Countdown to the NFL Draft.....Any Early Thoughts ?

The NFL Draft is a little Different this Year...as They Go PRIME TIME !

Here's some Info as to How it will work..................

The biggest stars at this year’s NFL draft won’t be the prospects themselves.

With the first round being held in prime time Thursday night, the league has upped the “Hollywood” factor for its live presentation from New York City. Among the celebrities scheduled to walk the red carpet into Radio City Music Hall are actresses Whoopi Goldberg and Alyssa Milano, who is featured in an NFL marketing campaign. The league also has invited some of its own legends to help commemorate the draft’s 75th anniversary. Joe Montana, Dan Marino and Barry Sanders will be among those in attendance.

“We started meeting earlier than ever before in terms of planning all the different ideas and concepts to try and build the biggest draft of all time,” said Charles Coplin, the NFL’s vice president of programming and planning.

This will be the NFL’s biggest draft in terms of exposure. With the selection process being spread over three days -- including two nights in prime time -- the league is expected to eclipse the 39 million viewers who watched last April’s two-day weekend draft coverage.

But the NFL also is aware that the final two days could use some bells and whistles to help keep casual fans interested. To that end, the league has invited a record 16 prospects to New York City expecting that some will last until Friday night’s second and third rounds. A few more players may still be added.

The draft’s third day (rounds four to seven) will feature something new. Rather than the fourth-round picks being announced from the podium, the choices will be made by retired players seated at their team’s Radio City Music Hall draft table. Mark Bavaro (New York Giants) and Tony Boselli (Jacksonville) will be among those participating Saturday.

Coplin believes the buzz after Thursday night’s picks will help fuel interest heading into Friday night.

“You’ll have the post mortem on the Thursday decisions and the implications of what it means for the Friday selections,” Coplin said. “There will be a frenzy on websites, Twitter and from all the people covering the draft. All this activity will really be unprecedented.”

Trades may give fans and media even more to talk about. Because of the format change, there will now be an 18-hour window between the first and second rounds. The extra time could lead to more player movement among teams that weren’t able to address a need on Thursday.

“By having more time, you’re going to come up with more ideas and it will lead to more conversation,” New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis said. “Now, whether that leads to more deals, who knows? I’m anxious to see how it works.

“At the end of the day, you still have your (draft) board and you’re going to follow it. You may tweak it overnight like you might not have done otherwise. But you do too much work in the months leading up to the draft to let 24 hours make that much of a difference to you.”

This could be a big draft for New England. My 2 cents..

Patriots looking for defense and wide receiver help especially. They could also use a Running back.

The Patriots havea bunch of picks in what is said to be a talent-rich draft, including four among the top 53 selections:

Round 1 (Pick 22)
Round 2 (Pick 44)
Round 2 (Pick 47)
Round 2 (Pick 53)
Round 4
Round 6
Round 6 (Compensatory)
Round 7
Round 7 (from Philadelphia)
Round 7 (Compensatory)
Round 7 (Compensatory)
Round 7 (Compensatory)

The Patriots have been visiting or holding private workouts with a number of players. Mostly defensive players but you never know with BB.. I have my fingers crossed Dez Bryant, outstanding wideout from Oklahoma St will still be around at #22. If he is I expect the Pats to grab him.

If no Bryant then look for the Pats to draft Michigan All American LB Brandon Graham. Last year at Michigan Graham finished the season with 64 tackles and 10 sacks. Was named to the All-Big Ten team and was a consensus first-team All-American.

TCU Defensive end Jerry Hughes is on the Pats radar in first round. Will they have a shot at #22 for the highly touted big man. I doubt it.

Defensive end Ricky Sapp of Clemson (inside LB in pros) will require a trade up from the 22nd pick if Pats want him but Sapp has it all to be a star in the NFL if he stays healthy. Definite first rounder.

No shot without a move up: Massive DT Dan Williams of Tennessee. At 6 feet 2 inches 327 pounds. Williams would be a great complement to the Pats two big defensive linemen Vince Wilfolk and Ty Warren both of whom the Pats already have under contract. Definitely a wish list pick and a long shot to end up in New England.

