* Top 64: What Are Your First 4 Picks?? *

[Coach42]

6.) Marcell Dareus
32.) Daniel Thomas
33.) Pierre Allen
64.) Justin Boren

Resign Randy Moss.

 

[Off The Grid]

06.) DE Marcell Dareus ~ Alabama Crimson TIDE!!

32.) RB Daniel Thomas ~ Kansas State WildCats!!

33.) Flanker Pierre Allen ~ Nebraska CornHuskers!!

64.) OG Justin Boren ~ Ohio State BuckEyes!!

Resign Randy Moss.

Beautifull!!

 

[Off The Grid]

It'll be interesting to see how our needs evolve, over the next 6 months.

***

If it were April, today, I think we'd benefit most by prioritizing these positions in the Top 64:

1 ~ Defensive End
2 ~ Flanker
3 ~ Guard
4 ~ Center
5 ~ Corner
6 ~ TailBack

...and I prefer to hit TailBack heavily on Day 3, but not much earlier...

***

But I think things are going to change immensely, between now and the end of this Campaign:

Defensive End

I am very excited about the potential development of Ron Brace and Brandon Deaderick, over the course of the rest of the season.

I'm gonna crawl out on that limb and say: I believe the currently inactive Mister Deaderick will not only become an integral part of the rotation, before very long, but will clearly project as an emerging starter, by the end of this Campaign.

Indeed, I believe that by the end of the year, Defensive End ~ which one month ago was a VORTEX ~ will prove, amazingly enough, to be a strength, with both Brace and Deaderick emerging as clear starters, with Warren I returning, and with Warren II and Wright proving effective situational Rush Ends.

Flanker

Expectations for Jermaine Cunningham have dropped precipitously, since April, but you can count me squarely in the camp who thinks he's going to lock down one of the Flanker spots ~ OLB, to you Earthlings ~ by the end of the year. And if I'm right about that, Flanker suddenly isn't looking so bad, anymore. MIND you: I have never seen Cain as anything but a 3rd Down specialist, and Ninkovich is a guy I love, but who I don't want starting. Crable, I have high hopes for, but low expectations.

Offensive Guard

I still hold out hope that we haul in Logan Mankins. Frugal, my @$$: I believe he BADLY misses the Game, and that he's going to come to his senses and rejoin us. And Kraft isn't the grudge holding type.

And I believe that Connolly is absolutely for real.

I've always liked Nick Kaczur, and I absolutely love the guy as a 4 Position Reserve.

Even Stephen Neal might extend his career, as a reserve, as that would greatly reduce the stress that I believe has been compelling his talk of retiring. And with Rich Ohrnberger emerging as I expect he will, I project us to have terrific depth at this position, 6 months, hence.

Center

Dan Koppen, on the other hand, has got to go.

Not to be an Hater: I actually think Koppen will turn it around and have a decent year.

But he just doesn't seem to have what he used to. And with the continuing emergence of 3/4 D's, featuring Godzillas at Nose Tackle, I believe that our chances of reemerging as The Alpha Team of the NFL would be greatly enhanced by a substantial upgrade at Center.

God only knows what Paul Soliai is gonna do to'm, this weekend!! A little help, here??

Corner

As foreseen, the Secondary has been HORRIBLE.

But as the same folks who assured us, 3 weeks ago, that Coach Bill would somehow cover up for the dramatic lack of experience in our Secondary now scream in panic as they await somebody to drop the inevitable 60 Burger on us...

I remain confident that, within the next month or so, this crew will begin to gel...and that by year's end, they'll emerge as nothing less than a strength: McCourty, Butler, Wheatley, and Wihlite actually have the makings ~ once Bodden rejoins us, next year ~ of one of the best Secondaries in the league.

All they need is experience and coaching...And they are currently getting a boat load of both.

Tail Back

Commanding the Line of Scrimmage + Tenacious D = Best Chance for Championships.

I don't give a damn if our feature Running Back can break off an 80 yard TouchDown...if our Front Wall can't Command the Line of Scrimmage and repeatedly goes 3 and Out.

On the other hand, if our Front Wall persistently drives the enemy before us, squealing in pain, horror, and humiliation, as our RBBC repeatedly gouges them with 5 and 10 yard gains...

