NFL Mock Draft - Commentary Thread

[ens189 1]

Detroit is not going to be a championship contender next year and supposedly these guys know how to plan for the future. So I say take the best tackle (Preferrably the better pass blocker) because next year you can choose from McCoy or Stafford or anyone else that might be coming out since they'll probably be an early picker next year too.

[FeelingMN 273]

I was thinking Monroe. I'll give him another hour to pick (24 hours since the last pick) and then post that pick (unless there is a ton of support against it). Chronic would then have until Seattle picks to make a change if he disagrees...once Seahawks pick it would become official.

 

Sound cool?

 

I'm cool with whatever.

 

I don't think KC would be thinking OL though. They'll go defense with #3. Since Curry is gone, I'd think about Raji or Orakpo.

 

I'm not sure how Dorsey fared last year, but I think I've heard he was just alright and might not be ideal as a NT in a 3-4. Raji could be though.

 

Orakpo's pro day was impressive. The guy showed like a 3-4 OLB, which is exactly what KC needs.

 

Either guy is a good player and fills a need. I'd lean Orakpo since the Chiefs struggled so badly with pressuring the QB last year.

 

Anyway you choose to go, I'll be cool with. Just giving you my two cents.

[kutulu 1,723]

I think that was more than enough time.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

2008: 5th pick overall - Glenn Dorsey DT

2007: 54th pick overall - Turk McBride DE

82nd pick overall - Tank Tyler DT

2006: 20th pick overall - Tamba Hali DE

 

and now...

 

2009: 3rd pick overall - BJ Raji DT

 

That's a lot of early picks invested in their DL in the past 3 years. They're like the Detroit Lions, except with DL instead of WR's.

[Kopy 595]

Seattle selects Michael Crabtree.

 

With a pick this high, and the money invested. We wanted someone who would play right away.

The WR position is still in question outside of TJ.

 

Burelson looks to be back. (Also with the addition of another WR. He can go back to special teams where he made his biggest impact for us as a returner. Without us holding our breath that he gets hurt and we're weak at WR again.)

But, he still is coming back from an injury.

 

Branch can't stay healthy, and could even be a june 1rst cut. He also did have a knee scope recently that Ruskell has kept quiet.

 

Obamanu and Payne look to be healthy again. But their still kids that are unproven on the pro level.

 

Bumpus is just a kid, and does have another year of eligability left for their practice squad.

 

Everyone else looks like camp bodies.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Massive propers to Kopy and being ready to draft 1st thing this morning.

 

We've come full circle with Crabtree. He was a lock for Seattle forever, then draft gurus got sick of the pairing and started making other choices. This is a solid pick for Seattle and Crabtree could be a star from day one. Plus he can probably learn some from TJ Housh.

 

In real life, though, if Stafford fell to #4, would Seattle really not pick him?

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Also, are you doing Atlanta, or am I?

 

That is not me picking for Atlanta. I asked for Green Bay and Green Bay only.

 

It must be a long typo

[Kopy 595]

Massive propers to Kopy and being ready to draft 1st thing this morning.

 

We've come full circle with Crabtree. He was a lock for Seattle forever, then draft gurus got sick of the pairing and started making other choices. This is a solid pick for Seattle and Crabtree could be a star from day one. Plus he can probably learn some from TJ Housh.

 

In real life, though, if Stafford fell to #4, would Seattle really not pick him?

 

I think this is such a potentially impactful player/pick. Plus with the dollar amount that would have to be invested into it, on an already high payroll. That they'd want this person to be on the field ASAP.

 

Hass also looks good and has 2 years left. And if something were to happen. Wallace has proven, that while he shouldn't be counted to carry the load for the future. He is at least a quality backup for them, or someone else even. And I believe he does have 2 or 3 years on his deal.

 

I think it's just a wasted situation to sit on a high QB at this moment. I think they might be thinking about getting a day 2 QB and develope him. Or, go after the top couple QB's next year. I think their QB talk is all smoke screen to try to trade down.

 

 

I have Seattle's first rounder in tiers.

