He was so highly touted at Mater Dei and he was supposed to be the next big QB but never truly did that at USC. I was really expecting him to be a lot better in College and I think I put some blame on Kiffen. He could become nothing because that seems to be the trend (Sanchez, Leinart and Cassel were all overrated) but Palmer was great in his prime. The thing I like is that he has become an underdog and that never happens with a Trojans QB. He put up pretty good #s in his last two seasons and he stayed for all four unlike Sanchez and Leinart and I think that shows he knew he needed to work on his game. He suffered a shoulder injury and overall that team was just under coached throughout the year. He is a gamble but a calculated one and in my opinion would be a steal at the end of the first. Aaron Rodgers fell that far and I think Barkley could benefit from a few years behind Schaub.
Big numbers big TDs but despite all the high praise he never turned the corner. Like I said. He just never impressed me during the games I watched,
I don't bother with Barkley unless he really falls. Pending his combine, I don't bother unless he is somehow still around late in the second. And only if the scouts/staff LOVE him.
Why would you want Barkley? He has a popgun for an arm. He is not mobile. He reminds me of Case Keenum and Blaine Gabbert. He can throw the ball to the sidelines but struggles to throw downfield. He was helped out quite a bit by having the best receivers in college football. He's a third to 4th round talent. Somebody will draft him by the second round and will regret the decision later.
If we're talking QB prospects, I'd rather take a chance on EJ Manuel than Barkley. Honestly think he fits Kubiak's system better.
Ask and you shall receive 2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0 Mel Kiper [ARCHIVE] ESPN Insider | February 7, 2013 As I evaluate this class, and talk to people around the NFL doing the same, my sense is for a quarterback to be taken in Round 1, there's a good chance a trade will be involved. At least based on current evals of the class. For teams like Kansas City and Arizona, the value of the pick of a QB in the top 10 just doesn't make a lot of sense, but they could be in play to trade up and take a player like Matt Barkley, Geno Smith or Mike Glennon somewhere late in Round 1. Or, they could forego an early pick altogether and trade down. But unless the QB picture really changes -- and Indy as well as pro days really could shift things -- you can definitely see trades coming into play. But I can't reflect trades here, only where the picks currently stand. So keep that in mind as you dive in for 2.0. I expect we'll see some changes after the combine in two weeks. As always, juniors and third-year sophomores are noted with an asterisk. MORE KIPER CONTENT: Updated mock draft | Big Board | Top 5 at each position 1 Luke Joeckel Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) COLLEGE: Texas A&M AGE: 21 HT: 6-6 WT: 310 POS: OT Analysis: At this point the Chiefs could be weighing at least a handful of players for this spot, if they stay here. As of now, at No. 1, a quarterback shouldn't be in the mix. So I think fans needs to consider that K.C. could be looking to secure the best available player here, period. From there, they either consider a QB with their first pick in Round 2, or perhaps the option of trading into the late first to mazimize value. As for Joeckel, at this time he probably represents the best guaranteed production on the pick value. A gifted technician at left tackle, he is already capable of handling good NFL pass-rushers, and could hold down the position for 10 years. Regardless, the Chiefs will be thinking about total draft value and strategy, not just a single pick here. PLAYER CARD 2 Damontre Moore * Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14) COLLEGE: Texas A&M AGE: 20 HT: 6-4 WT: 250 POS: DE Analysis: I'm staying with this selection. The Jaguars were again arguably among the worst pass-rushing teams in the NFL in 2012, and need a guaranteed difference-maker. Moore is that kind of player. I've had a pass-rusher as a top need for this franchise going on four years, and Moore checks that off the list. He's an exceptionally productive defensive end prospect with very good quickness, long arms and elite closing burst as a rusher. He will