The Championships...Will Follow.

Nothing would please me more, than to have a 100% overhaul, in 6 months, from the Opening Day Running Back Depth Chart of 3 weeks ago. Perhaps Green and WoodHead will form the nucleus of a new crew, with a couple of Picks and a vet ~ a young one, for the love of Christ!! ~ joining them.

If all other essentials are met, beforehand, it wouldn't tear my heart out to spend a 2nd Rounder on a Tail Back, but consider, if you will:

3rd ~ Frank Gore
3rd ~ Jamaal Charles
4th ~ Marion Barber
4th ~ Brandon Jacobs
4th ~ Darren Sproles
4th ~ Leon Washington
4th ~ Tashard Choice
5th ~ Michael Turner
5th ~ Jerome Harrison
7th ~ Derek Ward
7th ~ Jason Snelling
7th ~ Ahmad Bradshaw
FA ~ Ryan Grant
FA ~ Danny WoodHead
FA ~ Arien Foster

Fanatical Yankee's Purely Speculative Draft Need Projections At Campaign's End

1 ~ Flanker
2 ~ Center
3 ~ TailBack

That's it.

Hell, even the projected Flankers and Center are serviceable.

And if I'm right ~ a COLOSSAL "if", I readily admit!! ~ then we would be in a position ~ particularly if we defer Tail Back to Day 3, as I pray we do ~ to deal not from what we Need...but from what we WANT.

And I, for one...would LOVE it.

 

[cstjohn17]

Nothing like an October Mock draft to get the blood flowing.

Round 1 - DE, Cameron Jordan (California) 6-4/285/
Round 1 - OLB - Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) 6-4/263
Round 2 - OT - Nate Solder (Colorado) 6-8/315
Round 2 - OG - Steve Schilling (Michigan) 6-5/304

 

[Off The Grid]

Nothing like an October Mock draft to get the blood flowing.

Well SAID, Brother.

Round 1 - DE, Cameron Jordan (California) 6-4/285

Round 1 - OLB - Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) 6-4/263

Round 2 - OT - Nate Solder (Colorado) 6-8/315

Round 2 - OG - Steve Schilling (Michigan) 6-5/304

End, Flanker, and 2 Grizzlies!! LOVE this Draft, Brothah!!

 

[cstjohn17]

Well SAID, Brother.



End, Flanker, and 2 Grizzlies!! LOVE this Draft, Brothah!!

Love the pictures, you rock grid.

 

[Off The Grid]

Love the pictures, you rock grid.

Awesome. Thanks, Brothah!!

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

1a: Stephen Paea
1b: Pernell McPhee
2a: ?
2b: Nate Solder (he's not worth a first raw as he is, but I can see a late second)

Updated - if a boy can dream anyway.

1a: Nick Fairley (if he declares)
1b: Vinny Curry (if he declares)
2a: Trade Bait
2b: Nate Solder

 

[reflexblue]

Updated - if a boy can dream anyway.

1a: Nick Fairley (if he declares)
1b: Vinny Curry (if he declares)
2a: Trade Bait
2b: Nate Solder

Whats your opinion on this guy Sir, he seemed to have his way with a Florida line that has a lot of highly regarded players on it. .......Marcell Dareus

 

[Snake Eyes]

Whats your opinion on this guy Sir, he seemed to have his way with a Florida line that has a lot of highly regarded players on it. .......Marcell Dareus

He was an absolute beast last night, I'm starting to really covet him.

 

[Marqui]

1a) Robert Quinn
1b) Marcell Dareus
2a) DeMarco Murray
2b) Nate Solder

 

[Off The Grid]

1a) OLB Robert Quinn

1b) DE Marcell Dareus

2a) RB DeMarco Murray

2b) RT Nate Solder

For MY money, Brother, that is THE most explosive Quartet we've PRINTED, as yet!! :rocker:

 

[Off The Grid]

Updated - if a boy can dream, anyway.

