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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Houston Texas have selected Louisville defensive tackle Amobi Okoye with the 10th pick in the 2007 NFL draft. He was born June 10, 1987, making him only 19 years old. He is, according to ESPN’s Chris Berman, “by far” the youngest player ever drafted.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Player Evaluation: A developing player with great upside, Okoye’s game has taken off the past two years. Looked sensational in the Senior Bowl and saw his draft grade soar. Offers potential as a two-gap end or possibly as a three-technique lineman. May need time to adjust to the level of competition in the NFL, yet he is a bright, hard-working individual who should have a long and productive football career.
STRENGTHS: Explosion, Intensity/Effort, Techniques and Moves
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Disengaging Skills, Size
Biography: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors as a senior after posting 55/12.5/8. Junior totals included 23 tackles. Entered college at age 16 and will be just 19 years old when he is drafted.
Pos: Explosive defender with terrific instincts. Quick off the snap, plays with good pad level and gets a lot of force going up the field. Makes plays laterally, effectively uses hand technique to protect himself and rarely is off his feet. Chases hard to get involved in the action and makes plays everywhere on the field.
Neg: Lacks top playing strength, is slow getting off the blocks and can be handled at the point.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
The Texans had a more pressing need at corner and both of the top two were still on the board at the No. 10 pick. Either Darrelle Revis or Leon Hall would be great values at this pick and fill a more pressing need. That has to be noted but Okoye is still an excellent pick and the reason is great defenses are built from the inside out.
Okoye has excellent initial quickness, good strength and the frame to comfortably add weight. He can get after the passer and disrupt running plays in the backfield. In addition, defensive tackle is also a need and Okoye should compete for a starting role.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Miami Dolphins have surprised everyone in the room and the television studios by reaching for wide receiver/kick returner Ted Ginn, Jr. from Ohio State.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
Player Evaluation: A track and field sprinter who translates his natural speed onto the football field, Ginn is a vertical receiver who loosens up the defense. Must get stronger yet a game-breaking threat every time he steps onto the field.
STRENGTHS: Downfield Threat, Elusiveness with Catch, Speed
 AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Blocking Ability, Size, Strength
Biography: Three-year starter and All-Conference selection as a junior after posting receiving numbers of 59/781/9 while averaging 11.1 yards on 24 punt returns and 24.4 yards on 18 kick returns with one touchdown on each. Sophomore receiving totals were 51/803/4. Returned two punts and another pair of kicks for scores as a freshman.
Pos: Game-breaking skill player with home-run speed. Quick releasing off the line, has opponents playing back on their heels, and consistently stretches the field. Possesses a terrific burst of speed and runs to daylight if given the slightest space of open room. Fast laterally and makes the reception in stride. Effortlessly makes the difficult reception downfield running full-tilt.
Neg: Not big, and beaten out in physical battles. Easily brought down at the initial point of attack. Has trouble handling the jam.
BILL JEMPTY UPDATE: Pass me the smelling salts. Ted Ginn? Is Miami nuts? The team needs OL help, DL help, QB help, TE help, DB help, and they have Chris Chambers and Marty Booker at WR already. Booker isn’t a favorite of mine and Wes Welker is gone but still Ginn? This guy could be the next Johnny Lam Jones. He’s a stretch at #9. We won’t know the outcome on this pick for a while, but I’m betting Miami does not get the production worth this high a pick.
Miami’s #1 last year hasn’t panned out yet and oh I just love the picture James has up of Ginn. A football player on crutches, anyone remember what happened to a Dolphin #1 pick named Randall Hill? Hill was also a WR that Miami drafted in 1991. Ginn on crutches reminds me of the Hill debacle.
2nd Update- Houston takes Okoye, who I wrote just minutes before their pick that the Dolphins should this player. Miami could have had him. Sheesh!
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Can you say curveball? Let’s start with the good because it’s easier to get out of the way. Ginn Jr. is a playmaker with blazing speed. He can go the distance every time he touches the ball whether it’s on returns or catching the ball on offense. And the truth is the Dolphins need help at receiver and in the return game with Wes Welker now with New Englans. Now let’s get to the bad. First off, passing on Quinn was a huge mistake. Even if Miami is going to trade for Trent Green, he is a dinosaur by NFL standards and there are obviously concerns about his ability to stay healthy.
