Draft Prospects

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 01:40 PM

Here is my current round 1. This is kind of where I see things shaking down at the moment.

This obviously is a reflection of current records. I try to base picks off of logic dictated by BPA and need. I don’t anticipate trades, because you cannot predict them. I’ve been watching a fair amount of college ball this year and this is kind of how I could potentially see the 1st round in April shaping up.

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford (6’4” 235lbs). A lot of folks think this pick will ultimately depend on the status of Peyton Manning come March time frame, but even if he’s healthy I don’t see the Colts passing up on the opportunity to take Andrew Luck. Having him sit behind one of the best QB’s to play the game would be a good learning experience for him. Reminds me of Ben Roethlisberger.

2. Miami Dolphins – Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma (6’4” 220lbs). Chad Henne was showing some good things, but there is almost no way that Tony Sparano makes it out of this season alive. A new head coach means a new staff and that almost always means roster turnover. Jones doesn’t have a big arm on him and is coming out of a shot-gun spread system, but he’s accurate and fairly mobile, which are two things that Henne is not. Reminds me of Matt Ryan.

3. St. Louis Rams – Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama (6’3” 195lbs). I’ve seen Justin Blackmon’s name linked with the Rams and while that is certainly a possibility, the fact remains that the Rams’ secondary is garbage and the only way they’re going to win some games is if they can stop teams from torching them each week. Kirkpatrick is a long corner with incredible leaping ability and he tackles well. Reminds me of Ike Taylor.

4. Seattle Seahawks – Matt Barkley, QB, USC (6’2” 230lbs). Pete Carroll has to like the fact that he can go get the guy he recruited. USC as a team hasn’t been too impressive, but Barkley has quietly been having a solid season. He’s got a great arm with above average strength and he’s not an easy QB to bring down at 230lbs. The Seahawks need a QB if they plan on contending in the NFC West anytime in the future. Reminds me of Matt Stafford.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State (6’1” 205lbs). Blackmon is a serious play maker. He’s got the vertical speed, leaping ability, and excellent hands that all #1 receivers have. Mike Thomas is a great route runner, but they need a homerun threat that is more consistent than Jason Hill and more durable than Mike Sims-Walker. Reminds me of Jeremy Maclin.

6. Cleveland Browns – Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (6’3” 220lbs). With the success of guys like Cam Newton and Christian Ponder, who were more run-first QB’s in college, I think Cleveland could really get behind a guy like Griffin. The difference is Griffin is a much more polished passer than either Newton or Ponder were coming out of college last year. Prior to this season many had Griffin listed as a potential mid-2nd rounder, but he’s just been absolutely dominating teams this season. Reminds me of Aaron Rodgers.

7. Arizona Cardinals – Matt Kalil, LT, USC (6’6” 300lbs). The Cardinals have ignored their OL for far too long. Levi Brown would be better suited as a guard and honestly has no business really even starting in this league. He’s just not that good. The Cards paid a ton of money to Kevin Kolb, so they better give him protection. Kalil is a heck of a pass blocker with long arms and solid footwork. Reminds me of Anthony Costanzo.

8. Washington Redskins – Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame (6’3” 219lbs). With the top QB’s off the board I think that the Redskins will be looking to bolster their receiving unit. Outside of Santana Moss they really don’t have anyone that has shown any type of consistency. Couple that with the fact that Santana Moss is 32/33 years old and who knows when he’ll start to slow down. The Skins need a QB, but I think they’ll be hoping to do what Cinci did and take one of the top receivers and pick up a QB in the 2nd round like Nick Foles. Reminds me of Dwayne Bowe.

9. Denver Broncos – Alfonzo Denard, CB, Nebraska (5’11” 190lbs). Champ Bailey is still going strong, but he can’t hang on forever and the rest of the Broncos’ secondary is pretty suspect. With the Raiders, Chargers, and Chiefs all having solid passing offenses they’re going to have to try and find ways to shut down those passing attacks if they want to contend. Reminds me of Marcus Trufant.

10. Tennessee Titans – Quenton Coples, DE, UNC (6’6” 290lbs). A lot of folks compare Coples to Julius Peppers. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but what I do know is that Coples is a heck of a prospect. If this draft wasn’t so QB heavy in the top I think Coples would go in the top 8 easily. A team like Cleveland may even trade up into the top 10 to ensure that they get him. He has a rare blend of quickness for a guy that big. He uses his hands extremely well and isn’t just a bull-rushing DE. The Titans need someone who can replace what they lost in Jason Babin and Kyle Vanden Bosch. Reminds me of Darnell Docket.

