Todays Draft Chat w/ Rob Rang Transcript

[Ainsley 0]

I asked four questions, but he only got to one of them.

 

Enjoy!

 

Comment from Rob Rang: Hello everyone. The draft is only 22 hours away and the rumors have never been hotter. I hope to answer as many of your questions as possible and am committing to 90 minutes of non-stop action.

 

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Al Ain, United Arab Emirates: Mike Haas (WR, Oregon State) seems to be every fan's 'sleeper' pick this year. Any idea of which teams are interested in him, and which round he'll go in?

Rob Rang: It is pretty hard to project which team might take Hass. While I recognize his amazing production and hands/size/toughness, I scouted Hass so closely at the East-West Shrine Game in San Antonio that I was literally asked to move away from the field. I, ilke most NFL scouts, am not sure he has the foot quickness to gain separation against NFL corners. I see him as a 4th round pick.

 

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Manistee Michigan: Rob, Rob, Will a Defensive lineman other than Mario Williams be drafted in the top Ten?

Rob Rang: I expect at least one of the top two defensive tackles to be picked there. In my final projection, I have Buffalo selecting Brodrick Bunkley with the 8th pick and believe it is certainly possible that Arizona takes Ngata at 10, as well.

 

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Filer Township Michigan: Is it possible that Arizona at #10 will have its pick from TWO QBs?

Rob Rang: Anything is possible, of course, but I would be quite surprised to see this occur. Young certainly won't slip that far. Leinart could slip a bit, but I have a hard time believing Oakland wouldn't either take him at #7 or trade the pick to another team that would grab him. Cutler, the second QB on my board, could make it to Arizona but there are teams who like him enough to take him or trade up for him before #10, as well.

 

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Greenwood SC: Will the Dallas Cowboys pick a WR anytime during this upcoming draft. They don't have any depth after T.O. and Glenn.

Rob Rang: I believe they will. The depth behind TO and Glenn is questionable, as you mention. Also, young talent at the position is a need.

 

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toledo ohio: If Vince Young is available when Lions pick should they take him

Rob Rang: He won't make it that far. But if he did, I believe the Lions would consider him. That said, the better move would be to address their offensive line or more likely their defense. This is a team that needs some head-bangers, not another skill position player.

 

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Raleigh, NC: Do you think there is any chance that the Bills would trade up to try and grab Mario Williams? Does it make sense?

Rob Rang: It makes sense in that I, like many NFL scouts, am verrry high on Mario Williams. That said, it would just cost too much for the Bills to move up from #8 to acquire Williams. This is a team with too many holes to invest all of their picks in one player.

 

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polson, montana: I heard that Q.B.,Travis Lulay of Montana State had an interview with the Seahawks and he is projected to go in the 6th. round on nfl scout. What are his chances?

Rob Rang: Lulay is an interesting prospect in that he has a strong arm and is athletic. Seattle also might be looking at him as a punter, as well, as Lulay doubled in this role while at MSU.

 

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DePere, WI: What is the chance that the Packers take Vernon Davis at #5? Or is it AJ Hawk as most experts project?

Rob Rang: Absolutely there is a chance of this occurring. Every team I speak to has Hawk and Davis ranked either identically or verrry closely. Certainly Davis could make an immediate impact and could have been a factor in persuading Favre to return, should this be the Packers' plan. For what it's worth, I still have the Packers selecting Hawk at #5 and Davis going to SF with the next pick.

 

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La Jolla,CA: is it possible the Jets take Vernon Davis at #4? Wouldn't that be to high for aTE?

Rob Rang: I personally believe that #4 is too high for a tight end. That said, if there has ever been a TE that warranted such a high pick, it is Davis.

 

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Union, Maine: Two questions on guys who seem to be falling down the board. If Willis McGahee can be drafted and be a success, why can't LenDale White? My second and final question, if Kyle Orton can manage to survive a season and not embarrass himself, why couldn't someone like Jay Cutler do well?

Rob Rang: McGahee slipped due to a horrific knee injury. There were some who questioned if he'd ever recover completely. While White has slipped due to a hamstring tear, there isn't a concern that the injury will prevent him from participating in his rookie season. I am quite high on Cutler and feel he will enjoy a solid NFL career.

 

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Baxter, MN: I am hearing that Green Bay enticed Brett Favre into coming back by promising they would take Vernon Davis with their fifth pick. Is there any truth to this or is it just speculation? Thanks.

