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I'm just starting my live mock draft....

LZ

Waterboy
If you are interested in checking it out, I'm going to have it on my blog. I am going to make the pick for the team and then give an idea of what might be going through their minds and maybe some info on what type of philosophy a team has or might have regarding that selection of the draft.

It is 4:04 PM right now and I just finished the Dolphins pick. Just hit refresh throughout the day to get the newest updates. If you want to comment on my picks or what you think a team might do, feel free. I also make changes on my mock drafts every time I do them so what you see at 6:05 PM might be different than 6:30.
 
Your speculation on Atlanta is interesting. Wouldn't it be nice if they did take someone like Jake Long at #3 and then trade their two 2nds to us to move into our spot and grab someone like Brohm or Henne?
 
My top ten mock.
1. Miami - Vernon Gholston - Parcelss pick
2. St. Louis - Chris Long - continue building DL
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan - Poster boy for new start
4. Oakland - Jake Long - first smart thing Davis ever done
5. Kansas City - Ryan Clady - Easy pick
6. NY Jets - Darren McFadden - FA moves make this right pick
7. New England - Mike Jenkins - Samuels replacement
8. Baltimore - Sedrick Ellis inject some youth in D
9. Cincinnati - Derrick Harvey - Justin Smiths replacement
10. New Orleans - Glenn Dorsey - cant believe he still available

Waht do you think?
 
So far LZ has

1. Miami - Chris Long
2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland - Vernon Gholston
5. Kansas City - Jake Long
6. NY Jets - Darren McFadden

Get his explanations at this link - http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/

1. can't go wrong with Chris Long, very safe pick, excellent character/pedigree
2. fills huge vacum in the middle of that porous line, move Carricker back to his more natural strongside DT position
3. I don't like taking a QB this high (for obvious reasons) re-construct the line first with Jake Long
4. Sapp retired need to replace with interior presence, I'd take Sedric Ellis
5. poor KC one way or another Jake is gone, do they take Clady? would be similar need pick as the Cardinals taking Levi Brown #5
6. McFadden would fit perfect in NY
7. Asante Samuel replacement the ascending DRC
 
Your speculation on Atlanta is interesting. Wouldn't it be nice if they did take someone like Jake Long at #3 and then trade their two 2nds to us to move into our spot and grab someone like Brohm or Henne?
I keep thinking along these lines but I've thought they would look at Andre Woodson perhaps.
 
7. New England - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
smart pick I agree with totally
8. Baltimore - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
another solid pick with Clady gone address aging secondary
 
I keep thinking along these lines but I've thought they would look at Andre Woodson perhaps.

I don't think Atlanta would have to trade up in order to take Woodson. Andre Woodson isn't as polished as the other QB's, at least with intangibles and understanding the game. He has all the physical tools to be an NFL QB, and a good one at that. If Atlanta moves up for a QB, it shouldn't be for Woodson. They would be moving up for Brohm likely, who would be similar to Brady Quinn's fall last year if he were there at #18.
 
9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, NT, USC
if still available- hell yes
10. New Orleans - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
or Mike Jenkins. upside is going to be tough to overlook come draft day
 
I keep thinking along these lines but I've thought they would look at Andre Woodson perhaps.

I would have thought that pre-combine but from what I have read (granted mostly on espin and Fox) he hurt his stock a lot. That is why a lot of people have been pumping up Flacco so much.
 
I would have thought that pre-combine but from what I have read (granted mostly on espin and Fox) he hurt his stock a lot. That is why a lot of people have been pumping up Flacco so much.

that is not why people have been pumping up Flacco. It's based on his impressive workouts. the ability to make all throws, height/visability in pocket, mobility/can throw on the run & character impressions during interview process :specnatz:
 
that is not why people have been pumping up Flacco. It's based on his impressive workouts. the ability to make all throws, height/visability in pocket, mobility/can throw on the run & character impressions during interview process :specnatz:

Ok I guess I could have gone the whole distance and said Flacco had great workouts but I thought that was implied when I said Woodson had terrible workouts.
 
I would have thought that pre-combine but from what I have read (granted mostly on espin and Fox) he hurt his stock a lot. That is why a lot of people have been pumping up Flacco so much.

He had an excellent pro day and I've watched him play enough...I watch a lot of SEC football so that goes into my opinion.