1a: DE Nick Fairley ~ Auburn Tiggers!! ~ 6.4/300

1b: OLB Vinny Curry ~ Marshall Thundering Herd!! ~ 6.4/250

2a: Trade Bait ~ Yet ANOTHER 1st Rounder HOISTED!! I LOVE that guy!! :rocker:

2b: OT Nate Solder ~ Colorado Beefaloes!! ~ 6.8/315

Brother Rocks: Driving the Scouting Edge!! :rocker:

A few questions, from an humble Student of the Game, if I may, sir?

1 ~ How does Nick Fairley compare to the rest of the crop of Defensive Ends, this year? We seem to have a bounty of them, but a vast majority seem to be the Gap Shooting kind, not the Gap Sticking kind. I get the general idea that the crop is actually pretty thin for our needs, and that we might be better off to consider holding off at Defensive End until the 2nd Round or later...Brother Reamer was also pimping Fairley in post #21, and included a video where he did some unspeakable things to the Mississippi State Front Wall...

2 ~ Same question with Vinny Curry: How does he compare to the rest of this year's crop? He's certainly the right size for the job.

3 ~ Can I persuade you to expand on your perception of Solder? He has a fantastic combination of Size, Athleticism, and Force, by all accounts...but he looked like and aardvark trying to hump a porcupine in that Cali game whose tape Reamer included, as well. Frankly, I'm disposed to sign on with ConnPat's "In Dante We Trust" mantra, but I'd love to hear your take on him: If he can take command of his considerable gifts, the notion of him and Sebastian the Brutal locking down the ends of our Front Wall for the next decade gets me ALL Fired Up!! :rocker:

4 ~ For that matter, may I have your take on Centers in this coming Draft? Is there a clear upgrade for Koppen available? Indeed: is there one currently on the roster, at Left Guard? I badly wanted Marquis de Pouncey, this year, and I'm still interested in his Bro ~ the Earl?? ~ though he's been having a nightmarish time in his new gig. I hear good things about Kristopher O'Dowd, but I'd love to hear your take on it.

I hope any and all will feel not only free, but invited, to answer these questions, as well, as I continue my pursuit of education on this mesmerizing subject. I'm actually quite amazed at how much Depth of Insight there is on this Site, and I'd love to hear from any of you who are so inclined.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Brother Rocks: Driving the Scouting Edge!! :rocker:

A few questions, from an humble Student of the Game, if I may, sir?

My tuition charges are reasonable.

1 ~ How does Nick Fairley compare to the rest of the crop of Defensive Ends, this year? We seem to have a bounty of them, but a vast majority seem to be the Gap Shooting kind, not the Gap Sticking kind. I get the general idea that the crop is actually pretty thin for our needs, and that we might be better off to consider holding off at Defensive End until the 2nd Round or later...Brother Reamer was also pimping Fairley in post #21, and included a video where he did some unspeakable things to the Mississippi State Front Wall...

This is my response to a list tossed out on another board:

Of the DL you've listed:
Ballard -- I'd let a 4-3 team take him for DE.
Watt -- Needs another year, he's still too raw.
Fairley -- If he comes out early he's looking at first round for sure, and I'd want NE to consider him with the Oakland pick.
Heywood -- I really haven't taken time to watch him.
Clayborn -- 4-3 DE.
Klug -- It depends on where he weighs in at the Combine/Pro-Day, right now at his "reported" weight of 270, I'd look for him in the 6th or later, slim him down, and line him up at LOLB in NE's 3-4 on early downs. If he's closer to the 285-290 range, I'd use him the same way NE used Jarvis Green and draft him a little earlier. If I had time to transition him on the PSquad and STs to ILB, he might be another TJ, his nose for the football in trash is excellent.
Jordan -- He's another one who leaves me unimpressed, a recent Pigskin Paul critique of him was spot-on.
Darius -- I recall him last season, but he's been suspended or playing hurt this season and I want to give him more time to get on track, at the moment I'd argue he's riding on reputation.
Austin -- I wouldn't use a first on him until the maturity question is settled, and it will be interesting to see how he looks at his predraft workouts.
Crick -- I haven't seen him this season yet, certainly Pigskin Paul's commentary doesn't encourage me.

It's early days, some of these kids are adapting to being the focus of the O-line's scheming, it'll be fun to watch and see who wakes up and starts lighting up offenses the way Fairley has.


