Draft Report: Day One

The draft is through the first two days and is reaching a conclusion in just a few short hours. From Bruce Irvin going in the top half of the first round, to Russell Wilson drafted a full round ahead of Kirk Cousins, this draft has delivered excitement and question marks at every turn. In the first round alone, there was 16 trades in the 1st round with teams constantly jostling to secure their player.

Some teams hit home-runs while others left you scratching your head. Here is a list of both categories:

Dallas Cowboys:

Trading up to sixth overall to secure Morris Claiborne was a great pick for the Cowboys. The secondary held Rob Ryan back last year, because he couldn’t install his complex defense because of the weak secondary. This pick, along with the signing of Brandon Carr, allows Ryan to be manipulative with his defense and challenge Eli Manning, Michael Vick and nearly christened rookie, Robert Griffin III.

New England Patriots:

The Patriots had pronounced needs when it came to their entire defense; a defense ranked 31st last year. So they grabbed two studs in the front seven with Chandler Jones and Dont’a Hightower. Both players should come in and provide an immediate impact and help rebuild the once dominate Patriots defense.

Now for the teams I didn’t like:

Cleveland Browns:

I’ll preface this by stating that I loved the Browns taking Richardson. One of the two best players in the draft and a player they desperately needed to go against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. However, taking Brandon Weeden 22 overall was just a massive mistake. I personally don’t love Weeden and believe he is a product of the Oklahoma St. offense, but that doesn’t even bring up how he will be a 29-year-old rookie. I feel like the Browns panicked and took Weeden when they could of had him at 36. To make matters worse, they passed on a top 15 talent in Riley Reiff. Overall, great first selection, horrible second selection.

New York Jets:

The Jets selecting Quinton Coples raises many concerns about the current state of the Jets, but also last years 1st round pick, Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson and Coples essentially play the same position in the Jet’s 3-4 scheme. So where is Coples going to play? I am assuming they will kick him inside to play the 3-technique, but this pick just doesn’t make sense to me. I realize Coples played defensive tackle his junior and dominated at UNC, but this pick screams of bust potential. We will find out in a few years if this works out, but I am having serious doubts.

The Last Leg

Well everyone, we are finally on the home-stretch of the marathon that is the NFL off season. Since early February, draftniks and regular NFL fans have scoured message boards and newspaper articles to get the latest information about their team and specific players. This is makes the draft so interesting: the uncertainty. I have watched countless players from high profile programs like Alabama, to small school prospects from Presbyterian.

The draft official commences this Thursday, April 26 at 8:00 eastern. ESPN and NFL Network will broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York the entire weekend, but Thursday is just round one of the draft. The draft resumes Friday at 7:00 and includes rounds two and three. Finally, rounds four through seven begin Saturday at noon.

I believe this draft will be so different than any other draft because, unlike last year when there was a lockout and free agency took place after the draft, free agency preceded the draft like normal. However, this is the first year where the salary slotting is in place. Essentially, teams don’t have to pay a massive sum of money in the top ten, therefore teams can be more risky without being burdened by selecting a player who didn’t pan out. Basically, there is less risk because of the amount of money you have to guarantee players, therefore it gives teams more leeway to trade and maneuver the draft, which makes the draft more unpredictable and exciting to watch.

Some teams to look for who might move:

Jacksonville Jaguars:

A report from ProFootballTalk stated that the Jaguars aren’t as excited about selecting Melvin Ingram and could try to trade back and select Michael Floyd or Kendall Wright. The Jaguars sit right outside the top-tier of talent and unless a player like Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne fall to the Jaguars, I could see them practically begging to move back and select Floyd or another defensive lineman.

New England Patriots:

This one is a softball for most people who know the draft. The Patriots are always trading back and accumulating picks for future years. If a quarterback is sitting at the bottom of the first round and a team with a high pick in the second round believes someone could select them before they select, a team will probably move up and trade to the 31st pick (Patriots own the 27th and 31st selections) to grab a quarterback or another player they covet.

Baltimore Ravens:

As a Ravens fan, (O, you didn’t know? Surprise!) I have a good knowledge about what the Ravens are trying to do in this draft. Unless a high level player like Floyd, Courtney Upshaw, Stephen Hill or Dont’a Hightower falls to the Ravens, I believe they will try to trade back and gain more picks. The Ravens lost a number of starters, but also a good amount of depth, in free agency and General Manager Ozzie Newsome is known for constantly navigating the draft to gain more picks. Call it a gut instinct, but I feel the Ravens will move back to the early second round and gain additional picks.

