2010 Record: 6-10

Draft Position: 13

2010 Season Recap: Click Here

Offseason Needs: Click Here

Free Agents/Team Transactions: Click Here

Draft Grades: Click Here

Key Offseason Moves: None

Lions Blogger: Dean Holden

 

2010 Posts 

Not a Playoff Team, but Finally a Fun Team To Watch, Why The Lions Should be 4-0…and Why They’re Actually 0-4, Ndamukong Suh: Leading Detroit Lions’ Improved D Line Packers/Lions Preview Lions/Vikings Preview In Defense of Shaun Hill Detroit Lions Depth Chart Breakdown Detroit Lions 2010 Season Preview Detroit Lions Draft Grades Detroit Lions Free Agency Grades

 

 

 

Mario Williams gets the richest deal in NFL history, 6 years, 100 million, with 50 million guaranteed, which dwarfs Julius Peppers’ 6 year, 84 million dollar deal with 42 million guaranteed from 2 offseasons ago. However, at the time of his signing, Peppers was a 30 year old with 81 career sacks. Williams is only 27, with fewer sacks, 53, but this contract will only take him until he’s 32, rather than 35 like Peppers’.

Elite pass rushers in their prime don’t hit the open market very often. In fact, Mario Williams is probably a once in a decade free agent. Did the Bills overpay a little? Maybe, but this move will both solidify their once weak pass rush and energize a franchise that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1999. Besides, the Bills probably had to overpay. How else would they get a free agent?

I’m not worried about Williams slacking off now that he has 50 million guaranteed. He was the #1 overall pick in 2006 and thus has played under a huge contract before. The Bills are likely getting a top tier pass rusher for the next 6 seasons. My only concern is that he’s coming off an injury plagued season, but that shouldn’t be a recurring problem as Williams had never been seriously injured before last season.

Grade: A

 

 

Middle Linebacker 

Kentucky

6-2 256

40 time: 4.84

Draft board overall prospect rank: #116

Draft board middle linebacker rank: #10

Overall rating: 66*

3/1/10: He hurt his knee late last season, but chose to run the 40, which appears to be a mistake after he ran a 4.99. He can make that up with his Pro Day, but questions about the health of that knee are going to be there, which hurts him a lot because he’s a mid round prospect and, as a mid round prospect, you’re one flaw away from going in the 6^th or 7^th or even undrafted. For what it’s worth, 31 reps on the bench press showed his strength and what kind of player he can be when healthy.

1/23/10: He could have gone in the 2^nd round, because of his size, 6-2 258, experience in a 3-4 at Kentucky, and the fact that he was coming off of an amazing season for a 3-4 middle linebacker with 105 tackles and a sack, but then he got hurt in his bowl game and may miss both the combine and his pro day. How teams view his injured knee could determine if he gets drafted in the 2^nd or 3^rd round or the 4^th or 5^th. He’s a prototypical 3-4 middle linebacker, but his agility and timed speed aren’t good, projected 4.74-4.78 40, so I’m not sure what other positions he’ll be able to play or if he’ll fit a 4-3 at all.

            7/28/09: Micah Johnson is a very physical middle linebacker who is the prototypical 3-4 in terms of size. He’s very strong and has a great initial burst and both of those make him a great run stopping middle linebacker. He doesn’t have good sideline to sideline or chase speed, but he can plug up holes as a 3-4 middle linebacker and stuff running backs. His lack of timed speed will hurt him. A 40 in the 4.7s isn’t good at 255 pounds. He doesn’t have a lot of pass rushing abilities. He’s a very intense player and great leader, but he can be overaggressive and over pursue which gets him in trouble. He can keep up with tight ends in pass coverage and is a very tough physical matchup for even some of the biggest tight ends. He has trouble picking up faster running backs out of the backfield. He isn’t versatile. He’ll probably only be able to play 3-4 middle linebacker in the NFL. He’s not fast enough to play in a 4-3 or a cover 2. He’s not a good enough pass rusher. to play 3-4 rush linebacker or 4-3 end. His strength and burst make him a very good 3-4 run stuffing middle linebacker, but his lack of timed speed and versatility makes him a 3^rd round prospect at best. He projects as a good 3-4 depth guy in the next level with borderline starter potential. 

