We learned that Peyton Manning is in his prime. No wait, we already knew that. I guess we learned that he's really good? Actually, I'd argue we are witnessing the best quarterback ever. Now, people will say I'm crazy, but he plays against bigger, faster, stronger, and more complex defenses than any other great has. Johhny Unitas? Great quarterback, my Dad's favorite, but the game was simpler then. Terry Bradshaw? Please, he is a cool guy, but not even close. John Elway? Close, but he leads the Brett Favre 'somehow made that play' realm. In my lifetime, I'd rank them Peyton, Elway, Favre. Brady? Please no, I have been saying for years he is a product of the system. That debate is for another post though, let's get back to the AFC Championship. Peyton carved up the Jets defense starting in the second quarter. This is what we see from great units; the Muhammed Ali greatness. They may struggle early on and take some punches, but all the while, they are learning their opponent. Then, suddenly, they come out swinging and they cannot be stopped.
Peyton must also be teaching his receivers how to catch. Have we ever seen a receiver play with Peyton Manning that didn't have exceptional hands? Stokley, Harrison, Collie, Garcon, Wayne, Aaron Moorehead, Dallas Clark; they can all catch! It's not like the could when they were drafted, though, because Wayne is the only first-day pick! Everyone on the Colts' roster can make an amazing grab, and I think it's because Peyton teaches them exactly where to be, and puts the ball exactly where he told them he would. Even without a running game, this offense is nearly unstoppable, and he's not doing it the way Brady does, with underneath throws or bombs to 81; he's not a machine, product of teh system, he is the system, and he makes amazing decisions. As far as the draft goes, their offensive line is old and tired, and you could see how many times Peyton had pressure. They need to reload there.
On the defensive side, we learned that the 'horrible' defensive front of the Colts is actually pretty damn good. The best running game in the league was stifled by a Colt front that people thought would be their downfall. However, I still think their secondary is their biggest problem. With Bob Sanders always hurt, they need a new playmaker at safety. They haven't played a team with a passing attack yet, so when Mr. Brees rolls into town, look out. Both teams have tremendous troubles in their secondary, a decent pass rush, and a great offense. It will be a fantastic game.
On the Jets side, they played admirably, but were simply no match for Peyton. The Jet defense has the best corner in the league, but probably the worst 2nd corner in the league. Coleman stepped in for Lito Sheppard, and it didn't help one bit. Garcon and Collie, whomever Coleman or Sheppard were sticking, burned them at will in the second half. I actually don't think the Jets' defense is as good as they appear to be. A normally abysmal running game actually did fairly well against their front seven. They need some help on the D line. Players like Peyton Manning also expose teams that don't get 'true' pass rush. Anyone can blitz with exotic packages, but players like Manning will find the holes. That's why teams with great pass rushers (Colts, Vikings) have truly great defenses, because they can sit back in the secondary and still get pressure with their front four. As a result, look for the Jets to target a CB with their first pick, and some D line and LB help later on.
On offense, Sanchez took a big step forward. He played very well, making good decisions and making some tough throws look easy. I am not a big fan, but he showed me great ability last night against an underrated Colt defense. As far as the run game goes, with Thomas likely leaving, they need to find a RB. Shonn Green is decent, but way too slow to be an every down back. Jerome Bettises cannot work in this league anymore, defenders are just too strong themselves.
DRAFT UPDATE: TOP NEEDS:
JETS: CB, DT, S, RB, WR
COLTS: DT, CB, S, OLINE
Monday, January 25, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
I'm No Superman, But Tim Tebow Is
At this point, you’ve heard it all before. Tim Tebow was the first sophomore to win the Heisman trophy. Superman wears Tim Tebow pajamas. Tim Tebow has won two national championships. Tim Tebow is a man of his word. Tim Tebow holds numerous national, SEC and school records. Tim Tebow is the ultimate leader. Chuck Norris broke his foot trying to roundhouse kick Tim Tebow’s chin. Tebow is the football scholar athlete of the year in the SEC. Even the prospect of stillbirth cannot stop Tim Tebow. Tim Tebow is going to save the world one child at a time; he’s like a muscular Bono without an inclination to wear sunglasses indoors. Tim Tebow is one of the greatest college football players in history.
