While we're getting all fantasy football-ish you could make the following acquisitions and departures: FA Out - WR Brian Hartline FA Out - TE Anthony Fasano FA Out - DT Tony McDaniel FA Out - RB Reggie Bush FA Out - FS Chris Clemons FA Back - LT Jake Long FA Back - DT Randy Starks FA Back - CB Sean Smith FA In - WR Greg Jennings ...pretending that all works from a pure money standpoint. You move Richard Marshall to free safety. Then come the Draft you see that guys like Manti Te'o and Bjoern Werner are off the board where you pick, you decide that Dee Milliner is worth your pick in the mid teens to solidify the corner spot. 1st - CB Dee Milliner, Alabama 2A - DE Alex Okafor, Texas 2B - WR Stedman Bailey, West Virginia 3A - TE Joseph Fauria, UCLA 3B - RB Dennis Johnson, Arkansas 4th - LB Jake Knott, Iowa State Now obviously, you've not filled all holes by doing this. But I can think of worse things than starting Greg Jennings and Stedman Bailey on the outsides with Davone Bess in the slot. Stedman Bailey and Joseph Fauria are touchdown KINGS. Dee Milliner would be the long term grooming project for starting opposite Sean Smith and Dimitri Patterson now plays the slot. You've got Nolan Carroll where he should be, your fourth corner. You've got Richard Marshall and Reshad Jones working together at safety and can perhaps move Jimmy Wilson back to be Marshall's backup. You've got Alex Okafor to rush the passer with Cam Wake and maybe (hopefully) make his way into base downs as well. Either way you've got to move Jared Odrick back to DT where he can rotate more actively with Paul Soliai and Randy Starks, keeping all three fresh instead of wearing them out. You can have Olivier Vernon and Derrick Shelby fighting for playing time in Odrick's old spot, probably Shelby with sprinkings of Okafor and Vernon until Okafor is ready. The last spot is for a linebacker...a coverage linebacker who may well grow into a three down player that could replace Kevin Burnett down the road. At tailback you'd have a guy in Dennis Johnson that can not only break tackles but also be a danger on passing downs out of the backfield. A genuine talent to rotate with Lamar Miller. Of course at that point, you've done NOTHING to address the guard positions. For that you'd have to rely on lower priced veterans. It's just too bad our front office apparently sucks at picking out lower priced veterans.
If Jake Mathews declares and ends up measuring under 6'5", I wonder if he would fall to the beginning of the 2nd round?
I didn't know we claimed him till you just said so. yes. To me we have a good linebacking corps but it seems to fall short of a unit capable of pushing the defense over the top. IMO, more dynamic OLB play could really help transform us considering the already strong dline play and development of Reshad Jones. Focusing on OLB might seem petty, but I could see the end results being enough of a difference to warrant an overhaul at the position if the opportunity presents itself. Plus we desperately need more impact plays as we both know. If you take our current defense and add a few extra sacks, QB pressures, INTs, forced fumbles, and passes broken up from the linebacker position, I think we're talking about something special. Definitely agree- not easy players to come by..... but they're out there. Plus we still have Misi and perhaps even Vernon to rotate in for breathers, no. Who in this draft do you think could thrive in both of those roles?.... or do you skip drafting the SLB and try to develop Vernon in that role? Personally I'd rather the SLB be a true (+) pass rusher. I'm more sold on the idea rather than the specific players per se. I am a fan of Mosley but I'd take Ogletree ahead of him and would be just as happy with Arthur Brown whom I think defensively might be the best pure football player in the country. I'm incredibly awestruck by his feet, decisiveness, and instincts. Brown's back to back to back plays last year vs Baylor (9:02 mark) still stand out in my mind. (plus the back to back stops on 2nd & 2 and 3rd & 1 at the 8:51 mark) .... followed by the stalking of RG3 (11:25 mark) .... and then the beautiful 3rd & 4 stop with less than 2 minutes to play and KSU ahead by 1 point to help seal the game. (11:52) Brown's 4th quarter play was the difference in that game. [video=youtube;jfbZqq2U750]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfbZqq2U750[/video] Don't know. How much more ready could another year at UF make him?
