* Ye Official 2012 Mock Draft Thread!! *

[Off The Grid]

Cut + Pasted, to put this at the top of the page for y'all...

Ah!! Great Blue has finally busted out their Draft Order Report.

I figured I'll just start bringing that over here ~ sort of merge the Draft Order Thread with this one. Here it is:

Great Blue North Draft Report

And here's The Huddle's, for those who prefer theirs:

NFL MOCK DRAFT - THE HUDDLE REPORT

1 COLTS 0 0.516
2 DOLPHINS 0 0.567
3 RAMS 0 0.580
4 CARDINALS 1 0.466
5 JAGUARS 1 0.495
6 PANTHERS 1 0.516
7 BRONCOS 1 0.600
8 VIKINGS 1 0.604
9 BROWNS 2 0.483
10 SEAHAWKS 2 0.489
11 EAGLES 2 0.500
12 COWBOYS 2 0.522
13 CHIEFS 2 0.538
14 TEXANS 3 0.418
15 TITANS 3 0.419
16 REDSKINS 3 0.422
17 FALCONS 3 0.468
18 JETS 3 0.511
19 BEARS 3 0.554
20 SAINTS 4 0.447
21 BENGALS 4 0.460
22 RAVENS 4 0.472
23 BUCCANEERS 4 0.479
24 STEELERS 4 0.483
25 GIANTS 4 0.500
26 CHARGERS 4 0.511
27 BILLS 4 0.511
28 RAIDERS 4 0.523
29 PATRIOTS 5 0.449
30 49ERS 5 0.465
31 LIONS 5 0.543
32 PACKERS 6 0.489

***

So that currently gives us Top 100 Picks of:

#20
#29

#60
#61

#93

 

[Off The Grid]

^ Great post. There are tons of positions that really don't need any picks.

1a. Devin Taylor, OLB, South Carolina [6'7", 260]

He's not the most NFL-ready OLB prospect, but he's got the highest ceiling. You can't teach that length with that athleticism. You can "teach" bulk and technique.

1b. Traded for a late 2nd and 2012 1st (I WANT CB TYRANN MATHIEU!)

2a. TJ McDonald, FS, USC [6'3", 205]

A FS with good range who can cover and hit. His hitting is a bit of a problem right now, but not every safety prospect is as uncoachable as Meriweather. On the scale of USC safeties, he's a lot closer to Troy Polamalu than Taylor Mays.

2b. Kheeston Randall, DE, Texas [6'5", 295]

He's the closest to a 3-4 DE prospect that there is available at this point. Has length and room to add more bulk, but needs technique work.

2c. Kenny Tate, SS, Maryland [6'3", 220]

In 2010, it was the TEs. In 2010, it was the RBs. In 2012, it will be the safeties. Tate doesn't have the coverage skills to be a full-time safety right away, but his skill set will make him an asset in the big nickel. In his time at Maryland, he has lined up out wide as a CB, back deep as a safety, in the box as an LB, and in a three point stance as a DE. With receiving TEs becoming more popular, a quality 3rd safety will be as much of a necessity as the slot corner is right now.

3. Traded for 2 4ths

4a. Logan Harrell, DE, Fresno State [6'2", 275]

Harrell is a very impressive interior pass rusher, with 15 sacks in his last 20 games. With Ellis leaving in free agency most likely, he's a good fit at the 4-3 LE position and as a DT in subpackages.

4b. David Molk, C, Michigan [6'2", 288]

An undersized but athletic college center? Yep, that's a Belichick pick. This assumes Connolly is resigned as the starting center, but Wendell and Koppen are both gone.

4c. Jeff Demps, RB, Florida [5'7", 191]

I love Vereen as an every-down RB for the future, Ridley as a late-game closer, and Woodhead as a third down back who can line up as a slot receiver. However, one thing the Pats' RBs are missing is speed. Demps is going to run in the 4.2s and would likely be the fastest player in the NFL as a rookie. He doesn't have a ton of football skills, but he has enough speed to be used in a few certain plays (and kick returns) that take advantage of his speed while he learns the finer points of being an RB.


Yep, the first 5 picks on defense. Makes tons of sense.

Great presentation, Mon. Beautifull.