NFL Comparison: Takeo Spikes 

*=For a breakdown of what this means, click here

 

1st round 2nd Round 3rd Round 4th Round 5th Round 6th Round 7th Round

“Should” Mock 

 

Updated 4/16/10

 

 

 

132. St. Louis Rams- TE Ed Dickson (Oregon)

The Rams didn’t have a lot of firepower from the tight end position last year and then a lot of their tight ends left as free agents. They can use this pick to get a playmaker at the tight end position.

133. Seattle Seahawks (via DET)- G Jeff Byers (USC)

The Seahawks got this pick from the Lions for Rob Sims. Why wouldn’t they use it on his replacement? Byers fits their scheme a lot better than Sims did and he has experience with coach Carroll.

134. Cleveland Browns (via TB)- CB Jerome Murphy (South Florida)

Even with the addition of Sheldon Brown, the Browns need depth at the cornerback position. Brown probably only has 2 more good years in him left anyway.

135. Washington Redskins- WR Andre Roberts (Citadel)

Wide receiver isn’t a huge need, but there isn’t a ton of talent in their receiving corps and Roberts it too good to pass on.

136. Kansas City Chiefs- S Quentin Scott (Northern Iowa)

Quentin Scott could be this year’s Michael Mitchell. That athletic safety no one has ever heard of that gets a lot of mid round consideration. Scott won’t go in the 2^ndlike Mitchell, but he runs a 4.40 at 6-4 224, hits like a linebacker, and also plays receiver. He could be the strong safety the Chiefs need to replace Bernard Pollard

137. Philadelphia Eagles (via CLE)- WR Carlton Mitchell (South Florida)

The Eagles have a ton of picks this year after trading Sheldon Brown. I literally started running out of positions when I was putting this mock together. The Eagles could use a goal line type receiver like Mitchell, who has amazing physical upside.

138. Oakland Raiders- G Marshall Newhouse (TCU)

Newhouse ran a 5.00 at 6-4 322. This makes him a great player.

139. Seattle Seahawks- QB Tony Pike (Cincinnati)

They traded for and gave a large contract to Charlie Whitehurst, but counting on a former 3^rd rounder who has never thrown an NFL pass to be your quarterback of the future is not a good idea. Tony Pike is a steal here and would be a good fit in Seattle’s West Coast scheme.

140. Buffalo Bills- RLB Koa Misi (Utah)

A rush linebacker is needed opposite Aaron Maybin. Misi could be a steal here.

141. Chicago Bears- G Mitch Petrus (Arkansas)

Matt Forte was out of shape last year, but his awful season can’t be completely blamed on him. The Bears’ offensive line opened up a grand total of one hole for him all last year. Petrus would be an immediate left guard upgrade.

142. Kansas City Chiefs (via MIA)- 3-4 DE Jeff Owens (Georgia)

The Chiefs are always looking to add more muscle to the defensive line and Owens is one of the more physically fit players in this draft class.

143. Jacksonville Jaguars- DE Daniel Te’o-Neshiem (Washington)

The signing of Aaron Kampman was smart, but unless Derrick Harvey or Quentin Groves turn things around in a hurry, they’ll need another defensive end opposite him.

144. Kansas City Chiefs (via CAR)- C Matt Tennant (Boston College)

Another offensive line upgrade for the Chiefs who need an upgrade at center.

145. San Francisco 49ers- RLB Willie Young (NC State)

Manny Lawson looked great in the 2^nd half of the season last year. However, one good half season doesn’t convince me he’s not a bust. They’ll need a backup plan in case Lawson reverts.

