National Football Post - Positional Reviews

[cstjohn17]

So who are those 5 again? I think I missed your post.

Well off the top of my head, if the board was stacked up as NFR has it ranked I would pick:

Round 1 (pick 24) - OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia - Starts at RT, Kaczur becomes Guard \ Tackle swing. Potential left tackle of future.

Round 2 (pick 48 from SD) - CB Trevard Lindley*, Kentucky - Adds some quality depth / potential starting ability to the secondary.

Round 2 - (pick 56) - DT Ndamukong Suh*, Nebraska - Best 3-4 end I have seen this year, adds depth and insurance if Seymour leaves.

Round 3 - (pick 88) - SS Emanuel Cook*, South Carolina - Reserve Safety...

Round 3 (pick 100, comp for Asante) - WR Louis Murphy, Florida - 3rd WR, good deep speed.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Well off the top of my head, if the board was stacked up as NFR has it ranked I would pick:

Round 1 (pick 24) - OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia - Starts at RT, Kaczur becomes Guard \ Tackle swing. Potential left tackle of future.

Round 2 (pick 48 from SD) - CB Trevard Lindley*, Kentucky - Adds some quality depth / potential starting ability to the secondary.

Round 2 - (pick 56) - DT Ndamukong Suh*, Nebraska - Best 3-4 end I have seen this year, adds depth and insurance if Seymour leaves.

Round 3 - (pick 88) - SS Emanuel Cook*, South Carolina - Reserve Safety...

Round 3 (pick 100, comp for Asante) - WR Louis Murphy, Florida - 3rd WR, good deep speed.

A Florida WR!!!!!!!! :banned:

 

[Metaphors]

Well off the top of my head, if the board was stacked up as NFR has it ranked I would pick:

Round 1 (pick 24) - OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia - Starts at RT, Kaczur becomes Guard \ Tackle swing. Potential left tackle of future.

Round 2 (pick 48 from SD) - CB Trevard Lindley*, Kentucky - Adds some quality depth / potential starting ability to the secondary.

Round 2 - (pick 56) - DT Ndamukong Suh*, Nebraska - Best 3-4 end I have seen this year, adds depth and insurance if Seymour leaves.

Round 3 - (pick 88) - SS Emanuel Cook*, South Carolina - Reserve Safety...

Round 3 (pick 100, comp for Asante) - WR Louis Murphy, Florida - 3rd WR, good deep speed.

Not bad. Here is my counter just for grins:

Round 1 (pick 24) - DE Michael Johnson - Too much upside to pass on. Strong, fast, has good hands (high school TE), tall (6'7") and can jump out of the stadium. Production has lagged potential so buyer beware...but if Belichick can coach him up he is a prototype combo DE/OLB for the Pats.

Round 2 (pick 48 from SD) - S William Moore, Missouri - An absolute theft if he lasts this long (he won't if he runs sub-4.5). Missouri was suckish on defense all year and that reflected badly on Moore. Can cover, blitz and isn't a liability in run support.

Round 2 - (pick 56) - CB Victor Harris, Virginia Tech - Has improved every year and did everything in 2008 (receiver, returner, etc).

Round 3 - (pick 88) - DT Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU - Obviously an end for the Pats. All the skill in the world and has been dominant in spurts.

Round 3 (pick 100, comp for Asante) - OT Andy Levitre, Oregon State - To be honest I only saw 1 OSU game this year, but it was impressive. USC took apart every other offense they saw this year. Levitre and his OL buds kept the QB clean, got the RBs some holes and engaged the 2nd level to turn those runs into big plays.

 

[DocE]

Not bad. Here is my counter just for grins:

Round 1 (pick 24) - DE Michael Johnson - Too much upside to pass on. Strong, fast, has good hands (high school TE), tall (6'7") and can jump out of the stadium. Production has lagged potential so buyer beware...but if Belichick can coach him up he is a prototype combo DE/OLB for the Pats.

Round 2 (pick 48 from SD) - S William Moore, Missouri - An absolute theft if he lasts this long (he won't if he runs sub-4.5). Missouri was suckish on defense all year and that reflected badly on Moore. Can cover, blitz and isn't a liability in run support.

Round 2 - (pick 56) - CB Victor Harris, Virginia Tech - Has improved every year and did everything in 2008 (receiver, returner, etc).

Round 3 - (pick 88) - DT Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU - Obviously an end for the Pats. All the skill in the world and has been dominant in spurts.

