Posted: April 27, 2012 | Author: ezsteeler56 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: A.J. Jenkins, Alabama, Andrew Luck, Baylor, Boise State, Brandon Weeden, Bruce Irvin, Chandler Jones, David DeCastro, David Wilson, Dont'a Hightower, Dontari Poe, Doug Martin, Dre Kirkpatrick, Fletcher Cox, Harrison Smith, Illinois, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Kevin Zeitler, LSU, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, Matt Kalil, Melvin Ingram, Michael Brockers, Michael Floyd, Morris Claiborne, Nick Perry, Notre Dame, Quinton Coples, Riley Reiff, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, Shea McClellin, South Carolina, Stanford, Stephen Gilmore, Trent Richardson, USC, Whitney Mercilus |
With the first round of the draft completed, here are my initial grades for each of the first 32 picks. In addition, I’ve included the updated team needs for each team. This should provide a good indication of where the teams are likely to go in next couple of days.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck QB, Stanford
GRADE: A
You can’t give anything less than an A to Indy. Taking the best QB prospect since Peyton Manning to replace Peyton Manning.
Remaining Needs: WR, G/C, NT, CB, TE, LB
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor
GRADE: A
The Redskins deserve an A for recognizing that there are only two franchise QBs in this draft and going after the last one.
Remaining Needs: RT, CB, S, ILB, G/C
3. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson RB, Alabama
GRADE: B+
This would have been an A if they hadn’t traded up. Giving up 4th, 5th, and 7th round picks to move up one spot is just bad business. Even if a team was trying to jump them for Richardson, they lost too much to justify it. That said, Richardson is a great fit and should be productive for the Browns.
Remaining Needs: WR, RT, QB, DB
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Posted: April 25, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Amini Silatolu, Casey Heyward, Chandler Jones, Courtney Upshaw, Dontari Poe, Fletcher Cox, James-Michael Johnson, Janoris Jenkins, Kevin Zeitler, Michael Brockers, Peter Konz, Ryan Tannehill, Shea McClellin, Stephon Gilmore, Stock |
With just 24 hours to go before the NFL Draft comes around, I will give you a quick break down of who has seen their stock rise and fall in the past week or so.
Stock Rising:
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Posted: March 19, 2012 | Author: ezsteeler56 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Alabama, Andre Branch, Andrew Luck, Baylor, Cordy Glenn, Courtney Upshaw, David DeCastro, Devon Still, Dont'a Hightower, Dontari Poe, Dre Kirkpatrick, Fletcher Cox, Harrison Smith, Janoris Jenkins, Jonathan Martin, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Lamar Miller, LSU, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, Matt Kalil, Melvin Ingram, Michael Brockers, Michael Floyd, Morris Claiborne, Notre Dame, Peter Konz, Quinton Coples, Riley Reiff, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, South Carolina, Stanford, Stephen Hill, Stephon Gilmore, Trent Richardson, USC, Whitney Mercilus |
Now that most big-name free agents have new homes here’s a mock to show how teams’ needs have shifted. I’ll address specific signings more in the comments for each team.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck QB, Stanford
Indianapolis might as well start negotiating its contract with Luck at this point.
2. Washington Redskins (from Rams): Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor
Did anyone think Dan Snyder would lose a bidding war? To those who think they gave up too much, you’re wrong.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil OT, USC
Almost as sure about this pick as I am that Luck will be a Colt. Minnesota can’t pass on Kalil.
4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson RB, Alabama
This is where things get tricky. After botching the trade for RG3 they need to restock just about every position on offense. Losing Peyton Hillis makes runningback a bigger need than receiver, as incredible as that sounds, and Richardson is a far better prospect than Justin Blackmon.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne CB, LSU
Another easy pick, Richardson to Tampa has been a common pick lately but with him gone they’ll sprint to the podium to grab Claiborne. Signing Eric Wright isn’t enough to solve their issues at corner and Claiborne is already a better cover corner than Patrick Peterson, who went 5th overall last year.