146. Cleveland Browns (via DET, DEN)- OT Sam Young (Notre Dame)

Among the many things he did upon becoming coach of the Browns, Eric Mangini decided to would be necessary to downgrade the right tackle position significantly, replacing Kevin Schaffer with John St. Clair. That didn’t work, so the Browns will be looking for a right tackle in the NFL Draft.

147. New York Giants- DE Lindsey Witten (Connecticut)

If they decided to cut or trade Osi Umenyiora, they’ll need a replacement in the mid rounds to be their 3^rd rusher in their defensive end rotation.

148. Tennessee Titans- WR Blair White (Michigan State)

Kenny Britt is a solid #1 of the future. Who will be their #2? Justin Gage? Nate Washington? Probably not.

149. Atlanta Falcons- G Sergio Render (Virginia Tech)

The Falcons have very few needs, but interior line is depth is something they lack and Render has decent upside to be a future starter.

 

 

150. Houston Texans- OLB Kavell Conner (Clemson)

Brian Cushing was a great pick by the Texans last year, but they needed multiple linebacker upgrades last year and only got too. Conner is a great fit for the scheme. He’s very raw and inexperienced, but you have to like his upside. He was great last year for Clemson after he took the starting job and ran with it.

151. Pittsburgh Steelers- RB LeGarrette Blount (Oregon)

The Steelers lack a goal line back and with Willie Parker gone, they’ll need another running back to pair with Rashard Mendenhall.

152. Cincinnati Bengals – S Kurt Coleman (Ohio State)

Chris Crocker is average at best. Coleman could be some nice competition.

153. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via NE)- WR Jordan Shipley (Texas)

The Bucs need to draft more than one wide receiver this year. Reggie Brown is currently their #1 option for 2010. Shipley is a steal here.

154. Green Bay Packers- RLB Antonio Coleman (Auburn)

Brad Jones was good towards the end of last year, but I don’t think that alone is enough to end him a starting job for the future. They’ll want to bring in competition if they can.

155. Pittsburgh Steelers (via NYJ, PHI)- S Robert Johnson (Utah)

If Troy Polamalu goes down again, they’ll want more safety depth. Johnson could also be their free safety of the future if he pans out.

156. Baltimore Ravens- TE Anthony McCoy (USC)

Todd Heap finally stayed healthy last year. I can’t imagine that will continue.

157. Baltimore Ravens (via ARI)- RLB George Selvie (South Florida)

Terrell Suggs had a horrible year last year after signing his extension. They’ll want a rush linebacker to challenge him and force him to be his best again. 

158. Oakland Raiders (via NE, DEN, DAL)- CB Crezdon Butler (Clemson)

Butler runs a 4.41 at 6-0 199. This makes him a great player.

159. San Diego Chargers- OT Zane Beadles (Utah)

Beadles provides depth at three positions the Chargers are weak at, left guard, right tackle, and right guard.

160. Cleveland Browns (via NYJ)- 3-4 DE Corey Peters (Kentucky)

A natural fit for a 3-4 and experienced in the 3-4 in college, Peters will be a solid depth guy for the Browns who just lost Corey Williams via trade.

161. Minnesota Vikings- CB Walter Thurmond (Oregon)

They’ll need to add a cornerback to the mix in case Cedric Griffin can’t start next season after his injury.

162. Indianapolis Colts- DE Brandon Lang (Troy)

Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are both free agents in 2011. They’ll be looking for pass rushers at some point in this draft.

163. St. Louis Rams (via PHI, NO)- CB Patrick Stoudamire (Western Illinois)

It’s not their biggest need, but cornerback could be upgraded. For my exclusive interview with Patrick Stoudamire, click here.

164. Pittsburgh Steelers (comp)- QB Bill Stull (Pittsburgh)

Sadly, Roger Goddell could slap a suspension on Big Ben without a conviction, which, needless to say, would be a huge hit to their team. Dennis Dixon isn’t necessarily the guy you want starting in his absence. Stull probably isn’t either, but if you combine the two, you have a better shot at finding a starter. Stull has experience in a Pro Style offense and is homegrown.