 

I believe it would look like this:

 

Tier 1:

 

Curry

Crabtree

Trade down

 

Tier 2:

 

Monroe

Smith

 

Tier 3:

 

Stafford

Sanchez

 

I don't know how accurate my belief is. But this is definitly going to be one hell of a pick for us.

We havn't had an exciting draft saturday in years.

[kutulu 1,723]

2008: 5th pick overall - Glenn Dorsey DT

2007: 54th pick overall - Turk McBride DE

82nd pick overall - Tank Tyler DT

2006: 20th pick overall - Tamba Hali DE

 

and now...

 

2009: 3rd pick overall - BJ Raji DT

 

That's a lot of early picks invested in their DL in the past 3 years. They're like the Detroit Lions, except with DL instead of WR's.

 

 

Should I have stuck with my initial thought and gone Monroe?

[kutulu 1,723]

That is not me picking for Atlanta. I asked for Green Bay and Green Bay only.

 

It must be a long typo

 

I put FeelingMN in for ATL...is that fixed?

[FeelingMN 273]

Massive propers to Kopy and being ready to draft 1st thing this morning.

 

We've come full circle with Crabtree. He was a lock for Seattle forever, then draft gurus got sick of the pairing and started making other choices. This is a solid pick for Seattle and Crabtree could be a star from day one. Plus he can probably learn some from TJ Housh.

 

In real life, though, if Stafford fell to #4, would Seattle really not pick him?

 

Though it would make sense for SEA to draft their QB of the future, they're not a typical top 5 drafter in that they've got some pieces in place to make a run. This has been a playoff team the past few years, and could make another run this year. So I would think they'll draft a player who can help them now; i.e., Crabtree or Monroe/Smith.

 

That is not me picking for Atlanta. I asked for Green Bay and Green Bay only.

 

It must be a long typo

 

[phillybear 366]

In real life, though, if Stafford fell to #4, would Seattle really not pick him?

 

I wouldn't take him if he fell to #3.4

 

I don't like ANY of the QB prospects this year. Nice job, Kopy.

[Kopy 595]

I wouldn't take him if he fell to #3.4

 

I don't like ANY of the QB prospects this year. Nice job, Kopy.

 

I have them ranked Stafford then Freeman.

Problem is Freeman wouldn't work to good in the WCO. And Sanchez, would actually be the better prospect.

Now I'm not too high on Sanchez myself. And can't see why you'd take him in round 1, when you can take someone comparable on day 2.

 

And although I absolutely love Stafford. I'm just not sure Seattle's situation calls for it.

[Grizzly 0]

Should I have stuck with my initial thought and gone Monroe?

 

I really don't know who KC would take in that spot, they need a lot. I think my list would have looked like Orakpo, Monroe, Raji but not sure you could go wrong with any of the three. I know I said Crabtree earlier but I completely spaced out Monroe and they are not in dire need of a WR. Orakpo only because the loss of J Allen to Minnesota hurt more than they thought if would. And Raji last of the three only becasue of his alleged dope smoking.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

It may be only the 5th overall pick, but imo Cleveland just got an absolute steal in OT Eugene Monroe. Great value on the most complete OT in this year's draft.

[pittnthat 0]

Browns E. Monroe

While every mock I have seen says take Orakpo, the question remains if he is a workout warrior or not. Mike Mayock said that Brandon Pettigrew ate him for lunch so that helped sway my decision. It also seemed to early for Malcolm Jenkins(speed issues).

Olinemen go from right side to left all the time so Im pairing him up with Joe Thomas for the next decade.

[shovelheadt 72]

1.06 Bengals - Andre Smith, Alabama

 

My preference would have been the following:

 

J Smith or Monroe - hopefully the Lions grab Stafford and the Browns go defense in the real draft

Raji - off the board now that the Bengals have grabbed Tank Johnson

Trade down - can't happen obviously in a mock. Here's to hoping that Denver wants to trade up.

