Draft Day Thread

[vmax]

04/02/2012 - NFL DRAFT SCOUT TOP OFFENSIVE LINEMEN: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State, 6-6, 333...That's pronounced kah-LETCH-ee oh-sem-AH-lee, and scouts know it well. Osemele may be stronger than he is big, which is saying something. While some players use a strong base and others rely on a powerful upper body, Osemele has both. He has incredible reach (35??-inch arms and an 85??-inch wingspan) and massive hands (10 3/8 inches) that make him hard to escape. He seems to enjoy using that strength most on run blocking, where he overwhelms defenders. He is a bit more tentative as a pass blocker and must work on recognizing what is happening there. A hard-working student on and off the field, ...<p id="expandoContent" style="display: none;">Osemele made the academic Honor Roll three times and was selected All-Big 12 first team in 2011. He played in 49 games and started 43 in a row despite missing most of one game last year with a severely sprained ankle. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange

 

 

Analysis

 

Pass Blocking: Keeps shoulders square to the defender and puts himself in very good position to be effective. Does a nice job bending his knees, sinking his hips and anchoring at the point of attack with a naturally wide and strong base. He has ideal length (84-inch wingspan) and extends his arms to keep rushers at bay, but needs to refine his hand use and develop a more aggressive punch. Heavy footed, but has enough lateral quickness to mirror in tight areas - limited range and looks best inside. Uses his eyes well and has really improved staying patient in his stance and not allowing himself to become overextended. Has a bad habit of stopping his feet at contact, allowing savvy defenders to burst pass him. Tends to give up on plays once rusher gains a step - poor recovery quickness. Run Blocking: Thickly built with plus upper-body strength to control rushers and take them where he wants - shows the powerful hands to redirect rushers. Strong at the point of attack and flashes good power in the run game - has mauling ability to create run lanes. Has an inconsistent motor and doesn't show much passion or finishing ability in his blocking. Needs to improve his hand positioning in order to control rushers. Pulling/trapping: Wasn't asked to do much pulling at the college level. Struggles to be consistent blocking in motion and doesn't have the natural foot quickness to cover a lot of ground. Understands angles and stays balanced with coordinated body control. Initial Quickness: Quick setting up after the snap and slides well to the outside, staying patient and balanced off the snap. Has quick reaction skills to mirror in tight areas. Can be inconsistent in this area at times because of his lackadaisical playing style and needs to keep his weight under control. Has had more than a few false start penalties over his career. Downfield: A short-area blocker with limited range and doesn't consistently get to the second level. Will play undisciplined at times, especially in space. Lacks a finishing attitude. Intangibles: Started 44 consecutive games to end his collegiate career, despite battling an ankle injury most of his senior season. Versatile skill-set with experience at offensive tackle and guard. Work ethic is not a strength for him, with questionable conditioning and passion - his weight needs to be monitored. Natural instincts and football IQ are a large concern. Far from a finished product, but obvious upside is there if his field attitude develops - needs to prove mental midget notion is wrong. NFL Comparison: Michael Oher, Ravens --Dane

Edited April 28, 2012 by vmax

[Dunno]

TJ Graham to the Bills? Who?

 

LoL, what? A punter in the 3rd round?

[vmax]

Did you see Mel and Gruden going at it over that 5'10" QB?

Classic...great!

[RavenMad]

lmao @ Rich Eisen requesting a punter in the green room next year!

[ForceEight]

Did you see Mel and Gruden going at it over that 5'10" QB?

Classic...great!

Wilson is great, but I just don't see him making it. Even Polian basically agreed with Mel...he's never going to be a starter.

[cravnravn]

 

Wilson is great, but I just don't see him making it. Even Polian basically agreed with Mel...he's never going to be a starter.

 

He's 5'10" he wont make the team..

[ForceEight]

He's 5'10" he wont make the team..

He'll definitely make the Seahawks. But he's just not tall enough, bar none.

[Dunno]

Ravens trade up for pick #84 from the Falcons

[Dunno]

Bernard Pierce, RB from Temple it is at #84

[vmax]

Real head scratcher here....