Many of my friends love Tim Tebow. They find him refreshing, a breath of fresh air. They respect him as a person and love the way he plays football. They proudly point out that Tebow is one of the most successful college athletes of all-time. Many of my friends are sick of Tim Tebow. They see him every time they turn on Sportscenter or surf around espn.com and they’ll soon see him in an upcoming Super Bowl commercial. To say that Tim Tebow is ubiquitous is perhaps an understatement. They point out that Tebow was a gimmick during the first Florida championship and that Dennis Dixon probably takes the Heisman won by Tebow in 2007 if not for a torn ACL. They wonder if Tim Tebow is really that much different than Colt McCoy...
Tim Tebow is a polarizing figure. His extraordinary success breeds dislike among the public in addition to bringing in hordes of admirers. Tebow’s religion serves as a divisive force as does his brash enthusiasm on the football field. His career at Florida has ended but the controversy continues. Jon Gruden, Bill Parcells and Tony Dungy have all waxed rhapsodic about Tebow’s ability and potential as an NFL player. Many other scouts can’t fathom a successful transition to the NFL quarterback position. For all of Tim Tebow’s skills, if he cannot improve his mechanics, pocket presence and accuracy he will not be an elite NFL quarterback. It is already certain (well, as certain as you can be) that he will not make the same impact at the NFL level. But that doesn’t mean Tim Tebow can’t make any impact whatsoever. Just as perceptions should be moderated somewhere in between adoration and hatred, Tim Tebow’s career (and draft status) will fall somewhere between elite and non-existent.
Tim Tebow has been great at Florida but that is not why he is Tim Tebow. It’s about intangibles. The unquantifiable “it.” It’s about leadership and determination. It’s about the (supposed) effect Tebow has on his teammates. Do these traits make him a more valuable NFL player? I don’t see it. The NFL is no different than any other sport at any other level. It is easier and more natural for great players to lead. Tim Tebow will be a great locker room guy but that does not mean he can transform the culture of a team (though he may able to change the culture at Jacksonville’s box office) if he is not a star player. And, with respect to three of the best coaches of the past decade, Tim Tebow is not an elite-level talent. His intangibles do not make his mid-round talent a first round draft pick. It’s nice not having to worry about posting bail for your players but talent wins out in the NFL.
A good offensive coordinator will find a use for Tebow. Whether in a version of the Wildcat, at the goal line or as a halfback, Tebow is too powerful and too good an athlete not to contribute in the NFL. But that makes him a specialist, not an invaluable franchise quarterback. And even though many seem to realize that it’s unlikely he will ever take the massive strides necessary to succeed as a quarterback, he will be drafted in the first round. It only takes one general manager to fall in love with Tebow. He is one of finest physical specimens the position has ever seen and a strong arm to boot. He has the intangibles so desired by coaches and front office personnel alike. Tim Tebow is alluring because he possesses the attributes that cannot be taught. And does any franchise want to admit that perhaps they can’t teach him the necessary mechanics, footwork and progressions? The sporting world is an egotistical one and that affects front office decision making as much as that of the players. In some ways Tim Tebow has already maximized his ability as a football player. That maximization aided Tebow in his massively successful college career. In other ways, Tebow has only scratched the surface as a quarterback. And that unfulfilled potential (and him being Tim Tebow and all) will vault him up draft boards around the league. Love him or hate him, you have to respect the fact that Tim Tebow has managed to have plenty of cake as quarterback of the University of Florida. And his upcoming signing bonus seems to point to him eating plenty of it, too.
Many of my friends love Tim Tebow. They find him refreshing, a breath of fresh air. They respect him as a person and love the way he plays football. They proudly point out that Tebow is one of the most successful college athletes of all-time. Many of my friends are sick of Tim Tebow. They see him every time they turn on Sportscenter or surf around espn.com and they’ll soon see him in an upcoming Super Bowl commercial. To say that Tim Tebow is ubiquitous is perhaps an understatement. They point out that Tebow was a gimmick during the first Florida championship and that Dennis Dixon probably takes the Heisman won by Tebow in 2007 if not for a torn ACL. They wonder if Tim Tebow is really that much different than Colt McCoy...