get to the quarterback, period. The Jags should be a better team in 2013, but it's not just based on whether they get better at quarterback. PLAYER CARD 3 Star Lotulelei Oakland Raiders (4-12) COLLEGE: Utah AGE: 23 HT: 6-4 WT: 320 POS: DT Analysis: The Raiders are really compelled to take the best player available. They're desperate for immediate impact, and Lotulelei is one of those players that makes everybody around him better. He demands multiple blockers or he'll collapse the pocket, and his instincts, vision, bust and power effect both the pass and the run. Oakland also has needs at linebacker, wide receiver and cornerback, but outside of maybe Dee Milliner, I don't think the Raiders can match the value of this pick, much less improve on it. PLAYER CARD 4 Dee Milliner * Philadelphia Eagles (4-12) COLLEGE: Alabama AGE: 21 HT: 6-1 WT: 199 POS: CB Analysis: I noted in the previous mock that on a per-play basis, rookie Brandon Boykin might have been the best player in the Eagles secondary toward the end of the season. The Eagles could see a number of personnel changes with the new regime, but they can't afford to fall off significantly in the secondary in a division with Eli Manning, Robert Griffin III and Tony Romo. You might expect Chip Kelly to score points, but he's always put a great emphasis on his defense too. Milliner has elite grades in terms of awareness and ball skills, and he's a physical corner who can push wideouts off routes. And he can flat-out tackle. PLAYER CARD 5 Jarvis Jones * Detroit Lions (4-12) COLLEGE: Georgia AGE: 23 HT: 6-3 WT: 241 POS: LB Analysis: On Tuesday, Detroit cut veteran Kyle Vanden Bosch to clear more cap space. Jones isn't the pure 4-3 defensive end to fill that void, but he'll certainly upgrade the pass rush. No, he's not a perfect fit in the current system, but Gunther Cunningham will be thrilled to scheme with Jones in mind. Roll the tape, and regardless of the how teams tried to stop Jones, you see them fail. He led the nation in sacks even though he was a blocking target, used great leverage to hold up as a run defender and in every case, was simply relentless. Sure, Detroit could also use Milliner if available, but a great pass defense starts with pressure. PLAYER CARD 6 Bjoern Werner * Cleveland Browns (5-11) COLLEGE: Florida St. AGE: 22 HT: 6-4 WT: 255 POS: DE Analysis: The Browns regressed on defense in 2012, and the pass rush was a culprit. This was, by every standard, a bottom-10 unit, and they simply need to add talent. If they want the best player available at this spot, and a guy who fills a void, it might be Werner by the time we get to April. In fact, by then he could be expected to go higher. A late arrival to football, he has a high ceiling, but already has a decent portfolio of pass-rush skills. What's great about Werner isn't just the explosiveness as a pass-rusher, it's also his awareness. He keeps his eyes up and disrupts passing lanes. He's a good fit for the Browns. PLAYER CARD 7 Eric Fisher Arizona Cardinals (5-11) COLLEGE: Central Michigan AGE: 22 HT: 6-8 WT: 305 POS: OT Analysis: This is one of the spots where you could see a QB come off the board, but at this stage a QB taken at No. 7 would be a significant reach. Until we see major strides by one of the QB options, Arizona is better off adding a key piece it can start right away and looking for a QB in Round 2, or trading up into the late first. And remember, the Cardinals may have moved on a QB in free agency or via a trade by April. Fisher isn't a big name, but he's as a good as any tackle in this class outside of Joeckel. Arizona was a train wreck at tackle for much of 2012, and even with some young guys on the roster, they need to consider a better option if available. PLAYER CARD 8 Alec Ogletree * Buffalo Bills (6-10) COLLEGE: Georgia AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 237 POS: LB Analysis: Sticking with a linebacker here, but going with the higher ceiling. The Bills really need help at interior linebacker, where Kelvin Sheppard is merely adequate. Ogletree was at one time a safety, and you see those kinds of instincts when he plays, because he simply flies to the ball. He's a great pursuit player and a guy who will shoot gaps and make stops in the backfield, but that's also because he has really good instincts. A big key with Ogletree is versatility. There's no