If they draft a RB early it will be Fresno St's All American Ryan Matthews. Unlikely.


Possibilities:

Fast a foot LB Sergio Kindle out of Texas in 2nd round. Nice if it happens.

Long shot but with the loss of Ben Watson Oklahoma TE Germaine Gresham would be a score for Tom Brady. Likely to be gone unless Pats really want him and do some finagling down into 1st round..

Florida TE Aaron Hernandez is not far behind Gresham on Pats radar and is more likely to end up a Pat than the highly touted Gresham..

Wish list but long shot to be a Pat - LB Brandon Spikes of Florida but he may go in 1st round and Pats won't take him with 22nd pick. The 44th pick is another story. We can dream right?

Look for a punter to be in one of those later picks and several DBs.

wil.

Draft week Inconvenient Truths: Season for lying

from Yahoo Sports...

When the name of former Oklahoma State wideout Dez Bryant was brought up during the Denver Broncos’ pre-draft news conference Friday, coach Josh McDaniels gushed. He defended. He talked openly about the team’s time spent with the receiver, noting that Bryant “had a smile on his face” and “did everything well.”


And like every mid-April sound byte of public affection for an NFL draft prospect, there was little more to do than take it with a grain of salt.

In a month that essentially pays homage to the U.S. intelligence community, most teams spend their time ignoring everything that other franchises say publicly about their draft boards. It’s often the best option to combating a draft pipeline flooded with lying, deceit, propaganda, information poisoning, counter intelligence – and in some past cases, even surveillance.


Indeed, April is a liar’s month in the NFL, which often makes it difficult to determine what is truly set to happen in the draft, which starts Thursday in New York. But in an effort to find some clarity, we asked an assortment of teams to privately share their thoughts on what they believe other franchises are doing – or to deliver honest assessments of players who they aren’t interested in pursuing.


We’ll call it the draft’s week’s 10 Inconvenient Truths … in the NFL’s least truthful month. And we’ll start the truths with Denver’s sudden love affair with Bryant …

1. Bryant isn’t going to Denver at 11
Despite the fact that Denver doesn’t appear to have a No. 1 wideout after dealing Brandon Marshall(notes) to the Miami Dolphins, many teams aren’t buying that the Broncos are locked in on Bryant at 11. McDaniels just seems to be trying too hard to get the buzz out there that Denver has spent a great deal of time with Bryant and really likes him. Other front offices see it as a big façade, particularly considering the organization is rigged to run quiet when it comes to most personnel matters.


Said one AFC personnel man: “When the [Indianapolis Colts] really like a player, they don’t say anything. I bet if you looked, a lot of times they don’t even bring him in. That’s more standard than going out there with [the 11th overall] pick a couple days before the draft and saying how much you like a player and how you spent a lot of time with him. … Denver knows there are teams in front of them that want to trade back, too. Jacksonville is one spot ahead of them, and they would trade back.

[McDaniels] would just be opening the doors for someone else who likes [Bryant] to move up. No way they’re drafting Bryant.”

2. The Rams are taking Bradford at No. 1
Unless there is a major move made by a team that covets former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford – and there is still some buzz that could occur – few teams see the St. Louis Rams passing on Bradford with the No. 1 overall pick. Yes, many personnel men believe St. Louis is a little nervous about some of the flags with Bradford, including his weight fluctuations, his throwing shoulder (which he injured twice last season) and his running of the spread offense in college. But this also comes down to a reality: the Rams have passed on quality quarterbacks in the last two drafts, taking defensive end Chris Long(notes) over Matt Ryan(notes) in 2008 and offensive tackle Jason Smith(notes) over Mark Sanchez(notes) last year. Not taking a quarterback again could be a dagger for general manager Billy Devaney.


As one NFC personnel man said of Devaney: “Can he survive not taking [a top-tier quarterback] three drafts in a row?”

3. The Tebow top-10 talk has been hot air
There isn’t a lot of science in this one. There just isn’t any belief whatsoever that any team in the top 10, including the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 10, will take former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. There’s simply too much work to be done to develop him, and too much guaranteed money inside the top 10 picks to make Tebow a good risk.

