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Nice write-up...
draftguys.com
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The Verdict
Note: The combine will likely cause the draft stock of some of this group to gain momentum and some to lose steam, and of course, there’s always more film review to be done, but here’s where they stand right now in my view:
Eugene Monroe has to be the odds on favorite to go first in this group because of his high floor, even though he might have the lowest ceiling, and he’s ready to step in right away in just about any scheme - sounds like Jake Long, doesn’t it? I don’t expect Monroe to fall past Seattle even in the worst case scenario. Jason Smith is almost a sure thing to be off the board by the time the top 10 is chosen because of zone blocking teams like Green Bay and Oakland that could use a long term LT in that 7-10 range. Smith’s upside and rare athleticism could easily convince a top five team like Seattle or St. Louis to take him (assuming Monroe is off the board) if he interviews well and otherwise gains the confidence of NFL organizations during the combine and pre-draft workouts. Andre Smith should be third off the board, and I could see a team convincing themselves to take him second in this group, or maybe even first if he shows up at the combine in good shape and in top form. Any organization that values production over upside could favor the Alabama product, and I could see him going off the board as early as Seattle or Cincinnati, and no later than Jacksonville, unless major character concerns come up over the next few months. Oher could scare off teams in the top 10 if he doesn’t interview well, but players like him should not fall out of the top 20, and I would guess his slide stops around Washington (#13), Houston (#15), or San Diego (#16) in any scenario.