 

[Off The Grid]

1). Joshua Chapman DT , Alabama

2). Bruce Irvin OLB , West Virginia

3). Shawn Prater CB , Iowa

4). Dwight Jones WR , North Carolina

5). Aaron Henry FS , Wisconsin

6). George Bryan TE , North Carolina State

You guys are loading UP on D!! LOVE it!! :rocker:

 

[patsfaninpa]

That Huddlereport draft list is way out of whack. GBN has an accurate order up today. We're 23 and 31. Oakland is 20th. So, would be about 52. They base it on records and whether or not you're in the playoffs if season ended today. For example, they have Cincy in playoffs and Pitt out. That will change. But, right now you can only go by current records. Picks 21-32 will be shuffled based on playoff results. But, can't predict order until that happens.

Great Blue North Draft Report

 

[Off The Grid]

That Huddlereport draft list is way out of whack.

Wrong.

The Huddle and Great Blue present two different ~ but clearly equally valid ~ interpretations.

~ Great Blue ranks them based on the PlayOffs theoretically starting today.

~ The Huddle ranks them based on Absolute Record, ignoring current PlayOff standings.

Considering that there are 10 weeks left, and the last 12 spots won't be determined until January and on, both approaches are, for now, obviously equally useful.

That's why ~ as you somehow managed to miss ~ I already presented both of them:

Great Blue North Draft Report

1 Indianapolis 0-6 .516
2 Miami 0-5 .567
3 St. Louis 0-5 .580
4 Jacksonville 1-5 .495
5 Carolina 1-5 .516
6 Minnesota 1-5 .604
7 Arizona 1-4 .466
8 Denver 1-4 .607
9 Philadelphia 2-4 .500
10 Cleveland 2-3 .483
11 Seattle 2-3 .489
12 Dallas 2-3 .522
13 Kansas City 2-3 .538
14 Houston 3-3 .418
15 Cleveland 3-3 .468
16 NY Jets 3-3 .511
17 Chicago 3-3 .554
18 Washington 3-2 .422
19 Pittsburgh 4-2 .483
20 Oakland 4-2 .523
21P Tennessee 3-2 .419
22P Cincinnati 4-2 .460
23P New England 4-2 .447
24P Tampa Bay 4-2 .479
25P NY Giants 4-2 .500
26P Buffalo 4-2 .511
27P Baltimore 4-1 .472
28P San Diego 4-1 .511
29P San Francisco 5-1 .465
30P Detroit 5-1 .543
31P New England 5-1 .449
32P Green Bay 6-0 .489

NFL MOCK DRAFT - THE HUDDLE REPORT

1 COLTS 0 0.516
2 DOLPHINS 0 0.567
3 RAMS 0 0.580
4 CARDINALS 1 0.466
5 JAGUARS 1 0.495
6 PANTHERS 1 0.516
7 BRONCOS 1 0.600
8 VIKINGS 1 0.604
9 BROWNS 2 0.483
10 SEAHAWKS 2 0.489
11 EAGLES 2 0.500
12 COWBOYS 2 0.522
13 CHIEFS 2 0.538
14 TEXANS 3 0.418
15 TITANS 3 0.419
16 REDSKINS 3 0.422
17 FALCONS 3 0.468
18 JETS 3 0.511
19 BEARS 3 0.554
20 SAINTS 4 0.447
21 BENGALS 4 0.460
22 RAVENS 4 0.472
23 BUCCANEERS 4 0.479
24 STEELERS 4 0.483
25 GIANTS 4 0.500
26 CHARGERS 4 0.511
27 BILLS 4 0.511
28 RAIDERS 4 0.523
29 PATRIOTS 5 0.449
30 49ERS 5 0.465
31 LIONS 5 0.543
32 PACKERS 6 0.489

***

So according to GBN's "Playoff" Rankings, we're at:

#23
#31

#52
#63

#95

And according to The Huddles's "Absolute Value" Rankings, we're at:

#20
#29

#60
#61

#93

***

Obviously, the "PlayOffs start Today" approach will eventually be the only way to go, but by that point, it will presumably be used by both Sites...Meanwhile, the "Absolute" record gives us some intriguing insight that the other doesn't, in my view...Each man can decide for himself which he prefers.

Personally, I'll be checking both.

 

[Wilfork#75]

Love your work once again OTG. I though I'd give it a go.

1a- DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama
It seems that Courtney Upshaw is the early favourite to be the board’s major binkie of the 2012 draft and I am certainly jumping on board. Although he lacks the ideal measurable for a Pats OLB, he has the ideal skill set and would be a great addition to this team. Unfortunately his stock is rising, so hopefully the Saints can lose a few to give us a shot at this kid. Another option would be Brandon Jenkins from Florida State.

1b- Trade for 2nd and 3rd
I like the players towards the top/middle of the 2nd more than the late 1st, so I would look to move down and grab another pick.