Some believe that Jacksonville is trying to move back into the teens to make Tebow a more equitable choice. Ultimately, all of those worries that front offices had about Tebow’s mechanics and ability to be a pocket passer have come back to the surface.

4. Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson will be the first cornerback drafted
All the public talk has been about Florida’s Joe Haden, but Wilson has the major personnel buzz. Teams love his speed and athleticism, and believe the few kinks in his game can be ironed out with coaching. And unlike Haden, personnel departments think Wilson hasn’t touched his full potential. He had a very good Senior Bowl and raised some eyebrows. And in the interviewing process, he comes off as confident, if not a little feisty. Don’t be shocked if he’s plucked inside the top 10.

5. Okung isn’t a franchise left tackle
Teams like Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung, but he’s not a nasty mauler with great upper body strength. And he’s not consistent. When teams describe him in relation to other offensive tackles, he always comes in a clear notch below the Cleveland Browns’ Joe Thomas(notes), and some think he won’t even be a left tackle in the NFL. Not exactly what you want to hear if you’re drafting in the top five and want a Pro Bowl anchor on the left side.


Said one personnel man, “Okung is the consummate pro and a good soul, but ultimately that guy would be nice around 15 through 19. When you’re talking about the single digits [with Okung], people are concerned about that.”

6. Williams is actually the most highly skilled tackle available
Like Okung, Trent Williams of Oklahoma is not overly nasty, either. But he is extremely athletic, and teams think he could sustain that even if he got into the 320-pound range. He’s got great balance, great feet, good arm length and has at times punished defenders with his hands. Essentially, he’s got a maximum amount of tools and ability to work with to become a true franchise left tackle.


Said an NFC source: “If you’re just looking at skill, and take away all the other stuff, he’s far beyond Okung. [Williams] has much more skill and athleticism. He’s definitely a left tackle and he could also play right.”

7. Griffen sounds a lot like this year’s Gholston
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Observers would like to see Griffen have more reasons to flex.
(Michael Conroy/AP Photo)

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Former USC defensive end Everson Griffen’s skill level is unquestionable. At a rock solid 6-foot-3 and 280 pounds, he moves well, has some explosion and ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at the school’s pro day. He cuts the image of a top-tier 4-3 defensive end. If you just look at his workouts and physique, he looks like a top 10 pick. But there is an extreme hangover from New York Jets defensive end/linebacker and ’08 first-rounder Vernon Gholston(notes), who had some of the same attributes and has flopped on the NFL level. Griffen could be a first-round pick, likely in the 25-32 range, but even that comes with the reservations that he never put it all together in college, maxing out at seven sacks as a junior.

“He should have gone back [for his senior season at USC],” said one NFC coach. “He looks good, but the college production just isn’t there.”

8. The Giants are looking for a running back
It likely won’t happen until beyond the first round, but teams aren’t ruling out the New York Giants pulling a surprise and taking a running back with the 15th overall pick. Word has circulated among several personnel departments that the Giants are looking for a replacement for Brandon Jacobs(notes). It sounds crazy, considering Jacobs just inked an extension before the 2009 season. However, that four-year pact is easily dispensable after 2010, with $13 million in guarantees and $15 million of the overall $25 million coming by the end of the upcoming season. Again, the first round doesn’t make a lot of sense for the Giants considering seemingly more pressing needs on defense, but other teams aren’t ruling it out.



9. Teams in the 7-13 range are trying to move back to 15-23
So far, the bulk of calls seem to be being made by teams sitting at 7-13, trying to move back into the middle and latter reaches of the first round, where there is a lot of value for far less guaranteed money. It differs depending on what team is doing the talking, but there seems to be a general agreement that this is a “four player plus a tackle” top 10. In other words, four guys are surefire top 10 material – Bradford, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of Nebraska, Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma, and former Tennessee safety Eric Berry – and then each team has its own opinion of an offensive tackle that is worthy, between the combination of Okung, Williams and Iowa’s Bryan Bulaga. After those players, teams seem to agree the talent shelf gets fairly even into the low 20s.



