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: 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: Baker Steinkuhler, Brandon Thompson, Brett Roy, Delvin Johnson, Derek Wolfe, Devon Still, Fletcher Cox, Jared Crick, Jaye Howard, Jerel Worthy, Kawaan Short, Kendall Reyes, Kheeston Randall, Logan Harrell, Marcus Forston, Michael Brockers, Mike Daniels, Mike Martin, Nebraska, North Carolina, Sylvester Williams, Tony Jerod-Eddie, Travian Robertson, Tydreke Powell, UNC |
Earlier in the day I looked at the Nose Tackle class and now I will look at your more traditional DT, that plays in a 4-3 scheme.
1. Devon Still, Penn State – Still is the best DT prospect in the draft and I already described him in the 3-4 DE post. Look for a Player Profile on him within the next couple weeks.
2. Michael Brockers, LSU – Brockers, along with being the #2 3-4 DE, is also the #2 4-3 DT. As with Still, look for a Player Profile on Brockers within the next few weeks.
3. Brandon Thompson, Clemson – Thompson had a very good season and has a lot of potential at the next level. He is an above average pass rusher and is very strong against the run. He has a late first round to early second round grade.
4. Jerel Worthy, Michigan State – Worthy came into the year with an early first round grade, but after a tough start to the season, he has seen his stock fall to the second round. However, he still has loads of potential and could become a huge steal.
5. Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State – Cox had incredible season this year. He has above average pass rushing skills and is pretty strong against the run. I like his potential as a long term starter but not a pro-bowler.
After the jump, see the rest of the very deep defensive tackle class
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Posted: January 24, 2012 | Author: steelersrule125 | Filed under: 2012 Top Players Available | Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Baker Steinkuhler, Billy Winn, Derek Wolfe, Devon Still, Ethan Johnson, Jake Bequette, Jared Crick, Kendall Reyes, Logan Harrell, Michael Brockers, Nebraska, Tony Jerod-Eddie |
Earlier in the day I ranked the 4-3 DE prospects and now I will take a look at the 3-4 DE prospects. As a whole, this class is very, very bad. It lacks an elite talent and desperately lacks depth. In fact, there are only 10 prospects that I view as draftable.
1. Devon Still, Penn State – Still had an incredible year at Penn State and that will likely end up rewarding him with a spot in the first round of the draft. His stock ranges from the 10 to 25 range.
2. Michael Brockers, LSU – Brockers, just a redshirt sophomore, had an awesome year for the nation’s best defense and should end up being a first round draft pick. He has all the tools to be a very good 3-4 DE.
3. Billy Winn, Boise State – Winn has had a solid, consistent career at Boise State and that should get him selected on day 2 of the NFL Draft. His stock ranges from the second to third round.
4. Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati – Wolfe is a phenomenal pass rusher and his breakout year at UC should earn him a spot in Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
5. Jared Crick, Nebraska – Crick was on pace to become a first round draft pick but an unfortunate injury that cost him most of his season has caused his stock to plummet into the third or fourth round. He could end up being one of the steals of the draft.
After the jump, see the remaining prospects
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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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