2014 Draft Prospect Thread

[patchick]

I have been making this comparison too

Joel Bitonio could be Logan Mankins | Seahawks Draft Blog

Yep, that's the name that immediately leapt to mind for me, too.

Weird to realize that Logan is already over 30.

 

[mayoclinic]

Yep, that's the name that immediately leapt to mind for me, too.

Weird to realize that Logan is already over 30.

He turns 32 in 2 hours.

 

[captain stone]

Another reason why it is crucial that Bill draft at least one starting-calibre C/G this year.

 

[patsinthesnow]

@dpbrugler: I think when it's all said and done, both CB Kyle Fuller and DB Jimmie Ward are drafted top-30. Huge fan of both

Happy manx is happy.

 

[manxman2601]

Happy manx is happy.

Or maybe I'm Dane Brugler

 

[manxman2601]

An Nfl.com article on Jordan Tripp.

Montana's Jordan Tripp claims to be 'most versatile' LB in draft - NFL.com

He had the fastest 20-yard shuttle run (3.96) for a linebacker since A.J. Hawk in 2006.

And this might be important:

An added selling point is that he was Montana's long snapper. Gregorak called that "an invaluable tool that's going to for sure help him get on an NFL team and then, with health, keep him in the NFL for a long time."

 

[mayoclinic]

An Nfl.com article on Jordan Tripp.

Montana's Jordan Tripp claims to be 'most versatile' LB in draft - NFL.com

And this might be important:

The Pats have already re-signed Danny Aiken to a 1 year deal, but if they had 2 players capable of long snapping it would give great depth, and perhaps in the future they might be willing to save a roster spot.

This article is mostly a re-hash of stuff that's been out before, but it's good stuff, so I was glad to see it. I particularly liked these bits:

"I believe I can run and cover better than any linebacker in this draft."

Tripp had 100 tackles for Montana in 2013 to go along with three interceptions, two sacks and three fumble recoveries.

Pretty impressive numbers to back up his bold statement.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Interesting changes at the Draft Scout site as their collective first round mocks have shifted from Amaro and tuitt to CJ Mosely, Louis Nix, and Hagemann for the patriots. Amaro has dropped out of the first round entirely, which was expected imo after his showing at The Combine, but Tuitt was still late first in most mocks. I don't want Hagemann unless it is late second or third round but I would love Nix or Mosely.

 

[mayoclinic]

Interesting combination of profiles from Greg Gabriel at the NFP: Dominique Easley and Joel Bitonio.

NFL prospect focus: Dominique Easley and Joel Bitonio | National Football Post

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Another metric that loves Allen Robinson. It would be horrible if we got that bum

But it REALLY loves Jeff Janis.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

The Pats have already re-signed Danny Aiken to a 1 year deal, but if they had 2 players capable of long snapping it would give great depth, and perhaps in the future they might be willing to save a roster spot.

Just "Let It Go," mayo.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I know this won't be popular but I just watched a bunch of Ohio State games and I really don't get the Shazier hype. He is a nice player but I certainly don't think he is a 1st rounder, personally I see him as a 3rd rounder. He is definitely athletic and quick so I can see why people like him, but as a football player I just don't think he is good enough to be a high pick. He's not very strong, struggles taking on blocks, is an average tackler at best (in 2012 I thought he was a poor tackler), he sometimes plays out of control (lacks discipline, shoots gaps) and despite being super athletic I didn't see him in coverage that much. I do have to give him credit, he did certainly improve his tackling and physicality from 2012 to 2013 but I still don't see a high pick. I know people want to get faster and more athletic but I think he is a huge reach early in the draft.

I know a lot of people like him as a coverage LBer but is that based on his tape or just an assumption based off his athleticism? I think he certainly has the quickness but I didn't really see too much of him on tape in coverage, mainly dropping into shallow zones and covering the flats.

While I'm not a fan of drafting a LBer high in this draft, the one guy I would take in the first round is CJ Mosley. The talk lately is that he is falling and medical could scare some teams off. If he is there at 29 (and checks out medically) I would take him in a heartbeat. Shazier might be a little more athletic but when it comes to football, I have absolutely no doubt that Mosley is the far superior player. He is more physical, a better tackler, better at taking on blocks, more disciplined, is better in coverage, has played tougher competition and has played in a similar system to the Pats. I think he is better in every aspect other than athleticism and Mosley definitely isn't a slouch either. The biggest difference is I would be very comfortable with Mosley playing in the base defense, with Shazier I would be terrified that he would get abused in the run game. It's no surprise I love Mosley though, I have been high on him for two years (last year I got laughed at for saying I would take him over Dion Jordan) and I think he is a top 10 player in this draft.