Rob Rang: As mentioned previously, this absolutely could be the case. We won't know until tomorrow. Either way (Davis or Hawk), the Packers will be making a significant improvement to their team with the fifth pick that it might have been enough to entice Favre back. The big splash signing of Charles Woodson could have had a big impact, as well.

 

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Philadelphia P.A.: Hey Rob what are the chances the Eagles trading for J Walker because I think it would be a great move because he s young and very good not T.O but still good even though he s mad about his contract he did nt handle it he way T.O did and Farve should have kept his mouth shut about J.W. s contract as for the Eagles they need a reciever with Pinkston coming of a broken leg and every team in the division gotten better they got to at least try as a fan thats all i want is to see my team do everything it can to win thats why I m not mad about tha T.O mess because they tried.

Rob Rang: The Eagles certainly might consider Walker because, as you mention, he is a very good young wideout and has experience in a similar offense. That said, I would be surprised to see the club commit to another receiver with even Walker's slight character questions. When you get burned as badly as the Eagles were, you tend to stay as far away from the fire as possible.

 

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Holdingford, Minnesota: What package would the Vikings need to put together to move up to the 9 or 10 slot and get one of the QB's? What combination would it take?

Rob Rang: The Vikings have the picks to make such a leap. It would take their first (#17), second (#51) and their first 3rd (#83) to make a reasonably close deal according to the draft trade chart used by most NFL teams.

 

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Baltimore M.D.: How good do you think Bush s gonna be I think he s a little overrated i see him as a Warrwick Dunn type of back who s gonna return kicks and punts good but not Barry.

Rob Rang: First, I would hesitate to label Warrick Dunn as just a back capable of returning kicks and punts. He has proven to be a terrific NFL running back throughout his career. That said, I consider Bush to be a considerably better prospect than Dunn. Perhaps not Barry Sanders part II, but close.

 

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Chicago Illinios : Do you see da bears trading up and getting that tightend from Maryland.

Rob Rang: No way. It would just require too many picks. The conversation would begin with all of Chicago's first day picks this year, as well as their first round pick next.

 

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Baltimore M.D.: What round will Clemson s qb will go and do you see th Ravens going after him because I like him a lot and I think after 5 years we will be saying he is one of or the best players from this draft.

Rob Rang: We have Charlie Whitehurst as a 3rd-4th round pick. He is inconsistent, but has the size and deep ball Baltimore is looking for.

 

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tampa, fl: Will the Broncos secure a trade for Javon Walker, and if so, who do they take with their first pick?

Rob Rang: In my final projection I have the Broncos selecting WR Chad Jackson from Florida. There is considerable speculation that they'll take the other clear first round WR, Santonio Holmes, as well. If the team feels confident they can add Walker via a trade, an explosive pass rusher such as Manny Lawson or Kamerion Wimbley would make a lot of sense here. Watch out for the selection of WR Maurice Stovall in the second round.

 

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Reading, PA: Rob, Great info as always! As a Steelers fan I'd love to see LenDale White drop to them at 32! Accoring to your predictions he'll go to Carolina at 27-any chance the Steelers trade up to 26 (since the Bears are looking to acquire picks) and snipe him from the Panthers? Thanks!

Rob Rang: Thanks for the kind words... Pittsburgh historically hasn't traded up for players, but with coming off the Super Bowl, they might be willing to play the draft a little more aggressively. White has remained the #2 RB on our board since declaring for the draft and I feel strongly he'll end up being a steal if placed in a power rushing scheme similar to the one used by either Carolina (#27) or Pittsburgh (#32). I know that the Steelers were initially quite hesitant with White, but after visiting with him in the last week, they are satisfied that he is a player worthy of consideration.

 

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dallas, texas: Is there a chance Winston Justice USC or Chad Jackson UF could fall to the Cowboys at 18, and if so should the Cowboys take one of the two instead of a safety?

Rob Rang: Certainly. I would be surprised to see the Cowboys take a WR in the first round, simply because they already have two accomplished wideouts in Owens and Glenn and rookie WRs tend to struggle. With the Cowboys seemingly on the verge of a potential Super Bowl run, I believe they'll take a player with more immediate impact. That player could be Justice, a safety like Allen, or a pass rushing likebacker like Manny Lawson or Bobby Carpenter.

 

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Seattle WA: Which cornerback is most likely to progress enough to be starting by season's end, Richard Marshall or Ashton Youboty?

Rob Rang: Unfortunately, there is no way of projecting this until we know the team each player is selected to. I personally am higher on Marshall's upside athletically, but worry about his maturity.