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 01:41 PM

Picks 11-20:

11. Carolina Panthers – Alshon Jeffrey, WR, S. Carolina (6’4” 230lbs). Jeffrey is an enormous target and with Steve Smith getting older they’re going to want to make sure that they can keep their vertical attack going. Jeffrey may not have elite speed, but he uses his body well to shield away defenders and being 6’4” he can out-jump most corners and safeties. Giving Cam Newton more weapons will be their biggest priority now that he’s shown that he can run and pass the ball extremely well. Reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald.

12. Minnesota Vikings – Reilly Reiff, LT, Iowa (6’6” 305lbs). If Alshon Jeffrey drops here I think he’ll be the pick, but regardless the Vikings’ OL has been pretty mediocre for a while. Christian Ponder looks promising and in order to keep him healthy they’re going to have to give him as much protection as possible. Reiff is a typical Iowa lineman. He’s got a mean streak to him, run blocks extremely well, and is a good pass blocker. Reminds me of Jordan Gross.

13. Kansas City Chiefs - Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State (6’3” 250lbs). KC really needs to bolster their LB unit. Derrick Johnson is enjoying a great season, but they don’t really have a leader on defense right now and it’s affecting the continuity on and off the field. Burfict is one of the more complete LB’s to come out in a few years. Probably since Patrick Willis. He is a guy who could thrive in a zone-based defense and he is incredibly athletic. He’d easily be the best LB on KC’s roster. Reminds me of Rolando McClain.

14. Philadelphia Eagles - Luke Kuechly, Boston College (6’3” 240lbs). Philadelphia really needs to bolster their LB unit. They don’t really have a solid line backer on defense right now and it’s affecting the continuity on and off the field. Kuechly is one of the more complete LB’s to come out this draft and is excellent in coverage and run support, which is important because the Eagles can’t stop the run and are constantly working on offense with a short clock. He is a guy who could thrive in a zone-based defense and he is incredibly athletic. He’d easily be the best LB Philly has. Reminds me of Sean Lee.

15. Dallas Cowboys – Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU (6’ 185lbs). The Cowboys have had a pretty mediocre secondary for a few years now. Rob Ryan can camouflage it only so much, but when the Cowboys’ pass rush is nullified their secondary is really exposed. Claiborne gives them some much needed talent and will also provide competition for Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick, which is always good for getting the most out of players. Reminds me of Chris Gamble.

16. Cleveland Browns – David DeCastro, G, Stanford (6’5” 315lbs). DeCastro is a nasty run blocker with quick feet and a ton of upside. The Browns absolutely need to get better on their OL if they ever want to compete in the AFC North. Colt McCoy gets pressured far too much and every time a running back touches the ball he’s stuffed at the LOS. In this draft I have the Browns taking a QB early on, so they really need to do the right thing and provide better protection for their signal caller. Reminds me of Steve Hutchinson.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jonathan Martin, LT, Stanford (6’6” 310lbs). Martin is one of the BPA’s at this point and the Bucs could definitely use some better play from the OT’s. I think Donald Penn is an “ok” left tackle, so I could see them moving Martin over to RT for starters, which isn’t a bad thing. You need to competent OT’s in this league now with the passing game being the way it is. Jeremy Trueblood is an ok run blocker, but he leaves a lot to be desired in the pass blocking department. I think Tampa is going to do what they have to do in order to live and die by Josh Freeman, so giving him extra protection up front is only going to help. Reminds me of Jason Smith.

18. San Diego Chargers – Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama (6’2” 260lbs). The Chargers have pretty much given up on Larry English and they really need another OLB who can not only rush the passer, but play the run and drop into coverage as well. Courtney Upshaw is the top 3-4 OLB in this draft and can start for any team in the NFL from day 1. The Chargers’ D has been pretty bad this year and it all starts up front. Reminds me of Koa Misi.

19. Cincinnati Bengals – Stephon Gilmore, CB, S. Carolina (6’1” 190lbs). Losing Jon Joseph was a huge deal for the Bengals and their secondary has been doing pretty well, but that’s largely due to their stout front 7. Gilmore isn’t as physical as Leon Hall is, but he’s got the athleticism and speed to be a solid cover corner in Mike Zimmer’s offense. Along with his coverage abilities, Gilmore is a pretty good option for a return specialist if the situation arises. Reminds me of Tramon Williams.

