DraftTek Mock

[Roy P]

Draft Tek update.

I have once again updated MY Guys and thought I'd run it through their simulator. While I obviously got players that I like, the overall substance of it kind of got me bummed. I was not able to get the Needs filled that I wanted to and on few occasions when I was ready to pounce on a player, a team snatched them before they fell to me. On a weird note, Corvey Irvin and John Parker Wilson were drafted by their Sim and my draft board.

1. WR Jeremy Maclin
2. RB Donald Brown
3. CB Domonique Johnson
4. TE Shawn Nelson
5. DT Corvey Irvin
6. QB John Parker Wilson
7. LB Lee Robinson

[painekiller]

Here's the link (http://www.drafttek.com/round12009.asp)

Draft Tek has us taking

1st Tyson Jackson DE43 LSU -11 Reach
2nd Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma +5 Value
3rd Marcus Freeman OLB43 Ohio State +0 Value
4th DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati +6 Value
5th Corvey Irvin DT43 Georgia +0 Value
6th John Parker Wilson QB Alabama +12 Value
7th John Phillips TE Virginia -5 Reach

Interestingly no QBs or RBs taken before our 1st pick at 15. That should mean a trade down might be in play here.

[nunusguy]

9 Green Bay Peria Jerry DE34 Mississippi -9 Reach
*************************************
Huh ? Jerry is obviously wasted in a 3-4 !

[idymoe]

I hope Draftek is wrong in what is available in some rounds. Based on their consensus, I would pick:

1. Aaron Maybin
2. Paul Kruger
3. Andy Levitre
4. Nic Harris
5. Pat White
6. Devin Moore
7. Gartrell Johnson

I know White is really small, but he had great pocket presence, NFL arm and electrifying feet in the Senior Bowl. He really wants to play QB. He could eventually be our backup qb, after this next season. I think Kubiak could use him in spots as a change of pace. Again, if he could keep from getting killed, he is quite a weapon.

Maybin, I think, would be high risk, high reward. I think Kruger in the 2nd would be excellent.

Devin Moore is small, but with great speed. Could rotate in for Slaton some. I think Gartrell Johnson would be a good value pick at 7. A 7th round pick that could actuall see the field next year.

UFA - Jeremy Childs. I actually think Childs will be drafted after his combine. And I think he will run the 40 in the 4.4's. This guy catches every type of pass. He comes down with the ball with defenders hanging all over him. He runs very crisp routes and can run away from most db's. He caught 80+ passes in 07 and 70+ passes in 08.

[NBT]

Methinks maybin is a little light in the butt for a 4-3 DE. He would fit best as a LB in a 3-4 set IMO.

He also got somewhat exposed at the Combine where he didn't do too well on some of the drills.

[dalemurphy]

I hope Draftek is wrong in what is available in some rounds. Based on their consensus, I would pick:

1. Aaron Maybin
2. Paul Kruger
3. Andy Levitre
4. Nic Harris
5. Pat White
6. Devin Moore
7. Gartrell Johnson

I know White is really small, but he had great pocket presence, NFL arm and electrifying feet in the Senior Bowl. He really wants to play QB. He could eventually be our backup qb, after this next season. I think Kubiak could use him in spots as a change of pace. Again, if he could keep from getting killed, he is quite a weapon.

Maybin, I think, would be high risk, high reward. I think Kruger in the 2nd would be excellent.



If we got both Maybin and Kruger, I'd be ecstatic!- regardless of what happened the rest of the draft.

[idymoe]

Methinks maybin is a little light in the butt for a 4-3 DE. He would fit best as a LB in a 3-4 set IMO.


Well, that was one of the rounds I hope Draftek is wrong about who is available for us.

[dalemurphy]

Methinks maybin is a little light in the butt for a 4-3 DE. He would fit best as a LB in a 3-4 set IMO.

Do you ever watch the games when Indy plays us. Maybin is larger than Mathis, who plays on the strong side DE on passing downs. If they identify him as a very good pass rusher, I don't think the fact that his size might force him off the field during short yardage is an issue at all!

[Roy P]

In the 1st round, Maclin is currently #5 on my draft board, but I'll admit that I looked at my other options. I was looking at CBs and RBs (Moore, Smith, & Davis, along with McCoy & Moreno) and possibly DE Maybin. I figured Maclin was simply too good to pass up and did not want to reach for Maybin. They had us taking Jackson which in my estimation does nothing to improve the Pass Rush - he's just a cheaper Weaver.

In the 2nd round, it was apparent that the RBs slid because I was able to get Donald Brown (who is the last player I had with a 1st round grade) or Shonn Greene, my top 2nd round player. There was a part of me that wanted to just get DE Kruger or S Chung, but I went BPA again. I also considered another DT Marks or Hood, but hoped that they may fall to the 3rd.

In the 3rd round, I had my eye on FS Derek Pegues, but Dallas snatched him at #69. CB Coye Francies went right before I picked leaving Dominique Johnson. These guys are similar to Antwaun Molden and can provide some height to the secondary. With the uncertainty that is Dunta Robinson, I felt ok bringing in another CB thinking the day for Petey Faggins are numbered. Other considerations were TE Jared Cook for a Red Zone target, Cody Brown as a pass rushing SAM/DE combo, or S Rashad Johnson to play FS. D.Johnson is about the same size as R. Johnson and in theory could possibly play FS if he didn't pan out at CB. Having another 3rd round pick could be very nice so I could have gotten a couple of these guys.

The 4th round I could have gotten a pass rusher, DE Matt Shaugnessy who has had some injury history. When I saw him play, he doesn't get much push, so he needs to play with quickness. The Combine may show me that he has more burst or that he has lost a step because of injury. Anyway, Shawn Nelson impressed me at the Senior Bowl, and should provide a Red Zone target that we apparently need. I also could have gone RB here, but since I had Brown, I disregarded James Davis and Andre Brown. My third round pick made Keenan Lewis a non-factor. The other TE I could have gotten was Bear Pascoe, who may be a better blocker and could be Breuner's replacement, but I think Nelson has better hands and runs better routes.

The 5th round was when I started getting excited thinking Shaugnessy would slip. However, Washington got him two slots ahead of me. There was a thought that AQ Shipley could play C, but Philly took him at #133. When it was my turn to pick at #144, DT Corvey Irvin was my top rated player. He is like many of the 3-Tech DTs in this draft, but we could use him as a rotational guy. I'm also not sure what the future holds for Travis Johnson. Theoretically, Lawrence Sidbury Jr. could have been the guy here to give me a DE opposite of Mario, but I have him rated in the next round. Unfortunately, Sidbury and FS C.J. Spillman were drafted in the bottom of this round.

The 6th round was a pleasant surprise. I have John Parker Wilson as a 4th round prospect and he was the top guy on my board. 5th round prosects were still available (LB Lee Robinson, G Andy Kemp, SS Keith Fitzhugh, and DE Derek Walker), but I didn't think twice about JPW. Can we still get a 3rd round pick for Sage Rosencopter?

The 7th round saw some of My Guys coming off the board. OL Kemp and Greg Isadaner went early. I took my WILL LB Lee Robinson here. If I had been hell-bent on a pass rusher, DEs Derek Walker and Will Davis were available.

In FA I suppose I would be going after DE Will Davis and DE Pierre Walters.

[idymoe]

We all get do-overs after the combine, right? I know Maclin is the better prospect, I just don't like taking a wr that high. If the draft went the way Draftek predicts up til pick 15, then I would really like to see a trade down. It would be nice to get Maybin further down, plus an extra pick.

I don't really want to take a running back higher than the 3rd round either. We got a steal in Slaton in the 3rd. I don't think any rb is going to put his butt on the bench. Unless Slaton gets a long term injury, there's no way a new rb could be as productive as Slaton last year. Paying Slaton less than a guy who won't be as productive as he was last year doesn't seem like a good move.

[Roy P]

I don't really want to take a running back higher than the 3rd round either. We got a steal in Slaton in the 3rd. I don't think any rb is going to put his butt on the bench. Unless Slaton gets a long term injury, there's no way a new rb could be as productive as Slaton last year. Paying Slaton less than a guy who won't be as productive as he was last year doesn't seem like a good move.


Felix Jones/Marion Barber
Chris Johnson/LenDale White
Rashard Mendenhall/Willie Parker
Jonathan Stewart/DeAngelo Williams

These are just four off the top of my head from last year's draft. Jones and Mendenhall got hurt, but the Titans and Panthers did pretty well with 2 RBs.

I'm not saying that is my preferred strategy, but if the players line up on draft day so that the BPA is a RB, Steve Slaton wouldn't preclude me from drafting one early on. If that 5' 9" 203lbs fella gets hurt and we have to rely upon Ryan Moats or Gartrell Johnson, I won't be pre-purchasing my Texans playoff tickets.

edit-
The DraftTek mock had no RBs being drafted after us in the 3rd round. Rashard Jennings went early in the 3rd. The next RB to be selected is Andre Brown in the 4th at #121, so we could have drafted him at #108. Mayock says he should be a better Pro than a college player because he had 2 foot surgeries that prevented him from playing up to his potential.

[painekiller]

If the draft where to fall this way, I would be willing to trade out of the 1st round. I know this is not going to be a popular move, but it's one I am willing to do with this board.

So I am trading my #15 to NE for their #47 and #58 this year and their #1 next season. Why because there is not a single player I want to pay 1st round money to available when we select, and NE 1st round pick this year is not much better to me.

46 Donald Brown RBF Connecticut
47 Paul Kruger DE43 Utah
58 Tyrone McKenzie OLB43 South Florida
77 Rashad Johnson FS Alabama
108 Cary Harris CB USC
144 Lawrence Sidbury Jr. DE43 Richmond
175 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M
206 Gartrell Johnson RBF Colorado State

And remember I get a 1st in 2010 from the Pats, someone like Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College might be the guy.

It's a something different.

[Roy P]

I just don't like taking a wr that high.

I don't really want to take a running back higher than the 3rd round either.

Taking into considerations only the "needs" of the team, LB, FS, DE, DL, G/C, and RB later than 3rd round, I scrubbed my Draftboard. I took out all of the "fluff" in terms of positions that aren't seen as needs today. Generally, this is the reason GMs get fired, but for the sake of argument, I did it anyway. This is how that turned out....

1. DE/OLB Aaron Maybin
2. DE Paul Kruger
3. FS Rashad Johnson
4. RB James Davis
5. DT Corvey Irvin
6. OLB Lee Robinson
7. DT Darryl Richard

After taking Maybin in the 1st and having Kruger available in the 2nd, I figured maybe this is the guy I have my experiment with. The Giants tried Matthias Kiwanuka at SAM and DE, so I might give Maybin a shot. Kruger would then play all three downs and Mario would be moved over to DT on passing downs and nickle situations. That would give me a line of Kruger, Mario, Okoye, Maybin.

Anyway, Johnson gives me a Centerfielder that I've wanted since McCree left. Davis isn't a "big" back, but is insurance for Slaton and helps share the workload. Irvin is the same in the 5th round.

Interestingly, I drafted Lee Robinson a whole round earlier this time without gaining a backup QB. The new addition is Darryl Richard. That got me to thinking about Michael Johnson again. The Ga Tech DL had Vance Walker and Darryl Richard in the middle, which should have boosted MJ's production.

[jppaul]

1. Micheal Johnson
2. Darry Beckwith or Victor Harris
3. Rashad Johnson
4. Brandon Tate
5. Pat White
6. Graham Cano
7. Gartrell Johnson

[idymoe]

I thought Andre Brown looked pretty solid in the Senior Bowl. Like any player, he needs to be lucky and stay away from injuries.

I was hoping to get more flack or comment from my Pat White pimping.

[painekiller]

I thought Andre Brown looked pretty solid in the Senior Bowl. Like any player, he needs to be lucky and stay away from injuries.

I was hoping to get more flack or comment from my Pat White pimping.

I like your Pat White idea, my problem is I do not see Kubiak as the type to be an innovator. Maybe young Shanny is. To get the most out of White you will need a coach who is outside the box.

[Roy P]

I would be willing to trade out of the 1st round.

So I am trading my #15 to NE for their #47 and #58 this year and their #1 next season.

46 Donald Brown RBF Connecticut
47 Paul Kruger DE43 Utah
58 Tyrone McKenzie OLB43 South Florida
77 Rashad Johnson FS Alabama

And remember I get a 1st in 2010 from the Pats, someone like Mark Herzlich, OLB, Boston College might be the guy.

That sounds pretty good to me. Who do you think NE wants at #15?

Getting those first 4 guys would be pretty good. Having NE's 1st in next year's draft might be something to use to trade up for Taylor Mays.

108 DT Vance Walker
144 OLB Victor Butler
175 QB John Parker Wilson
206 OL Robert Brewster

That might be a way I'd like the back end of the draft to look. McKenzie would be WILL and Butler the SAM. Brewster could be the OT that slides into the RG slot.

[painekiller]

Taking into considerations only the "needs" of the team, LB, FS, DE, DL, G/C, and RB later than 3rd round,

Roy sorry to grab your post to quote, but what is the issue with everyone thinking we are set at RB? As Roy pointed out in another post, Slaton is 5'10 203. And the style of running he did for us last season points to a guy who will get hit a lot.

IMO we need to add at least 2 RBs in the draft, and possibly an UDFA for the PS. I want 3 RBs on the opening day roster that can all carry the ball. The main problem with my plan is the blitz pickups, but Slaton showed us last year a rookie can pick it up.

The RB position is a position of needed depth for every team in the NFL. The pounding is to great for any one guy to be the man 16 weeks of the season.

You add a stud to Slaton and then a specialty back (short yardage guy 3rd down type) or two later in the draft and then this team will finally have the type of backfield it has needed since day one.

Remember what happened in Denver last season, they lost 6 RBs and the HC was fired. You can never have enough RBs.

[Roy P]

I was hoping to get more flack or comment from my Pat White pimping.


The Bucs have a guy named Josh Johnson. I thought about bringing him in last year.

The Texans probably won't be taking that risk (White) as a QB. We haven't seen what kind of hands or route running White could have as a slot WR. So basically, he's a project that Kubiak doesn't have time for to have come to fruition.

[painekiller]

That sounds pretty good to me. Who do you think NE wants at #15?



Why not the big DE from LSU? He would be the perfect 3-4 DE. Richard Seymour is not a spring chicken anymore.

Heck maybe they want Michael Johnson.

If I am going to play....

[Roy P]

Roy sorry to grab your post to quote, but what is the issue with everyone thinking we are set at RB? As Roy pointed out in another post, Slaton is 5'10 203.

Dude,
I think you and I are on the same Donald Brown bandwagon. If we draft LeSean McCoy in the 1st round, I won't be too upset if Everette Brown and Aaron Curry are off the board. Brown, Greene, or possibly Jennings in the 2nd round would not get my feathers ruffled either. On the other hand, if we only come out of the draft/UDFAs with Gartrell Johnson added to the roster, I'll be a bit worried.

There may be some short yardage guys that have a little mass (larger than 215lbs) who could be added later on. However, I think the team could utilize another RB with some speed (who may be lighter than 215lbs). As you know, Jerious Norwood is my prototype #2 RB (or should I say 1b). A guy like Shonn Greene (if he were younger he'd be ranked higher) would be a "workhorse" that would allow Slaton to be the 3rd down back he was drafted to be.

[painekiller]

Dude,
I think you and I are on the same Donald Brown bandwagon. If we draft LeSean McCoy in the 1st round, I won't be too upset if Everette Brown and Aaron Curry are off the board. Brown, Greene, or possibly Jennings in the 2nd round would not get my feathers ruffled either. On the other hand, if we only come out of the draft/UDFAs with Gartrell Johnson added to the roster, I'll be a bit worried.

There may be some short yardage guys that have a little mass (larger than 215lbs) who could be added later on. However, I think the team could utilize another RB with some speed (who may be lighter than 215lbs). As you know, Jerious Norwood is my prototype #2 RB (or should I say 1b). A guy like Shonn Greene (if he were younger he'd be ranked higher) would be a "workhorse" that would allow Slaton to be the 3rd down back he was drafted to be.

Heck I have been saying draft Brown in the 1st, so you know I like him. Jennings is the only other RB I like for day one.

You and I are on the same page with Greene, he is a 25 year old playing against college kids he should be tearing up. I do not see him running very well.

The kid from Pitt dances to much for me, so I do not see Kubiak jumping for him.


There are some very good late round RBs, and BTW as a UDFA to keep an eye out for is Chris Ogbonnaya, 6-0, 225, Texas. He will play anywhere the coach wants him to and should be a pretty good special teamer.

[mussop]

Heck I have been saying draft Brown in the 1st, so you know I like him. Jennings is the only other RB I like for day one.

You and I are on the same page with Greene, he is a 25 year old playing against college kids he should be tearing up. I do not see him running very well.

The kid from Pitt dances to much for me, so I do not see Kubiak jumping for him.


There are some very good late round RBs, and BTW as a UDFA to keep an eye out for is Chris Ogbonnaya, 6-0, 225, Texas. He will play anywhere the coach wants him to and should be a pretty good special teamer.

Im another that has been pimpin Brown for awhile now. Love the way he runs. I have to dissagree with youre assesment of McCoy though. I watched Pitt as many times as I could (scouting McKillop). McCoy impressed me alot. Its not like Pitt had alot of weapons to take the some of the pressure off McCoy. Most teams loaded up to stop McCoy and he still rushed for 4.8 per and 21 TD's. He is perfect for our ZB system IMO. He is every bit the RB Slaton was coming out and more. He hits the hole faster and is a stronger runner up the middle. In fact I bet he turns out a better pro than Wells or Moreno. That is why he is the #1 RB on my board.

