Mocking The Draft

Thursday NFL Draft links to click

2012-05-17T12:00:55Z

ESPN.com - Michigan's Lewan maturing into a leader
Michigan lost some invaluable leadership on the offensive line when center David Molk graduated. A somewhat unlikely figure is volunteering to fill that void.

SBNation.com - Which draft pick is most likely to bust?
Every year there are players who we miss on in the NFL Draft and end up becoming busts. SB Nation's NFL roundtable tries to identify those players by selecting which draft pick is most likely to end up being a bust.

Cleveland Plain Dealer - Ohio State defensive end John Simon could be great this fall
Now, Meyer is preparing for his first season as Ohio State's coach. And during his first spring practice season, the Buckeyes made strides toward playing the kind of defense that Meyer favored in Gainesville.

CBS Sports - Whether starter or third string, Seahawks giddy about QB Wilson
The Seahawks entered the 2012 draft with six picks. They traded down prior to each of their first two selections, ultimately winding up with 10 picks while still addressing their two primary areas of need -- improving their pass rush and finding a suitable replacement at middle linebacker for free agent defection David Hawthorne.

Four of the Biggest Camp Snubs in 2012

2012-05-16T17:45:07Z

Every year we talk about guys that get invited to the camps, and players that were drafted, but we never hear about the guys that were left off of both those lists. There are some major draft snubs, and undrafted free agent snubs, in which most of them will come from a smaller school. This year there were a few guys that really killed it in college and were not even brought into a camp for a workout. To me these guys should have at least made a camp, because of their skills. They are all very talented players, and all were overlooked. Find out what players were draft snubs and pick which one you think should be on a team first, in our poll at the bottom of the page.

Dwayne Frampton – WR – Arkansas State – Dwayne Frampton was one of the most prolific wide receivers coming out the NFL this year, as he finished 12th in Division 1 with 94 receptions over 1200 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns. Dwayne Frampton’s biggest knock was his size, which he measured in at 5’8 at the Arkansas State Pro-day. It is not the size of Frampton that is concerning the productive wide out, it is the knee injury he had in the bowl game at the end of last year. Frampton had a knee injury where he was hit and popped something in his knee. Frampton did not require surgery, but was suppose to be out of football for at least 3 months. Within 2 months, he was already running on his knee, and putting in work to get back to that level again. His pro day forty time was not great, but he was not even at 75 percent at his Arkansas State pro-day. He is now fully recovered, and should have been given a shot on someone’s roster.

Dwayne Frampton Arkansas State Hi-Lights (via isasports)

Reggie Sandilands – ILB – Bethune – Cookman – Reggie is probably one of the funniest linebackers to watch in college football. He is everywhere and plays with tons of tenacity. The Miami born star, grew up with friends like Sean Spence and Jacory Harris, and is now once again, trailing behind them. Why was he not given a shot? I really don’t understand this one, because this kid can play, he is not a 6’3 linebacker he is 5’11, but this kid ran a 4.5 forty at his pro-day for B-CU. He talked with almost every NFL team during the year, and after the season as well. He was even lined up at Safety during the pro-day and killed his drills. They said his speed cannot be taught, but for some reason he is still training hard trying to make it on a roster.

Reggie Sandilands Leader Of The Pack (via rbcoach2)

Michael Parker – OLB – Richmond/Charleston Southern – Michael Parker is another kid that plays very fast. He is a strong kid that has great burst and quickness. He gets around the edge pretty fast and could easily be a special team’s gunner for one team. Parker has been training with Tom Shaw in Disney and has been one of Shaw’s most improved players. Why didn’t Parker, get a shot? That is a tough question, there were tons of teams that were showing interest, but he just didn’t get the call. Tom Shaw even told Parker that he would like to see him get down and try to play Safety. Parker in the same boat as Sandilands have both tried to make a transition to play another position. Both of these kids should be on a roster and are getting snubbed. Parker is a rushing machine, who was steadily making plays on the defensive side of the ball.

Michael V. Parker II, DB/LB, Class of 2011, Highlight Video - FCS Clips added (via OakHammockEnt)

Lanny Kelly – CB – Howard – Kelly’s production at Howard was on the same level as Micah Pellerin the stud cornerback from Hampton. Kelly didn’t get picked up by any team, but has similar stats to Pellerin and is just as good if not better covering on an island. I personally liked Kelly better than Pellerin after watching film of the MEAC division this year. Kelly should be in a camp somewhere, because of his speed and skills at catching the ball. He is not the biggest cornerback at 5’9 ½ but he plays nowhere near his size. This kid has the tools to be a special player, but needs an opportunity.