Bringing in Quinn as an insurance policy and an outstanding heir apparent would have been the right move. Secondly, there are no guarantees Ginn Jr. will develop into a quality No. 2 receiver. While he has excellent speed, he ran just three routes at Ohio State so he has a tremendous amount of work to do in that area.
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The Florida Masochist linked with Miami Dolphins draft Ted Ginn...
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Miami Dolphins trade WR Chris Chambers to San Diego linked with OTB Sports
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PoliBlog’s Deportes: A PoliBlog Sideblog linked with Miami Dolphins trade WR Chris Chambers to San Diego
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The Florida Masochist linked with Shuffling off to San Diego
I stick to what I said before, the Dolphins should not draft Brady Quinn. Rather the team should either pick
1- DT Amobi Okoye
or
2- LB Patrick Willis
or
3- Trade down
Miami has the oldest starting defense in the NFL. Its time to upgrade it.
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The Florida Masochist linked with Miami Dolphins draft Ted Ginn...
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Are Dolphin owner Wayne Huizenga and Def. Coordinator Don Capers Clueless? linked with OTB Sports
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PoliBlog’s Deportes: A PoliBlog Sideblog linked with Are Dolphin owner Wayne Huizenga and Defensive Coordinator Don Capers Clueless?
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The Florida Masochist linked with Memo to Don Capers- The Defense was old
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Atlanta Falcons have taken the best defensive lineman still on the board: Arkansas DE Jamaal Anderson.
Rick Gosselin’s Final Ranking: 11th overall
Mel Kiper Final Ranking: 13th overall
Scout.com Profile:
 Scout.com Player Evaluation: Possessing size, growth potential and a lot of natural skill, Anderson is a terrific prospect with a large amount of upside. Can be used as a pass-rushing right end, but also has the abilities to grow into a two-gap lineman. Must physically mature and improve his playing strength, yet will quickly make an impact at the next level if he focuses on the task at hand.
STRENGTHS
- Pass Rushing Skills
- Size
- Techniques and Moves
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
- Disengaging Skills
- Strength
 Biography: Became a full-time starter last season and earned All-Conference honors after numbers of 65/19.5/13.5. Started five games as a sophomore and posted 47/10.5/4.
Pos: Athletic defensive end with tremendous upside. Keeps his pads low to the ground playing with terrific leverage and is rarely off his feet. Plays with terrific balance and body control, and easily beats immobile blockers. Fast off the edge, immediately alters his angle of attack or quickly redirects to the action. Shows skills in pursuit and solid playing speed. Attacks opponents with his hands working to get off blocks and displays an array of moves to protect himself. Quickly gets off the snap with a nice first step and makes a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Neg: Lacks overall playing strength and is slow shedding blocks once engaged at the point.
The Miami Dolphins are on the board.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Chances are Anderson wasn’t the Falcons’ first choice, as they need to get a safety that can make an impact this year. They were also reportedly hoping to get one of the top two offensive tackles if they didn’t take a safety. But with Landry, Thomas and Brown off the board, Atlanta did well to get decent value and fill their need at defensive end here. Anderson certainly needs to get more consistent and he doesn’t have elite athletic ability.
However, he is a relentless pass rusher who has good closing speed and can deliver the big hits when he gets to the quarterback, which should soften the blow of losing Patrick Kerney. Atlanta’s run defense should benefit from getting Anderson. Anderson has the size to hold his ground against the run and the upper body strength to shed blocks quickly once he learns how to use his hands a little better.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Minnesota Vikings have selected Adrian Peterson, the Heisman Trophy winning running back from Oklahoma, with the 7th pick.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Evaluation: An outstanding ball carrier with sensational running skills, Peterson possesses all the abilities needed to be a feature runner. Durability issues loom large yet if he stays healthy he is potentially a franchise back at the next level.