2a- FS- TJ McDonald- USC
After watching some tape on the safeties in the offseason, TJ McDonald is the guy that clearly stood out to me and he hasn’t disappointed me yet this year. He has good size and athleticism at 6’3” 205lbs, and has the versatility to play FS and SS. With the Pats tendency to play left and right safety rather than free and strong, I think McDonald is the perfect fit for the defence. He can put on a big hit, and his size makes him a great matchup against TE’s. I think he would really give the secondary a presence.

2b- DE- Devin Taylor- South Carolina
Devin Taylor’s stock has been slipping this year and I think it has a lot to do with him being overshadowed by his teammates Javedoen Clowney and Melvin Ingram. I don’t think Taylor is physically ready for the NFL and should stay at South Carolina for another year, but if he does declare I would take shot at him in the 2nd round because of his immense upside. There are questions on where he would play in the NFL after he adds the necessary bulk, but if he can manage to keep his athleticism with the added size, I think he could be a monster 3-4 OLB. He has already shown the ability to play the run and drop into shallow zones, and with some coaching he could be a devastating pass rusher as well. And even if he does lose his athleticism as he bulks up, some believe he could play 3-4 DE.

2c- Trade for two 3rds
With no picks after the 4th round and many questions surrounding this team, I would keep going down and adding more picks.

3a- WR- Dwight Jones- UNC
With the NFL becoming a pass oriented game, and rules making it difficult for DB’s to play physical, I think the Pats are really missing a big, physical WR to take advantage of that. We have seen some of the bigger WR’s in the AFC give our CB’s some trouble with their size and physicality, either by going up and getting the ball or by drawing a penalty. I think that is something this Pats offence really misses and something that Dwight Jones would be a perfect for at 6’4” 225lbs. He has the size to win contests, as well as the speed and athleticism to beat DB’s and create a threat deep. Before the season started I really liked Jeff Fuller for this role, but he has really disappointed so far and Jones has really stepped up. Unfortunately, if he continues like this he could find himself in the late 1st/early 2nd round.

3b- DT/DE- Kheeston Randall- Texas
I mocked Randall to the Pats back in March and I really think he is the best fit as a two-gap 3-4 DE in this draft. He doesn’t offer much in terms of a pass rush, but he is a run stuffer and can take on double teams. He hasn’t lived up to the expectations yet, which is why his stock is falling at the moment, but I think he has the talent to be a good NFL player.

3c- S- Tony Dye- UCLA
The last few years we have seen the Pats double dip in the draft, and I think most expect if it is going to happen again, that safety would be the position targeted. Earlier I took a big, physical safety that can match up with TE’s, now I’m taking a smaller, quicker safety to match up with slot receivers. Tony Dye is just a really good all-around safety that can help this team out in a variety of ways. I think a trio of Chung, McDonald and Dye would give the Pats a great amount of versatility in the secondary, and would turn the safety positions into a strength.

3b- Trade for two 4ths
Keep adding more picks

4a- C- David Molk- Michigan
Dan Connolly has done a very good job stepping in at OC for Dan Koppen. But I still think the Pats need to add a young guy into the mix to add some depth and competition. I haven’t seen a whole lot of Molk this season, but I know a lot of people on this board are high on him and I trust their opinion.

4b-TE- Michael Williams- Alabama
I was surprised the Pats cut Crumpler before the season, and I was even more surprised they cut both Yeatman and Smith. I don’t like the idea of only having two TE’s on the roster, especially when Hernandez is virtually a big WR. That where Michael Williams steps in. He has great size at 6’6” 270lbs, and has decent athleticism. He is one of the top blocking TE’s in this draft, but can still contribute a bit in the passing game. He plays at Alabama so you know he is well coached and well prepared.


4c- TE- Ladarius Green- Louisiana Lafayette
I know it might seem strange taking another TE, but what I think Green does is continue to add another dimension to the offence. He is raw and really needs to add some bulk at 6’6” 235lbs, but he has a great frame and unlimited potential. He needs some time to develop, especially as a blocker, but as a receiver he could be a mismatch for defences. At the moment he is more like a huge WR, but he could become a Jimmy Graham type TE. Along with Dwight Jones, Green would add some physicality to the Pats offence.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Love your work once again OTG. I though I'd give it a go.

1a- DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama
It seems that Courtney Upshaw is the early favourite to be the board’s major binkie of the 2012 draft and I am certainly jumping on board. Although he lacks the ideal measurable for a Pats OLB, he has the ideal skill set and would be a great addition to this team. Unfortunately his stock is rising, so hopefully the Saints can lose a few to give us a shot at this kid. Another option would be Brandon Jenkins from Florida State.