165. Atlanta Falcons (comp)- K Garrett Lindholm (Tarleton State)

The Falcons struggled for consistency at the kicker position last year and almost certainly will address that need in the draft this year. For my exclusive interview with Garrett Lindholm, click here.

166. Pittsburgh Steelers (comp)- 3-4 DE Clifton Geathers (South Carolina)

Besides the unproven Evander Hood, the top 4 guys in the Steelers defensive end rotation are over 30.

167. Minnesota Vikings (comp)- RB James Starks (Buffalo)

Starks could fill Chester Taylor’s old role behind Adrian Peterson.

168. San Diego Chargers (comp)- MLB Micah Johnson (Kentucky)

The Chargers have needed an upgrade inside for years and if Johnson, who played in the 3-4 in college, pans out, he’ll be a nice upgrade.

169. Green Bay Packers (comp)- G Brandon Carter (Texas Tech)

Another offensive line upgrade for one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year.

 

Go on to 6th Round

Or check out other mock drafts

Or make your own

Or read more of my thought on The NFL Draft

Or check out my NBA Mock Draft

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Debate the New England Patriots’ offseason possibilities in The Football Fan Forum

2010 Preview:

New England’s offense last year wasn’t what he have come to expect from them. However, a lot of that can be blamed on Tom Brady’s health. Whether it was trying to get his feet under him early in the season, after coming back from a major injury, or bruised ribs, or a broken finger, or a phantom shoulder problem, he wasn’t quite right most of the season. When he was right, he was right. He destroyed Tennessee. He destroyed Jacksonville, even though injuries, so we know he can still put the points on the board in big ways.

His receiving corps this year are actually looking pretty underrated, if you can believe it. Randy Moss was a top 5 receiver last year, despite injuries and not trying 100%. This year, he’s fully motivated, in his contract year. Torry Holt will probably be lining up opposite him. Holt hasn’t been his same self the past few years, but having Marc Bulger and David Garrard as his quarterbacks probably had a lot to do with that. Julian Edelman will be a solid replacement for Wes Welker, for however long he’s out, and don’t sleep on Welker’s ability to get healthy. He reportedly practiced at 75% as recently as this week, less than 5 months after tearing his ACL and MCL. If that’s true, Welker being ready for the opener doesn’t seem like a stretch. Add in a pair or talented rookie tight ends, and Brady’s got some weapons to work with. By all indications, their offense should be as good this year, if not better, than most years over the past 8-10 years.

However, this defense won’t even be close. The Patriots won championships as much with smash mouth defense as they did with a big offense. Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Rodney Harrison, Ty Law, Junior Seau, Mike Vrabel, Willie McGinest, those guys are all long gone. This defense has some nice players, Leigh Bodden, Jerod Mayo, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Brandon Merriweather, rookie rush linebacker Jermaine Cunningham, but, as you can see, it’s just not the same. They lack those proven players of their Super Bowl winning teams. Now, Miami and New York, they’re coming up fast. Both of those teams are very talented. The Patriots aren’t going to be able to win this division with ease, though I give them a slight edge because of how important the quarterback position is in the NFL.

Projection: 11-5 1st in AFC East

Power Ranking: 5 

Last season: 10-7

Draft:

#27 CB Devin McCourty (Rutgers)

This pick caught me by surprise, but I do think it makes sense now. The Patriots have to go up against the Jets twice next year and the Jets are three deep at receiver with Edwards, Holmes, and Cotchery. The Pats have decent depth at corner, but Shaun Springs is getting pretty old, Darius Butler is an unproven 2009 2^nd rounder, and Jonathan Wilhite is a nickel corner who could be upgraded.