I’ll have a video of my top ten later in the week, so check back for updates and enjoy the final calm days before the storm.

A little bit of this and that

Profootballfocus is one of my favorite websites and one of the best for educating yourself about the NFL. It tracks and grades each individual performance of every NFL player throughout the season. I strongly encourage you to explore the website because it erases the media hyperbole surrounding each player and delivers content about the performance of the player instead of their appeal to the nation.

Gordon McGuinness is a staff writer for Profootballfocus, and I had him compile a list of the top free agents left on the market.

Here is the list in no particular order:
Andre Carter – DE – Big question is his health after that season ending
injury, but he was good against the run while adding 11 sacks, 16 QB Hits
and 24 pressures in New England last year. He’s proved he’s not suited as a
3-4 OLB but a team running a 4-3 could do worse than bring him in for a
visit.

Dallas Clark – TE – Hasn’t looked great the last two seasons. That said
he was hurt in 2010 and had very little to work with at QB in 2011. Purely a
receiving TE, he’s worth a gamble from someone.

Jake Scott – OG – PFF’s 7th highest rated Guard last season. Not the kind
of guy who elevates the standard of your whole line like Evan Mathis, Carl
Nicks or Marshal Yanda but he’s consistent and a decent pass blocker.
Similar level to Ben Grubbs.

Vernon Carey – G/T – I love a player who gives you versatility. A better
tackle than a guard and although he hasn’t hit the heights of 2009 when he
was PFF’s 6th highest graded OT, he is solid enough at both positions to do
a job for a team.

Bobbie Williams – OG – Not getting any younger. Graded out in the top 5
amongst all guards every year from 2008 to 2010.

Casey Wiegmann – C – Veteran C. Solid player that’s not elite but still
serviceable. Gave up just 9 total pressures in 2011. Has been talk of
retirement.

As promised, here is my updated 2012 mock draft:

 

2012 NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck QB Stanford

2. Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III QB Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil OT USC

4. Cleveland Browns – Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma St

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Trent Richardson RB Alabama

6. St. Louis Rams – Morris Claiborne CB LSU

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Melvin Ingram OLB/DE South Carolina

8. Miami Dolphins – Ryan Tannenhill QB Texas A&M

9. Carolina Panthers – Quinton Coples DE UNC

10. Buffalo Bills –  Riley Reiff OT Iowa

11. Kansas City Chiefs – Dontari Poe DT Memphis

12. Seattle Seahawks – Luke Kuelchy ILB Boston College

13. Arizona Cardinals – David Decastro OG Stanford

14. Dallas Cowboys – Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Fletcher Cox DE Miss. St.

16. New York Jets – Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers – Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina

19. Chicago Bears – Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

20. Tennessee Titans – Whitney Mercilus DE Illinois

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Brockers DT LSU

22. Cleveland Browns – Nick Perry DE USC

23. Detroit Lions – Jerel Worthy DT Michigan St.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Adams OT Ohio St.

25. Denver Broncos – Devon Still DT Penn St.

26. Houston Texans – Kendall Wright WR Baylor

27. New England Patriots – Cordy Glenn OG Georgia

28. Green Bay Packers – Peter Konz C/G Wisconsin

29. Baltimore Ravens – Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame

30. San Francisco 49ers – Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech

31. New England Patriots – Mark Barron S Alabama

32. New York Giants – Coby Fleener TE Stanford

Round 2

33. St. Louis Rams – Bobby Massie OT Ole Miss

34. Indianapolis Colts – Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama

35. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Robinson CB Central Florida