2a- FS- TJ McDonald- USC
After watching some tape on the safeties in the offseason, TJ McDonald is the guy that clearly stood out to me and he hasn’t disappointed me yet this year. He has good size and athleticism at 6’3” 205lbs, and has the versatility to play FS and SS. With the Pats tendency to play left and right safety rather than free and strong, I think McDonald is the perfect fit for the defence. He can put on a big hit, and his size makes him a great matchup against TE’s. I think he would really give the secondary a presence.

2b- DE- Devin Taylor- South Carolina
Devin Taylor’s stock has been slipping this year and I think it has a lot to do with him being overshadowed by his teammates Javedoen Clowney and Melvin Ingram. I don’t think Taylor is physically ready for the NFL and should stay at South Carolina for another year, but if he does declare I would take shot at him in the 2nd round because of his immense upside. There are questions on where he would play in the NFL after he adds the necessary bulk, but if he can manage to keep his athleticism with the added size, I think he could be a monster 3-4 OLB. He has already shown the ability to play the run and drop into shallow zones, and with some coaching he could be a devastating pass rusher as well. And even if he does lose his athleticism as he bulks up, some believe he could play 3-4 DE.

3b- DT/DE- Kheeston Randall- Texas
I mocked Randall to the Pats back in March and I really think he is the best fit as a two-gap 3-4 DE in this draft. He doesn’t offer much in terms of a pass rush, but he is a run stuffer and can take on double teams. He hasn’t lived up to the expectations yet, which is why his stock is falling at the moment, but I think he has the talent to be a good NFL player.

3c- S- Tony Dye- UCLA
The last few years we have seen the Pats double dip in the draft, and I think most expect if it is going to happen again, that safety would be the position targeted. Earlier I took a big, physical safety that can match up with TE’s, now I’m taking a smaller, quicker safety to match up with slot receivers. Tony Dye is just a really good all-around safety that can help this team out in a variety of ways. I think a trio of Chung, McDonald and Dye would give the Pats a great amount of versatility in the secondary, and would turn the safety positions into a strength.

Depending on how they run, a draft like this would do wonders for our sorry but improving defense. The only thing better would be if you don't trade that second 1st and take ILB Hightower.

Absolutely love the Upshaw pick. Besides being a feared pass rusher, he sets a mean edge in the running game. At 260 pounds he is able to stack and shed much bigger O line guys via decent technique. Has dropped into coverage but it's nothing to write home about. Can play ST while learning the nuances of the pro game. Very strong hands which should allow him to start from day 1 of TC. Not the brightest bulb in the building so extra class room time is a must.

If we could get Taylor in the second round, I would be jumping for joy. He is so fluid and creates huge opportunities for Ingram and Clowney on the other side. I am concerned he has a bit of the chicken leg syndrome that Crable suffered from, but I would much rather have him on our roster for 2012 getting stronger (Nash) and learning the pro game than being in Columbia.

 

[Off The Grid]

Love your work once again OTG. I though I'd give it a go.

1a- DE/OLB- Courtney Upshaw- Alabama

It seems that Courtney Upshaw is the early favourite to be the board’s major binkie of the 2012 draft and I am certainly jumping on board. Although he lacks the ideal measurable for a Pats OLB, he has the ideal skill set and would be a great addition to this team. Unfortunately his stock is rising, so hopefully the Saints can lose a few to give us a shot at this kid. Another option would be Brandon Jenkins from Florida State.

1b- Trade for 2nd and 3rd

I like the players towards the top/middle of the 2nd more than the late 1st, so I would look to move down and grab another pick.

2a- FS- TJ McDonald- USC

After watching some tape on the safeties in the offseason, TJ McDonald is the guy that clearly stood out to me and he hasn’t disappointed me yet this year. He has good size and athleticism at 6’3” 205lbs, and has the versatility to play FS and SS. With the Pats tendency to play left and right safety rather than free and strong, I think McDonald is the perfect fit for the defence. He can put on a big hit, and his size makes him a great matchup against TE’s. I think he would really give the secondary a presence.

2b- DE- Devin Taylor- South Carolina

Devin Taylor’s stock has been slipping this year and I think it has a lot to do with him being overshadowed by his teammates Javedoen Clowney and Melvin Ingram. I don’t think Taylor is physically ready for the NFL and should stay at South Carolina for another year, but if he does declare I would take shot at him in the 2nd round because of his immense upside. There are questions on where he would play in the NFL after he adds the necessary bulk, but if he can manage to keep his athleticism with the added size, I think he could be a monster 3-4 OLB. He has already shown the ability to play the run and drop into shallow zones, and with some coaching he could be a devastating pass rusher as well. And even if he does lose his athleticism as he bulks up, some believe he could play 3-4 DE.