Grade: B

#44 TE Rob Gronkowski (Arizona)

If Gronkowski had gone back to school, he almost certainly would have been a 1^st round pick in 2011. He’s is a big target with good hands over the middle and he’s also a strong blocker and fills a huge need for the Patriots. If Wes Welker can’t play next year, there’s no doubt that the Pats will hurt, but having a legit big target like Gronkowski over the middle definitely would help remedy the hurt and if Welker plays, this is once again going to be one of the strongest receiving corps in the NFL (assuming Randy Moss plays well in his contract year).

Grade: A

#53 RLB Jermaine Cunningham (Florida)

I liked Cunningham a lot last year, at times even more than Dunlap, though it’s tough to ignore Dunlap’s measurables and potential, so I’m glad Cunningham went 1 pick before Dunlap, his former college linemate. Cunningham is a good fit for their 3-4 and he fills a major need as a pass rusher. There may have been some better rush linebacker available, and their may have been some better rush linebacker values later, and Cunningham may be a bit of a reach at 53, but it’s good to see the Patriots finally addressing the rush linebacker position and taking a player who they got a close look at during Florida’s Pro Day.

Grade: B+

#62 MLB Brandon Spikes (Florida)

Now when the Patriots need linebacker depth, they won’t have to raise Junior Seau from the dead. I don’t like Spikes’ speed, but he has good upside in a 3-4 and Bill Belicheck is good friends with Urban Meyer.

Grade: B-

#90 WR Taylor Price (Ohio)

He fills a need and has a ton of athletic upside in the 3^rd, but I’m not a big fan of his, even though I can see him being, possibly, a future starter for this team. However, if they think that Price is an adaquate future replacement for Moss, they could very well be negatively surprised in a few years.

Grade: C

#113 TE Aaron Hernandez (Florida)

Two tight ends in the same draft? Normally the strict positional valuist in me screams no, but when you have as many picks as the Patriots do, it’s not a bad idea to take BPA in the 4^th and take Hernandez, who is a perfect fit for the scheme and compliments Gronkowski nicely.

Grade: A

#150 P Zoltan Mesko (Michigan)

I understand the need for a punter, but they have like 6 7^th rounders. Certainly they could have used one of those on a punter and taken someone who can play on offense or defense here.

Grade: C-

#205 C Ted Larsen (NC State)

Larsen fills a bit of a need, but not a huge need and I still have images of his ugly snap in the Senior Bowl burned into my head.

Grade: B-

#209 OT Thomas Welch (Vanderbilt)

Not a major need, but with as many picks as the Patriots had, taking some depth at the offensive tackle position makes sense and Welch is a solid value.

Grade: A-

#247 3-4 DE Brandon Deaderick (Alabama)

The Patriots really should have taken a 3-4 defensive end earlier, but Deaderick is a good value here and has experience playing in the 3-4 at Alabama. He had a down year last year, but only because he hadn’t fully recovered from being shot in the arm during the offseason.

Grade: A

#248 NT Kade Weston (Georgia)

Weston is one of the most underrated nose tackles in this draft class and he provides solid depth at the position, but I think he could also slide outside and play the 3-4 end position at 6-5 320. If the Pats weren’t going to address the 3-4 end position earlier, they might as well take two prospects at the position in the late rounds to increase their chances.

Grade: A-

#250 QB Zac Robinson (Oklahoma State)

Robinson is a great value and the Pats played all last year with 2 quarterbacks so using one of their many late rounders on a quarterback is not a bad idea. He may also be able to play some receiver, a la Julian Edelman.

Grade: A

Key undrafted free agents

RB Pat Paschall (North Dakota State)

RLB Dane Fletcher (Montana State)

WR Bryan Anderson (Central Michigan)

CB Terrence Johnson (California PA)

Overall:

I think the Patriots got some pretty good talent here and filled some holes, but I would have liked to have seen them taking a 3-4 defensive end earlier, maybe Jared Odrick at 27 instead of Devin McCourty, and I wanted them to take at least one running back. They also did do some questionable things like taking a punter in the 5^th with a ton of 7^th rounders and taking Taylor Price, who I am not high on, in the 3^rd. However, they took a bunch of players who fit the scheme, fill needs, and have solid upside.

