sauce
04-22-2009, 03:30 PM
<!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Round 1
11. OT Micheal Oher: I have been calling this pick since day one...unfortunetly I think the Bills will go DE here and Maybin will be the pick (although I do believe he will be great in 2 yrs)...I believe you get much greater value going OT at 11 and DE at 28. Also, there is a run on OT's every year in the draft, Remember Baker snuck into the first rd. to Atl last year and he did not have a first round grade. I do not expect Britton to be there at 28.
Strengths:
Outstanding athleticism...Has prototypical size with excellent bulk and long arms...Quick and agile with great balance...Nimble and light on his feet...Very strong...Moves well laterally...Mobile and can get out to the second level...Exceptional pass blocker who makes it look easy...Stout at the point of attack...Powerful and gets a great push in the run game...Able to control defenders once he locks on...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Tough and durable...Offers some versatility...A lot of experience against elite competition...Still has considerable upside.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent and does not always play up to his abilities...Motor runs hot and cold...Lacks great awareness...Needs to improve his technique when it comes to things like footwork and use of hands...Gets high in his stance and he doesn't always play with proper leverage...Might require extra attention from coaches ... Intelligence could be an issue.
Notes:
Last name is pronounced "oar"...Was a four-year starter in the SEC and never missed a game...Played offensive guard as a freshman with the Rebels and some feel that might be his best position in the pros...Named a 1st Team All-American in 2008...A three-time All-SEC selection (2nd Team in 2006 and 1st Team in 2007 and 2008)...One of three finalists for the Outland Trophy as a senior...Didn't start playing football until late in his high school career yet didn't allow a sack as a junior or senior...Averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds in basketball and also finished as the state runner-up in discus as a prep...Originally entered the 2008 NFL Draft after his junior season but changed his mind and went back to Oxford...To say he has overcome a lot in life would be an understatement (see video below) and his story was the subject of a best-selling book by Michael Lewis titled The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game...There are some question marks when it comes to intangibles but this guy has the raw physical tools to be a franchise left tackle in the NFL...Boom or Bust type who personifies the term "High Risk / High Reward"...Rare physical specimen with arguably as much pure talent as any offensive tackle to come along in many years.
Round 1
28. Micheal Johnson DE: I don't understand why he isn't getting more hype he is 6'6 266 lbs. and runs a 4.7 forty...and its not like he didn't produce last season 7 sacks and 15 TFL in 12 games. I believe all of the DE's are a gamble in this draft so why not take one at 28 opposed to 11. Johnson has the highest celing.
Strengths:
Has a large rangy frame with extremely long arms...Outstanding athleticism...Great speed...Quick and agile...Terrific range...Explosive with a burst...Does a nice job in pursuit and closes in a hurry...Great leaper and will bat down passes...A terror off the edge...Has shown the ability to make impact plays...Decent production...Has a ton of upside.
Weaknesses:
Lean with average bulk...Isn't very strong, tough or physical...Has a terrible motor...Will get manhandled at times...Almost a non-factor against the run...Is not stout at the point and gets pushed around...Sub par instincts...Runs himself out of plays...Limited experience...Plays with poor leverage...Intensity and commitment have been questioned.
Notes:
Was a backup who entered the game in passing situations his first three seasons with the Yellow Jackets and didn't start until his senior year...Named 1st Team All-ACC in 2008...Was a finalist for both the Bednarik and Hendricks Awards as a senior...Some feel he could also project to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme...The type who will make one or two amazing plays then disappear for the rest of the game...Not nearly as impressive on film as his stats and measurables would lead you to believe...Has the physical tools to be great but needs to be a lot more consistent...Status as a top prospect is a product of potential and hype...One-dimensional "Workout Warrior" who will likely be drafted earlier than he should be...Finesse player who won't be able to handle an every down role in the NFL and profiles as a 43 pass rush specialist.
Round 2
42. Max Unger C: I like Unger over Mack and Wood because of his versatility. If the Bills like Hangartner at C they could put Unger at LG from day 1.