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Posted: March 5, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: 2012 NFL Mock Drafts | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 NFL Mock Draft, Alshon Jeffery, Andre Branch, Andrew Luck, Cordy Glenn, Courtney Upshaw, David DeCastro, David Wilson, Devon Still, Dont'a Hightower, Dontari Poe, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dwayne Allen, Fletcher Cox, Janoris Jenkins, Jonathan Martin, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Lamar Miller, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, Matt Kalil, Melvin Ingram, Michael Brockers, Michael Floyd, Morris Claiborne, Nick Perry, Peter Konz, Quinton Coples, Riley Reiff, Robert Griffin III, Stephen Hill, Trent Richardson, Zach Brown |
Round 1
1. Indianapolis (2-14) – Team Needs: QB, OG, SS, OC, 2CB, WR, NT, TE, DE, LB, RB – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
The Colts taking Andrew Luck seems like a foregone conclusion. Luck is the consensus number 1 prospect in this draft and has all the tools to be the next star QB in this league. He compares to Cam Newton in terms of athleticism and size and to Drew Brees in terms of accuracy and skill.
2. St. Louis (2-14) – 2OT, 2WR, 2OLB, FS, CB, DT, OC, RB, FB – Matt Kalil, OT, USC
In this mock draft there are no trades so the Rams will have to “settle” for the best OT prospect in a couple years. Kalil is so good that he kept last year’s No. 9 pick to the right side of USC’s offensive line. Kalil is good at everything but has to add some strength to make sure he can stand up to a bull rush.
After the jump see the rest of this mock draft
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Posted: March 4, 2012 | Author: Ryan Craig | Filed under: 2012 NFL Scouting Reports | Tags: 2012 nfl combine winner, 2012 NFL Draft, Dontari Poe, Memphis, player profile, Scouting Report, University of Memphis, vince wilfork |
Dontari Poe, Memphis, DT
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 346
Combine 40: 4.98
Combine Bench: 44
Combine Vertical: 29.5
First Word: Every year the NFL combine has winners and losers, this year one of its biggest winners was Poe. Poe went from being a second or third round pick to being considered for top ten selection.
Read more after the jump.
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Posted: February 27, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: 2012 NFL Combine | Tags: 2012 NFL Combine, 2012 NFL Draft, Bruce Irvin, Courtney Upshaw, Devon Still, Dont'a Hightower, Dontari Poe, Kendall Reyes, Luke Kuechly, Michael Brockers, Mike Martin, Mychal Kendricks, Vontaze Burfict |
Hey guys. Another day of the combine is done and it is time to let yall know who won and who lost. Take the jump and find out.
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Posted: February 15, 2012 | Author: ezsteeler56 | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Alabama, Alameda Ta'Amu, Alfonzo Dennard, Alshon Jeffery, Andre Branch, Andrew Luck, Baylor, Ben Jones, Boise State, Brandon Thompson, Brandon Washington, Bruce Irvin, Chase Minnifield, cincinnati bengals, Clemson, Coby Fleener, Cordy Glenn, Courtney Upshaw, David DeCastro, David Wilson, Devon Still, Dont'a Hightower, Dontari Poe, Doug Martin, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dwayne Allen, Dwight Jones, Fletcher Cox, Georgia, Harrison Smith, Indianapolis Colts, Janoris Jenkins, Jayron Hosley, Jerel Worthy, Jonathan Martin, Josh Robinson, Juron Criner, Justin Blackmon, Kelechi Osemele, Kendall Wright, Kevin Zeitler, Lamar Miller, LSU, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, Markelle Martin, Matt Kalil, Melvin Ingram, Miami, Michael Brewster, Michael Brockers, Michael Floyd, Mike Adams, Mohamed Sanu, Morris Claiborne, Nate Potter, Nick Foles, Nick Perry, Nick Toon, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Peter Konz, Quinton Coples, Riley Reiff, Robert Griffin III, Ronnell Lewis, Rueben Randle, Ryan Tannehill, South Carolina, St. Louis Rams, Stanford, Stephon Gilmore, tampa bay buccaneers, Trent Richardson, UNC, USC, Vinny Curry, Virginia Tech, Vontaze Burfict, Whitney Mercilus, Wisconsin, Zach Brown, Zebrie Sanders |
Finally got a 2 Round Mock done. I sprinkled in a few trades but this is more conservative than my last. Enjoy.