I think I watched one Iowa St game this year and don't recall paying attention to Knott, so now you've given me someone to take a longer look at.
He was originally recruited as a QB so he is a little new to the position. Could be a reason, but I think he is pretty pro-ready. Haven't looked over his tape in much detail tho
Kinda intrigued with Will Sutton. I know he played inside at Arizona State but in the NFL is he a 2 down player at DE then kicked inside on 3rd down?
Are you sure you're not just suffering from Von Miller envy? He's a pretty unique player in this league and I'm not sure who else is out there that you'd be shooting for.
As for Arthur Brown...now you're talking my language. Forget all this C.J. Mosley or Chase Thomas stuff. Arthur Brown very well could be the best real linebacker in this Draft aside from Manti Te'o. He's got Navorro Bowman/Daryl Washington written all over him. You could certainly argue that Miami doesn't need an Arthur Brown with Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett here. But then, you could certainly argue that Karlos Dansby isn't destined to be here long the way he's popped off about management during a couple of radio interviews this year. Arthur Brown is a pleasure to watch. The speed with which he reads the offense, the ease with which he moves around, the explosiveness, hand use, picking his way through trash...it's all there for him. A small guy whose size I truly do not worry about. I liked James-Michael Johnson last year a lot but this guy is better. I think he's better than Mychal Kendricks as well. He's one of those guys if you were watching plays from Kansas State and had no idea which guy he was prior to the snap, you'd figure it out halfway through the first snap. And that's amazing because you'd never pick him out of a lineup physically, only about 6'1" and 230 lbs. Jeff Ireland would never draft Brown. He's too beholden to conventions. He wouldn't draft a 6'1" and 230 lbs guy to be a linebacker for him.
thought some people would appreciate this piece about Austin. http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/42156/321/tavon-awesome
lol. No, I don't think it has to be that intense..... although it'd definitely be nice. I'd settle for a Connor Barwin type.... or a healthy Orakpo. I think Chase Thomas would fit, but I could be wrong.
I'd like both Brown and Chase Thomas since they'd be at opposite OLB spots. I don't see why we couldn't either trade or cut Burnett and keep Dansby in the middle.... and let Brown roam the WLB spot where he'd see a ton of action in Coyle's system, no. I liked Lavonte David a great deal last year, but I believe I like Brown more.
Could Connor Barwin or Brian Orakpo perform Koa Misi's job on base downs? And would you want them to?
Akeem Spence will announce for NFL draft Friday, but LB Jonathan Brown is staying. Tyler Bray coming out. That means surely that Cordarrelle will too.
I don;t like the idea of fielding 3 LBs on all downs, simply as they will lose physical intensity vs the run as the game wears on... which will show up in late critical 4th and short and goalline situations. No thanks to that. That said, I see Olivier Vernon as best used next year converting to Strongside Linebacker, backing Misi up. A year there, gets him a lot more pass coverage experience. Depending on how that goes, in 2014 you can consider him replacing Burnett, or not. Best use of resources, imo. That would let us develop a guy to replace Burnett from within, getting more starter snaps from an asset we already have, instead of expending an additonal draft or Free Agency resource to accomplish the same thing. Vernon is a waste at rush end anyways.
When I first watched Cordarrelle I was praying, "God, I hope we take him if he comes out!"... then the more I sat with it, the less I was sure of the fit. Great with the ball in his hands, yes. Consistent routes and execution? Not really. Well suited to a timing-pass offense? Questionable. But mainly... can he do the things a traditional receiver must do? Maybe... I just haven't seen him do them enough. A weird hybrid between Dexter McCluster in Anquan Boldin's body. And a weapon-X is something you add once you have good players at base positions. Let's sort out a proper receiving corps, a proper TE who can block and be a passing-game mismatch before we have Sherman trying to design plays that cater to special skill sets. Then again, a guy who is amazing once the ball in his hands... sounds perfect for a West coast offense. i hate players like Cordarrelle because they can make you feel stupid. If you pass on them, they could go one to be massive TD machines in the NFL and you're kicking yourself. But if you take them, they can have such an esoteric makeup and skillset that it's tough to work them into the flow of your offense regularly enough to actually get the most out of them... in short, they become an underproductive luxury.. and then you are kicking yourself for drafting him high in the 2nd round. I'm not sold. And having watched some Stedman Bailey games, Stedman can do a variety of very good things that are more obviously wide-receiverish and require less special design and treatment.
