Official 2011 NFL Draft Thead Vol. Lions winning.... Niners losing...

Originally Posted by DeadsetAce

Originally Posted by im that one

Originally Posted by DeadsetAce

i just ask that we go pass rush with that first pick. ANYONE that can at least catch a whiff of the QB
laugh.gif

i don't see them passing on Cam......... dammit
30t6p3b.gif
knowing belichick, after passing on matthews a couple years back, im sure he'll go with an obscure OL or long snapper than ends up being a pro bowler in 2 years
laugh.gif



these mocks are invalid, because the minimum 4 trades by Belichick aren't factored in.
laugh.gif
true


very true
laugh.gif
laugh.gif
laugh.gif


the patriots draft so well ALL the time and have the most draft picks, it seems, in every draft........ dammit.
dolphins REALLY need to take a page out of the pats book and trade down at least twice, stock pile 2nd rounders and possibly a late first round for next year. see my above post.

i truly really hate the Patriots (and all boston teams for the matter)
and the Jets just to boot. lol. basterds.
 
Originally Posted by toine2983

No me gusta that mock draft.

I really hope at least one of the top corners is still available at 9 or that Jerry trades up a few spots to get them like KLJ said.


I want Patrick Peterson in Dallas...

Flat out...

We need to trade up...
 
Originally Posted by toine2983

No me gusta that mock draft.

I really hope at least one of the top corners is still available at 9 or that Jerry trades up a few spots to get them like KLJ said.


I want Patrick Peterson in Dallas...

Flat out...

We need to trade up...
 
Wes Bunting had a good write-up on Prince. The interesting part was what Niles Paul said about going up against him and Dennard in practice
Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara has been in the spotlight all season. He was ranked as one of the nation’s top senior prospects coming into the year and had a strong, yet not dominant, 2010 campaign. Therefore, the question that arises is: Is Amukamara worthy of a top-ten pick in the 2011 NFL draft?

My answer: No, and here’s why…

Amukamara is a talented defensive back. He’s got a good feel for the game, possesses natural balance and body control when asked to redirect and closes well on the football on passes in front of him without much wasted motion. He exhibits good coordination when asked to adjust to the throw, displays solid ball skills on all areas of the field and will tackle inside the box and in space. He looks comfortable in zone/off coverages as well and isn’t afraid to even play in the slot. Pretty much you have a versatile defensive back who can play all over the field, in just about any scheme and be a productive defensive back, which is exactly what I project him as at the next level.

However, that doesn’t mean he warrants a top-ten pick. Because if I am using a top-ten pick on a prospect, especially at the cornerback position, he better have some elite athletic qualities to his game and have the kind of ability to mature into a potential shutdown guy on the outside in the NFL. And in all honesty I can’t say I see any real exceptionally dynamic qualities to Amukamara’s game. He can be technically sound, but he isn’t overly physical off the line of scrimmage when asked to re-route in press. And the biggest concern is that he really has only average straight-line speed. He struggles to make up for a false step and too often will allow receivers to get behind him vertically down the field, failing to quickly get back up to speed and close out of his transition.

When watching tape of Nebraska this season I got the feeling that opposing receivers and offenses were more confident at times throwing the football at Amukamara than they were at his counterpart, CB Alfonzo Dennard, who was far and away the more physical of the two in press coverage. And my theory took on even more traction when talking with Nebraska wideout Niles Paul at the Senior Bowl and he confirmed what I saw on tape, commenting that is was Dennard who was the tougher corner to match up against in practice compared to Amukamara.

Now, this is in no way an article to say Amukamara can’t play at the next level. I just don’t think he’s worthy of the kind of pick a lot of media members assume he deserves and in my view he isn’t an elite level cornerback prospect because of his lacking straight-line speed.

There have been cornerback prospects in the past — Miami’s Antrel Rolle and Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins, for example — who both had slight straight-line speed concerns coming out, which kept them from ever developing into shutdown corners in the NFL. However, much like Amukamara, they were both natural, fluid football players with good ball skills, tackled well in all areas of the game and made the move to free safety, carving out very successful careers there.

Therefore, I do like the idea of a team looking at making the move for Amukamara as a potential safety prospect, since he may not have the straight-line speed to ever be an elite level corner. However, he’s got a very similar skill set to both Rolle and Jenkins and could add a lot of value to a defense with his versatility, as he would be able to play in centerfield, could line up over the slot and in the pass-first NFL and could end up being a more valuable player to his team as a versatile ball-hawking safety than as just a solid starting NFL corner, which is all I think he would be if he were to stay there.
 
Wes Bunting had a good write-up on Prince. The interesting part was what Niles Paul said about going up against him and Dennard in practice
Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara has been in the spotlight all season. He was ranked as one of the nation’s top senior prospects coming into the year and had a strong, yet not dominant, 2010 campaign. Therefore, the question that arises is: Is Amukamara worthy of a top-ten pick in the 2011 NFL draft?