If we take McCoy or Maclin at 15 I wont be upset.

[mussop]

I hope Draftek is wrong in what is available in some rounds. Based on their consensus, I would pick:

1. Aaron Maybin
2. Paul Kruger
3. Andy Levitre
4. Nic Harris
5. Pat White
6. Devin Moore
7. Gartrell Johnson

I know White is really small, but he had great pocket presence, NFL arm and electrifying feet in the Senior Bowl. He really wants to play QB. He could eventually be our backup qb, after this next season. I think Kubiak could use him in spots as a change of pace. Again, if he could keep from getting killed, he is quite a weapon.

Maybin, I think, would be high risk, high reward. I think Kruger in the 2nd would be excellent.

Devin Moore is small, but with great speed. Could rotate in for Slaton some. I think Gartrell Johnson would be a good value pick at 7. A 7th round pick that could actuall see the field next year.

UFA - Jeremy Childs. I actually think Childs will be drafted after his combine. And I think he will run the 40 in the 4.4's. This guy catches every type of pass. He comes down with the ball with defenders hanging all over him. He runs very crisp routes and can run away from most db's. He caught 80+ passes in 07 and 70+ passes in 08.

I really like that draft alot. If I were drafting my would go like this.

1. Jeremy Maclin WRF Missouri

All the impact D players are all gone so Im going BPA. Having that kind of speed opposite AJ is just too good to pass up. Lets see teams double AJ now.

2. Donald Brown RB Connecticut

This was a tough choice. Im very high on Victor Harris CB Virginia Tech. He is a playmaker at a position of need but Donald Brown will contribute more this year and Kubiack is in the win now or begone mode. Our offense depends on the run too much to go into the season without a real quality backup for the smallish Slaton.

3. Jarron Gilbert DE San Jose St (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHoBtyuof_A)

Finnally I go D. @ 6'6" 280 he squats 635 and deadlifts 655 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAqc85MT_-0&feature=related)and with a quick first step this guy could be a steal in the third round if coached up right.

4. Emanuel Cook SS South Carolina

I know we need a FS more but this guy is too good to pass up in the 4th round. He has been compared to Bob Sanders.

5. Sammie Lee Hill DT Stillman

A project for sure but at 6'4" 328 and very athletic he is well worth a 5th round pick. Interesting side note, once pulled a man from a burning house.

6. Greg Isdaner OG West Virginia

Allready trained in the same ZB scheme we use and very good at it. Were vey lucky to get solid depth lioke this in the 6th round.

7. Gartrell Johnson RB Colorado State

Another late round value. Hey I know I already used one pick on the RB position but like I said earlier, our O depends on the run. If we cant run, we cant win. Example A: The 2008 Denver Broncos.

[dalemurphy]

Heck I have been saying draft Brown in the 1st, so you know I like him. Jennings is the only other RB I like for day one.

You and I are on the same page with Greene, he is a 25 year old playing against college kids he should be tearing up. I do not see him running very well.

The kid from Pitt dances to much for me, so I do not see Kubiak jumping for him.


There are some very good late round RBs, and BTW as a UDFA to keep an eye out for is Chris Ogbonnaya, 6-0, 225, Texas. He will play anywhere the coach wants him to and should be a pretty good special teamer.


I think it's premature to assume that. First, Kubiak only needs to see that he has the physical ability and the willingness to be coached. His dancing may reflect a lot more on his situation. A good example of that is Deangelo Williams. He was considered a bit of a dancer in college and we still targeted him. Then, until last season, he was considered a dancer and a guy that wouldn't run inside. Clearly, the situation changed in Carolina and he became prolific between the tackles.

[mussop]

I think it's premature to assume that. First, Kubiak only needs to see that he has the physical ability and the willingness to be coached. His dancing may reflect a lot more on his situation. A good example of that is Deangelo Williams. He was considered a bit of a dancer in college and we still targeted him. Then, until last season, he was considered a dancer and a guy that wouldn't run inside. Clearly, the situation changed in Carolina and he became prolific between the tackles.


That is a very good example.

[idymoe]

Drafttek has revised their mock, so here's a new Texans draft by GM Idymoe.

1. Matt Stafford
2. Kruger
3. Levitre
4. Rashad Johnson
5. Victor Butler
6. Devin Moore
7. Gartrell Johnson


I don't think there is any chance that Stafford is there at 15, but if he is, I think take him or trade down with him.

[Roy P]

Texans draft by GM Idymoe.

1. Matt Stafford



I don't think there is any chance that Stafford is there at 15, but if he is, I think take him or trade down with him.

That is a bold move.

[Nconroe]

Yeah, then we could trade both Schaub and Rosenfels for more draft picks. looking a lot better in 09 now.

[idymoe]

That is a bold move.



It's easy to be bold behind a keyboard.:D

[Roy P]

Drafttek has revised their mock, so here's a new Texans draft by GM Idymoe.

1. Matt Stafford
2. Kruger
3. Levitre
4. Rashad Johnson
5. Victor Butler
6. Devin Moore
7. Gartrell Johnson.

1. WR Jeremy Maclin
2. DE Paul Kruger
3. OLB Tyrone McKenzie
4. FS Rashad Johnson
5. QB John Parker Wilson
6. DT Darryl Richard
7. OG Greg Isdaner

FAs. RB P.J. Hill & Marlon Lucky
DE Will Davis, Stryker Sulak, Pierre Walters
DT Myron Pryor

Edited to reflect Richard in the 6th round.

[idymoe]

I would have taken Peerman, too, in the 6th, but Draftek had San Diego taking him in the 5th.

I wish I could find some footage on Devin Moore. The only thing I can find is a 90+ yd kickoff return for a td.

[NBT]

Do you ever watch the games when Indy plays us. Maybin is larger than Mathis, who plays on the strong side DE on passing downs. If they identify him as a very good pass rusher, I don't think the fact that his size might force him off the field during short yardage is an issue at all!

Dale, we've bumped heads before on issues. We just don't see things the same way. But I will say that right now, as Drafts go, Kubiak and Smith are no Dungy and Polian!

[Roy P]

I would have taken Peerman, too, in the 6th, but Draftek had San Diego taking him in the 5th.

Oops, I missed that. I guess I'd have to take DT Darryl Richard in the 5th round then. That means that Lucky and P.J. Hill would be that much more important in Free Agency after the draft.

[dalemurphy]

Dale, we've bumped heads before on issues. We just don't see things the same way. But I will say that right now, as Drafts go, Kubiak and Smith are no Dungy and Polian!


Perhaps Maybin won't be a good DE. I honestly don't know. What I do know, and what the Mathis example proves, is that a DE can be effective and weigh around 240 lbs. I just don't want players dismissed simply because of a three digit number. I would hope that our talent evaluaters and coaches take a broader perspective when shaping the team and don't have silly guidelines like weight and heighth minimums.

[Roy P]

Perhaps Maybin won't be a good DE.

I would hope that our talent evaluaters and coaches take a broader perspective when shaping the team and don't have silly guidelines like weight and heighth minimums.

Guidelines are simply there to be used as a reference. There are always exceptions to the rule, that doesn't make the rule a bad thing. Just something to keep in mind when looking at a player that doesn't fit the 'mold' that we've seen be successful before.

[idymoe]

Latest iteration as of 2/20.

1. Matt Stafford - I'll be glad when they make him unavailable at 15, so I can make a pick with a chance of being there.

2. Louis Delmas - Kruger is not available anymore. Put some fear in some wr's.

3. Andy Levitre

4. Andre Brown - Now available here.

5. Pat White - also consider Bear Pascoe and Cory Irvin

6. Devin Moore - Still looking for video - also consider Quinn Johnson FB LSU

7. Michael Bennett - Still like Gartrell Johnson, but got Andre Brown now.

Really heavy offensive draft. Will change as Draftek becomes more realistic.

[idymoe]

This is as of 2/27 when some scouts have given their post combine opinions.

1. Peria Jerry - Matt Staffard is still available, but I'm tired of this unrealistic pick.

2. Paul Kruger - Really hope this plays out

3. Andre Brown - So far, so good.

4. Mike Thomas - Roy's gotta like at least one of my picks.

4. Lawrence Sidbury - Pick from Minne

5. Bear Pascoe

6. Chris Clemons - FS - Good combine

7. Kaluka Maiava - Another linebacker from USC whose last name starts with M and ends with A.

This draft is pretty heavy on defense, but my favorite, so far.

[painekiller]

This is as of 2/27 when some scouts have given their post combine opinions.

1. Peria Jerry - Matt Staffard is still available, but I'm tired of this unrealistic pick.
...

This draft is pretty heavy on defense, but my favorite, so far.


Roy was talking about a scout who thought Jerry was missed cast as a DT, he was thinking you have Jerry lose some weight and play the DE. So this might not be as far fetched as it looks.

I agree the overall draft is digestible.

[painekiller]

Draft tek has us taking
15 Aaron Maybin OLB43 Penn State
46 Max Unger OG Oregon
77 Mitch King DE43 Iowa
108 James Casey TE Rice
118 James Davis RBF Clemson
144 Christopher Owens CB San Jose St
175 Clinton McDonald DT43 Memphis State
204 Curtis Painter QB Purdue

[mussop]

Draft tek has us taking

I cherry picked and came out with this.

1 Clay Matthews OLB/DE
2 Max Unger T/G/C
3 Tyrone McKenzie OLB
4 James Casey TE
4 Pat White QB
5 Darcel McBath FS Texas Tech
6 Ray Feinga OG BYU
7 Kaluka Maiava OLB USC

[painekiller]

Here is my cherry pick complete with a trade down with Tampa Bay: TB jumps above the Jets and takes Stafford, We get there #19 and #81. Also I have the Sage pick #118, and I do not have us matching the offer to David Anderson and we get Denvers 7th rounder.

19 Clay Matthews OLB43 DE43 USC
46 Max Unger T/G/C Oregon
77 Rashad Johnson FS Alabama
81 David Veikune DE43 Hawaii
108 Terrance Taylor DT43 Michigan
118 Ian Johnson Boise State RBC
144 Sebastian Vollmer OT Houston (http://draftguys.com/index.php/articles/dgtv_1/sebastian_vollmer_-_ot_-_houston/)watch the video
175 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian (http://draftguys.com/index.php/articles/dgtv_1/johnny_knox_-_wr_-_abilene_christian/) watch the video
204 Kaluka Maiava OLB USC
206 Gartrell Johnson RBS Colorado St.

I originallly had Steve McGee at #118, but decided with the team signing Patrick Ramsey, and having already Nall and Brink on the roster, I figured Kubiak waits a year to see how Brink develops.

As noted above Ian Johnson is shown as undrafted, I do not see that happening, I could have taken him based on this list at 206, but I think he might be a better fit at #118. I did have James Davis RBF Clemson there.

[painekiller]

I more I look at the above draft the more I like it. Matthews can be your SAM or WILL and drop to DE in nickle

Unger fights for starting OG while learning the line calls, he is the future OC.

Rashad Johnson my weakest pick, he will be groomed to be the future FS.

Veikune can be a specialist, and should be solid on ST.

Taylor is a NT.

Johnson is my Goal line back and he can spell Slaton

Vollmer is a stud in hiding. He could push a couple OL to new positions in a few years.

Knox will make you forget about Anderson and Jacoby Jones.

Maiava is a player coach, and he might be able to play WILL, if not he is a SAM and Matthews is the WILL.

Gartrell Johnson because you have to have a Colorado ST. player. He should be converted to FB and short yardage back. No top end speed but has second level speed.

[NBT]

Assuming we don't meet the Denver contract and get a 7th for DA, Knox would be a great replacement.

[mussop]

Assuming we don't meet the Denver contract and get a 7th for DA, Knox would be a great replacement.

I would love to see us get Jarett Dillard, Rice in the 4th or 5th round to replace Anderson.

[gunn]

Cherry picking from the latest edition...
(also added an extra 7th from David Anderson)

1. Clay Matthews OLB USC
2. Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma
3. Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest
4. James Davis RB Clemson
4. Lawrence Sidbury Jr. DE Richmond
5. Jasper Brinkley ILB South Carolina
6. Johnny Knox WR Abilene Christian
7. Devin Moore RB/KR Wyoming
7. Mark Parson CB Ohio

[jppaul]

You know I view Duke Robinson like the interior Phillip Loadholt, I don't think his brick feet are ideal for a ZBS.

[gunslinger57]

Hadn't paid too much attention to Vollmer at UH. Looked real good in that video. Look like he has good footwork, and you know he can pass block. Might be a nice ZBS tackle.

[Roy P]

I cherry picked and came out with this.

1 Clay Matthews OLB/DE
2 Max Unger T/G/C
3 Tyrone McKenzie OLB
4 James Casey TE
4 Pat White QB
5 Darcel McBath FS Texas Tech
6 Ray Feinga OG BYU
7 Kaluka Maiava OLB USC


I did not cherry pick, which is why I'm not too happy with this....

1. WR Jeremy Maclin
2. DE Lawrence Sidbury
3. RB Andre Brown
4. TE Shawn Nelson
4. OC A.Q. Shipley
5. S C.J. Spillman
6. DE Derek Walker
7. DT Darryl Richard

The FAs that I'd try to sign include:

RB Javarris Williams
DT Myron Pryor
QB David Johnson
LB Slade Norris
LB/S Steve Hodge
LB Toddrick Verdell

Basically, I seemed to be just adding to the strength of the team (offense).

[idymoe]

This makes me smile. If Draftek is right, in the fourth round, we can have one guy from the following:

Shawn Nelson TE
Terrance Taylor DT
Mike Thomas
Lawrence Sidbury Jr.
Darcel McBath FS
Jonathan Casillas OLB
Jarett Dillard WRF
Nic Harris


and, one guy from the following:







A.Q. Shipley OC
Cornelius Ingram TE
Jason Phillips ILB
Zack Follett OLB
Emanuel Cook SS South Carolina +0 Value
Stephen McGee
David Bruton FS
James Davis RBF
Courtney Greene SS
Tony Fiammetta FB
Matt Shaughnessy DE
Vance Walker DT
Kevin Ellison SS
Corvey Irvin DT
Scott McKillop ILB
Brandon Underwood FS
Brandon Williams DE
Chris Clemons S

We should be able to get two really nice players from those lists. Now, if we don't mess up the first three picks.


I watched the DL LB day from the combine again tonight. I think if Orakpo doesn't fall to 15 (which he won't) I would like Maybin, Cushing or Matthews. If we could move down and pick up one of those guys and pick up an extra pick, that would be gravy.

[idymoe]

FA's I would like to see:

Jeremy Childs BSU WR
Stephen Hodge TCU LB
Lardarius Webb Nichols State CB
Stryker Sulak Missouri LB
Ellis Lankster W. VA. CB
Khalif Mitchell E. Carolina DT
Terrance Knighton Temple DT
Kory Sperry Colorado State TE

[Roy P]

I did not cherry pick, which is why I'm not too happy with this....

1. WR Jeremy Maclin
2. DE Lawrence Sidbury
3. RB Andre Brown
4. TE Shawn Nelson
4. OC A.Q. Shipley
5. S C.J. Spillman
6. DE Derek Walker
7. DT Darryl Richard



Okay, I went to Kentucky for the weekend and come back to find out that we've signed a DE and a backup QB. That changes my draft board a bit. Here's my new draft...

1. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
2. S Patrick Chung Oregon
3. LB Gerald McGrath Southern Miss
4. DE Lawrence Sidbury Richmond
4. RB Ian Johnson Boise State
5. OG Gerald Cadogan Penn St
6. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
7. DT Darryl Richard Ga Tech

My 5th round pick is a new prospect to the draft board. Essentially, I needed a different position in the 5th round than was available on my board considering the S, LB, DE, and RB already selected. I also gave up on the idea of drafting a QB since we signed Orlovsky.

[texan]

The more I think about it, the more I like Matthews in the first. Hopefully we can trade down a bit, get an extra pick and still grab him. I wouldn't be upset with Maclin, but Matthews fills a much bigger need.

1. Clay Matthews OLB USC
2. Louis Delmas FS Western Michigan
3. Andre Brown RB NC State
4. Lawrence Sidbury DE Richmond

I'd be thrilled with those top 4, especially if we could land another pick in a trade down. I considered Chung in the second, but it seems that the coaches like Barber at SS, so I went with Delmas instead.

[painekiller]

1. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
2. S Patrick Chung Oregon
3. LB Gerald McGrath Southern Miss
4. DE Lawrence Sidbury Richmond
4. RB Ian Johnson Boise State
5. OG Gerald Cadogan Penn St
6. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
7. DT Darryl Richard Ga Tech

My 5th round pick is a new prospect to the draft board. Essentially, I needed a different position in the 5th round than was available on my board considering the S, LB, DE, and RB already selected. I also gave up on the idea of drafting a QB since we signed Orlovsky.

You know Roy I can see this being a group of guys without one starter for this year coming out of it. I know the long term goal is to get where we are only drafting for depth, but the reality is this team is not good enough for that yet. Walter is not a superstar but he is an above average #2 WR. So where does Maclin fit? #3 or 4? With this many needs on defense that is a luxury we cannot afford IMO.

Chung is SS and the team seems sold Barber and Eugene Wilson being the starters. Add in Harrison (who could be gone with little impact) and Nick Ferguson and the the depth at SS seems to be there. I like Chung, I can see him being able to play both safety positions, but does the team?