How do you feel about Jeff's seeming adherence to templates? I'm torn. I see the logic in it, especially at positions where a player needs size to endure the phsyicality (RB, LB), or where the length of the arms, or height creat advantages from a physics standpoint... but I feel like he gives them more import than he should at times when a player with obvious talent is flashing in front of us, and is available but doesn;t fit the physical parameters. How many Josh Linams will I gladly trade for one Zach Thomas. But I don;t know that for sure. What I know is that I'd like to see us take guys who play amazing football regardless of any template... it's time to change our approach. The Parcells templates make sure your team will always be competitive, because you will (physically at least) be able to show up and compete... but they also, imo then, put more burden on great coaching having to get the most from those specimens. It's an approach built to rely on the coaching, not the natural talent of the athletes, imo. (btw, Tim Dobbins was 6'1" and Ireland acquired him for some reason)
I think Vernon could replace Burnett.. but not until 2014. Meantime, you have it right... I could see us beginning to look at LB's in the 4th round and later. Too many needs are more pressing for us to take one higher, unless Manti falls to us.
I don't think we have to worry about physically wearing down good 3 down linebackers (especially an Arthur Brown/Alec Ogletree type) unless the defense is horrid and never leaves the field. For instance, Lance Briggs saw 100% of Chicago's defensive snaps last year. The SLB we could give breathers to, which we have the personnel to do. The reason I'd like 3 down LBs is b/c the inherent nature of their 3 down ability makes them more versatile, hence providing us greater scheme & play flexibility, especially on 1st and 2nd down when their presence allows us improved coverage (thanks to an upgraded WLB) and better improved pass rush (from the SLB hybrid spot) while still being stout verse the run b/c with a typical 2 down SLB you lose that extra pass rush presence. The WLB & ILB shouldn't have to leave the field if they're any good b/c both should be playing in nickel, just as Navarro Bowman & Pat Willis shouldn't be coming off. If the SLB can actually get after the QB, then not only do you get that added pass rush element on 1st & 2nd down but you can move him to DE in nickel, and essentially, you're adding an extra pass rusher, a stud one, without having to add a 5th DE (or 3rd WDE). Plus you don't always have to play him at DE in nickel; you can still give him breathers and rotate the ends so they all stay fresh. The WLB spot wouldn't change from how it is now; I'm just talking about upgrading it with a more dynamic, playmaking caliber player, especially in today's game of crazy slot receivers & Hbacks. So for me, I'd view guys like Ogletree & Arthur Brown as defensive weapons.
How do you know what templates he does or doesn't have when he's only had 2 drafts? Good thing Parcells isn't here anymore.
NFL Draft Bible @NFLDraftBible #Arkansas junior OG Alvin Bailey has signed with an agent and has notified school officials that he plans to declare early for the NFL Draft
December 19 (7:00 PM): Second Vols WR NFL bound … New Tennessee head coach Butch Jones said in a local interview earlier today that after talking with WR Cordarrelle Patterson he believes that the junior is definitely going to enter the upcoming NFL draft. Earlier this week, fellow junior WR Justin Hunter also indicated he will be turning pro this winter. http://www.gbnreport.com/
I don't believe in strict adherence to a template. In fact I'm pretty strongly against it and if there's a theme that one could objectively see in my evaluations over the years it's a constant and active recognition and reminder that there are different ways to be a winning player. I appreciate the height of a Ryan Tannehill and what it can do for you as a quarterback, while still making Russell Wilson my this year's version of T.J. Yates.