Tim Tebow is a polarizing figure. His extraordinary success breeds dislike among the public in addition to bringing in hordes of admirers. Tebow’s religion serves as a divisive force as does his brash enthusiasm on the football field. His career at Florida has ended but the controversy continues. Jon Gruden, Bill Parcells and Tony Dungy have all waxed rhapsodic about Tebow’s ability and potential as an NFL player. Many other scouts can’t fathom a successful transition to the NFL quarterback position. For all of Tim Tebow’s skills, if he cannot improve his mechanics, pocket presence and accuracy he will not be an elite NFL quarterback. It is already certain (well, as certain as you can be) that he will not make the same impact at the NFL level. But that doesn’t mean Tim Tebow can’t make any impact whatsoever. Just as perceptions should be moderated somewhere in between adoration and hatred, Tim Tebow’s career (and draft status) will fall somewhere between elite and non-existent.
Tim Tebow has been great at Florida but that is not why he is Tim Tebow. It’s about intangibles. The unquantifiable “it.” It’s about leadership and determination. It’s about the (supposed) effect Tebow has on his teammates. Do these traits make him a more valuable NFL player? I don’t see it. The NFL is no different than any other sport at any other level. It is easier and more natural for great players to lead. Tim Tebow will be a great locker room guy but that does not mean he can transform the culture of a team (though he may able to change the culture at Jacksonville’s box office) if he is not a star player. And, with respect to three of the best coaches of the past decade, Tim Tebow is not an elite-level talent. His intangibles do not make his mid-round talent a first round draft pick. It’s nice not having to worry about posting bail for your players but talent wins out in the NFL.
A good offensive coordinator will find a use for Tebow. Whether in a version of the Wildcat, at the goal line or as a halfback, Tebow is too powerful and too good an athlete not to contribute in the NFL. But that makes him a specialist, not an invaluable franchise quarterback. And even though many seem to realize that it’s unlikely he will ever take the massive strides necessary to succeed as a quarterback, he will be drafted in the first round. It only takes one general manager to fall in love with Tebow. He is one of finest physical specimens the position has ever seen and a strong arm to boot. He has the intangibles so desired by coaches and front office personnel alike. Tim Tebow is alluring because he possesses the attributes that cannot be taught. And does any franchise want to admit that perhaps they can’t teach him the necessary mechanics, footwork and progressions? The sporting world is an egotistical one and that affects front office decision making as much as that of the players. In some ways Tim Tebow has already maximized his ability as a football player. That maximization aided Tebow in his massively successful college career. In other ways, Tebow has only scratched the surface as a quarterback. And that unfulfilled potential (and him being Tim Tebow and all) will vault him up draft boards around the league. Love him or hate him, you have to respect the fact that Tim Tebow has managed to have plenty of cake as quarterback of the University of Florida. And his upcoming signing bonus seems to point to him eating plenty of it, too.
Small, Speed Wide Receivers
Emmanuel Sanders (SMU)-6’0” 191 lbs
Sanders projects as a very solid slot receiver in the NFL. He is 6’0” 183 lbs, but he has worked with Kennan McCardell at SMU. McCardell just happened to be 6’0” 191 and he played more than 15 solid years in the NFL. He runs crisp routes and has a strong burst up the field. Smaller, good route-runners can have very successful NFL careers.
David Reed (Utah)-6’0” 183 lbs
At just 6’0” 183, Reed is also working with Keenan McCardel at the Shrine game practices, and McCardell loves what he sees. Reed has better hands than Sanders, but is not as quick off the line. Both project as solid slot men in the NFL.
Jordan Shipley (Texas)-5’11”-190 lbs
Will be a good slot receiver in the NFL. Looks a lot like Anthony Gonzalez, and even more like Brandon Stokely. Either way, Shipley should have a strong NFL career because of his motor and study of the game. What he lacks in physical gifts he makes up with precise route running and smarts. He has great hands, and brings the ball into his body before trying to turn up field, something young receivers have troubled with in the NFL. He also can return kicks. If he hits his ceiling, he could be the next Wes Welker.
Jacoby Ford (Clemson)-5’8”-182 lbs
This guy is a clone of Ted Ginn, Jr. However, he is much stringer, which will make him much more effective in the NFL because he can escape the press of the more physical corners. Ginn struggles because of the fact that he cannot get off the line and run his routes effectively. Ford will be able to. The reason he may fall out of the top rounds is because of his lack of route running skills. He went deep on nearly every play at Clemson, so he never had to learn routes. Because of his quickness, elite speed (4.37 40 yard dash), and strength for his small size, he may very well turn out to be a steal in the draft.