Strengths:
Extremely versatile...Excellent size with a big frame...Great strength and power...Pretty quick...Understands positioning and angles...Uses his hands well...Smart with terrific awareness...Good mobility and range...Superb balance...Is stout at the point of attack and can anchor...Gets a decent push in the run game...Competitive and plays to the whistle...Durable...Has a lot of experience against top competition.
Weaknesses:
Not a great athlete...Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Is not very light on his feet...Struggles with speed off the edge...Allows defenders to get too close ... A Jack-of-All-Trades but master of none?
Notes:
Was born in Hawaii...Redshirted in 2004 then went on to become a four-year starter...Twice named 1st Team All-Pac-10...Played left tackle his first two years with the Ducks then moved inside to center in 2007...Could realistically play center, guard or tackle at the next level...Good all-around player who is effective and both a run and pass blocker...Doesn't necessarily stand out in any way one area but his ability to play every position along the line is very enticing...Definitely has the ability to start in the NFL but should at the absolute least be a valuable backup...One of the premier interior line prospects available.
Round 3
75. Tyrone McKenzie OLB: 366 tackles in 3 seaons for USF. Ellison has no business on the field
Strengths:
Excellent athleticism...Terrific speed and quickness with a burst to close...Outstanding sideline-to-sideline range...Nice instincts and awareness...Reliable tackler...Smooth and is able to match up in coverage...Comfortable in space...Active with a good motor...Great football IQ...Offers some versatility...Special teams potential...Good work ethic...Durable with a lot of experience...Impressive production.
Weaknesses:
Just average size and bulk...Can be too aggressive at times...Not very strong or physical...Isn't a big hitter...Has some trouble getting off blocks...Doesn't fill hard against the run...Average hands and ball skills...Uses sub par leverage...Is not much of a pass rusher or blitzer...Definitely isn't a thumper...Bounced around to three colleges.
Notes:
Nearly saw his football career come to an end as a junior in high school when he suffered a severely fractured leg, which required the insertion of a titanium rod to repair...Began his college career at Michigan St. in 2004...Transferred to Iowa St. and sat out the 2005 season...Started all 12 games at middle linebacker for the Cyclones and was named 2nd Team All-Big 12 in 2006...Opted to transfer yet again but was granted an NCAA hardship waiver and allowed to play without sitting for a year because his mother was sick...Was 2nd Team All-Big East in 2007 and earned 1st Team honors in 2008...Could project outside or inside at the next level depending on the scheme...Has a fantastic blend of physical tools and production and should test well in workouts...Won't be an ideal fit for everyone but should draw plenty of interest from teams willing to sacrifice size in exchange for speed and athleticism
Round 4
110. Chase Coffman TE:
Strengths:
Good natural athlete...Has a big frame with long arms and room to get bigger...Outstanding hands...Fantastic ball skills...Good body control and balance...Excellent route runner...Has nimble feet...Quick off the line...Tough and does a nice job over the middle...Runs hard after the catch...Great redzone threat...Real smart with superb instincts and first-rate awareness...Great work ethic...Has a lot of experience...Very competitive...Team player...Extremely productive...Good bloodlines.
Weaknesses:
Needs to add some weight...Must get stronger...Does not have elite timed speed...Not overly shifty or elusive...Isn't very physical...Gives good effort but is a sub par blocker...Limited experience in-line...Not a vertical threat...Played in a spread offense...Durability's a big concern.
Notes:
Father, Paul, enjoyed a long career in the NFL (1978-87) as a tight end for the Green Bay Packers...Brother, Carson, is a quarterback at Kansas St...Played extensively but split time with current Cleveland Brown Martin Rucker the first three years of his career...1st Team All-Big 12 in 2006 and 2nd Team in 2007 and 2008...Named a 1st Team All-American in 2008...Won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end as a senior...Graduated in 3 1/2 years...Missed the Big 12 Championship game in 2007 with an ankle injury...Was hobbled by a turf toe injury in 2008...Injured his foot on the final play of the Alamo Bowl and underwent surgery to install a screw into the fifth metatarsal bone, which affected his pre-draft training...Owns the Division I record for career receptions by a tight end...Pass catching threat with decent, not great, physical tools and top-notch intangibles.