2c- Trade for two 3rds

With no picks after the 4th round and many questions surrounding this team, I would keep going down and adding more picks.

3a- WR- Dwight Jones- UNC

With the NFL becoming a pass oriented game, and rules making it difficult for DB’s to play physical, I think the Pats are really missing a big, physical WR to take advantage of that. We have seen some of the bigger WR’s in the AFC give our CB’s some trouble with their size and physicality, either by going up and getting the ball or by drawing a penalty. I think that is something this Pats offence really misses and something that Dwight Jones would be a perfect for at 6’4” 225lbs. He has the size to win contests, as well as the speed and athleticism to beat DB’s and create a threat deep. Before the season started I really liked Jeff Fuller for this role, but he has really disappointed so far and Jones has really stepped up. Unfortunately, if he continues like this he could find himself in the late 1st/early 2nd round.

3b- DT/DE- Kheeston Randall- Texas

I mocked Randall to the Pats back in March and I really think he is the best fit as a two-gap 3-4 DE in this draft. He doesn’t offer much in terms of a pass rush, but he is a run stuffer and can take on double teams. He hasn’t lived up to the expectations yet, which is why his stock is falling at the moment, but I think he has the talent to be a good NFL player.

3c- S- Tony Dye- UCLA

The last few years we have seen the Pats double dip in the draft, and I think most expect if it is going to happen again, that safety would be the position targeted. Earlier I took a big, physical safety that can match up with TE’s, now I’m taking a smaller, quicker safety to match up with slot receivers. Tony Dye is just a really good all-around safety that can help this team out in a variety of ways. I think a trio of Chung, McDonald and Dye would give the Pats a great amount of versatility in the secondary, and would turn the safety positions into a strength.

3b- Trade for two 4ths

Keep adding more picks

4a- C- David Molk- Michigan

Dan Connolly has done a very good job stepping in at OC for Dan Koppen. But I still think the Pats need to add a young guy into the mix to add some depth and competition. I haven’t seen a whole lot of Molk this season, but I know a lot of people on this board are high on him and I trust their opinion.

4b-TE- Michael Williams- Alabama

I was surprised the Pats cut Crumpler before the season, and I was even more surprised they cut both Yeatman and Smith. I don’t like the idea of only having two TE’s on the roster, especially when Hernandez is virtually a big WR. That where Michael Williams steps in. He has great size at 6’6” 270lbs, and has decent athleticism. He is one of the top blocking TE’s in this draft, but can still contribute a bit in the passing game. He plays at Alabama so you know he is well coached and well prepared.


4c- TE- Ladarius Green- Louisiana Lafayette

I know it might seem strange taking another TE, but what I think Green does is continue to add another dimension to the offence. He is raw and really needs to add some bulk at 6’6” 235lbs, but he has a great frame and unlimited potential. He needs some time to develop, especially as a blocker, but as a receiver he could be a mismatch for defences. At the moment he is more like a huge WR, but he could become a Jimmy Graham type TE. Along with Dwight Jones, Green would add some physicality to the Pats offence.

An exquisite montage, as always, Brother Wilfork!! :rocker:

~ I LOVE your going after two Tight Ends!! As many will doubtlessly remember, I am FANATICAL about getting as many high caliber Tight Ends ~ Flex Ends + Wing Backs ~ as possible: There are the makings of a Revolution, here, if one Coach has the balls to strike!!

~ Great Arguments, all around, and particularly regarding Jones.

 

[Dobbo]

Saints loss was good news. If the season ended tonight, they would be the 6th seed and have to go on the road. Didn't work out too well for them last year in Seattle. TB has Chicago at home and then a bye. They travel to NO after the bye. NO has 2 easy games going into that game Indy and St.L. That's a huge game in that division. NO wins and they're probably going to run free. If they lose they are a game behind and losing the tie-breaker. Really 2 games. A 1st round loss and that pick is 21-24. If they win division and get a bye, make NFCCG and lose. It's 29 or 30.

Bad news for Raiders. But, their schedule doesn't look too daunting. KC at home, a bye and Denver at home to finish the 1st half. Should be 6-2. 2ND half tougher but still a couple they should win. At Minny, at Miami and at KC. Imperative for them that DMc stays healthy now. And, he's had trouble doing that in the past.

I will be at the Bucs-Bears game in London on Sunday, cheering for the draft pick (i mean Bucs!).

