Things As I See Them...

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Just a quick mock to keep track of a few things. Made some judgment calls on who will wind up where this season in the NFL and who's going to declare, but I don't really have the time to do an in depth explanation for everything, so if you have a question, feel free to ask. Discussion is how I work these things out...

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Freeman : Quarterback : Kansas State
2. St. Louis Rams: Andre Smith : Offensive Tackle : Alabama
3. Detroit Lions: Eugene Monroe : Offensive Tackle : Virginia
4. Cleveland Browns: Vontae Davis : Cornerback : Illinois
5. Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Oher : Offensive Tackle : Mississippi
6. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin : Wide Receiver : Missouri
7. Houston Texans: Knowshon Moreno : Tailback : Georgia
8. Atlanta Falcons: Malcolm Jenkins : Cornerback : Ohio State
9. New York Jets: Michael Crabtree : Wide Receiver : Texas Tech
10. Chicago Bears: Matthew Stafford : Quarterback : Georgia
11. Miami Dolphins: George Selvie : Edge Rusher : South Florida
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sen’Derrick Marks : Defensive Tackle : Auburn
13. Washington Redskins: Victor Harris : Cornerback : Virginia Tech
14. Jacksonville Jaguars: William Moore : Safety : Missouri
15. Baltimore Ravens: Jason Smith : Offensive Tackle : Baylor
16. San Francisco 49ers: Tyson Jackson : Defensive End : Louisiana State
17. San Diego Chargers: Greg Hardy : Edge Rusher : Mississippi
18. New Orleans Saints: Aaron Curry : Linebacker : Wake Forest
19. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Johnson : Defensive End : Georgia Tech
20. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina): Rey Maualuga : Linebacker : Southern California
21. Seattle Seahawks: Alex Mack : Center : California
22. New England Patriots: Brian Cushing : Linebacker : Southern California
23. Arizona Cardinals: Javon Ringer : Tailback : Michigan State
24. New York Giants: Brandon Pettigrew : Tight End : Oklahoma State
25. Buffalo Bills: James Laurinaitis : Linebacker : Ohio State
26. Tennessee Titans: Darius Heyward-Bey : Wide Receiver : Maryland
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jamon Meredith : Offensive Tackle : South Carolina
28. Denver Broncos: Fili Moala : Defensive Tackle : Southern California
29. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo : Defensive End : Texas
30. Dallas Cowboys: Percy Harvin : Wide Receiver : Florida
31. Philadelphia Eagles: Taylor Mays : Safety : Southern California
32. Indianapolis Colts: Greg Middelton : Defensive End : Indiana

[RaiderNation]

The top 2 LT are gone so WR is a good pick

[Vikes99ej]

Meh Vikings pick. Mack or Meredith would be better.

[CJSchneider]

16. San Francisco 49ers: Tyson Jackson : Defensive End : Louisiana State

Being from Louisiana, I'm as high as anyone on LSU players, but this just doesn't mesh with the 49ers needs. I see them grabing Heyward Bey or Harvin, using your boards.

18. New Orleans Saints: Aaron Curry : Linebacker : Wake Forest

I really like this guy. He fits a need and has a nose for the ball. I'm still worried about N.O.s lack of picks this year and just can't get over the feeling that they are going to trade down a few spots to pick up some picks, especially if they can still get this guy or a Cushing, Moala or Laurinitais, again using your boards.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

16. San Francisco 49ers: Tyson Jackson : Defensive End : Louisiana State

Being from Louisiana, I'm as high as anyone on LSU players, but this just doesn't mesh with the 49ers needs. I see them grabing Heyward Bey or Harvin, using your boards.

Well, this depends on how that coaching staff looks in a year. Assuming that the Niners can do well enough to keep Nolan and Martz on board, then that means the Martz offense and the 3-4 are there to stay. In that occasion, I do think that a guy who can move like Tyson at his size would be a huge lift at defensive end for San Francisco. As for Heyward-Bey, he's not even sort of a Martz wideout, while I don't know if Harvin's stock will warrant a top 20 pick.

[regoob2]

Good Bears pick.

[CJSchneider]

Well, this depends on how that coaching staff looks in a year. Assuming that the Niners can do well enough to keep Nolan and Martz on board, then that means the Martz offense and the 3-4 are there to stay.

Well JTO is doing well and if he keeps it up, we'll have some coaching stability, hopefully.

[princefielder28]

If you're gonna give GB a defensive end I would prefer Greg Middleton

Josh Freeman is quickly becoming one of the most overrated prospects on this board

[Cribbs>Hester]

I'd go with Michael Oher, Knowshon Moreno, George Selvie and Tyson Jackson all over Vonte Davis for the Browns pick.

