So anyone else here a bit of a draft nerd like myself? I've been hanging out for the draft since the wildcard round so a bit of relief that it's finally here (1st round is on thursday, 2nd & 3rd rounds on friday & 4-7 on saturday).
For all those who haven't been following the draft, it's probably the worst draft in quite some time in terms of talent. Massively top loaded draft, especially along the D-line. The QBs on offer are awful, but there have been rumours that as many as 7 QBs will go in the 1st due to the need out there at the moment. Can't see that happening personally, especially with the lockout reduced training camp & pre-season which could spell disaster for rookies pressed in too early. It's always a shame to see a rookie get David Carr'd & ruined forever.
The exciting thing is that the entire draft is up in the air. Normally the top 10 is easy to pick (in regards to what team players are going to) but this year, anything could happen. As usual, no one has any idea what the Iggles are going to pull out but we do need to pick up at least two CBs & a lot of OL & LBs. I can see Big Red picking up a DE or DT if the right one falls to us as well.
Some top prospects to look out for;
Cam Newton - Dual threat QB from Auburn. Led Auburn to a national championship in his one year there. Superior athlete, lots of question marks over his accuracy & ability to run a pro-style offence (He ran a spread offence at Auburn which was more of less point & click). Character issues as well as some scouts have noted that he is a compulsive liar & the NCAA are investigating into whether he recieved unlawful benefits from Auburn to attend Auburn over Sth. Carolina. Will probably be the #1 overall pick (Going to Carolina).
Patrick Peterson - Best CB prospect since Champ Bailey. A lot of draftniks were projecting him to safety due to his size (6"2, 210lbs IIRC) but he ran a sub 4.40 40 yard dash at the combine so he is definately a cornerback. IMO the best player in the draft, whoever gets him will be very happy with themselves.
Marcel Dareus - 3-4 DE from Alabama. Most people are mocking him to Denver at #2 overall, I'm not that sold on him personally. Doesn't seem to have great burst & I'm not sure he'd live in the backfield like he'd need to if he plays in a 4-3 (which Denver will be running next year). I don't think he'll be a bust, I just don't think he'll ever be anything special.
A lot of indicators that the 49'ers are looking at taking QB Blaine Gabbert in the 1st. It'd be hilarious if they do, the bloke was given a 5th round grade at the start of the season. He is a beneficiary of a very weak QB class. Colin Kaepernick is another QB to look for in the mid rounds. Very athletic but needs some work on his throwing action. Would love for Philly to pick this guy up in the late 2nd or 3rd.
Vikings looking at mostly D-line prospects to take with their first pick I hear. Da'Quan Bowers will definately go to them if he falls that far, was the consensus #1 overall pick during the playoffs but injured his knee & the concerns about the knee healing have hurt his stock big time. Vikings reportedly fell in love with QB Jake Locker but there is no way they take him at #12 overall, he needs a couple of years on the bench to adjust to the NFL.
No one has any clue what Philly will do (Suprise, suprise) but if they are as interested in Colorado CB Jimmy Smith as they seem then they will take him, even if they have to trade up for him. Great lockdown corner but has a lot of character issues (Was arrested a couple of times at Colorado for DUI & possession). Ravens reportedly want him as well which could make things interesting. If Philly don't get their man then it's a pretty safe bet that they will trade down.
Steelers are looking at CBs as well with Aaron Smith being the name thrown around most. Very physical corner, not the best athelete but has the potential to transition to safety which is another position of need for Pitt.
Kevin Kolb still on the trade block with all the Cards, Vikes & 49'ers reportedly the most interested. If trades are allowed during the draft (would have to be ordered by the judge currently presiding over the lockout case) then it would make sense for Philly to trade Kolb & their 1st rnd pick to the Cards for their 1st rnd pick. Peterson to Philly would be perfect in Coach Reid's mind.
For all those who haven't been following the draft, it's probably the worst draft in quite some time in terms of talent. Massively top loaded draft, especially along the D-line. The QBs on offer are awful, but there have been rumours that as many as 7 QBs will go in the 1st due to the need out there at the moment. Can't see that happening personally, especially with the lockout reduced training camp & pre-season which could spell disaster for rookies pressed in too early. It's always a shame to see a rookie get David Carr'd & ruined forever.
The exciting thing is that the entire draft is up in the air. Normally the top 10 is easy to pick (in regards to what team players are going to) but this year, anything could happen. As usual, no one has any idea what the Iggles are going to pull out but we do need to pick up at least two CBs & a lot of OL & LBs. I can see Big Red picking up a DE or DT if the right one falls to us as well.
Some top prospects to look out for;
Cam Newton - Dual threat QB from Auburn. Led Auburn to a national championship in his one year there. Superior athlete, lots of question marks over his accuracy & ability to run a pro-style offence (He ran a spread offence at Auburn which was more of less point & click). Character issues as well as some scouts have noted that he is a compulsive liar & the NCAA are investigating into whether he recieved unlawful benefits from Auburn to attend Auburn over Sth. Carolina. Will probably be the #1 overall pick (Going to Carolina).
Patrick Peterson - Best CB prospect since Champ Bailey. A lot of draftniks were projecting him to safety due to his size (6"2, 210lbs IIRC) but he ran a sub 4.40 40 yard dash at the combine so he is definately a cornerback. IMO the best player in the draft, whoever gets him will be very happy with themselves.
Marcel Dareus - 3-4 DE from Alabama. Most people are mocking him to Denver at #2 overall, I'm not that sold on him personally. Doesn't seem to have great burst & I'm not sure he'd live in the backfield like he'd need to if he plays in a 4-3 (which Denver will be running next year). I don't think he'll be a bust, I just don't think he'll ever be anything special.
A lot of indicators that the 49'ers are looking at taking QB Blaine Gabbert in the 1st. It'd be hilarious if they do, the bloke was given a 5th round grade at the start of the season. He is a beneficiary of a very weak QB class. Colin Kaepernick is another QB to look for in the mid rounds. Very athletic but needs some work on his throwing action. Would love for Philly to pick this guy up in the late 2nd or 3rd.
Vikings looking at mostly D-line prospects to take with their first pick I hear. Da'Quan Bowers will definately go to them if he falls that far, was the consensus #1 overall pick during the playoffs but injured his knee & the concerns about the knee healing have hurt his stock big time. Vikings reportedly fell in love with QB Jake Locker but there is no way they take him at #12 overall, he needs a couple of years on the bench to adjust to the NFL.
No one has any clue what Philly will do (Suprise, suprise) but if they are as interested in Colorado CB Jimmy Smith as they seem then they will take him, even if they have to trade up for him. Great lockdown corner but has a lot of character issues (Was arrested a couple of times at Colorado for DUI & possession). Ravens reportedly want him as well which could make things interesting. If Philly don't get their man then it's a pretty safe bet that they will trade down.
Steelers are looking at CBs as well with Aaron Smith being the name thrown around most. Very physical corner, not the best athelete but has the potential to transition to safety which is another position of need for Pitt.
Kevin Kolb still on the trade block with all the Cards, Vikes & 49'ers reportedly the most interested. If trades are allowed during the draft (would have to be ordered by the judge currently presiding over the lockout case) then it would make sense for Philly to trade Kolb & their 1st rnd pick to the Cards for their 1st rnd pick. Peterson to Philly would be perfect in Coach Reid's mind.