Round 3 (pick 100, comp for Asante) - OT Andy Levitre, Oregon State - To be honest I only saw 1 OSU game this year, but it was impressive. USC took apart every other offense they saw this year. Levitre and his OL buds kept the QB clean, got the RBs some holes and engaged the 2nd level to turn those runs into big plays.

This seems like too much fun not to join in, even though I have a feeling my picks will look totally different in April than they do now.

1 (24). WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri- Instant impact. Can come in and keep Welker and Hobbs off of return duty from day 1. Should be dangerous on the WR screen as a rookie and could get deep against single coverage opposite Moss. Not expecting him to start as a rookie, just provide an occasional big play.

2 (48) OL Max Unger, Oregon- does he start as a rookie? possibly. What I like is his potential to be the no.1 backup at 4 (and possibly all 5) positions on the Pats line as a rookie.

2.(56) DL Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska- It's tough to pass up William Moore, but Suh could be a very good 3-4 DE. He was awesome against Clemson in his bowl game

3.(88) OLB Jermaine Cunningham , Florida- I doubt he actually comes out, but he looked GREAT as sophomore, not so much as a junior. This is admittedly a gamble pick. Since BB is friends with Urban Meyer, I assume he'd have more info on Cunningham than some other teams.

3.(100) FS Rashad Johnson, Alabama, If he's on the list I missed him, but it looks like he should still be available. Saban calls him one of the smartest players he's coached, so I think BB will like him. Despite being my 5th pick in the first 3 rounds, might be the most likely to start week 1.


*Disclaimer* I don't believe the Patriots will take a WR in round 1.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

*Disclaimer* I don't believe the Patriots will take a WR in round 1.

Accursed tease! :enranged:

 

[DaBruinz]

Not bad. Here is my counter just for grins:

Round 1 (pick 24) - DE Michael Johnson - Too much upside to pass on. Strong, fast, has good hands (high school TE), tall (6'7") and can jump out of the stadium. Production has lagged potential so buyer beware...but if Belichick can coach him up he is a prototype combo DE/OLB for the Pats.

Round 2 (pick 48 from SD) - S William Moore, Missouri - An absolute theft if he lasts this long (he won't if he runs sub-4.5). Missouri was suckish on defense all year and that reflected badly on Moore. Can cover, blitz and isn't a liability in run support.

Round 2 - (pick 56) - CB Victor Harris, Virginia Tech - Has improved every year and did everything in 2008 (receiver, returner, etc).

Round 3 - (pick 88) - DT Ricky Jean-Francois, LSU - Obviously an end for the Pats. All the skill in the world and has been dominant in spurts.

Round 3 (pick 100, comp for Asante) - OT Andy Levitre, Oregon State - To be honest I only saw 1 OSU game this year, but it was impressive. USC took apart every other offense they saw this year. Levitre and his OL buds kept the QB clean, got the RBs some holes and engaged the 2nd level to turn those runs into big plays.

Very interesting. However, Most have felt that Johnson is more of a traditional 4-3DE than a 3-4 OLB.

People are also prediction Harris to be moved to FS.. Where I think he'd be too small. I'm not sure he's got the abilities to play corner, though he does have the height.

Two things about Levitre - He's been projected as a guard in the NFL. And I think you've got him going too high with all the talent coming out. What makes him interesting is that he can supposedly play all the positions on the O-line. If that is the case, and he has a nasty field disposition, I could easily see him being taken with the Pats 3rd round pick or the Pats Comp pick for Samuel.

 

[Metaphors]

Very interesting. However, Most have felt that Johnson is more of a traditional 4-3DE than a 3-4 OLB.

And that view is probably correct. Johnson has shown the ability to drop in coverage but the passing in the ACC this year was amazingly bad so that wasn't a real test. Johnson can certainly seal the edge, rush the QB and tip passes at the LOS. However, if he looks lost covering a RB or TE then he wouldn't be a good fit. Probably wishful thinking on my part but a 6'7" monster lined up opposite AD would be sweet.

People are also prediction Harris to be moved to FS.. Where I think he'd be too small. I'm not sure he's got the abilities to play corner, though he does have the height.

He has the ball skills and instincts to be a corner, but I obviously don't know his measurables and how they will translate. His work as a receiver and returner this year led me to believe he has the hips, reactions and speed to be effective. Agree with you about him at safety.

Two things about Levitre - He's been projected as a guard in the NFL. And I think you've got him going too high with all the talent coming out. What makes him interesting is that he can supposedly play all the positions on the O-line. If that is the case, and he has a nasty field disposition, I could easily see him being taken with the Pats 3rd round pick or the Pats Comp pick for Samuel.