[yo123]

DE isn't a first round need for the Vikings and Michael Johnson is going to fall big time if he continues to be completely invisible.

I would prefer Mack, Merideth, Heyward-Bey, Harvin, or Pettigrew.

[regoob2]

I'd go with Michael Oher, Knowshon Moreno, George Selvie and Tyson Jackson all over Vonte Davis for the Browns pick.
Imagine Joe Thomas and Michael Oher as your OTs. Sick! George Selvie is the only one I agree with though. RT top 5? Moreno top 5? Jackson top 15?

[regoob2]

Meh Vikings pick. Mack or Meredith would be better.
The Vikes would trade there left nut and next years 1st if Stafford fell out of the top 8.

[Cribbs>Hester]

Imagine Joe Thomas and Michael Oher as your OTs. Sick! George Selvie is the only one I agree with though. RT top 5? Moreno top 5? Jackson top 15?

Have you seen Kevin Shaffer this year? Plus he'll be 30 before next season. It's such a pathetic misconception that you shouldn't draft RT's in the Top 5. Obviously if they have elite LT talent the value is still there and then you would have two dominate bookends leaving you with the ability to send more guys into pass route instead of leaving a TE or back in to help out your RT. Plus teams with great pass rushers would never really be able to find a miss match. DeMarcus Ware can't beat Joe Thomas so Wade Phillips decides to align the defense so Ware is up against the RT...SO WHAT because Michael Oher can handle him too. Now the next week DeMarcus Ware has to play Buffalo(I know not possible) Same situation. He can't beat Jason Peters so they move him to the other side of the ball and holy crap Langston Walker is getting abused by him all game. Point is there is nothing wrong with having two dominate tackles. Infact it would only help the offense. I'd much rather have two stud offensive tackles than two stud wide recievers. It all starts in the trenches with the big uglies and you're team will only go as far as they can take you.

Selvie is a beast. Tyson Jackson is going to shoot up boards later in the scouting procees. Knowhson Moreno is a little iffy yes, but Sled Dog is showing signs of age and I think Moreno is going to be a good one(I like Scott even more though)

[GB12]

We do not need a defensive end. We have a top 3 DE in Kampman and Jenkins is more than fine.

[skiinginNJ]

for the giants id rather take taylor mays there to pair up kenny phillips



good work though

[princefielder28]

for the giants id rather take taylor mays there to pair up kenny phillips



good work though

What about DT? Like Fili Moala

[SuperKevin]

Can't really argue with the value of Laurinaitis in late round 1.

[619]

Yes, PMD you certainly understand what we need. Great pick. :D

[Geo]

I'll take anyone if the Colts are picking 32nd. :D

[scottyboy]

giants won't pick a TE round 1. Boss' talent has never been questioned by the Giants staff, it's his useage to mainly block. We don't use our TE's much in our passing game(hence Shockey being pissed, well one of the reasons...) We could use a young stud DT, another safety or OLB more

[T-RICH49]

Josh Freeman is quickly becoming one of the most overrated prospects on this board

THANK YOU!!having seen Freeman play he is all hype no substance

[Babylon]

I think Seattle could get Mack in round 2. I'd like to see them go for a WR.

Josh Freeman......even Jordy was never projected to go #1.

[indyfan1985]

I like the spot where the Colts are picking. However, I dont like the pick. DE is not our biggest need plus I have never even heard of this guy. Give us the best DT or OL available.

[KCJ58]

i love you paranoidmoonduck but Josh Freeman #1 pick? and what's you reasoning for Michael Oher being the #3 OT on your draft board?

[619]

I'll take anyone if the Colts are picking 32nd. :D

Not a horrible pick nonetheless, imo.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Alright, here's my stance on the QB thing.

The seniors have mostly been worthless. Curtis Painter and Cullen Harper, two guys who had the talent to perhaps attain a top 10 birth have been fairly underwhelming, as has been the potential dark horse of Tom Brandstater. Chase Daniels has been excellent, and I'm actually a very big fan of his chances in the NFL (or, at least, more so than most people I talk to), but I'm realistic in where I think he'll get taken. The low first round in his absolute ceiling, and even that looks pretty generous.