Brandon Banks (Kansas State)-5’7”-149 lbs
Brandon Banks will only be considered for the NFL based on his blazing speed, as he is said to have been clocked at a 4.26 in the 40 yard dash. He doesn’t run routes well, nor does he have the greatest knowledge of the game, but I think someone will snatch him in rounds 6-7 because of his amazing speed. He is also a great kick returner, so he will get drafted based on that, too, as special teams is a growing fad in the NFL.
Mardy Gilyad (Cincinatti)-6’0”-187 lbs
Many people saw this guy play this year because of Cincinatti’s string year, and you saw that he can ball. He is not the speediest guy, but he is quick, and can maneuver well in tight holes in the zones. He also has long arms to keep the press block away from him. Can jump out of the building, but his hands are not super consistent. With the right team and quarterback, he could develop into a strong #2 receiver, but he is fairly raw at this point.
Sanders projects as a very solid slot receiver in the NFL. He is 6’0” 183 lbs, but he has worked with Kennan McCardell at SMU. McCardell just happened to be 6’0” 191 and he played more than 15 solid years in the NFL. He runs crisp routes and has a strong burst up the field. Smaller, good route-runners can have very successful NFL careers.
David Reed (Utah)-6’0” 183 lbs
At just 6’0” 183, Reed is also working with Keenan McCardel at the Shrine game practices, and McCardell loves what he sees. Reed has better hands than Sanders, but is not as quick off the line. Both project as solid slot men in the NFL.
Jordan Shipley (Texas)-5’11”-190 lbs
Will be a good slot receiver in the NFL. Looks a lot like Anthony Gonzalez, and even more like Brandon Stokely. Either way, Shipley should have a strong NFL career because of his motor and study of the game. What he lacks in physical gifts he makes up with precise route running and smarts. He has great hands, and brings the ball into his body before trying to turn up field, something young receivers have troubled with in the NFL. He also can return kicks. If he hits his ceiling, he could be the next Wes Welker.
Jacoby Ford (Clemson)-5’8”-182 lbs
This guy is a clone of Ted Ginn, Jr. However, he is much stringer, which will make him much more effective in the NFL because he can escape the press of the more physical corners. Ginn struggles because of the fact that he cannot get off the line and run his routes effectively. Ford will be able to. The reason he may fall out of the top rounds is because of his lack of route running skills. He went deep on nearly every play at Clemson, so he never had to learn routes. Because of his quickness, elite speed (4.37 40 yard dash), and strength for his small size, he may very well turn out to be a steal in the draft.
Brandon Banks (Kansas State)-5’7”-149 lbs
Brandon Banks will only be considered for the NFL based on his blazing speed, as he is said to have been clocked at a 4.26 in the 40 yard dash. He doesn’t run routes well, nor does he have the greatest knowledge of the game, but I think someone will snatch him in rounds 6-7 because of his amazing speed. He is also a great kick returner, so he will get drafted based on that, too, as special teams is a growing fad in the NFL.
Mardy Gilyad (Cincinatti)-6’0”-187 lbs
Many people saw this guy play this year because of Cincinatti’s string year, and you saw that he can ball. He is not the speediest guy, but he is quick, and can maneuver well in tight holes in the zones. He also has long arms to keep the press block away from him. Can jump out of the building, but his hands are not super consistent. With the right team and quarterback, he could develop into a strong #2 receiver, but he is fairly raw at this point.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Metric Mock Draft
The Metric Mock is based on a formula I have created that predicts the outcome of a draft. When compared to previous drafts, this formula works almost perfectly. It mixes the caliber of the players on the board when a team is picking and the team need. The players are graded on a 1-10 scale using film and notes from the 'experts' by Kyle, Addy, and myself. The team needs are ranked on a 1-10 scale. These two numbers are added to give a RAW SCORE for that player for that team.
