NFL: The Off Season Thread OPTIONS

[Jay]

We'll start her off with the latest Mel Kiper mock draft:

This is the last big NFL draft primer before the scene really shifts for good. That's because with the NFL combine next week, it's not just about those remarkable 40 times, it's about NFL personnel people finding out whether a guy really is who they believe he is. It's amazing how many times NFL personnel folks come away shocked that a player is 5-foot-11, not 6-1, or 230 pounds as opposed to the 248 he'd been listed at. Remember that my Big Board and position group rankings really help in understanding overall draft value.

Some things that stand out in this second mock draft are a jump for quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who I think will emerge strong from the workout and interview process; eight new names; multiple shifts in draft choices and the degree to which defense dominates. Twenty picks fall on that side of the ball.


St. Louis RamsRecord: 1-15Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Clearly, the Rams need to figure out who will take the snaps, and it'll be interesting to see whether they are overwhelmed by one of the QB options. But unless St. Louis trades down -- which is always difficult given the economics of the draft -- Suh is a safe pick. As I've said before, on film he's maybe the most dominating defensive tackle I've seen. He can help immediately. Oddly, for a player so highly thought of, Suh may be even more versatile than some think.

Detroit LionsRecord: 2-14Gerald McCoy*, DT, Oklahoma
McCoy or Suh will be a welcome sight for the Lions with the second pick, and McCoy is an extraordinarily good consolation prize for any team unable to get Suh. He's simply not that far behind the former Cornhusker in the eyes of personnel people. McCoy is highly disruptive and an ideal player to use as an attacking defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme.

Tampa Bay BuccaneersRecord: 3-13Eric Berry*, S, Tennessee
People will continue to debate the merits of taking a safety so high, but Berry is an exception to any rule. He could be the next to join the class of true difference-makers at the safety position with the likes of Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed (the most frequent comparison) and Bob Sanders. Berry is outstanding in coverage and far more physical than his size would indicate.

Washington RedskinsRecord: 4-12Jimmy Clausen*, QB, Notre Dame
Clausen will gain momentum after the combine. Once he's fully recovered from his toe surgery, he'll show teams he can make the throws, but there's more to it. His intelligence, competitiveness and toughness will impress personnel people, and his stock will rise. Clausen has under-center experience and was as close to mistake-free as he could be given his surroundings this past season.

Kansas City ChiefsRecord: 4-12Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers
Davis has the physical talent to be a Pro Bowl player early in his career, but he's still developing. Still, given a choice, the Chiefs can't pass on his upside, which is as high as any player's in the draft. A potential Walter Jones-like presence, if his development continues. The Chiefs also could move Branden Albert to the right side.


Seattle SeahawksRecord: 5-11Sam Bradford*, QB, Oklahoma
The bottom line on Bradford: This quarterback has 10-point accuracy and could very well have gone ahead of Matthew Stafford as the No. 1 pick last year. He will have a chance to prove to many scouts he's still the elite prospect many believe him to be. It's fair to doubt him, but his talent is unquestionable.

Cleveland BrownsRecord: 5-11Joe Haden*, CB, Florida
Haden has the chance to be a top-five player at his position very quickly. He also fits an immediate need for Cleveland and is easily the top cornerback on the board, a player it can plug in from day one. A deft cover corner and great tackler, Haden is the total package.

Oakland RaidersRecord: 5-11Jason Pierre-Paul*, DE, South Florida
Like Anthony Davis, Pierre-Paul has as much upside as any player in the draft. He's still raw by NFL standards but could contribute quickly just based on incredible athleticism. Once his pass-rushing skills are refined, he's a game-changer.

Buffalo BillsRecord: 6-10Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
The Bills should race to the podium as the Redskins did last year when Brian Orakpo landed in their laps. Significant need meets fantastic value here, with Okung being able to step in right away and help a weak offensive line.

Denver Broncos (from Chicago)Record: 7-9Dez Bryant*, WR, Oklahoma State
Obviously, a lot depends on whether Brandon Marshall is expected to be back come draft time, but if he isn't, this pick is a winner. You fill the void with the best deep threat in the draft. Bryant has great size and was unstoppable in the Big 12; he's a weapon in the passing game.

Jacksonville JaguarsRecord: 7-9Derrick Morgan*, DE, Georgia Tech
In the first mock, I had Pierre-Paul in this spot, but his rising stock moves him up the board. Morgan certainly hasn't fallen as a prospect and should be snatched up quickly by the pass-rush-deficient Jags. He's as productive and versatile a player as there is in the draft.