Round 4
121. Fili Moala DT USC:
Strengths:
Excellent athleticism...Very quick and agile...Good speed...Adequate size with long arms...Has a big frame with room to grow...Active and does a nice job in pursuit...Good range and mobility...Can penetrate and slice into the backfield...Productive pass rusher...Decent instincts and awareness...Versatile...Good bloodlines...Great program pedigree.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent and disappears for stretches...Plays too tall at times and doesn't always use good leverage...Has some trouble getting off blocks...Does not use his hands well...Needs to get stronger...Is not overly stout at the point...Some minor durability and character issues.
Notes:
Cousin is Baltimore Raven Haloti Ngata...Originally signed with the Trojans in 2003 but did not qualify for admission so he attended Cypress (CA) Junior College as a part-time student but didn't play football there...A three-year starter who redshirted in 2004 due to hand and shoulder injuries...Was arrested in March of 2008 for resisting and obstructing an officer during a bar fight...Follows in the footsteps of Darrell Russell, Mike Patterson, Shaun Cody, LaJuan Ramsey and Sedrick Ellis...Real good player with some intriguing tools but has been overhyped... Could be a perfect fit for a Tampa 2 scheme.
Round 5
147. Curtis Taylor S LSU
Strengths:
Very good height and bulk with long arms...Excellent athleticism...A great leaper...Adequate speed with a burst to close...Nice instincts and awareness...Good range...Outstanding in pursuit...Recovers well...Is capable of delivering a big hit...Great special teamer...Still has upside.
Weaknesses:
Not overly smooth or fluid...Is too aggressive at times...Needs to be more tough and physical...Isn't very strong...Should be better against the run than he is...Will miss some tackles...Poor hands and ball skills.
Notes:
Played extensively as a backup and on special teams the first couple years of his college career...Replaced LaRon Landry in the starting lineup in 2007 and performed well...Didn't come through with the big senior campaign most were expecting in 2008...Missed some time with shoulder and hip injuries...Possesses all the physical tools you look for but doesn't always play up to them...A bit of an underachiever but has starting potential...Should at least be a quality backup/special teamer.
Round 6
183. Henry Melton Texas DE:
Strengths:
Extremely athletic...Pretty good speed and quickness...Explosive with a burst...Great balance and agility...Does a terrific job in pursuit and closes fast...Good strength...Great special teamer...Has a lot of upside.
Weaknesses:
Inexperienced...Marginal instincts and awareness...Still has a long way to go when it comes to technique...Not an elite pass rusher...Does not always use proper leverage...Aggressiveness?...Some character issues.
Notes:
Was a Top 100 recruit coming out of high school according to Rivals...Uncle, Ray Crockett, played 14 years in the NFL with Detroit, Denver & Kansas City and was a captain for the Broncos back-to-back Super Bowl teams...Began his college career as a running back and carried the ball 132 times for 625 yards (4.7 avg.) and 16 touchdowns in 2005 and 2006...Moved to defensive end in 2007 and took over a starting job in 2008...Served a three game suspension in 2007 after he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated...Was overshadowed by Brian Orakpo but is a fine pro prospect in his own right...Isn't a finished product but improved by leaps and bounds as a senior and has all of the physical tools that you look for...Underrated.
Round 7
220.Don Carey CB Norfolk st.
Strengths:
Very athletic...Ideal height and decent bulk...Good speed with a burst to recover...Above average strength...Reliable tackler...Physical and tough at the line...Fluid and flips his hips well...Terrific hands and ball skills..Excellent instincts and awareness...Versatile...Extremely smart.
Weaknesses:
Played against a lower level of competition...Still raw when it comes to technique and footwork...Not a great leaper...Short arms...Can be too aggressive at times...Has some trouble getting off blocks...A ' tweener?
Notes:
Was a four-year starter for the Spartans...Played free safety as a true freshman in 2005...Saw action at both cornerback and free safety in 2006...Played cornerback exclusively in 2007 and 2008 and was named 2nd Team All-MEAC both years...A three-time member of the MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic team...Reportedly turned down a chance to attend Yale due to financial considerations...Small school sleeper with solid physical tools and an impressive well-rounded game.