Lanny Kelly III CB #2 Howard University (Senior Highlights) (via BrotherHoodSports)

There are tons of kids that get overlooked every year, but keep an ear out for these kids getting an opportunity to shine in a camp sooner rather than later.

Poll

What player do you think should have his phone ring first?

Presenting The College Football Relegation System, From BCS To NAIA

2012-05-16T13:52:34Z

Presenting The College Football Relegation System, From BCS To NAIA

It's Relegation Week at SBNation.com. Inspired by soccer craziness, the college football team is figuring out some changes for everyone's favorite "amateur" sport.

2012 NFL Draft analysis: Atlanta Falcons

2012-05-16T12:40:29Z

Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Atlanta Falcons.

The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2012 NFL Draft without picks in the first and fourth rounds due to the Julio Jones trade last year. Jones quickly proved his worth, and the Falcons missed little this year. Everyone knew coming into the draft the team would target offensive linemen. So to get Wisconsin's Peter Konz, the best center in the draft, at pick No. 55 should be considered a steal. Konz should step in immediately as Atlanta's starting center or right guard.

Atlanta also used its third-round pick on an offensive lineman in tackle Lamar Holmes. Many expected that pick to be Bobby Massie (the next offensive tackle drafted) or even Brandon Mosley, who was taken in the fourth round. Fullback Bradie Ewing was the team's first fifth-round pick. Because he can block and play special teams, Ewings may beat Ovie Mughelli out of a roster spot. Pass rushers Jonathan Massquoi, safety Charles Mitchell and defensive tackle Travian Robertson closed out the team's draft class this year. Oh, and the Falcons traded a seventh-round pick for three-time All Pro cornerback Asante Samuel. Not bad.

Late-Round Steal: DE Jonathan Massaquoi, Round 5, pick 164

It's uncertain how Massaquoi fits into Atlanta's defense. He's a little too small for end, and maybe not athletic enough to be a 4-3 linebacker. But what he can do is get after the pass and there's always a place for that in the NFL. At Troy, Massaquoi had 19.5 sacks in two years because of his tenacity and hustle. He'd be wise to become the understudy to John Abraham as the veteran's career winds down.

Questionable Selection: OT Lamar Holmes, Round 3, pick 91

Holmes, a Combine standout, could eventually become a solid player for the Falcons. So this isn't questionable because of him. It's questionable because the Falcons chose to pass on either a tight end who can catch or a running back. Current tight end Tony Gonzalez is near the end of his career and running back Michael Turner is the dreaded 30. That meant the Falcons passed on running backs Lamar Miller and Robert Turbin and tight ends like Orson Charles and Ladarius Green. It's a risky move for the franchise.

2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - WR Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas | Matthew Fairburn - RB Knile Davis, Arkansas

SBNation.com video:

Wednesday NFL Draft links to click

2012-05-16T12:00:26Z

Yahoo! Sports - Beyond the Shutdown 50: Brandon Boykin, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Just before the draft, the Eagles traded disgruntled cornerback Asante Samuel to the Falcons for a seventh round pick. Samuel made the Pro Bowl three times in four years with the Eagles, but many fans were happy to see him go.

CBS Sports - All-SWAC DE Jackson to test supplemental draft waters?
Texas Southern is losing a star in defensive end Marquis Jackson, who requested and has been granted his release from the program.

NFL.com - Greg Cosell talks: 2012 NFL Draft post-mortem 2
I had the opportunity last weekend to attend the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie minicamp. It’s always enjoyable to see college players react to NFL coaching for the first time. If you’re a defensive lineman, I can guarantee you’ve never seen a coach quite like Jim Washburn, the old-school defensive line mentor who’s been dispensing his particular brand of knowledge for over 30 years. Washburn is one of the best in the business, and I love seeing his passion and attention to the smallest of details.

Silver and Black Pride - Early looks are Raiders have uncovered another fifth-round WR gem
The talk of last year's training camp for the Raiders was round five pick, Denarius Moore. And it may be early, but if the OTA's are any indication, the Raiders may have done it again this year with wide receiver Juron Criner.

CSN Bay Area - 49ers rookie Darius Fleming tears ACL
Rookie outside linebacker Darius Fleming, the 49ers' fifth-round draft pick from Notre Dame, sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Capital Times - NFL Draft class debunks value of prep quarterback rankings
When the University of Wisconsin signed highly rated California prep quarterback Bart Houston in February, there was considerable rejoicing among a fandom that had wondered why the Badgers couldn’t attract a big name at the position.