As to your Fairley question, I'll let the infamous mayoclinic blow my horn for me.

As far as I can tell, the first person to suggest that Fairley was a legitimate big time prospect was Box, who wrote during the Mississippi St. game that Fairley was chewing up double teams "like a young **** Seymour". It's a tribute to Box that he can pick someone out of the crowd so accurately, and is confident enough to make that kind of statement about a kid who had garnered absolutely no national attention to that point, instead of just following the media hype.

Over the past 4 games Fairley has done nothing to go against Box's assessment, and while still under the radar has started to get some attention. For example Mel Kiper currently has him listed as the #2 junior DT prospect, after Jared Crick:

2 ~ Same question with Vinny Curry: How does he compare to the rest of this year's crop? He's certainly the right size for the job.

I haven't started comparisons yet, but again from something I did for another forum:

I'm not going to forecast which pass rusher might be best for NE at the beginning of October, but I did crunch some numbers for you:

Looking at NCAA FBS division leaders in five defensive categories (Sacks, Tackles For Loss, Forced Fumbles, Total Tackles, and Passes Broken Up), several players kept resurfacing.


Leaders in four categories: Both of these players are notable as leaders in Total Tackles, which suggests they are around the ball a lot, play the run well, and hustle to be in on plays.

DE Ryan Kerrigan (Sr), Purdue, 6-4/263 -- Consistent high producer.

DE Vinny Curry (Jr), Marshall, 6-4/252 -- Steadily improving underclassman. Marshall has gone up against ranked teams Ohio State and West Virginia as well as two Mac teams so far this season, no pushovers, which makes Curry's production more impressive.


Leaders in three categories:

DE Jeremy Beal, (Sr), Oklahoma, 6-3/260 -- Classic edge rusher.

DE Sam Acho, (Sr), Texas, 6-3/260 -- Acho gets moved around from DT to Rush Linebacker, considered a bit raw in his pass rush technique.

OLB/DE Akeem Ayers, (Jr), UCLA, 6-4/254 -- UCLA plays him at both OLB (for his ability to make plays in space) and DE (for his edge rush). Redshirt Junior who has been productive for each of the previous two seasons too.

DE Brandon Bair, (Sr), Oregon, 6-6/268 -- Classic "long" edge rusher who defends the pass by clogging throwing lanes and getting to the QB. His numbers suggest he's decent against the run too.

DE Steven Friday, (Sr), Virginia Tech, 6-4/238 -- Appears to be a late bloomer starting to wake up to his potential.


Leaders in two categories:

DT Nick Fairley, (Jr), Auburn, 6-4/298 -- Seymour-like DL waking up to his potential.

OLB Brian Duncan, (Sr), Texas Tech, 6-1/240 -- 3-4 OLB in Tech's defense.

DE Bryant Turner, (Sr), UAB, 6-2/260 -- Classic edge rusher.

DE Alex Albright, (Sr), Boston College, 6-5/250 -- Prior to injuring his neck his numbers suggest he was a terror off the edge. He's trying to stage a comeback.

DE Aaron Lavarias, (Sr), Idaho, 6-2/252 -- Classic edge rusher.

DE Vince Browne, (Jr), Northwestern, 6-5/265 -- Fast off the edge, now improving against the run.

DE Jabaal Sheard, (Sr), Pittsburgh, 6-3/255 -- Productive edge rusher who is showing he can be the offense's target and continue to produce.

DT Drake Nevis, (Sr), LSU, 6-1/292 -- Interior disruptor.

DE Eddie Jones, (Sr), Texas, 6-3/260 -- Productive rotational player getting his chance to shine.

DE Darius Nall, (Jr), UCF, 6-3/246 -- Classic edge rusher battling back from cancer.


Leaders in one category who have productive histories:

DE Jake Bequette, (Jr), Arkansas, 6-5/270 -- Decent production this season, just not leading statistically.

DE Brooks Reed, (Sr), Arizona, 6-3/262 -- Looks like he was nicked up last season and is trying to regain his Sophomore edge.

DE Tom Keiser, (Jr), Stanford, 6-5/249 -- His defense is dominating opponents this season.

