It sure as hell seems like Tice has a man crush on Webb. How many sacks did Webb give up last year? 12? 13? I know it's somewhere around that. Tice must understand that mediocrity is what got one of his bosses fired. If he's not careful, it's going to cost him his job as well as Lovie's.Originally Posted by Kidla
One thing worth pointing out about NFP's rankings is that they're not predicting how these guys may be drafted as the sites of some professional draft gurus who shall remain nameless (Kip "cough" er) do but rather on how they see their development and capabilities as a pro. While others may choose to follow a different source which rates a players draft prospects I care more about a guys capability to become a productive player for the Bears than I do where he ranks come draft day. As a result I'll keep positing my opinions based on what I get from NFP.
Ranking the top-10 junior prospects
Does RG3 crack our top-5? Wes Bunting
February 06, 2012 Share
Print This
1 Comment
8 Share
At the NFP we breakdown our prospects based on their ability to mature into top-tier caliber starters at their respected position at the next level. And not simply by ranking players as“first” or “second” round picks. Now, obviously on draft day priority of position will take precedent at times, but here is who we see as the highest graded prospects in the junior class.
ICONLuck sits atop the NFP's draft board.
1. QB Andrew Luck: Stanford (6-4, 235)
Doesn't have an elite arm, but is a "plus" in just about every other facet of the game. Is about as safe a franchise quarterback prospect you can find.
2. CB Morris Claiborne: LSU (6-0, 185)
The top corner in this year's draft. He's tall and long which allows him to play big off the line. However, he showcases the footwork, balance and quick-twitch ability of a much smaller corner out of his breaks. With improved technique he should mature into one of the leagues best.
3. RB Trent Richardson: Alabama (5-11, 224)
The best running back prospect I've seen since Adrian Peterson. His running style might limit his shell life a bit in the NFL. However, he's the kind of back you can ride like a rented mule from day one and should become one of the NFL's top runners early on.
4. OG David DeCastro: Stanford (6-5, 310)
The best offensive line prospect I've evaluated since Maurkice Pouncey in 2010. He showcases the ability to get a push in-line and is a dominant move player as well. He's fluid/natural in pass protection and with a little more power in his base he's got the skill set to become on of the leagues best guards early in his NFL career.
5. DL Michael Brockers: LSU (6-6, 306)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he's an NFL talent with "plus" upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.
6. OT Matt Kalil: Southern Cal (6-7, 295)
There are some negatives concerning his overall anchor strength. However, you have a "plus" athlete at the position with good foot quickness, natural change of direction skills who knows how to bend. Might need a year to get stronger. But has the skill set to play in year one and develop into one of the leagues better offensive tackles as he matures physically.
ICONKalil can be a starting caliber LT early in his NFL career.
7. QB Robert Griffin III: Baylor (6-2, 220)
A "plus" athlete who can really throw the football, is a student of the game and is only starting to scratch the surface of his potential. Has as much upside as any prospect in the draft and looks like a future franchise signal caller.
8. WR Justin Blackmon: Oklahoma State (6-1, 215)
The lack of straight-line speed will limit him however, and when comparing him to first round receivers A.J. Green and Julio Jones last year, I don't think he's in their class. Nevertheless, he's got the skill set to line-up all over an NFL offense and make plays on all levels of the field.
9. TE Orson Charles: Georgia (6-3, 241)
A gifted athlete who can create a lot of mismatches in the pass game. Should be able to improve as a route runner as well. Not quite as polished as Aaron Hernandez as an H-back coming out, but could end up playing a similar type role.
10. ILB Dont'a Hightower: Alabama (6-4, 260)
Looks like a potential impact caliber 34-inside linebacker who has the skill set to win inside vs. the run and create pressure on third down as a savvy rush guy as well.
Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting
Last edited by soulman; 02-07-2012 at 02:45 AM.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
Just one point to highlight here. If Justin Blackmon is considered this years top WR prospect and a sure top ten pick yet he rates as a lesser talent than last year top guys Jones and Green where does that leave the rest of the WR class relative to this?
Every other WR is ranked significantly lower than Blackmon including Floyd whose stock has been on the decline. So what does this say about picking a WR at the #19 spot when there is better talent at other positions still on the board and second tier WR's who rate only slightly less than the lower first round guys? To me it says don't take Michael Floyd or any other WR with that #19 pick. Wait until later in the draft where you can still get good value in a guy to develop into a #1.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
I think that Floyd is worth the 19th pick in the draft and I think if Jeffery answers questions about his speed he could be there too.
This WR crop is not elite, none of them are, but they are a very solid group and they can be good NFL WRs. A lot will depend on what we do in Free Agency and whether we can sign a top WR.
But we need someone who can come in and be a #1, and relying on the 2nd and 3rd round seems incredibly risky.