STRENGTHS: Instincts, Power, Size
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Durability
Biography: Three-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-Conference and All-American honors since his freshman campaign. Rushing totals last season were 188/1,012/12, with 10 receptions. Sophomore numbers were 220/1,108/14, after career-best numbers of 339/1,925/15 as a freshman. Missed six games last year after breaking a collarbone. Sat on the sidelines for all or portions of four games as a sophomore with an ankle injury.
 Pos: Big, fast ball carrier who can dominate the action. Patient, waits for blocks to develop and finds the running lane, maneuvering through the smallest of holes. Follows blocks anywhere on the field, makes defenders miss and has a burst of speed. Strong, has defenders bouncing off him and picks up a lot yardage off initial contact. Works runs, driving his feet up the field, and displays power in all aspects of the game. Effectively picks up blocking assignments and helps the quarterback sell ball fakes.
Neg: Not always super-aggressive and occasionally shows some tentativeness at the point of attack. More of a straight-line runner who does not show great skill around the corner.
The Atlanta Falcons (via trade from Houston Texans) are on the clock.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
This is another example of a team making the right decision by trumping need with value. While the Vikings have more pressing needs at several other positions including defensive end and running back Adrian Peterson is too good to pass up on. Peterson is a tough runner who can pick up yards between the tackles and break tackles when he gets into the open field. He has the burst to turn the corner, make the first defender miss and turn on the jets when he gets a seam.
Oklahoma admittedly didn’t throw to Peterson much but he has shown signs of developing into a quality receiver. Of course there are the durability issues. However, Minnesota already has Chester Taylor on the roster so they wont have to lean on Peterson as much as a lot of other teams would have had they taken them.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Washington Redskins have taken LSU safety LaRon Landry, widely considered the best defensive player in this draft class, with the 6th overall pick.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Player Evaluation: to be used in a variety of defensive systems. An early choice that should quickly break into a starting lineup at the next level.
STRENGTHS: Body Control, Coverage Awareness, Size
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Hands
Effective defending the run or covering the pass, Landry possesses the athletic skills and football intelligence
 Biography: Four-year starter awarded varying degrees of All-American and All-Conference honors since his freshman campaign. Led the team in tackles as a senior, posting 74/3/4 after 69/3/8 as a junior. Freshman and sophomore tackling totals were 80 and 92 respectively.
Pos: Productive safety with a complete game. Instinctive, plays heads-up football and remains disciplined with assignments. Efficient, takes good angles to the action and goes for the knockout blow. Patrols centerfield, displays top sideline-to-sideline range and has a terrific break to the action. Displays speed in a straight-line or laterally. Wraps-up tackling.
Neg: Lacks hands for the pick and drops too many catchable interceptions.
The Minnesota Vikings are on the clock.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
It’s impossible to say whether or not this is the perfect move for Washington at this point because the Redskins have so few picks and no one knows exactly what transpired in terms of trade offers leading up to the pick. If they weren’t offered quality value for the pick, then taking Landry is an excellent move. Though the Redskins have more pressing needs than safety, it is a need and there’s nothing Landry can’t do. He is a tough run defender who takes the shortest path to the path and delivers big hits. He times hits well and punishes receivers that go over the middle. He can cover the deep half of the field and can match up with slot receivers.
One area of concern is his ability to play the ball when it’s in the air but he has adequate ball skills and he should benefit from lining up next to Sean Taylor. Taylor’s excellent range and ability to play a centerfielder type role will help protect Landry. Finally, having such talented safeties gives the Redskins more freedom in terms of mixing as well as hiding coverages and helps the pass rush out by forcing quarterbacks to hold on to the ball longer.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Arizona Cardinals wasted little time in taking the best available offensive lineman, Penn State’s Levi Brown, despite several higher-rated players being on the board.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
Evaluation: More of a finesse lineman, Brown has the physical, mechanical and intellectual tools to be a starting tackle at the next level. Must develop some consistent fire to his game, which will help him be a top-notch blocker.
STRENGTHS: Intelligence, Intensity
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Flexibility
 Biography: Former defensive lineman who switched to offense as a freshman and then started at tackle the next four years. All-Conference choice after his junior and senior campaigns.