So that's leaves the search for a top quarterback fully on the juniors. There are a number of them I like, but I see four guys who could potentially go top 10 come next April. First you have Matthew Stafford, who hasn't really been all that impressive. It's true that Georgia isn't asking much of him right now, but he looks iffy going through his progressions and for all the talk of his arm strength the ball he throws is really inconsistent. Then you have Tim Tebow. Super intriguing ability, but from the moment you see him drop back and fling one, you can pick out like 5 things that need to be changed immediately. His motion is slow, the ball comes out sloppy, his footwork is iffy, his reads tend to be simplistic and focused mostly on the defensive line, etc. He's a major project, but one that could yield great results. There's also Mark Sanchez, who might just be the most impressive guy in terms of pro potential so far this season. Great deep passer, carries himself well on the field, and he's working with the USC wideouts like Booty was unable to last year. A lot to like. Finally, there's Freeman. Best arm of the four. Best thrower on the run of the four. Smartest runner of the four. Works the pocket better than both Tebow and Stafford (I'm withholding judgement on Sanchez here until I can see more of him). Has put up better numbers to date than all of the other passers so far this season.

The real question is which guys leave school early. Sanchez seems improbable, because he'll have the starting job locked up at USC for 2009 with a more developed football team and it would be strange to see him go just as he's getting started there. Tebow seems pretty improbable too. All the factors lead me to guess that's he's a four year player for Florida. Stafford is hard to get a handle on. He's not where he should be to get the hype he's getting and his physical tools aren't so overwhelming to carry him to the finish line alone. With a young wideout emerging in AJ Green and a seemingly great offense even if Moreno takes off early, does he find it worth it to leave? Right now I'll say yes, but it wouldn't shock me to see him go back. That leaves Freeman, who would appear to have the most momentum right now and the least reasons to stick around for another year. Wouldn't shock me in the least to see him come out.

Now, of course, the real test of Freeman comes when he starts facing top competition. There's a stretch in Kansas State's schedule which is going to be really tough, and it should sufficiently answer our Freeman question. If he even so much as shows a glimmer of playmaking and doesn't crumble under the pressure, what's putting him below Stafford? He has superior tools, size, throwing motion and nothing statistically so far would indicate that he's not deserving.

Would it be a reach? Sure. Is there a massive gap where a top notch quarterback should be? You bet. And the three worst teams in the NFL right now (Kansas City, St. Louis, and Detroit) all need a quarterback. Freeman is as legitimate an option to step into that void as anyone else I can think of.

Now that that's out of the way...

We don't use our TE's much in our passing game...

I'm not really sure how much that stands true. Between 2004 and 2007 Shockey alone caught 249 balls for 2,799 yards and 23 touchdowns and he didn't even play a full 16 games in any of those years. Nothing indicates to me that the Giants wouldn't like to have a nice receiving option at tight end, even if Boss is a capable blocker.

I think Seattle could get Mack in round 2.

I can guarantee you this will not happen. Mack will test as well as any center in recent history and might even get talk as an offensive tackle. I'm even tempted to slip him into the top 20.


I like the spot where the Colts are picking. However, I dont like the pick. DE is not our biggest need plus I have never even heard of this guy. Give us the best DT or OL available.

I'm actually thinking of Greg Middleton as an undertackle for Indianapolis. Considering the things that Polian said about Chris Long prior to last year's draft and Middleton's game, I think it could be a very nice pick.

...and what's you reasoning for Michael Oher being the #3 OT on your draft board?

I like Monroe and Smith more. Not to say that Oher isn't a good player (I mean, I still had him going top 5), but I'm now firmly in the "Andre Smith can play left tackle in the NFL" camp and I see no reason he wouldn't be the top guy. On top of that, I've always liked Monroe a little more than Oher, and his performance against USC in week one only solidified this. The pack is going to be so closely knit that it will come down to personal preference. You saw what mine was, but different NFL teams would surely differ.

We do not need a defensive end. We have a top 3 DE in Kampman and Jenkins is more than fine.

It seems to me that the Packers could certainly do with a pass rushing specialist with ability like Orakpo. Obviously, the Packers aren't hurting for a base end, but a guy who is as fast and strong as Orakpo could make for some interesting substitution options. I mostly slid him in there because I thought it was a great value pick, but I was tempted to go for a cornerback.

Thanks for the comments guys, keep them coming...

[thebow305]

Very Nice Phins pick, especially where we are picking. It's hard to imagine us passing on such big talents as Michael Johnson and Rey Maualuga at that point in the draft, but I certainly can't argue with Selvie, especially if you have him rated higher than Johnson I guess.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Very Nice Phins pick, especially where we are picking. It's hard to imagine us passing on such big talents as Michael Johnson and Rey Maualuga at that point in the draft, but I certainly can't argue with Selvie, especially if you have him rated higher than Johnson I guess.