McGrath is another undersized LB that had a hard time staying on the field last season. He has an upside but as far as being a starter this season, not likely.

Sidbury is a specialist, not a starter.

Ian Johnson could be the man is Slaton gets hurt, so far the only starter with a few breaks.

I am thinking defense early and often. And that coming from a guy who wants them to draft Donald Brown.

[Roy P]

You know Roy I can see this being a group of guys without one starter for this year coming out of it. I know the long term goal is to get where we are only drafting for depth, but the reality is this team is not good enough for that yet..

Again, it comes down to BPA vs. filling a need. If the team is consistently trying to find players to fill their needs with inferior talent, then the team overall does not improve.

What would happen to this team if Andre Johnson got injured? We simply rely upon Andre Davis and Kevin Walter to step up their game, right? However, in my opinion, Jeremy Maclin has the talent to become the #1 WR if needed. Immediately, if all things are perfect, he plays the slot and improves field position by starting as the KR/PR. He has more talent than Walter so in theory would be able to put up better production while teams focused on Andre Johnson.

Chung could very well start at FS for this team. He has better coverage skills than C.C. Brown and he fits that "hybrid" S that the coaches have discussed. In terms of talent, if the coaches like Barber, they should love Chung.

McGrath is the sort of player the team hoped Adibi would be. He has better athleticism and would push for a starting position. He is also the kind of player who could make an impact on Special Teams covering kick returns.

Ian Johnson could easily split carries with Slaton. Neither is very big, so limiting their hits would pay dividends over the long haul. Last year after Slaton had 15 carries by the 3rd quarter, I kept my fingers crossed every time they handed him the ball late in games.

Sidbury may be a specialist like Elvis Dumervil. However, I'm not sure that this team couldn't use a guy on the edge to rush the QB. Remember when people scratched their heads trying to figure out how Mark Anderson went to the Bears as a 4th round pick and posted double digit sacks? As a non-starter, a player like that can still make an impact.

Cadogan vs. Brisel is a wash in my opinion. Eric Winston could have been even more effective last year if he weren't so preoccupied with tryint to cover up Brisel's mistakes. This team could definitely take a look at a RG not only to back up, but possibly start.

Javaris Williams could be the short yardage back that this team needs. Converting 3rd and one should be easier than we made it look last year. He'd also be a threat in the red zone to stick his nose in.

[Trojans2]

I did not cherry pick, which is why I'm not too happy with this....

1. WR Jeremy Maclin
2. DE Lawrence Sidbury
3. RB Andre Brown
4. TE Shawn Nelson
4. OC A.Q. Shipley
5. S C.J. Spillman
6. DE Derek Walker
7. DT Darryl Richard

The FAs that I'd try to sign include:

RB Javarris Williams
DT Myron Pryor
QB David Johnson
LB Slade Norris
LB/S Steve Hodge
LB Toddrick Verdell

Basically, I seemed to be just adding to the strength of the team (offense).
RD 1 Brian Cushing OLB
RD 2 Donald Brown RB
RD 3 Brian Robiskee WR
RD 4 Antoine Caldwell OC
RD 4 Tyronne Greene OG
RD 5 Kevin Ellison SS
RD 6 Glenn Coffee RB
RD 7 Kaluka Maiava OLB

This draft is blue collar filled with football players who play the game hard. It may be cliche but there is a lack of physicality with the Texans which translates to not finishing in the fourth quarter.

With that said, Cushing provides tackling ability at SAM and can also put pressure on the quarterback.

Brown runs hard and with patience in the hole will even get better. Will keep Slaton healthy.

Robiskee will keep the chains moving and provides a larger target for our QBs in the redzone.

Caldwell and Greene provide technical power in the middle of the line and both were excellant driving Brace, Hood, and Raji back at the senior bowl.

Ellison will help at SS and has superb insticts for making plays.

Maiava and Coffee provide depth and will help at Will and situational running plays.

Bottom Line: All of these players work hard and put the team and winning first.

By the way, I was really tempted to put D. Richard DT instead of Coffee

[Roy P]

RD 1 Brian Cushing OLB
RD 2 Donald Brown RB
RD 3 Brian Robiskee WR
RD 4 Antoine Caldwell OC
RD 4 Tyronne Greene OG
RD 5 Kevin Ellison SS
RD 6 Glenn Coffee RB
RD 7 Kaluka Maiava OLB



The mock in which we are basing our decisions comes from Drafttek.com.

I guess you didn't go to the web site, because Cushing is projected to go #14 by New Orleans. Donald Brown went in the first round to Indy (#27). Robiskie went in the 2nd round to the Jets at #52. Caldwell is a 3rd round pick to Denver at #79, just two picks after our 3rd rounder.

Tyronne Greene is actually a player in this scenario that you could have drafted for the Texans. They have him being a 5th round selection, where you have us taking him with our 2nd pick in the 4th round.

Kevin Ellison is the 2nd player you selected who is available when you would have drafted him in the 5th.

Unfortunately, Glenn Coffee is also off the board in the 5th round, which would preclude you from being able to get him in the 6th.

So, take a look at the mock and try again.

http://www.drafttek.com/round12009.asp
http://www.drafttek.com/round22009.asp
http://www.drafttek.com/round32009.asp
http://www.drafttek.com/round42009.asp
http://www.drafttek.com/round52009.asp
http://www.drafttek.com/round62009.asp
http://www.drafttek.com/round72009.asp

[idymoe]

Drafttek updated 3/4, gives me the opportunity to flip-flop some.

1. Aaron Maybin - I know he's a project, but I watched him at the combine, again, and the guy was up to 249 and looked really smoothe and athletic in all his drills. Would be happy with Matthews or Jerry

2. Sean Smith is now available. He could be very good in a couple of years. Also still like Kruger and Delmas.

3. Andre Brown

4. Lawrence Sidbury

4. Brandon Williams

5. Bear Pascoe

6. Ian Johnson

7. Victor Butler

I noticed Stephen Hodge, Johnny Knox and Mike Wallace are now in the 7th round, but before our pick. I also think we should take two running backs, so took Ian in the 6th, but think Devin Moore or Kory Sheets would be good picks also.

[Roy P]

Okay, updated on 3/6. Here's my picks...

1. LB Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62
2. S William Moore Missouri 6' 1" 226 4.50
3. DE Lawrence Sidbury Richmond 6' 2 3/8" 266 4.57
4. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 6' 1" 236 4.63
4. OC A.Q. Shipley Penn St 6' 1" 304 5.19
5. S Chris Clemons Clemson 6' 0" 208 4.38
6. RB Ian Johnson Boise State 5' 11" 212 4.42
7. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51


I'm pretty happy...and I've been able to get My Guys down to 64. All of my draft picks came from my top 45. :D

[edo783]

Okay, updated on 3/6. Here's my picks...

1. LB Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62
2. S William Moore Missouri 6' 1" 226 4.50
3. DE Lawrence Sidbury Richmond 6' 2 3/8" 266 4.57
4. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 6' 1" 236 4.63
4. OC A.Q. Shipley Penn St 6' 1" 304 5.19
5. S Chris Clemons Clemson 6' 0" 208 4.38
6. RB Ian Johnson Boise State 5' 11" 212 4.42
7. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51


I'm pretty happy...and I've been able to get My Guys down to 64. All of my draft picks came from my top 45. :D

I could live with this. Probably would prefer a RB earlier, say in the 4th, but all in all pretty solid.

[nunusguy]

I have reservations about taking Matthews at #15 ? Actually I dunno if any of the USC LBs are worthy of the 15th pick ?
1560 had a guy on the other day named Mike Lombardi (dunno if any relation to the late, great coach ?), who said he couldn't find Cushing on the Trojans tape on third downs, suggesting he's like Rey-Rey in that he's not an every down player.
Hopefully we can make a trade to get down into the 20s where one of the USC LBs might be a reasonable value ?

[Roy P]

a guy on the other day named Mike Lombardi (dunno if any relation to the late, great coach ?),


He's a former Al Davis employee.

[idymoe]

Nice picks, Roy. I think sometimes people get too caught up in what player goes in what round. If you just look at that group of players and say that we can add these guys to the roster next season, you would have to be very happy.

I think I am going to wait awhile to do another drafttek mock. They update two or three times a week, and I keep bouncing all over the place. The nice thing is that virtually every mock that anyone has come up with in this thread should really benefit the team next year.

[painekiller]

OK time to go outside my box,

15 Chris Wells RBF Ohio State
46 William Moore SS Missouri
77 Jonathan Luigs OC Arkansas
108 Zack Follett OLB43 California
118 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College
144 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
175 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
204 Gartrell Johnson RBF Colorado State

Turned out a little offensive heavy, but ...

[edo783]

OK time to go outside my box,

15 Chris Wells RBF Ohio State
46 William Moore SS Missouri
77 Jonathan Luigs OC Arkansas
108 Zack Follett OLB43 California
118 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College
144 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
175 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
204 Gartrell Johnson RBF Colorado State

Turned out a little offensive heavy, but ...

IMO PK, you need to get back in the box. LOL That isn't a draft I would be smiling about about.

[Roy P]

OK time to go outside my box,

15 Chris Wells RBF Ohio State

204 Gartrell Johnson RBF Colorado State
...

Really? You want 2 "big" backs?

[mussop]

Really? You want 2 "big" backs?

Wells is big but doesnt play like a big back.

[painekiller]

Wells is big but doesnt play like a big back.

Wells reminds me of Ron Dayne, a big back who thinks he's a scat back.

This more of a draft I can see Casserly bringing us. They are all good solid players, but....

[TexanJedi]

Wells reminds me of Ron Dayne, a big back who thinks he's a scat back.

This more of a draft I can see Casserly bringing us. They are all good solid players, but....

I was thinking of another Buckeye, Jonathan Wells. :rolleyes:

[Roy P]

OK time to go outside my box,

15 Chris Wells RBF Ohio State
46 William Moore SS Missouri
77 Jonathan Luigs OC Arkansas
108 Zack Follett OLB43 California
118 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College
144 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
175 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
204 Gartrell Johnson RBF Colorado State

Turned out a little offensive heavy, but ...

How about 3 RBs?

15. LB Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62 23 35.5" 2.64 1.49 10'1" 6.9 4.18
46. S William Moore Missouri 6' 1" 226 4.50 16 37" 2.6 1.49 10"3" 6.84 4.26
77. RB Andre Brown NC State 6' 0 1/8" 224 4.47 24 37" 2.58 1.47 9'7" 7.35 4.33
108. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 6' 1" 236 4.63 35 9'10" 7 4.23
118. DT Alex Magee Purdue 6' 2 5/8" 298 5.03 30 29.5" 2.87 1.72 8'7" 7.52 4.55
144. S Chris Clemons Clemson 6' 0" 208 4.38 19 37.5" 2.53 1.44 10'7" 7.27 4.38
175. RB Ian Johnson Boise State 5' 11" 212 4.42 26 33" 2.53 1.47 9'8" 6.93 4.18
204. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51 25 33.5" 2.62 1.5 9'8"

[Roy P]

OK time to go outside my box,

15 Chris Wells RBF Ohio State
46 William Moore SS Missouri
77 Jonathan Luigs OC Arkansas
108 Zack Follett OLB43 California
118 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College
144 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
175 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
204 Gartrell Johnson RBF Colorado State

Turned out a little offensive heavy, but ...

How about 3 RBs, 2 LBs, and 2 S?

15. LB Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62 23 35.5" 2.64 1.49 10'1" 6.9 4.18
46. S William Moore Missouri 6' 1" 226 4.50 16 37" 2.6 1.49 10"3" 6.84 4.26
77. RB Andre Brown NC State 6' 0 1/8" 224 4.47 24 37" 2.58 1.47 9'7" 7.35 4.33
108. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 6' 1" 236 4.63 35 9'10" 7 4.23
118. DT Alex Magee Purdue 6' 2 5/8" 298 5.03 30 29.5" 2.87 1.72 8'7" 7.52 4.55
144. S Chris Clemons Clemson 6' 0" 208 4.38 19 37.5" 2.53 1.44 10'7" 7.27 4.38
175. RB Ian Johnson Boise State 5' 11" 212 4.42 26 33" 2.53 1.47 9'8" 6.93 4.18
204. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51 25 33.5" 2.62 1.5 9'8"

[dalemurphy]

Wells reminds me of Ron Dayne, a big back who thinks he's a scat back.

This more of a draft I can see Casserly bringing us. They are all good solid players, but....


Perhaps Wells doesn't have a good NFL career... I don't know. That being said, he is way more explosive running the ball than Dayne ever was. Not only is he faster than Dayne but he gets to his top end speed much quicker.

Wells is big and quick. Dayne was very big and thought he was quick. That's not the same thing.

[dalemurphy]

How about 3 RBs, 2 LBs, and 2 S?

15. LB Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62 23 35.5" 2.64 1.49 10'1" 6.9 4.18
46. S William Moore Missouri 6' 1" 226 4.50 16 37" 2.6 1.49 10"3" 6.84 4.26
77. RB Andre Brown NC State 6' 0 1/8" 224 4.47 24 37" 2.58 1.47 9'7" 7.35 4.33
108. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 6' 1" 236 4.63 35 9'10" 7 4.23
118. DT Alex Magee Purdue 6' 2 5/8" 298 5.03 30 29.5" 2.87 1.72 8'7" 7.52 4.55
144. S Chris Clemons Clemson 6' 0" 208 4.38 19 37.5" 2.53 1.44 10'7" 7.27 4.38
175. RB Ian Johnson Boise State 5' 11" 212 4.42 26 33" 2.53 1.47 9'8" 6.93 4.18
204. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51 25 33.5" 2.62 1.5 9'8"

I think the third round is too early to take a RB that has proven so little. Look at the tape we had on Slaton- and he went in the third round last year.
I'm not opposed to the idea that a RB with limited college success can be become a quality NFL player. As a matter of a fact, I think limited college carries can be a selling point... more mileage left on the tires. However, at that point in the draft, I'd at least like to see a compilation of impressive highlights, even if his seasonal stats don't show a ton... Anyway, I just can't see taking Brown rounds before guys like Glen Coffee, Quatrel Johnson, Peerman, Ian Johnson, etc... I just don't see what separates him from them.
I'm willing to be persuaded though!

[mussop]

I think the third round is too early to take a RB that has proven so little. Look at the tape we had on Slaton- and he went in the third round last year.
I'm not opposed to the idea that a RB with limited college success can be become a quality NFL player. As a matter of a fact, I think limited college carries can be a selling point... more mileage left on the tires. However, at that point in the draft, I'd at least like to see a compilation of impressive highlights, even if his seasonal stats don't show a ton... Anyway, I just can't see taking Brown rounds before guys like Glen Coffee, Quatrel Johnson, Peerman, Ian Johnson, etc... I just don't see what separates him from them.
I'm willing to be persuaded though!

Agreed. We definatly need better value for our 3rd round pick than Brown.

[painekiller]

How about 3 RBs, 2 LBs, and 2 S?



Saw that on your 1st post, Think about it, other than Raji, there is not many NT in this draft that excite me. I would rather see what last years 5th rounder has to offer with the new coach and and offseason of NFL weight rooms, then draft most of the NT guys in the 2nd day of this draft.

As for your LBs, do you think Ellerbe can be a SAM?

i want to get as many young RB in our system as possible, so 3 drafted is not a problem for me. Heck keep an eye on KC, have they released Jackie Battle yet? How about Denver is Alridge a FA yet?

[Roy P]

other than Raji, there is not many NT in this draft that excite me.

As for your LBs, do you think Ellerbe can be a SAM?

i want to get as many young RB in our system as possible, so 3 drafted is not a problem for me.

Other than Raji, I'm not sure if there are any true NTs in the draft. Miller, Harris, Knighton, and Pryor would all be projects (like Okam). Magee is just another 3-tech that I could rotate to keep Okoye fresh for 16 games without having to rely upon Zgonina to get some pass rush.

Drafting Ellerbe and Matthews gives me some flexibility. Ellerbe could play WILL and stay on the field in passing downs when Matthews might be dropped down to DE from the SAM. Or I could have Ellerbe line up at the SAM and replace the WILL with Adibi on passing downs. Just a thought.

The reason I grabbed Brown in the 3rd is because NOBODY knows who will be available later in the draft. I hate the idea of projecting I COULD get Ian Johnson or Javarris Williams on the 2nd day, and then have them come off the board earlier than predicted. Andre Brown is big enough to push the pile, but quick enough to be a one-cut ZBS RB like Terrell Davis. Yeah, I said it. TD was a low mileage college guy just like Brown. Brown has some injuries that prevented the college production. His Senior Bowl practices, Senior Bowl game, and Combine should make GMs savvy enough to take him in the 3rd round.

Ideally, I want 4 RBs on the roster. 2 Fast guys (Slaton and Johnson) and 2 Big guys (Brown and Williams). If one of the fast guys gets hurt, I have a backup. Same thing for the big RBs. Therefore, Brown has the highest need in that he is my first Big guy and my first complement to Slaton.

[painekiller]

Ideally, I want 4 RBs on the roster. 2 Fast guys (Slaton and Johnson) and 2 Big guys (Brown and Williams). If one of the fast guys gets hurt, I have a backup. Same thing for the big RBs. Therefore, Brown has the highest need in that he is my first Big guy and my first complement to Slaton.

One of the things that intrigues me about Gartrell Johnson is he has the size to be a FB, but he can also run with the ball. In the past, Kubiak has shown a reluctance to carry that 4th RB that most teams carry, so having a guy that can be a RB and a FB gives us an option for the big guy backup.