 

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Port Orange, FL: Will the 49'ers have to move up to get Hawk? What scenerio would have to play out for Hawk to be available @ pick #6? Is Vernon Davis as sure a bet as Hawk? Thank you.

Rob Rang: Besides Reggie Bush, I don't believe there is as sure a bet in this draft as AJ Hawk. If the 49ers want Hawk, they might have to trade up to get him. I believe they'll consider Hawk over Davis if both, surprisingly, were on the board. I also believe, however, that the team will be content with Davis at #6 if Hawk is off the board.

 

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Yakima, Wa : Hi Rob: I appreciated your mock drafts. And all your NFL Work. I think you are more accurate then some of the guys on ESPN. Are you going to be watching the Draft at Home? BTW: I think that two of the best experts are Michael Smith of ESPN and Troy Aikman.

Rob Rang: Thanks for the kind words. I'll be covering the draft from the Seahawks headquarters in Kirkland, WA.

 

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England: Will Thomas Howard fall to the Redskins at #53? If not is Rocky McIntosh a good alternative?

Rob Rang: Howard is expected to be picked in the mid 30s to high 40s, so it would be a little bit of a surprise to see him available for the Redskins at #53. That said, an early run on the other OLBs could cause him to slide a bit. McIntosh would be a nice alternative. Some teams are very high on McIntosh due to his versatility.

 

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Rick Florida: Rob is there any chance the giants trade up to around 16 and draft Antonio Cromartie??? If so what do u think they would have to give up

Rob Rang: For the Giants at #25 to make this much of a jump (#16 or so), it would take their second round pick and then some. I'm not sure they are high enough on any player to make this type of investment. Cromartie is an intriguing player, however. Miami, which owns the #16 pick, incidentally, could strongly consider Cromartie, as well.

 

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Portland, OR: If a CB run takes the top 6 DBs out before the Seahawks pick at 31, is Nick Mangold a possiblilty to play guard?

Rob Rang: Absolutely.

 

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Cincinnati, Ohio: When and where will Omar Jacobs of BGSU go in the Draft? Will he make an impact at the NFL level?

Rob Rang: I believe Jacobs is a 4th to 5th round selection. He has the size and talent to warrant the patience it will take from an NFL team for him to be successful. He needs a few years to get acclimated and overhaul his delivery, however.

 

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Spokane Washington: Rob, Love your work. You seem to have good sources in Seattle's front office. Please put my mind at ease and tell me theres no way they're going to take Mathis Kiwanuka at # 31. That would ruin my weekend ala icks pick Anton Palelpoi and Mo Morris. Thanks.

Rob Rang: I'd consider Kiwanuka a reach at any point in the first round. I would be stunned to see Seattle, specifically, select him.

 

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nasty tennessee: Where do you see Kevin Simon lb at Tennessee going in the draft?

Rob Rang: Simon's lack of size and durability could have him fall out of the draft, completely. That said, the kid is a player and I think could surprise if given an opportunity.

 

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Madison, WI: Rumors have that the Bears will trade down from 26. If they do who will they trade with and what will the get. Will one of the tight ends still be around?

Rob Rang: Pretty tough to project which team they'll trade with. There is certainly the chance that if a team does trade up to get the #26 pick, they'll be doing it to acquire one of the defensive backs, offensive tackles, or running backs before the mini runs that could occur at these positions towards the end of the first round. Tight end will certainly be an area of focus for the Bears. Though he'd be a reach at #26, Marcedes Lewis would be a great fit for Chicago in the early second, should they move down.

 

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Livingston CA: Rob, I don't see the Steelers taking a WR in the first round. I think safety is a more pressing need and since they are basically in the 2nd round what do you think of Daniel Bullocks of Nebraska? He's a Steeler type of guy.

Rob Rang: I know that the Steelers have some interest in WR Demetrius Williams, though I'd be surprised to see them take him at #32 because several players they have ranked higher should be available. Watch out for Nick Mangold, LenDale White, and two safeties - Darnell Bing and Bullocks as possible picks here. Personally, I believe Bullocks should be selected in the 40-50 range, though the Steelers might take him as FS is an area they want to reinforce.

 

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Buchanan, ND: Hi Rob, do the Vikings have a realistic shot at nabbing Jay Cutler at #17? Or do they need to trade into the top 10 by perhaps trading with Detroit for the number 8 pick as has been rumored? Thanks, I enjoy the site and the work you guys put into it.