Absolutely wouldn't take him here as a guard. Again, this is a 1 game evaluation but he looked good at OLT against USC. I was impressed with how fast he got to the second level on running plays...especially important since players like Ray Lewis and Bob Sanders are useless when they actually get blocked.

 

[DaBruinz]

1) SS Will Moore - Moore has the size (6'0 3/8 -225) to be a thumper. He's also got great coverage abilities... Would immediately push Sanders (both J&L) for playing time

2a) Sean Smith- CB -Hearts stop all over Patriots nation as the Pats take a TALL CB. However, Smith shows very good agility for a tall man, allowing him to stick with the the shorter receivers as well as the taller ones...

2b) Max Unger - OL - Nasty disposition on the playing field - will be groomed to fill in at OG/C

3a) Connor Barwin - OLB/TE - Meet the new Mike Vrabel.. Slides because of all the other talent in the draft and people "forget" about him. The Pats didn't and are happy he's there...

3b) *SURPRISE PICK* - The Pats, who are surprised this kid is still available, step up and select Shonne Green, RB

 

[Warren94]

From a draft perspective.

1) Max Unger. BB loves versatility can play up and down the line.

2) Rashard Johnson-Bama. The next Ed Reed.
2 SD) Clint Sintim Virginia. Speed off the Edge
3) Ryan Purvis TE BC Complete Package at TE.

3B) CB Londen Fryar Central Michigan

 

[patchick]

Round 2 - (pick 56) - DT Ndamukong Suh*, Nebraska - Best 3-4 end I have seen this year, adds depth and insurance if Seymour leaves.

Suh keeps saying he's going back to school, but if he does come out I'd give serious thought to him at #24...if he's still around. I think he's going to rise fast.

 

[Warren94]

He was outstanding. Nice to see Nebraska having some quality players again.

 

[dryheat44]

Suh keeps saying he's going back to school, but if he does come out I'd give serious thought to him at #24...if he's still around. I think he's going to rise fast.

And his name translates to "House of Spears". You have to love a guy like that.

Anyway, today I'd roll with:

1/24 - Will Moore S Missouri. A bit too similar to Meriweather for my taste, but that may not be so bad for scheming purposes. Unless and until Rodney and a few others re-sign, our top safeties behind Meriweather are Antoine Spann and Matt Slater. If that's not a cry for help, I don't know what is. Of course, this ranking has Moore ranked at #68, but I don't buy that. I also wouldn't know it at #24.

2/48 - Chase Coffman TE Mizzou. We have no TEs on the roster past 2009, and I can't wait to reduce Hands of Feet's role in the offense ASAP. I think Brady/Cassel would prefer to throw to a TE on third down/end zone that they know will catch the damn ball. Coffman just had foot surgery, so we'll see what happens between now and the draft. He should be 100% come training camp.

2/56 - Clint Simtim OLB Virginia. This might be contrued as a luxury, but he should be able to fit seemlessly into the defense, and he's probably better than any OLB not named Thomas and Vrabel that's signed right now. Solid citizen/leader type. Vrabel is likely gone/ready for rotational duty after 2009.

3/88 - Emmanuel Cook S South Carolina. If Rodney comes back next year, it will almost certainly be his last. Taking two safeties early could be a good move, since no available OT or CB excites me here.

3/100 - Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina. We'll stay in the Palmetto state for an athletic tackle who should be able to contribute starting year two at the latest. Hopefully Spurrier hasn't sapped all of the work ethic out of him. I'd also consider Dorell Scott out of Clemson or Al Woods out of LSU to start the groundwork for a 3-4 DE. Hopefully one will still be around later.


Of course, this is all premature, and hopefully all holes will be filled by free agency. I mean, Bob Sanders is available:

The National Football Post | Breaking News: Packers Fire Sanders

 

[mgteich]

Are you presuming that we will re-sign or extend all our DL's and OG's? There are two holes for this year: Wright and Hochstein, and more in 2010: Seymour, Wilfork, Mankins, Neal and Yates. I understand that we could be "saved" by the failure to re-sign a new CBA agreement, but prudence seems to indicate that we should be addressing our issues at DL and OG.

I'm OK with drafting two safeties early, but safeties are a lot easier to find at reasonable prices in free agency than DE's or NT's. We might even re-sign some of our free agents that can play the position: Sanders, Sanders, Harrison, Williams.

And his name translates to "House of Spears". You have to love a guy like that.