 

Have some concerns over Smith's maturity, but he's definitely a need and a huge talent. If the Bengals can pair him up with a top Center in the 2nd round, they'll be set on the line for a long time.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

I like the pick. Andre obviously has a couple question marks surrounding him, but he's probably got the highest ceiling of any of the OT's in this draft. He can dominate defenders and has the potential to be an all pro LT.

 

I had him pencilled in for Green Bay. I was pretty sure character issues would scare everyone away.

[shovelheadt 72]

I like the pick. Andre obviously has a couple question marks surrounding him, but he's probably got the highest ceiling of any of the OT's in this draft. He can dominate defenders and has the potential to be an all pro LT.

 

I had him pencilled in for Green Bay. I was pretty sure character issues would scare everyone away.

 

They scared me away. Hopefully I'm wrong, if the Bengals end up with him.

[FeelingMN 273]

I was pretty sure character issues would scare everyone away.

 

Cincy doesn't care about any of that.

[yostevo 0]

1.06 Bengals - Andre Smith, Alabama

 

My preference would have been the following:

 

J Smith or Monroe - hopefully the Lions grab Stafford and the Browns go defense in the real draft

Raji - off the board now that the Bengals have grabbed Tank Johnson

Trade down - can't happen obviously in a mock. Here's to hoping that Denver wants to trade up.

 

Have some concerns over Smith's maturity, but he's definitely a need and a huge talent. If the Bengals can pair him up with a top Center in the 2nd round, they'll be set on the line for a long time.

 

Some concerns? I'd say more like a GM anxiety attack waiting to happen my friend. I understand that he was once thought of as a top 3 LT at one point in the offseason but his character flags are waving like it's a gay pride parade. He leaves the combine and then put on a pathetic pro day from a lot of accounts.

 

I gotta disagree with this. Too soon to be taking this risk. The natti hasn't exactly been the behavioral capital of the NFL world as of late.

[Chronic Husker 86]

sorry bout missing my pick, kutulu. Raji is fine. I'll try to be online when my second pick comes up.

[shovelheadt 72]

Some concerns? I'd say more like a GM anxiety attack waiting to happen my friend. I understand that he was once thought of as a top 3 LT at one point in the offseason but his character flags are waving like it's a gay pride parade.

 

I gotta disagree with this. Too soon to be taking this risk. The natti hasn't exactly been the behavioral capital of the NFL world as of late.

 

So if you're on the clock in the real draft, what do you do?

[yostevo 0]

So if you're on the clock in the real draft, what do you do?

Honestly? I would have jumped all over Orakpo. Your defense sacked the Qb 17 times last year which ties for 31st in the league. He's not a one trick pony either. He can play the run. He does have durability issues but I'd take that over serious character flaws.

[shovelheadt 72]

Honestly? I would have jumped all over Orakpo. Your defense sacked the Qb 17 times last year which ties for 31st in the league. He's not a one trick pony either. He can play the run. He does have durability issues but I'd take that over serious character flaws.

 

I was influenced by the 'experts' on Orakpo. Have seen a lot of negative talk about him. Can't remember if it was him, but last night on NFL Network, they were talking about an end that was indeed a one trick pony. Pretty sure it was Orakpo. How he only has one move, and that's an up field speed rush. No swim moves, no spins, nothing.

[listen2me 23 1,964]

theres also jersey sales and many other areas of revenue to consider... but the bigger fact is the whole generating a buzz and changing the face of the franchise.

 

it's exaclty what Matt Ryan was able to do last year

 

not saying Stafford will do that, just saying there is more to consider than saving 10 mil.

 

It matters if the guy is good.

 

Too many times teams use your very reasons to get almost forced into taking "the QB". And teams get killed for years after.

 

If your scouting staff thinks so and so a QB will be a good QB in the league then take him, but don't take him just because a "buzz" or jersey sales.

 

If the guy is Kyle Boller.. Jersey sales and "buzz" will be an after thought 1 year in.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

It matters if the guy is good.

 

Too many times teams use your very reasons to get almost forced into taking "the QB". And teams get killed for years after.

 

If your scouting staff thinks so and so a QB will be a good QB in the league then take him, but don't take him just because a "buzz" or jersey sales.