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers

37. Cleveland Browns – Kirk Cousins QB Michigan St.

38. Jacksonville Jaguars – Dwayne Allen TE Clemson

39. St. Louis Rams – Rueben Randle WR LSU

40. Carolina Panthers – Amini Silatolu OG Midwestern St

41. Buffalo Bills – Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma St.

42. Miami Dolphins – Kendall Reyes DT UCONN

43. Seattle Seahawks – Chandler Jones DE Syracuse

44. Kansas City Chiefs – Shea McClellin OLB Boise St.

45. Dallas Cowboys – Markelle Martin S Oklahoma St.

46. Philadelphia Eagles – Harrison Smith SS Notre Dame

47. New York Jets – Doug Martin RB Boise St.

48. New England Patriots – Andre Branch DE Clemson

49. San Diego Chargers – David Wilson RB Virginia Tech

50. Chicago Bears – Orson Charles TE Georgia

51. Philadelphia Eagles -Lavonte David OLB Nebraska

52. Tennessee Titans – Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina

53. Cincinnati Bengals – Kevin Zeitler G Wisconsin

54. Detroit Lions – Josh Norman CB Coastal Carolina

55. Atlanta Falcons – Lamar Miller RB Miami

56. Pittsburgh Steelers – Alameda Ta’amu DT Washington

57. Denver Broncos – Trumaine Johnson CB/S Montana

58. Houston Texans – Kelechi Osemele OG/T Iowa St.

59. New Orleans Saints (Forfeited)

60. Green Bay Packers – Ronell Lewis DE Oklahoma

61. Baltimore Ravens – Brandon Brooks OG Miami

62. San Francisco 49ers – Nate Potter OT Boise St.

63. New England Patriots – Jared Crick DE/DT Nebraska

64. New York Giants – Brandon Thompson DT Clemson

65. Indianapolis Colts – Vinny Curry OLB Marshall

66. St. Louis Rams – Brandon Boykin CB Georgia

67. Minnesota Vikings – Marvin Jones WR Cal

68. Cleveland Browns – Zebrie Sanders OT Florida St.

69. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -Mychal Kendricks ILB Cal

70.  Washington Redskins –  Bobby Wagner ILB Utah St.

71. Jacksonville Jaguars – Casey Hayward CB Vanderbilt

72. Buffalo Bills – Jamell Fleming CB Oklahoma

73. Miami Dolphins – Mitchell Schwartz OT Cal

74. Chicago Bears – Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska

75. Kansas City Chiefs – Luxas Nix OG Pittsburgh

76. Seattle Seahawks – Brock Osweiler QB Arizona St.

77. Philadelphia Eagles – Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech

78. New York Jets – George Illoka S Boise St.

79. San Diego Chargers – Chris Polk RB Washington

80. Chicago Bears – Chase Minnifield CB Virginia

81. Arizona Cardinals – Andrew Datko OT Florida St.

82. Dallas Cowboys – Ben Jones C Georgia

83. Tennessee Titans – Brandon Washington OG Miami

84. Cincinnati Bengals – Nick Toon WR Wisconsin

85. Atlanta Falcons – Vontaze Burfict ILB Arizona St.

86. Detroit Lions – Zach Brown OLB UNC

87. Pittsburgh Steelers – Tony Bergstrom OG Utah

88. Denver Broncos – Tyrone Crawford DE Boise St.

89. Houston Texans – Mike Martin DT Michigan

90. New Orleans Saints – Sean Spence WR Miami

91. Green Bay Packers – Robert Turbin RB Utah St.

92. Baltimore Ravens – Josh Chapman DT Alabama

93. San Francisco 49ers – Robert Turbin RB UCONN

94. New England Patriots – Coryell Judie CB Texas A&M

95. New York Giants – Travis Lewis OLB Oklahoma

19 Days And Counting

We are approximately 19 days from the NFL draft and the frenzy is starting to take place. From various rumors about certain teams liking or disliking players, to the release of Wonderlic scores.

All of this is part of the process that makes the draft one of the most realistic and entertaining events in sports.

This week I have compiled a couple of players that I believe will do well in the NFL and others who I believe will struggle because they lack a specific ingredient to become successful NFL players.

Dontari Poe DT MEMPHIS

Poe is an absolute physical specimen when you watch him run, jump and occasionally dominate his competition. But therein lies the problem, on the field he makes an impact on an inconsistent basis and doesn’t stand out on tape against lower-level competition. Poe should honestly be a one man wrecking crew in the Conference USA, but lacks the technique and motor to be a dominate player on a consistent basis. Can all of this be corrected by a good defensive line coach? Absolutely. Poe has the tools, but defensive linemen are risky enough to draft in the 1st round because of the difficult transition to the pros, but Poe isn’t entering the NFL after playing in one of the big six conferences, so this will most likely make his transition harder. Overall, if you told me Poe was a pro bowler in three years I wouldn’t be shocked. He has everything you want in a defensive lineman, but I believe he is just too raw and will never put it together to match his high projected draft status.

Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma St.

Before the masses try to claim me as insane, let me preface this by saying that I believe Blackmon will be a solid pro in the NFL. My issue with Blackmon is perception and his lofty draft status; he has been virtually been mocked in the top six since the end of the college season. Blackmon dominated the college level and I watched him first hand beat our secondary on multiple occasions. But I watch him against physical press corners and he struggles because he doesn’t have elite speed. I don’t care what he ran at his pro day or the yards he puts up. When you watch him against Leonard Johnson of Iowa St., he struggled to gain separation. Most of his catches at Oklahoma St. were within the first ten yards and would occasionally have a splash play because of double moves. I just don’t see a top ten player in Blackmon and comparing him to A.J. Green or Julio Jones from last years draft is just wrong. He isn’t in that league because he lacks big play capability. Blackmon will be able to shield defenders and make tough catches in the NFL because he has excellent hands and body control, but I believe his lack of separation ability and height will cause him to struggle against physical press corners.

Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama

When I watch Hightower I see a guy who can just play the game plain and simple. He does a great job of taking on blockers and filling the hole once he diagnoses the play. In passing situations he struggles to move laterally, but this was covered up by his ability to rush the passer as a defensive lineman. Hightower is able to be a three down linebacker because he plays the run exceptionally on 1st and 2nd down, but can also rush the passer on 3rd down. He has his limitations in pass coverage and lacks sideline-to-sideline range, so I don’t think he would fit in a standard 4-3 defensive alignment, but in the 3-4 he can thrive. As long as he doesn’t injure his knee again, he should enjoy a lengthy and successful NFL career being a crucial cog in an NFL defense.

I have a plethora of draft content coming in the subsequent days and weeks before the draft. Be sure to check back later today or tomorrow to conclude free agency by a guest piece by ProFootballFocus writer Gordon McGuinness.

Winners & Losers in Free Agency

As free agency continues on its downward spiral towards mediocrity in player hype and team needs, the NFL draft will start to make major headlines. April is essentially a month for NFL teams to fact-check and interview the players they are interested in. A popular motto in the NFL is “Build through the draft, supplement through free agency.” That basic ideology has created a critical importance for the success in the NFL draft. Months of viewing tape, speaking to players and coaches culminates in a three day event where careers are defined and destroyed through that draftees success or failure.

Before we dive fully into the draft coverage, here is a list of teams who I feel like addressed key needs in free agency and teams who suffered a mass exodus of key players:

Buffalo Bills:

Before the injury of star defensive tackle, Kyle Williams, the Bills had a major weakness on their front four of their defensive line. They addressed that need by pairing Williams with Marcel Dareus in the 2011 draft, but still lacked a pass-rush. Lacking a pass-rush in the AFC East where you face Tom Brady twice a year is not only a big problem, it’s an insurmountable issue if the Bills want to contend for the division title. The Bills realized this weakness and acquired two key defensive ends in Mario Williams and Mark Anderson.

Dubbed ‘Super Mario’ while playing for the Houston Texans, the former number one overall selection in the 2006 draft was a cap and scheme causality for the Texans. The Bills swooped in and paid Williams big money (5 years, 96 million) to bolster their pass rush. Still unhappy with the opposite rushing end, they added Mark Anderson to provide a solid compliment to Williams.

In two shrewd acquisitions, the Bills made their defensive line a strength instead of a weakness. The combination of Anderson, ‘Super Mario’, Dareus and Williams makes a formidable group that Brady, Mark Sanchez (Jets) and whoever Ross wants to quarterback in Miami, very nervous.



Kansas City Chiefs:

The Chiefs dealt with more injuries this past season than almost any team in the league. From Eric Berry to Tony Moeaki, the Chiefs couldn’t stay healthy and it led to a massive collapse from their 2010 playoff season. Going into the draft, the Chiefs had major needs at running back, offensive tackle, corner and depth behind Moeaki. They addressed everyone of these needs by acquiring Stanford Routt (CB), Peyton Hillis (RB), Eric Winston (RT) and Kevin Boss (TE).