Risers

Andre Woodson, QB -- Kentucky

Woodson turned in a solid performance under a microscope in Lexington. He ran the 40 in 4.86 seconds and looked physically imposing. Woodson threw the ball well and was accurate with his passes. Scouts said it was obvious the Kentucky signal-caller has been working on his throwing mechanics since the Senior Bowl. He was late with a few passes and also underthrew a number of deep passes. But overall, Woodson came away with solid grades.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/03/07/risers.sliders/index.html
 
Okay, I've finished all the way through the first 15 picks and I'm going to do the rest at home. I'm leaving the office right now.
 
Okay, I've finished all the way through the first 15 picks and I'm going to do the rest at home. I'm leaving the office right now.

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
4. Oakland - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
5. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
7. New England - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
8. Baltimore - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, NT, USC
10. New Orleans - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
11. Buffalo - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver - Branden Albert, OT/OG, Virginia
13. Carolina - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt

So that leaves my big board with
Derrick Harvey DE
Mike Jenkins CB
Jonathan Stewart RB
Phillip Merling DE
Calais Campbell DE
Carl Nicks OT
Lawrence Jackson
Aqib Talib DB
Sam Baker OT
Keith Rivers LB
Jeff Otah OT
Quentin Groves DE
Charles Godfrey CB

with 2 picks before us

16. Arizona -
17. Minnasota -
 
1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
4. Oakland - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
5. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
7. New England - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
8. Baltimore - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, NT, USC
10. New Orleans - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
11. Buffalo - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver - Branden Albert, OT/OG, Virginia
13. Carolina - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt

So that leaves my big board with
Derrick Harvey DE
Mike Jenkins CB
Jonathan Stewart RB
Phillip Merling DE
Calais Campbell DE
Carl Nicks OT
Lawrence Jackson
Aqib Talib DB
Sam Baker OT
Keith Rivers LB
Jeff Otah OT
Quentin Groves DE
Charles Godfrey CB

with 2 picks before us

16. Arizona -
17. Minnasota -


Ok take off Phillip Merlin and Talib that leaves us with
Derrick Harvey DE
Mike Jenkins CB
Jonathan Stewart RB
Calais Campbell DE
Carl Nicks OT
Lawrence Jackson
Sam Baker OT
Keith Rivers LB
Jeff Otah OT
Quentin Groves DE
Charles Godfrey CB


I know its crazy but I take Harvey over CB Jenkins and RB Stewert.
 
Could Seattle trade up for Stewert? Not likely with FA moves. Who else?:thinking:

Could Carl Nicks be an option since the price of Guards has gone up in FA and we have failed to find any worthy of their asking price?
 
I'm for trading down. somebody needs Brohm or Falco. Det. or Chi. probably.



If we stay @ 18 the pick is either Harvey, Jenkins, or Nicks.

I would take Nicks if Gibbs gives the O.K. otherwise it would be Harvey.
 
Could Seattle trade up for Stewert? Not likely with FA moves. Who else?:thinking:

Could Carl Nicks be an option since the price of Guards has gone up in FA and we have failed to find any worthy of their asking price?


Maybe a Dallas trade up for Jenkins? Garner another 5th or 6th? Would it be worth it? I dont know I think Harvey has just started to scratch the surface of his potential. Hes only been playing football for 7 years.
 
18. Houston - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
I've tried to resist putting him here but I can't. I have all of the first round LTs that they might look at off the board and I just think Sam Baker, Anthony Collins or Gosder Cherilus would be way too early here. At CB, the Texans very well could look at Justin King, Brandon Flowers or Mike Jenkins here but how could they go with any of those CBs when a player of a higher caliber - Jonathan Stewart - is available at a position of need. Jenkins isn't very aggressive in run support, King is talented but inconsistent and Flowers lacks top-end speed. I know we all talk about how this system can plug in any number of backs and have success, but the truth is that when I look at the RBs available in the 3rd round, none of them can touch a guy like Stewart. I also like how people always bring up the fact that Terrell Davis was a 6th round pick for the Broncos but they never talk about how he flourished in the offense because in reality he was a first round caliber talent when it was all said and don. Denver had success after Terrell Davis, but nobody ever approached his greatness in Denver. I think the Texans would love to take a LT or a CB here but I also think that the "best player available at a position of need" will kick in and they will have to consider the bruising Stewart who has the size to wear defenses down and much better speed than people think. He's similar to Jamal Lewis (the good version, not the bad one) in his build and speed for his size.