The strength's weaknesses and notes are from http://www.draftcountdown.com/rankings/ (http://www.draftcountdown.com/rankings/)
11. OT Micheal Oher: I have been calling this pick since day one...unfortunetly I think the Bills will go DE here and Maybin will be the pick (although I do believe he will be great in 2 yrs)...I believe you get much greater value going OT at 11 and DE at 28. Also, there is a run on OT's every year in the draft, Remember Baker snuck into the first rd. to Atl last year and he did not have a first round grade. I do not expect Britton to be there at 28.
Strengths:
Outstanding athleticism...Has prototypical size with excellent bulk and long arms...Quick and agile with great balance...Nimble and light on his feet...Very strong...Moves well laterally...Mobile and can get out to the second level...Exceptional pass blocker who makes it look easy...Stout at the point of attack...Powerful and gets a great push in the run game...Able to control defenders once he locks on...Plays with a nasty demeanor...Tough and durable...Offers some versatility...A lot of experience against elite competition...Still has considerable upside.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent and does not always play up to his abilities...Motor runs hot and cold...Lacks great awareness...Needs to improve his technique when it comes to things like footwork and use of hands...Gets high in his stance and he doesn't always play with proper leverage...Might require extra attention from coaches ... Intelligence could be an issue.
Notes:
Last name is pronounced "oar"...Was a four-year starter in the SEC and never missed a game...Played offensive guard as a freshman with the Rebels and some feel that might be his best position in the pros...Named a 1st Team All-American in 2008...A three-time All-SEC selection (2nd Team in 2006 and 1st Team in 2007 and 2008)...One of three finalists for the Outland Trophy as a senior...Didn't start playing football until late in his high school career yet didn't allow a sack as a junior or senior...Averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds in basketball and also finished as the state runner-up in discus as a prep...Originally entered the 2008 NFL Draft after his junior season but changed his mind and went back to Oxford...To say he has overcome a lot in life would be an understatement (see video below) and his story was the subject of a best-selling book by Michael Lewis titled The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game...There are some question marks when it comes to intangibles but this guy has the raw physical tools to be a franchise left tackle in the NFL...Boom or Bust type who personifies the term "High Risk / High Reward"...Rare physical specimen with arguably as much pure talent as any offensive tackle to come along in many years.
Round 1
28. Micheal Johnson DE: I don't understand why he isn't getting more hype he is 6'6 266 lbs. and runs a 4.7 forty...and its not like he didn't produce last season 7 sacks and 15 TFL in 12 games. I believe all of the DE's are a gamble in this draft so why not take one at 28 opposed to 11. Johnson has the highest celing.
Strengths:
Has a large rangy frame with extremely long arms...Outstanding athleticism...Great speed...Quick and agile...Terrific range...Explosive with a burst...Does a nice job in pursuit and closes in a hurry...Great leaper and will bat down passes...A terror off the edge...Has shown the ability to make impact plays...Decent production...Has a ton of upside.
Weaknesses:
Lean with average bulk...Isn't very strong, tough or physical...Has a terrible motor...Will get manhandled at times...Almost a non-factor against the run...Is not stout at the point and gets pushed around...Sub par instincts...Runs himself out of plays...Limited experience...Plays with poor leverage...Intensity and commitment have been questioned.
Notes:
Was a backup who entered the game in passing situations his first three seasons with the Yellow Jackets and didn't start until his senior year...Named 1st Team All-ACC in 2008...Was a finalist for both the Bednarik and Hendricks Awards as a senior...Some feel he could also project to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme...The type who will make one or two amazing plays then disappear for the rest of the game...Not nearly as impressive on film as his stats and measurables would lead you to believe...Has the physical tools to be great but needs to be a lot more consistent...Status as a top prospect is a product of potential and hype...One-dimensional "Workout Warrior" who will likely be drafted earlier than he should be...Finesse player who won't be able to handle an every down role in the NFL and profiles as a 43 pass rush specialist.
Round 2
42. Max Unger C: I like Unger over Mack and Wood because of his versatility. If the Bills like Hangartner at C they could put Unger at LG from day 1.
Strengths:
Extremely versatile...Excellent size with a big frame...Great strength and power...Pretty quick...Understands positioning and angles...Uses his hands well...Smart with terrific awareness...Good mobility and range...Superb balance...Is stout at the point of attack and can anchor...Gets a decent push in the run game...Competitive and plays to the whistle...Durable...Has a lot of experience against top competition.