Livid about the Carson Palmer trade, i think the Raiders got ripped off (who dosn't!), but it may well have a detrimental affect on our #2 pick in the 2012 draft. I hope Palmer is out of shape and off his game!!

We are also going to be searching for a new trade partner for the #3 pick in 2012 as they might not have a #2 in 2013...

 

[Dobbo]

That was the aim really... because the way i see it at the moment, our OL is (theoretically) pretty set for the next 2-3 years. Our WR corps (in my opinion) does not need to change at all for the next year at least (Depending on Branch's play and Price's development). We are also set at RB and QB.

This Leaves only depth at these positions on O and the ability to focus the draft on trying to build a championship caliber D. I personally believe we are close there specially up the middle with Wilfork/Haynesworth, Mayo/Spikes and Chung up the middle. We have also thrown talent at CB so i don't see that being a need as i don't think the stable of McCourty, Bodden, Arrington and Ras-I needs tinkering other than ST'ers.

This really only leaves me with Rush OLB (Ninko/Cunningham (of last year) are in my opinion a very good all round 3-4 OLB but no one will get them confused with Pierre Paul any time soon) FS and RDE.

With that in mind i drafted for need (something the pats never do) but hey thats why we mock right.

I am more optimistic than most but if you add something to the edge of the pats pass rush and i think this defense transforms.

Reason i didn't pick Upshaw was i was going through tape and i just thought my guy had that elite 1st step that is hard to find specially with his large wingspan and athletic ability. In saying that Upshaw is a very good player too probably more of a BB pick as he seems to be more of a complete footballer.

I agree with the position asessment. For all the flack we throw at our secondary, McCourty, Bodden, Arrington and Ras-I should be a solid group. With the way the rules are, we cannot expect all DB's to be an Ed Reed/Darelle Revis clone. They need a pash rush to help.

I think we should double dip at S and also in the Pass rush early on. I agree that the "spine" of the Defence is good, we just need one or two good defensive drafts (or a FA pick up) to help.

However, our asessment might change down the stretch. Remember the Jets playoff game and the sudden "need" for either V.Jax or Larry Fitz...

 

[Frick]

Not too concerned about Palmer to Raiders, thought both he & Ocho were toast since 2005 & Ocho so far has proven, he's done.

1-so many prospects are on a downward spiral & not just because they're double teamed. Sources told Walter's Football that Travis Lewis is a prima dona & more concerned with himself than team. Others who have great height or speed have been living off of past years. All said & done I would go with Courtney Upshaw OLB Ala., a little shorter than Bill likes, but if I was picking a can't miss, he'd be it.

2- Lester or McDonald look pretty good with our 1st 2nd rd. pick.

3- Chase Thomas OLB Stanford, beast with 1 sack a gm. & plays in a 3-4. (2nd)

4- Devon Still DT Penn St.- looks to play DE in 3-4 (3rd round)

5- Trade our 4th till we get a handfull of 7th round picks.

 

[Off The Grid]

Not too concerned about Palmer to Raiders, thought both he & Ocho were toast since 2005 & Ocho so far has proven, he's done.

1-so many prospects are on a downward spiral & not just because they're double teamed. Sources told Walter's Football that Travis Lewis is a prima dona & more concerned with himself than team. Others who have great height or speed have been living off of past years. All said & done I would go with Courtney Upshaw OLB Ala., a little shorter than Bill likes, but if I was picking a can't miss, he'd be it.

2- Lester or McDonald look pretty good with our 1st 2nd rd. pick.

3- Chase Thomas OLB Stanford, beast with 1 sack a gm. & plays in a 3-4. (2nd)

4- Devon Still DT Penn St.- looks to play DE in 3-4 (3rd round)

5- Trade our 4th till we get a handfull of 7th round picks.

Well considered, Sir.

I particularly like the Dark Horse, Thomas of Stanford.

 

[Off The Grid]

*My Apologies: I should've rolled this forward, earlier...

The Huddle and Great Blue present two different ~ but clearly equally valid ~ interpretations.

~ Great Blue ranks them based on the PlayOffs theoretically starting today.

~ The Huddle ranks them based on Absolute Record, ignoring current PlayOff standings.

Considering that there are 10 weeks left, and the last 12 spots won't be determined until January and on, both approaches are, for now, obviously equally useful.