The Texans will definitely be tempted by the CBs that I mentioned and they will have to consider DE Derrick Harvey if he is available here as well. I wouldn't shed one, single tear if they drafted an edge rusher like Quentin Groves but there are major concerns about whether he could be a three down DE who could still hold up against the run. We know he can rush the passer, but I don't think the Texans would pay first round money for a specialist. Could the Texans look at a WR like Michigan State's Devin Thomas or Texas' Limas Sweed? They could, but that position is simply not a priority need for them.


http://blogs.chron.com/fantasyfootball/
 
one of the cb's not mentioned is Antoine Cason, Arizona. he can also return punts, excellent size & productive player. I'm not saying he is better than Stewart but would it be that big of reach to take a look @ him?
 
one of the cb's not mentioned is Antoine Cason, Arizona. he can also return punts, excellent size & productive player. I'm not saying he is better than Stewart but would it be that big of reach to take a look @ him?

I like what I have heard about Cason, leader and character guy, isn't the knock on him that he is athletically challenged?
 
one of the cb's not mentioned is Antoine Cason, Arizona. he can also return punts, excellent size & productive player. I'm not saying he is better than Stewart but would it be that big of reach to take a look @ him?

I don't want to speak for him but I've heard him say several times on the radio that the scouts he talks to don't like Cason.
 
i would've ran up to the podium with a derrick harvey card

love harvey too, not just a specialist edge (possess real flash off the corner) rusher who can play every down. I would envite both of them in for a workout. very hard without access to such an event to have any idea which direction they take but if Stewart blows them away (show marked improvement over what they have on the roster in the speed & strength department, agility, softer than expected hands & blocking footwork/hand technique) the Texans might just take a 1st rd. RB even with historical tendencies.

If Harvey does fall this far he should be a Viking, better pass rushing skills than Merling something they have been after since drafting Udeze & Erasmus James, while Merling fits in perfectly with the Eagles, tough physical run defense with additional QB sacks/hurries.
 
one of the cb's not mentioned is Antoine Cason, Arizona. he can also return punts, excellent size & productive player. I'm not saying he is better than Stewart but would it be that big of reach to take a look @ him?


Scouts I've spoke with have given him a late 2nd to 3rd round grade. Keep in mind, however, that different teams have different traits they look for in CBs (speed, intelligence, tackling)
 
I don't want to speak for him but I've heard him say several times on the radio that the scouts he talks to don't like Cason.

I think your right. I'm not sure why because he does measure up favorabably with former Wolverine Leon Hall taken #18 in last years draft. very similar college careers, near identical size, speed & strength. both excel in man coverage, Hall is probably a little better in run support but then Cason is better in the return game with better ball skills.

thanks for adding comment-

Scouts I've spoke with have given him a late 2nd to 3rd round grade. Keep in mind, however, that different teams have different traits they look for in CBs (speed, intelligence, tackling)

this would make trading down a much more compelling arguement
 
I think trading down is almost a given. I know it is supposed to be hard to find a partner and all but in the mid-late first round there will be someone wanting to move up for something. Given our situation I would even take something a little under value to move back and get an extra pick. The depth in this draft matches us perfectly to our biggest needs (LT, RB, and CB) and if we moved back and picked up 3 picks in the second and third rounds I think we walk away with 3 starters.

Just a hunch on my part but the stars just seem so perfectly aligned.
 
its so hard to evaluate these players post end of season thats why its so important to watch as many games as possible (for the average fan without game film access). LZ is there a way or service for people to revisit specific game tape to review some of these college prospects? I remember some of the games like when Arizona played Oregon & Cason was clearly the best player on the field. I just thought to myself man that kid would look good in a Texan uniform (if anyone could get their hands on that tape for review it might change a few opinions).
 
Heh, with Jenkins on the boards, I think the Texans would be hard pressed not to take him over Stewart. I like JStew as the 18th pick and all, but not when Mike Jenkins is on the board. I don't think Jenkins did anything to drop his status as the #1 CB in the draft, especially with his workouts.
 
I personally would take a hard look at Kenny Philips and Keith Rivers.

I know we just signed Bentley and Demps this past week, but filling a hole and getting the best player available are two different things.

Also I feel that running backs can be found in later rounds simply because some people hate to take them early due to their short football life.