 

If the guy is Kyle Boller.. Jersey sales and "buzz" will be an after thought 1 year in.

 

And if he becomes the 2009 version of Matt Ryan and the Lions have passed on him for a LB everyone will just shake their heads and write it off because it's just the lovable loser Lions.

 

I remember well how Matt Ryan was getting slammed a year ago before the draft. Many mocks had him outside of the top 10, if not most. I read/heard about how Atlanta took him out of desperation to shake themselves of Mike Vick. Guess that desperation move worked out pretty well.

[listen2me 23 1,964]

And if he becomes the 2009 version of Matt Ryan and the Lions have passed on him for a LB everyone will just shake their heads and write it off because it's just the lovable loser Lions.

 

I remember well how Matt Ryan was getting slammed a year ago before the draft. Many mocks had him outside of the top 10, if not most. I read/heard about how Atlanta took him out of desperation to shake themselves of Mike Vick. Guess that desperation move worked out pretty well.

 

No not desperation. It is how their scouts rate them. I never said don't take a QB. For every Matt Ryan there are 2 Ryan Leafs, maybe 3. The key is scouting them right.

 

But you don't take a QB because he is a QB, that is just stupid and a good way to set your franchise back another 3 years.

 

If I remember right many Mocks had him going to ATL. But it isn't about Mocks and the general public's view on anything.

[yostevo 0]

I was influenced by the 'experts' on Orakpo. Have seen a lot of negative talk about him. Can't remember if it was him, but last night on NFL Network, they were talking about an end that was indeed a one trick pony. Pretty sure it was Orakpo. How he only has one move, and that's an up field speed rush. No swim moves, no spins, nothing.

Well, I can't argue that his rush is a one trick pony because at this stage, it is. Check the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZTelDHwUwY...feature=related

 

However, that kind of thing can be taught. His combo of size and speed is pretty impressive and reminds me of a young Jevon Kearse. Even with all that upfield speed, he still seems to break down pretty well for the run. My main concern is that he may be overtraining and the injuries that coincide.

[jgcrawfish 232]

I was influenced by the 'experts' on Orakpo. Have seen a lot of negative talk about him. Can't remember if it was him, but last night on NFL Network, they were talking about an end that was indeed a one trick pony. Pretty sure it was Orakpo. How he only has one move, and that's an up field speed rush. No swim moves, no spins, nothing.

 

have watched him pretty extensively for a couple of years now, and imo he disappears from games for long stretches. I'm afraid he's going to add to Texas string of 1st rounders who don't live up to the hype.

[yostevo 0]

And if he becomes the 2009 version of Matt Ryan and the Lions have passed on him for a LB everyone will just shake their heads and write it off because it's just the lovable loser Lions.

 

I remember well how Matt Ryan was getting slammed a year ago before the draft. Many mocks had him outside of the top 10, if not most. I read/heard about how Atlanta took him out of desperation to shake themselves of Mike Vick. Guess that desperation move worked out pretty well.

 

You can't take a player because of the fear of failure. You take a player that makes the most sense for your team. Building a defense and OL makes a hell of lot more sense for the Lions then taking a QB first. That QB will get murdered and ruined with the lack of infrastructure on this team. Look at the young QBs that are playing well right now. Flacco,Roethlisburger,Rivers, E.Manning, Matt Ryan just to name a few. What they all had in common entering the NFL was a team rich in OL and defense to allow them to grow. They weren't asked to be "the guy" as Stafford would have to be.

 

The Lions have been making glamour skilled postion picks for far too long and it's gotten them nowhere. Build from within and add the completion parts later.

[listen2me 23 1,964]

You can't take a player because of the fear of failure. You take a player that makes the most sense for your team. Building a defense and OL makes a hell of lot more sense for the Lions then taking a QB first. That QB will get murdered and ruined with the lack of infrastructure on this team. Look at the young QBs that are playing well right now. Flacco,Roethlisburger,Rivers, E.Manning, Matt Ryan just to name a few. What they all had in common entering the NFL was a team rich in OL and defense to allow them to grow. They weren't asked to be "the guy" as Stafford would have to be.

