (For a WR). He's also capable of making a few big plays down the field. If he can be upgraded. Fine. I just think that it's going to be very difficult to find a guy who makes us better than Walter.

I know his life is a lot easier with AJ on the other side, but he had some big games when AJ was out too. He had 900 yards and 8 TD's. He also had a higher yards per reception than AJ (15.0 vs. 13.7). Not many rookie WR's will give you that kind of production, and that's not even factoring in his blocking in the running game.

Maclin would be nice. He could help in the return game, and I think be a very dangerous weapon for this team as a WR. He would present some major headaches for DC's. I think any WR we draft this year is going to spend time as at least the #3 guy for a year or two while he develops. That's not a bad thing at all. In fact it's probably a very good thing to start developing a talented WR, but I think if you want to go WR you better be prepared for him to have trouble getting on the field. Davis and Anderson have both had some success in that #3 role as well. Jacoby...I'll leave that one alone.

[popanot]

Yeah, let's be like the Detroit Lions and draft a WR when it's about the lowest area of need on the team. It's proven to work for them over the years. I'd rather draft Knowshon Moreno if we're looking for a guy who could possibly hit home-runs and do double-duty by returning kicks. At least he'd be a sensible pick and back up/provide insurance for Slaton. But please, I hope Kubiak and Smith have level heads and do the right thing by drafting defense.

[papabear]

Yeah, let's be like the Detroit Lions and draft a WR when it's about the lowest area of need on the team. It's proven to work for them over the years. I'd rather draft Knowshon Moreno if we're looking for a guy who could possibly hit home-runs and do double-duty by returning kicks. At least he'd be a sensible pick and back up/provide insurance for Slaton. But please, I hope Kubiak and Smith have level heads and do the right thing by drafting defense.


I hope we end up with a defense heavy draft too, but if it's an offensive player who stands out when we're on the clock in the first then so be it. I would rather take a player the coaches have a lot of confidence in than for them to take a lesser player because he fills a need. My point wasn't to say don't take Maclin if he's far and away the best guy available. I was just pointing out to those who may be in favor of that realize what's the likely outcome because of my very high opinion of Kevin Walter.

[barrett]

I hope we end up with a defense heavy draft too, but if it's an offensive player who stands out when we're on the clock in the first then so be it. I would rather take a player the coaches have a lot of confidence in than for them to take a lesser player because he fills a need. My point wasn't to say don't take Maclin if he's far and away the best guy available. I was just pointing out to those who may be in favor of that realize what's the likely outcome because of my very high opinion of Kevin Walter.

This is exactly how I feel. We better go defense if it is even a reasonably possibility. If an offensive guy stands out so far above the defensive choices, then I hope we try to trade down to a spot where defense makes more sense.

If we get stuck going offense in round one, I would look OL first and WR/TE second. I would not draft a RB who is clearly going to be a specialist behind Slaton. After all, you often put 3 WRs on the field but almost never use 2 RBs at once, so you are talking about a guy who rotates in. It's a waste to go after that guy in round 1.

If we go WR I want one who can play the slot because Walter is very good and I don't want him moved from the outside. This way, AJ plays mostly X and takes a few snaps in the slot. Walter is the primary Z and plays outside. The rookie we draft plays the Y in three wide sets, and takes snaps at X and Z as well depending on situation. Maybe Maclin can do this. I trust Roy that if we go WR he is the way to go.

Any WR should additionally help our return game making sure I never see Jacoby Jones dropping another punt.

[papabear]

I've ranted about RB's in the first before, but I would be OK if we took one at 15....Yea, I would be OK, but not excited. I think a two headed monster in the running game could make our offense scary good. I know there will be plenty of later round guys who can fill the bill, but I'll be Ok if we grab one we like earlier. I actually salivate at the idea of Slaton + a bruising running back lined up in the backfield together. I'm not saying bring back the triple option or that we should jump on the wildcat bandwagon, and this negates the keep their legs fresh argument if you do it all the time. I just like all the possibilities that creates when you have two running threats in the back field...especially if they are both capable receivers as well.