I think you would have a easier time finding a RB in the third round as good as Stewart, than finding a linebacker in the third round that is as good as Rivers.

Matt Forte comes to mind.
 
I don't think Jenkins would be a good fit for the Texans. If I'm not mistaken, a big negative on him is that he is very weak in run support and doesn't like to tackle at all. I think this was also a question about Fred Bennett, so I'll go ahead and respond to that: If Jenkins starts slipping to the 3rd/4th rounds I would support us drafting him. :) (but I seriously doubt that will happen- but for spending a 1st rd pick on a player, I think he's got to be more complete)
 
I don't think Jenkins would be a good fit for the Texans. If I'm not mistaken, a big negative on him is that he is very weak in run support and doesn't like to tackle at all. I think this was also a question about Fred Bennett, so I'll go ahead and respond to that: If Jenkins starts slipping to the 3rd/4th rounds I would support us drafting him. :) (but I seriously doubt that will happen- but for spending a 1st rd pick on a player, I think he's got to be more complete)

No way is Jenkins going to slip to the 3rd/4th round. Jenkins has been rated the #1 CB coming out of the draft since the season ended. The guy ran a 4.38 40 yard dash and is considered the best cover corner in the draft. Guys that actually shut-down a WR are so few and far between, that it's the reason Clements last year, and Samuels and Florence this year got paid really high.

I don't even think it'll be a worry because I'm sure Jenkins will be gone by the time we pick. Out of the 3 big corners coming out in the draft (DRC, McKelvin, and Jenkins), only Jenkins has been considered 1st round material since before the season ended.
 
No way is Jenkins going to slip to the 3rd/4th round. Jenkins has been rated the #1 CB coming out of the draft since the season ended. The guy ran a 4.38 40 yard dash and is considered the best cover corner in the draft. Guys that actually shut-down a WR are so few and far between, that it's the reason Clements last year, and Samuels and Florence this year got paid really high.

I don't even think it'll be a worry because I'm sure Jenkins will be gone by the time we pick. Out of the 3 big corners coming out in the draft (DRC, McKelvin, and Jenkins), only Jenkins has been considered 1st round material since before the season ended.

I understand he won't slip that far. I understand he has consistently been one of the top if not THE top CB in the draft for a few months. I understand he ran a great 40-time and is one of the best cover corners in the draft.

If Jenkins starts slipping to the 3rd/4th rounds I would support us drafting him. (but I seriously doubt that will happen

My post was more or less saying why I don't think we would draft him. I think the Texans value run support too much to take him with the 18th pick. I don't think he's going to slip to the 2nd round, much less the 3rd or 4th and that he will be gone in the 1st and there's a great chance it will be before we pick. I see where I explained that very poorly-

I think I'd equate it to a running back that is clearly 1st round material, most likely would get selected before us but dances too much in the backfield and doesn't wait for the whole to open and burst through. Sure he's 1st round talent but would the TEXANS take this RB at #18? (my view would be- not unless the thought they could teach him otherwise)

again I could be WAY off base but thats just my guesstimations on what the Texans would want/not want.
 
I think trading down is almost a given. I know it is supposed to be hard to find a partner and all but in the mid-late first round there will be someone wanting to move up for something. Given our situation I would even take something a little under value to move back and get an extra pick. The depth in this draft matches us perfectly to our biggest needs (LT, RB, and CB) and if we moved back and picked up 3 picks in the second and third rounds I think we walk away with 3 starters.

Just a hunch on my part but the stars just seem so perfectly aligned.
Please give your projections of the three picks you see in 2nd & 3rd that addresses the needs you mention.
 
I don't think Jenkins would be a good fit for the Texans. If I'm not mistaken, a big negative on him is that he is very weak in run support and doesn't like to tackle at all. I think this was also a question about Fred Bennett, so I'll go ahead and respond to that: If Jenkins starts slipping to the 3rd/4th rounds I would support us drafting him. :) (but I seriously doubt that will happen- but for spending a 1st rd pick on a player, I think he's got to be more complete)
Excellent post.
 
love harvey too, not just a specialist edge (possess real flash off the corner) rusher who can play every down. I would envite both of them in for a workout. very hard without access to such an event to have any idea which direction they take but if Stewart blows them away (show marked improvement over what they have on the roster in the speed & strength department, agility, softer than expected hands & blocking footwork/hand technique) the Texans might just take a 1st rd. RB even with historical tendencies.