NFL Draft: All Underrated Team
A look at which offensive prospects aren’t getting the love they deserve. Wes Bunting
February 07, 2012 Share
Print This
4 Comments
ShareWith only a couple weeks left until the NFL Combine, the NFP looks at which offensive prospects aren’t getting the kind love they should at this time and who could be poised for a rise up draft boards over the next couple weeks.
7
0Share
ICONKinne has what it takes to make an NFL roster.
QB G.J. Kinne: Tulsa (6-2, 234)
Kinne has a little Jeff Garcia/Bruce Gradkowski to his game. He will fall on draft day because of his size, but is your typical gritty QB prospect who is the son of a coach and in my view will find a way to make a roster and potentially fight for playing time down the line. I like him more as a prospect than Boise State’s Kellen Moore.
RB Robert Turbin: Utah State (5-10, 216)
Physically, he reminds me some of New York Jets RB Shonn Greene. But as a runner, he looks more natural as a zone guy who he can use his cut back ability to pick his way through traffic, square his shoulders and then attack daylight. Has the skill set to mature into a starter at the next level, but because of his lack of a great burst, he doesn't strike me as a guy who is ever going to have a real gaudy yards per carry average. Nevertheless, he should be able to keep you ahead of the chains and create the tough yards through contact.
H-Back Evan Rodriguez: Temple (6-3, 250)
Rodriguez isn't a guy who's going to get drafted high. However, he's got the potential to fill a number of roles on an NFL offense in both the run and pass game, can create some mismatches as a pass catcher and develop into a core special teams guy early on.
TE Rhett Ellison: Southern California (6-5, 250)
Isn't an elite straight-line athlete or dominant in-line guy. However, has the ability to be successful in both the run and pass game at the next level. Doesn't look like a starter to me, but may be able to earn playing time early during his NFL career.
WR Devon Wylie: Fresno State (5-9, 185)
Is limited a bit by his size, but is the kind of cat-quick slot guy with great ball skills who can make a living in the NFL. The major positive with him though is that he also has very good speed and can easily make plays down the field.
WR Jarius Wright: Arkansas (5-10, 180)
A coordinated athlete who is slippery as a route runner, tough over the middle and knows how to get open vs. man and zone. Will get re-routed vs. press at times and looks more like an inside player at the next level, but has the skill set to make a roster and carve out a big niche early.
OT Andrew Datko: Florida State (6-6, 321)
He’s a solid athlete who can bend, re-direct and block in space. However, he’s had some struggles with power when trying to stay engaged and hasn’t been able to stay healthy throughout his career. Nevertheless, in a weak offensive tackle class, he’s one of the few prospects that possess the skill set to start in the NFL.
ICONPotter is a solid mid-round type value.
OT Nate Potter: Boise State (6-6, 300)
Potter, in my book, is a poor man's version of former Boston College LT Anthony Castonzo. He has the talent to earn a starting job in more of a zone scheme, but is going to need a year or two before he's ready physically to mature into the player he's capable of becoming.
OG Brandon Brooks: Miami (Ohio) (6-5, 343)
Is a big, strong kid who has some lateral quickness for his size, but needs some technique work. Nevertheless, he has some upside and can win consistently in both the run and pass game, and looks like an NFL starter in an angle scheme to me.
OG Jeff Allen: Illinois (6-5, 315)
He's not an overpowering run blocker, but can bend, gain leverage and seal inside. He’s smooth and coordinated in pass protection, can keep his base down and warrants a higher grade because of it. Needs to play inside at the next level, but looks like a guy who can start in the league.
OC David Snow: Texas (6-4, 295)
Isn't an overly powerful in-line guy or elite athlete. But he can bend, is coordinated in both the run and pass game and does a great job shooting his hands inside and sticking to blocks. Looks like a guy who can make a roster and with some improved strength fight for playing time down the line.
Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
Just a little poop on some guys who may represent good value in the mid rounds. I can't figure how he claims this is a weak OT class when there are 4 rated high enough to go in the first 20 picks. It sure seems better than last years class.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
If you want a true number one who can play to that level this year then you sign a FA where you know exactly what you're getting. The selection is better this year than last.
There are all kinds of reason why both Floyd and Jeffery will never be that dominating #1 type guy and it starts with speed, or the lack thereof. That you can't teach and both of these guys have battled weight issues in college too. We have a huge need to a great WR and neither Floyd of Jeffery rate that way.
Your own posts as much as admits this. You say these guys are not elite yet you're looking for someone who can come in and be a true number one. Neither of these two is assured of being that guy but you're right, they could turn out to be decent pass catchers. They could also turn out to be major disappointments too so why risk a 1st round pick on them?
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
Walter Football has Mike Adams going at #24 I do believe to the Detroit Lions. I've seen him picked as high as #13 and as low as #24 in recent mocks.