Grade: B+

Positions of need:

Rush Linebacker:

They only managed 31 sacks last year and 9.5 of those were from Tully Banta Cain who is a free agent this offseason. I understand why Bill Belicheck is afraid to draft a rush linebacker because the positions doesn’t really exist in college, but he needs to. Derrick Burgess is also a free agent, Adailus Thomas is never going to be the same player he used to be again, and Shawn Crable, who they like, has had two major injuries in his first 2 years in the league.

Drafted Jermaine Cunningham (#53)

3-4 Defensive End:

Getting the Raiders first rounder in 2011, likely a top 10 pick, for Richard Seymour was brilliant. Maybe they should trade more often with the Raiders. However, they do need to replace him on the defensive line. Unless they fall in love with Jared Odrick at 22, they’ll use a 2^nd rounder on this need.

Signed Damione Lewis, Drafted Brandon Deaderick (#247), Signed Gerard Warren

Tight End:

Benjamin Watson is a free agent and based on how he has declined in recent years, they’ll likely go another direction at the position. Aaron Hernandez would fit the scheme well in the 2^nd.

Signed Alge Crumpler, Drafted Rob Gronkowski (#42), Drafted Aaron Hernandez (#113) 

Running Back:

They benched Laurence Maroney late last year after another fumble. The Patriots could target a replacement for him, either Jahvid Best or CJ Spiller, at 22 in the first round. They really don’t have any big speed guys at the position so they may want to focus on obtaining a homerun hitting back that can catch the ball out of the backfield.

Wide Receiver:

Randy Moss has only one year left on his deal and given his effort last year, I’d be surprised to see him back in 2011. I wouldn’t actually be surprised if he was traded this offseason. Maybe they could trade him to Oakland for a first rounder and then in a few years trade a 4^th rounder to get him back. They could start a business off of this. Back to the point, they’ll need a young wide receiver early in the draft to be his future replacement. Even if he’s brought back, he’ll be 36 in 2011.

Signed Torry Holt, Drafted Taylor Price (#90)

Cornerback:

Depth at least is needed. Leigh Bodden is a free agent this offseason and, given the weak cornerback market, he could get a large deal that the Pats won’t want to match. I’m not sold on Jonathan Wilhite as their nickel corner either and Shawn Springs is getting up there in years.

Drafted Devin McCourty (#27) 

Guard:

Stephen Neal is a free agent and has hinted towards retirement. He’s also injury prone and over 30. He’ll need to be replaced.

Middle Linebacker:

Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton have the starting job down fine, the issue is if one gets hurt, they’ll probably have to wake Junior Seau up from the dead again. They really lack depth at the position right now.

Drafted Brandon Spikes (#62) 

 

Free agents:

QB Jeff Rowe 

QB Mike Teel 

RB Kevin Faulk- resigned 1 year 2 million

WR Isaiah Stanback- signed with Seahawks

TE Benjamin Watson- signed with Browns 3 years 12 million

TE Chris Baker- signed with Seahawks 2 years 4.7 million 

G Logan Mankins (restricted)- tendered (1st, 3rd)

G Stephen Neal- resigned 2 years

NT Vince Wilfork- resigned 5 years 40 million

3-4 DE Jarvis Green- signed with Broncos 4 years 20 million

RLB Tully Banta Cain- resigned 3 years

RLB Derrick Burgess

RLB Pierre Woods (restricted)- resigned 1 year

RLB Adalius Thomas 

MLB Bruce Davis- signed with Broncos

#4 CB Leigh Bodden- resigned 5 years 28.5 million

I’d move him up if he wasn’t so horrible in a zone scheme in Detroit in 2008. The Patriots made a brilliant move by signing him. He fit their scheme perfectly and he would fit other teams will if they ran a similar man scheme. He’s one of the top 5 best man to man shutdown corners and Chad Ochocinco even said he’s the best man to man corner in the league. If you have the right scheme, he’ll be an amazing addition and command a large contract.