Each of one these players adds a valuable asset to the team and allows the Chiefs to select the best player available in the draft, instead of reaching for a player who fills a need. The Chiefs still need interior offensive and defensive line help, but the draft is absolutely loaded with talent and depth at those positions, so the Chiefs can bid their time and find valuable assets throughout the draft. Overall, just a great free agency for the Chiefs because they addressed their major weaknesses before the draft.

Unfortunately, as is in life, if there are winners there must be losers. Here is a couple of my losers from free agency:

Houston Texans:

The Texans rose from mediocrity to ascend to their first division title and a divisional playoff berth. It was the first time the expansion franchise made a playoff berth and the Texans were a popular Superbowl pick for next year. However, this was before the start of free agency and the lose of key contributors on the offensive and defensive line. Now before I am critical of the Texans, I want to say that I admire their ability to draft and reload on a nearly consistent basis. But, and there is always a but in free agency, the team lost two key contributors in the offensive line with the cutting of Eric Winston and the departure of guard Mike Brisiel.

The Texans major strength last year, besides the emergence of a young, stout defense, was their offensive line providing running lanes for Arian Foster and Ben Tate. Brisiel is replaceable, especially since they were able to retain the best center in the league last year in Chris Meyers, but Winston is one of the top right tackles in the league and is still in his prime. Finding a replacement for him will be difficult when the team has other needs to address in the draft.

The losses of DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams are overblown because both players don’t have a natural fit in Wade Phillips’ 3-4 defense, but Ryans was a proven leader on the field and will create a leadership gap in the locker room.

I fully expect the Texans to win the division next year and compete for a Superbowl berth in the AFC, but the biggest strength of the team is now a question mark and that’s why I consider them one of my losers.

Arizona Cardinals:

The Cardinals made headlines across the league when they were a potential landing spot for Peyton Manning. Pairing Manning with an elite wide receiver in Larry Fitzgerald had snowbirds across the state drooling on their BMW’s. But Manning chose the Denver Broncos and the once imaginative minds of the Cardinal nation was reduced to enduring through Kevin Kolb part II in 2012.

Kolb is a small sting in the arm, the real gut-buster is the Cardinals have to watch Kolb try to scramble while Adam Synder and Levi Brown block for him. Levi Brown is one of the most inconsistent tackles in the league, and placing a highly inconsistent Adam Synder next to him just seems like Cardinals front office wants Kolb to be hit so hard and so often, that he rescinds his contract and moves to one of the luxurious retirement communities in the area.

I am still adjusting my mock draft because of the recent signings, but I should have it up this week. April arrives next Sunday, so be ready for four weeks of madness and rumors galore for all 32 NFL teams.

NFL Free Agency Signings

The first wave of the NFL free agency period is continuing to make noise throughout the league. Typically the high-priced free agents sign with teams while the lower echelon of players waits for the market to be set by the other contracts.

The free agency dictates the direction teams go in the NFL draft because positions of need or weakness can be addressed in free agency. For example, the Washington Redskins recently traded for the second overall pick in the draft; most likely to pick Robert Griffin III out of Baylor. Since RGIII addresses their quarterback need, they wanted to upgrade their receiver core to help the rookie quarterback. So, they added Pierre Garcon from Indianapolis and Josh Morgan from the San Francisco 49ers.

These acquisitions have changed their draft needs because instead of looking for a wide receiver in the draft, they now can focus on other needs.

Here is some of the recent signings and my take:

Rams Cortland Finnegan (5 years, $50 million):

The Rams were desperate for cornerback help. After losing 11 defensive backs to injured reserve last year, the position was decimated and needed a guaranteed starter to match-up with Larry Fitzgerald and Mike Williams of the Cardinals and Seahawks respectively. I love the signing and it reunited Finnegan with his old coach, Jeff Fisher.

Buccaneers Vincent Jackson (5 years, $55.5 million):

The Buccaneers have tried to surround quarterback Josh Freeman with weapons to supplement his growth. However, Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn both have failed to live-up to their draft positions and Williams character concerns have translated into a poor work-ethic. Vincent Jackson instantly provides Freeman with a true, legitimate number 1 receiver and a deep threat. Here is my only issue: Jackson has never caught more than 68 passes in a season and is one more personal conduct violation from a suspension.