There's no doubt in my mind that Selvie should be rated higher right now. Johnson might be more physically imposing, but I've honestly never watched Selvie play not come away impressed (and with Johnson it's the opposite). Plus, Selvie looks so much like what Parcells would look for at for that edge rushing position. If Miami picks higher, it probably gets dicey, because Selvie's size and overall athletcism is going to place a cap on how high he can go, but at that point I think the pick is the best one I could make.

[GB12]

It seems to me that the Packers could certainly do with a pass rushing specialist with ability like Orakpo. Obviously, the Packers aren't hurting for a base end, but a guy who is as fast and strong as Orakpo could make for some interesting substitution options. I mostly slid him in there because I thought it was a great value pick, but I was tempted to go for a cornerback.

Thanks for the comments guys, keep them coming...
Yeah that makes sense. I actually thought about that right after I posted. I don't think that's something we do in the first round though.

[derza222]

Crabtree to the Jets is fantastic. Allows Cotchery to be at his best as a dangerous and solid overall #2 wideout, gives a long term replacement for Coles, adds much needed size at the position, and has YAC ability we seem to love in the position.

Also really like Oher to the Bengals, with the way their offensive line has been playing they could use all the help they can get. They need to protect Palmer.

Question with Houston, obviously Slaton isn't proven or anything yet but they seem to like him there and he has shown some talent, what do you feel Moreno brings to the table that he really doesn't? Moreno runs with more power, but isn't a huge back so it's kind of unclear how that would translate. I'd figure if they're looking for a feature back they'd want a bigger guy than Moreno that fits the system, but perhaps I'm overlooking something since that's a really popular pick.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Question with Houston, obviously Slaton isn't proven or anything yet but they seem to like him there and he has shown some talent, what do you feel Moreno brings to the table that he really doesn't? Moreno runs with more power, but isn't a huge back so it's kind of unclear how that would translate. I'd figure if they're looking for a feature back they'd want a bigger guy than Moreno that fits the system, but perhaps I'm overlooking something since that's a really popular pick.

Well, one could argue that power isn't necessarily a premium skill in Kubiak's offense. I think Moreno has more lateral mobility than Slaton and would do a generally better job of making adjustments prior to hitting the line and cutting back (a real necessity for that ZBS). If Slaton continues to play good football, then it wouldn't shock me at all to see Houston go another way, but right now I'm not sure which way that is. I was expecting the Texans to be a really good team this year, so it will take a while to figure out which parts of the team are really deficient or just underperforming right now.

[Geo]

I'm actually thinking of Greg Middleton as an undertackle for Indianapolis. Considering the things that Polian said about Chris Long prior to last year's draft and Middleton's game, I think it could be a very nice pick.
Very true, nice creative thinking and attention to detail, PMD. Even if Middleton isn't moved inside full-time, he might be as effective if not moreso replacing Raheem Brock as a more balanced LDE (to help spell Mathis) who can slide inside in pass rushing situations.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Very true, nice creative thinking and attention to detail, PMD. Even if Middleton isn't moved inside full-time, he might be as effective if not moreso replacing Raheem Brock as a more balanced LDE (to help spell Mathis) who can slide inside in pass rushing situations.

Of course, Middleton needs to keep back in gear this year, because a guy like him can't rest on the success of his junior year. But I think he's the kind of defensive lineman that the Colts could use very effectively.

[Geo]

Seeing Sen'Derrick Marks go so early makes me a bit sad, I've become quite enamored recently with the idea of him being drafted by the Colts. Certainly he could fit well with similar Tampa, adding to their defensive line.

[essential]

25. Buffalo Bills: James Laurinaitis : Linebacker : Ohio State

This is the second time i've seen someone giving us Laurinaitis. Now, don't get me wrong, i'm not in any way saying he isn't a good player but where would we put him? He is a pure MLB and I promise you that the Bills will never move Posluszny, they love him. Yes we need a OLB, but I don't think Laurinaitis can fill that role.

I'm hoping Alex Mack falls to wherever the Bills pick in the first. I don't want a first round TE, so if Alex Mack isn't there, I see them going with an OLB, or hopefully offensive or defensive line depth. We actually don't have that many glaring needs.

[Paranoidmoonduck]

This is the second time i've seen someone giving us Laurinaitis. Now, don't get me wrong, i'm not in any way saying he isn't a good player but where would we put him? He is a pure MLB and I promise you that the Bills will never move Posluszny, they love him. Yes we need a OLB, but I don't think Laurinaitis can fill that role.

I'm a bit curious now. Why not? Lauriniaitis seems pretty well geared to any linebacker spot available in a Cover 2 defense.

Seeing Sen'Derrick Marks go so early makes me a bit sad, I've become quite enamored recently with the idea of him being drafted by the Colts. Certainly he could fit well with similar Tampa, adding to their defensive line.