CB Shawn Springs 

K Stephen Gostkowski (restricted)- resigned 1 year 1.7 million

Offseason moves:

Patriots sign C Eric Ghiaciuc 

Patriots announce retirement of WR David Patten 

Patriots cut QB Mike Teel

Patriots sign RB Thomas Clayton 

Patriots waive MLB Bruce Davis

Patriots waive WR Isaiah Stanback

Patriots claim QB Mike Teel

Patriots cut QB Jeff Rowe 

Patriots cut CB Shawn Springs

Patriots re-sign RLB Derrick Burgess 

Patriots sign 3-4 DE Gerard Warren 

Patriots cut RLB Adalius Thomas

Patriots sign WR Torry Holt 

Patriots re-sign RLB Pierre Woods

Patriots re-sign K Stephen Gostkowski 

Patriots 3-4 DE Damione Lewis 

Patriots sign TE Alge Crumpler 

Patriots re-sign RB Kevin Faulk

Patriots sign RLB Marques Murrell

Patriots re-sign CB Leigh Bodden

Patriots re-sign G Stephen Neal

Patriots re-sign NT Vince Wilfork

Patriots re-sign RLB Tully Banta-Cain

Patriots cut TE Chris Baker

Patriots tender K Stephen Gostkowski

Patriots tender G Logan Mankins

Patriots tender MLB Gary Guyton

Patriots tender RLB Pierre Woods

Patriots sign WR David Patten

Patriots franchise NT Vince Wilfork

FB Patrick Pass retires

# refers to unrestricted free agent rank

100 Once in a decade prospect 
95-99 Elite talent 
90-95 Solid top 10 pick 
85-90 Solid first round pick 
80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd 
75-80 Solid 2nd round pick 
70-75 Solid 3rd round pick 
65-70 3rd-4th round pick 
60-65 4th-5th round pick 
55-60 5th round pick 
50-55 6th round pick 
45-50 7th round pick 
40-45 Priority free agent

 

CB Prince Amukamara UP

So much for not being athletic. Amukamara ran a 4.37 at 6-0 206 with a 38 inch vertical.

S Ahmad Black DOWN

I think we all knew he was going to be slow, but a 4.74 at 5-10 184 is terrible.

CB Kendric Burney DOWN

I think we all knew he was going to be slow, but a 4.72 at 5-9 186 is terrible.

CB Brandon Burton DOWN

I had a first round grade on Burton, but he really struggled in the drills so that will change.

CB Mario Butler DOWN

Butler ran a 4.65 at 6-0 182, but also struggled in the drills.

CB Chimdi Chekwa UP

Not known as a real burner, Chekwa came out and ran a 4.33 at 6-0 191.

CB Chris Culliver UP

Another one of the fastest guys, Culliver ran a 4.36 at 6-0 199.

CB Brandon Harris UP

His 40 time, 4.43 at 5-10 191, wasn’t spectacular, but it was good. He dominated the drills though.

S Shiloh Keo DOWN

Even for a safety, a 4.72 was disappointing.

CB Patrick Peterson UP

Trying to be the first cornerback to go in the top 2, much less #1 overall, Peterson didn’t do a single thing wrong today. He ran a 4.32 at 6-0 219, had a 38 inch vertical, and dominated every single drill. Other than Marcell Dareus, no top overall pick candidate helped himself more this week.

 

CB Darryl Skrine UP

Darryl “Buster” Skrine ran a 4.29 at 5-10 186. Who is Buster Skrine? No idea, but I’ll definitely have to find out. The kid out of UT-Chattanooga looked good in drills though.

CB Jimmy Smith UP

The interesting thing about The Combine for cornerbacks is that all of the elite first round cornerbacks dominated. Peterson, Amukamara, Harris, and Jimmy Smith. Smith measured in big at 6-2 211 and ran fast at 4.38, but he absolutely dominated the drills. There are some character concerns with him, which include a positive drug test. It’s been reported that the Lions said that they won’t draft him at 13, though take that for what that is. He also has a lot of stiffness on tape, though he didn’t show any of that today. The important thing, guys rarely threw on him in college.