Miami DolphinsRecord:7-9Rolando McClain*, LB, Alabama
A great get for Miami, a team that needs an inside linebacker and could get the best one in the draft after the top 10. I mentioned before that the Dolphins also could go after Bryant if he were to fall to them here, because they also must address their need at wide receiver. Problem is after Bryant, there's a value gap. If McClain and Bryant are gone here, a trade down the board could be considered.

San Francisco 49ersRecord: 8-8C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
In Spiller, the 49ers can add a player who complements Frank Gore in a way I don't think Glen Coffee can. Spiller is a home run threat and should spell Gore and diversify the offense. He also provides an upgrade in the return game.

Seattle Seahawks (from Denver)Record: 5-11Everson Griffen*, DE, USC
Seattle could use help on its O-line, but Griffen fills a significant need for pass-rush help here. The Seahawks will take a serious value hit if they select an offensive tackle here with Okung and Davis already off the board. Griffen also has a great size-speed combination, ideal on the edge of a 4-3.

New York GiantsRecord: 8-8Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas
Kindle is a need pick for the Giants, who must get stronger in their linebacking corps and could use a little more help with situational pass-rushing than some think. Kindle will need to overcome size issues -- another way of saying he simply could add some bulk to a long (6-4) frame -- but he's proven far sturdier against the run than many who also can rush the passer.

San Francisco 49ers (from Carolina)Record: 8-8Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Considering how good Williams is, even at a position that normally doesn't draw high-to-mid first-round picks, getting him here would be of solid value. Williams could step in immediately at right tackle, and the 49ers would upgrade up front.

Tennessee TitansRecord: 8-8Carlos Dunlap*, DE, Florida
At a certain point, even questions surrounding a player's makeup can't overcome the talent, and getting a player like Dunlap at this stage is hard to question. With exceptional size and top-end athleticism for a defensive end, Dunlap should help disrupt opposing passers early in his career.

Pittsburgh SteelersRecord: 9-7Mike Iupati, G, Idaho
Iupati was one of the breakout stars at the Senior Bowl. He fits what Pittsburgh likes as an athletic but powerful guard who should help return the Steelers' running game to the upper half of the league. Steve Hutchinson comparisons are legitimate. (Hutchinson went No. 17 overall in the 2001 draft.)

Atlanta FalconsRecord: 9-7Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State
Wilson is another player who jumped at the Senior Bowl. He's fluid, excellent in coverage and an immediate help on special teams. Wilson had a quiet season, but great cornerbacks often do. He simply wasn't challenged enough. Stock is now back on the rise.

Houston TexansRecord: 9-7Brian Price*, DT, UCLA
One of the guys who carries over with the same team from the first mock. Price is hidden away a bit in such a deep class of defensive linemen, but he's a disruptive force who uses great leverage. He should help a defense that's really close to being very good.

Cincinnati BengalsRecord: 10-6Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech
Here's the big riser of the past couple of weeks. Thomas will be red-hot after the workouts get going. He's a big target (6-3, 225 pounds) and a downfield threat. He averaged more than 25 yards per catch and remained productive in a run-based offense based. Carson Palmer needs weapons, and Thomas can be one.

New England PatriotsRecord: 10-6Brandon Graham, OLB, Michigan
If production were all that mattered, Graham would be long gone by now. He led the FBS in tackles for loss and showed why at the Senior Bowl. Always in the backfield, he's an ideal outside linebacker for the Patriots' system, a terror against both the run and the pass.

Green Bay PackersRecord: 11-5Bryan Bulaga*, OT, Iowa
The more you listen to Green Bay's people, the more you get the sense that keeping Aaron Rodgers upright is a major priority, and it should be, because seeing an MVP-level talent knocked out because of a lack of protection is a sad thought. Bulaga can help immediately, and he has room to grow.

Philadelphia EaglesRecord: 11-5Taylor Mays, S, USC
The Eagles are looking for that heir to Brian Dawkins, a physical safety who can scare opposing receivers and contribute to the rush defense. Mays has everything you could ask for as a physical package. He had a bad season, and there are legit concerns, but Mays still reeks of top-level NFL athleticism. He just needs to put it together.

Baltimore RavensRecord: 9-7Arrelious Benn*, WR, Illinois
Every indication out of Baltimore is that this organization is committed to finding pieces that can help Joe Flacco. If Benn shows scouts he has the necessary speed, everything else is there. He is physical, can run after the catch and can even help in the return game.

Arizona CardinalsRecord: 10-6Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee
I kept Williams here as a solid remedy to fill the Cardinals' second-biggest need. Just a tremendously strong player, starting with exceptional drive from his lower body, Williams is a disruptive force against the run and is a great help to linebackers.