Anyway, today I'd roll with:

1/24 - Will Moore S Missouri. A bit too similar to Meriweather for my taste, but that may not be so bad for scheming purposes. Unless and until Rodney and a few others re-sign, our top safeties behind Meriweather are Antoine Spann and Matt Slater. If that's not a cry for help, I don't know what is. Of course, this ranking has Moore ranked at #68, but I don't buy that. I also wouldn't know it at #24.

2/48 - Chase Coffman TE Mizzou. We have no TEs on the roster past 2009, and I can't wait to reduce Hands of Feet's role in the offense ASAP. I think Brady/Cassel would prefer to throw to a TE on third down/end zone that they know will catch the damn ball. Coffman just had foot surgery, so we'll see what happens between now and the draft. He should be 100% come training camp.

2/56 - Clint Simtim OLB Virginia. This might be contrued as a luxury, but he should be able to fit seemlessly into the defense, and he's probably better than any OLB not named Thomas and Vrabel that's signed right now. Solid citizen/leader type. Vrabel is likely gone/ready for rotational duty after 2009.

3/88 - Emmanuel Cook S South Carolina. If Rodney comes back next year, it will almost certainly be his last. Taking two safeties early could be a good move, since no available OT or CB excites me here.

3/100 - Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina. We'll stay in the Palmetto state for an athletic tackle who should be able to contribute starting year two at the latest. Hopefully Spurrier hasn't sapped all of the work ethic out of him. I'd also consider Dorell Scott out of Clemson or Al Woods out of LSU to start the groundwork for a 3-4 DE. Hopefully one will still be around later.


Of course, this is all premature, and hopefully all holes will be filled by free agency. I mean, Bob Sanders is available:

The National Football Post | Breaking News: Packers Fire Sanders

 

[dryheat44]

Are you presuming that we will re-sign or extend all our DL's and OG's? There are two holes for this year: Wright and Hochstein, and more in 2010: Seymour, Wilfork, Mankins, Neal and Yates. I understand that we could be "saved" by the failure to re-sign a new CBA agreement, but prudence seems to indicate that we should be addressing our issues at DL and OG.

I'm OK with drafting two safeties early, but safeties are a lot easier to find at reasonable prices in free agency than DE's or NT's. We might even re-sign some of our free agents that can play the position: Sanders, Sanders, Harrison, Williams.

Yes, we might re-sign guys like Sanders, Williams, Hochstein and Wright. I'm just not assuming we will. For this purpose, I'm not assuming we re-sign anybody.

I don't see the big hole that Wright, our 4th DE and 2/3rd NT in our defense opens up. Worse case scenario: LeKevin takes his spot, and a rookie or vet FA takes LeKevin's spot. If we lose Hochstein, I'll take our chances with a veteran free agent rather than reach for a #3/4 guard.

The way the draft unfolded in this exercise, I didn't see a G worth taking at the time. I did want to get a CB and DE, but it didn't work out for me.

By the way, I think the big holes for 2009 are safety opposite Meriweather, and #3 WR ahead of reserve DL and reserve OG. As it stands, in 2010 we could get hit hard at OLB, DL, OL and TE.

 

[VJCPatriot]

1) SS Will Moore - Moore has the size (6'0 3/8 -225) to be a thumper. He's also got great coverage abilities... Would immediately push Sanders (both J&L) for playing time

2a) Sean Smith- CB -Hearts stop all over Patriots nation as the Pats take a TALL CB. However, Smith shows very good agility for a tall man, allowing him to stick with the the shorter receivers as well as the taller ones...

2b) Max Unger - OL - Nasty disposition on the playing field - will be groomed to fill in at OG/C

3a) Connor Barwin - OLB/TE - Meet the new Mike Vrabel.. Slides because of all the other talent in the draft and people "forget" about him. The Pats didn't and are happy he's there...

3b) *SURPRISE PICK* - The Pats, who are surprised this kid is still available, step up and select Shonne Green, RB

At this point in time, I actually don't hate this draft at all... but do you really think the Pats will pick a CB that's over 5'9??

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Two things about Levitre - He's been projected as a guard in the NFL. And I think you've got him going too high with all the talent coming out. What makes him interesting is that he can supposedly play all the positions on the O-line. If that is the case, and he has a nasty field disposition, I could easily see him being taken with the Pats 3rd round pick or the Pats Comp pick for Samuel.

I agree Levitre is purely an NFL OG.

I saw the USC game and he put a spanking on the USC DL guys. He physically dominated them. He pancaked USC DT Fioli on a stunt that got me out of my seat. Nasty! Nasty! Nasty! I want nasty on our O-Line.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

And his name translates to "House of Spears". You have to love a guy like that.