DE Dontay Moch, (Sr), Nevada, 6-1/236 -- I noticed in the California game they were running away from him, despite his slight size.

DE Bruce Miller, (Sr), UCF, 6-2/248 -- His defense is dominating opponents this season.

3 ~ Can I persuade you to expand on your perception of Solder? He has a fantastic combination of Size, Athleticism, and Force, by all accounts...but he looked like and aardvark trying to hump a porcupine in that Cali game whose tape Reamer included, as well. Frankly, I'm disposed to sign on with ConnPat's "In Dante We Trust" mantra, but I'd love to hear your take on him: If he can take command of his considerable gifts, the notion of him and Sebastian the Brutal locking down the ends of our Front Wall for the next decade gets me ALL Fired Up!! :rocker:

I greatly disagree with the characterization of Solder from the California game, I think he was over-hyped before the season, but he's just raw, the potential is there. Here's my notes:

Colorado @ California

Colorado

Nate Solder, OT, 6-8/302 -- Cal messed with him using a 5'11" 213 third down specialist to speed rush him. Trying to get his hands on a kid that short and quick was tough, though his QB's pocket presence isn't that helpful either. He played better then advertised by his critics after this game, he's raw and better as a run blocker than a pass blocker - if NE wants him I'm thinking RT. Nice job handing off a LB to the LG and sliding back out to slow a blitzing DB.

4 ~ For that matter, may I have your take on Centers in this coming Draft? Is there a clear upgrade for Koppen available? Indeed: is there one currently on the roster, at Left Guard? I badly wanted Marquis de Pouncey, this year, and I'm still interested in his Bro ~ the Earl?? ~ though he's been having a nightmarish time in his new gig. I hear good things about Kristopher O'Dowd, but I'd love to hear your take on it.

I hope any and all will feel not only free, but invited, to answer these questions, as well, as I continue my pursuit of education on this mesmerizing subject. I'm actually quite amazed at how much Depth of Insight there is on this Site, and I'd love to hear from any of you who are so inclined.

Koppen isn't going anywhere before 2012, and Dante has Wendell and Connolly waiting in the wings (in that order) if he does get nicked up.
Pouncy? Meh, either of them. The most fun prospect got away when Tampa Bay claimed Larsen off waivers - that kid would have been money after Dante got him coached up.
If you absolutely have to fantasize about a Center in the draft: Stefen Wisniewski, Penn State. I believe Orhnberger is being groomed to replace Neal at RG; Wisniewski and Big O already have playing time together for a head start on O-line chemistry.

 

[Off The Grid]

Rich, deep, textured, and insightfull.

Thanks so much for making the time and effort, man.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Rich, deep, textured, and insightfull.

Thanks so much for making the time and effort, man.

The heavy lifting had already been done, I just grabbed if for you.

 

[Off The Grid]

Brother MayoClinic ~ chief contributor to a TREMENDOUS Draft Thread on PatriotsPlanet.com ~ has graciously offered his Picks, which it is my privilege to post, as it is has been my privilege to illustrate all of yours, gentlemen...

1A. Da'Quan Bowers, DE,OLB, Clemson

1B. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

2A. Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State

2B. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

***

3 Players in the Front 12, and another Defender??

LOVE it.

THAT's how you build Champions.

 

[D-Money]

I like Aaron Williams.The corner from texas.I dont know if he will be there with the second first round pick we have.You can never have too many corners.I am still not sold on Darius Butler as well.

 

[Off The Grid]

I like Aaron Williams.The corner from texas.I dont know if he will be there with the second first round pick we have.You can never have too many corners.I am still not sold on Darius Butler as well.

Hey, fire up your first 4 ~ or more ~ if you like, Bro. Always room for one more.

 

[patsfaninpa]

Hopefully, the Raider pick plummets and ours keeps rising. I don't think our binkie Fairley will be there at 28-32. I'm going to take a different route. We're going to have a terrific defense at the end of the day. And, I'm also taking a rb in Round 3. More of a skatback type. Like a N. Devine, S.Vereen, D. Locke.

1A Patrick Peterson - CB - LSU
1B Ryan Kerrigan - OLB - Purdue
2A Christian Ballard - DE - Iowa
2B Allen Bradford - RB - USC