Dallas CowboysRecord: 11-5Bruce Campbell*, OT, Maryland
Cowboys fans with bad memories of getting thrashed up front in the playoffs should be thrilled to get a talent like Campbell right here. Campbell should see his stock rise at the combine, where his athleticism will be on display. If the Cowboys are serious about addressing their biggest need, this is the direction they need to go.

San Diego ChargersRecord: 13-3Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
As I explained earlier this week, I expect to see Cody's stock rise because he may be the purest example in this draft of a guy who, limitations aside, specifically fits a scheme. Cody is the prototype block-occupying clogger in a 3-4 scheme. You can question his weight or his versatility, but he can make other players better. Remember, Jamal Williams' injury is a factor here.

New York JetsRecord: 9-7Devin McCourty, CB, Rutgers
The Jets could use some receiving help for Mark Sanchez here as well, but McCourty is a guy whose stock could skyrocket if he runs the way many think he will. The Jets can get exposed when passers throw away from Darrelle Revis, and McCourty could be the answer on the other side.

Minnesota VikingsRecord: 12-4Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida
The Vikings could use help on the interior of their offensive line, and Pouncey has a first-round grade as a guard, which makes him an outstanding player. The Vikes did well when they looked to Gainesville in the first round last year.

Indianapolis ColtsRecord: 14-2Jared Odrick, DT, Penn State
One of the areas in which Indy could use help is along the interior of its defensive line, and Odrick can help the linebackers run free and be disruptive in his own right. Like Williams at No. 26, a great talent buried a little bit in a deep class of defensive linemen.

New Orleans SaintsRecord: 14-2Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri
Weatherspoon fits like a glove for the Saints as an outside linebacker in 4-3 system. He has ideal size for the position and is a tackling machine. Weatherspoon has the speed and experience to play inside or out, so adding versatility is also a good value proposition.

[Hitman]

Julius Peppers took a shit today. It was solid, but not quite what he needed. More updates after dinner.

[Jay]

Thanks Greazer

[Hitman]

Well I do like that Mel Kiper mock for the Patriots. A Michigan LB? Giddyup.

Donte Stallworth to the Ravens. 1 year/900k (+300k performance bonuses possible)

[killfactor]

Good pickup by the Ravens.

Greaz... I mean Hitman, can you tell me what Julius Peppers is doing right now, and what John Fox thinks of it, how he plans to gameplan around that if Peppers is resigned, and the playoff implications of that? This is vital information about one of the most essential, league changing franchises in the history of the sport. We really need more of that kind of analysis.

[Jay]

This time last year, I couldn't imagine Taylor Mays going as low as he is being projected. He kind of seems like the Vernon Gholston of this draft, freak athlete with a ton of potential but you are scared he's just a gym rat with no football skill. Still, I think he could be a steal for the Eagles.

And as a fan of the owners of the Raiders 2011 first round pick... I don't want Jason Pierre-Paul going to Oakland. That would be a surprisingly good pick for them... which means they probably won't make it

Rumors about Deion Branch coming back to the Pats. Would love it if he could stay healthy...

[Carebear]

Panthers sign DT Johnson

David Monroe



The Panthers depth along the interior of the defensive line got deeper with the signing of free agent defensive tackle Ed Johnson on Wednesday. Over three NFL seasons - all with the Indianapolis Colts - he started all 21 games played and posted 84 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

Johnson (6 feet 2 inches, 296 pounds) reunites with Panthers defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, who served as Indianapolis' defensive coordinator through 2008. Under Meeks, the run-stopper enjoyed his most productive season when he earned all-rookie honors in 2007. After signing with the Colts as an undrafted rookie free agent from Penn State, Johnson started all 16 games and recorded 63 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble.

The addition of Johnson, 26, gives the Panthers nine players on the roster at a position where they struggled with injuries last season. Other defensive tackles on the team include: NIck Hayden, Corvey Irvin,Maake Kemoeatu, Derek Landri, Louis Leonard, Damione Lewis, Hollis Thomas and Tank Tyler./

In other news, John Fox scratched his ass after he felt an itching sensation. Unfortunately it happened so fast that media crews were unable to capture any pictures/footage of the incident...

This post has been edited by Carebear: Feb 17 2010, 5:52 PM

[Jay]

Much to your disappointment, I'm sure...

[Fitz]

Julius Peppers was spotted in public today. Film at 11...

Oh, and I think that Stallworth pickup by the Ravens was a great move. He needed a solid and strong organization like Baltimore to move forward and I think he'll do well there.