Weaknesses:
Not a great athlete...Doesn't always play with proper leverage...Is not very light on his feet...Struggles with speed off the edge...Allows defenders to get too close ... A Jack-of-All-Trades but master of none?
Notes:
Was born in Hawaii...Redshirted in 2004 then went on to become a four-year starter...Twice named 1st Team All-Pac-10...Played left tackle his first two years with the Ducks then moved inside to center in 2007...Could realistically play center, guard or tackle at the next level...Good all-around player who is effective and both a run and pass blocker...Doesn't necessarily stand out in any way one area but his ability to play every position along the line is very enticing...Definitely has the ability to start in the NFL but should at the absolute least be a valuable backup...One of the premier interior line prospects available.
Round 3
75. Tyrone McKenzie OLB: 366 tackles in 3 seaons for USF. Ellison has no business on the field
Strengths:
Excellent athleticism...Terrific speed and quickness with a burst to close...Outstanding sideline-to-sideline range...Nice instincts and awareness...Reliable tackler...Smooth and is able to match up in coverage...Comfortable in space...Active with a good motor...Great football IQ...Offers some versatility...Special teams potential...Good work ethic...Durable with a lot of experience...Impressive production.
Weaknesses:
Just average size and bulk...Can be too aggressive at times...Not very strong or physical...Isn't a big hitter...Has some trouble getting off blocks...Doesn't fill hard against the run...Average hands and ball skills...Uses sub par leverage...Is not much of a pass rusher or blitzer...Definitely isn't a thumper...Bounced around to three colleges.
Notes:
Nearly saw his football career come to an end as a junior in high school when he suffered a severely fractured leg, which required the insertion of a titanium rod to repair...Began his college career at Michigan St. in 2004...Transferred to Iowa St. and sat out the 2005 season...Started all 12 games at middle linebacker for the Cyclones and was named 2nd Team All-Big 12 in 2006...Opted to transfer yet again but was granted an NCAA hardship waiver and allowed to play without sitting for a year because his mother was sick...Was 2nd Team All-Big East in 2007 and earned 1st Team honors in 2008...Could project outside or inside at the next level depending on the scheme...Has a fantastic blend of physical tools and production and should test well in workouts...Won't be an ideal fit for everyone but should draw plenty of interest from teams willing to sacrifice size in exchange for speed and athleticism
Round 4
110. Chase Coffman TE:
Strengths:
Good natural athlete...Has a big frame with long arms and room to get bigger...Outstanding hands...Fantastic ball skills...Good body control and balance...Excellent route runner...Has nimble feet...Quick off the line...Tough and does a nice job over the middle...Runs hard after the catch...Great redzone threat...Real smart with superb instincts and first-rate awareness...Great work ethic...Has a lot of experience...Very competitive...Team player...Extremely productive...Good bloodlines.
Weaknesses:
Needs to add some weight...Must get stronger...Does not have elite timed speed...Not overly shifty or elusive...Isn't very physical...Gives good effort but is a sub par blocker...Limited experience in-line...Not a vertical threat...Played in a spread offense...Durability's a big concern.
Notes:
Father, Paul, enjoyed a long career in the NFL (1978-87) as a tight end for the Green Bay Packers...Brother, Carson, is a quarterback at Kansas St...Played extensively but split time with current Cleveland Brown Martin Rucker the first three years of his career...1st Team All-Big 12 in 2006 and 2nd Team in 2007 and 2008...Named a 1st Team All-American in 2008...Won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end as a senior...Graduated in 3 1/2 years...Missed the Big 12 Championship game in 2007 with an ankle injury...Was hobbled by a turf toe injury in 2008...Injured his foot on the final play of the Alamo Bowl and underwent surgery to install a screw into the fifth metatarsal bone, which affected his pre-draft training...Owns the Division I record for career receptions by a tight end...Pass catching threat with decent, not great, physical tools and top-notch intangibles.