[gunn]

1. Clay Matthews OLB USC
2. Max Unger C Oregon
3. Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest
4. Lawrence Sidbury Jr. Richmond
4. James Davis RB Clemson
5. TJ Lang OG Eastern Michigan
6. Johnny Knox WR Abiline Christian
7. Mark Parson CB Ohio

Wanted to add another linebacker in the fourth but I didn't see the value anywhere and I didn't want to reach. There were some in the 5th but TJ Lang is too good to pass up there even with the addition of Unger in round two. You can never have too many good players in the trenches.

[idymoe]

That's a pretty nice draft. I don't know that Unger will be there in the 2nd, though. Drafttek is almost too good to be true in most rounds, as to who will be available. I know it is a composite draft. Must be some really unrealistic mocks out there.

[painekiller]

The March 13th draft has us taking

15 Clay Matthews OLB USC
46 Robert Ayers DE43 Tennessee
77 Victor Harris CB Virginia Tech
108 Michael Hamlin SS Clemson
118 Alex Magee DT43 Purdue
144 Mike Goodson RBC Texas A&M
175 Louis Vasquez OG Texas Tech
204 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska

I used the visit list and cherry picked this draft:

15 Clay Matthews OLB USC
46 William Moore SS Missouri
77 Cody Brown OLB43 Connecticut
108 Jaimie Thomas OG Maryland
118 Kory Sheets RBF Purdue
144 C.J. Spillman FS Marshall
175 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
204 Marlon Lucky RB Nebraska

Not my best effort,

[Roy P]

I used the visit list and cherry picked this draft:

15 Clay Matthews OLB USC
46 William Moore SS Missouri
77 Cody Brown OLB43 Connecticut
108 Jaimie Thomas OG Maryland
118 Kory Sheets RBF Purdue
144 C.J. Spillman FS Marshall
175 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
204 Marlon Lucky RB Nebraska

Not my best effort,

Pick-Pos---Name---------Explosion---Quick---Athlete---Agility
15. LB---Clay Matthews-----68.58---12.57-----5.46----0.44
46. OC---Eric Wood---------68.75---13.75-----5.00----0.68
77. S----Chip Vaughn-------68.42---12.63-----5.42----0.33
108. DE--Lawrence Sidbury--73------13.41-----5.44----0.14
118. QB--Stephen McGee--DNBench--13.36-----DNB----0.12
144. LB--Scott McKillop-----72.42----12.98-----5.58----0.33
175. RB--Ian Johnson-------68.67----12.58-----5.46----0.24
204. DT--Roy Miller---------76.58----14.43-----5.31----0.24

This is my All-Combine team. McGee did not participate in the Bench, so I can't compute his "Explosion" or "Athlete" Index. The "Agility" factor is determined by the difference between a player's 40 time and their Short Shuttle. It's a tool best used when a player has a poor 40 time but make up for it with a good shuttle. Anything over .50 seconds is considered elite.

[gunslinger57]

Hey Roy I wanted to ask, what's the story with Ian Johnson? I thought his combine was pretty good, and although his height/weight isn't great, they're at least passable. Is it a combination of his measureables and his declining stats as a senior, or is it something I'm not aware of? Everytime I see a mock, he's going in the second half of the draft and I thought he's a bit better than that.

[mussop]

The March 13th draft has us taking

15 Clay Matthews OLB USC
46 Robert Ayers DE43 Tennessee
77 Victor Harris CB Virginia Tech
108 Michael Hamlin SS Clemson
118 Alex Magee DT43 Purdue
144 Mike Goodson RBC Texas A&M
175 Louis Vasquez OG Texas Tech
204 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska

Take out Mike Goodson RBC Texas A&M and that draft coudnt get much better.

[Roy P]

Hey Roy I wanted to ask, what's the story with Ian Johnson? I thought his combine was pretty good, and although his height/weight isn't great, they're at least passable. Is it a combination of his measureables and his declining stats as a senior, or is it something I'm not aware of? Everytime I see a mock, he's going in the second half of the draft and I thought he's a bit better than that.

I assume it's because his stats declined as a senior. He is more known for his proposal to his wife than his accomplishments on the field. I imagine he'll do better on the actual day of the draft than in these mocks.

i.e. I won't be surprised if he's a 3rd round pick.

[Roy P]

March 16th update

1. LB Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62
2. DT Ziggy Hood Missouri 6' 2 7/8" 300 4.88
3. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest 6' 1 3/8" 221 4.45
4. QB Stephen McGee Texas A&M 6' 3" 223 4.61
4. DE Kyle Moore USC 6' 5" 272 4.81
5. FS Chris Clemons Clemson 6' 0" 208 4.38
6. RB Ian Johnson Boise State 5' 11" 212 4.42
7. LB Lee Robinson Alcorn State 6' 2" 249 4.74

FA DE Stryker Sulak Missouri 6' 4 1/2" 251 4.70
FA DE Victor Butler Oregon St 6' 2" 248 4.77

FA RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51

[Blitzwood]

This is my first post, but I've been lurking a while.

Here's my first mock:

1)Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss
2)Sean Smith CB/S Utah
3)Eric Woods C Louisville
4)Zack Follett OLB Cal
4)DeAndre Levy OLB Wisconsin
5)Stephen McGhee QB A&M
6)Victor Butler DE Oregon St
7)Gantrell Johnson RB CSU

FA Deon Butler WR Penn St
FA Ryan McKee OT Sou Miss
FA Stanley Arnoux ILB Wake Forest
FA Diyral Briggs OLB Bowling Green

[TexanJedi]

Mine, for what it's worth:

15. Clay Matthews LB Southern Cal
46. Louis Delmas S West. Mich.
77. Lawrence Sidbury DE Richmond
108. Ricky Jean-Francois DT LSU
118. Glen Coffee RB 'Bama
144. Pat White QB/WR West Virginia
175. Jasper Brinkley LB South Carolina
204. Bruce Johnson Cb Miami, Fl.

[painekiller]

March 16th update

1. LB Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62
2. DT Ziggy Hood Missouri 6' 2 7/8" 300 4.88
3. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest 6' 1 3/8" 221 4.45
4. QB Stephen McGee Texas A&M 6' 3" 223 4.61
4. DE Kyle Moore USC 6' 5" 272 4.81
5. FS Chris Clemons Clemson 6' 0" 208 4.38
6. RB Ian Johnson Boise State 5' 11" 212 4.42
7. LB Lee Robinson Alcorn State 6' 2" 249 4.74

FA DE Stryker Sulak Missouri 6' 4 1/2" 251 4.70
FA DE Victor Butler Oregon St 6' 2" 248 4.77

FA RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51

I could live with this.

[painekiller]

Consensus Mock Draft 2009 NFL Rev 26
Released March 16, 2009

15 Clay Matthews OLB43 USC
46 Evander Hood DT43 Missouri
77 Andy Levitre OG Oregon State
108 Michael Hamlin SS Clemson
118 Mike Goodson RBC Texas A&M
144 Michael Bennett DE43 Texas A&M
175 Alex Boone OT Ohio State
204 Sammy Stroughter WRS Oregon St


My cherry pick.

15 Clay Matthews OLB43 USC
46 Evander Hood DT43 Missouri
77 Andy Levitre OG Oregon State
108 Derek Pegues FS Mississippi St
118 traded with Pitt for 128 and 192
128 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
144 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M
175 Sebastian Vollmer OT Houston
192 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
204 Ian Johnson RBC Boise State

UDFA Dan Gronkowski Maryland TE
UDFA Aaron Brown TCU RBC
UDFA Stryker Sulak Missouri DE43
UDFA Gartrell Johnson Colorado State RBF
UDFA Brian Toal Boston College LB

[gunn]

1. Clay Matthews OLB USC
* versatility at the linebacker position, can play all three spots and also put his hand on the ground and rush the passer on third down

2. Max Unger OG Oregon
* versatility on the oline, can come in right away and start at right guard

3. Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest
* will come in immediately and compete with Barber for the starting job at SS.

4. Ricky Jean-Francois DT LSU
* depth up front, former national championship game MVP as a soph, coming out as a jr. and could be Travis Johnson's replacement

4. Tyronne Green OG Auburn
* will provide depth at the guard position in year one, but could move into a starting role in year two if Unger starts a center

5. Jasper Brinkley MLB USC (the other one)
* thumper in the middle who was always around the ball every time I watched South Carolina, underrated player who I believe is really pretty solid

6. Tony Carter CB Florida St.
* could be a Cortland Finnegan type steal late in the draft undersized but has some wheels, ran 4.42 and 4.41 @ FSU pro day

7. Antone Smith RB Florida St.
* Steve Slaton clone, maybe a little smaller but faster, ran 4.33 and 4.36 at pro day, not much production until senior year, could be the type of player that
has fallen through the cracks and could be a steal.

[Bigtinylittle]

Interesting. So you're saying we take two OGs, no running back until the seventh, and no speed rushing DE? Unless we make some pickups before the draft, I don't see this happening.

[nunusguy]

Honestly fellas, would everybody be that excited about Clay Matthews if he didn't have the home-town connection here ?

[painekiller]

Honestly fellas, would everybody be that excited about Clay Matthews if he didn't have the home-town connection here ?

I would, something about Cushing is causing me to not be excited. It maybe the injury history, it maybe the fact that he did not jump at me on film like Matthews did. I started liking Matthews back around the lose to Oregon St. IIRC. He just made plays you remembered.

Rey Rey is a middle only guy who I feel needs to be in the 3-4.

Now if we where talking Curry, heck hey, but he has climb out of reach.

Laurinitus also seemed to peek to me 2 years ago, SO he has dropped on my list.

I like some other latter round guys at LB, but I think the Texans have ignored the LB group long enough, get us 3 playmakers at LB and watch the run defense get better.

Lucky for us this a deep LB draft, only a few superstars but a lot of solid everyday player types.

[painekiller]

Interesting. So you're saying we take two OGs, no running back until the seventh, and no speed rushing DE? Unless we make some pickups before the draft, I don't see this happening.

He is really saying OC and OG, only Unger can play now at OG and upgrade Briesel while he learns to read the DL and becomes familiar with the line calls. Next year you have a new OC and a 2nd year guy ready to play ORG.

Also most of us are forgetting that Chester is starting to get to age that we need to find his eventual replacement in the next couple of years.

[gunn]

Interesting. So you're saying we take two OGs, no running back until the seventh, and no speed rushing DE? Unless we make some pickups before the draft, I don't see this happening.

We certainly need help on the interior oline and with Unger you get and instant upgrade at two positions and a starter from day one. With Green you get depth there that is needed and a possible starter down the road.

What are you going to get out of a speed rusher that you're not going to get out of Matthews? Your speed rusher is likely going to come in based on down and distance and Matthews can bring what you're speed rusher already has. As for the running back situation... I think this kid is flying under the radar. He was highly recruited out of highshool but for whatever the reason didn't have a whole lot of production until his senior year at FSU. Could be a late bloomer but one thing is for sure he can blister. 4.33 is that. And like I said, he looks like Slaton on tape.

[gunn]

He is really saying OC and OG, only Unger can play now at OG and upgrade Briesel will he learns to read the DL and becomes familiar with the line calls. Next year you have a new OC and a 2nd year guy ready to play ORG.

Also most of us are forgetting that Chester is starting to get to age that we need to find his eventual replacement in the next couple of years.

Yep... same page.

[painekiller]

Yep... same page.

BTW if we address the OL like gunn is suggesting we are finally done with the starters, we can then start to be like a non expansion team and take OL candidates to groom. Then our depth at OL will finally be development guys along with maybe one old timer. Not a group of throw aways from other teams.

I see Gibbs staying a few year, at least until his health becomes an issue, because he has retired before and did not like it. Now he is building something special again. This team is getting close.

I would like to draft Unger in the 2nd but I think he is gone before we pick at 46. But if he slides I jump on him.

I like Sebastian Vollmer, he is a diamond in the rough. I can see him being a starter in a few years, making Winston a OG.

An OL of Brown, Pitts, Unger, Winston, Vollmer in a few years would be a huge upgrade to the OL Capers had on the field. That would be a combination of size and quickness, goodbye goalline trouble.

[NBT]

Honestly fellas, would everybody be that excited about Clay Matthews if he didn't have the home-town connection here ?

What I especially like about Mathews Jr. is his dad was an all pro LB for Cleveland, and gave my Oilers fits. His uncle Bruce Played for the Old Oilers, and is probably the best Olineman to ever play the game, and that's saying something. So the bloodlines are there. He will probably slot right into our spot at #15. And I will predict right now that he will be an All-Pro.:)

[gunn]

BTW if we address the OL like gunn is suggesting we are finally done with the starters, we can then start to be like a non expansion team and take OL candidates to groom. Then our depth at OL will finally be development guys along with maybe one old timer. Not a group of throw aways from other teams.

I see Gibbs staying a few year, at least until his health becomes an issue, because he has retired before and did not like it. Now he is building something special again. This team is getting close.

I would like to draft Unger in the 2nd but I think he is gone before we pick at 46. But if he slides I jump on him.

I like Sebastian Vollmer, he is a diamond in the rough. I can see him being a starter in a few years, making Winston a OG.

An OL of Brown, Pitts, Unger, Winston, Vollmer in a few years would be a huge upgrade to the OL Capers had on the field. That would be a combination of size and quickness, goodbye goalline trouble.

Having a good offensive line generally equates to having a good team. If people believe that our offensive line is "okay", then they must not have noticed the way this team perfomed on third and shorts and on goal line situations. I doubt Unger will be there as well, but if he is, it's a no brainer.

As for your oline... that's a big right side. It's all about physicality up front for me. I want my guys to be nasty and impose that on other teams... and that's why I'm a big fan of Unger.

[painekiller]

Having a good offensive line generally equates to having a good team. If people believe that our offensive line is "okay", then they must not have noticed the way this team perfomed on third and shorts and on goal line situations. I doubt Unger will be there as well, but if he is, it's a no brainer.

As for your oline... that's a big right side. It's all about physicality up front for me. I want my guys to be nasty and impose that on other teams... and that's why I'm a big fan of Unger.

If Volmer becomes the player I project then he might be a LT, and that would require Brown to move, do you move Brown to RT with Winston sliding to RG or do you move Brown to RG?

I will say Winston's feet are not near as good as Browns, so a move into the phone booth might sit better with his abilities.

[Roy P]

Honestly fellas, would everybody be that excited about Clay Matthews if he didn't have the home-town connection here ?

Yes.

I'm not from here and have absolutely no ties to the home-town connection. In fact, I looked at Matthews' "blood-lines" as a bit of a negative. It keeps getting brought up as a reason to take him, but unless his dad or uncle suits up, who cares?

Then I took that bias, and put it aside. I assumed that people were giving him a free pass because of who he was related to. However, when I watched him play, he stood out on his own merit.

Instead of looking at him as a kid with a silver spoon in his mouth, he has shown me that he has had to work for what he's gotten. He walked on at USC for crying out loud. You'd think that they would have given him a full ride just because of his family.

So, to answer the question, I am excited about Clay despite his home-town connections and blood lines.

[Blitzwood]

I'm scared as he>* of Matthews!! Can you say Vernon Gholston here we come.

Matthews wasn't even the third best LB at USC, much less a starter until recently. And why is no one mentioning his whopping 5.5 sacks his whole career there in the PAC-10. Drafting Matthews on potential is a colossal risk, more than Vernon was. At least he had 22 sacks his college career. And at 15, a major reach.

He hasn't done anything to warrant a 15th overall selection, besides have a nice combine, IMO. We all know if his name wasn't Matthews we wouldn't even be considering him in the first round. He also has some significant question marks about his maturity level (He created a "White Power" facebook group in 2007 with his buddies). How's he gonna explain that to his future teammates. And don't forget the amount of muscle he's put on in a very short amount of time. Wasn't he a 175lb walk on ?? Cushing's getting more heat over it right now, but the winds will shift to him eventually.
Finally, what position is he really gonna play? OLB in a 4-3. How, he has zero cover skills. So he's only a two down LB. Really? At the end of the day he's really a 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE tweener with very limited starting experience.

I think Jerry or Harvin are much safer picks and would be productive from game 1. Harvin, who is my preferred choice because of the explosiveness he plays with, would give us a level of athleticism and speed this team has never seen on our side of the ball and shift our offense to the same level of our division rival's, the Colts. With Slaton and Harvin in the backfield and AJ, Walters, and Daniels lined up, defenses won't know who to double. Kyle would look like a genius. And Harvin's been tearing it up for years at Florida and comes with a proven track record(bad pun).

Jerry's also been a disruptive force in the same conference, the SEC. He could easily replace Travis Johnson.

This pick needs to be really researched. Our season( and Kubiak's job) depends on it...

[nunusguy]

I'm scared as he>* of Matthews!! Can you say Vernon Gholston here we come.

Matthews wasn't even the third best LB at USC, much less a starter until recently. And why is no one mentioning his whopping 5.5 sacks his whole career there in the PAC-10. Drafting Matthews on potential is a colossal risk, more than Vernon was. At least he had 22 sacks his college career. And at 15, a major reach.

He hasn't done anything to warrant a 15th overall selection, besides have a nice combine, IMO. We all know if his name wasn't Matthews we wouldn't even be considering him in the first round. He also has some significant question marks about his maturity level (He created a "White Power" facebook group in 2007 with his buddies). How's he gonna explain that to his future teammates. And don't forget the amount of muscle he's put on in a very short amount of time. Wasn't he a 175lb walk on ?? Cushing's getting more heat over it right now, but the winds will shift to him eventually.
Finally, what position is he really gonna play? OLB in a 4-3. How, he has zero cover skills. So he's only a two down LB. Really? At the end of the day he's really a 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE tweener with very limited starting experience.