Wilson is going to alter templates in terms of QB ratings and height- taking the Drew Brees lesson a step further. Everyone talked (for good reason) about the athleticism of RGII, but Wilson's movement skills are exceptional and he was a standout college baseball player. The arm, the accuracy, the efficiency- everything was there except height. He just jumped out at you on film, and now that he's proven that he can do it his height doesn't seems to matter as much anymore. I wonder if his success will help Aaron Murray or if it will be viewed as Wilson's exceptional skill set and roll out ability offsetting the lack of height. Anyway, I think that Wilson is on his way to soon becoming one of the best clutch QBs in the league. He's got a great head for the game, and good luck stopping a QB who makes good decisions and is that mobile and accurate.
Very possible. I have to admit that Andrew Luck was so methodically excellent that I discounted him a bit. But he and Wilson are tops in terms of rookes- not just this class- in comebacks and clutch situations. RGIII is up there as well, athough I prefer Wilson and Luck. In that game against the Dolphins I expected Wilson to pull it out- whatever the "it" factor is, I strongly suspect that Wilson has it. Also, he may be short but he's sturdily built- that leg whip action of RGIIIs long leg in that injury was a reminder imo of how his build and aggressive game might wear him down, or at least lead to injury. Wilson is built for the long haul- on top of that he has pretty big hands for a guy of his height, that always helps. ps In hindsite what a great pick of the Redskins to get Kirk Cousins- I bet the Chiefs, Jets and Cardinals are all kicking themselves now as to passing on Wilson in the 3rd and Cousins in the 4th. And to think that the Jags drafted a punter before both of them...
One game doesn't make one forget about Cousins' college career. Your concern with him is not so much the first two downs but the third and fourth.
I liked Wilson quite a bit coming out but I wasn't all that familiar with Cousins and can't say that I was a big fan- not enough info. He looks like he throws a nice ball, but I didn't know enough then- nor do I now- to have a solid opinion. He had a great statistical game in relief and he impressed a lot of people, but that's hearsay. I just don't know. Still, for him to step in like that as a 4th rd pick- that makes the Skins look pretty smart, at least for now.
And you should, kudos. I stuck to my guns as per Weeden but I had Wilson pegged for the 4th or 5th rounds iirc. And I thought that he was markedly better than Tannehill. It's an interesting lesson in terms of maintaining one's convictions, and I'd have to say that in the case of Wilson I failed. The guy just knocked my socks off on film, but the crowd swayed me in terms of how much the height issue should effect his draft status. Emperor's new clothes stuff, hopefully lesson learned.
That you did, I remember reading how much you loved him. Personally, I wasn't a fan of Wilson and thought his height would hinder him. I was wrong.
Driscoll is just guessing .Sharrif Floyd and S Matt Elam did submit their paperwork to the NFL and they received first round grades as far as their draft possibilities but they have not announced .Coach Muschamp and Quinn have asked them to hold off until after the bowl game . On the other hand often injured Jelani Jenkins tweeted that he would come out even if the NFL is giving him a mid round rating.He is actually better than that and should wait another year but the money is too tempting to pass up for him.He might be a bargain for someone willing to take the risk.
I must just be entirely missing the boat on Elam or something, because when I watch him I see a second round talent. he seems late recognizing, breaking and arriving on passes, sometimes takes bad angles when the ball is in the air, and when he has to pursue a receiver. He's fine near the LOS or in a short zone, but how can you protect him? Oc's will force him deep, or force him to hand it off to over the top help, imo. classic SS looking guy. Much better coming forwards then heading backwards. That said, I only watched two games and he was not playing deep very much so there's a good chance I missed him doing his best work.
Saban once said that realistically you can have a right safety and a left safety. Idk if it was just his defense. But with Coyles defense could you play two people that are similar and just cover different zones?
I think it is hard to argue against having a template for what you want in a position, because the fact of the matter is, guys like Zach Thomas, London Fletcher, and Mike Singeltary are the exception to the rule. I mean, really, how different is the Parcells/Ireland/Saban/Belichick commitment to size standards than the Jimmy Johnson commitment to getting guys who could run?