reason he can't work on the edge, or inside. He has the ceiling of a player who can do it all. PLAYER CARD 9 Dion Jordan New York Jets (6-10) COLLEGE: Oregon AGE: 22 HT: 6-7 WT: 243 POS: OLB Analysis: Yes, they really need skill position upgrades, with wide receiver, tight end and running back all areas of need. But the value is an issue, so if the Jets don't trade down, they're better served going with the best player available at another position of need. I'm a big fan of the interior, with Muhammad Wilkerson and Quinton Coples in place, but the Jets could really use an edge rusher. Jordan is light, but he has long arms, great athleticism and I think can be a guy they don't need to shuttle in and out depending on downs and matchups. He has star potential, and the pass rush gets some help. PLAYER CARD 10 Barkevious Mingo * Tennessee Titans (6-10) COLLEGE: LSU AGE: 22 HT: 6-5 WT: 242 POS: DE Analysis: Mingo sits on that fine line you can find in this range of the draft. He has the natural skills and athleticism of a devastating pass-rusher in the mold of an Aldon Smith -- those guys don't last into the teens. But there's a small bust potential too if his technique doesn't get better. The guy is long, fast, has a great burst and can flat-out turn the corner. But he also needs to play with better leverage, take on blockers more effectively and find ways to simply be more productive. When you watch Mingo at his best, closing on a QB, he looks too good to pass up. Tennessee needs the pass-rush help, and Mingo could develop into a star. PLAYER CARD 11 Jonathan Cooper San Diego Chargers (7-9) COLLEGE: North Carolina AGE: 23 HT: 6-3 WT: 298 POS: G Analysis: I wasn't sure exactly where San Diego would go, but as I talked to people there and also went back to the tape myself, I was surprised at how urgent the interior line situation has become. The run-blocking in particular was a total mess, and it put too much pressure on the passing game. The passing game, of course, also suffered from inconsistent blocking. We'll see how free agency plays out, but I think the Chargers could be ready to focus on problems up front. Cooper fits the bill, can start immediately and should be able to upgrade this unit. PLAYER CARD 12 Cordarrelle Patterson * Miami Dolphins (7-9) COLLEGE: Tennessee AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 205 POS: WR Analysis: This is where I projected Patterson the first time around, and I still like it. The question is whether Patterson will still be around this far down the board. The Dolphins need pass-catching help for Ryan Tannehill, mainly of the impact variety. They need a legit matchup problem. Patterson had just one year in the SEC after spending two years at the junior-college level, but he's got the skill set you want for a pick this high. Very good hands, he can beat cornerbacks with his height and strength, and he'll beat defenders for 50-50 balls. He can hurt you after the catch, and the value makes sense. PLAYER CARD 13 Manti Te'o Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9) COLLEGE: Notre Dame AGE: 22 HT: 6-2 WT: 255 POS: LB Analysis: For a pure interior linebacker, Te'o is still the best one on the board. I pushed Ogletree ahead of him based on versatility. I know there will still be questions on the off-the-field stuff, but for the most part Te'o is a known football commodity among NFL evaluators, and he's also considered a safe player to take for the specific goal of having him work inside or on the strongside at linebacker. Tampa Bay could take Te'o and go either way, but he'd represent an upgrade there, particularly on run defense. That said, this is also a LB who was second nationally in INTs, so he knows how to move in coverage as well. PLAYER CARD 14 Sheldon Richardson * Carolina Panthers (7-9) COLLEGE: Missouri AGE: 21 HT: 6-4 WT: 295 POS: DT Analysis: With Luke Kuechly in place to shore up the linebacking corps, the Panthers should be looking up front; they need a talent upgrade on the defensive line. Richardson is just incredibly active, piling up tackles at a position where that's not easy to do. He's quick off the snap, shows great strength in short-yardage situations and uses his hands to get off blocks and make plays. The guy can even drop into coverage and will destroy screens. If Patterson is here, that's an option, and this could be a reach