My answer: No, and here’s why…

Amukamara is a talented defensive back. He’s got a good feel for the game, possesses natural balance and body control when asked to redirect and closes well on the football on passes in front of him without much wasted motion. He exhibits good coordination when asked to adjust to the throw, displays solid ball skills on all areas of the field and will tackle inside the box and in space. He looks comfortable in zone/off coverages as well and isn’t afraid to even play in the slot. Pretty much you have a versatile defensive back who can play all over the field, in just about any scheme and be a productive defensive back, which is exactly what I project him as at the next level.

However, that doesn’t mean he warrants a top-ten pick. Because if I am using a top-ten pick on a prospect, especially at the cornerback position, he better have some elite athletic qualities to his game and have the kind of ability to mature into a potential shutdown guy on the outside in the NFL. And in all honesty I can’t say I see any real exceptionally dynamic qualities to Amukamara’s game. He can be technically sound, but he isn’t overly physical off the line of scrimmage when asked to re-route in press. And the biggest concern is that he really has only average straight-line speed. He struggles to make up for a false step and too often will allow receivers to get behind him vertically down the field, failing to quickly get back up to speed and close out of his transition.

When watching tape of Nebraska this season I got the feeling that opposing receivers and offenses were more confident at times throwing the football at Amukamara than they were at his counterpart, CB Alfonzo Dennard, who was far and away the more physical of the two in press coverage. And my theory took on even more traction when talking with Nebraska wideout Niles Paul at the Senior Bowl and he confirmed what I saw on tape, commenting that is was Dennard who was the tougher corner to match up against in practice compared to Amukamara.

Now, this is in no way an article to say Amukamara can’t play at the next level. I just don’t think he’s worthy of the kind of pick a lot of media members assume he deserves and in my view he isn’t an elite level cornerback prospect because of his lacking straight-line speed.

There have been cornerback prospects in the past — Miami’s Antrel Rolle and Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins, for example — who both had slight straight-line speed concerns coming out, which kept them from ever developing into shutdown corners in the NFL. However, much like Amukamara, they were both natural, fluid football players with good ball skills, tackled well in all areas of the game and made the move to free safety, carving out very successful careers there.

Therefore, I do like the idea of a team looking at making the move for Amukamara as a potential safety prospect, since he may not have the straight-line speed to ever be an elite level corner. However, he’s got a very similar skill set to both Rolle and Jenkins and could add a lot of value to a defense with his versatility, as he would be able to play in centerfield, could line up over the slot and in the pass-first NFL and could end up being a more valuable player to his team as a versatile ball-hawking safety than as just a solid starting NFL corner, which is all I think he would be if he were to stay there.
 
[h1]Mikel Leshoure: The draft’s best back no one is talking about[/h1]
by Wes Bunting
February 09, 02011
Print This

There are a couple reasons why Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure’s name hasn’t picked up more traction in draft circles over the past couple weeks.

1. His name kind of just got washed in with a very talented group of early entries this season.

2. Most just assume that it’s Alabama’s Mark Ingram and then everyone else at the running back position.

I will admit that I think Ingram is an NFL-ready back who grades out higher than Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews from a year ago and is ready to contribute at a high level from day one. However, there is another back in this year’s draft who also has the kind of physical skill set to come in and contribute early in his NFL career as well and that’s the aforementioned Mikel Leshoure.

Leshoure is a 6-0, 230-pound prospect who possesses a thick, compact frame, runs behind his pads and exhibits impressive power through contact. However, what makes him so intriguing is his overall body control, balance and short-area quickness for a guy his size. Leshoure has the ability to create for himself inside, set up blocks at the line of scrimmage and quickly accelerate into the open field. Now, much like Ingram, Leshoure isn’t a burner by any stretch.

However, the biggest misconception in the NFL is that 20-plus yard runs are a direct result of straight-line speed at the running back position — which is not true. The biggest reason backs in the NFL are able to break off long runs is mostly due to their ability to slip/break a tackle at or near the line and accelerate quickly into daylight. And that is exactly what Leshoure can offer an NFL offense. He’s a guy who seems to just get stronger and stronger as the game goes on, wearing down opposing front sevens and as the fourth quarter rolls around, no one wants to square up and tackle the guy.

Plus, add in the fact that he’s got a pretty good set of hands on him out of the backfield and can occasionally flair his way down the field, find a soft spot and adjust to the football, giving you more than just a physical presence inside.

So where does he end up?

Looking over the layout of the draft and adding in the fact that there aren’t too many backs in this year’s crop capable of being a 15-20 carry guy for an NFL team, it still wouldn’t surprise me at all for Leshoure to make a run at the back end of the first round if he runs well at this year’s Combine.