2012 NFL Draft analysis: New York Giants

2012-05-15T16:00:41Z

Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the New York Giants.

Is the honeymoon over, yet?

For the second time since 2007, the New York football Giants entered the offseason as Super Bowl Champions. That certainly takes some of the pressure of the front office, but that doesn't mean we aren't going to put their draft under the microscope.

New York loves to work the ground game, and first round pick David Wilson was drafted for just that. The former Hockie is a blazing fast, all-purpose back who should make an impact as a rookie.

Late-Round Steal: OT Brandon Mosley, Round 4, Pick 131

Despite winning the Super Bowl, the Giants had some issues protecting Eli Manning at times last season. Jerry Reese waited a while before addressing the tackle position, but in doing so, he managed to get tremendous value in Mosley, who could have come of the board much sooner.

Questionable Pick: RB David Wilson, Round 1, Pick 32

Wilson was one of my highest ranked running backs coming into the 2012 NFL Draft. He brings a well-rounded game and tons of athletic ability. But this didn't feel like the type of pick the Giants usually make. Reese is all about maximizing value, and the first round running backs don't present high value. Wilson will have to be a star to make this pick worth it. That being said, he has every chance to do so.

2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - Devin Taylor, DE, South Carolina | Matthew Fairburn - Alex Hurst, OT, LSU

SBNation.com video:

2012 NFL Draft analysis: Philadelphia Eagles

2012-05-15T14:00:24Z

Now that the 2012 NFL Draft is over, we're profiling each team's draft. Who were the steals? Who were the reaches? We continue with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dream team? Yeah, not so much.

After an offseason loaded with free agent signings, the Philadelphia Eagles were quickly labeled Super Bowl contenders. As they have become accustomed to doing, they failed to meet those expectations. In fact, the Eagles weren't even close, failing to make the postseason due to injuries amongst other factors.

But Philly has been better this year. Quieter, if nothing else. The biggest NFL splashes coming from Philadelphia came in the 2012 NFL Draft, where the Eagles landed a handful of potential impact players. Fletcher Cox was the first prospect drafted by the Eagles, who will be an excellent addition to the front-seven. But it was the selections of Mychal Kendricks, Vinny Curry and Brandon Boykin that really tie this draft together and give the Eagles even more talent on the defensive side of the ball.

Late-Round Steal: CB Brandon Boykin, Round 4, Pick 123

Players with Brandon Boykin's ball skills don't normally last until the third day of the NFL Draft. The Eagles got a steal in the former Bulldog. He is slightly undersized, but he makes up for it with physicality and tenacity.

Questionable Pick: None

Philadelphia filled needs all weekend, but they also did not reach for players to fill those needs. They went in with a plan and stuck to it. When a team does that, it's tough to question any of the picks. If I had to pick one, it would be the pick of offensive tackle Dennis Kelly, but that would be splitting hairs.

2013 mock draft pick: Josh D - Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State | Matthew Fairburn - Keenan Allen, WR, California

SBNation.com video:

Tuesday NFL Draft links to click

2012-05-15T13:01:18Z

Columbus Dispatch - Why Andrew Sweat stepped away from NFL dream
On Friday morning, Andrew Sweat awoke in Cleveland ready to start earning his way into the NFL. He never made it to the field.

Gainesville Sun - Gators go from slim pickings to NFL Draft haul
For the first time in many years, the University of Florida was basically irrelevant in the 2012 NFL Draft. No Gator was taken on the first day. Or the second.

CBS Sports - Bills will get 1st-round play from OT Glenn; picks No. 41
Over the next several weeks, NFLDraftScout.com will be reviewing some of the more intriguing picks made during the 2012 NFL Draft through a series called "Finding the Fits." The goal of the series is to identify one relatively unheralded player per team who appears to be a good schematic fit and therefore more likely to be a surprise contributor early in his pro career.

Philadelphia Daily News - Eagles' undrafted free agent Polk eager to shoulder load
CHRIS POLK will tell you now that he had zero expectations heading into last month’s NFL draft. "My expectation was just to get drafted,’’ he said after a morning practice at the Eagles’ 3-day rookie camp at NovaCare.

Wichita Eagle - Bryce Brown credits Bill Snyder for helping him reach the NFL
Most K-State fans have moved on from Bryce Brown. The former running back lasted just three games with the Wildcats, quit the team mid-season without explanation and played no part in their march to the Cotton Bowl.