Blitzwood is kinda hittin on some of my thoughts about Matthews, and believe me I don't wanta put the guy down. The home-town connection with uncle Bruce is heart-warming and all (and it keeps gettin better with the H-of-Fame unc now on the Texans' coaching staff) and the Texans surely need some home-town heros to fire up the fan-base, but he makes some points about Clay M in his post that's worth considering. BTW what's this about "White Power" ? That's a new twist ?
LZ on 1560 was talking the other day about the Texans picking DT TJ with their first-round pick (16th overall) in 2005 Draft. He started at FSU only in his senior year and the highlight of his season (and his carrer at FSU), was basically the first 5 or 6 games of that year. I feel more comfortable with a
guy like D-Rob or DeMeco who's had a multi-year career as a starter at his alma mater. It's just a longer resume, more accomplishments, etc.
And like Blitzwood hinted at, maybe Matthews wouldn't have even started or played that much in his senior year if one less Trojan LB hadn't exhausted his eligibility ?

[dalemurphy]

Blitzwood is kinda hittin on some of my thoughts about Matthews, and believe me I don't wanta put the guy down. The home-town connection with uncle Bruce is heart-warming and all (and it keeps gettin better with the H-of-Fame unc now on the Texans' coaching staff) and the Texans surely need some home-town heros to fire up the fan-base, but he makes some points about Clay M in his post that's worth considering. BTW what's this about "White Power" ? That's a new twist ?
LZ on 1560 was talking the other day about the Texans picking DT TJ with their first-round pick (16th overall) in 2005 Draft. He started at FSU only in his senior year and the highlight of his season (and his carrer at FSU), was basically the first 5 or 6 games of that year. I feel more comfortable with a
guy like D-Rob or DeMeco who's had a multi-year career as a starter at his alma mater. It's just a longer resume, more accomplishments, etc.
And like Blitzwood hinted at, maybe Matthews wouldn't have even started or played that much in his senior year if one less Trojan LB hadn't exhausted his eligibility ?


You both make a good point but I think an organization that is confident in its player evaluations shouldn't lay down rules/obstacles in order to protect itself against a mistake.

In other words, I personally may be uncomfortable with a one year wonder. The statistics on those players becoming good NFL players may even suggest it's something to avoid, but if the front office rates the player high and it has an opportunity to go get him, that front office should do it anyway.

[Roy P]

I think Jerry or Harvin are much safer picks and would be productive from game 1. Harvin, who is my preferred choice because of the explosiveness he plays with, would give us a level of athleticism and speed this team has never seen on our side of the ball.

Jerry's also been a disruptive force in the same conference, the SEC. He could easily replace Travis Johnson..

I like Harvin and like Maclin even more, however, it's been pointed out that the offense isn't the big problem with our football team.

Peria Jerry could easily replace Travis Johnson, however, the question is does he make the defense better? Would he improve the run defense and keep DeMeco Ryans free to make plays? I'm not so sure.

The BPA on defense may very well be Vontae Davis. However, there will be folks who say that they are not wanting another CB because it won't address what the team needs.

So, no matter who we take, somebody will come up with a reason not to take him.

[nunusguy]

You both make a good point but I think an organization that is confident in its player evaluations shouldn't lay down rules/obstacles in order to protect itself against a mistake.

You often make good sense to me D-M but not this time.
To me the ultimate consideration in an NFL teams use of its first round Draft pick is protection against the worst case scenario on the downside: a college players evaluation & projection to the NFL which is so badly mistaken that it results in a bust.

[Bigtinylittle]

He is really saying OC and OG, only Unger can play now at OG and upgrade Briesel while he learns to read the DL and becomes familiar with the line calls. Next year you have a new OC and a 2nd year guy ready to play ORG.

Also most of us are forgetting that Chester is starting to get to age that we need to find his eventual replacement in the next couple of years.

Actually, I realized what he meant and I should have said so. And I really don't think it would necessarily be a bad idea to do it. The part of what he said that really bothers me is not picking up a DE and not getting a back until the seventh. Seventh round backs usually don't have NFL careers. We would have to get awfully lucky to find one that will. Also, the guy he mentioned may not even be there in the seventh when we pick. What do we do then?

As for DE, I thought the whole plan for the DL was to move Smith to the inside on passing downs. If we go with Bulman at RDE in those situations, it seems to me we would not get the full benefit of moving Smith inside. Also we are a bit thin at DE right now. We cut Weaver, and apparently Cochran won't be back, so if Smith moves inside, Bulman is really our only other DE. Sounds scary.

[Blitzwood]

Roy,
you're right, you can't make everyone happy.
(BTW, Roy's are always right, just ask me:-)

I like our offense and don't think we're that far off, either, but just because it's good doesn't mean it can't get better, especially when every other team is gonna try to improve their offense in the draft. I like Maclin, but think he'll be gone by the time the 15th pick rolls around. Harvin is just as good with better experience having played a vital roll in two BCS championships. The thing I really like about him is he plays RB and can spell Slaton. Something we need. But he can also line up as WR and safety valve and even do some returns. He's just so versatile for one player. Players that talented come around once every so often. He's virtually a can't miss.

Our defense needs to be upgraded and given some quality depth at multiple positions, but drafting an OLB that is a project in the first round doesn't help us on improving on an 8-8 season while other teams get better. I know we need probably 2-3 linebackers, but drafting for that need in the first round will make us reach for a player that probably won't be ready for at least a year. That player would be going up against elite players in the pros and I don't know if he's ready for that yet. It's gonna be really hard to learn that position in the pros going up against the best RB, TE, and linemen there is. Just ask Duane Brown and the 11 sacks he surrendered last year. We don't need to reach for another first round project.

The good news is that this is a deep class for linebackers and corners and we should be able to find starters at both positions in the mid-rounds. Dante will always need a quality backup after his surgery, and you could easily make a case for Reeves as well. He didn't start turning his head to make a play on the ball until the end of the season.

I think building a good defense should start in the secondary. Once you have your deep targets covered, you should build up the D-line with some good run-stuffers and pass-rushers to pressure the offense. Then build a quality LB corp that is smart, aggressive, and with good instincts.

We're not far off and could make HUGE improvements through this draft.

[gunn]

I'm scared as he>* of Matthews!! Can you say Vernon Gholston here we come.

Matthews wasn't even the third best LB at USC, much less a starter until recently. And why is no one mentioning his whopping 5.5 sacks his whole career there in the PAC-10. Drafting Matthews on potential is a colossal risk, more than Vernon was. At least he had 22 sacks his college career. And at 15, a major reach.

He hasn't done anything to warrant a 15th overall selection, besides have a nice combine, IMO. We all know if his name wasn't Matthews we wouldn't even be considering him in the first round. He also has some significant question marks about his maturity level (He created a "White Power" facebook group in 2007 with his buddies). How's he gonna explain that to his future teammates. And don't forget the amount of muscle he's put on in a very short amount of time. Wasn't he a 175lb walk on ?? Cushing's getting more heat over it right now, but the winds will shift to him eventually.
Finally, what position is he really gonna play? OLB in a 4-3. How, he has zero cover skills. So he's only a two down LB. Really? At the end of the day he's really a 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE tweener with very limited starting experience.

I think Jerry or Harvin are much safer picks and would be productive from game 1. Harvin, who is my preferred choice because of the explosiveness he plays with, would give us a level of athleticism and speed this team has never seen on our side of the ball and shift our offense to the same level of our division rival's, the Colts. With Slaton and Harvin in the backfield and AJ, Walters, and Daniels lined up, defenses won't know who to double. Kyle would look like a genius. And Harvin's been tearing it up for years at Florida and comes with a proven track record(bad pun).

Jerry's also been a disruptive force in the same conference, the SEC. He could easily replace Travis Johnson.

This pick needs to be really researched. Our season( and Kubiak's job) depends on it...

Maybe your getting Cushing and Matthews confused. Because at USC, Cush is the guy that didn't play on 3rd down. :confused:

[gunn]

Also..... you're coming across as if you have and agenda, imo.

[Roy P]

Our defense needs to be upgraded and given some quality depth at multiple positions. I know we need probably 2-3 linebackers.

Dante will always need a quality backup after his surgery, and you could easily make a case for Reeves as well. He didn't start turning his head to make a play on the ball until the end of the season.

I think building a good defense should start in the secondary.

Then build a quality LB corp that is smart, aggressive, and with good instincts.

We're not far off and could make HUGE improvements through this draft.

How about this for a draft.

1. CB Vontae Davis Illinois
2. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
3. RB Cedric Peerman Virginia
4. FS David Bruton Notre Dame
4. DE Kyle Moore USC
5. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
6. LB Lee Robinson Alcorn State
7. DE Victor Butler Oregon St

[Blitzwood]

Also..... you're coming across as if you have and agenda, imo.

gunn, Yea, my agenda is called "not drafting another project in the first round". Seriously. I can't believe some are cool with it just because of his name, then they wonder why we're 8-8 again.

If it's third and long, and Cush was out, then Matthews was out unless he's bringing the blitz.


Roy,
not bad, although I'm not very high on Vontae in the first. His brother is getting benched by Singletary in the pros, and Vontae got benched as a junior. His character leaves alot to be desired, from what I've read.
Plus Dante and Vontae gets a little redundant:D

How about:
1. Percy Harvin WR/RB Florida
2. Jarron Gilbert DT/DE SJSU
3. Jarius Byrd CB Oregon
4. Tyrone McKenzie OLB S.Florida
4. David Bruton FS Notre Dame
5. Zack Follett OLB Cal
6. Quin Johnson RB/FB LSU
7. Dallas Reynolds C/OG BYU

[gunn]

gunn, Yea, my agenda is called "not drafting another project in the first round". Seriously. I can't believe some are cool with it just because of his name, then they wonder why we're 8-8 again.

If it's third and long, and Cush was out, then Matthews was out unless he's bringing the blitz.


Questioning maturity level and bringing steriods into the picture is hardly saying "stay away from a project in round one". Certainly, and I'm going out on limb here, when you have no direct knowledge of either. If you have a reason for not wanting a certain player, it might be better if it's actually legitimate instead of unsubstantiated nonsense.

As per Mike Lombardi, Cushing was on the bench for USC on 3rd downs calling in the question: if he can't play for USC on 3rd down, how is he going to in the NFL?

[Roy P]

I would be willing to trade out of the 1st round.

Why because there is not a single player I want to pay 1st round money to available when we select.



I'm really trying to figure out a way to accrue some 3rd round picks in this draft.

S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest 6' 1 3/8" 221 4.45
S Patrick Chung Oregon 5' 11" 212 4.49
RB Andre Brown NC State 6' 0 1/8" 224 4.47
RB Rashad Jennings Liberty 6' 1" 231 4.58
RB Shonn Greene Iowa 5' 10.5" 227 4.65
DT Sen'Derrick Marks Auburn 6' 1" 295 5.00
LB Gerald McGrath Southern Miss 6' 2" 231 4.49
TE Shawn Nelson Southern Miss 6' 5" 240 4.52
S Rashad Johnson Alabama 6' 0" 203 4.49
WR Mike Thomas Arizona 5' 8" 195 4.35
LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia 6' 1" 236 4.63
RB Cedric Peerman Virginia 5' 10" 216 4.39
DE Lawrence Sidbury Richmond 6' 2 3/8" 266 4.57
OC Antoine Caldwell Alabama 6' 4" 307 5.21
LB Cody Brown Connecticut 6' 2" 244 4.76

These are some of the names that I think will be available in the 3rd who can be good players in the NFL. I'm not sure how many Pro-Bowls they will be going to, but I'm pretty sure that they could help our roster.

[Blitzwood]

Gunn, at the end of the day he is a project. His skill set could realistically be had in the mid-late rounds. He has the potential to get better, which is why he's being mentioned in the first round. I feel we need help now, especially since we don't have a starter at that position.

Nobody knows for a fact who is using or if anyone is using. It's a topic for debate and speculation. But, you would be a bit naive to think that Matthews was a late bloomer, who physically matured later, and stayed under the radar until his senior season, all while adding 75-80lbs of muscle.

[jppaul]

I disagree I think he has tremendous upside, 1.49 in the 10 yard is really an amazing number for a 240 pounder. Unbelievable actually. Combined with his tackling ability, pass rush, and upside I definitely think he warrants a first round pick.

I would be happy with him or Cushing. I'm a little torn though, I love Adibi's potential, but I am concerned about his injury history. Diles is really a better fit in the middle. If you believe Adibi can stay healthy then Cushing should be the choice, as I don't believe Matthews best fit is SLB. If you don't then Matthews should be the choice.

[Roy P]

His skill set could realistically be had in the mid-late rounds.

See, now this is where you got ahead of yourself.

Clay Matthews USC 6 '3 1/8" 240 4.62 23 35.5 2.64 1.49 10.08 6.9 4.18 68.58 12.57 5.46 0.44

These are the type of numbers that Jonathan Vilma put up at his Combine at 233lbs.

23 - reps, 37" Vertical, 10'1" Jump, 6.7 - Cone, 4.2 - Shuttle.

You won't be finding a mid-late round LB with this type of athleticism, I'm sorry. When it comes to size, explosion, and change of direction, then Matthews is the guy you want in this draft.

Now, I understand the notion of not wanting to spend the #15 pick on a guy who has just burst on the scene. Imagine how Jerry Jones felt when he burned the #11 pick on a kid from Troy who did all of his growing in college. Of course, now he's trying to figure out how many zeros to put into DeMarcus Ware's next contract.

[Blitzwood]

See, now this is where you got ahead of yourself.



AHH, no, His skill set can be found in the middle rounds because his technique is not developed for an OLB in a 4-3. He's better, and has played mostly DE or OLB in a 3-4. His skill set and technique is less developed than say Cushings or Sintim for that matter.

I never said anything about his athleticism. Just because you have a test well at the combine doesn't mean you're a great football player. We've all seen that before.

I think Marcus Freeman, who is a really good cover 2 will, is a good example the mid-rounds.

[BigBull]

AHH, no, His skill set can be found in the middle rounds because his technique is not developed for an OLB in a 4-3. He's better, and has played mostly DE or OLB in a 3-4. His skill set and technique is less developed than say Cushings or Sintim for that matter.

I never said anything about his athleticism. Just because you have a test well at the combine doesn't mean you're a great football player. We've all seen that before.

Can you name some examples of these middle round picks that have as good of skills? Just curious.:confused:

[gunn]

AHH, no, His skill set can be found in the middle rounds because his technique is not developed for an OLB in a 4-3. He's better, and has played mostly DE or OLB in a 3-4. His skill set and technique is less developed than say Cushings or Sintim for that matter...

How has he played OLB in a 34 when USC runs and always has run an under 43?

[Roy P]

His skill set and technique is less developed than say Cushings or Sintim for that matter.

I think Marcus Freeman, who is a really good cover 2 will, is a good example the mid-rounds.

I'll have to disagree with you again here. Matthews is a better pass-rusher and tackler than either Cushings or Sintim. Both of which will probably be gone by our 2nd round pick.

Freeman can drop in a Zone, but I'd say that Matthews has the better ability of being able to match up in Man-to-Man coverage.

There will be a bit of learning for him at the next level because of the type of Defense he played in at USC. However, most players will go through some type of adjustment. His fundamentals are solid though, so he should not take long to make an impact.

If I didn't know better, I'd say you were from Tampa Bay or New England and was hoping he'd slide down to your slot. :cool:

[Roy P]

How about this for a draft.

1. CB Vontae Davis Illinois
2. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
3. RB Cedric Peerman Virginia
4. FS David Bruton Notre Dame
4. DE Kyle Moore USC
5. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
6. LB Lee Robinson Alcorn State
7. DE Victor Butler Oregon St

Revision #27

1. LB Clay Matthews USC
2. OC Eric Wood Louisville
3. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
4. FS David Bruton Notre Dame
4. DE Kyle Moore USC
5. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
6. RB Ian Johnson Boise State
7. WR Demetrius Byrd LSU

FAs
RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51
DE Victor Butler Oregon St 6' 2" 248 4.77
DT Myron Pryor Kentucky 6' 0 1/4" 319 5.08

[dalemurphy]

Revision #27

1. LB Clay Matthews USC
2. OC Eric Wood Louisville
3. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
4. FS David Bruton Notre Dame
4. DE Kyle Moore USC
5. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
6. RB Ian Johnson Boise State
7. WR Demetrius Byrd LSU

FAs
RB Javarris Williams Tenn State 5' 9 1/2" 223 4.51
DE Victor Butler Oregon St 6' 2" 248 4.77
DT Myron Pryor Kentucky 6' 0 1/4" 319 5.08



Aren't you worried about Eric Wood's alligator arms, or do you believe arm lenght is less important in the interior line?

[Roy P]

Aren't you worried about Eric Wood's alligator arms, or do you believe arm lenght is less important in the interior line?

How short are his arms?

Of course, an OT needs to have longer arms than an interior OG or OC, but I don't necessarily want a T-Rex playing OC either.

[Blitzwood]

Roy, I agree to disagree, and no, I'm not a troll from another team. I'm from Houston, but now reside in Katy.

Anyway, I don't understand how you can say Matthews has better man on man skills than Freeman when he has three times more experience and usually maned the OLB. Lets look at their Soph. and Junior years(2006,2007), for example.

