Senior Bowl weigh-in

[VJCPatriot]

Look at #8 on this link: http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/features/hotlist.html

Look at Chris Johnsons 40 time on this link: http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rankings/rb.html

"Regardless of where the 5-11, 195lb. Johnson ultimately lines up the hallmark of his game will be that sub-4.4 speed, which he also put to good use on special teams to average 28 yards per kickoff return. He might never be more than a situational guy and return man but that could be enough"

So if he's a 3rd round pick that comes in as a situational guy, my real concern is, how GOOD are his hands? If they are Kevin Faulk good, I think a 3rd round pick is a bargain to get your future 3rd down back. If his hands are just average, I'd say that's probably a little too early to pick a 5th WR and/or return man.

 

[PatsFan2]

I dont think USC has produced mature NFL talent at any position in the Carroll era. Although Ellis may be a stud workout warrior and a potentially disruptive force, his lack of height and immaturity(See Bush, White, Udeze, Byrd, Jarrett, Williams, Rucker, Cody, Patterson) Although some top-level names come out, I question the dedication of players schooled in the Carroll system, which even in itself operates on completely different priorities than the "Belicheck Way."

Best player to date SS Troy Polamalu Pittsburgh...but you do have a valid point with the rest.

 

[patsfanofNC12]

"Regardless of where the 5-11, 195lb. Johnson ultimately lines up the hallmark of his game will be that sub-4.4 speed, which he also put to good use on special teams to average 28 yards per kickoff return. He might never be more than a situational guy and return man but that could be enough"

So if he's a 3rd round pick that comes in as a situational guy, my real concern is, how GOOD are his hands? If they are Kevin Faulk good, I think a 3rd round pick is a bargain to get your future 3rd down back. If his hands are just average, I'd say that's probably a little too early to pick a 5th WR and/or return man.

They are a Kevin Faulk good

 

[chowder]

Im ready to choose Rivers or McKelvin.

Rivers at 237. tremendous speed and athletism, hits hard, covers well and he is a vocal leader.


McKelvin jumps routes great but doesnt make the catch (case of Meriweather hands) but hes got terrific footwork, great change of direction and good speed..Mayock said he didnt see him miss a single tackle in all the film he watched on him

Is Rivers worth a #7? I agree he looks like a great athlete, but do you think he will be better than Patrick Willis because even Willis didn't go that high. I'm not sure if Rivers is even better than Cushing or Maualuga and I'm not sure I'd spend a #7 on either of those two if they had declared for the draft this year...

McKelvin wasn't even on my radar until I heard Mayock talking about him, but he seems to have potential to be a true shutdown corner. If he had lots of interceptions too, I'd easily give a #7 pick for him but because his ball skills are currently lacking, i'm not sure if he'd be a reach still at #7. I'd feel better about that pick if he got a few interceptions and performed well at the Senior Bowl and/or had a great combine workout.

 

[Seneschal2]

So if he's a 3rd round pick that comes in as a situational guy, my real concern is, how GOOD are his hands? If they are Kevin Faulk good, I think a 3rd round pick is a bargain to get your future 3rd down back. If his hands are just average, I'd say that's probably a little too early to pick a 5th WR and/or return man.

His hands can't be bad -- look at his career touches:

• Rushing - 624
• Receiving - 125
• KO Returns - 115

If now were the time to find a Faulk replacement -- he's the one. Not only would he change the pace (like Kevin), we could split him out wide too. And like Faulk, he's excellent at picking up the blitz.

I don't want to see Kevin leave any time soon (one of my few all-time favorites), and feel he still has plenty left. But this kid is an OC's dream, just hope we don't face him twice a season.

BTW, I've seen him ranked as high as R1-2.

 

[dryheat44]

BTW, I've seen him ranked as high as R1-2.

It's funny. I count nine RBs that have been projected to go in the first two rounds by somebody or another:

D McFadden
J Stewart
R McFadden
S Slaton
F Jones
M Hart
C Johnson
J Charles
R Rice

There's going to be some very, very, talented runners available on Day 2. I doubt there's ever been a draft with 9 RBs taken in the first two rounds. Not to mention all the other RBs projected in rounds 3-4:

T Choice
K Smith
M Forte
R Torain ....

I don't think I'd take an RB on Day one. An exception might be Felix Jones if he lasts to our second round pick, because I think he's going to be a special NFL player.