Pos: Nice-sized pass-protecting lineman with a good understanding of his position. Blocks with leverage, immediately gets hands into defenders, then controls them at the point of attack. Strong, easily holds his ground and rarely gives up an inch of room. Makes outstanding use of angles and body positioning, and effectively seals the edge. Flashes power and blocks with solid fundamentals.
Neg: Lacks adjustment and overall blocking range. Does not consistently play with a nasty attitude.
The Washington Redskins, who have only one pick left today, are on the clock.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Most draft analysts including ourselves didn’t see Brown going this high but it doesn’t come as a complete shock because his stock has been steadily rising over the past two weeks. In fact, some front offices saw Brown as an equal if not better talent than Joe Thomas heading into this weekend. Of course, the departure of Leonard Davis has created a vacancy at left tackle so getting Brown fills the Cardinals’ most pressing need. Brown should immediately step in as the starter opposite free agent signee Mike Gandy and for good reason. He is bigger and more physical than Thomas. His ability to open up holes and wear down opponents over the course of a game should please both RB Edgerrin James and new head coach Ken Whisenhunt who is expected to run early and often.
Though Brown isn’t an elite pass blocker and he needs to work on his footwork, he’s no slouch either so he should be able to hold his own depending on the matchup. More importantly, he has the athleticism and quickness to develop into an excellent pass blocker who can consistently hold his own on an island.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
With the 4th overall pick in the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaners selected Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams. Given that QB Brady Quinn and RB Adrian Peterson were still on the board, they apparently went for need rather than the proverbial “best available player.”
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
Player Evaluation:A defender who takes over games, Adams has the physical skills to be an early draft pick and an immediate starter at the next level. His motor and toughness do not match his physical skills yet he offers All-Pro potential if he’s willing to pay the price.
 STRENGTHS: Athleticism, Backside Pursuit, Pass Rushing Skills
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Intensity/Effort, Strength
Biography: Two-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his junior campaign. All-American selection as a senior after posting 52/17.5/12.5 and breaking up six passes. Junior totals were 56/15/9.5, with 9.5 pass break-ups.
Pos: Game-impacting defender with tremendous upside. Breaks down well, is fast to the sidelines and creates a lot of havoc. Effectively uses his hands, rushes the edge with speed and has the ability to alter his angle of attack and pursue from the backside. Fluid moving in reverse, displaying a back-pedal when asked to play in space. Plays with tremendous pad level, balance and rarely is off his feet. Covers a lot of area, displaying speed in every direction.
Neg: Tends to turn it on and off. Gives half-hearted efforts to shed blocks and does not always chase the action. Accused of playing as though he did not want to get hurt early in his senior campaign.
The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
The Buccaneers would have loved to have drafted Johnson and reportedly considered taking Quinn here but at the end of the day Adams is the right pick. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s Cover-2 schemes need productive pass rushers up front to be truly effective and the front four needed a boost. Veteran Simeon Rice recorded just two sacks in the eight games in 2006 and Dewayne White, who recorded five sacks, is now with Detroit. Adams, who is the most explosive pass rusher in this class, should provide that much-needed shot of adrenaline. He has excellent first-step quickness and shows rare closing speed once he turns the corner. If he doesn’t get to the quarterback, he generally gets his hands up and times his jumps well.
The biggest concern with him is his ability to anchor against the run and teams should have some success running right at him but the scheme will help mask this weakness. Kiffin will generally ask Adams to use his burst to get into the backfield rather than asking him to stack the blocker up and then react to the play.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
The Cleveland Browns, which had a pitiful offense last year, left QB Brady Quinn and RB Adrian Peterson on the board and went with a safe pick: Wisconsin offensive tackle Joe Thomas.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Player Evaluation: After a slow start to his senior campaign when he was rebounding from knee surgery performed, Thomas looked in fine form at the end of the year. One of the best pass protectors to come around in a long time and has the growth potential to improve as a run blocker. An early selection in the draft and an immediate starter at the next level.
STRENGTHS: Feet, Intelligence, Pass Protection
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Drive Blocking Skills
Biography: Three-year starter who began his college career at defensive end. All-Conference selection every season since his sophomore campaign.