spot for a guy like Keenan Allen, but they should be thrilled with an impact DT. PLAYER CARD 15 Sharrif Floyd * New Orleans Saints (7-9) COLLEGE: Florida AGE: 20 HT: 6-3 WT: 303 POS: DT Analysis: Few players finished the season on a higher note. Floyd was a star out of high school, and has moved around a bit on the defensive line. Because he has some decent pass-rushing skills, and a lot of quickness for his frame, Florida had him over the tackle and the benefit was clear. Floyd had great lower-body strength and can drive O-lineman into the pocket, but he also has powerful hands and moves well to disengage and come free. The Saints are desparate for help on the defensive line, and Floyd can provide balance, as a big, powerful pass-rusher who knows how to identify and use leverage against the run. PLAYER CARD 16 Lane Johnson St. Louis Rams (7-8-1) COLLEGE: Oklahoma AGE: 22 HT: 6-7 WT: 303 POS: OT Analysis: The Rams can afford to go a few different ways here because they have that other first-round pick. I think the offensive line has to be a priority at one of these spots. Johnson is a steady tackle who upgrades the team on the right side immediately and has the ceiling of a very good NFL left tackle. He has the long arms you look for, gets into good position immediately and slides really easily to derail speed-rushers. The Rams have skill-position questions, and those could be answered here. But they need to block better, period, or it won't matter how much skill they have. PLAYER CARD 17 Ezekiel Ansah Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) COLLEGE: BYU AGE: 23 HT: 6-6 WT: 272 POS: LB Analysis: Sticking with Ansah here. You hand an exceptional physical talent with a high ceiling but plenty of development required to Dick LeBeau. When that's the equation, where's the downside? What I think is particularly interesting about this situation is the idea that Ansah could ultimately work out as a 3-4 DE. Ansah might lack polish as a pass-rusher, but he has a lot of power both with raw strength and because he has such a burst, can rush with leverage and also utilize his quickness in one-on-one matchups. The Steelers must get younger on defense and, as I said before, Ansah makes sense given their track record of development. PLAYER CARD 18 Chance Warmack Dallas Cowboys (8-8) COLLEGE: Alabama AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 320 POS: G Analysis: Follow my Big Board week to week and you're probably surprised I could fathom a situation where Warmack is still around at No. 18. But remember, the mock also takes into account where I hear teams are valuing guys, and in the case of a player like Warmack, the positional value aspect hurts him as a guard. Make no mistake, he's a stud, a dominant guard who makes your offensive line better the second he signs his contract. But he's staying inside, period, limiting his shot at the top 10. Dallas could certainly use an upgrade at guard, and I don't think the Cowboys can pass up Warmack at this spot on the board if he's available. PLAYER CARD 19 Zach Ertz * New York Giants (9-7) COLLEGE: Stanford AGE: 21 HT: 6-6 WT: 252 POS: TE Analysis: The Giants got passable tight end play in 2012 from Martellus Bennett, but they could really use a more complete, dynamic player at the position. Bennett could be gone by April, for starters, and they really need to outfit Eli Manning with a difference-maker at the position. Ertz is a good one, a hands-catcher who can really move at over 250 pounds. Giants fans wondering about the ceiling on this kid should watch the Rose Bowl. He can beat teams up the seam, work the edges and use his size and strength to shield defenders and create matchup problems all over the field. He's ready to play now. PLAYER CARD 20 D.J. Fluker * Chicago Bears (10-6) COLLEGE: Alabama AGE: 21 HT: 6-6 WT: 335 POS: OT Analysis: A fourth-year junior, Fluker was allowed to participate at the Senior Bowl, and he took advantage. He has great size, and has extremely long arms he can use to move and frustrate pass-rushers. It's possible he was overlooked a little during the season because the level of play along the Bama offensive line was so good. I think when Marc Trestman starts rolling the tape on the Bears, he's going to see that the offensive line simply has to see a talent infusion. Fluker could be the best one the Bears have by