Rob Rang: I don't believe Cutler slides that far. Arizona is a possibility at #10, St. Louis at #11 is another. I gave Cutler to Baltimore at #13 in my final mock. I believe the Ravens will consider trading out of this pick. The Jets and Vikings are two teams thought to consider moving up to #13 to take Cutler if he were still available here.

 

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kalamazoo mi: Ive seen and heard of AJHawk dropping some. Most mocks have him at 6 to GB. Whats your take?

Rob Rang: I thought I answered this question, but might have hit the wrong button (sorry!)... AJ Hawk won't drop. He's too safe. The lowest I could see him going is Oakland with the 7th pick. I still believe his likeliest destination is Green Bay at #5.

 

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Florida: What Will The Lions Do?

Rob Rang: I believe they're focusing on defensive players Michael Huff, S, Texas or Florida State DT Brodrick Bunkley. In my final mock I had Bunkley going to the Bills at #8, and had the Lions taking Huff at #9.

 

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Kevin San Pedro CA: Giants signed Arrington. So where do they focus in round 1? DT? Is Gabe Watson too much of a reach at #25?

Rob Rang: The Giants are in an interesting position with Arrington signed. They still could add another outside linebacker here even with Arrington. Bobby Carpenter remains quite high on their board. Also, a cornerback could still be an area of focus, as well. I've been quite high on Watson for years and do believe he could prove to be one of the great defenders from this draft. That said, questions about his work ethic will almost surely keep him out of the first round. Another DT who could sneak into the first round, however, is NC State's John McCargo.

 

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Latrobe,PA: I've read that Joseph Addai is the #2 RB on some teams boards. Where do you see him being drafted in relation to the top RBs in the draft?

Rob Rang: I believe Addai could end up being the second RB drafted after only #1 overall pick, Reggie Bush. In my final mock, I projected him to go to Minnesota, which would be a big surprise, but sources tell me the Vikings are quite high on Addai and aren't as satisfied with their RB situation as their signing of free agent Chester Taylor might lead some to believe. Certainly the Minnesota pick is a gamble on my part, but I don't believe projecting Addai as a first round pick is a stretch at all. Carolina, Indianapolis, and the New York Giants are other teams I could see taking Addai.

 

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Staten Island,New York: Hi Rob, Great chat. As a Jets fan I would be happy to come home with D-Brick and Deangelo Williams in Round #1. What's the chance Williams falls to us at #29? thanks, Dave S.

Rob Rang: Better than some think, according to recent conversations I've had with teams. Surprisingly enough, some of my most trusted soruces within the league think that Williams could fall right out of the first round. There are just too many RBs being projected towards the end of the first and teams are a little concerned with how much tread Williams has on his tires after his long, amazingly productive career at Memphis.

 

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Garfield,New Jersey: Hi Rob, Good Work today. What's the chance of the Jets trading down a few spots and getting a few extra picks. If they move down to #7 they will still get a impact player and could fill a lot of holes with extra picks in a deep draft. Your thoughts? thanks, Dante

Rob Rang: I believe the Jets might indeed trade down from #4 to #7 should Vince Young remain on the board. The Raiders seem to be interested in moving up to secure him if Tennessee allows him past. Obviously the extra picks are always nice, but the Jets already have several picks on the first day.

 

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Grand Rapids, MI: How many Buckeyes do you see going in the first round?

Rob Rang: AJ Hawk, Donte Whitner, and Santonio Holmes are locks. Nick Mangold, Bobby Carpenter, and Ashton Youboty could make the first, as well. Six players from one university has only been accomplished once before, by Miami, a few years ago.

 

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Arvada Colorado: Mike Shanahan has a tendency to surprise Broncos fans on draft day. What do you see this year?

Rob Rang: He certainly does. The surprise I could see from the Broncos is either surprising with a RB selection at #15 or perhaps taking several WRs. The club surprised many last year by taking CBs with each of their first three picks. In my final projection I gave the team WRs Chad Jackson and Maurice Stovall with their first two picks...

 

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Anderson, SC: A lot of mocks have the Giants picking a RB in the 1st round. Seeing that they still have Tiki Barber for a couple more years, do you see this as a strong possibility or do you think they might trade down with Carolina or Pittsburgh, teams who have a greater need there??

Rob Rang: Tiki Barber arguably should have won MVP last year so if the team does select a RB, it isn't a reflection of his talent. Should Barber go down to injury, however, the depth is woeful. Brandon Jacobs did little last year to prove he could handle a long term replacement of Barber. For a potential Super Bowl team, I believe the Giants must address their depth at running back. If a talented RB is on the board at #25, I think that absolutely has to be a consideration.