After this I'm finished talking about CM till draft day.

Freeman was already a second year starter in 2007, he was second team all big ten, had 109 TT, 9.5 TFL, and 5 PBU. He started 11 out of 13 games in 2006, had 71 TT, 2.5 TFL, 1 SKS, 2 INT, and 6 PBU, also had 15 TKL in the BCS game that year.

Matthews was a backup linebacker in 2007, he started 2 games, had 17 TT , 3 TFL, 1 PBU. He was also a special teams player and had 2 FF and 2 BLK to his credit. In 2006 he had 15 TT and 1.5 TFL.

I don't know where his cover skills are gonna come from or how he's gonna be better than Freemans without real game experience. Freeman covered receivers and TE's frequently in the Texas vs OSU game, and did it well, check out youtube. Granted they both had good senior years, but Freeman is the more experienced and polished OLB43 at this point, IMO.

Also, OSU's pro day was the 17th, and he ran a 4.51 and 4.52 forty, 4.08 short shuttle, and a 6.66 three cone, surpassing all of Matthews times, and also Aaron Curry.:cool:

On a side note, I was thinking our rush defense was pretty pathetic last year, so here's my new mock emphasizing better rush protection:

1)Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss
2)Marcus Freeman OLB OSU
3)Andre Brown RB N.C. St.
4)Jason Williams OLB W. Ill.
4)Stryker Sulak DE Mizzou
5)Courtney Greene FS Rutgers
6)Sammie Lee Hill DT Stillman
7)D.J. Clark CB Idaho St

[Roy P]

Roy, I agree to disagree.


After this I'm finished talking about CM till draft day.


Also, OSU's pro day was the 17th, and he ran a 4.51 and 4.52 forty, 4.08 short shuttle, and a 6.66 three cone, surpassing all of Matthews times, and also Aaron Curry.:cool:



ok.

Me too.

This is why I only compare times at the Combine when everyone has had the same amount of time to prepare for the same conditions on the same turf.

[painekiller]

AHH, no, His skill set can be found in the middle rounds because his technique is not developed for an OLB in a 4-3. He's better, and has played mostly DE or OLB in a 3-4. His skill set and technique is less developed than say Cushings or Sintim for that matter.

I never said anything about his athleticism. Just because you have a test well at the combine doesn't mean you're a great football player. We've all seen that before.

I think Marcus Freeman, who is a really good cover 2 will, is a good example the mid-rounds.


And he played safety in HS. The kid is versatile and willing to work hard, also he chasing a ghost and he seems to willing to catch'em.

[Roy P]

Now that I've updated my draft board once again, I ran it against the DraftTek mock.

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. FS William Moore Missouri
77. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
152. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State (I seriously considerd JP Wilson)
188. RB Ian Johnson Boise State
223. DT Roy Miller Texas (I thought about Victor Butler)

McKillop played MLB in college, but I think he'd be able to play SAM and be a HUGE contributor on Special Teams. Javarris Williams is my sleeper Big Back.

[painekiller]

Now that I've updated my draft board once again, I ran it against the DraftTek mock.

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. FS William Moore Missouri
77. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
152. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State (I seriously considerd JP Wilson)
188. RB Ian Johnson Boise State
223. DT Roy Miller Texas (I thought about Victor Butler)

McKillop played MLB in college, but I think he'd be able to play SAM and be a HUGE contributor on Special Teams. Javarris Williams is my sleeper Big Back.


I think it's time to book this draft. Roy, I could live with this one. But our friends will all complain because you did not draft a DE.

[dalemurphy]

I think it's time to book this draft. Roy, I could live with this one. But our friends will all complain because you did not draft a DE.

or a C/G?

One of my predominate goals this off-season is for Kasey Studdard to not make this year's team. And, unfortunately, that draft isn't going to get it done.

[painekiller]

or a C/G?

One of my predominate goals this off-season is for Kasey Studdard to not make this year's team. And, unfortunately, that draft isn't going to get it done.

dale, he is going to make this team even if we spend a 1st rounder on OG, you haven't figured that out yet?

In the one on one drill at the open practices Studdard had his ass handed to him on a constant basis, yet Frye, who looked better to me, was let go. Studdard has photos of Kubiak somewhere, otherwise it makes no sense.

[dalemurphy]

dale, he is going to make this team even if we spend a 1st rounder on OG, you haven't figured that out yet?

In the one on one drill at the open practices Studdard had his ass handed to him on a constant basis, yet Frye, who looked better to me, was let go. Studdard has photos of Kubiak somewhere, otherwise it makes no sense.

I think letting Brandon Frye go last season is the biggest off-field mistake the organization has made since early 2006. I'm still pissed about it. Why on earth these guys can't tell that Studdard has no business playing professional football, I have no idea. I would love to sit down with Kubiak and watch the Cowboy preseason game from last season on the coaches tape while he explains Studdard's play each snap. That would make for some interesting conversation!

Do you remember the Arnold Schwartzenegger movie with Danny Devito? Twins! Anyway, I like to refer to Studdard as Vince Young's twin... you know, the leftover DNA kind of accidently formed a blob of crap after producing Vince Young. That's why those two guys are so chummy. They're related!

[Roy P]

I think it's time to book this draft. Roy, I could live with this one. But our friends will all complain because you did not draft a DE.

If we traded down and got an extra 3rd and 4th round pick, I could draft Bruton to play FS, get Wood in the 2nd round, and get a DE in the 3rd like Sidbury or Cody Brown.

[painekiller]

If we traded down and got an extra 3rd and 4th round pick, I could draft Bruton to play FS, get Wood in the 2nd round, and get a DE in the 3rd like Sidbury or Cody Brown.

I've got a feeling Sidbury is going a lot earlier than most people think. Casserly said a scout is calling him a late 1 to mid 2nd type player. Maybe that scout was really his agent, but he has made a name for himself since they misspelled his name at the Shriners game.

[Roy P]

I've got a feeling Sidbury is going a lot earlier than most people think.

he has made a name for himself since they misspelled his name at the Shriners game.

Damn it! I wanted Sidbuby in the 3rd! :mad:

[dalemurphy]

Okay, here's my first stab at things playing around with two early trade downs. I didn't get too specific with my trades, so here are two approximated trades:
1. 15 - 26, 57
2. 26- 37, 68

so, here you go:

37. Larry English
46. Eric Wood
57. W. Moore
68. Shonn Greene
77. Ellerbe
112. Bruton
122. Terrence Taylor
148. J. Knox
185. Javaris Williams
226. PJ Hill


thoughts?

as for me, it seems clear that we really need to work hard to trade down into those middle rounds. I don't have the chart in front of me, but I'm pretty sure those values are quite attainable.

[Roy P]

1. 15 - 26, 57
2. 26- 37, 68

so, here you go:

37. Larry English
46. Eric Wood
57. W. Moore
68. Shonn Greene
77. Ellerbe
112. Bruton
122. Terrence Taylor
148. J. Knox
185. Javaris Williams
226. PJ Hill


thoughts?


15 for 26 & 57 makes us short 20 points, so maybe we get an extra 6th rounder (185 for example). Is that your Javarris Williams pick? We already have #188.

26 for 37 & 68 is 80 points to valuable, so we'd have to give up #112 (70 points) to make it comparable.

[dalemurphy]

Here's a mock with only one trade: 15 to Phillie for 28 and 53.

28. Clint Sintim
46. Sean Smith
53. Eric Wood
77. Shonn Greene
112. David Bruton
122. Terrence Taylor
5th. Javaris Williams
6th. Quann Cosby
7th. Lydon Murtha

I really love this one. But, I'm skeptical about Sean Smith lasting that late after his pro day results and certainly I've been skeptical about Shonn Greene last into the third round. Thoughts?

[nunusguy]

Here's a mock with only one trade: 15 to Phillie for 28 and 53.

28. Clint Sintim
46. Sean Smith
53. Eric Wood
77. Shonn Greene
112. David Bruton
122. Terrence Taylor
5th. Javaris Williams
6th. Quann Cosby
7th. Lydon Murtha

I really love this one. But, I'm skeptical about Sean Smith lasting that late after his pro day results and certainly I've been skeptical about Shonn Greene last into the third round. Thoughts?
I like the players but I think its even more unlikely that Wood is still available in the middle of the third round than Smith in the second.
Re Smith, yea Utah doesn't have that same ring to it as "The Ohio state" university when it comes to football pedigree, but the reality is Smith is very comparable to Malcolm Jenkins but even bigger.

[papabear]

Sintim played for Virginia right...since there's a law that we take at least one Virginia player every year I've been thinking that we somehow end up with him. SLB/RDE type right?

[dalemurphy]

I like the players but I think its even more unlikely that Wood is still available in the middle of the third round than Smith in the second.
Re Smith, yea Utah doesn't have that same ring to it as "The Ohio state" university when it comes to football pedigree, but the reality is Smith is very comparable to Malcolm Jenkins but even bigger.

pick #53 (Eric Wood) is the 21st pick of the 2nd round... certainly, he could be gone by then, but I think it's reasonable that he could be there.

[nunusguy]

pick #53 (Eric Wood) is the 21st pick of the 2nd round... certainly, he could be gone by then, but I think it's reasonable that he could be there.

Woops ! You're right, I shot without aiming. I saw your first 3 picks but didn't check the trade and assumed it was rounds 1, 2 , 3 for those 3 picks. Sorry !
Anyway, I'd love to make that trade and end up with 2 second rounders no matter who we might end up taking.

[Roy P]

Here's a mock with only one trade: 15 to Phillie for 28 and 53.

28. Clint Sintim
46. Sean Smith
53. Eric Wood
77. Shonn Greene
112. David Bruton
122. Terrence Taylor
5th. Javaris Williams
6th. Quann Cosby
7th. Lydon Murtha

I really love this one. But, I'm skeptical about Sean Smith lasting that late after his pro day results and certainly I've been skeptical about Shonn Greene last into the third round. Thoughts?

I took a long look at Shonn Greene vs. Rashad Jennings in my mock. I also considered Andre Brown at #53. This is who I selected...
Sel--Pos--Name-----------School---------Index
28.--DT--Ziggy Hood-------Missouri-------5.79
46.--OC--Eric Wood--------Louisville------5.00
53.--DE--Paul Kruger-------Utah----------4.82
77.--RB--Rashad Jennings--Liberty--------5.76
112.-SS--David Bruton-----Notre Dame----5.75
122.-LB--Scott McKillop----Pittsburgh-----5.58
5th.-FS--Chris Clemons----Clemson--------5.09
6th.-DT--Roy Miller--------Texas----------5.31
7th.-CB--Don Carey-------Norfolk State---4.84

I am under the impressions that Ziggy Hood and Okoye can both play at the same time, moving TJ to the bench as part of a rotation. When we need to stop the run on goal line situations, Roy Miller can play a more traditional NT.

Paul Kruger is my situational pass-rusher. He is a cheaper version of Clint Sintim, in my opinion. Kruger is also better against the run.

As I said, I debated Greene vs. Jennings at #77. I took Jennings because he's a little more agile and explosive. He also is younger, so we may see him continue to improve. Greene was productive last year in college, but he may be at his maximum potential since he's already 24 years old.

Unfortunately, I was unable to garner a WLB in this draft. McKillop is a run-stuffing SAM. I was holding out hope that McGrath would be on the board at #112, since I was unable to draft Matthews in the 1st round.

I am pleased to have Bruton, Clemons, and Carey to add to the Secondary.

Wood is my favorite pick because he can play RG or OC.

[dalemurphy]

I took a long look at Shonn Greene vs. Rashad Jennings in my mock. I also considered Andre Brown at #53. This is who I selected...
Sel--Pos--Name-----------School---------Index
28.--DT--Ziggy Hood-------Missouri-------5.79
46.--OC--Eric Wood--------Louisville------5.00
53.--DE--Paul Kruger-------Utah----------4.82
77.--RB--Rashad Jennings--Liberty--------5.76
112.-SS--David Bruton-----Notre Dame----5.75
122.-LB--Scott McKillop----Pittsburgh-----5.58
5th.-FS--Chris Clemons----Clemson--------5.09
6th.-DT--Roy Miller--------Texas----------5.31
7th.-CB--Don Carey-------Norfolk State---4.84

I am under the impressions that Ziggy Hood and Okoye can both play at the same time, moving TJ to the bench as part of a rotation. When we need to stop the run on goal line situations, Roy Miller can play a more traditional NT.

Paul Kruger is my situational pass-rusher. He is a cheaper version of Clint Sintim, in my opinion. Kruger is also better against the run.

As I said, I debated Greene vs. Jennings at #77. I took Jennings because he's a little more agile and explosive. He also is younger, so we may see him continue to improve. Greene was productive last year in college, but he may be at his maximum potential since he's already 24 years old.

Unfortunately, I was unable to garner a WLB in this draft. McKillop is a run-stuffing SAM. I was holding out hope that McGrath would be on the board at #112, since I was unable to draft Matthews in the 1st round.

I am pleased to have Bruton, Clemons, and Carey to add to the Secondary.

Wood is my favorite pick because he can play RG or OC.


Well, I wouldn't worry about WLB in the draft now, we just signed Cato June in addition to Buster Davis. That give us 8 LBs that I think belong in the NFL (perhaps Buster Davis doesn't, we'll see) and all of them, with the exception of Chaun Thompson can play WLB: DRyans, Bentley, Adibi, Diles, Coley, CJune, BDavis

[jppaul]

Outside of Bently though I don't think we have a true Sam on the Roster.

I imagine that it kinda looks like this now:

SLB:

Bentley competes with Diles and Coley

MLB:

Ryans is the starter with Diles, Cato June and Possibly Coley as the backups

WLB:

Adibi competes with Cato June, Buster Davis, and Diles

DRyans, Bentley, Adibi, Diles, Coley, CJune, BDavis

[Roy P]

I would guess that if we do not draft any LBs, we are looking at Bentley, Ryans, June as the starters.

[dalemurphy]

Outside of Bently though I don't think we have a true Sam on the Roster.

I imagine that it kinda looks like this now:

SLB:

Bentley competes with Diles and Coley

MLB:

Ryans is the starter with Diles, Cato June and Possibly Coley as the backups

WLB:

Adibi competes with Cato June, Buster Davis, and Diles

DRyans, Bentley, Adibi, Diles, Coley, CJune, BDavis



Chaun Thompson is a true SAM. He got hurt in pre-season and was forgotten about. But, his playing weight is about 255 lbs. He's a good pass rusher and is also athletic enough to deal with many TEs. He's still young, under contract, and has had some NFL success. In 2005, starting for Cleveland, he had 5 sacks and 84 tackles playing ROLB. He lost his starting job with the coaching change in 2006.

[dalemurphy]

I would guess that if we do not draft any LBs, we are looking at Bentley, Ryans, June as the starters.

I think Adibi is the favorite to start at WILL. Also, I think CThompson has a shot at SAM. Supposedly, Adibi has added some good weight and looks much more the part. I think Cato June is likely to sub in on passing downs.

[kravix]

I would guess that if we do not draft any LBs, we are looking at Bentley, Ryans, June as the starters.

Diles was the leading tackler on the team until he was hurt, do you see him getting beat out if he comes back 100%?

[Roy P]

Diles was the leading tackler on the team until he was hurt, do you see him getting beat out if he comes back 100%?

Diles is not a very good football player. I don't understand why there is opinion to the contrary.

I seriously hope that he gets beat out.

[kravix]

Diles is not a very good football player. I don't understand why there is opinion to the contrary.

I seriously hope that he gets beat out.

Going just on the stats, which I understand can lie. In 8 games last year he had 66 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, and 1 int. Double that and you have an idea of what his totals for the year may have been. That would put him almost in the top 10 LB column stat wise.

I dont have tape to go back to, but I seem to recall that he made some pretty good plays. I would like to know why you dont think he is a good football player though.

[painekiller]

And now to get us back on Tek, their draft for April 6th, number 33, has us taking:
15 Knowshon Moreno RBF Georgia
46 DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt
77 Patrick Chung SS Oregon
112 Ricky Jean-Francois DT43 LSU
122 Scott McKillop ILB Pittsburgh
152 Richard Quinn TE North Carolina
188 Andrew Gardner OT Georgia Tech
223 Sammy Stroughter WRS Oregon St

Time for a my cherry pick with the 28 and 53:
28 Connor Barwin OLB34 Cincinnati
46 Eric Wood OC Louisville
53 William Moore FS Missouri
77 Patrick Chung SS Oregon
112 Kevin Barnes CB Maryland
122 Gregory Toler CB St.Paul Virginia
152 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
188 Javarris Williams RBF Tennessee State
223 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College

Barwin will be a pass rush specialist as he learn the SAM LB position.
Woods will get time at both RG while he learn the line call.
Moore and Chung, why? Because. Hindsight I go Andre Brown RBF North Carolina St instead of Moore.

Tolar is the pet small school project to soon guy.
Oh and Knox is to small WR guy, bye bye Jacoby.
Williams because he is the best RB available in 3 round and I was starting to panic.
Purvis can block inline and has receiving skills.,

[painekiller]

Going just on the stats, which I understand can lie. In 8 games last year he had 66 tackles, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, and 1 int. Double that and you have an idea of what his totals for the year may have been. That would put him almost in the top 10 LB column stat wise.



Did you think Foreman was to ten LB? he had a couple of years with huge stats? I'm not saying Diles is bad, I'm just saying high tackle total is not the whole story.

Do teams have to game plan around a player, until they do that player can be upgraded.