Saints Ben Grubbs (5 year, $36 million)

Ben Grubbs replaces Carl Nicks, a superior guard, and continues the high-level of interior line play for the Saints. Drew Brees is only 6’ feet tall and needs a clean throwing lane to compensate for his lack of height. Grubbs provides this assurance and joins Jahri Evans to form a formidable interior offensive line. Overall, I love this acquisition and helps keep the franchise quarterback healthy and upright.

I will continue to react to the recent signings throughout the week. Be sure to check the updates and see the post free agency mock draft.

Free Agency Is Upon Us

NFL free agency starts Tuesday March 13th at 4:00 p.m. Free agency is one of the most exciting periods of the NFL offseason because teams are able to add or subtract players to strengthen their perspective teams.

Players are divided into three categories during free agency:

Restricted Free Agent (RFA): A player who has accumulated three full seasons of playing time in the NFL and is still under contract to their individual teams. However, depending on the tender, tenders range from 1st to 7th round, dictates the availability and value of the player to their respective teams.

For example, a high level player will most likely receive a 1st round tender, so if a team wants to acquire said player, they must offer their 1st round draft pick in the upcoming draft to sign the player. The team who assigned the tender has the option to match the offer and if they do, they will be able to retain the player.

Mike Wallace, wide receiver of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ladarius Webb, corner for the Baltimore Ravens, have been popular choices for teams who want to gain a high-level corner or wide receiver for a 1st round draft choice. To some teams, players like Webb or Wallace that will provide instant, proven playmakers in the NFL are more valuable than the draft choice they might receive in the 1st round of the NFL draft.

Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA): A player who has accrued four full seasons of NFL play. UFA players are exactly that, unrestricted. They are able to sign with any team and have control of their destinies in that regard. Many players in the NFL covet being an UFA because they are able to sign lucrative contracts that will most likely be the biggest contract of their NFL careers.

Carl Nicks, guard for the New Orleans Saints, is a perfect example of why players covet the UFA designation. Nicks will likely become the highest paid interior offensive linemen in the NFL because he isn’t restricted to a predetermined value chart like a RFA player would be.

Finally you the franchise tag: Which is a mix of UFA and RFA depending on which type of franchise tag a team places on a free agent. There is an ‘exclusive’ and ‘non-exclusive’ franchise tag. Both must pay the player tagged the average of the top five salaries of the players specific position or 120 percent of the players previous contract, whichever is higher. The main difference is a ‘non-exclusive’ free agent can negotiate with other teams to gain a larger contract, but the original team can match the offer and retain the player. So the franchise tag is closely related to UFA and RFA rules and distinctions.

Here is a list of teams who used the franchise tag and the players they tagged courtesy of Yahoo! Sports:

Arizona Cardinals: Calais Campbell, defensive end
Atlanta Falcons: Brent Grimes, cornerback
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice, running back
Buffalo Bills: Not used
Carolina Panthers: Not used
Chicago Bears: Matt Forte, running back
Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Nugent, kicker
Cleveland Browns: Phil Dawson, kicker
Dallas Cowboys: Anthony Spencer, linebacker
Denver Broncos: Matt Prater, kicker
Detroit Lions: Cliff Avril, defensive end
Green Bay Packers: Not used
Houston Texans: Not used
Indianapolis Colts: Robert Mathis, defensive end
Jacksonville Jaguars: Josh Scobee, kicker
Kansas City Chiefs: Dwayne Bowe, wide receiver
Miami Dolphins: Not used
Minnesota Vikings: Not used
New England Patriots: Wes Welker, wide receiver
New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, quarterback
New York Giants: Steve Weatherford, punter
New York Jets: Not used
Oakland Raiders: Tyvon Branch, safety
Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson, wide receiver
Pittsburgh Steelers: Not used
San Diego Chargers: Not used
San Francisco 49ers: Dashon Goldson, safety
Seattle Seahawks: Not used
St. Louis Rams: Not used
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Connor Barth, kicker
Tennessee Titans: Michael Griffin, safety
Washington Redskins: Fred Davis, tight end

Finally, here is my mock draft which now includes the 2nd round. I am currently working on the 3rd round, so check back soon to see free agent signings and my 3rd round mock:

2012 NFL Mock Draft
1. Indianapolis Colts – Andrew Luck QB Stanford

2. Trade with St. Louis: Washington Redskins – Robert Griffin III QB Baylor

3. Minnesota Vikings – Matt Kalil OT USC

4. Cleveland Browns – Morris Claiborne CB LSU

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Trent Richardson RB Alabama

6. Trade with Washington:St. Louis Rams – Justin Blackmon WR Oklahoma St.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame

8. Miami Dolphins – Quinton Coples DE UNC

9. Carolina Panthers – Dontari Poe DT Memphis

10. Buffalo Bills – Melvin Ingram DE South Carolina

11. Kansas City Chiefs – Riley Reiff OT Iowa

12. Seattle Seahawks – Ryan Tannenhill QB Texas A&M

13. Arizona Cardinals – David Decastro G Stanford

14. Dallas Cowboys – Janoris Jenkins North Alabama

15. Philadelphia Eagles – Luke Kuelchy ILB Boston College

16. New York Jets – Mark Barron S Alabama

17. Cincinnati Bengals – Dre Kirkpatrick CB Alabama

18. San Diego Chargers – Courtney Upshaw OLB Alabama

19. Chicago Bears – Jonathan Martin OT Stanford

20. Tennessee Titans – Kendall Wright WR Baylor

21. Cincinnati Bengals – Lamar Miller RB Miami

22. Cleveland Browns – Nick Perry DE USC

23. Detroit Lions – Stephen Gilmore CB South Carolina

24. Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Adams OT Ohio St.

25. Denver Broncos – Fletcher Cox DE Miss. St.

26. Houston Texans – Peter Konz C Wisconsin

27. New England Patriots – Whitney Mercilus DE/OLB Illinois

28. Green Bay Packers – Devon Still DT Penn St.

29. Baltimore Ravens – Cordy Glenn OT/G Georgia

30. San Francisco 49ers – Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech

31. New England Patriots – Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina

32. New York Giants – Coby Fleener Stanford

Round 2

St. Louis Rams – Bobby Massie OT Ole Miss

34. Indianapolis Colts – Alameda Ta’amu DT Washington

35. Minnesota Vikings – Chase Minnifield CB Virginia

36. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers

37. Cleveland Browns – David Wilson RB Virginia Tech

38. Jacksonville Jaguars – Brandon Thompson DT Clemson

39. Trade: St. Louis Rams – Rueben Randle WR LSU

40. Carolina Panthers – Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska

41. Buffalo Bills – Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma St.

42. Miami Dolphins – Kendall Reyes DT UCONN

43. Seattle Seahawks – Chandler Jones DE Syracuse

Kansas City Chiefs – Vinny Curry OLB Marshall

45. Dallas Cowboys – Kelechi Osemele OG/T Iowa St.

46. Philadelphia Eagles – Kevin Zeitler G Wisconsin

47. New York Jets – Andre Branch DE Clemson

48. New England Patriots – Josh Norman CB Coastal Carolina

49. San Diego Chargers – Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama

50. Chicago Bears – Dwayne Allen TE Clemson

51. Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Brown OLB UNC

52. Tennessee Titans – Lavonte David Nebraska

53. Cincinnati Bengals – Harrison Smith S Notre Dame

54. Detroit Lions – Ben Jones C Georgia

55. Atlanta Falcons – David Wilson RB Boise St.

56. Pittsburgh Steelers – Jamell Fleming CB Oklahoma

57. Denver Broncos – Trumaine Johnson CB/S Montana

58. Houston Texans – Nick Toon WR Wisconsin

59. New Orleans Saints (Forfeited)

60. Green Bay Packers – Ronell Lewis DE Oklahoma

61. Baltimore Ravens – Marvin Jones WR Cal

62. San Francisco 49ers – Brandon Brooks G Miami

63. New England Patriots – Jared Crick DE/DT Nebraska

64. New York Giants – Jerel Worthy DT Michigan St.

 

Post-Combine Reactions

The NFL combine is wrapped-up and besides the college pro days, the NFL Draft is on the homestretch. The combine is a shorts-and-shirts event; where uber-athletes can show their elite athleticism and ability to run, jump and power through the workouts.

However, football isn’t played in shorts or shirts, so one has to be cautious with being over reactionary when evaluating the performances of particular prospects. Especially if an athlete doesn’t perform as well in the games as he does at the combine. This is where NFL evaluators have to cross reference the performances at the combine with the game tape.