 

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Fresno, CA: Will the 49ers address offense or defense with the 6th pick and 22nd pick?

Rob Rang: The plan seems to be TE Vernon Davis with #6. If this happens, I believe the team will take the best available defensive player with #22. If the Packers surprise and allow OLB AJ Hawk by, I see the 49ers adjusting, and taking Hawk at #6. I believe they will still look towards defense at #22.

 

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New York, NY: Here's a quick hitter, Rob: Name the next three RBs after Reggie Bush, and the teams that will take them.

Rob Rang: #17 Minnesota - Joseph Addai #27 Carolina - LenDale White #29 New York Jets - DeAngelo Williams

 

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Lexington, KY: Willie Reid (WR, Florida State) has been mentioned as a mid-round sleeper at wide reciever. Where do you see him going (round-wise) and what is your overall take in his abilities at wideout.

Rob Rang: Reid is an interesting player. His spectacular speed and return skills make him a possible 3rd round pick, though I believe this would be a reach. More likely, he goes in the 4th or 5th round. His lack of production at FSU as a receiver is a definite concern, but the physical tools are there for a team to take a gamble.

 

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new orleans,la: The Dallas Cowboys have a need for a defensive tackle which prospect do you think has the capability of starting soon at the 18th pick

Rob Rang: I don't believe there is a DT worthy of #18 pick other than Haloti Ngata and Brodrick Bunkley, both of whom I expect to be long gone. NC State's John McCargo is rising up boards, but would be a surprise this early in the first. Look for the Cowboys to add a run plugger later.

 

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tulsa, oklahoma: Being a University of Tulsa fan, which team do you see Garrett Mills going to ?

Rob Rang: Mills lack of size makes him a H-back or fullback prospect rather than tight end, most likely. Because there are few teams who utilize the H-back position and fewer teams willing to spend a year or two developing a player at fullback, Mills could slip much lower than his awesome production at Tulsa would indicate. I see him as a 5th round prospect.

 

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Hartford, CT: Do you think the Patriots will pick a player outside of most of the projections, i.e. Logan Mankins last year, someone like a Richard Marshall at #21 or will they grab someone like a Bobby Carpenter or one of the RBs or WRs that seems to be slotted for them?

Rob Rang: Mankins wasn't as much of a surprise as some have suggested. I had San Francisco taking Mankins with the very next pick in my final mock last year,. That said, your point is well made. New England likes players with versatility. For this reason I could see a RB like DeAngelo Williams or Joseph Addai or a safety like Donte Whitner here. If the team wanted to draft for need, something the Patriots have rarely done recently, they'd consider OLB. Bobby Carpenter, as you mentioned, would make a lot of sense.

 

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Seattle, WA: What are your thoughts on where Brian Iwuh, LB, Colorado will come off the board?

Rob Rang: I see Iwuh as a 4th to 5th round player, though I believe he could drop lower than this. He was a helluva player for the Buffs, but is a tweener without the size to play LB in most schemes or the speed to play DB. Still, a heady, physical player who I am personally quite high on.

 

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Ewing (Trenton), NJ: What is your take on the three talented but enigmatic W's of defensive tackles, Wroten, Watson, and Wright?

Rob Rang: Wroten - talented, should be a first round pick but off-field questions make him a likely 3rd rounder. Could be a steal. Could flunk out of the league within a year or two. Watson - spectacular strength at the point and much quicker than given credit for. Could be the draft's best run stuffer, right along with Oregon's Haloti Ngata. Reminds me a lot of Detroit Pro Bowler Shaun Rogers, but like Rogers, Watson's inconsistent effort will almost surely push him into Round Two. Wright - talented guy, but not on the level of the two previous players. Good size/athleticism, but disappears for long periods. Seemed even more complacent than Watson, thus considerably lower on most boards. Could slip out of first day.

 

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Comment from Rob Rang: Thanks to everyone for the questions. Only a few more hours until draft time. I can't wait and I'm sure you can't, as well. For pick by pick progress of the entire draft, check us out at NFLDraftScout.com.

[Restricted 0]

Thanks for the read.

[swamp dog 0]

er, shaun rogers fell to the 2nd round because of an ankle injury, mr. rang, not his work ethic. shame on you

[Ron_Mexico 0]

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates ?

 

[t.j 35]

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates ?

 

 

Racist!

[Orgazmo 2]

Vikings picking Addai would be great... as in scope... as in a horrific car crash sort of way.