 

The Lions have been making glamour skilled postion picks for far too long and it's gotten them nowhere. Build from within and add the completion parts later.

 

Add in the fact that this is one of the worst years for QBs. They have the 1st pick, doesn't mean Stafford is the guy.

 

Again, it all comes down to scouts and the GM/Coaches view on his skill set. He could end up being great or out of the league in 3 years. I don't know. All I do know is jersey sales and a buzz doesn't last long when you don't win.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

You can't take a player because of the fear of failure. You take a player that makes the most sense for your team. Building a defense and OL makes a hell of lot more sense for the Lions then taking a QB first. That QB will get murdered and ruined with the lack of infrastructure on this team. Look at the young QBs that are playing well right now. Flacco,Roethlisburger,Rivers, E.Manning, Matt Ryan just to name a few. What they all had in common entering the NFL was a team rich in OL and defense to allow them to grow. They weren't asked to be "the guy" as Stafford would have to be.

 

The Lions have been making glamour skilled postion picks for far too long and it's gotten them nowhere. Build from within and add the completion parts later.

 

And this is all your opinion.

 

Schwartz has admitted the QB position is important and he doesn't want a quick fix, he wants a long term decision, not a quick fix. Cutler's not going to be that long term decision now but he did move into the division. Now the Lions are looking at Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler on divisional rival teams. Schwartz is right. They could really use a long term solution.

 

The Lions have crap at almost every position and picking an ILB or OT over a QB 1st overall in this draft is not going to turn them into a winner overnight.

 

How do you figure that Baltimore and Atlanta were teams rich in OL? Do you make things up as you go along?

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

Add in the fact that this is one of the worst years for QBs. They have the 1st pick, doesn't mean Stafford is the guy.

 

Again, it all comes down to scouts and the GM/Coaches view on his skill set. He could end up being great or out of the league in 3 years. I don't know. All I do know is jersey sales and a buzz doesn't last long when you don't win.

 

So we'll leave it up to the GM/coaches. All we've got are opinions I guess.

 

Lions have the 1st pick. Doesn't mean Stafford isn't the guy

[patweisers44 872]

Now the Lions are looking at Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler on divisional rival teams. Schwartz is right. They could really use a long term solution.

 

all the more reason to shore up their defense. Any QB would get killed on this team right now. I would shore the D and OL up and look for a QB next year either via trade, the draft or Free Agency.

[listen2me 23 1,964]

So we'll leave it up to the GM/coaches. All we've got are opinions I guess.

 

Lions have the 1st pick. Doesn't mean Stafford isn't the guy

 

I am just disputing the notion that jersey sales and a "buzz" is needed for the Lions, or a big factor for any team.

 

If they do their job in creating a winner, money will pour in for any franchise. Winning solves anything. A big name at a skilled position is a band-aid, but its not like any of these owners are hurting for money anyway.

[WhiteWonder 2,989]

It matters if the guy is good.

 

Too many times teams use your very reasons to get almost forced into taking "the QB". And teams get killed for years after.

 

If your scouting staff thinks so and so a QB will be a good QB in the league then take him, but don't take him just because a "buzz" or jersey sales.

 

If the guy is Kyle Boller.. Jersey sales and "buzz" will be an after thought 1 year in.

 

ofcourse he has to be good. I thought that went without saying.

All of my thoughts on this topic stem from the sentiment I have been hearing that if the Lions are maybe slightly unsure or scared to make a QB investment, or if they have Curry and Stafford similarly rated, they should take Curry and save 10 million dollars. To me, thinking like that means you deserve to be a shitty franchise.

 

And again thats where my comments about extra revenue come into play. It was to show that if a team is concerned with saving 10 million on draft day, then they really should be looking at the extra revenue a face of the franchise at QB could bring to the table. If not, they need to hire some new execs.

 

Lastly let me say that Im not demanding they take a QB. Do I personally believe Stafford is the proper pick? yeah but the reality is if their evaluators do not have him on the top of their board, then they shouldn't draft him.

 

I just don't want to hear anyone claim they should base their final decision on money. An 0-16 team shouldn't be doing that.