the end of his rookie year. PLAYER CARD 21 Kenny Vaccaro Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) COLLEGE: Texas AGE: 21 HT: 6-1 WT: 219 POS: S Analysis: This is just a big need spot for the Bengals. Reggie Nelson rated out pretty well for them, but the drop-off is significant from there. What you get in Vaccaro is a player who upgrades at either free or strong safety. Given Nelson's presence, Vaccaro should step in and be the Week 1 starter at strong safety. The Bengals need help at linebacker, and Vaccaro can actually offer that kind of presence, because he's a physical defender who can play in the box and defend the run effectively, or drop into coverage. He's a solid value here and fills a need. PLAYER CARD 22 Keenan Allen * St. Louis Rams (from WAS) (7-8-1) COLLEGE: California AGE: 20 HT: 6-3 WT: 210 POS: WR Analysis: The Rams lock down some blocking help, then get a wide receiver who can help them immediately. That would be a productive first round. It's possible I've worried too much about how well Allen will run, because aside from what should just be a pedestrian 40 time, he can do everything else well. He has a prototypical build, long enough to be taller than most corners, but lean and strong enough where his burst is very good, and quickness out of breaks isn't a question. His hands are very strong, and dependable, and he works back to the ball. A one-time safety, he has game smarts and helps his QB. Sam Bradford will benefit from his presence. PLAYER CARD 23 Sylvester Williams Minnesota Vikings (10-6) COLLEGE: North Carolina AGE: 24 HT: 6-3 WT: 315 POS: DT Analysis: Wide receiver is also a big need, but the Vikings might not be able to pass on great value if the board breaks this way. And consider what they have on the defensive line -- namely, a few age questions. By Week 1, Kevin Williams will be 33, Jared Allen 31 and Brian Robison 30. Basically, regardless of where they choose to find impact on the defensive line, it can be a useful commodity, and soon. In Williams, they get a player mature enough to contribute immediately. He gets down the line well and is solid against the run, but his burst off the snap can wreck pockets. PLAYER CARD 24 Johnthan Banks Indianapolis Colts (11-5) COLLEGE: Mississippi St. AGE: 23 HT: 6-2 WT: 188 POS: CB Analysis: The Colts are in a range where they might get some phone calls for potential trades. I can imagine teams drafting early in the second round moving here to get a QB in a decent value range. If Indy stays, the Colts can go a few different ways. If they really like an O-lineman here, I think that's a smart play because they simply have to do more to protect the future of the franchise. But we know the defense could use help in a few places, and the chance to take the second-best CB in the draft is something that could make sense here. Banks can start early and help this defense. PLAYER CARD 25 Johnathan Hankins * Seattle Seahawks (11-5) COLLEGE: Ohio St. AGE: 21 HT: 6-3 WT: 335 POS: DT Analysis: Another good spot for someone to call and trade up. As for the pick, if Seattle wants a penetrator on the interior of the D-line, Hankins really isn't that guy. He doesn't have the burst to split gaps and create havoc behind the line of scrimmage. What he can do is occupy multiple blockers, help other rushers find space and better matchups and make the Seahawks more difficult to run against as he holds up blockers intent on getting a body in front of Seattle's tandem of great LBs in K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner. Hankins is an impact guy when his motor is running and will particularly make a run defense sturdier immediately. PLAYER CARD 26 Eddie Lacy * Green Bay Packers (11-5) COLLEGE: Alabama AGE: 22 HT: 6-0 WT: 219 POS: RB Analysis: I'll go a little bit out on a limb here, but I think by the time the NFL combine is over Lacy may be at the top of a number of draft boards at running back. And for a franchise that has lacked dynamic play at the position for way too long, Lacy could fill a need, allowing them to do more than simply "show" the run, but to gain some legitimate value out of it. Lacy has really good vision, balance and more shiftiness than many saw because the Bama O-line was so good at clearing a clean path. He has power to push the pile in short-yardage situations, and people will find he's an underrated