 

[mayoclinic]

I know this won't be popular but I just watched a bunch of Ohio State games and I really don't get the Shazier hype. He is a nice player but I certainly don't think he is a 1st rounder, personally I see him as a 3rd rounder. He is definitely athletic and quick so I can see why people like him, but as a football player I just don't think he is good enough to be a high pick. He's not very strong, struggles taking on blocks, is an average tackler at best (in 2012 I thought he was a poor tackler), he sometimes plays out of control (lacks discipline, shoots gaps) and despite being super athletic I didn't see him in coverage that much. I do have to give him credit, he did certainly improve his tackling and physicality from 2012 to 2013 but I still don't see a high pick. I know people want to get faster and more athletic but I think he is a huge reach early in the draft.

I know a lot of people like him as a coverage LBer but is that based on his tape or just an assumption based off his athleticism? I think he certainly has the quickness but I didn't really see too much of him on tape in coverage, mainly dropping into shallow zones and covering the flats.

While I'm not a fan of drafting a LBer high in this draft, the one guy I would take in the first round is CJ Mosley. The talk lately is that he is falling and medical could scare some teams off. If he is there at 29 (and checks out medically) I would take him in a heartbeat. Shazier might be a little more athletic but when it comes to football, I have absolutely no doubt that Mosley is the far superior player. He is more physical, a better tackler, better at taking on blocks, more disciplined, is better in coverage, has played tougher competition and has played in a similar system to the Pats. I think he is better in every aspect other than athleticism and Mosley definitely isn't a slouch either. The biggest difference is I would be very comfortable with Mosley playing in the base defense, with Shazier I would be terrified that he would get abused in the run game. It's no surprise I love Mosley though, I have been high on him for two years (last year I got laughed at for saying I would take him over Dion Jordan) and I think he is a top 10 player in this draft.

FWIW:

One of the recent trends in the NFL Draft has been the downgrading of the linebacker position. Last year was considered to be a strong class for inside linebacker prospects, yet only one was selected in the first round. Among the players who fell to Round 2 was a college superstar in Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o. This year's victim could be Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley.

Mosley, the leader of the Crimson Tide defense, has been one of the best linebackers in the nation over the past couple of seasons. However, sources have told WalterFootball.com that Mosley could go much lower than expected for a variety of reasons.

One of the concerns with Mosley has to do with an injury. Teams believe that there could be a knee issue and are unsure about Mosley's health. Mosley didn't work out at the Combine, so that puts more pressure on him to perform well at his pro day and look healthy. The medical evaluations by the different teams' medical staffs will be critical.

Another issue is that over the past few years, a number of Alabama prospects have entered the draft with injuries and durability concerns. That group includes Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, Dee Milliner, Dre Kirkpatrick, Barrett Jones, Jesse Williams, and Josh Chapman among others. Mosley could be the latest Crimson Tide prospect to enter the league with a knee injury.

Team needs also could help push Mosley down, as there aren't a lot of teams looking for a linebacker early. WalterFootball.com spoke with a playoff team that could use a player at the position, and Mosley is in a group of Plan B players rather than the top tier of prospects the team covets. Considering many projected Mosley to go in the top 16 picks, it's noteworthy that a playoff team views him in that group. They also believe that Mosley will get to their pick. Another team selecting early believes that Mosley could get to their pick in the second round.

Of course, Mosley could help himself if he impresses at his pro day. He has a lot of good tape and production arguing his side. However, with the trend of linebackers falling in the draft, don't be surprised if Mosley goes much lower than many project.

WalterFootball.com: NFL Draft Rumor Mill

I personally prefer DT (trade up for Aaron Donald, or Dominique Easley with a trade back) followed by one of Christian Jones/Jordan Tripp at #93.

 

[Wilfork#75]

FWIW:



WalterFootball.com: NFL Draft Rumor Mill

I personally prefer DT (trade up for Aaron Donald, or Dominique Easley with a trade back) followed by one of Christian Jones/Jordan Tripp at #93.

I saw that earlier and it's really the only reason I mention Mosley because I just assumed he would be out of reach. I still think he is gone before the Pats pick though, he is just so talented I think someone takes him.

I've been DT focused throughout the whole draft process but Mosley is the guy that could change my mind. It would be a dream scenario to trade Mallett for #33 and get both Mosley and a DT (Hageman or Nix would be ideal). I love Donald too but I just can't justify the trade up for him, especially in this draft. I've taken Easley off my board, he just doesn't seem like a Pats type player and I don't think he has the commitment to Football BB looks for.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I know this won't be popular but I just watched a bunch of Ohio State games and I really don't get the Shazier hype. He is a nice player but I certainly don't think he is a 1st rounder, personally I see him as a 3rd rounder. He is definitely athletic and quick so I can see why people like him, but as a football player I just don't think he is good enough to be a high pick. He's not very strong, struggles taking on blocks, is an average tackler at best (in 2012 I thought he was a poor tackler), he sometimes plays out of control (lacks discipline, shoots gaps) and despite being super athletic I didn't see him in coverage that much. I do have to give him credit, he did certainly improve his tackling and physicality from 2012 to 2013 but I still don't see a high pick. I know people want to get faster and more athletic but I think he is a huge reach early in the draft.