10. Graham is not a 3-4 outside linebacker
The book on former Michigan defensive end Brandon Graham is that he’s certain to go to a 4-3 scheme and play end, and can’t be the next LaMarr Woodley(notes), who came out of Michigan at end and was moved to outside linebacker in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 3-4 alignment. Teams don’t think Graham has the same range and instincts as Woodley and would struggle far more in the passing game. But they like his ability as a 4-3 end, particularly his fairly good balance against the run and pass. But he’s not expected to be the next guy who becomes a star standing up, a la Woodley or the Baltimore Ravens’ Terrell Suggs(notes).

Bonus: The Steelers really, really like Pouncey
The Steelers’ affection for former Florida center Maurkice Pouncey is pretty well out there on the grapevine, so it would be a shock if he didn’t come off the board at their pick. It might take a major slippage for them to pass, sort of like what happened with the San Francisco 49ers last year when they were locked onto offensive tackle Michael Oher(notes) with the No. 10 overall pick, but then had wideout Michael Crabtree(notes) fall into their lap. A lot of teams like Pouncey, and think he could be a Pro Bowl level center for a long time. The glowing assessments remind a lot of Jets center Nick Mangold(notes) when he was coming out of Ohio State.

2, 5, 6, and 10 are right on the money.

Really think Bulaga is the Chiefs guy at #5.

Okung could fall to 6 rather easily.

I really hope my Fins trade down from 12.

Unless a miracle happens and my UT boy EB14 falls to 12, we have to trade down.

None of the picks at 12 are what we need and we need to stockpile 2nd and 3rd round picks.

wilheim said:

Patriots looking for defense and wide receiver help especially. They could also use a Running back.

The Patriots havea bunch of picks in what is said to be a talent-rich draft, including four among the top 53 selections:

Round 1 (Pick 22)
Round 2 (Pick 44)
Round 2 (Pick 47)
Round 2 (Pick 53)
Round 4
Round 6
Round 6 (Compensatory)
Round 7
Round 7 (from Philadelphia)
Round 7 (Compensatory)
Round 7 (Compensatory)
Round 7 (Compensatory)

The Patriots have been visiting or holding private workouts with a number of players. Mostly defensive players but you never know with BB.. I have my fingers crossed Dez Bryant, outstanding wideout from Oklahoma St will still be around at #22. If he is I expect the Pats to grab him.

If no Bryant then look for the Pats to draft Michigan All American LB Brandon Graham. Last year at Michigan Graham finished the season with 64 tackles and 10 sacks. Was named to the All-Big Ten team and was a consensus first-team All-American.

TCU Defensive end Jerry Hughes is on the Pats radar in first round. Will they have a shot at #22 for the highly touted big man. I doubt it.

Defensive end but Ricky Sapp of Clemson (inside LB in pros) will require a trade up from the 22nd pick if Pats want him but Sapp has it all to be a star in the NFL if he stays healthy. Definite first rounder.

No shot without a move up: Massive DT Dan Williams of Tennessee. At 6 feet 2 inches 327 pounds. Williams would be a great complement to the Pats two big defensive linemen Vince Wilfolk and Ty Warren both of whom the Pats already have under contract. Definitely a wish list pick and a long shot to end up in New England.

If they draft a RB early it will be Fresno St's All American Ryan Matthews. Unlikely.


Possibilities:

Fast a foot LB Sergio Kindle out of Texas in 2nd round. Nice if it happens.

Long shot but with the loss of Ben Watson Oklahoma TE Germaine Gresham would be a score for Tom Brady. Likely to be gone unless Pats really want him and do some finagling down into 1st round..

Florida TE Aaron Hernandez is not far behind Gresham on Pats radar and is more likely to end up a Pat than the highly touted Gresham..

Wish list but long shot to be a Pat - LB Brandon Spikes of Florida but he may go in 1st round and Pats won't take him with 22nd pick. The 44th pick is another story. We can dream right?

Look for a punter to be in one of those later picks and several DBs.

wil.