Adams will probably a fit in around the area where we pick and if they go that route I could live with it provided they see that he can come in and challenge Webb day one. I still think we take a pass rusher if there's one we like still on the board. Getting a WR somewhere in the draft is strongly advised but it takes less of a precedence if we can score in FA.
If you want to build a championship team you start with the offensive and defensive lines. QB's come next and skill players last. If every other base if covered then yeah go ahead and take that WR or RB but if you've still got holes all over your lines those should be filled first. The best QB can't throw or RB run behind a crappy line.
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
NFL Draft: All Underrated Team Part II
A look at which defensive prospects aren’t getting the love they deserve. Wes Bunting
February 08, 2012 Share
Print This
10 Comments
ShareWith only a couple weeks left until the NFL Combine, the NFP looks at which defensive prospects aren’t getting the kind love they should at this time and who could be poised for a rise up draft boards over the next couple weeks.
2114
0
Share
For our underrated offensive prospects click here...
ICONJohnson has the ability to stand-up as well and be effective.
DE Cam Johnson: Virginia (6-4, 270)
A solid college defensive end who has never been much of a sack artist but there are intriguing tools there. Showcases some fluidity in his drop and in coverage and has the ability to mature into a more sudden pass rusher with time. Will get looks in both a 34 and 43 front. Could end up having a similar impact in year one as Cleveland Browns second round pick Jabaal Sheard.
DE Tyrone Crawford: Boise State (6-4, 276)
I like his skill set. I think he's going to develop quickly at the next level and he has the ability to be a solid three down lineman with some time. He isn't there yet, but as a prospect Crawford has some real upside and displays the kind of blue-collar pass rushing mentality that I like with a powerful element to his game on contact.
DT Josh Chapman: Alabama (6-1, 310)
Has the making of a starting caliber nose at the next level in either a 3-4 and 4-3 front. Can consistently anchor on contact, is long armed and tough to move off the football. Also, is a better pass rusher than given credit for. Will likely fall because of medical concerns, but could be a real bargain because of it.
DT Chigbo Anunoby: Morehouse (6-4, 324)
He's never going to be a "plus" pass rusher in the NFL. However, he's a strong, long kid with a really well proportioned frame who can anchor inside and certainly has the talent to get plenty of looks from both 34 and 43 teams as a developmental big body.
OLB Bruce Irvin: West Virginia (6-3, 245)
A gifted athlete who has the initial burst to routinely reach the edge. However, lacks ideal size and doesn't have a real sophisticated pass rushing repertoire. Is going to make the move to a 34 OLB at the next level and might need a little time. Reminds me some of the Seahawks DE Chris Clemons.
ILB Mychal Kendricks: California (6-0, 240)
Is a thick, shorter compact backer who explodes through contact and is a real violent striker. Finds the ball quickly vs. the run and has the range to make plays in pursuit. Lacks ideal size however to stack and shed and lacks a great feel in zone. However, as a thumper inside with the potential to get into the backfield as a blitzer who should get plenty of looks from both 34 and 43 teams in need of a versatile, high motor backer.
OLB Travis Lewis: Oklahoma (6-2, 227)
He's a bit undersized and doesn't tackle as well as you would like inside the box. However, he's a good run and hit backer who plays the run well and will be able to make plays vs. the pass game in the NFL. Looks like a day one starter to me as a 43 backer, either on the weak side or possibly in the middle.
ICONJudie knows how to make plays on the football.
CB Coryell Judie: Texas A&M (5-11, 190)
He's a naturally gifted athlete with good range and great ball skills. Displays enough fluidity and balance to develop as a man-to-man corner, but looks ideally suited for a cover two type role at this stage that allows him to attack the football and create turnovers. An eventual starter in that type of scheme.
DB Desmond Marrow: Toledo (6-3, 210)
Marrow is the type of big defensive back you are willing to take a chance on late because of his athletic and physical skill set. The guy is raw and is going to need time to clean up his technique, but has the size/speed/fluidity to intrigue.
SS Tony Dye: UCLA (6-0, 216)
Isn't an elite athlete, but plays faster than he times. Will tackle consistently and is coordinated in coverage. Looks like a potential special teams stud who with some time could fight his way into a starting line-up as a strong safety. However, due to neck issues that caused him to struggle at times this year, he will likely fall on draft day.
SS Jerico Nelson: Arkansas (5-10, 216)
A tough, rangy kid who holds up well in coverage and I love him as a football player. But where do you play him in the NFL? Body type says strong safety. Looks like a nickel backer to me who can play special teams from day one. (If JA was still here this would be our 3rd round pick. Winston Venable v2.0)
Follow me on twitter: @WesBunting
I'm getting to that age where a lifetime warranty just doesn't mean as much to me anymore as an afternoon nap.
Honey Badger Don't Care. Honey Badger Don't Give a Shit.
Posting Permissions
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
