Loading ...With the NFL Draft only 16 Days away, excitement is building by the second, and for those obsessed with the draft the atmosphere has become electric. Rumors are flying and misinformation and speculation are both running rampant. With the constant over analysis of each draft eligible player by this point in the process, some players stock is up, while other players stock is dropping. Without further ado, its time for Stock Up, Stock Down:
STOCK UP:
- Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma - I think Trent Williams is once of the safest picks in the draft, because if he struggles at left tackle, he will succeed somewhere on the offensive line. He is very versatile and at worst will be a great right tackle, and can also play inside at guard and even center. I am hearing that Detroit likes Williams more than Russell Okung (although this may be smoke) and there is still a school of thought that the Lions should grab an offensive tackle second overall. Although I think the trade for guard Barry Sims yesterday almost locks them in for a defensive tackle with the second pick. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling #2 Overall (Lions), Floor #13 Overall (49ers).
- Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee - The big nose tackle is flying up draft boards right now, and I think he will be off the board earlier than it is currently being projected. I know for a fact that Kansas City is looking for a true nose tackle (Glenn Dorsey is better suited for the 4-3) and we saw that they have no problem reaching for a player in a position of need when they took DE Tyson Jackson 3rd overall last year. The ideal scenario for the Dolphins was to grab Williams at #12, but I am starting to seriously doubt he is on the board for Miami at this point. On a side note this is bad news for the Giants, because teams who are looking for help in their 3-4 and were targeting Williams could shift their attention to Rolando McClain. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling #5 Overall (Chiefs), Floor #12 (Dolphins).
- Earl Thomas, S, Texas - Scouts are way up on Earl Thomas right now, and after watching his tape from last season, I can see why. The NFL is now a passing league, and Thomas is a true centerfielder and playmaker, who can hit for his small stature. I hear that many teams are intrigued with Thomas, and Scouts, Inc. now ranks him as the #7 overall prospect in the draft class. He will be the second safety off of the board no matter what, since Eric Berry is still a superior player, but I hear Miami loves him and he could be gone earlier than expected. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling #12 (Dolphins), Floor #27 (Cowboys).
- Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State - A player that I have always thought highly of throughout the draft process, Odrick is a great athlete and a hard worker who can play either tackle in the 4-3 or end in the 3-4 scheme. I have always thought that Odrick would be an ideal fit as an end opposite Shaun Ellis in the Jets 3-4 and had him penciled in there, but it sounds like he will be off of the board way before that. There are rumors that the Cleveland Browns love Jared Ordrick, and are considering him as early as seventh overall, because of his ability to fit in the 3-4. I thought Jimmy Clausen (Browns fans will hate another first round ND quarterback) or Eric Berry would be the pick there, but defensive lineman who fit the 3-4 are hot items right now and the Browns might reach or trade down for Odrick. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling #7 (Browns), Floor #29 (Jets).
- Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama - Another player who is great on tape, and scouts have taken notice, Jackson is in a battle with Boise State’s Kyle Wilson as the second cornerback in the draft. I think this is a battle he should win, Wilson is better in press coverage and as a return man, but Jackson is the better overall corner. I think he is the second cornerback off of the board and a surefire first rounder. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling #18 (Steelers), Floor Early Second Round.
- 3-4 Defensive Linemen - With so many teams already playing or currently making the switch to the 3-4 defense, nose tackles and 3-4 defensive ends are flying up draft boards. Other than Dan Williams and Jared Odrick (mentioned above) other names who are on the rise because they fit in the 3-4 include: (ends) Alex Carrington (late 1st-early 2nd), Tyson Alualu (early 2nd), Corey Wootton (early-mid 2nd) and C.J. Wilson (2nd-3rd) and (nose tackles) Cam Thomas (early 2nd), Torrell Troup (2nd), Linval Joseph (2nd-3rd). This trend is turning the late round prospects into mid-rounders and the undrafted players into late-rounders. Something to keep an eye on that is good news for the Giants and other teams that currently run the 4-3.