[dalemurphy]

Did you think Foreman was to ten LB? he had a couple of years with huge stats? I'm not saying Diles is bad, I'm just saying high tackle total is not the whole story.

Do teams have to game plan around a player, until they do that player can be upgraded.

I don't think anyone was saying that. Statistics don't tell the whole story but they do indicate production. Myself and others wonder why so much draft focus has been at LB, not because we have 3 all-pros starting there. Instead, it's because I think we all see youth, some depth, and a number of players that looked like they belonged in the NFL. Meanwhile, if you look at our serious lack of depth at RB, interior OL, and a real lack of production and athleticism from the saftey position then LB hardly seems like a position to be targeted in the first round.

[Roy P]

Meanwhile, if you look at our serious lack of depth at RB, interior OL, and a real lack of production and athleticism from the saftey position then LB hardly seems like a position to be targeted in the first round.

We aren't spending a 1st round pick on a RB to be Slaton's relief, according to the coach. Generally speaking, you don't spend a 1st round pick on an interior lineman. Lastly, there really isn't a 1st round quality Safety in this draft. So, that why concentration has been on LB.

We've spent 1st round picks on TJ and Okoye, so I'm sure that there would be much grumbling about doing that again, especially after signing Shaun Cody (unless we trade Travis during the draft).

Having signed a DE to replace Weaver, I'm not sure if it would be a good strategy to draft a 1st round player with the amount of guaranteed money he'd make, to come in on 3rd downs.

The CB situation with Dunta may make a 1st round pick on one possible. However, Jenkins doesn't appear to fit our system and Davis has some issues that need to be looked into. Maybe Darius Butler, but I'm not sure how much of an "impact" he'd have.

It's kind of a logical deduction that LB is the place to go, which makes the Cato June signing a little remarkable.

[dalemurphy]

We aren't spending a 1st round pick on a RB to be Slaton's relief, according to the coach. Generally speaking, you don't spend a 1st round pick on an interior lineman. Lastly, there really isn't a 1st round quality Safety in this draft. So, that why concentration has been on LB.

We've spent 1st round picks on TJ and Okoye, so I'm sure that there would be much grumbling about doing that again, especially after signing Shaun Cody (unless we trade Travis during the draft).

Having signed a DE to replace Weaver, I'm not sure if it would be a good strategy to draft a 1st round player with the amount of guaranteed money he'd make, to come in on 3rd downs.

The CB situation with Dunta may make a 1st round pick on one possible. However, Jenkins doesn't appear to fit our system and Davis has some issues that need to be looked into. Maybe Darius Butler, but I'm not sure how much of an "impact" he'd have.

It's kind of a logical deduction that LB is the place to go, which makes the Cato June signing a little remarkable.


Well, hopefully that is a bit of misdirection because it sure is foolish to make those kinds of announcements before the draft. Also, if they are going to target a specific position (LB), then they had better be willing and determined to trade down instead a reach for the guy. I like what they did last year with Duane Brown... they sat at their spot hoping someone like Brandon Albert would fall to them, then, instead of reaching for Brown they traded down and took him later. Perhaps it was still a reach, but I don't have a problem going after him after they accumulated some extra picks.

[Roy P]

Also, if they are going to target a specific position (LB), then they had better be willing and determined to trade down instead a reach for the guy.

I just hope the Bills don't draft our guy at #11.

[Blitzwood]

IMO, I think the positions on our team that need the most help now are the D-line, O-line, and RB.

We are pretty well stocked at CB/S with players like Barber, Harrison, and Molden jockeying for some PT and our LB corp has recently been stockedpiled through FA. I believe one pick per would suffice, we have so many other needs to address.

If I was Kubiak, I would move T.J and Okam to the practice squad to send a clear message that their time here could be in jeopardy if they don't pick it up. Shaun Cody is a backup, at best. Detroit was happy to see him go.

Also, our O-line has been terrible, regardless of what our offense did. Schaub and Sage were on their backs and getting injured too often to have any real chance of success, and I'm sure part of that stems from a real lack of depth at the RB position, but it(O-line) also could could stand to be bolstered as well in this draft.


28. Peria Jerry DT
One of the best DT available who has a real chance of being there

46. Ziggy Hood DT
Excellent size with a non stop motor. Our D-line would be set for a decade if we could materialize those two picks alone, though very unlikely. (Backup pick-Jarron Gilbert) Any two out of three would be a success to me. We have to start putting pressure on QB's in order to win close games.

53. Rashad Jennings RB
Very strong runner who keeps himself in excellent shape, could be pro-bowl RB(he won't be there in the 3rd)

77. Mike Mickens CB
Impressive playmaker with good instincts that could play CB and FS

112. Zach Follett WILL
Cerebral player, EXPERIENCED, excellent blitzer that will give Bush the OLB to make plays in the backfield

122. T.J. Lang OG/C/OT
Tough, hardworking player, very versatile that fits our ZBS

152. S. Vollmer OT
Intriguing prospect that would provide depth at R or LT

188. Patrick Turner WR/TE
Texans steal a player late in the draft

223. Gantrell Johnson RB
Powerful runner, "bowling ball", downhill runner, sure handed

UFA Phillip Hunt DE
Kubiak really liked this kid when he got a chance to see him practice at Reliant everyday, good against the run

UFA Robert Francois OLB
Insurance for Diles, Adibi, or Bentley

UFA Ryan McKee OT
More depth with good speed for the ZB

[dalemurphy]

IMO, I think the positions on our team that need the most help now are the D-line, O-line, and RB.

We are pretty well stocked at CB/S with players like Barber, Harrison, and Molden jockeying for some PT and our LB corp has recently been stockedpiled through FA. I believe one pick per would suffice, we have so many other needs to address.

If I was Kubiak, I would move T.J and Okam to the practice squad to send a clear message that their time here could be in jeopardy if they don't pick it up. Shaun Cody is a backup, at best. Detroit was happy to see him go.

Also, our O-line has been terrible, regardless of what our offense did. Schaub and Sage were on their backs and getting injured too often to have any real chance of success, and I'm sure part of that stems from a real lack of depth at the RB position, but it(O-line) also could could stand to be bolstered as well in this draft.


28. Peria Jerry DT
One of the best DT available who has a real chance of being there

46. Ziggy Hood DT
Excellent size with a non stop motor. Our D-line would be set for a decade if we could materialize those two picks alone, though very unlikely. (Backup pick-Jarron Gilbert) Any two out of three would be a success to me. We have to start putting pressure on QB's in order to win close games.

53. Rashad Jennings RB
Very strong runner who keeps himself in excellent shape, could be pro-bowl RB(he won't be there in the 3rd)

77. Mike Mickens CB
Impressive playmaker with good instincts that could play CB and FS

112. Zach Follett WILL
Cerebral player, EXPERIENCED, excellent blitzer that will give Bush the OLB to make plays in the backfield

122. T.J. Lang OG/C/OT
Tough, hardworking player, very versatile that fits our ZBS

152. S. Vollmer OT
Intriguing prospect that would provide depth at R or LT

188. Patrick Turner WR/TE
Texans steal a player late in the draft

223. Gantrell Johnson RB
Powerful runner, "bowling ball", downhill runner, sure handed

UFA Phillip Hunt DE
Kubiak really liked this kid when he got a chance to see him practice at Reliant everyday, good against the run

UFA Robert Francois OLB
Insurance for Diles, Adibi, or Bentley

UFA Ryan McKee OT
More depth with good speed for the ZB


I rarely would make this argument but in this case I have to:

We would have too much money tied up into one kind of player at one position: Okoye, TJ, PJerry, Ziggy Hood. DT isn't like DE. With a DE, you can move them inside on passing downs and create mismatches to get to the QB. However, the only advantage to all these smallish DTs is the ability to keep them fresh. Even so, they are all vulnerable against the run. So, we'd have 4 guys that are all ideal for passing downs and nobody that is good on the run downs. And, the team will only keep 4-5 DTs on the 53 man roster so all kinds of problems would result from that draft.

[Roy P]

We are pretty well stocked at CB/S with players like Barber, Harrison, and Molden jockeying for some PT and our LB corp has recently been stockedpiled through FA. I believe one pick per would suffice, we have so many other needs to address.

If I was Kubiak, I would move T.J and Okam to the practice squad to send a clear message that their time here could be in jeopardy if they don't pick it up. Shaun Cody is a backup, at best. Detroit was happy to see him go.

Also, our O-line has been terrible, regardless of what our offense did. Schaub and Sage were on their backs and getting injured too often to have any real chance of success, and I'm sure part of that stems from a real lack of depth at the RB position, but it(O-line) also could could stand to be bolstered as well in this draft.


28. Peria Jerry DT
One of the best DT available who has a real chance of being there

46. Ziggy Hood DT
Excellent size with a non stop motor. Our D-line would be set for a decade if we could materialize those two picks alone, though very unlikely. (Backup pick-Jarron Gilbert) Any two out of three would be a success to me. We have to start putting pressure on QB's in order to win close games.

53. Rashad Jennings RB
Very strong runner who keeps himself in excellent shape, could be pro-bowl RB(he won't be there in the 3rd)

77. Mike Mickens CB
Impressive playmaker with good instincts that could play CB and FS

112. Zach Follett WILL
Cerebral player, EXPERIENCED, excellent blitzer that will give Bush the OLB to make plays in the backfield

122. T.J. Lang OG/C/OT
Tough, hardworking player, very versatile that fits our ZBS

152. S. Vollmer OT
Intriguing prospect that would provide depth at R or LT

188. Patrick Turner WR/TE
Texans steal a player late in the draft

223. Gantrell Johnson RB
Powerful runner, "bowling ball", downhill runner, sure handed

UFA Phillip Hunt DE
Kubiak really liked this kid when he got a chance to see him practice at Reliant everyday, good against the run

UFA Robert Francois OLB
Insurance for Diles, Adibi, or Bentley

UFA Ryan McKee OT
More depth with good speed for the ZB

You say that we are pretty well stocked at S/CB and then suggest that we draft 2 more 3-Technique DTs? One pick at DT, I could see for rotational purposes. Two picks if you have given up on Travis Johnson and want to trade or cut him (sending him to the PS would be like cutting him). However, I wouldn't suggest using our two top picks to garner two more DTs. Shaun Cody was more productive than the guys we suited up if you take a look at tackles per play and he may be more of a force this season than Ziggy Hood.

Our O-Line has been terrible in the past. It wasn't terrible last season. We don't very good production from Slaton and the yards per game that our QBs combined for last season with a terrible O-Line. I'm not saying that they were dominant by any stretch, but they were at least average. While it would be nice to be able to convert more 3rd downs, the worst problem the offense had was with fumbles and interceptions and the blame for those can be spread further than just the O-Line.

With all of that "criticism" I don't think your draft is a bad one. I could understand getting Jerry in the 1st, but would go with a play making S instead of Ziggy (perhaps his teammate William Moore).

[Keith]

If I was Kubiak, I would move T.J and Okam to the practice squad to send a clear message that their time here could be in jeopardy if they don't pick it up.

And if I were Rick Smith, I would inform you that Travis has no practice squad eligibility. If you don't want him, you either cut or trade him.

If I understand the rules correctly, I don't think Okam has lost his practice squad eligibility. He was active for six games last year and listed as inactive for the other ten, which would easily constitue an accrued season. But since he was active in fewer than nine games in his only accrued season, he should still be eligible.

[Blitzwood]

I rarely would make this argument but in this case I have to:

We would have too much money tied up into one kind of player at one position: Okoye, TJ, PJerry, Ziggy Hood. DT isn't like DE. With a DE, you can move them inside on passing downs and create mismatches to get to the QB. However, the only advantage to all these smallish DTs is the ability to keep them fresh. Even so, they are all vulnerable against the run. So, we'd have 4 guys that are all ideal for passing downs and nobody that is good on the run downs. And, the team will only keep 4-5 DTs on the 53 man roster so all kinds of problems would result from that draft.

If I'm not mistaken, TJ is already questionable to remain on the team, much less his starting job, and John McClain recently wrote an article on chron.com about Okoye really having to step it up this year, so to say we don't want to address this problem because we already have so much money tied up really doesn't make sense if we want to reach the playoffs, IMO. If our D-line is not cutting it, then we need to get some players that can collapse the pocket and penetrate. If we have tackles that can make plays in the backfield, then obviously teams are gonna have a hard time running against us. It all starts on the line with our defense, if we don't have good DT's, it doesn't matter who plays LB.



You say that we are pretty well stocked at S/CB and then suggest that we draft 2 more 3-Technique DTs? One pick at DT, I could see for rotational purposes. Two picks if you have given up on Travis Johnson and want to trade or cut him (sending him to the PS would be like cutting him). However, I wouldn't suggest using our two top picks to garner two more DTs. Shaun Cody was more productive than the guys we suited up if you take a look at tackles per play and he may be more of a force this season than Ziggy Hood.

With all of that "criticism" I don't think your draft is a bad one. I could understand getting Jerry in the 1st, but would go with a play making S instead of Ziggy (perhaps his teammate William Moore).

If Cody turns out to be better than expected, that will be great, but I didn't see Detroit putting up much of a fuss, especially for what we signed him for, and the Lions' forums were happy to see him go. And IMO, RG and C could use some help. I just don't feel S is such a need given our depth there compared to DT or OL. I feel a quality DB could be had in the 4th or 5th rounds where a quality DT cannot.

[Blitzwood]

And if I were Rick Smith, I would inform you that Travis has no practice squad eligibility. If you don't want him, you either cut or trade him.

If I understand the rules correctly, I don't think Okam has lost his practice squad eligibility. He was active for six games last year and listed as inactive for the other ten, which would easily constitue an accrued season. But since he was active in fewer than nine games in his only accrued season, he should still be eligible.

Good job "Rick". Cut him. :eek:

[gunn]

28. Peria Jerry DT
One of the best DT available who has a real chance of being there

I don't like the fact that Peria Jerry will be 25 years old before the season starts.

[idymoe]

New CMD today, 4/8/09, and I haven't done one in awhile, and gosh-darn it, they're just too much fun.

1. Clay Matthews. I'm assuming that since it's been denied and the original rumor un-substantiated, that there was no positive for steriods.

2. Darius Butler. I've come to believe he is the best overall CB in the draft.

3. Rashad Jennings. Big and pretty fast.

4. Michael Hamlin. Good call DrafTek.

4. Zack Follett. I know I've got Matthews, but I'm really surprised he's available here. Very good blitzer. Has played inside and should be able to play all 3 positions. Also like Tyronne Greene and Brandon Williams.

5. Sebastian Vollmer. I really want this guy. Watch his Shrine Game working against Sidbury.

6. Roy Miller. DrafTek actually has him available at our pick in the 7th round, but I wouldn't want to take the chance.

7. Ian Johnson or Devin Moore. This version of CMD has neither drafted, while earlier versions have had both going as high as the 6th, I believe. I think both will probably be drafted. I know more about Johnson. Moore has the elite speed.

[Roy P]

New CMD today, 4/8/09.

1. Clay Matthews. I'm assuming that since it's been denied and the original rumor un-substantiated, that there was no positive for steriods.

2. Darius Butler. I've come to believe he is the best overall CB in the draft.

3. Rashad Jennings. Big and pretty fast.

4. Michael Hamlin. Good call DrafTek.

4. Zack Follett. I know I've got Matthews, but I'm really surprised he's available here. Very good blitzer. Has played inside and should be able to play all 3 positions. Also like Tyronne Greene and Brandon Williams.

5. Sebastian Vollmer. I really want this guy. Watch his Shrine Game working against Sidbury.

6. Roy Miller. DrafTek actually has him available at our pick in the 7th round, but I wouldn't want to take the chance.

7. Ian Johnson or Devin Moore. This version of CMD has neither drafted, while earlier versions have had both going as high as the 6th, I believe. I think both will probably be drafted. I know more about Johnson. Moore has the elite speed.

1. LB Clay Matthews USC
- I now have him 3rd overall on my draft board.

2. SS William Moore Missouri
- Still looking for our Bob Sanders. (I can't believe that the Mock has Darius Butler available in the 2nd round. Most sites have him moving up in the 1st).

3. CB Asher Allen Georgia
- This is where I'm probably going to catch some flack. I'm souring on Dunta Robinson's situation and Jacoby Jones' attitude, so I get rid of two birds with one stone. As some of you know, I'm a big Bulldogs fan and try to draft one whenever possible. I'm not a big fan of late round CBs chances of making the roster compared to late round RBs. However, I would understand the Jennings pick even if I wouldn't make it.

4. DE Cody Brown Connecticut
- My favorite "pass-rushing" specialist in the draft and I got him! This is the round that I feel comfortable picking a guy who is only going to play on passing situations. He's 'small' at 6' 2" & 244lbs and he isn't Raheem Brock quick, but he gets after the QB.

4. FS Chris Clemons Clemson
- This looks like a reach on most mock drafts, but I don't care. I want a guy who can roam and break up those deep passes. The only way CBs feel comfortable to make a play on a ball is if they KNOW that they have help over the top. http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/502303
"Overshadowed throughout his career by teammate Michael Hamlin, Clemons' consistency in coverage might actually make him the safer NFL prospect." Did I mention he ran a 4.3???

5. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
- You didn't think that I forgot about Slaton, did you? We need and want a pile-pusher, and that's what this guy is. He won't dance behind the LOS, he's going to make his cut and go.