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck QB, Stanford
Pretty much a foregone conclusion at this point.
TRADE: St. Louis Rams trade #2 pick to Washington for their 1st, 2nd and conditional 2013 2nd round pick.
2. Washington Redskins (from Rams): Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor
This is one of the more predictable trades I can remember as Washington moves up to get RG3. The 2013 pick will become a 1st round pick if RG3 leads them to the playoffs.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil OT, USC
The Vikings couldn’t be happier to see someone trade up for RG3 because then it means they get Kalil. He fills a big need and will protect Christian Ponder for the next 10 years.
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon WR, Oklahoma State
I’m going on the record now, the worst thing the Browns could possibly do is to trade up for Robert Griffin. He will just be another talented young QB with no weapons to work with that will FAIL MISERABLY. Taking an elite receiver like Blackmon will actually give whoever their QB is a chance.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne CB, LSU
Tampa is in a good situation here since its unlikely any defensive players are taken in the top 4. Claiborne fills the biggest need for the Bucs and is the top talent available who’s not Trent Richardson.
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Posted: January 25, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: 2012 Top Players Available | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Alameda Ta'Amu, Delvin Johnson, Dontari Poe, Hebron Fangupo, Josh Chapman |
Today I will continue to roll out my player rankings. Today I will look at the interior DL, first with this post on Nose Tackles, and later in the day with a post looking at the 4-3 Defensive Tackles.
1. Dontari Poe, Memphis – Poe is the cream of the crop in this draft although he does have some flaws. He is extremely limited as a pass rusher but as far as stopping the run, he is very, very good. He should be a 1st to 2nd round pick.
2. Alameda Ta’amu, Washington – Ta’amu came into the year as the top NT but struggled a little bit. However, he still has great potential and is actually a pretty good pass rusher for his size. He should be a 2nd to 3rd round pick.
3. Josh Chapman, Alabama – Chapman had a solid year at Alabama, plugging up the middle in Alabama’s 3-4 defense. He has the tools to be a great 2 down NT. He should be a 2nd to 3rd round pick.
4. Hebron Fangupo, BYU – Fangupo has tons of potential but is very raw. However, with good coaching, he could become a stud in the NFL and is one of my favorite sleeper prospects in this draft. His stock is currently in the fifth to sixth round but I could see him going in the fourth round.
5. Delvin Johnson, Marshall – Johnson is a good late round NT with potential to be a rotational NT. I see a team taking him in the sixth or seventh round and using him as a rotational guy. He is probably the best pass rushing NT in this draft and I think he could make a roster.
Posted: January 21, 2012 | Author: ezsteeler56 | Filed under: 2012 NFL Mock Drafts | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 NFL Mock Draft, Alabama, Alfonzo Dennard, Alshon Jeffery, Andre Branch, Andrew Luck, Baylor, Brandon Thompson, Clemson, Cordy Glenn, Courtney Upshaw, David DeCastro, Devon Still, Dont'a Hightower, Dontari Poe, Dre Kirkpatrick, Fletcher Cox, Janoris Jenkins, Jonathan Martin, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Lamar Miller, LSU, Luke Kuechly, Matt Kalil, Melvin Ingram, Michael Brockers, Michael Floyd, Mohammed Sanu, Morris Claiborne, Quinton Coples, Riley Reiff, Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, South Carolina, Stanford, Trent Richardson, UNC, Vontaze Burfict, Zach Brown |
Hello everyone, I’ve been invited to be a part of this team and I’m excited to get started. I haven’t done a mock with trades in a while, but with so much movement expected in this year’s draft I thought it would be appropriate. I hope you appreciate it and as always constructive feedback is welcomed. Enjoy!
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck QB, Stanford
Not much explanation needed here. The Colts will take Luck, no questions asked.
TRADE: Rams trade #2 pick to Redskins for 2012 1st, 2nd, 4th and 2013 1st and 3rd.
2. Washington Redskins (via Rams): Robert Griffin III QB, Baylor
This could be one of the most predictable trades in quite some time. Washington will go after for RG3, and I don’t see another team wiling to outbid them.