(TEAM NEED+SCOUT GRADE)*HANDICAP=DRAFT SCORE
In order to correct for more/less important positions, we have created a handicap that gives quarterbacks a higher priority than tight ends, centers, and guards. To use the handicap system, we multiplied the RAW SCORE by the handicap numbers shown below:
QB, LT: 1
DT, DE, RB: .975
WR, RT, CB, LB, CB, S: .95
OG, C : .9
TE: .875
-----------
1. St. Louis-Ndamukong Suh (DT)-19.21
Next highest score: Sam Bradford (18.65)
2. Detroit-Gerald McCoy (DT)-19.11
Next highest score: Russel Okung (19.1)
3. Tampa Bay-Derrick Morgan (DE)-18.04
Next Highest Score: Terrence Cody (17.84)
4. Washington-Russel Okung (OT)-19.6
Next highest score: Sam Bradford (18.9)
5. Kansas City-Anthony Davis (OT)-18.8
Next Highest score: Eric Berry (18.53)
6. Seattle-Jimmy Clausen (QB)-18.4
Next highest score: Sam Bradford(18.4)
7. Cleveland-Eric Berry (S)-17.58
Next highest score: Dez Bryant (17.29)
8. Oakland-Bruce Campbell (OT)-18.1
Next highest score: Terrence Cody (17.36)
9. Buffalo-Sam Bradford(QB)-19.15
Next highest score: Bryan Bulaga(19.0)
10. Jacksonville-Jason Pierre-Paul (DE)-17.36
Next highest score: Earl Thomas (17.01)
11. Denver-Terrence Cody (DT)-17.84
Next highest score: Joe Haden (CB)-19.24
12. Miami-Dez Bryant (WR)-17.29
Next highest score: Brian Price (DT)-16.29
13. San Francisco-Joe Haden (CB)-18.05
Next highest score: Brian Price (18.04)
14. Seattle-C.J. Spiller (RB)-17.75
Next highest score: Brian Price (17.55)/Trent Williams (17.55)
15. New York Giants-Rolando McClain (ILB)-17.75
Next Highest score: Earl Thomas (17.48)
16. Tennessee-Everson Griffen (DE)-17.75
Next highest score: Brian Price (17.06)
17. San Francisco-Brian Price (DT)-18.04
Next highest Score: Trent Williams (18)
18. Pittsburgh-Earl Thomas (S)-18.02
Next Highest Score: Trent Williams (18)
19. Atlanta-Donovan Warren (CB)-17.76
Next Highest Score: Carlos Dunlap (17.55)
20. Houston-Dan Williams (DT)-16.97
Next Highest Score: Perrish Cox (16.82)
(TEAM NEED+SCOUT GRADE)*HANDICAP=DRAFT SCORE
In order to correct for more/less important positions, we have created a handicap that gives quarterbacks a higher priority than tight ends, centers, and guards. To use the handicap system, we multiplied the RAW SCORE by the handicap numbers shown below:
QB, LT: 1
DT, DE, RB: .975
WR, RT, CB, LB, CB, S: .95
OG, C : .9
TE: .875
-----------
1. St. Louis-Ndamukong Suh (DT)-19.21
Next highest score: Sam Bradford (18.65)
2. Detroit-Gerald McCoy (DT)-19.11
Next highest score: Russel Okung (19.1)
3. Tampa Bay-Derrick Morgan (DE)-18.04
Next Highest Score: Terrence Cody (17.84)
4. Washington-Russel Okung (OT)-19.6
Next highest score: Sam Bradford (18.9)
5. Kansas City-Anthony Davis (OT)-18.8
Next Highest score: Eric Berry (18.53)
6. Seattle-Jimmy Clausen (QB)-18.4
Next highest score: Sam Bradford(18.4)
7. Cleveland-Eric Berry (S)-17.58
Next highest score: Dez Bryant (17.29)
8. Oakland-Bruce Campbell (OT)-18.1
Next highest score: Terrence Cody (17.36)
9. Buffalo-Sam Bradford(QB)-19.15
Next highest score: Bryan Bulaga(19.0)
10. Jacksonville-Jason Pierre-Paul (DE)-17.36
Next highest score: Earl Thomas (17.01)
11. Denver-Terrence Cody (DT)-17.84
Next highest score: Joe Haden (CB)-19.24
12. Miami-Dez Bryant (WR)-17.29
Next highest score: Brian Price (DT)-16.29
13. San Francisco-Joe Haden (CB)-18.05
Next highest score: Brian Price (18.04)
14. Seattle-C.J. Spiller (RB)-17.75
Next highest score: Brian Price (17.55)/Trent Williams (17.55)
15. New York Giants-Rolando McClain (ILB)-17.75
Next Highest score: Earl Thomas (17.48)
16. Tennessee-Everson Griffen (DE)-17.75
Next highest score: Brian Price (17.06)
17. San Francisco-Brian Price (DT)-18.04
Next highest Score: Trent Williams (18)
18. Pittsburgh-Earl Thomas (S)-18.02
Next Highest Score: Trent Williams (18)
19. Atlanta-Donovan Warren (CB)-17.76
Next Highest Score: Carlos Dunlap (17.55)
20. Houston-Dan Williams (DT)-16.97
Next Highest Score: Perrish Cox (16.82)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
WELCOME!