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Pats just added Torry Holt. Would love it if Dez were to fall, but I think DE/LB is a much more likely thing, and probably a bigger need. I want to see them land Sergio Kindle, who has slipped a little lately, or Jerry Hughes. I think Graham will be gone. I agree with Ricky Sapp.. will be a star, and has the measurables the Patriots look for in that position. I dont think he is a lock to go in the first round.. either him or Carlos Dunlap, a first round talent with off the field issues, will be available at 44. Also, they can nab a serious WR in the second round. Arrelious Benn, Damian Williams, or Demaryius Williams are possibilities. They also reportedly love Mardy Gilyard out of Cincy, who could be a great slot option.

I am crossing my fingers they deal for Greg Olsen. They need a TE, the Bears are shopping him, and he would be a tremendous weapon for Brady.

Betallsports said:

2. The Rams are taking Bradford at No. 1
Unless there is a major move made by a team that covets former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford – and there is still some buzz that could occur – few teams see the St. Louis Rams passing on Bradford with the No. 1 overall pick. Yes, many personnel men believe St. Louis is a little nervous about some of the flags with Bradford, including his weight fluctuations, his throwing shoulder (which he injured twice last season) and his running of the spread offense in college. But this also comes down to a reality: the Rams have passed on quality quarterbacks in the last two drafts, taking defensive end Chris Long(notes) over Matt Ryan(notes) in 2008 and offensive tackle Jason Smith(notes) over Mark Sanchez(notes) last year. Not taking a quarterback again could be a dagger for general manager Billy Devaney.

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So adding 10+ pounds of muscle is considered a weight fluctuation? Most scouts have said the weight gain is a net positive for Bradford.

I have a feeling Tebow will be announced on Thursday pm

How/when did Bradford become this great?

This is just another Jamarcus Russell situation where the whole league is convinced Bradford is a can't miss #1 pick and the Rams (just like the raiders) are being forced into drafting Bradford whether they like him or not.

What a waste of a #1 overall draft choice. I would dump it in a second and see what sucker team is going to give me for the #1. No way in the world would I risk it on some average college QB.

Great draft ruined only by the #1 overall pick.

If my fucking Lions do not draft Suh, I will not be watching football this year.

Just hoping Steelers focus on the O line.

High Times said:

How/when did Bradford become this great?

This is just another Jamarcus Russell situation where the whole league is convinced Bradford is a can't miss #1 pick and the Rams (just like the raiders) are being forced into drafting Bradford whether they like him or not.

What a waste of a #1 overall draft choice. I would dump it in a second and see what sucker team is going to give me for the #1. No way in the world would I risk it on some average college QB.

Great draft ruined only by the #1 overall pick.

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Can't find anywhere near a comparison from Russell to Bradford as you did. Russell had red flags all over the place coming out, talent-wise and attitude-wise, as well as previous weight issues. Bradford was as solid a QB in the country as anyone two years ago, and was dealt a serious injury in the first game of the season this year. The only red flag would be whether his shoulder would return to full strength, which by all account and workouts it has returned, if not stronger. Much safer than the only other QB in the same ballpark, Jimmy Clausen, who many say has shown poor leadership skills and wasn't the winner Bradford was.

2008: Number one passing efficiency in the country, 68% accuracy, 4,720 yards passing and a 50-8 TD to INT ratio... average college Qb??

He wasn't playing for North Texas.

He won't have all day to throw any more.

Complete guess

AlwayzRight said:

If my fucking Lions do not draft Suh, I will not be watching football this year.

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The fans chanted his name at a season ticket holder party on Tuesday. Mayhew will have to leave town if the don't.

Suh and Bryant should go 1-2; those two will make a big impact this year.

Just Hours to go.......Can't Wait !! @)

not sure what vikings will take..OL maybe?

AlwayzRight said:

If my fucking Lions do not draft Suh, I will not be watching football this year.

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I am not 100% sold they will get the chance. Passing on Suh at #1 will be a mistake...myabe a deal in the works??

Some new Mock Drafts I had have Clausen going to Clev at #7 and Oak at #8. Buffalo will take him if he is available at #9.
However, if Buff doesn't get jimmy in Round 1-then Tebow will be their #2 pick