There's always a need for good defensive tackles, and I'm definitely not one of those people on the Moala boat. Marks has played well enough the last couple games to suggest that if he sustains it he could even get consideration in the top 10.

[Dam8610]

32. Indianapolis Colts: Greg Middelton : Defensive End : Indiana

You, sir, have made quite possibly the most intriguing pick possible for the Colts, but you listed him at the wrong position. I honestly think that if the Colts were to pick Greg Middleton, they would make him a 3-tech. Polian said last year that he thought Chris Long was the ideal 3-tech for this defense, which means that someone of Middleton's size and ability to rush the QB would definitely be considered for the position. This would certainly be interesting if it came to fruition.

EDIT: I see we think alike on this, still, I thought it very interesting.

[Young Legend]

like the Maclin pick

[eaglesalltheway]

Not an ideal draf tthere. I'm not a big fan of Mays, I used to be indifferent, but he has shown nothing for me, but since you have him at the very end of the first, that is OK safety is a need and if he has the speed that is rumored, he will be a possible FS, still don't like the pick though. Maualuga is a horrible pick for the Eagles. I'm not rying to insult you, but it is very bad. Our LBs are set for the future, at least 5 years. Omar Gaither, Stewart Bradley and Chris Gocong, those are our LBs and we have good depth. We are very young at our LBs and I like that, as does the Eagles organization. Rey would have no place on this roster. TE Brandon Pettigrew would be a much better pick, or OT Jamon Meredith.

Remember the bolded name, future star, and beginning to show it.

[rockio42]

I can respect having Andre Smith as the top OT, but I personally like Monroe and Oher better for the Rams

[BeerBaron]

wow, Bears picking at 10 and still getting a QB with great tools to be a franchise QB....not bad.

I'm not complaining, lol.

[scottyboy]

paranoid, yes, Shockey was used, ALOT and had big numbers. but over the past 2 years his workload recieving was decreased fairly significantly and he was upset about it. This year we worked Boss non stop trying to mold him into a blocker. He is by nature a recieving TE and we worked like crazy to make him more of a blocker. Eli just loves his WR's too much, I guess. We also don't call many TE plays, which blows.

that being said, a pass catching TE would be welcome, a nice weapon, but I don't think 1st round worthy. A OLB, safety, DT and perhaps OL depth/youth could be used more. It's an intruiging pick, I just doubt the Giants would go there unless he is the absolute BPA

[Geo]

There's always a need for good defensive tackles, and I'm definitely not one of those people on the Moala boat. Marks has played well enough the last couple games to suggest that if he sustains it he could even get consideration in the top 10.
Agreed on all three counts, good call.

[summond822]

21. Seattle Seahawks: Alex Mack : Center : California

Um...interesting pick...especially since I believe many people still have Mack as a second round value. I'd much rather take Heyward-Bey or Beanie Wells if he falls that far. Another scenario is that Hill leaves, leaving us with a gap at LB, so we could potentially be looking there so Laurinitis (or Curry if he's there) could make sense.

Freeman #1...that's a Raider's type pick...and you don't even have him going to the Raiders...Stafford is a much more complete project and I find it hard to see anyone in this class unseating him from the top spot unless someone like Bradford or Sanchez come out after absolutely brilliant years.

[bored of education]

:eek: :eek:

[Paranoidmoonduck]

Freeman #1...that's a Raider's type pick...

I'm not even sure what that means.

[P-L]

I like Eugene Monroe, a lot actually. Him and Stafford are 1a and 1b on my wish list.

[PossumBoy9]

If the Rams are going OT, Andre Smith is the one I want.

With Stafford available at #2, that might be the direction they'd go.

[skiinginNJ]

What about DT? Like Fili Moala

you can never go wrong with the trenches, so yea, that would be good too

[Matthew Jones]

Good Patriots pick - I would like Laurinaitis as well.

[Matt Millen]

I just drafted Gosder Cherilus. Why don't you give us Jeremy Maclin? He's who I think could really put us over the top.

[DeathbyStat]

I just drafted Gosder Cherilus. Why don't you give us Jeremy Maclin? He's who I think could really put us over the top.

Great post I hope you find creative way's to fulfill this gimmick

[giantsfan]

We had Shockey who's one of the best TEs in the league so of course he got heavy play in the receiving game, that said Killdrive doesn't use the TEs for more than decoy routes and blocking, and he's such a stubborn POS that he won't adjust his gameplan even if we were to give him a great weapon at TE. Unless it's absolutely BPA we'd go DT, OLB, SS, OL or even DE before adding a TE in the first.