Illegal Notion is a blog based on what everyone starts wondering this time of year. Sure, some of you actually root for the good teams, and are still interested in the football side, but for most of us, the draft is the next big thing.
My name is KC, and Kyle, Addy and I run this blog. If you check out the navigation bar, we have all a draft fanatic needs. Big board, player grades, team needs, mock drafts, and then a section under construction for NBA talk. We would like to base what we write here and post here on the people who are reading this. Please leave comments, and check back often, we'll be putting out something new everyday.
Please give us your feedback and leave comments, we want this site to be based on our readers!
My name is KC, and Kyle, Addy and I run this blog. If you check out the navigation bar, we have all a draft fanatic needs. Big board, player grades, team needs, mock drafts, and then a section under construction for NBA talk. We would like to base what we write here and post here on the people who are reading this. Please leave comments, and check back often, we'll be putting out something new everyday.
Please give us your feedback and leave comments, we want this site to be based on our readers!
Big Board
BIG BOARD
Players are not ranked solely based on their grades. They are also ranked based on the value of their position in this draft.
A 10 does not mean they are perfect players, just that they are the players against which the rest of the class was evaluated.
1. Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)-10
Relentless, blowing up the middle of the offensive line.
2. Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)-10
Ed Reed type playmaker.
3. Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahaoma)-9.6
Disruptive, high motor, strong against the run.
4. Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama)-9.7
Consistent, smart, hard hitter, leader of the best defense in the country.
5. Russel Okung (OT, OK State)-9.6
Huge and agile; prototypical LT
6. Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)-9.4
Amazingly accurate, played under center more than is given credit for.
7. Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)-9.5
Great pass rusher, but run stopping sets him apart
8. Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame)-9.4
Leader, doesn’t break under pressure, tested in West Coast offense.
9. Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers)-9.3
Very quick feet, hasn’t met full potential yet.
10. Joe Haden (CB, Florida)-9.5
Fluid Hips, great in run support.
11. Earl Thomas (S, Texas)-9.4
Great cover skills, great range, will be a huge impact.
12. Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama)-9.3
Disruptive, huge, Shaun Rogers-type DT.
13. Jason Piere-Paul (DE, USF)-9.3
6’5”, but cam get to the QB in a flash.
14. Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland)-9.1
Raw, but has the size and the athleticism to grow to be the best OT in this class.
15. Donovan Warren (CB, Michigan)-9.1
Underrated corner, bigger than Haden with similar skill set.
16. Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa)-9.0
6’6” with amazing control of his weight.
17. Everson Griffen (DE, USC)-9.2
Gifted pass rusher, great first step.
18. Dez Bryant (WR, OK State)-9.2
Big wide Reciever+return man=great value
19. C.J. Spiller (RB, Clemson)-9.2
Super fast; big play guy or feature back?
20. B.J. Price (DT, UCLA)-9.0
Amazingly strong, knows how to use his body to hold up the line.
21. Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma)-9.0
Very long arms, can keep DEs in his frame.
22. Brandon Spikes (LB, Florida)-9.0
Great leader, strong tackling ability, but what about straight line speed?
23. Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)-8.9
Tree-trunks for legs make him hard to move.
24. Taylor Mays (S, USC)-9.0
Struggles in coverage, but knows how to lay big hits.
25. Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)-9.2
Missed entire season due to injury, but talented enough to stay in the top 25.
Players are not ranked solely based on their grades. They are also ranked based on the value of their position in this draft.