 

Strengths: Possesses a bigger frame with a strong, compact build -- has done a nice job adding bulk to his frame the past three years. Flashes initial burst and good lateral quickness to sidestep defenders or bounce runs outside with very good foot quickness. An instinctive runner with elusive, slippery moves with the first defender rarely bringing him down in space. Displays very good feel as an inside and outside runner with above average vision to make sharp cuts -- very good patience and footwork to pick through defenses. A physical runner who doesn't shy from contact, doing a nice job lowering his pads and absorbing contact with balance -- fights for every yard with toughness to run through arm

tackles. Put together a strong collegiate resume the past three seasons with above average production -- holds school single-season records for rush scores (27) and 100-yd rush games (9), plus career record for rush scores (53). Weaknesses: A tall, upright runner who lacks imposing power as a runner. Not a quick-twitch athlete and is forced to gear down too much. Not very loose throughout his frame and looks tight when quickly redirecting. Lacks great straight-line speed and might struggle to win the edge at the next level, lacking an extra gear to separate himself. Tends to dance too much and go east/west or leave his feet instead of taking what's there. Has some ball security concerns and offers limited versatility at the next level with little experience as a receiver (only 19 career catches) and as a return man (only 1 career return on special teams) -- raw in pass protection and needs work in this area. Took a beating in college and has strong durability concerns, missing several games over his career and didn't look 100% most of his career -- missed extensive time with hamstring issue and also a concussion. NFL Comparison: Chris Ivory, New Orleans Saints -- Dane Brugler

[vmax]

 

 

Notes:

Also ran track, recording the fastest time in the state (10.6 seconds in the 100 meters), as a Pennsylvania prep. Was involved in a fight at school as sophomore and charges were filed after someone was seriously injured. He was sent to and finished his high school career at Glen Mills, a residential school for court-adjudicated males from 15 to 18 years old. As a true freshman in 2009, he set school records for yards and touchdowns after rushing 236 times for 1,361 yards and 16 touchdowns in 12 games (nine starts). Recorded back-to-back 200-yard games against Toledo (212) and Navy (267). Left the Army game early with a shoulder injury then suffered an unrelated injury to his shoulder on the first play against Kent State and missed the next week vs. Ohio before returning for Temple’s first bowl game in 30 years. Had an injury-plagued ’10 season but still gained 154-728-10 (4.7) in 10 games (five starts). Left the Central Michigan game with a hand injury, suffered a sprained right ankle vs. Penn State and was limited the next two weeks before ending the season with a pulled left hamstring. Had a stellar junior season in ’11, rushing for 273-1,481-27 (5.4) in 12 games (10 starts). Rushed for more than 100 yards a school-record nine times and set single-season records for rushing TDs and points scored (162). Missed the Miami (Ohio) game because of a concussion. Caught 19 passes for 178 yards (9.4-yard average) and one touchdown in his career. Fumbled six times in 682 career touches and gained 5.4 yards per carry.

Positives:

Looks every bit the part. Excellent size and has a frame to add bulk. Shows natural run skills. Quick feet and good balance. Runs hard. Nice vision and patience to let holes develop. Good short-area burst. Senses the cutback and runs to daylight. Agile enough to bounce outside and can open up his stride in space. Has a nose for the goal line.

Negatives:

Builds to speed and lacks an extra gear to break away. Runs upright. Average power and elusiveness. Minimal receiving production. Can tighten the screws to better protect the ball. Inflated production — piled up yards against poor run defenses and was held in check by Penn State. Has missed action every season because of injuries. Questionable toughness and desire — tends to bounce outside too often and does not like to be hit. Bench-pressed 225 pounds only 17 times at the Combine.

Summary:

Big, productive runner who is effective with a slashing style. Is not a hammer, nor is he exceptionally elusive, and projects to a complementary role given his durability and toughness questions. Is a prime candidate to be overdrafted based on his size-speed ratio, but must prove he is willing to get dirty and wants to be great to realize his immense potential.

[yagersports]

Are we not happy with Anthony Allen then? I really didnt think RB was a need in this draft. Maybe he was just the BPA and rated too highly on our board to pass up?

 

I would have thought a WR or more LB's would have been in order.

 

Interesting, Oz and co, I love em!

[vmax]

<p class="headerFull">

 

 

Bernard Pierce

Baltimore Ravens

Round 3, Pick 84

• SI Grade
  
• 2.71
  
• SI Grading System
  

 

 

Position: RB

Class: Jr

School: Temple

 

HT: 6'0½"

WT: 218 lbs.

40 Time: 4.43

Conference: Big East

Biography: Three-year starter awarded all-conference honors the past two years. Named to several Freshman All-American teams in 2009. Junior rushing totals included 273 attempts/1481 yards/27 TDs with just 3 catches. Sophomore ground totals included 154/728/10. Burst onto the scene as a true freshman with 1361 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns.