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil OT, USC
The Vikings need to put weapons around Christian Ponder immediately. They would have to seriously consider Blackmon here, but ultimately a franchise LT like Kalil is too valuable. If they can find a #1 receiver they will have a good group in place on offense.
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon WR, Oklahoma State
Cleveland is rumored to want RG3 as well, but they are in too good a position to trade out of. Any of the top prospects on offense would fit for them, so they can sit tight and wait for whoever comes. Blackmon would be a great target forColt McCoy (or whoever they have at QB) and would push Greg Little down to #2, which is where he belongs. If Blackmon is gone, they can take Richardson since they will be losing Peyton Hillis in the offseason.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne CB, LSU
Tampa is also in a good position since its unlikely any defensive players will be taken in the top 4 (barring a trade). That means they can take Claiborne who fills their biggest need. Claiborne isn’t as freakishly athletic as Patrick Peterson, but is probably an even better cover corner.
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Posted: January 13, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: 2012 NFL Mock Drafts | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 NFL Mock Draft, Alabama, Alameda Ta'Amu, Alfonzo Dennard, Alshon Jeffery, Andre Branch, Andrew Luck, Baccari Rambo, Baylor, Ben Jones, Billy Winn, Boise State, Brandon Jenkins, Brandon Thompson, Bruce Irvin, Chase Minnifield, Chase Thomas, Clemson, Cordy Glenn, Courtney Upshaw, David DeCastro, David Wilson, Derek Wolfe, Desmond Trufant, Devon Still, Dont'a Hightower, Dontari Poe, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dwayne Allen, Dwight Jones, Fletcher Cox, Georgia, Iowa, Janoris Jenkins, Jayron Hosley, Jerel Worthy, Jonathan Martin, Josh Chapman, Justin Blackmon, Kelechi Osemele, Kendall Wrigth, Kevin Zeitler, Lamar Miller, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, Markelle Martin, Marvin McNutt, Matt Kalil, Melvin Ingram, Michael Brewster, Michael Floyd, Mike Adams, Mohammed Sanu, Morris Claiborne, Nate Potter, Nick Foles, Nick Perry, Nick Toon, North Carolina, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Peter Konz, Quinton Coples, Riley Reiff, Robert Griffin III, Ronnell Lewis, Ryan Miller, Ryan Tannehill, South Carolina, Stanford, Stephon Gilmore, Trent Richardson, USC, Vinny Curry, Virginia Tech, Vontaze Burfict, Washington, Whitney Mercilus, Wisconsin, Zach Brown |
Well I have gathered enough information to publish another mock draft. This one is of the two round variety. Anywhere you see a ? next to team needs, that means I still need help with those teams. Once I gather all that information, I can begin expanding the draft to 3 and 4 rounds.
Round 1
1. Indianapolis (2-14) – Team Needs: QB, OG, OC, 2CB, WR, SS, TE, DE, LB, RB – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford – This is an absolute no brainer and no explanation is really needed.
2. St. Louis (2-14) – 2OT, 2WR, 2OLB, FS, CB, DT, OC, RB, FB – Matt Kalil, OT, USC – This pick is basically a no brainer. The Rams will consider Justin Blackmon but a franchise LT is more important and more valuable than a franchise WR.
3. Minnesota (3-13) – LT, CB, WR, S, OG, 2LB, DT, FB, RB3 – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State – If Kalil is taken by the Rams, this pick will also be a no brainer. Blackmon is a beast and would give Jake Locker a franchise WR.
4. Cleveland (4-12) – QB, WR, RT, DE, CB, OLB, RB, OG, FS, DT, K – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor – Again, another no brainer. If Blackmon is off the board, the Browns will have to take the 2nd best QB in the draft and someone that fits perfectly in Pat Shurmur’s West Coast offense. He has great accuracy, is very mobile, and has great intelligence.
5. Tampa Bay (4-12) – 2CB, 2LB, RT, WR, OC, RB, LG, FB, DT, QB, K – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU – Another easy pick. The Bucs biggest need is finding a CB and Claiborne is the best CB in the draft class and could be better in coverage than Patrick Peterson was in coverage.
After the jump see the rest of this mock draft
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