catcher of the football. He's no lock here, but I like the fit at this early stage. PLAYER CARD 27 Quinton Patton Houston Texans (12-4) COLLEGE: Louisiana Tech AGE: 22 HT: 6-2 WT: 198 POS: WR Analysis: Houston needs to find another weapon for Matt Schaub. Andre Johnson will be 32 this summer, and if he's out of the lineup, the drop-off is significant. If you're a fan that hasn't seen anything from Patton, roll the tape from his game against Texas A&M. All he did to the Aggies was 21 catches, 233 yards and 4 TD catches. Simply put, Patton was really, really hard to cover in 2012, and when he went to the Senior Bowl against some of the top competition in the draft, he didn't get any easier to cover. Love the way he release from pressure, can set defenders up and work the sides or the middle of the field, using long arms to snatch the ball away from his body. A rising player meets a good fit. PLAYER CARD 28 Kawann Short Denver Broncos (13-3) COLLEGE: Purdue AGE: 23 HT: 6-3 WT: 312 POS: DT Analysis: Right now Justin Bannan is listed atop the Denver depth chart at nose tackle, and Bannan is 33 with no guarantee of returning in 2013. Insert Short, who can use leverage and strength to eat up blockers, and also has a knack for using long arms to swat passes. The question with Short has been whether he can generate consistent impact play to play, but when he's at his best, he can really free up pass-rushers and linebackers. Denver could also give corner a look here, where a player like Xavier Rhodes could be available. PLAYER CARD 29 Matt Elam * New England Patriots (12-4) COLLEGE: Florida AGE: 21 HT: 5-11 WT: 203 POS: S Analysis: What you get from Elam is versatility at safety. He's adept at sitting back and playing center field, using his speed and instincts to make plays in the passing game. But when it's called for, Elam can surface at the line of scrimmage and even attack the backfield. He's not a big safety, but gains in quickness and range what he lacks in size, and he simply isn't shy about taking on bigger ball-carriers, or lining up hits. New England might have found some solutions at corner, but the Patriots could use another safety, and Bill Belichick will find Elam's versatility useful. PLAYER CARD 30 Tyler Eifert * Atlanta Falcons (13-3) COLLEGE: Notre Dame AGE: 22 HT: 6-6 WT: 248 POS: TE Analysis: If all the begging pays off, and Tony Gonzalez does in fact return in 2013, the presence of Eifert would still be valuable. If Gonzalez is back, you add a player that can contribute immediately, who can be moved all over the formation and along with Julio Jones and Roddy White, cause matchup problems for defenses in multiple ways. If Gonzalez does come back, Eifert gets a year to learn from the master, and contribute plenty in the mean time. The Falcons do need help with the pass rush, but it would be hard to pass on Eifert at this spot with the presumption that Gonzalez is headed for retirement. PLAYER CARD 31 John Jenkins San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) COLLEGE: Georgia AGE: 23 HT: 6-2 WT: 358 POS: DT Analysis: The current construct of the Niners' roster really offers them a great chance to maximize value, and getting a player like Jenkins this far down the board would represent a lot of value. I also think San Francisco should be conscious of depth and age on the defensive line. We saw how diminished the pass rush was when Justin Smith wasn't healthy, and that's because Smith simply eats up blockers. Jenkins can do the same, though he's certainly no proxy for Smith. But at 359 pounds, he can really move. PLAYER CARD 32 Kevin Minter * Baltimore Ravens (10-6) COLLEGE: LSU AGE: 22 HT: 6-2 WT: 244 POS: LB Analysis: Word is the Ravens will be down an interior linebacker next season, and they should be thrilled if Minter is still around at this point. In fact, I can see Minter climbing higher, and maybe occupying the spot where Te'o goes, pushing Te'o down into this range. Minter is instinctive, shoots gaps, can play sideline to sideline and is particularly hard for blockers to line up. He's a steady tackler, and a good quarterback for your defense. The Ravens need a new one, finally. PLAYER CARD
This kid has strong hands (wears a 3XL glove), tremendous body control, and though he may not wow at the combine, he's a phenomenal athlete (played basketball at Clemson as a freshman).