 

You can't take a player because of the fear of failure. You take a player that makes the most sense for your team. Building a defense and OL makes a hell of lot more sense for the Lions then taking a QB first. That QB will get murdered and ruined with the lack of infrastructure on this team. Look at the young QBs that are playing well right now. Flacco,Roethlisburger,Rivers, E.Manning, Matt Ryan just to name a few. What they all had in common entering the NFL was a team rich in OL and defense to allow them to grow. They weren't asked to be "the guy" as Stafford would have to be.

 

The Lions have been making glamour skilled postion picks for far too long and it's gotten them nowhere. Build from within and add the completion parts later.

 

the sentence I bolded is exactly what they would be doing if they make their decision based on $$$. If they have Curry and Stafford ranked similarly and choose Curry because he costs less and is in turn less of a financial risk, then they deserve to be the Lions and are picking scared.

[yostevo 0]

And this is all your opinion.

 

Schwartz has admitted the QB position is important and he doesn't want a quick fix, he wants a long term decision, not a quick fix. Cutler's not going to be that long term decision now but he did move into the division. Now the Lions are looking at Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler on divisional rival teams. Schwartz is right. They could really use a long term solution.

 

The Lions have crap at almost every position and picking an ILB or OT over a QB 1st overall in this draft is not going to turn them into a winner overnight.

I believe you are missing my point. The Lions are not going to be a Miami Dolphins overnight sensation under any circumstances IMO whether you take a QB,LB or OT. I'm not saying they don't need a QB. They absolutely need one but they need one when it makes the most sense to do so. Now is not the time.

 

How do you figure that Baltimore and Atlanta were teams rich in OL? Do you make things up as you go along?

Okay, so to say they were "rich" is stretching it but what those particular teams did have was the capability of running the ball with those lines which made a young QB's job a whole lot easier. Atlanta was #2 in the league and Baltimore #4. Atlanta also gave up the 5th fewest amount of sacks (17) and Baltimore was the middle of the pack. Not quite as bad as you'd suggest.

 

The Lions meanwhile were 30th in the league running the ball with a paltry 3.8 yards per carry and gave up 52 sacks which put them at #31. Catching my drift yet?

[WhiteWonder 2,989]

They absolutely need one but they need one when it makes the most sense to do so. Now is not the time.

 

They own 3 of the first 33 selections in a draft that is very very deep in offensive line talent... Why isn't now the time?

 

I mean they could very easily draft Stafford and then protect him with Michael Oher and Alex Mack.

[Jarvis Basnight 119]

I believe you are missing my point. The Lions are not going to be a Miami Dolphins overnight sensation under any circumstances IMO whether you take a QB,LB or OT. I'm not saying they don't need a QB. They absolutely need one but they need one when it makes the most sense to do so. Now is not the time.

Okay, so to say they were "rich" is stretching it but what those particular teams did have was the capability of running the ball with those lines which made a young QB's job a whole lot easier. Atlanta was #2 in the league and Baltimore #4. Atlanta also gave up the 5th fewest amount of sacks (17) and Baltimore was the middle of the pack. Not quite as bad as you'd suggest.

 

The Lions meanwhile were 30th in the league running the ball with a paltry 3.8 yards per carry and gave up 52 sacks which put them at 2nd worst.

 

For Atlanta, predraft 2008, the talk was that their line was in shambles and if they took Matt Ryan 3rd overall, they'd just be buying him for the future or he was going to get killed. From everything I read, they had nothing at OT and most thought OT should be addressed right away with the 3rd overall pick. Ryan Clady, Jeff Otah, and Branden Albert were all mentioned assuming Atlanta couldn't get Jake Long. Well, they did take Matt Ryan 3rd overall and they did start him, and it worked very well.

 

Sure the Lions need help on the OL and defense, but they have 4 picks in the first 65 of this year's draft. Plus they added Julian Peterson so the defense could make strides.

 

The Lions have a superstar WR, a very promising young RB, and a decent (undersized) LB in Sims. Otherwise, I'm not sure what they have.