- Offensive Tackles – There is a chance that three offensive tackles are off of the board in the top ten picks (Russell Okung, Trent Williams, Bryan Bulaga). We also know the 49ers will grab an offensive tackle with one of their two first round picks, they have to, or I will consider their draft a failure (an upgrade on the right side is a huge need) and many teams in the bottom half of the first round have a need at tackle. On draft day, I think that Okung, Williams, Bulaga, Charles Brown, Anthony Davis, Rodger Saffold and Bruce Campbell will all be off of the draft board by early in the second round.
STOCK DOWN:
- Brian Price, DT, UCLA - A player that was once considered the third best defensive tackle in the draft (often mocked the Giants in the first round, which I never bought), Brian Price’s stock has taken a serious hit over the past few weeks. According to scouts, he looked sloppy and out of shape at his Pro Day, and he now ranks behind Suh, McCoy, Williams and Odrick as the fifth ranked defensive tackle in the draft. Price also only fits in the 4-3 defense. He will likely fall out of the first round entirely, although I could see the Rams having interest in him with the first pick of round 2. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling mid-late round 1, Floor mid-round 2.
- Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland - There was a time when analysts thought Campbell would be the second tackle off of the board, due to his freakish combine results, and he was a consensus top-10 pick (most mocks had him going to the Raiders at #8). It seems that NFL front offices have smartened up when it comes to drafting workout warriors. Teams have studied the tapes, and realize that Campbell may be an All-Pro one day, but he is a project who needs a lot of coaching, and may not pan out. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling #8 (Raiders, if they continue their tradition of drafting workout warriors. I think even they have smartened up) Floor Mid Second Round.
- Joe Haden, CB, Florida - I feel bad for Joe Haden. He deserves to be a top ten pick, and it sounds like teams are cold on him leading up to the draft. He proved that he was fast enough and had the catch up speed he needs to be a factor in the NFL. He is the best run support corner coming into the league in recent memory, maybe since Antoine Winfield came out of Ohio State in 1999. I think teams will wise up on Haden during the next two weeks, but he could be in for a major slide on draft day. STOCK REPORT: Ceiling #6 Seattle, Floor #18-20 (3 corner needy teams in a row, Steelers, Falcons, Texans).
- Quarterbacks – Other than Sam Bradford, who is essentially a lock to be the first pick in the draft, every other quarterback in the draft took a stock hit following Donovan McNabb getting traded to the Redskins. Where will Jimmy Clausen go? Will the Browns take him at #7 overall? Can they give the fans another Notre Dame QB just after trading Brady Quinn? Will he go to the Raiders at #8? The Bills at #9? Both of those teams need offensive line help first and foremost. Will the Jags take Claussen at #10 if he is there? Will he free-fall? Where does Jason Campbell end up? How far does this knock back Colt McCoy‘s draft stock now? What happens with Tim Tebow? There are a ton of questions surrounding the quarterback class and it will be great to watch them get answered as the draft unfolds. If I am Jimmy Claussen, I am watching the draft from my couch, to avoid the Rodgers/Quinn slide close ups on national television.
- 4-3 Defensive Ends - Another position that is watching their draft status take a hit right now, 4-3 defensive ends (who do not fit as outside linebackers or defensive ends in the 3-4) are watching their draft status plummet. There are many talented players who should be first round selections, including Derrick Morgan, Everson Griffen, Jason Pierre-Paul and Carlos Dunlap but they are sliding down draft boards as we speak. Teams just have needs in other areas, and players who fit into the 3-4 are being overdrafted. I think Derrick Morgan is a clear top ten player in this draft, but I am not sure he will be drafted until the late teens or early 20′s. On draft day, I think that Morgan and Pierre-Paul are still surefire first round picks, but think that both Griffen and Dunlap could slide into the late first-early second round area.