[painekiller]

Donald Brown is who we should take in round one. The kid is going to be this years Chris Johnson, a post bowl game 3rd rounder who becomes a 1st rounder by draft day.

Donald Brown and Steve Slaton gives us a top 5 backfield. Add that to our passing game, and the offense is done until much later in the draft. Now go defense.

BTW I did not say at 15, but he might be good enough to be taken there.

[dalemurphy]

I've ranted about RB's in the first before, but I would be OK if we took one at 15....Yea, I would be OK, but not excited. I think a two headed monster in the running game could make our offense scary good. I know there will be plenty of later round guys who can fill the bill, but I'll be Ok if we grab one we like earlier. I actually salivate at the idea of Slaton + a bruising running back lined up in the backfield together. I'm not saying bring back the triple option or that we should jump on the wildcat bandwagon, and this negates the keep their legs fresh argument if you do it all the time. I just like all the possibilities that creates when you have two running threats in the back field...especially if they are both capable receivers as well.

I'd be fine, even excited, about a 1st round RB if involved a trade down. I think we still too desperately need some OL depth and a few players on defense to stand pat and take a back. If they want to drop ten spots and get a RB and then have a 2nd, two 3rds, and two 4ths to hammer away at those postions, then great!

[gunn]

Donald Brown is who we should take in round one. The kid is going to be this years Chris Johnson, a post bowl game 3rd rounder who becomes a 1st rounder by draft day.

Donald Brown and Steve Slaton gives us a top 5 backfield. Add that to our passing game, and the offense is done until much later in the draft. Now go defense.

BTW I did not say at 15, but he might be good enough to be taken there.

I don't see Brown as that kind of back at all. AT ALL... I see him as more of a Derrick Ward type of back. Maybe a little bit quicker... but similar in the way they run. I don't get the fascination with him from some of you guys. LeSean McCoy is a better back across the board in my opinion.

[Fonz the Boss]

Im gonna be real sad if we trade down.

[jppaul]

why Do You Bold Everything? Why Are You Yelling At Everybody?;)

[Fonz the Boss]

why Do You Bold Everything? Why Are You Yelling At Everybody?;)

Thats gonna be my trademark here :D

[painekiller]

I don't see Brown as that kind of back at all. AT ALL... I see him as more of a Derrick Ward type of back. Maybe a little bit quicker... but similar in the way they run. I don't get the fascination with him from some of you guys. LeSean McCoy is a better back across the board in my opinion.

I am not saying his running style is the same as Chris Johnson, I am saying the way he will shoot up from 3rd rounder to 2nd rounder to 1st rounder will be the same as CJ.

And to be honest I have not seen McCoy play, or at least do not remember seeing him.

[gunn]

I am not saying his running style is the same as Chris Johnson, I am saying the way he will shoot up from 3rd rounder to 2nd rounder to 1st rounder will be the same as CJ.

And to be honest I have not seen McCoy play, or at least do not remember seeing him.

But what brought Johnson into the first round was world class speed. Brown brings nothing extraordinary to the table that would get him into the first when there are other backs like McCoy and Moreno that are better all around. I just don't see it.

[Roy P]

But what brought Johnson into the first round was world class speed. Brown brings nothing extraordinary to the table that would get him into the first when there are other backs like McCoy and Moreno that are better all around. I just don't see it.

Brown may bring something that none of us will ever see until after the draft. The interview process is a pretty big factor going into when a prospect is selected. Donald Brown could be a Marshall Faulk type kid who understands what everybody on offense is suppose to be doing and what the responsibilities are for every defender on the field. Being a good RB also entails picking up blitzers, D. Brown is the best in this draft class at doing that.

[papabear]

Thats gonna be my trademark here :D


It's annoying.


Why would you be upset if we trade down. What wrong with moving back a few spots (saving cap room) and picking up extra picks and increasing your chances for finding quality players. No matter how brilliant we think we are at scouting players the draft is a crap shoot. The more picks you have the better your chances. I have a hard time coming up with many scenarios where I would be upset with trading down...assuming we got something close to fair value.