20. New York Jets – Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin (6’3” 220lbs). Sanchez obviously like throwing to bigger bodied receivers. Plaxico Burress is having a pretty decent year, but he’s only on a 1-year deal and he may become too rich for the Jets’ tastes after putting up a decent season. Plus, he’ll be in his mid 30’s. Toon is averaging almost 18 yards per catch and while he’s not a speedster he has strong hands and runs good routes. A lot of folks may call this a reach, but one of the Jets’ biggest weaknesses has been their inability to go down field with the ball. Reminds me of Marques Colston.

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 01:44 PM

Picks 21-32:
**Second Round coming later**

21. Chicago Bears – Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin (6’5” 315lbs). Chicago’s OL has been terrible for the past couple of years and they’re still a productive team. If they ever want to reach that next plateau they have to do two things: 1. Protect Jay Cutler and 2. Open up consistent lanes for Matt Forte. It’s incredible when you watch Forte make 2 or 3 people miss at the LOS before he finally can get free and into some open ground. Imagine what he could do with better OL play? Konz is a superior run blocking interior OL’man and the center position has been in serious upheaval since letting Olin Kreutz go. Reminds me of Nick Mangold.

22. Cincinnati Bengals – Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (5’11” 220lbs). Bernard Scott is a decent 3rd down back and Brian Leonard is a good depth guy, but Cinci really needs to find that #1 running back that can keep the defenses honest. Cedric Benson can’t stay out of trouble off the field and on the field he’s slow and indecisive. Trent Richardson has excellent vision and a blend of power and quickness that is rare for a guy nearly 225lbs. He’s also got good hands, which plays into the strengths of Andy Dalton. Reminds me of Marshawn Lynch.

23. Houston Texans – Alameda Ta’Amu, Washington (6’3” 335lbs). Wade Phillips has done a tremendous job with re-vamping the Texan’s D, but one thing he is missing is that anchor right in the middle of the front 7 that can command double teams and open up lanes for Brian Cushing and DeMecco Ryans. Ta’Amu is a force against the run and surprisingly, for how big he is there is some ability for him to pressure the QB as well. Reminds me of Red Bryant.

24. Buffalo Bills – Jared Crick, DE, Nebraska (6’6” 290lbs). The Bills have done a great job re-modeling their defensive front 7 and it has paid dividends for their secondary. I think they continue the trend and go with one of the top rated 3-4 personnel in this draft. Reminds me of JJ Watt.

25. Detroit Lions – Mike Adams, LT, Ohio State (6’8” 330lbs). Jeff Backus has done a decent job this year, but for the future of the franchise it is best for them to get a guy that can take care of Matt Stafford’s blind side for the next 10 years. Adams is an enormous guy with long arms and legs. He’s an excellent run blocker and he has the athleticism to develop into a fantastic pass protector. He’d be leaps and bounds better than Jeff Backus at this point. Plus, this would allow them to move Backus over to the right side, which is better suited for his skills. Reminds me of Trent Williams.

26. New England Patriots – Neiko Thorpe, FS, Auburn (6’2” 210lbs). The Patriots’ secondary is in shambles. The only guy who can hold his own right now is McCourty and he can’t do it all by himself. The problem is without Merriweather the Patriots really have no back end speed and even with Merriweather they didn’t have the deep coverage they really need to compete in the AFC. Brady is in his mid-30’s, so if they expect to try and compete for another Super Bowl or two, they’re going to have to try and figure out their secondary. Thorpe is a converted corner who has been playing pretty good ball this season for Auburn. He’s overshadowed by a lot of other guys in the SEC right now, but he’s long and rangy and would give the Pats’ defense a significant upgrade at the FS position. Reminds me of Kerry Rhodes.

27. San Francisco 49er’s – AJ Jenkins, WR, Illinois (6’1” 200lbs). Jim Harbaugh has Alex Smith headed in the right direction, but their two deep threat receivers have extremely iffy hands and Ginn is very passive and has a hard time getting off of press coverage. While the Niners are predominately a running team, they’re going to have to let Alex Smith really start throwing the ball down field if they want to contend against the Packers. Jenkins has good size, solid speed, and runs great routes. Reminds me of Santonio Holmes.

