Ongoing NFL draft chat

[wdleehi]

Who had the best draft?



Who had the worst draft?

[Roy H.]

Who had the best draft?



Who had the worst draft?

For best, I'd say the Lions did really well.  I also liked what the Colts did, and I was impressed by Chicago's first two picks.  (I'm not even going to pretend to analyze any of the deep selections.)  I think the Saints improved themselves, as well.

Worst?  Let's go with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Panthers.  I think Cam Newton is going to be a bust, and I think the Vikings and Seahawks made two big reaches in the first round.  I also wasn't super-impressed with the Patriots compared to what they could have had, but at least they added a 1st and a 2nd next year.

[Jon]

Two minor points about the Patriots' draft.

1) I think part of the reason that Bill B. opted for two first rounders next year vs. this year is because of the likely reduced rookie compensation under a new CBA.  You never know what'll happen this year, but almost definitely next year rookies will make less than years before. 

2) Let's not pretend that the only way to add players is through the draft.  Sure, the Pats didn't address the pass rush or a deep threat in the draft, but that doesn't mean they won't do so via free agency or a trade later.  The good news is that after the draft those two issues are just about the only issues they're going to have to worry about. 

[Eja117]

Who had the best draft?



Who had the worst draft?

I love what the Saints did.

I love what the Lions did waiting for Fairly. Then struck back with some toys for a young QB

I think Tennessee is in total rebuild/restart mode and made some good moves overall for that

I think Washington did a subtly good thing getting 2 RBs and 3 WRs for a young QB (Hankerson at 79 is a coup. The guy broke Michael Irvin's TDs in a season record and stood out at the Senior Bowl and is big). They also got two D linemen with their 1rst two picks

I dislike what teams with young QBs like Bradford and Colt McCoy did. Get a young guy some help. Not defensive guys

I find it interesting what Rex Ryan did. It's kinda like he said "Fine. You draft Solder. I'll take 2 d-linemen guys with my first two picks. Then you can't get em. Giving a young QB like Sanchez more chances is a good thing too"


I don't like Carolina's draft. Shoulda tried to trade down and given Claussen another year with offensive help while keeping an eye on future Luck.

I like what some teams like the Bills and Cards did, subtly not overreaching at for a QB. They'll be looking for some Luck next year and it's a good idea.

[Eja117]

Two minor points about the Patriots' draft.

1) I think part of the reason that Bill B. opted for two first rounders next year vs. this year is because of the likely reduced rookie compensation under a new CBA.  You never know what'll happen this year, but almost definitely next year rookies will make less than years before. 

2) Let's not pretend that the only way to add players is through the draft.  Sure, the Pats didn't address the pass rush or a deep threat in the draft, but that doesn't mean they won't do so via free agency or a trade later.  The good news is that after the draft those two issues are just about the only issues they're going to have to worry about. 

After the Adalius Thomas debacle I don't trust BB with free agency

I think he's very good with trades (Randy for a 4th, used him, then traded for a 3rd, Welker for a 2, Branch for a 4)

and I think he's good at the waiver wire (Danny Woodhead)

[Tai]

Who had the best draft?



Who had the worst draft?

For best, I'd say the Lions did really well.  I also liked what the Colts did, and I was impressed by Chicago's first two picks.  (I'm not even going to pretend to analyze any of the deep selections.)  I think the Saints improved themselves, as well.

Worst?  Let's go with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Panthers.  I think Cam Newton is going to be a bust, and I think the Vikings and Seahawks made two big reaches in the first round.  I also wasn't super-impressed with the Patriots compared to what they could have had, but at least they added a 1st and a 2nd next year.

Hmm, why do you feel that way about Cam Newton?

[Roy H.]

Who had the best draft?



Who had the worst draft?

For best, I'd say the Lions did really well.  I also liked what the Colts did, and I was impressed by Chicago's first two picks.  (I'm not even going to pretend to analyze any of the deep selections.)  I think the Saints improved themselves, as well.

Worst?  Let's go with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Panthers.  I think Cam Newton is going to be a bust, and I think the Vikings and Seahawks made two big reaches in the first round.  I also wasn't super-impressed with the Patriots compared to what they could have had, but at least they added a 1st and a 2nd next year.

Hmm, why do you feel that way about Cam Newton?

Bad attitude, only one year of experience, he seems to get by on athleticism rather than good fundamentals, he's not very accurate, etc.

[Tai]

You mean one year of experience in Div I football, right? I'm not sure if that really hurts him, and people seemed to say the same thing about Tim Tebow's fundamentals and what not even though he played 4 years of SEC football. What you may mean is he hasn't played in a pro style system that necessarily requires him to pass the ball.