[gunn]

Brown may bring something that none of us will ever see until after the draft. The interview process is a pretty big factor going into when a prospect is selected. Donald Brown could be a Marshall Faulk type kid who understands what everybody on offense is suppose to be doing and what the responsibilities are for every defender on the field. Being a good RB also entails picking up blitzers, D. Brown is the best in this draft class at doing that.

You still have to have the ability. Faulk was a top 3 pick in the draft... I just don't see what Brown has that's going to get him to shoot up draft boards into the first round. He's a nice back, but I don't think he has anything extrodinary over Moreno or McCoy.

[jppaul]

To me he seems more like a Matt forte than a cj.

[Roy P]

To me he seems more like a Matt forte than a cj.

I think if GMs knew then what they know now about Forte or even Slaton's production, they would have been picked earlier.

We still have the Combine and Pro Days for any RB to improve their status.

[Fonz the Boss]

It's annoying. .

Its easier on the eyes.

Why would you be upset if we trade down. What wrong with moving back a few spots (saving cap room) and picking up extra picks and increasing your chances for finding quality players. No matter how brilliant we think we are at scouting players the draft is a crap shoot. The more picks you have the better your chances. I have a hard time coming up with many scenarios where I would be upset with trading down...assuming we got something close to fair value.

I'd be upset because I believe in drafting the best player available in a position of need. A top 15 pick pretty much guarantees an impact player right from the get go (with the exception of QBs and WRs). I think they should just pick at #15 instead of getting additional draft picks that will likely end up getting cut or end up in the practice squad.

[Roy P]

[/B]

Do you remember last year's draft? That additional pick was Steve Slaton. The #15 pick, Branden Albert played for the Chiefs and they won 2 games.

[Fonz the Boss]

Do you remember last year's draft? That additional pick was Steve Slaton. The #15 pick, Branden Albert played for the Chiefs and they won 2 games.

Yes.. yes I do remember last year's draft... We didnt have a pick in the 2nd round!!.... As for Branden Albert, he was the offensive tackle that the Texans were targeting ahead of Brown. I didnt follow his rookie year and I didnt hear much about him either. But what do you expect? He is an offensive lineman right haha..... But check out the skills players that came out in the top 20 last year..... Heck, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was the 16th selection and look how he ended up performing.

[mussop]

Its easier on the eyes.



I'd be upset because I believe in drafting the best player available in a position of need. A top 15 pick pretty much guarantees an impact player right from the get go (with the exception of QBs and WRs). I think they should just pick at #15 instead of getting additional draft picks that will likely end up getting cut or end up in the practice squad.

Really? Top fifteen guarantees an impact player?


2. Tony Mandarich, OT Michigan State
Drafted No. 2 overall by the Packers coming out of Michigan State, Mandarich was believed by many to be the safest pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. However, he never came close to living up to expectations, and after just three years, he was cut. Because of a drastic loss in weight upon entering the NFL, there was a lot of speculation that his success at the collegiate level was fueled by the use of steroids. Compounding the hurt is the fact that Barry Sanders was selected at No. 3 by the Lions..

3. Brian Bosworth, LB Oklahoma
Winner of the first two Butkus Awards, Bosworth was kicked off the Oklahoma squad because of steroid use, which fueled his entry into the 1987 supplemental draft, where he was selected by the Seahawks in the first round. Bosworth was perhaps the most over-hyped player to exit the collegiate ranks, recording just four sacks through three seasons. Unfortunately for Seattle, the most memorable play of his career featured RB Bo Jackson plowing him over for a TD on Monday Night Football. .

5. Lawrence Phillips, RB Nebraska
Despite serious questions about his character, Phillips was drafted sixth overall in the 1996 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, but lasted just 25 games with the franchise before being released in 1997 for insubordination. Phillips got a second chance when the Dolphins picked him up later in the 1997 season, but was cut after just two games after pleading no contest to assaulting a woman. He attempted a comeback in 1999 with the 49ers, but was cut again in mid-season for skipping a practice..