The first pick is going to be a NT. The Texans have an obvious need at the position. Shaun Cody is a FA who just had back surgery and probably won't be resigned. Earl Mitchell is a rotational guy. Both Earl and Shaun were ineffective this past year. The Texans have otherglaring needs such as WR, ILB, S, and OLB. The reason why I am so confident that the Texans will pick a NT is because of best player available. The defensive tackle position is top heavy in the draft. There are about eight defensive tackles that are deserving of going in the first round. The teams that are picking ahead all have varying needs. Before the Texans pick in the first round at least 4 offensive lineman(Joeckel, Fisher, Johnson, Warmack), 2 QB's(Smith, Barkley), 2 OLB's(Jones, Mingo), 4 DE's(Moore, Werner, Jordan, Ansah), 2 DT's (Lotulelei, Richardson), 3 DB's (Milliner, Banks, Vacarro), and 2 ILB's (Te'o, Ogletree) will already be drafted. That's 19 draft picks without even looking at WR's, TE's, and RB's. What will end up happening is that several of the top DT's who are ranked in the top 20 overall will be available when the Texans pick at 27. So would the Texans pick the say the 18th ranked overall player at a position of need(NT), or the 35th ranked player at ILB, or even the 40th ranked player at WR. I would expect them to go with the best player available at the 27th pick at a position of need which will be a NT. The players that I could see at the 27th pick include John Jenkins, Johnathan Hankins, and Jesse Williams. Walter Football had an interesting analysis on the nose tackles. 3-4 Nose Tackle: NFL prototype: Vince Wilfork, Patriots John Jenkins Jesse Williams Johnathan Hankins Star Lotulelei Sharrif Floyd Sylvester Williams Kawann Short Sheldon Richardson Recap: Jenkins and Jesse Williams have each played nose tackle for years and both are very skilled at it. Jenkins showed the ability at the Senior Bowl to dominate as a nose tackle. He is a natural 3-4 nose tackle in the NFL. Hankins and Lotulelei both hail from 4-3 sets, but each has the size and strength to play 3-4 nose tackle in the NFL. Both players are versatile enough to adapt to it. Floyd could maybe play 3-4 nose tackle if a team wanted a smaller, speedy version like the Cowboys' Jay Ratliff. Sylvester Williams, Short and Richardson are all misfit as 3-4 ends. Sylvester Williams has more size to help him pull it off if he had to. Short and Richardson should not be placed in the middle of a three-man line.
John Jenkins or Jesse Williams inthe first, trade the second for Percy Harvin and let the chips fall where the rest of the way.
Johnathan Hankins or John Jenkins would be BPA in the first. Both of these guys are rated in the top 15 prospects overall. Second round is too early for Brandon Williams.
I wouldn't mind if the Texans went NT with their first pick. I'm not expecting Cody to be back. I like the prospect of drafting Jenkins. The guy could be a force. Imagine Jenkins and Watt lined up next to each other. Teams would have to decide whether to double him or to double Watt. Even though the Texans have needs at WR and ILB, it would be great if they make a strength of theirs even stronger. We have the best d-lineman in the NFL, so why not make him better by putting a first round talent NT next to him.
When Watt re-signs we're going to have to take a new direction with the franchise. Having two studs up front on D isn't a bad way to go about it.
Not having an adequate NT is hurting the whole line. Cody and Mitchell don't require 2 blockers and generate little push off the line. With a stud NT, teams won't be able to double on Watt and this will also help both our OLB's rush the QB in passing situations. If the NT takes on two offensive lineman and a RB helps out on Watt, that leaves Mercilus and Reed with one on one matchups on the outside.
well, I'm 0 for 2. The first two guys I latched on to are Alec Ogletree and Dion Jordan. Both are now projected in the top-10... I really should watch more college football instead of just being a uninformed internet dork draftnik. next year. next year...
When you have an advantage no one else has like JJ Watt, you exploit it. Find a counter to their counter. What's the best counter to teams doubling Watt? I'm not smart enough to know but an elite NT would seem to make sense. Then trade the 2nd round pick for Harvin and use the rest of the draft to add depth at nonskill positions. Who could argue with that?
