1. Detroit Lions (0-16) – Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma 2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama 3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) – Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia 4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) – Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma *26. Miami Dolphins (11-5) – Taylor Mays, S, USC *27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU *28. Philadelphia Eagles [from CAR (12-4)] – Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida *29. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) – Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska *30. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor http://draftempire.com/nfl_mock_draft
For a guy to be a potential #1 overall and most likely at least top 3- I don't see why he wouldn't come out. He could always finish up his degree in the off seasons if that's what he wants. College is preparation for a career- his is staring him in the face.
I think there's something about being the class that he's in terms of that sophonore thing and also of leading the Oklahoma Sooners. Money IS money but it doesn't inspire everyone and life as the biggest fish in the college football pond must be an amazing thing and something you'll never, ever, ever get back. I also think he has unfinished business in Austin.
I just can't figure out whether he can cover or not. He plays so close to the line all the time. Teams could fall into the very same trap that they did with Roy Williams who played close to the line as a SS on downs 1 and 2, then played linebacker on down 3. Turns out when he played down the field in the pros, he simply couldn't cover.
That is too early to take a Safety in my view, to me unless he is Bob Sanders jr. it just seems like a bad value position to take with our #1, especially when we need a pass rusher or a Cb or a NT.
There is a big USC fan on BuffaloRange.com that is usually pretty insightful w/ draft prospects. He said that Mays isnt one that is going to make a lot of plays in coverage... and thinks he is an 4-3 OLB in the NFL...
Taylor Mays could be that Bob Sanders guy tho. He has great atjhletic ability, But the question like Boomer said is can he cover. One of the problems on grading people on a great defense is what can they do without them. Michael Oher at 17 to the Jets? I just don't see it at all
Sorry, but if Hughes and Suh were both to declare and they are still sitting on the board when we pick I will shyte myself if they take Mays. Ireland would probably be on the phone trying to trade for Baltimore's pick so he could take both IMO.