7. Blair Thomas, Ki-Jana Carter, Curtis Enis - RBs Penn State
Thomas kicked off a trio of Penn State running backs who flopped big time in the NFL. In all fairness, injuries played a part in the demise of the latter two, but doesn't have that excuse to fall back on. The New York Jets selected Blair with the second overall choice in the 1990 NFL draft. In eight NFL seasons, Blair accumulated just 2,236 yards. As a trio, the three backs totaled less than 5,000 yards rushing combined..

8. Bruce Pickens, CB Nebraska
The Atlanta Falcons made Pickens the third overall pick in the 1991 NFL draft, but in five seasons with the club, he recorded a very modest total of two interceptions. .

Its a crap shoot from the get go. However we have proven the last couple of years to have good talent evaluators that are capable of drafting quality players throughout the draft. Theree isnt much difference talent wise from what should be available at 15 all the way through the middle of the 3rd round.

Jeremy Maclin WR 6-0, 200 Missouri
Everette Bown DE 6-3, 250 Florida State
Aaron Maybin DE 6-3, 235 Penn State
Knowshon Moreno RB 5-10, 207 Georgia
Alphonso Smith CB 5-9, 195 Wake Forest
James Laurinaitis LB 6-2, 245 Ohio State
Brian Cushing LB 6-3, 240 Southern California
D.J. Moore CB 5-10, 182 Vanderbilt
Percy Harvin WR 5-10, 180 Florida (X)
LeSean McCoy RB 5-10, 210 Pittsburgh
Michael Johnson DE 6-6, 250 Georgia Tech
Peria Jerry DT 6-2, 290 Mississippi
Brandon Pettigrew TE 6-5, 260 Oklahoma State
Duke Robinson OG 6-5, 335 Oklahoma
Tyson Jackson DE 6-5, 290 LSU
Clint Sintim LB 6-2, 255 Virginia
Darrius Heyward-Bey WR 6-1, 206 Maryland
Sean Smith CB 6-2, 215 Utah
Clay Matthews LB 6-4, 240 Southern Califronia
Max Unger OC 6-5, 305 Oregon
Will Moore FS 6-0, 230 Missouri (X)
Sen'Derrick Marks DT 6-1, 290 Auburn
Josh Freeman QB 6-5, 230 Kansas State
Alex Mack OC 6-4, 315 California
Hakeem Nicks WR 6-0, 210 North Carolina
Javon Ringer RB 5-9, 200 Michigan State (X)
Chase Coffman TE 6-5, 245 Missouri
Paul Kruger DE 6-4, 265 Utah
Marcus Freeman LB 6-1, 245 Ohio State
Shonn Greene RB 5-10, 235 Iowa
Bruce Johnson CB 5-10, 175 Miami
Rashad Johnson FS 6-0, 190 Alabama
Nic Harris LB 6-2, 230 Oklahoma (SS)
Jamon Meredith OT 6-5, 310 South Carolina
Kenny Britt WR 6-3, 205 Rutgers
Eric Wood OC 6-3, 310 Louisville
Ziggy Hood DT 6-3, 295 Missouri
Tyrone McKenzie LB 6-2, 235 South Florida
Michael Hamlin DB 6-3, 210 Clemson
Fenuki Tupou OT 6-5, 330 Oregon
Jared Cook TE 6-5, 242 South Carolina
Antoine Caldwell OC 6-3, 300 Alabama
Darius Butler CB 5-10, 182 UConn
Ricky Jean-Francois DT 6-2, 285 LSU
Darry Beckwith LB 6-0, 230 LSU (X)
Patrick Chung FS 6-0, 210 Oregon
Coye Francies CB 6-1, 185 San Jose State
Dannell Ellerbe LB 6-0, 232 Georgia
Maurice Evans DE 6-1, 270 Penn State (O)
Phil Loadholt OT 6-7, 340 Oklahoma
Donald Brown RB 5-10, 210 UConn
Travis Beckum TE 6-4, 225 Wisconsin
Cody Brown LB 6-2, 245 UConn
James Davis RB 5-10, 210 Clemson
Terrence Taylor DT 6-1, 310 Michigan
Victor Harris CB 5-11, 192 Virginia Tech
Louis Delmas FS 5-11, 195 Western Michigan
Jonathan Luigs OC 6-3, 315 Arkansas
Larry English DE 6-2, 255 Northern Illinois


All these players are pretty close IMO.