I know a lot of people like him as a coverage LBer but is that based on his tape or just an assumption based off his athleticism? I think he certainly has the quickness but I didn't really see too much of him on tape in coverage, mainly dropping into shallow zones and covering the flats.

While I'm not a fan of drafting a LBer high in this draft, the one guy I would take in the first round is CJ Mosley. The talk lately is that he is falling and medical could scare some teams off. If he is there at 29 (and checks out medically) I would take him in a heartbeat. Shazier might be a little more athletic but when it comes to football, I have absolutely no doubt that Mosley is the far superior player. He is more physical, a better tackler, better at taking on blocks, more disciplined, is better in coverage, has played tougher competition and has played in a similar system to the Pats. I think he is better in every aspect other than athleticism and Mosley definitely isn't a slouch either. The biggest difference is I would be very comfortable with Mosley playing in the base defense, with Shazier I would be terrified that he would get abused in the run game. It's no surprise I love Mosley though, I have been high on him for two years (last year I got laughed at for saying I would take him over Dion Jordan) and I think he is a top 10 player in this draft.

I think that at this time of year, when it’s all about their underwear Olympics, people tend to hyper-focus on those athletic measurables instead of looking at whether those measurables translate into a superior football player.

 

[everlong]

I know this won't be popular but I just watched a bunch of Ohio State games and I really don't get the Shazier hype. He is a nice player but I certainly don't think he is a 1st rounder, personally I see him as a 3rd rounder.

I agree with you except I've had him as a middle second round value. I recently moved him up based on his athletic ability but you've reminded me the tape isn't as good as his speed. I do feel he projects well as a hybrid ILB/SS which in the future of the NFL will be morphed into a single position IMO. But you're right by pointing out that it's a projection and you don't spend firsts on projections minus special cases and he doesn't qualify.

 

[manxman2601]

I agree with you except I've had him as a middle second round value. I recently moved him up based on his athletic ability but you've reminded me the tape isn't as good as his speed. I do feel he projects well as a hybrid ILB/SS which in the future of the NFL will be morphed into a single position IMO. But you're right by pointing out that it's a projection and you don't spend firsts on projections minus special cases and he doesn't qualify.

Not drafting a projection in the first round thins it out pretty thoroughly. Every QB would come off the first round board, as would Greg Robinson and Anthony Barr. Ziggy wouldn't have been a first rounder last year and neither would Dontari Poe two years ago. I'd also question Nate Solder under those rules.

Not getting at you, just pointing out that people draft projections in the first round all the time.

 

[Wilfork#75]

I agree with you except I've had him as a middle second round value. I recently moved him up based on his athletic ability but you've reminded me the tape isn't as good as his speed. I do feel he projects well as a hybrid ILB/SS which in the future of the NFL will be morphed into a single position IMO. But you're right by pointing out that it's a projection and you don't spend firsts on projections minus special cases and he doesn't qualify.

My biggest concern was I didn't see him dropping into coverage all that much on tape. I was expecting to see a really athletic guy dropping into deep zones or running with TE's and it just wasn't there. He certainly has the athleticism to project there but to me that is all it is right now, a projection. There are a lot of really good athletes in the NFL that can't cover worth a damn so I would be cautious. To me he is a lot like Mayo's guy Christian Jones, he is a much better athlete than football player right now (which certainly does give them both upside), the difference is Jones is a 3rd rounder where I can see value in taking that chance.

 

[manxman2601]

The Wesley Woodyard FA interest makes a potential Shazier pick more interesting. Doesn't mean they'll snag one but there is interest in smaller more athletic linebackers who can run. Kevin Pierre-Louis and Telvin Smith also fit 'that kind' of LB.

 

[mayoclinic]

The Wesley Woodyard FA interest makes a potential Shazier pick more interesting. Doesn't mean they'll snag one but there is interest in smaller more athletic linebackers who can run. Kevin Pierre-Louis and Telvin Smith also fit 'that kind' of LB.

Or Christian Jones/Jordan Tripp.

As I noted in another thread, Mayo/Collins/Hightower + Woodyard + Fletcher is a really good LB group. Mayo/Collins/Hightower + Woodyard + Jones/Tripp is potentially an amazing LB group, with incredible athleticism, speed, range, coverage ability and versatility.

Woodyard is 6'0" 233#. It seems like BB is possibly becoming more flexible about size requirements for LBs.