Here are some ‘risers’ and ‘fallers’ from the combine:

Risers:

Cordy Glenn G/OT Georgia: The big man ran a sub 5.00 40 time, which is exceptional (and downright ungodly) for a man that stands at 6’5” and weighs 348 pounds. Glenn can play right tackle or guard in the NFL, and that versatility will be coveted by NFL teams.

Dontari Poe DT Memphis: Poe was perhaps the most impressive athlete at the combine. Out of 300 plus participants, Poe was an absolute freak-of-nature. Poe weighed-in at 346 pounds and ran faster than most prospects 100 pounds less at 4.87 second 40-yard-dash. Poe played at Memphis, which calls into question his level of competition, but his level of athleticism and size compares to NFL All-pro Haloti Ngata of the Baltimore Ravens. Yes, he can be that good.

Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech: Before the combine, Hill was predicted to have a good showing at the combine, but exceeded expectations by running a 4.36 and having a vertical jump of 39.5 inches. Playing in a run-oriented offense at Georgia Tech, Hill only had 28 receptions for 820 yards, but he had a 29.3 yards per reception average, which is just an astronomical number. Hill has very little experience running an NFL route tree, and lacks strength to beat man-press, but his size-speed ratio will be too tempting to pass for NFL teams in the draft.

Fallers:

Vontaze Burfict LB Arizona St: The prospect who had the most to prove after a down 2011 season and numerous on-the-field problems, flopped like a Paul McCartney solo album. Burfict ran slow, jumped short and reportedly performed poorly in the interviews with teams. Once touted as a 1st round prospect, Burfict has a legitimate chance at dropping to the 4th or 5th round. Burfict has one more opportunity to showcase his incredible athleticism that he displayed his freshmen and sophomore year at his pro day.

Kendall Wright WR Baylor: When you are less than 6’ and only weigh-in at 196 pounds, you need to be fast and explosive. Wright, considered at top-ten pick, disappointed by running a 4.61 second forty. Now there needs to be a disclaimer for Wright: He looked explosive in drills, events and has a chance to redeem himself at his pro day. However, he needs to run a 4.4 to be selected in the 1st round.

The NFL Draft is less than two months away and each day will be filled with rumors and smoke-screens from teams trying to be surreptitious about the player they covet. Pro days will dot the calendar as universities will host scouts, coaches and general mangers to showcase their players who weren’t invited to the combine or need a second chance to perform.

Enjoy the ride because we are rapidly approaching the peak!

NFL Combine

This weekend marks one of the biggest events and spectacles in the NFL off season: The NFL Combine. The combine features over 300 top NFL prospects jockeying for a higher draft choice and a more lucrative financial contract.

Here is a the itinerary of the combine: http://www.nflcombine.net/players/schedule.

The combine is not only an event to assess potential NFL players, but also an opportunity for agents and general mangers to start talking about contract negotiations of players already in the league.

The process of the combine can be grueling. From being prodded and poked by every team’s medical staff, to numerous interviews with scouts, general mangers, coaches and massive contingent of media members. The combine is a four day job interview with millions of dollars at stake.

Today the offensive line goes through the various on-field drills. Here is an example of one the drills presented by NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock.

The combine is also a chance for non-Division I athletes to showcase their skills and get noticed. Most of these players rarely play on television, and the combine allows these players to be better acquainted with teams and their evaluating staff.

Here is a list of some small school athletes that I will personally be focusing on:

Janoris Jenkins North Alabama

Amini Silatolu Midwestern State

Dontari Poe Memphis

Josh Norman Coastal Carolina

Trumaine Johnson

Check back this week for my reactions from the event, and who I believe were ‘risers‘ and ‘fallers’. Tune into NFL Network and enjoy the weekend!

What I learned

This class has taken me to heights I didn’t think I could possible muster. When I first entered the class, the daunting task of learning difficult programs like Photoshop and Final Cut seemed almost insurmountable. But with criticism and continued practice, I was able to create something I didn’t believe I could at the beginning of the year. My project: A New Libya, turned out to be the climax of the my young journalism career. I was able to create something real and humanizing, while connecting and building a relationship with the subject.

I hope as a transition to the professional world of journalism that I continue building upon these skills and become a successful all-around journalist. I realize that as journalism changes and is forced to adapt to public needs, that journalists are required to adapt also. I look forward to the upcoming challenges directed towards me in the future.