[papabear]

Its easier on the eyes.



I'd be upset because I believe in drafting the best player available in a position of need. A top 15 pick pretty much guarantees an impact player right from the get go (with the exception of QBs and WRs). I think they should just pick at #15 instead of getting additional draft picks that will likely end up getting cut or end up in the practice squad.


A top fifteen pick only guarantees that you will spend more money. It's easy to fall in love with the "top guys" in the draft, but the chances of getting a good player are pretty close to the same at 25 as they are at 15. The whole draft is a crap shoot and the more chances you have the better your odds of finding quality players. If you can can get a decent return for trading down then you should almost always do it. There's always a chance that you miss out on one of the rare great players, but no one has proved reliable at predicting who those will be so you still have a chance at getting that player later and paying him less.

I'm also not talking about taking a seventh round pick to move back 15 spots either. I'm talking about moving back by swapping first rounders and picking up an extra 3 or fourth round pick...where you still have a pretty good shot at finding quality players (Slaton, Daniels, Winston).

[dalemurphy]

A top fifteen pick only guarantees that you will spend more money. It's easy to fall in love with the "top guys" in the draft, but the chances of getting a good player are pretty close to the same at 25 as they are at 15. The whole draft is a crap shoot and the more chances you have the better your odds of finding quality players. If you can can get a decent return for trading down then you should almost always do it. There's always a chance that you miss out on one of the rare great players, but no one has proved reliable at predicting who those will be so you still have a chance at getting that player later and paying him less.

I'm also not talking about taking a seventh round pick to move back 15 spots either. I'm talking about moving back by swapping first rounders and picking up an extra 3 or fourth round pick...where you still have a pretty good shot at finding quality players (Slaton, Daniels, Winston).


15 is usually a good spot for a trade down because there are still guys there that teams have targeted but the cost for them is no longer punitive. And, you're right, trading down 8-10 spots would easily net us 2 extra midround picks. That's why I've advocated the idea of trading down and picking up someone like Jonathan Wells in the first. If we did that, we'd still have 5 picks between rounds 2-4 to use for our need areas. We could get a couple of edge rushers, a pretty good interior lineman, a good prospect at safety, and a pretty gifted LB all before the 5th round. Meanwhile, we would have our "thunder" at RB to go with Slaton.

Anyway, it's just a thought but I do love the trade down possibility.

[popanot]

RE: Bold

Its easier on the eyes.

Maybe it is to you, but trust me, it's annoying to everyone else. It's getting to point were I want to ignore your posts. Sorry, just being honest.

[painekiller]

RE: Bold



Maybe it is to you, but trust me, it's annoying to everyone else. It's getting to point were I want to ignore your posts. Sorry, just being honest.

I'm with popanot, if you are going to continue to shout (bold) then I will just ignore you. Now this site is full of great opinions and I do not like missing any of them, but irritating is irritating.

So please reconsider this minor request.

[Bigtinylittle]

I agree on the trading back idea. I think the only good reason for a team not to is either they are absolutely in love with a player who is on the board when their time comes or else they are a very solid franchise with very few holes to fill.

Looking ar this years prospects, at this point I don't see a player who we need so bad we can't afford to pass him up. So if we get a good trade offer, I'm all for it.

As far as the bold type goes, I agree that it is much harder on the eyes and is therefore irritating. If you want a trademark, let it be good analysis. That's what people come to this board for. The thing that makes this site great is that it's not just a bunch of monkeys typing on a keyboard. :)

[NBT]

You can't get over an inferiority complex by bolding everything! It's what you might call superfulous (sp!).

[NBT]

If we are set at WR, then we might have the perfect trade down scenario if Macklin is indeed, available at #15.