Anyway, today I'd roll with:

1/24 - Will Moore S Missouri. A bit too similar to Meriweather for my taste, but that may not be so bad for scheming purposes. Unless and until Rodney and a few others re-sign, our top safeties behind Meriweather are Antoine Spann and Matt Slater. If that's not a cry for help, I don't know what is. Of course, this ranking has Moore ranked at #68, but I don't buy that. I also wouldn't know it at #24.

2/48 - Chase Coffman TE Mizzou. We have no TEs on the roster past 2009, and I can't wait to reduce Hands of Feet's role in the offense ASAP. I think Brady/Cassel would prefer to throw to a TE on third down/end zone that they know will catch the damn ball. Coffman just had foot surgery, so we'll see what happens between now and the draft. He should be 100% come training camp.

2/56 - Clint Simtim OLB Virginia. This might be contrued as a luxury, but he should be able to fit seemlessly into the defense, and he's probably better than any OLB not named Thomas and Vrabel that's signed right now. Solid citizen/leader type. Vrabel is likely gone/ready for rotational duty after 2009.

3/88 - Emmanuel Cook S South Carolina. If Rodney comes back next year, it will almost certainly be his last. Taking two safeties early could be a good move, since no available OT or CB excites me here.

3/100 - Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina. We'll stay in the Palmetto state for an athletic tackle who should be able to contribute starting year two at the latest. Hopefully Spurrier hasn't sapped all of the work ethic out of him. I'd also consider Dorell Scott out of Clemson or Al Woods out of LSU to start the groundwork for a 3-4 DE. Hopefully one will still be around later.


Of course, this is all premature, and hopefully all holes will be filled by free agency. I mean, Bob Sanders is available:

The National Football Post | Breaking News: Packers Fire Sanders

I think Will Moore is sliding down the draft boards after the two aerial destructions of the Mizzu defense. I used to think he would not last past 15, but now, I think we have a shot at him in the latr second, or mid third. He needs a great off season to climb back up the ladder.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I agree Levitre is purely an NFL OG.

I saw the USC game and he put a spanking on the USC DL guys. He physically dominated them. He pancaked USC DT Fioli on a stunt that got me out of my seat. Nasty! Nasty! Nasty! I want nasty on our O-Line.

I'm watching the California @ Oregon State game and third this proposition, Levitre would make a fine OG and an okay emergency OT. He's doing a nice job at the next level, just what the Pats want to see from an OG, and OSU also runs a zone blocking scheme that looks similar to NE's.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Yes, we might re-sign guys like Sanders, Williams, Hochstein and Wright. I'm just not assuming we will. For this purpose, I'm not assuming we re-sign anybody.

I don't see the big hole that Wright, our 4th DE and 2/3rd NT in our defense opens up. Worse case scenario: LeKevin takes his spot, and a rookie or vet FA takes LeKevin's spot. If we lose Hochstein, I'll take our chances with a veteran free agent rather than reach for a #3/4 guard.

The way the draft unfolded in this exercise, I didn't see a G worth taking at the time. I did want to get a CB and DE, but it didn't work out for me.

By the way, I think the big holes for 2009 are safety opposite Meriweather, and #3 WR ahead of reserve DL and reserve OG. As it stands, in 2010 we could get hit hard at OLB, DL, OL and TE.

I'll agree with those who see the hole at rNT with Wright's UFA status, and I believe he can make better money as a 4-3 DT in another system. So I am looking for a NT, even though I also want a #3 WR and S in this draft.

A possible cheap fix is California's Mika Kane, 6'2" 312 and ranked in the 100's at DT by NFL Draft Scout. I'm watching the California @ Oregon State game I recorded and Kane is doing a fine job of plugging the middle as a 3-4 NT. He needs some technique work, he could stand to be stronger, and he's not going to be collapsing the pocket, but with the scarcity of valid big 3-4 bodies in this draft, I like this kid as an option - and it looks like he could be had as a UDFA.

 

[DaBruinz]

At this point in time, I actually don't hate this draft at all... but do you really think the Pats will pick a CB that's over 5'9??

If Smith's agility numbers are where they say they are, then yes, I could see it.

The problem with taller safeties that they tend to not be able to cut as crisply as smaller ones and that they lose too much speed because they tend to be long striders. From my understanding, Smith makes his cuts like a WR and doesn't lose his speed. Add that to good coverage skills and you've got every coach's wet dream at corner. However, the proof is in the pudding as they say. If Smith cuts the way they say he does and doesn't lose speed, then he'll be ideal.