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: March 23, 2012 | Author: Ryan Craig | Filed under: 2012 NFL Scouting Reports | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Baylor, combine, Kendall Wright, player profile, Pro Day, Robert Griffin III, Scouting Report, Texas |
Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 196
Combine 40: 4.61
Pro Day 40: 4.41-4.46
Combine Vertical: 38.5
First Word: His stock soared with Robert Griffin III’s as the two terrorized the Big 12 through the air this past season. However, Wrights stock took a hit when he ran a slow 40 yard dash at the combine.
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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 6, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: 2012 Top Players Available | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, 2012 NFL Mock Draft, A.J. Jenkins, Alshon Jeffery, B.J. Cunningham, Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Chris Owusu, DeVier Posey, Devon Wylie, Dwayne Frampton, Dwight Jones, Eric Page, Gerell Robinson, Greg Childs, Hilton, Jarius Wright, Jarret Boykin, Jeff Fuller, Joe Adams, Jordan White, Juron Criner, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Marquis Maze, Marvin Jones, Marvin McNutt, Michael Floyd, Mohamed Sanu, Nick Toon, Rueben Randle, Ryan Broyles, Stephen Hill, T.J. Graham, T.Y, Tim Benford, Tommy Streeter |
Hey guys. Sorry for the lack of posts in the past couple days but I just started a new job and time was tight. A big thanks to Ryan for keeping the site fresh. I have been looking at mock drafts and seeing where Tommy Streeter has been going and I am consistently seeing anywhere from the 2nd to the 4th round. In my opinion, that is totally absurd as he is one of the premiere prospects at the WR position. Streeter has all the measurable’s to be an absolute stud and if a team can land him in the third round, they would be getting a major steal. After he blew up the combine, I thought Streeter might see his stock soar into the late first round but instead he has kind of stayed where he was. I have always had him rated as an early second round pick and I see numerous possible landing spots for him. After the jump see where they are and see my updated WR Rankings.
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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: February 22, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: Positional Analysis | Tags: A.J. Jenkins, Alshon Jeffery, Brian Quick, Chris Givens, Eric Page, Gerell Robinson, Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Jarret Boykin, Jeff Fuller, Joe Adams, Juron Criner, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Marquis Maze, Marvin Jones, Marvin McNutt, Michael Floyd, Mohamed Sanu, Nick Toon, Rueben Randle, Ryan Broyles, Stephen Hill, T.J. Graham, T.Y. Hilton, Tim Benford, Tommy Streeter |
This year’s WR class is absolutely loaded with elite talent and phenomenal depth. Every type of WR is represented and there will be a lot of WRs taken early in the draft. After the jump see my analysis of this year’s WR class
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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 23, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: 2012 NFL Mock Drafts | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Alabama, Alfonzo Dennard, Alshon Jeffery, Andrew Luck, Arizona State, Baylor, Cordy Glenn, Courtney Upshaw, David DeCastro, Devon Still, Dont'a Hightower, Dre Kirkpatrick, Dwight Jones, Georgia, Iowa, Janoris Jenkins, Jonathan Martin, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, LSU, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, Matt Kalil, Michael Brockers, Michael Floyd, Midwestern State, Mohammed Sanu, Morris Claiborne, Nebraska, NFL Mock Draft, Nick Perry, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Peter Konz, Quinton Coples, Riley Reiff, Robert Griffin III, South Carolina, Stanford, Stephon Gilmore, Trent Richardson, UNC, USC, Vinny Curry, Vontaze Burfict, Whitney Mercilus, Wisconsin |
I never mock trades but in this scenario I am going to mock one. The Redskins are going to give up their 1st, 2nd, and 4th round picks to move up from #6 to #2. Also note that this was written on 1/21, before the Championship games were played so the order of the draft reflects that. The final four picks were determined by Regular season record. Note – because the order is wrong at the end I decided to forgo explanations for the final three rounds and just get this published.
Round 1
1. Indianapolis (2-14) – Team Needs: QB, OG, OC, 2CB, WR, SS, TE, DE, LB, RB – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford – Is an explanation really needed here?
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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 Top Players Available | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, A.J. Jenkins, Alshon Jeffery, Arkansas, B.J. Cunningham, Conner Vernon, Derek Moye, DeVier Posey, Dwight Jones, Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Jarret Boykin, Jeff Fuller, Jermaine Kearse. Chris Owusu, Joe Adams, Jordan White, Juron Criner, Justin Blackmon, Kendall Wright, Lance Lewis, Marquis Maze, Marvin Jones, Marvin McNutt, Miami, Michael Floyd, Mohammed Sanu, Nick Toon, Risard Matthews, Rueben Randle, Ryan Broyles, Ryan Swope, T.Y. Hilton, Tavarres King, Texas A&M, Tommy Streeter, Travis Benjamin |
Today I will take a look at the WR class quickly while I work on getting a 2 round Mock Draft out there. Look for that to publish later tonight or tomorrow at some point.
This class has 33 draftable WRs but the facts of past drafts tell you that 18 to 23 WRs will be drafted. That means their will be 10 or more UDFA WRs that will be worthy of making a roster.
1. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State – Blackmon has emerged as the clear #1 WR in this draft and should be a top 5 draft pick come April. The Vikings, Rams, and Browns will target him from 2 through 4.
2. Mohammed Sanu, Rutgers – I have Sanu over Jeffery and Floyd and that will draw a lot of criticism. However, Sanu clearly performed better than both of them this year, and by a wide margin. He has better hands than both. Runs better routes than both. Has more speed than both and is a smarter player than both. Just because he doesn’t have 6’4″ size does not matter to me. He is 6’2″ 215 pounds and has the potential to be stud in this league. He just broke Big East WR records that Larry Fitzgerald held with out a QB that should have been starting on any other Big 6 conference team.
3. Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina – Jeffery is fantastic player that suffered from awful QB play. He should still be a top 15 to top 20 pick but if he had good QB play, he could have been a top 5 pick. The team that lands him is going to get him a fantastic player that could be a top 5 WR in the NFL.
4. Michael Floyd, Notre Dame – Floyd came into the year with tons of character questions but he straitened out his act this year and performed fantastically. He should be a mid first round pick and provides a special player with 6’4″ height and 4.4 speed.
5. Kendall Wright, Baylor – Wright is a burner that can also be a dangerous kick returner. Because of his speed and route running along with his value as a KR, I see him as a late first round pick this year to a team in need of a #2 WR and KR prowess. I think he will end up at Houston or New England come April.
See the rest of the incredibly deep and talented WR class after the jump.
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