Still, his attitude? I honestly doubt Cam Newton could be JaMarcus Russell bad. Can you elaborate?

[Roy H.]

You mean one year of experience in Div I football, right? I'm not sure if that really hurts him, and people seemed to say the same thing about Tim Tebow's fundamentals and what not even though he played 4 years of SEC football. What you may mean

Still, his attitude? I honestly doubt Cam Newton could be JaMarcus Russell bad. Can you elaborate?

Yeah, one year of D-I experience.  I think a lot of "one year wonders" bust out of the NFL, which is one of the reasons why he's drawn comparisons to Akili Smith.

As for the attitude / character issues, there's the stuff with his dad and the eligibility questions, and he was charged with a felony for stealing a laptop.  He apparently has a pretty large sense of entitlement, as well.  Here's how one scout described his flaws:

Negatives: Played in a simplified, run-first, dive-option read offense with very basic high-low reads. Worked exclusively out of the gun and was very quick to run at the first flash of coverage. Limited field vision — does not process the passing game. Inconsistent throwing mechanics with a flick delivery — generates all of his power from his upper-body strength and too often arms the ball. Streaky passer with spotty accuracy. Makes his receivers work hard and throws into coverage. Does not spin a tight spiral.

Very disingenuous — has a fake smile, comes off as very scripted and has a selfish, me-first makeup. Always knows where the cameras are and plays to them. Has an enormous ego with a sense of entitlement that continually invites trouble and makes him believe he is above the law — does not command respect from teammates and always will struggle to win a locker room. Only a one-year producer. Lacks accountability, focus and trustworthiness — is not punctual, seeks shortcuts and sets a bad example. Immature and has had issues with authority. Not dependable.

http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/03/29/cam-newton-scouting-report

[Cman]

You mean one year of experience in Div I football, right? I'm not sure if that really hurts him, and people seemed to say the same thing about Tim Tebow's fundamentals and what not even though he played 4 years of SEC football. What you may mean

Still, his attitude? I honestly doubt Cam Newton could be JaMarcus Russell bad. Can you elaborate?

Yeah, one year of D-I experience.  I think a lot of "one year wonders" bust out of the NFL, which is one of the reasons why he's drawn comparisons to Akili Smith.

minor side note, but Akili Smith played for a couple years at a JuCo before Oregon

[Cman]

My take on the Pats draft:

It was a typical Patriots draft with unsexy, future-thinking picks.  I would have liked BB to select one of the big name DEs, bc of need and bc it was a year that was deep at this position. 

As regards his actual picks, I like the first three (Solder, Dowling, Vereen), and see the thinking on the two long term picks (Mallett and Cannon).  BB basically came away with four picks of "first round talent" (Solder, Dowling, Mallett and Cannon) that didn't go first round (except Solder, of course) because of injury or off field concerns. 

The LSU RB, the TE, and the last two picks were all "eh" to me, although I am more optimistic today about Ridley (the LSU RB) than I was originally because I saw that Ridley ran for more yards than Ingram this year, FWIW.

As far as other teams go: I really like what Detroit did.

[Cman]

Interesting take on the Pats' draft: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/02/patriots-browns-land-afcs-highest-draft-grades

Includes one thing I had forgotten: Patriots "draft" also included Deion Branch (acquired for a 2011 4th round pick).

[Tai]

You mean one year of experience in Div I football, right? I'm not sure if that really hurts him, and people seemed to say the same thing about Tim Tebow's fundamentals and what not even though he played 4 years of SEC football. What you may mean

Still, his attitude? I honestly doubt Cam Newton could be JaMarcus Russell bad. Can you elaborate?

Yeah, one year of D-I experience.  I think a lot of "one year wonders" bust out of the NFL, which is one of the reasons why he's drawn comparisons to Akili Smith.

minor side note, but Akili Smith played for a couple years at a JuCo before Oregon

And Cam Newton had a year in JuCo (Blinn College) after leaving Florida before transferring to Auburn. 

[Cman]

Had another thought on the Pats recent draft.

At the time I thought it was crazy that the Pats drafted two RBs, but of course realized that it meant Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, and probably also Kevin Faulk wouldn't be back.

But then I read that BJGE is a RFA.  I'm never quite sure about the rules on this, and of course the rules are in limbo at this point, but I suppose it means that there is an outside chance that BJGE won't be back, meaning that the Pats have a real need at the RB position.  In fact, it wouldn't be out of the question that they pursue a FA as well...

[clover]

Interesting take on the Pats' draft: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/02/patriots-browns-land-afcs-highest-draft-grades

Includes one thing I had forgotten: Patriots "draft" also included Deion Branch (acquired for a 2011 4th round pick).

Decent 4th rounder!