 Pos: Tremendous pass-blocking left tackle who does a terrific job protecting the blind side. Patient, makes exceptional use of angles and body positioning. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents and displays quickness in all aspects of his game. Intelligent, works well with teammates and immediately picks up blitzes. Keeps his feet moving throughout the action and effectively works his hands. Gives effort as a run blocker.
Neg: Average skills blocking in motion. Not a finisher and must improve his run-blocking strength.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock.
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
The Browns really had to decide between Thomas, RB Adrian Peterson and QB Brady Quinn. The truth is all three were good values at this pick but taking Quinn would have made more sense because Charlie Frye isn’t a franchise quarterback. That being said, Frye should be more effective with Thomas protecting the edge. A three-year starter at Wisconsin, Thomas gets into his pass set quickly, uses his long arms to ride edge rushers past the quarterback and can counter when ends try to redirect inside after starting outside.
While he isn’t a great run blocker who can consistently drive two-gap defenders off the ball, he gets into sound position and plays with a bit of a mean streak. Thomas also does a good job of throwing blocks downfield. With the Browns already adding Seth McKinney and Eric Steinbach though free agency, Cleveland’s offensive line should be substantially better this year.
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| Saturday, April 28, 2007 |
ESPN’s Chris Berman reports that Georgia Tech wideout wide receiver Calvin Johnson, widely touted as the best player available in the draft–and perhaps the best WR coming out of college in more than a decade–just received a phone call and his a big smile on his face.
Presumably, that means the Detroit Lions are once again taking a wide receiver with a top ten pick. It’s possible, though, that they’ve traded away the pick and someone else will take Johnson in this spot. Or the Lions will take Johnson and trade him later. Or Johnson is smiling for some other reason entirely….
They pulled the trigger and took Johnson.
What the Experts Say:
Scout.com Profile:
 Scout.com Player Evaluation: Possessing tremendous size, athletic ability and soft hands, Johnson is the “go-to†receiver who cannot be stopped. Grades out as the top prospect in this year’s draft and will be an early selection in round one.
STRENGTHS: Hands and Concentration, Red Zone Weapon, Size
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT: Elusiveness with Catch, Route-Running Skills
Biography: Three-year starter awarded All-Conference honors since his freshman campaign and named ACC Player of the Year last season. Junior numbers were 76/1,202/15 after 54/888/6 as a sophomore.
 Pos: Big, fluid, game-controlling receiver who is a dominant force. Uses his frame as an advantage and makes the difficult reception with defenders draped on him. Displays terrific eye/hand coordination, effortlessly catching the ball in stride or making incredibly acrobatic receptions down the field. Strong, sturdy wide out who takes a pounding, yet holds onto the throw and breaks tackles to pick up positive yardage. Comes back to the ball, finds the clearing in the defense and extends his hands, offering the quarterback a big target. Displays a sense of timing getting vertical and winning out for jump balls. Makes the difficult over-the-shoulder reception, adjusting for the errant pass. Gives effort blocking downfield.
Neg: Lacks the quick release off the snap. Long loping runner with built-up speed. Weighed 239-pounds at the combine, about 20-pounds more than scouts wanted.
The Cleveland Browns (v 2.0) are on the clock….
UPDATE Scouts.inc:
Detroit Lions’ general manager Matt Millen will undoubtedly take a lot of heat for drafting yet another receiver in the first round but Johnson is the best overall talent. In fact, he is arguably the most talented receiver taken in a decade. Blazing speed, impressive body control and formidable size could make Johnson one of the most difficult receivers in the league to cover this year. If he improves his consistency catching the ball and sharpens his route running skills, defensive coordinators will have a difficult time finding ways to slow him down.
Offensive coordinator Mike Martz should be smiling right now because he knows exactly how to get the most out of a player like Johnson. Johnson will benefit from playing under Martz as well because Martz’s scheme demands his receivers run crisp routes. However, it’s important to note that Johnson may not be in a Lions’ uniform next year. Detroit will likely entertain any trade offers from teams like Tampa Bay in an effort to stockpile picks.
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