6. DT Roy Miller Texas
- Yeah, I'm not waiting until the 7th round either.

7. RB Ian Johnson Boise State
- Another quick guy in case Slaton gets hurt.

[idymoe]

I certainly agree with your dis-belief of Butler being there in the 2nd. And, yes, what the flack is up with that 3rd round pick? :D I'm real curious to see what DrafTek's mock will look like in two weeks. We should have a competition or something based on it.

[Roy P]

what the flack is up with that 3rd round pick? :D

Let me just expand a little bit. Asher not only has good cover skills which is a must for a CB, but he also brings some tackling ability. If we can't reach a resolution with Dunta, then we are going to have to replace his ability to make tackles from the CB position. Nothing aggravates me more than a CB who believes that if his WR responsibility doesn't have the ball thrown in his direction, then his job is complete. I like having 11 players on defense who can bring down a ball carrier, not 9 or 8.

Secondly, he brings something to Special Teams in terms of return skills. He has good vision and gets up the field to gain positive yardage.

[Nconroe]

ok, tried the Draftek simulator, set priorities, let it go, got this
1 16 Clay Matthews OLB reach
2 46 Patrick Chung SS reach
3 77 Chase Coffman TE value
4 112 Keenan Lewis CB reach
4 122 Mike Goodson RBC value
5 152 Kory Sheets RBF value
6 188 Andrew Gardner OT reach
7 223 John Faletoese DT value

I guess I need to practice more, don't really like this, I like everyone else's better, but oh well.

[painekiller]

on 4/13 DraftTek has us taking

15 Jeremy Maclin WRF Missouri
46 Sean Smith FS Utah
77 Herman Johnson OG LSU
112 Javon Ringer RBF Michigan State
122 Keenan Lewis CB Oregon St
152 Emanuel Cook SS South Carolina
188 Bear Pascoe TE Fresno St
223 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska

If I was going to do this I would go:
15 Donald Brown RBF Connecticut
46 Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
77 Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest
112 Zack Follett OLB43 California
122 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
152 Michael Bennett DE43 Texas A&M
188 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College
223 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska

The more mocks that are run the less options I see from 15, and almost no one I want until the late 1st.

[Roy P]

on 4/13 DraftTek has us taking

15 Jeremy Maclin WRF Missouri
46 Sean Smith FS Utah
77 Herman Johnson OG LSU
112 Javon Ringer RBF Michigan State
122 Keenan Lewis CB Oregon St
152 Emanuel Cook SS South Carolina
188 Bear Pascoe TE Fresno St
223 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska

If I was going to do this I would go:
15 Donald Brown RBF Connecticut
46 Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
77 Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest
112 Zack Follett OLB43 California
122 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
152 Michael Bennett DE43 Texas A&M
188 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College
223 Lydon Murtha OT Nebraska


OK, I'm back on the JMac bandwagon. I know he's not a need, but I'm taking the BPA.

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. FS William Moore Missouri
77. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
152. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
188. DT Roy Miller Texas
223. OT Lydon Murtha Nebraska

I'm happy that I've upgraded the Secondary and I've put two more bodies on the DLine. At #15, I'm confident that I grabbed a player that will produce and has a history of doing so. I'm not happy about the fact that I did not get a LB or a situational pass rusher. The best I can hope for is that I'll be able to get DE Pierre Walters and LB Robert Francois as UDFAs.

[Roy P]

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. FS William Moore Missouri
77. SS Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
152. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
188. DT Roy Miller Texas
223. OT Lydon Murtha Nebraska



Tax day update 4/15

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. S William Moore Missouri
77. S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
152. TE John Phillips Virginia
188. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
223. DE Victor Butler Oregon St

Lydon Murtha has moved up on DraftTek, they now have him going #204 to Arizona in the 6th round. In the 7th, I considered Stephen Hodge to play WILL, but since I didnt' have a pass-rusher, I went with the undersized Victor Butler. After looking around, it appears that I'm one of the few who values Javarris Williams, so I took him a round later which allowed me to draft an in-line TE that I'm high on. I hopeful that his presence improves the OL, since I didn't draft any linemen. After this mock, I've decided to add a couple more OL to the draft board. OC Blake Schlueter TCU and OG Anthony Parker Tennessee. Both of these guys are 290lbs, so they'll need to get a little bigger, obviously.

[Blitzwood]

I got two trades going down, one is the very probable LZ trade with Tampa Bay(15th for the 19th and 81), the second is with Phili, the 19th for the 28th, 85, and 121. Phili has four picks in the fifth as well as their 2nd rounder and feels they can still add some decent depth their while adding the first round talent they covet.

The Texans feel this could be their year and know the value of this draft is in the middle rounds. They know their lack of depth accross the board has hurt them in the past and feel the best way to improve their team in a cost effective way is through the draft.

28. Clint Sintim OLB
46. Rashad Johnson FS
77. Rashad Jennings RB
81. Jonathan Casillas (as our SS)
85. Mike Mickens CB
112. Jason Williams OLB
121. Patrick Turner WR
122. Kyle Moore DE
152. Sebastion Vollmer OT
188. Corvey Irvin DT
223. Gantrell Johnson RB

[Roy P]

28. Clint Sintim OLB
46. Rashad Johnson FS
77. Rashad Jennings RB
81. Jonathan Casillas (as our SS)
85. Mike Mickens CB
112. Jason Williams OLB
121. Patrick Turner WR
122. Kyle Moore DE
152. Sebastion Vollmer OT
188. Corvey Irvin DT
223. Gantrell Johnson RB

I noticed that Corvey Irvin went #130 to Tennessee in the DraftTek Mock on 15 April, so I don't know how you got him at #188.

Anyway, using their mock and my board, this was who I got.
28. RB Donald Brown Connecticut
46. S William Moore Missouri
77. S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
81. CB Asher Allen Georgia
85. DE Cody Brown Connecticut
112. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
121. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
122. OC A.Q. Shipley Penn St
152. DT Roy Miller Texas
188. WR Demetrius Byrd LSU
223. OG Anthony Parker Tennessee

I like that I got my RB early. Granted D. Brown is not exactly Jerome Bettis. I got a pass rusher, upgraded the OL, and even was able to get a LB to compete with Diles. All I needed was a TE to block. Maybe I could get Rutgers' Kevin Brock, Iowa's Brandon Myers, or Michigan's Carson Butler after the draft.

[painekiller]

I got two trades going down, one is the very probable LZ trade with Tampa Bay(15th for the 19th and 81), the second is with Phili, the 19th for the 28th, 85, and 121. Phili has four picks in the fifth as well as their 2nd rounder and feels they can still add some decent depth their while adding the first round talent they covet.

The Texans feel this could be their year and know the value of this draft is in the middle rounds. They know their lack of depth accross the board has hurt them in the past and feel the best way to improve their team in a cost effective way is through the draft.

28. Clint Sintim OLB
46. Rashad Johnson FS
77. Rashad Jennings RB
81. Jonathan Casillas (as our SS)
85. Mike Mickens CB
112. Jason Williams OLB
121. Patrick Turner WR
122. Kyle Moore DE
152. Sebastion Vollmer OT
188. Corvey Irvin DT
223. Gantrell Johnson RB


I like the double trade down

Let's see how I would play with all of those picks.

28. Percy Harvin WR/RB/KR Florida
46. Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest
77. Gerald McRath ILB Southern Miss
81. Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest
85. Darcel McBath FS Texas Tech
112. Richard Quinn TE North Carolina
121. Keenan Lewis CB Oregon St
122. A.Q. Shipley OC Penn State
152. Sebastian Vollmer OT Houston
188. Javarris Williams RBF Tennessee State
223. Khalif Mitchell NT East Carolina

[popanot]

That DraftTek mock is a total mess in the 1st round, IMO. Anyway, if we were to get those extra picks I'd try to work a young QB, perhaps Stephen McGee, in there somewhere. I can't believe Orvlosky anything more than a stop-gap backup for us for a year or two.

[Keith]

Anyway, if we were to get those extra picks I'd try to work a young QB, perhaps Stephen McGee, in there somewhere. I can't believe Orvlosky anything more than a stop-gap backup for us for a year or two.
Not me, I don't think so. Orlovsky is that young QB. I don't see the Texans adding another drafted QB. They'll probably sign a UDFA and a vet as a practice squad player and a camp arm, respectively.

The Texans don't carry three QBs, and I think Orlovsky is going to make for a pretty nice career backup.

And yeah, that first round from DraftTek does look a little strange, but I have a feeling this year's first round is going to be really strange anyway.

[painekiller]

That DraftTek mock is a total mess in the 1st round, IMO. Anyway, if we were to get those extra picks I'd try to work a young QB, perhaps Stephen McGee, in there somewhere. I can't believe Orvlosky anything more than a stop-gap backup for us for a year or two.

Hey, I have been impressed with McGee this off season. As much as I wanted to dislike him, the tape kept saying otherwise. But he is now being talked about in the 3rd or 4th rounds, much to early for a guy they want to slide to the practice squad. (Kubiak has only carried 2 QBs since arriving here).

[Blitzwood]

Well, looks like the 28th pick just got traded to the Bills for Jason Peters OT.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4077093

[Roy P]

I don't see the Texans adding another drafted QB. They'll probably sign a UDFA and a vet as a practice squad player and a camp arm, respectively.

UDFA - Rudy Carpenter Arizona State.
Vet - Quinn Gray, do we take another look see?

[painekiller]

UDFA - Rudy Carpenter Arizona State.
Vet - Quinn Gray, do we take another look see?

Gray was ticked off when we did not trade Sage last year, and iirc he did not learn the plays, so Kubiak parted ways, I do not see Gray's actions as being endearing to Kubiak.

[Roy P]

Gray was ticked off when we did not trade Sage last year, and iirc he did not learn the plays, so Kubiak parted ways, I do not see Gray's actions as being endearing to Kubiak.

Okay, well what about Oakland's Andrew Walter? They just signed Jeff Garcia so perhaps they let that guy walk?

[Blitzwood]

I got two trades going down, one is the very probable LZ trade with Tampa Bay(15th for the 19th and 81), the second is with Phili, the 19th for the 28th, 85, and 121. Phili has four picks in the fifth as well as their 2nd rounder and feels they can still add some decent depth their while adding the first round talent they covet.

The Texans feel this could be their year and know the value of this draft is in the middle rounds. They know their lack of depth accross the board has hurt them in the past and feel the best way to improve their team in a cost effective way is through the draft.

28. Clint Sintim OLB
46. Rashad Johnson FS
77. Rashad Jennings RB
81. Jonathan Casillas (as our SS)
85. Mike Mickens CB
112. Jason Williams OLB
121. Patrick Turner WR
122. Kyle Moore DE
152. Sebastion Vollmer OT
188. Corvey Irvin DT
223. Gantrell Johnson RB


I'm going to substitute Phili for the NY Giants(29th, 91, and 100) since there is a real possibility of us trading down twice in this draft.
From the 4/18 version.

29. Eric Woods C/OG
46. Fili Moala DT
77. Mike Mickens CB
81. Jason Williams OLB
91. Rashad Jennings RB
100. Ricky Jean-Francois DT/DE
112. Zack Follett OLB
122. Kyle Moore DE
152. Chris Clemons FS
188. Johnny Knox WR
223. Dallas Reynolds OL

UDFA Gartrell Johnson RB
UDFA Darrell Mack RB
UDFA Terence Moore FS/SS

[Roy P]

I'm going to substitute Phili for the NY Giants(29th, 91, and 100) since there is a real possibility of us trading down twice in this draft.
From the 4/18 version.

29. Eric Woods C/OG
46. Fili Moala DT
77. Mike Mickens CB
81. Jason Williams OLB
91. Rashad Jennings RB
100. Ricky Jean-Francois DT/DE
112. Zack Follett OLB
122. Kyle Moore DE
152. Chris Clemons FS
188. Johnny Knox WR
223. Dallas Reynolds OL

UDFA Gartrell Johnson RB
UDFA Darrell Mack RB
UDFA Terence Moore FS/SS

Going by my old trade value chart, we still need about 174 points to make the trade equitable. That's roughly pick #83 (third round) so the Giants would need to give us next year's 2nd round pick too. So, the only players I see them doing something like that for is Crabtree and maybe Maclin. Now, in the DraftTek Mock, they have Maclin going #15, so I'll play along...

29. RB Donald Brown Connecticut
46. S William Moore Missouri
77. S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
81. CB Asher Allen Georgia
91. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia
100. TE Shawn Nelson Southern Miss
112. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
122. LB Scott McKillop Pittsburgh
152. DT Roy Miller Texas
188. WR Demetrius Byrd LSU
223. OG Anthony Parker Tennessee

Now, all I've got to do is convince UDFA Pierre Walters to come to Houston to be my pass-rushing specialist. :D

edit - Now I see that you were talking about trading down twice with the Tampa Bay Bucs and then the Giants.

Edit #2 - Taking a global look (cherry picking) I could have gotten DE Cody Brown at #81, and then gotten Keenan Lewis at #100, instead of a TE playmaker.

[Blitzwood]

Roy,
Using http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Value-Chart.php , I have a difference of 235 points(19=875 ; 29=640)
91=136 points
100=100 points

I'd be nice getting a second rounder next year, but I don't see mathematically getting a 2nd and 2 low 3rds for moving down 10 spots.:confused:

I like D.Brown but feel he's too similar to Slaton to be taken in the 1st round. I like your LB selections.

[Roy P]

Roy,
Using http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Value-Chart.php , I have a difference of 235 points(19=875 ; 29=640)
91=136 points
100=100 points

I'd be nice getting a second rounder next year, but I don't see mathematically getting a 2nd and 2 low 3rds for moving down 10 spots.:confused:

I like D.Brown but feel he's too similar to Slaton to be taken in the 1st round. I like your LB selections.

Yeah, I figured that out after I posted. I was thinking #29, #91, & #100 was for #15.

[gunn]

I'm going to substitute Phili for the NY Giants(29th, 91, and 100) since there is a real possibility of us trading down twice in this draft.
From the 4/18 version.

29. Eric Woods C/OG
46. Fili Moala DT
77. Mike Mickens CB
81. Jason Williams OLB
91. Rashad Jennings RB
100. Ricky Jean-Francois DT/DE
112. Zack Follett OLB
122. Kyle Moore DE
152. Chris Clemons FS
188. Johnny Knox WR
223. Dallas Reynolds OL

UDFA Gartrell Johnson RB
UDFA Darrell Mack RB
UDFA Terence Moore FS/SS

That's a big letdown of a draft in my opinion.

[Roy P]

Roy,
Using http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/Value-Chart.php , I have a difference of 235 points(19=875 ; 29=640)
91=136 points
100=100 points



Just so we are clear. #15 for #19 & #81 from Tampa.

#19 for #29, #91, & #100 from NYG.

Essentially, #81 was the pick that I was missing in the transition between #15 and #29.

[Roy P]

Tax day update 4/15

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. S William Moore Missouri
77. S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
152. TE John Phillips Virginia
188. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
223. DE Victor Butler Oregon St



4/20 Update

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. OC Eric Wood Louisville
77. S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia
152. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
188. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
223. OG Anthony Parker Tennessee

I almost went with Myron Pryor at #223, but since I had already drafted a DT in Irvin, I decided to address the RG. After much deliberations about the 2nd round pick, I've decided to go with my #1 OL because I've had success at getting Vaughn in the 3rd round to play SS. I must say that I'm happy to get an LB like Ellerbe in the 4th round now. I'm sure there will be plenty of heat if we draft offense with our first 2 picks, but hey, I'm all about BPA. Theoretically, I could have drafted William Moore to play FS before #68 (3rd round) if I'd been able to trade down in the 1st and select Clay Matthews.

[Nconroe]

I ran draftek simulator today and got little better
15. OLB Brian Cushing USC
46. SS William Moore Missouri
77. CB Kevin Barnes Maryland
112. RB Javon Ringer MichiganSt
122. OG Trvor Canfield Cincinnati
152. DE Matt Shaunnesy Wisconsin
188. DT Corey Irvin Georgia
223. FS DeAngeolo Willingham Tennessee

[Roy P]

4/20 Update

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. OC Eric Wood Louisville
77. S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia
152. DT Corvey Irvin Georgia
188. RB Javarris Williams Tenn State
223. OG Anthony Parker Tennessee
.

My final mock

15. WR Jeremy Maclin Missouri
46. S William Moore Missouri
77. S Chip Vaughn Wake Forest
112. CB Keenan Lewis Oregon St
122. LB Dannell Ellerbe Georgia
152. OC A.Q. Shipley Penn St
188. TE John Phillips Virginia
223. DT Myron Pryor Kentucky

So, I'll be looking for a RB and a situational DE in free agency.

[painekiller]

Did one of these last night and in my tired state erased it before posting.

I want to first say if our draft falls like DraftTek has it, then we are in trouble.

My Cherry Picks no trades:

15 Donald Brown RBF Connecticut
46 Lawrence Sidbury Jr. OLB/DE 34 Richmond
77 Chip Vaughn SS Wake Forest
112 Sebastian Vollmer OT Houston
122 Kaluka Maiava OLB43 USC
152 Johnny Knox WRS Abilene Christian
188 Greg Toler CB St. Paul's
223 Ryan Purvis TE Boston College


What I think Texans do:
15 Rey Maualuga ILB USC
46 Andre Brown RBF North Carolina St
77 David Bruton FS Notre Dame
112 Tyrone McKenzie OLB43 South Florida
122 A.Q. Shipley OC Penn State
152 Jaimie Thomas OG Maryland
188 Dan Gronkowski TE Maryland
223 Graham Harrell QB Texas Tech