This post has been edited by Fitz: Feb 17 2010, 8:07 PM

[Carebear]

Much to your disappointment, I'm sure...

Not to worry, I'm saving for a trip to Charlotte later this year to watch them play the 49ers, so if I'm dilligent, I'm sure I can snap a picture of John Fox scratching his ass on the sideline...and then sell it to Panthers.com for some good scratch (pardon the pun).

[BX]

They were showing the highlight thing of Stallworth with the Browns on ESPN and they showed him making 3 catches. That's rougly 18% of his Browns "highlights" if every catch was a highlight.

[Jay]

A really sad and interesting story about Brandon Marshall and why he really wants out of Denver:

http://www.denverpost.com/broncosheadlines...1207?source=rss

[BX]

I know I might be in the minority here, but does anyone else hope Tim Tebow becomes the next Peyton Manning? I sure hope so. Sure, I could do without all the preaching about Jesus and things of that nature. That being said, Tebow is a good kid. He does a lot of work outside of football and I really commend him for that. I just hate the way he's been picked apart so much like he has. I know it's part of the NFL scouting process, but I've never seen someone just tore down over and over again. One thing is for certain....this kid wins football games.

[Jay]

I agree. I hope he does well. I hope he slips to the third and the Patriots take him.

[crimsonmask49]

Apparently,Randy Moss thinks next season will be his last as a Patriot.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_...?urn=nfl,221074

[Carebear]

All I know is that when New England played Carolina last season, he played crap...

[Jay]

Just his way of lobbing the ball to the Pats side of the court to see what's up. I agree, he's not going to be the highest paid player on the team in 2011 like he will be in 2010. I thought this was a really great question and answer session with him:

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patr...rom_moss_1.html

Keep in mind... he doesn't talk to the media much. So it's different to hear what is actually going on versus what the media wants us to believe. I think he's been great for us, even in games where it doesn't show up on the stat sheet. I really hope they don't go back to the run first, conservative bit. It doesn't make sense to do it right now, because they had a dominant defense to back it up, and while it is certainly possible they could get to that point soon, they definitely aren't there yet, and 2011 may even be a little soon...

[Hitman]

All I know is that when New England played Carolina last season, he played crap...

[Carebear]

Yeah, yeah, I can see the irony in that comment, but let's be real here, he sucked in that game. Even the most one eyed Pats fan would have to admit it.

[Hitman]

I'm just laughing at your contribution to the discussion. One game against your team, when he's been with us for 3 years now and has been a Top 5-10 WR in the NFL the entire time. But yeah, that Panthers game. Ship him out immediately! Total bum imo.

This post has been edited by Hitman: Feb 22 2010, 9:18 AM

[Carebear]

Are you trying to say that my comment implied the Patriots should get rid of him, on the basis of that one game no less?

If so, you have misunderstood me. Dunno how though. After all, I DID start off my comment with "All I know..."

[Jay]

He's implying that your one comment about a WR that plays for the Patriots had to somehow associate with the Panthers.

[Hitman]

Exactly.

This post has been edited by Hitman: Feb 22 2010, 9:26 AM

[Carebear]

Guess I'm the one eyed fan then

Oh well, that's fine with me.

*waits for the innevitable joke*

This post has been edited by Carebear: Feb 22 2010, 9:30 AM

[Jay]

Pats officially franchise Wilfork... no surprise... he'll be pissed, no one will care and I think he either gets traded or signs for one year...

[Hitman]

Tomlinson released by San Diego.

[I Have a Girlfriend]

Tomlinson released by San Diego.

good riddance. all true charger fans have disliked that bitch since the AFC Championship game aginst your pats when he sat on the bench like a bitch with his arms crossed and his terminator shield mask on.
Clown.
All thhat greatness and how many super bowls did we go to with him?? zero!
Even Natrone Means got us to a super bowl
FUCK LT!



This post has been edited by Dirt Junior: Feb 22 2010, 2:11 PM

[JGNRN]

Wow. That's huge.

I heard something about a trade happening between Tampa and the Rams that would see Tampa getting 1st and 3rd pick in the draft this year. I think the Rams were after the QB Josh Johnson and Tampa's third pick in the second round and were going to give up their first. If I'm Tampa I pull the trigger on that shit.

Moss is one of those guys who when he declines I think he'll drop off quickly. I caught only a handful of Patriot games last year and even then he looked like he'd lost a step or two.

[Jay]

He was pretty banged up. As far as the Tampa trade... they are denying it on all ends. I'd do it in a heartbeat, too...

[I Have a Girlfriend]

and I need one of these shirts...