NOTE: I was watching the NFL Network’s “Path to the Draft” this weekend, when I heard Bucky Brooks refer to Texas linebacker Sergio Kindle as a “Defensive End out of Kentucky.” I thought I misheard him, rewound, and he said it again. I then thought, maybe he is FROM Kentucky. Maybe Brooks knows MORE than I do! I checked Kindle’s Wikipedia page, and he is from Los Angeles, California by way of Dallas, Texas. I realized that Brooks was just wrong. I mentioned this on this site yesterday, and someone sent me one of Brooks’ mock drafts, which I had been avoiding due to how horrible he is. It was so bad that I would like to challenge Brooks to a formal election, me against Bucky, for the position of NFL Draft Analyst on NFL Network. If elected I promise to provide accurate information to the public and to stop wearing purple suits with thick rimmed glasses. Bucky, do you accept my challenge?
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Who wrote this…Kyle or Rich?
I did. Does it say Kyle? If so I am not seeing it. Let me know if there is anything I need to change. Thanks – ROC.
It says “By Rich O’Callaghan” right at the end.
Am I really the only person that can see author stamps? LoL
I can see it…
I can see it too.
What happens is that you can see it clearly on the bottom of the story when it is on the main page. When you click open the story it disappears but can be found in the bottom mash up of info.
Good stuff Rich. I feel strongly about the Giants drafting a Center in the second round. Who do you think some of the best prospects for that pick would be? Kyle mentioned a name to me but I cannot remember it. Kyle if you read this can you tell me the name of that Center who might be available in round two please.
JD Walton Baylor and Matt Tennant Boston College. Tennant is the better pass protector, while Walton has a slight edge in run blocking.
I wouldn’t draft a center in the second round. I think after Pouncey, who might start at guard and eventually move to center, you can wait a few rounds on Centers in this class. In fact, I would be surprised if any centers get drafted in the second round.
Excpect the second round to be heavy on corners, defensive linemen and receivers in 2010. I think most of the tackles will be off of the board and teams will wait on guards and centers.
I would look at Matt Tennant from Boston College to be the second center off of the board (3rd round?) but I think the Giants could land J.D. Walton, a center I really like, in the 4th round. They could also look at Eric Olsen from Notre Dame or Jeff Byers from USC in the 5th round or Ted Larsen from NCST late.
Matt Tennant was the guy Kyle was talking about, thanks guys. For picks 1-3, I have the G-men taking 1. MLB 2. Center 3. Cornerback. If your info is correct Rich, maybe they switch out the 2nd and 3rd round picks I listed.
The talent in the second round at corner should be great. Potential stare down the road.
Partick Robinson – FSU, Chris Cook – UVA, Brandon Ghee – Wake Forest, Donovan Warren – Michigan, Dominique Franks – Oklahoma to name a few.
Oh and yeah, Bucky Brooks is pretty awful..
Trent Williams (Oklahoma) is the OT I was hoping would fall to us but with his stock rising there is basically no chance. Sounds like 4 OTs will go very very early.
I hope Bruce Campbell (Maryland) is the OT Oakland picks. He’s perfect for them. He’s a work out warrior and he’s NOT a good football player. I want nothing to do with that guy.
Bruce Campbell was great in Evil Dead. lol
and as Sam Axe on Burn Notice!
What’s the Situation?
I hope its Bruce Campell they pick lol. I said back in November/December that they would either pick him or JPP. Looking pretty good right about now..
Yeah a lot of people think JPP is going to be a great player. Maybe they are right but I dont see it. I think he’s a goof.
You have to think about what he has done pretty much without coaching. He was at times a dominant player in college despite playing one year only. He has a very high motor and doesnt take plays off like some of the other talented DEs in this class (Looking at you guys Griffen and Dunlap)
If he gets into the right situation and gets proper coaching paired with his athletecism he could be very special..
I agree with you, I think he could be a nice player too. It may take him a few years but not a lot of players 6’5 270lbs move like JPP or have the high motor he has.