A 10 does not mean they are perfect players, just that they are the players against which the rest of the class was evaluated.
1. Ndamukong Suh (DT, Nebraska)-10
Relentless, blowing up the middle of the offensive line.
2. Eric Berry (S, Tennessee)-10
Ed Reed type playmaker.
3. Gerald McCoy (DT, Oklahaoma)-9.6
Disruptive, high motor, strong against the run.
4. Rolando McClain (LB, Alabama)-9.7
Consistent, smart, hard hitter, leader of the best defense in the country.
5. Russel Okung (OT, OK State)-9.6
Huge and agile; prototypical LT
6. Sam Bradford (QB, Oklahoma)-9.4
Amazingly accurate, played under center more than is given credit for.
7. Derrick Morgan (DE, Georgia Tech)-9.5
Great pass rusher, but run stopping sets him apart
8. Jimmy Clausen (QB, Notre Dame)-9.4
Leader, doesn’t break under pressure, tested in West Coast offense.
9. Anthony Davis (OT, Rutgers)-9.3
Very quick feet, hasn’t met full potential yet.
10. Joe Haden (CB, Florida)-9.5
Fluid Hips, great in run support.
11. Earl Thomas (S, Texas)-9.4
Great cover skills, great range, will be a huge impact.
12. Terrence Cody (DT, Alabama)-9.3
Disruptive, huge, Shaun Rogers-type DT.
13. Jason Piere-Paul (DE, USF)-9.3
6’5”, but cam get to the QB in a flash.
14. Bruce Campbell (OT, Maryland)-9.1
Raw, but has the size and the athleticism to grow to be the best OT in this class.
15. Donovan Warren (CB, Michigan)-9.1
Underrated corner, bigger than Haden with similar skill set.
16. Bryan Bulaga (OT, Iowa)-9.0
6’6” with amazing control of his weight.
17. Everson Griffen (DE, USC)-9.2
Gifted pass rusher, great first step.
18. Dez Bryant (WR, OK State)-9.2
Big wide Reciever+return man=great value
19. C.J. Spiller (RB, Clemson)-9.2
Super fast; big play guy or feature back?
20. B.J. Price (DT, UCLA)-9.0
Amazingly strong, knows how to use his body to hold up the line.
21. Trent Williams (OT, Oklahoma)-9.0
Very long arms, can keep DEs in his frame.
22. Brandon Spikes (LB, Florida)-9.0
Great leader, strong tackling ability, but what about straight line speed?
23. Dan Williams (DT, Tennessee)-8.9
Tree-trunks for legs make him hard to move.
24. Taylor Mays (S, USC)-9.0
Struggles in coverage, but knows how to lay big hits.
25. Jermaine Gresham (TE, Oklahoma)-9.2
Missed entire season due to injury, but talented enough to stay in the top 25.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Safety
1) Eric Berry-10
Playmaker. If I had to choose a player in this draft who would make the most on any defense that chose him, it would be Eric Berry. He is the best defensive prospect in recent history. This may not make sense, because I have Suh at the top of our board, but that's because DTs have more value than safeties. However, Berry will undoubtedly be a star. He has the speed and fluid hips to be the top cornerback in this draft, and he has the range and playmaking ability to be the best safety prospect I can remember. He can play the run, he can play zone, or man up in the secondary. Most of all, he just happens to be wherever the ball is on every down. Players like that don't show up very often. Dropping below the first pick, he will be a steal for whoever takes him.
2) Earl Thomas-9.4
3) Taylor Mays-9.0
4) Chad Jones-8.4
5) Reshad Jones-7.9
Playmaker. If I had to choose a player in this draft who would make the most on any defense that chose him, it would be Eric Berry. He is the best defensive prospect in recent history. This may not make sense, because I have Suh at the top of our board, but that's because DTs have more value than safeties. However, Berry will undoubtedly be a star. He has the speed and fluid hips to be the top cornerback in this draft, and he has the range and playmaking ability to be the best safety prospect I can remember. He can play the run, he can play zone, or man up in the secondary. Most of all, he just happens to be wherever the ball is on every down. Players like that don't show up very often. Dropping below the first pick, he will be a steal for whoever takes him.
2) Earl Thomas-9.4
3) Taylor Mays-9.0
4) Chad Jones-8.4
5) Reshad Jones-7.9
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