CB DeMarcus Van Dyke UP

Very skinny at 6-1 176 and put up a laughable 5 in the bench press, but he’s got the natural athleticism. He’s got the 4.28 speed and the long arms. He needs to fill out, but he can become a good cornerback. He looked solid in drills as well. He could sneak into day 2.

CB Aaron Williams DOWN

His 40 wasn’t bad or anything, but he struggled in the drills and the NFL Network commentators all agreed he’d have to be a safety at the next level.

S Nate Williams DOWN

A 4.70 at 6-0 211 was not what he wanted to do today, even as a safety.

DE Greg Romeus DOWN

A leftover from yesterday, Romeus’ knee is reportedly still not healthy. He could drop to day 3.

WR Julio Jones UP

Not only did Jones blow up the combine, he did it with a broken foot. This should be no surprise. He dominated last season with a broken hand. He will need surgery on the foot, but it’s only an expected 6-8 week recovery, similar to the one Michael Crabtree had in 2009 when he missed The Combine. Running a 4.39 at 6-3 220 with a 11-2 broad jump is extremely impressive. Doing the same with a broken foot is absolutely insane.

He’s tough, he’s well coached, he runs good routes, he’s the best run blocking wide receiver prospect in years, he’s athletic, he’s explosive, he’s productive, he drops the occasional pass, but that’s really the only flaw in this kid’s game. He’s a 1a to AJ Green’s #1 in my book.

 

 

 

32(31). St. Louis Rams 2-13

31(32). Indianapolis Colts 2-13

30(30). Minnesota Vikings 3-12

29(29). Cleveland Browns 4-11

28(28). Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4-11

27(27). Jacksonville Jaguars 4-11

26(24). Washington Redskins 5-10

25(25). Miami Dolphins 5-10

24(26). Buffalo Bills 6-9

23(23). Carolina Panthers 6-9

22(22). Kansas City Chiefs 6-9

21(21). Chicago Bears 7-8

20(17). Seattle Seahawks 7-8

19(16). Arizona Cardinals 7-8

18(14). San Diego Chargers 7-8

17(20). Philadelphia Eagles 7-8

 

16(18). New York Giants 8-7

15(15). Oakland Raiders 8-7

14(12). Dallas Cowboys 8-7

13(19). Tennessee Titans 8-7

12(9). Denver Broncos 8-7

11(10). New York Jets 8-7

10(13). Cincinnati Bengals 9-6

9(8). Atlanta Falcons 9-6

8(7). Houston Texans 10-5

7(11). Detroit Lions 10-5

6(6). Baltimore Ravens 11-4

5(5). Pittsburgh Steelers 11-4

4(3). New Orleans Saints 12-3

3(4). San Francisco 49ers 12-3

2(2). New England Patriots 12-3

1(1). Green Bay Packers 14-1

 

 

Average total drafted in last 5 years: 4.0

1. Evan Rodriguez (Temple) 5-6

2. Bradie Ewing (Wisconsin) 6-7

3. Emil Igwenagu (Massachusetts) 6-7

4. Brad Smelley (Alabama) 7-U

5. Drake Dunsmore (Northwestern) 7-U

6. Cody Johnson (Texas) 7-U

 

100 Once in a decade prospect 
95-99 Elite talent 
90-95 Solid top 10 pick 
85-90 Solid first round pick 
80-85 Late 1st-early 2nd 
75-80 Solid 2nd round pick 
70-75 Solid 3rd round pick 
65-70 3rd-4th round pick 
60-65 4th-5th round pick 
55-60 5th round pick 
50-55 6th round pick 
45-50 7th round pick 
40-45 Undrafted, invite to training camp 
30-40 Career practice squader 
20-30 No NFL future 
0-20 No football future