Round 4
121. Fili Moala DT USC:
Strengths:
Excellent athleticism...Very quick and agile...Good speed...Adequate size with long arms...Has a big frame with room to grow...Active and does a nice job in pursuit...Good range and mobility...Can penetrate and slice into the backfield...Productive pass rusher...Decent instincts and awareness...Versatile...Good bloodlines...Great program pedigree.
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent and disappears for stretches...Plays too tall at times and doesn't always use good leverage...Has some trouble getting off blocks...Does not use his hands well...Needs to get stronger...Is not overly stout at the point...Some minor durability and character issues.
Notes:
Cousin is Baltimore Raven Haloti Ngata...Originally signed with the Trojans in 2003 but did not qualify for admission so he attended Cypress (CA) Junior College as a part-time student but didn't play football there...A three-year starter who redshirted in 2004 due to hand and shoulder injuries...Was arrested in March of 2008 for resisting and obstructing an officer during a bar fight...Follows in the footsteps of Darrell Russell, Mike Patterson, Shaun Cody, LaJuan Ramsey and Sedrick Ellis...Real good player with some intriguing tools but has been overhyped... Could be a perfect fit for a Tampa 2 scheme.
Round 5
147. Curtis Taylor S LSU
Strengths:
Very good height and bulk with long arms...Excellent athleticism...A great leaper...Adequate speed with a burst to close...Nice instincts and awareness...Good range...Outstanding in pursuit...Recovers well...Is capable of delivering a big hit...Great special teamer...Still has upside.
Weaknesses:
Not overly smooth or fluid...Is too aggressive at times...Needs to be more tough and physical...Isn't very strong...Should be better against the run than he is...Will miss some tackles...Poor hands and ball skills.
Notes:
Played extensively as a backup and on special teams the first couple years of his college career...Replaced LaRon Landry in the starting lineup in 2007 and performed well...Didn't come through with the big senior campaign most were expecting in 2008...Missed some time with shoulder and hip injuries...Possesses all the physical tools you look for but doesn't always play up to them...A bit of an underachiever but has starting potential...Should at least be a quality backup/special teamer.
Round 6
183. Henry Melton Texas DE:
Strengths:
Extremely athletic...Pretty good speed and quickness...Explosive with a burst...Great balance and agility...Does a terrific job in pursuit and closes fast...Good strength...Great special teamer...Has a lot of upside.
Weaknesses:
Inexperienced...Marginal instincts and awareness...Still has a long way to go when it comes to technique...Not an elite pass rusher...Does not always use proper leverage...Aggressiveness?...Some character issues.
Notes:
Was a Top 100 recruit coming out of high school according to Rivals...Uncle, Ray Crockett, played 14 years in the NFL with Detroit, Denver & Kansas City and was a captain for the Broncos back-to-back Super Bowl teams...Began his college career as a running back and carried the ball 132 times for 625 yards (4.7 avg.) and 16 touchdowns in 2005 and 2006...Moved to defensive end in 2007 and took over a starting job in 2008...Served a three game suspension in 2007 after he was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated...Was overshadowed by Brian Orakpo but is a fine pro prospect in his own right...Isn't a finished product but improved by leaps and bounds as a senior and has all of the physical tools that you look for...Underrated.
Round 7
220.Don Carey CB Norfolk st.
Strengths:
Very athletic...Ideal height and decent bulk...Good speed with a burst to recover...Above average strength...Reliable tackler...Physical and tough at the line...Fluid and flips his hips well...Terrific hands and ball skills..Excellent instincts and awareness...Versatile...Extremely smart.
Weaknesses:
Played against a lower level of competition...Still raw when it comes to technique and footwork...Not a great leaper...Short arms...Can be too aggressive at times...Has some trouble getting off blocks...A ' tweener?
Notes:
Was a four-year starter for the Spartans...Played free safety as a true freshman in 2005...Saw action at both cornerback and free safety in 2006...Played cornerback exclusively in 2007 and 2008 and was named 2nd Team All-MEAC both years...A three-time member of the MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic team...Reportedly turned down a chance to attend Yale due to financial considerations...Small school sleeper with solid physical tools and an impressive well-rounded game.
The strength's weaknesses and notes are from http://www.draftcountdown.com/rankings/ (http://www.draftcountdown.com/rankings/)