28. New England Patriots – Dwight Jones, WR, UNC (6’4” 215lbs). Tom Brady needs a bigger target at the WR position, but more importantly he needs a receiver who can actually make plays down field and give Welker the opportunity to work from the slot, which is where he is a much better fit. Jones has good speed for his size, but his leaping ability and hands are what make him a viable deep threat. Reminds me of Sidney Rice.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers – Dont’a Hightower, ILB, Alabama (6’4” 260lbs). The Steelers have been ignoring their LB unit for a few years now. I think they’re going to be looking for secondary or 3-4 front 7 personnel and at this juncture no one is a better fit for the 3-4 ILB spot than Hightower. Larry Foote is slow and can’t be counted on in coverage. Lawrence Timmons gets far too much attention from opposing OL’men, and James Farrior has been a fraction of his former self. The Steelers need to get younger on D and Hightower is a good place to start as he provides excellent run support, is quick enough to cover the middle of the field, and provides a valuable option for interior pass rushing. Reminds me of Karlos Dansby.

30. New York Giants – Manti T’eo, LB, Notre Dame (6’2” 250lbs). I think the Giants are getting tired of playing “guess this week’s LB unit”. They’ve got some decent players (Goff, Boley, etc), but they just can’t stay healthy. The Giants’ offense finally looks like they’re starting to figure things out and their defensive line is fantastic, but when you’re asking Kiwanuka to play OLB in a 4-3, you’ve got depth problems. T’eo can play will, sam, or mike in a 4-3 and while he’s not super agile he has great reaction and instincts which allow him to be solid in coverage. The best thing T’eo brings to the table is his fundamental tackling. He’s a tackling machine and that’s something the Giants haven’t had since Antonio Pierce was their MLB. Reminds me of Jerrod Mayo.

31. Baltimore Ravens – Mike Brewster, C, Ohio State (6’5” 295lbs). I think the Ravens would like to see someone like Hightower drop. They may even move up for him or Courtney Upshaw. However, in this draft I think they stay put and draft not only one of the top OL’men available, but Brewster at this point is easily one of the BPA’s. He’s highly intelligent, solid run blocker, and a very good pass protector. He’s also capable of making line calls and adjustments, which is important in a zone blocking scheme. He’s a bit on the smaller side, but his footwork and athleticism make up for him not being 300+. Reminds me of Ryan Kalil.

32. Green Bay Packers – Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall (6’5” 255lbs). Casey Matthews has gotten the attention of 31 other teams. Most of them that face the Packers have gone into the meeting with their main focus on stopping Clay Matthews. The problem is that the Packers don’t really have anyone on the other side of Matthews to take some of the heat away. Frank Zombo is ok, but has been hurt, and Erik Walden is mediocre at best. Vinny Curry is going to have to adjust to being an OLB in a 3-4, but he shouldn’t have too much of an issue with the way he can move on the field. Reminds me of Kameiron Wimbley.

**JAB1985** · 11-17-2011, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by wickedsolo

Well, I think that Ozzie has gotten a close up look at what this OL is like with Grubbs out of the picture and it isn't pretty at all. Grubbs is a must stay. McKinnie can stick around for that option year on his current deal with the Ravens and relatively speaking, he's pretty inexpensive and he's done a decent job this year. Not great, but decent. Better than Oher on the left side. The only other option - to me - that makes sense here it so shuffle Oher to LG and start Jah Reid next year at RT. That's a worst-case-scenario in that they can't re-sign Grubbs.

I really think that the Ravens are going to be looking at LT prospects, C prospects, and pass rushers in next year's draft. At least early on in the draft.

Courtney Upshaw is a good pick prediction. He's comfortable in a 3-4 scheme as an OLB, has a great size/speed combo (6'2" 260lbs), and has a lot of pass rushing "moves". With the number of teams running a 3-4 right now and looking for that hybrid DE/OLB type of player, Upshaw is going to be a popular choice and highly sought after.

However, with the way Kruger has been playing and the fact that they kept McAdoo and still have Kindle on the books, I think they'll hold off on a pass rusher right away.

I really feel like the Ravens are going to be looking for that LT in this draft.

Keep your eyes on Barrett Jones from Alabama (6'5" 315lbs) and Mike Adams from Ohio State (6'8" 320lbs).