Great Blue North Draft Report

1 Indianapolis 0-6 .516
2 Miami 0-5 .567
3 St. Louis 0-5 .580
4 Jacksonville 1-5 .495
5 Carolina 1-5 .516
6 Minnesota 1-5 .604
7 Arizona 1-4 .466
8 Denver 1-4 .607
9 Philadelphia 2-4 .500
10 Cleveland 2-3 .483
11 Seattle 2-3 .489
12 Dallas 2-3 .522
13 Kansas City 2-3 .538
14 Houston 3-3 .418
15 Cleveland 3-3 .468
16 NY Jets 3-3 .511
17 Chicago 3-3 .554
18 Washington 3-2 .422
19 Pittsburgh 4-2 .483
20 Oakland 4-2 .523
21P Tennessee 3-2 .419
22P Cincinnati 4-2 .460
23P New England 4-2 .447
24P Tampa Bay 4-2 .479
25P NY Giants 4-2 .500
26P Buffalo 4-2 .511
27P Baltimore 4-1 .472
28P San Diego 4-1 .511
29P San Francisco 5-1 .465
30P Detroit 5-1 .543
31P New England 5-1 .449
32P Green Bay 6-0 .489

NFL MOCK DRAFT - THE HUDDLE REPORT

1 COLTS 0 0.516
2 DOLPHINS 0 0.567
3 RAMS 0 0.580
4 CARDINALS 1 0.466
5 JAGUARS 1 0.495
6 PANTHERS 1 0.516
7 BRONCOS 1 0.600
8 VIKINGS 1 0.604
9 BROWNS 2 0.483
10 SEAHAWKS 2 0.489
11 EAGLES 2 0.500
12 COWBOYS 2 0.522
13 CHIEFS 2 0.538
14 TEXANS 3 0.418
15 TITANS 3 0.419
16 REDSKINS 3 0.422
17 FALCONS 3 0.468
18 JETS 3 0.511
19 BEARS 3 0.554
20 SAINTS 4 0.447
21 BENGALS 4 0.460
22 RAVENS 4 0.472
23 BUCCANEERS 4 0.479
24 STEELERS 4 0.483
25 GIANTS 4 0.500
26 CHARGERS 4 0.511
27 BILLS 4 0.511
28 RAIDERS 4 0.523
29 PATRIOTS 5 0.449
30 49ERS 5 0.465
31 LIONS 5 0.543
32 PACKERS 6 0.489

***

So according to GBN's "Playoff" Rankings, we're at:

#23
#31

#52
#63

#95

And according to The Huddles's "Absolute Value" Rankings, we're at:

#20
#29

#60
#61

#93

***

Obviously, the "PlayOffs start Today" approach will eventually be the only way to go, but by that point, it will presumably be used by both Sites...Meanwhile, the "Absolute" record gives us some intriguing insight that the other doesn't, in my view...Each man can decide for himself which he prefers.

Personally, I'll be checking both.

 

[Off The Grid]

Saints loss was good news. If the season ended tonight, they would be the 6th seed and have to go on the road. Didn't work out too well for them last year in Seattle. TB has Chicago at home and then a bye. They travel to NO after the bye. NO has 2 easy games going into that game Indy and St.L. That's a huge game in that division. NO wins and they're probably going to run free. If they lose they are a game behind and losing the tie-breaker. Really 2 games. A 1st round loss and that pick is 21-24. If they win division and get a bye, make NFCCG and lose. It's 29 or 30.

Bad news for Raiders. But, their schedule doesn't look too daunting. KC at home, a bye and Denver at home to finish the 1st half. Should be 6-2. 2ND half tougher but still a couple they should win. At Minny, at Miami and at KC. Imperative for them that DMc stays healthy now. And, he's had trouble doing that in the past.

Excellent points, Sir.

I picked the Saints to go all the way to the Super Bowl, before the season, BARELY escaping the upstart Detroit FootBall Lions to do so...and I see little value in repeatedly rejiggering my predictions over the course of the season.

So, having predicted the Saints to come in at #31 ~ and the Raiders at #33 ~ WHOOPSY!! ~ I am naturally pleased to ANY degree in which I MIGHT prove to've been wrong...After all, ALL such predictions are presumed to be Long Shots, when one is discussing the exact Seeding of any given Team...and the Patriots ~ not my Galactic Ego ~ ARE the Priority, for us all.

 

[Off The Grid]

I will be at the Bucs-Bears game in London on Sunday, cheering for the draft pick (i mean Bucs!).

Livid about the Carson Palmer trade, i think the Raiders got ripped off (who dosn't!), but it may well have a detrimental affect on our #2 pick in the 2012 draft. I hope Palmer is out of shape and off his game!!

We are also going to be searching for a new trade partner for the #3 pick in 2012 as they might not have a #2 in 2013...

