2012 GML Unofficial Draft Thread

Today seems to be flying by... picks coming in left and right. In fact I'm not sure if I am at the 2012 GML draft or at a McDonald's with all the value I see around here. The Denver Broncos decided to show up today with another pick to strengthen their defense; they seem to think that Matt Flynn doesn't need help on offense but to each their own.

#38 Overall - Devon Still, DT, Penn State - Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos have some great talent at defensive end and some solid talent at defensive tackle. With Cullen Jenkins manning the nose tackle in their 4-3 defense, I can only assume they weren't completely sold on Amobi Okoye. Okoye is a guy that I thought very highly of in the 2008 draft but has been a bit of a disapointment. The bright side is that he is still very young and you can coach him up some more... but enough about Okoye, let's move onto the real man of the hour.

Devon Still comes from NFL bloodlines as well as the school that is well known for producing quality defensive players in the NFL. While Still is known more as a run stopper; that does not mean that his pass rushing skills can not be coached up. Still can instantly start for the Denver Broncos next to Cullen Jenkins however he may not be ideal for them as a 3rd down pass rusher. The best thing about Devon Still is that his run game is great but he can definitely improve on so much more. With the right coaching, look for him to make some strides as a pass rusher similar to Stephen Bowen out of Washington.

Randy Kiper Grade: A

Player Comparison: Stephen Bowen

 

The offensive linemen have seemingly fell to the top of the second round. In fact most linemen aren't getting the love they deserve. The Seahawks had a chance to select Riley Reiff but instead chose to opt for Kendall Wright at #11 overall. While the move was a questionable one at the time, it's hard to judge them now considering they got a quality tackle in the second round while teams began to reach for wide receivers left and right.

#39 Overall - Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State - Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks came up short in the Demetrius Bell sweepstakes as Bell wound up choosing Oakland for more money... which is about the only reason any free agent would choose to go to Oakland. It's pretty safe to say that the Seahawks had a weakness at left tackle and someone has to protect Matt Schaub. Mike Adams will bring more experience than most tackles would as a rookie and I think Seattle got their man all along.

Mike Adams is a mammoth weighing in at 325 pounds and standing 6'7"; it's safe to say he is a giant... but not quite the gentle giant that many might hope for. Adams may have some off the field issues that have been well documented but he brings a certain style of nastiness to the offensive line. He has played both right tackle and left tackle at Ohio State so I think he can likely play both sides of the ball if needed to. For a big man he is very athletic and his long arms will only help him in the NFL.

Randy Kiper Grade: A

Player Comparison: Anthony Davis

 

The Carolina Panthers were likely hoping that Devon Still would fall to them at #40 overall but instead they'll have to settle on a different Big Ten defensive tackle. While Still would have been excellent value; you cannot deny that Worthy is still great value that could have went in the late first round.

#40 Overall - Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State - Carolina Panthers

The Panthers had a definite need at defensive tackle with Sione Fua and Terrell McClain likely the starters in their 4-3 defense. Worthy will likely challenge McClain for the starting spot as the team's under tackle. I am not sure whether he will beat out McClain, but I think it's possible. The main thing Worthy will have to do is really improve his conditioning because the size and talent is there; he just has to work at it to get things done.

Jerel Worthy has excellent height and bulk for his position. He has an explosive first step and is a very smooth athlete. His upper body is extremely strong and his ability to use his hands makes him an even better prospect. Worthy has plenty of room to grow and hopefully he can grow into a two gap tackle as he doesn't anchor or use his size as well as most would like him to.

Randy Kiper Grade: A-

Player Comparison: Rocky Bernard

 

I feel like I can predict the future... Oakland is oh so predictable. They get their undies in a bunch when I say he has a big black man fetish... so what does he do? He goes and selects a big white guy instead. I don't mean to judge someone for making their picks based on the comments of a lowly draft evalulator like myself.... but I can't help but wonder whether Oakland's GM uses Twitter more than the game film.

#41 Overall - Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin - Oakland Raiders

The Oakland Raiders were looking into moving Stefan Wisniewski to the center position at their offensive line but a change in plans occured when Konz starting to fall into the second round. They pictured an offensive line with Veldheer, Wisniewski, Konz, Glenn, Bell and began to water at the mouth uncontrollably. Oakland worked the phones to move up to snatch Cordy Glenn and then got their man in Mohammed Sanu a few picks later. Now they move up once again with the New York Jets to select Konz... it makes you wonder if the Oakland GM has some naked pictures of Mark Sanchez or something. Again... not judging.

I've mentioned it once already that I love me linemen from the school of Wisconsin because they're pro-ready and usually have a pretty nasty demeanor to them. Konz is a two year starter out of Wisconsin and is technically sound in my opinion. He is a bulldozer in the run game and is a solid pass blocker as well. He has repeatedly shut down top competition and I think he can do it just as well at the next level. Oakland's offensive line was quite the question mark about a week ago but I think it's looking like one of the best lines in the NFL on paper.

Randy Kiper Grade: A+

Player Comparison: Nick Mangold

 

Did you watch the most recent HIMYM? Pretty good one.