After the combine, this might very well be a pipe dream, but I'm still gonna try to draft guys based on where they are projected to go. And I am not projecting any trades. Too hard.
1.Chris Long DE/OLB, Virginia why do I put OLB? Long projects very well to go from a 3-4 DE to a 3-4 OLB (and some say he could easily become an ILB as well). I still think it's a tough call between Dorsey and Long, and I don't believe the choice becomes obvious until the team sets up individual workouts. I think both will have great combines, and I think both will be great players. I don't think you can go wrong with either player, I just feel that that Parcells/Groh factor makes Long the pick. Plus, we'll get good publicity from Fox!!!
2a.Gosder Cherilus OT, Boston College If Chris Williams is here, you take him (but I think he'll be a first rounder after the combine), if Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie is here, you seriously consider him. Cherilus has first round talent, but he is a RT; and a beast of a RT. Was a consensus top 20 pick entering the year, but moving to LT this year kind of hurt him. Had a dominating week run blocking down in Mobile. I think Carey does a decent job at LT, but we need an upgrade at RT. Cherilus could, and should, become a pro bowl tackle for years to come. I also made this pick since it seems like have our coaching staff comes from the New England area.
2b.Tracy Porter CB, Indiana if we don't take DRC at 32, he probably won't last till our second 2nd. Porter is not a bad consolation prize. While reports on Porter from Mobile very, his talent is undeniable. Very athletic, has decent size, and is a playmaker (24 PBUs and 16 INTs during his 4 year career). Not overly physical, but that had a lot to due with protecting against the big play at Indiana. Porter, like most CBs, will make his money at the combine. If he runs better than expected (4.4 is what is expected) he'll be a solid 2nd, slower, 3rd or 4th rounder, right at 4.4? late 2nd/early 3rd. This is a name to keep an eye on.
3.Dustin Keller TE, Purdue Versitile TE, that has soft hands and is a good leader. Probably will never be a pro bowler (due to guys like Gonzo,Gates, Miller, and K2 in the AFC), but should be a solid contributor on the offense for years to come. At the very least, he should give Mr. Beck a safety valve.
4.Spencer Larsen ILB, Arizona Might not be here due to a solid senior campaign. Projects very well to ILB, and is decent in coverage. Can't really go too much into him since I haven't seen a lot of his play, but I do like what I see. Does not have horrible size at 6'1 240. Could be a sleeper.
6.Josh Johnson QB, San Diego Probably unlikely but it is very hard to project where a lot of QBs go. Small school prospect that is extremely accurate, rarely throws ints, and is athletic. Could go a lot higher, but right now this is his spot.
7.Shannon Tevaga OG, UCLA What a fall from grace for this guy. A preseason All-American and projected 7th round pick, Tevaga has fallen to a late round prospect. Not only will he fit in well with our Samoan Block, but we've got his college coach to give us insight on him.
As I said, this will probably change dramatically after the combine, but I think as of right now, it's fairly reasonable. Comments welcomed and encouraged.
1.Chris Long DE/OLB, Virginia why do I put OLB? Long projects very well to go from a 3-4 DE to a 3-4 OLB (and some say he could easily become an ILB as well). I still think it's a tough call between Dorsey and Long, and I don't believe the choice becomes obvious until the team sets up individual workouts. I think both will have great combines, and I think both will be great players. I don't think you can go wrong with either player, I just feel that that Parcells/Groh factor makes Long the pick. Plus, we'll get good publicity from Fox!!!
2a.Gosder Cherilus OT, Boston College If Chris Williams is here, you take him (but I think he'll be a first rounder after the combine), if Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie is here, you seriously consider him. Cherilus has first round talent, but he is a RT; and a beast of a RT. Was a consensus top 20 pick entering the year, but moving to LT this year kind of hurt him. Had a dominating week run blocking down in Mobile. I think Carey does a decent job at LT, but we need an upgrade at RT. Cherilus could, and should, become a pro bowl tackle for years to come. I also made this pick since it seems like have our coaching staff comes from the New England area.
2b.Tracy Porter CB, Indiana if we don't take DRC at 32, he probably won't last till our second 2nd. Porter is not a bad consolation prize. While reports on Porter from Mobile very, his talent is undeniable. Very athletic, has decent size, and is a playmaker (24 PBUs and 16 INTs during his 4 year career). Not overly physical, but that had a lot to due with protecting against the big play at Indiana. Porter, like most CBs, will make his money at the combine. If he runs better than expected (4.4 is what is expected) he'll be a solid 2nd, slower, 3rd or 4th rounder, right at 4.4? late 2nd/early 3rd. This is a name to keep an eye on.
3.Dustin Keller TE, Purdue Versitile TE, that has soft hands and is a good leader. Probably will never be a pro bowler (due to guys like Gonzo,Gates, Miller, and K2 in the AFC), but should be a solid contributor on the offense for years to come. At the very least, he should give Mr. Beck a safety valve.
4.Spencer Larsen ILB, Arizona Might not be here due to a solid senior campaign. Projects very well to ILB, and is decent in coverage. Can't really go too much into him since I haven't seen a lot of his play, but I do like what I see. Does not have horrible size at 6'1 240. Could be a sleeper.
6.Josh Johnson QB, San Diego Probably unlikely but it is very hard to project where a lot of QBs go. Small school prospect that is extremely accurate, rarely throws ints, and is athletic. Could go a lot higher, but right now this is his spot.
7.Shannon Tevaga OG, UCLA What a fall from grace for this guy. A preseason All-American and projected 7th round pick, Tevaga has fallen to a late round prospect. Not only will he fit in well with our Samoan Block, but we've got his college coach to give us insight on him.
As I said, this will probably change dramatically after the combine, but I think as of right now, it's fairly reasonable. Comments welcomed and encouraged.