Heh!! Good points, all.

The Palmer Trade cast serious doubts on the alleged demise of Mad Al.

Honestly, even with our Pick at stake, here, I'm rooting for Palmer. His Game has never been the same since Kimo hit'm, and it bothers the HELL out'f me. I've always loved the Steelers, and still do, but I have serious doubts about whether're not that ROLL was incidental or intentional...and it DISGUSTS me that the Steelers went on to win it all, that year, because the Bengals had some MAGIC, that year, and I really believe that ~ without that play ~ it would've been them and the Hawks in the Super Bowl...

But what really won my Sympathy ~ in the old meaning of the word ~ for Captain Palmer was his remarkable forthrightness about the psychological impact of the injury...I don't recall any QB of note ever admitting, before or since, that dealing with that can be tough. Many questioned his Testicular Fortitude in the wake of that confession, but I'm more inclined to think that it showed real guts to admit what he wasn't forced to admit...And I've been wondering, for the last 5 years, now, if he wouldn't find Reclamation in the right situation...Whether OakLand is that or not is obviously a big fat Question.

 

[Off The Grid]

I agree with the position asessment. For all the flack we throw at our secondary, McCourty, Bodden, Arrington and Ras-I should be a solid group. With the way the rules are, we cannot expect all DB's to be an Ed Reed/Darelle Revis clone. They need a pash rush to help.

I think we should double dip at S and also in the Pass rush early on.

I agree that the "spine" of the Defence is good, we just need one or two good defensive drafts (or a FA pick up) to help.

However, our asessment might change down the stretch. Remember the Jets playoff game and the sudden "need" for either V.Jax or Larry Fitz...

I really like your focus on The Spine of the Defense, as I consider that to be disproportionately important, even while being disproportionately neglected by the Masses, by which I mean: the debris who rant on TV and Radio, stupifying their unsuspecting and trusting listeners, who are, regrettably, legion.

While BaseBall had my greatest attention for the earlier part of my life ~ all the way until the disgusting, despicable, and unforgivable Strike of 1994, which seems to've imposed a PermaDisgust on me ~ I focused on The Spine ~ Catcher, Pitcher, ShortStop, Second Base, and CenterField.

Likewise, in FootBall, Center, O Guard, O Guard, D Tackle, D Tackle, Quarter Back, and MidFielder ~ in my opinion ~ wield a disproportionately large influence on The Fate of Teams...even while Edge Rushers and Split Ends garner an insanely enormous portion of the Credit.

 

[RJB87]

I don't see us taking a top flight OLB with our first 1st rounder. I picture another elite ILB to compliment Mayo. I think Mayo shines better with more talent around him to let him play more freely and have to worry less.

If we keep our second 1st rounder I think that goes on an OLB or Center if Brewster is available.

1a. Monte Te'o - ILB Notre Dame
1b. Melvin Ingram - OLB South Carolina / Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama (although we might able to grab him in the 2nd round the way he's playing right now).

 

[Wilfork#75]

I don't see us taking a top flight OLB with our first 1st rounder. I picture another elite ILB to compliment Mayo. I think Mayo shines better with more talent around him to let him play more freely and have to worry less.

If we keep our second 1st rounder I think that goes on an OLB or Center if Brewster is available.

1a. Monte Te'o - ILB Notre Dame
1b. Melvin Ingram - OLB South Carolina / Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama (although we might able to grab him in the 2nd round the way he's playing right now).

I don't know what you've seen of him this year, but everything I've seen or heard about Upshaw this year has been great and every draft analyst I've read has his stock rising. I'm worried he won't make it past 20, let alone the 2nd round. Maybe you have seen something different. I also doubt the Pats will have any shot at Te'o, he could easily be a top 12 pick and well out of range of the Saints pick.

 

[NinjaZX6R]

Why are we taking another ILB in the 1st two rounds?

 

[patsfaninpa]

Why are we taking another ILB in the 1st two rounds?

Joel Buschbaum(Former draft analyst Pro Football Weekly) used to classify players something like this;
1. Hall of Famer - Like it says. The best of the best Brady, Manning, Ray Lewis
2. All Pro - Very good players. Amongst the best at their position in the league. V.Wilfork, A. Gates,
3. Blue Chip - Type of player you build your team around. M. Light, R. Wayne, Dallas Clark
4. Red Chip - Solid Starter some holes in game though.

I think J. Mayo will become a blue chip player if he isn't already. I think B. Spikes will become a red chip player. You really don't need anything more at the ILB position in the 3-4. Spikes comes out in the nickel anyway.