I definitely like him better than Griffen and Dunlap. I like Morgan more overall and he is clearly better all around and against the run, but would rank JPP 2nd at DE.
Everything I am hearing out of Oakland is they are sick and tired of being the laughing stock of the league on draft day. They will actually be looking for the best “football player” on the board. Could be Trent Williams at 8. Safe Pick.
I am sure “they” are. But Al will still decide what to do lol.
Trent <Williams is an Oakland pick as well though. Didnt play well as an LT and blew up the combine..
Yeah, I agree. Williams is a safe pick though. Struggled a little on the left side in his one season there (2009, when Loadholt left) but he has been a success on the right side, at guard and even at center.
So he is not going to be out of the league in 5 years, he just might not be a Left Tackle.
I guess if you are paying someone that much money, you want them on the left side…
Also, if Al seriously takes Bruce Campbell at #8 overall, it is time to pull the plug. He could still be on the board when they pick in the second round. If they want Campbell take Dez Bryant at #8 and hope Campbell is there in the second. If not take Rodger Saffold, who I actually like more.
I wouldn’t mind us sending a 2RD pick to the Baltimore Ravens for OT Jared Gaither. Still thought we should have taken him in the supplemental draft when he came out.
It sounds like anyone who makes an offer for Gaither better make it a BIG one, or Baltimore is going to match. Also, he has a lot of talent and had a great season in 2009, but I hear internally the team has questions about his love of the game and work ethic.
Rich, this is really excellent work. Congratulations.
Personally, I think that if Claussen drops there will be a lot of teams that passed on him who will regret it. People may not love his personality, but someone was getting the ball to Tate with perfect timing and arc on the passes. Kid can play.
I’m still taking Haden if he’s available when Reese picks. He has a chance to be the next great cornerback in the NFL and showed it game-after-game against top competition. These types of player just don’t come along often. Look at what an Asomugha or a Revis does for the rest of their defense by essentially taking away a side of the field from the offense in the passing game.
What you want with the #15 pick is someone who is a game-changer for you. Suh might be a game-changer by stopping the run and making an offense one-dimensional. Berry might be a game-changer by making the deep ball a very risky proposition. The quarterbacks could be game-changers for obvious reasons. Dez Bryant could be a game-changer because of his unearthly ability as a future #1 receiver.
But IMO, the real game-changers who are out there and might be available to Reese are Spiller, Haden and Best. Because I would rate a cornerback as more valuable in the long run than a running back I’d put Haden at the top of that list, but Spiller isn’t far behind and then Best is perhaps just a hair behind him.
And close behind those guys is Weatherspoon, whom I think is so athletic, and so much a leader, that he could be the perfect choice for the Giants, who need athleticism on defense and leadership on the field and in the locker room. Perhaps McClain (who will be off the board in all likelihood anyway by the time the Giants pick) could play that same role, but Weatherspoon strikes me as the kind of special personality that is somewhat unique. A bit like Strahan, and that’s a good thing. That makes for a difference-maker.
FF55 –
I actually like Claussen more than most too. He is coming out of ND so there is a lot of hate directed at him, but the kid is coming out of a Pro Style offense and can play.
I really think Buffalo should skip Claussen on draft day. They need two offensive tackles after Brad Butler retired at 27 years old to go into politics. They need weapons for a QB, who do they have to throw to up there? Lee Evans and that is it. Plus they are switching to the 3-4 and need ALL new defensive personel.
I think the Bills will be the worst team in the league in 2010. If I was in charge there, I would focus on building a team that a quarterback (Locker, Luck) could step in and lead in 2011.
Any QB who goes to the Bills in 2010 is destined to fail. Let Trent Edwards weather the storm.
Why hasn’t Gailey gone and gotten his boy Tyler Thigpen? He has some upside and has the athleticism to survive a rebuilding offensive line.
Didn’t Kindle play both Defensive End and Linebacker for Texas’ hybrid scheme? So his big mistake is really only the Kentucky part.