If Harvey does fall this far he should be a Viking,
better pass rushing skills than Merling something they have been after since drafting Udeze & Erasmus James, while Merling fits in perfectly with the Eagles, tough physical run defense with additional QB sacks/hurries.

i agree- which is why the possible sage trade could be even more enticing (we get their 2nd and swap picks in the first)
 
Please give your projections of the three picks you see in 2nd & 3rd that addresses the needs you mention.

I don't think I'm qualified to do that. Look at all the mocks and the players that are there in the second and third that would fit our system. At LT you have guys like Baker and Collins, at RB you have guys like Rice, Smith, and Forte, and at CB you have guys like Cason and Godfrey.
 
its so hard to evaluate these players post end of season thats why its so important to watch as many games as possible (for the average fan without game film access). LZ is there a way or service for people to revisit specific game tape to review some of these college prospects? I remember some of the games like when Arizona played Oregon & Cason was clearly the best player on the field. I just thought to myself man that kid would look good in a Texan uniform (if anyone could get their hands on that tape for review it might change a few opinions).


No, not that I know of. Actually, I think ESPN used to have the College Gameplan online that you could sign up for and you could go back and watch old games. I think in this day and age of everyone wanting to get as much info as possible before the draft it would be smart to have some type of "tape service" that would allow you to watch previous games online.
 
Heh, with Jenkins on the boards, I think the Texans would be hard pressed not to take him over Stewart. I like JStew as the 18th pick and all, but not when Mike Jenkins is on the board. I don't think Jenkins did anything to drop his status as the #1 CB in the draft, especially with his workouts.


I promise you that not all the teams around the league have Jenkins as the #1 CB. I know one teamt who has him #5 because they think he's soft.
 
The final mock results were:

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
4. Oakland - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
5. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
7. New England - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
8. Baltimore - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, NT, USC
10. New Orleans - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
11. Buffalo - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver - Branden Albert, OT/OG, Virginia
13. Carolina - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
16. Arizona - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
17. Minnesota - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
18. Houston - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
20. Tampa Bay - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
21. Washington - Mike Jenkins, CB, USF
22. Dallas - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
23. Pittsburgh - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
24. Tennessee - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
25. Seattle - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
26. Jacksonville - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
27. San Diego - Justin King, CB, Penn State
28. Dallas - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
29. San Francisco - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
30. Green Bay - Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
31. New York Giants - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami
 
Surprising that Quentin Groves didn't find his way into the mock. Groves had an off season, struggling with dislocated toes and a position change. But, edge rushers like Groves are a hot commodity in the NFL and Groves has the SEC pedigree and the measurables to make it into the opening round.
 
The final mock results were:

1. Miami - Chris Long, DE, Virginia
2. St. Louis - Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
3. Atlanta - Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
4. Oakland - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
5. Kansas City - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
6. New York Jets - Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
7. New England - Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State
8. Baltimore - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
9. Cincinnati - Sedrick Ellis, NT, USC
10. New Orleans - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee State
11. Buffalo - Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma
12. Denver - Branden Albert, OT/OG, Virginia
13. Carolina - Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt
14. Chicago - Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois
15. Detroit - Jeff Otah, OT, Pitt
16. Arizona - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas
17. Minnesota - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
18. Houston - Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon
19. Philadelphia - Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
20. Tampa Bay - DeSean Jackson, WR, Cal
21. Washington - Mike Jenkins, CB, USF
22. Dallas - Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
23. Pittsburgh - Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan State
24. Tennessee - Derrick Harvey, DE, Florida
25. Seattle - Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
26. Jacksonville - Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
27. San Diego - Justin King, CB, Penn State
28. Dallas - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
29. San Francisco - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
30. Green Bay - Chris Johnson, RB, East Carolina
31. New York Giants - Kenny Phillips, FS, Miami

I really like his top 10.

players giving me trouble grading as high/low are- Malcolm Kelly, Aqib Talib, Keith Rivers, Justin King & Derrick Harvey.
 
I really like his top 10.

players giving me trouble grading as high/low are- Malcolm Kelly, Aqib Talib, Keith Rivers, Justin King & Derrick Harvey.


What is it about Harvey that has people doubting him? Does anyone know his real weight? He is listed at 271 but several times they showed his weight at 291. Anyone know for sure?
 
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