I agree, perfect world Grubbs is back here. I think Center although a very tough position is rarely worthy of an early pick, but could be warranted here. most of the best centers are late and undrafted guys currently. seems to be a lot of value later in the draft for those guys, but i agree well need one if we dont resign gurode to take over for birk.

as far as pass rushers, you can never have enough i guess but with McAdoo and Kindle already here, JJ i have to assume gets re-signed (i believe hes up) because he is one of our better LBs and our ability to lure UDFAs I just dont see a real "need" there more than any other year. ILB on the other hand is a glowing need even more so if Ray does retire and if the draft is exceptionally strong there, that means we can get great value (like WR last year or TE the year before where we double dipped each). I like Ellerbe over McClain personally but neither are really exceptional.

we like our large OL. so i think its possible we go LT, as its obviously a future need and were pretty strong depth wise across the board otherwise. really depends on money available i think if we plan on re-signing some guys or making it a point to address that during the draft. I trust Ozzie and company regardless to make the right choice. I wouldnt be surprised if we take a big time WR if one falls either. I think we would have taken Dez if he didnt have character issues but they dont fall to far to often.

**Gabe** · 11-17-2011, 02:59 PM

To Wicked Solo: You have great faith my friend. To have the ravens pick 31st means they lost the super bowl and after watching their 3 clunkers I am not sure that is now possible. Cinncy and SF look very formidable at this point. I hope you are right. By the way, I always enjoy your posts as they are always informative.

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by Knox Harrington

You think Jones will be around in round 2?

It's possible.

I can't see him sliding all the way down to the bottom of the 2nd round though.

I think if he drops into Rd 2 he'll be gone by pick 45 or so.

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by Gabe

To Wicked Solo: You have great faith my friend. To have the ravens pick 31st means they lost the super bowl and after watching their 3 clunkers I am not sure that is now possible. Cinncy and SF look very formidable at this point. I hope you are right. By the way, I always enjoy your posts as they are always informative.

Thank you.

Honestly, I still think that the Ravens can get to the Super Bowl in spite of themselves. The talent is there.

We'll see.

**]<ing** · 11-17-2011, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by JAB1985

Id have to disagree. I think youll see more trades in the top 10 with the picks not being so risky. Bad teams will still trade down for more picksand good teams will still trade up for that one player they think theyre missing. You probably wont see much of a change in quantity of trades overall but I bet people move around in the Top 10 a lot more than in years past.

Do we go OL or ILB seems to be the question. I can see getting one more year out of McKinnie and Oher, but if Grubbs goes i have to think 1st or 2nd will address that. I dont follow college at all but Im hearing theres a decent class of ILB as opposed to last year which had none. I think Ray might be retiring after this year, win or lose, so if that happens I can easily see an ILB with the first and OL with the second and maybe another WR with the 3rd if Evans is let go. I know that seems like drafting for needs which Oz doesnt do, but im just trying to value our needs. Im sure Oz will draft wherever he gets the best value/BPA.

Agreed.

High first-rounders are no longer a huge risk, which will allow for far more movement around the draft board.

**BcRaven** · 11-17-2011, 03:15 PM

Wicked : 20. New York Jets – Nick Toon, WR, Wisconsin (6’3” 220lbs). Sanchez obviously like throwing to bigger bodied receivers. Plaxico Burress is having a pretty decent year, but he’s only on a 1-year deal and he may become too rich for the Jets’ tastes after putting up a decent season. Plus, he’ll be in his mid 30’s. Toon is averaging almost 18 yards per catch and while he’s not a speedster he has strong hands and runs good routes. A lot of folks may call this a reach, but one of the Jets’ biggest weaknesses has been their inability to go down field with the ball. Reminds me of Marques Colston.

Is Nick Toon any relation to Al Toon (NY Jets WR from 1985 to 1992) ? ... Bc

**]<ing** · 11-17-2011, 04:27 PM

LT (depending on the McKinnie situation), C (depending on the Gurrode situation), or ILB that isn't a liability in coverage.

**wickedsolo** · 11-17-2011, 04:27 PM

I'm failing to see why mods moved this thread...Tony is the one who stickied it in the Ravens section in the first place. All of the discussion in this thread pertains to the Ravens.

I think the mods need to not have such knee-jerk reactions and actually read the content of the thread before determining that it is not worthy of the "Ravens" section.