Some possible destinations…

New Orleans Saints: Late first round
New England Patriots: Late first round/Early second round
Cincinnati Bengals: Early second round
Washington ********: Mid second round

Overall, I see Leshoure coming in and contributing early in his NFL career as that powerful No. 2 back for an NFL offense. He will be able to keep you ahead of the chains, pick his way through the line of scrimmage and offers enough “make you miss ability
 
[h1]Mikel Leshoure: The draft’s best back no one is talking about[/h1]
by Wes Bunting
February 09, 02011
Print This

There are a couple reasons why Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure’s name hasn’t picked up more traction in draft circles over the past couple weeks.

1. His name kind of just got washed in with a very talented group of early entries this season.

2. Most just assume that it’s Alabama’s Mark Ingram and then everyone else at the running back position.

I will admit that I think Ingram is an NFL-ready back who grades out higher than Fresno State running back Ryan Mathews from a year ago and is ready to contribute at a high level from day one. However, there is another back in this year’s draft who also has the kind of physical skill set to come in and contribute early in his NFL career as well and that’s the aforementioned Mikel Leshoure.

Leshoure is a 6-0, 230-pound prospect who possesses a thick, compact frame, runs behind his pads and exhibits impressive power through contact. However, what makes him so intriguing is his overall body control, balance and short-area quickness for a guy his size. Leshoure has the ability to create for himself inside, set up blocks at the line of scrimmage and quickly accelerate into the open field. Now, much like Ingram, Leshoure isn’t a burner by any stretch.

However, the biggest misconception in the NFL is that 20-plus yard runs are a direct result of straight-line speed at the running back position — which is not true. The biggest reason backs in the NFL are able to break off long runs is mostly due to their ability to slip/break a tackle at or near the line and accelerate quickly into daylight. And that is exactly what Leshoure can offer an NFL offense. He’s a guy who seems to just get stronger and stronger as the game goes on, wearing down opposing front sevens and as the fourth quarter rolls around, no one wants to square up and tackle the guy.

Plus, add in the fact that he’s got a pretty good set of hands on him out of the backfield and can occasionally flair his way down the field, find a soft spot and adjust to the football, giving you more than just a physical presence inside.

So where does he end up?

Looking over the layout of the draft and adding in the fact that there aren’t too many backs in this year’s crop capable of being a 15-20 carry guy for an NFL team, it still wouldn’t surprise me at all for Leshoure to make a run at the back end of the first round if he runs well at this year’s Combine.

Some possible destinations…

New Orleans Saints: Late first round
New England Patriots: Late first round/Early second round
Cincinnati Bengals: Early second round
Washington ********: Mid second round

Overall, I see Leshoure coming in and contributing early in his NFL career as that powerful No. 2 back for an NFL offense. He will be able to keep you ahead of the chains, pick his way through the line of scrimmage and offers enough “make you miss ability
 
[h1]McShay suddenly souring on Jake Locker[/h1]
Posted by Evan Silva on February 10, 2011, 5:26 PM EST

jake-locker-pic.jpg

Late last month, we noted the polarizing effect of Washington quarterback Jake Locker on draft analysts. Adam Caplan of FOX Sports and Russ Lande of Sporting News were thoroughly unimpressed with Locker’s Senior Bowl performance, while NFL Network’s Mike Mayock pinpointed Locker’s struggles as a pocket passer.

ESPN’s Todd McShay seemed to be Locker’s only steadfast backer left, alleging that the fifth-year senior’s “accuracy improved … each and every day
 
[h1]McShay suddenly souring on Jake Locker[/h1]
Posted by Evan Silva on February 10, 2011, 5:26 PM EST

jake-locker-pic.jpg

Late last month, we noted the polarizing effect of Washington quarterback Jake Locker on draft analysts. Adam Caplan of FOX Sports and Russ Lande of Sporting News were thoroughly unimpressed with Locker’s Senior Bowl performance, while NFL Network’s Mike Mayock pinpointed Locker’s struggles as a pocket passer.

ESPN’s Todd McShay seemed to be Locker’s only steadfast backer left, alleging that the fifth-year senior’s “accuracy improved … each and every day
 
Originally Posted by DeadsetAce

NE definitely a possible landing ground for leshoure

wouldn't mind picking him up with the 33rd pick, anything earlier than that doesn't seem right to me, as RB isn't the biggest glaring weakness. 
 
Originally Posted by DeadsetAce

NE definitely a possible landing ground for leshoure

wouldn't mind picking him up with the 33rd pick, anything earlier than that doesn't seem right to me, as RB isn't the biggest glaring weakness. 
 
Doubt he stole anybody's analysis. Just finally realized how stupid he looked praising Locker when every analyst/commentator in the world can see his obvious weaknesses.
 
Doubt he stole anybody's analysis. Just finally realized how stupid he looked praising Locker when every analyst/commentator in the world can see his obvious weaknesses.
 
Back
Top Bottom