 

Positives: Solid college running back with outstanding ability. Displays terrific running vision, instincts and quickly finds the running lanes. Patiently waits for blocks to develop whenever the ball is in his hands. Makes exceptional use of blocks, uses an effective straight arm and very tough to tackle. Keeps his feet moving on contact, runs with good lean and rarely tackled by the first defender. Falls forward for extra yardage when brought to the ground. Aggressively drives his shoulders into opponents and breaks tackles. Weaves through traffic on the inside to find openings in the defense. Will pick and choose his spots and does not go down without a fight. Shows the ability to bounce around piles or defenders. Solid receiver out of the backfield despite his minimal production.

 

Negatives: Does not play with 40 time or beat defenders into the open field. Really cannot turn the corner and a is one-speed back with minimal burst.

 

Analysis: Pierce has been very productive on the college level and possesses enough football skills to make an impact in the NFL. His lack of playing speed is a concern, but in the proper system he will excel as a rotational back for an NFL squad.

 

Projection: 3rd

 

 

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/draft-2012/players/100601.html#ixzz1tIcI5wOy

[cravnravn]

Shocked at the pick, I thought Harbs said that Allen would git the shot after Ricky retired.

[Dunno]

I expected them to take a backup RB. Once upon a time when Rice was drafted, the thinking was that they needed 2 RBs. Well, with Allen and Barry completely unknown and Rice wanting unrealistic money, they had to prepare for the future.

 

The question is if Pierce is a complement or a replacement for Rice. His injury history scares me a bit though.

[papasmurfbell]

In the 4th I would jump on Ben Jones and George Iloka.

[papasmurfbell]

Guys I like the rest of the way.

OL

Massie, Bobby

Sanders, Zebrie

Brown, James

Jones, Ben

Kelemete, Senio

Blake, Philip

Compton, Tom

Johnson, Rishaw

Miller, Ryan

Washington, Brandon

Potter, Nate

Molk, David

Brewster, Michael

McCants, Matt

Zusevics, Markus

 

S

Iloka, George

Allen, Antonio

Robinson, Trent

Henry, Aaron

Jackson, Janzen

Martin, Markelle

Thompson, Christian

Thomas, Tramain

 

LB

Kaddu, Josh

Cole, Audie

Burfict, Vontaze

Loiseau, Shawn

Carder, Tank

Manning, Terrell

Bradham, Nigel

Acho, Emmanuel

 

DE

Johnson, Cam

Paige-Moss, Donte

Shelby, Derrick

 

WR

Givens, Chris

Adams, Joe

Martin, Keshawn

Wylie, Devon

Wright, Jarius

Maze, Marquis

Benjamin, Travis

Brazill, Lavon

[vmax]

The Ravens have five picks remaining: No. 98 (fourth round), No. 130 (fourth round), No. 169 (fifth round), No. 198(sixth round) and No. 236 (seventh round).

Newsome said the Ravens will sit down and regroup the board in the wee hours after Friday night’s second and third rounds.

 

“We’ll restack the board a little bit and there are several receivers still available,” Newsome said. “We still have some centers available that could very much come into our plans tomorrow.”

With that in mind, here are some players that could be of interest to Baltimore at No. 98 and beyond:

 

WR Chris Givens, Wake Forest

The focal point of the Demon Deacons’ attack, Givens caught 83 passes for 1,330 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He’s a 6-foot target who has a solid build, good balance, awareness and speed. He’s also a dangerous kickoff returner, which would add more value to the Ravens.

 

WR Joe Adams, Arkansas

Perhaps the most dynamic returner remaining, Adams notched four punt returns for touchdowns lastseason. He was second in the NCAA in average yards per return (16.89). The 5-foot-11 wideout creates separation with his speed and has explosive burst, which also made him stand out as a pass catcher at the Senior Bowl.

 

WR Tommy Streeter, Miami

Streeter has imposing size. At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, he’s a matchup problem for any cornerback. He has a wide catching radius with long arms, and deceptive speed with long legs. He only had one year of production, however, with 46 catches for 811 yards and eight touchdowns as a junior. He has raw potential.

 

C Philip Blake, Baylor

Blake’s got great size at 6-foot-2, 312 pounds and is super strong (squats 600 pounds). He’s tough to move. He gives consistent effort and has solid character. He would be a 26-year-old rookie, however.

 

C Ben Jones, Georgia

A tough, smart blocker, Jones is a four-year SEC starter. So he’s seen some of the nation’s top pass rushers come at him. He would fit into the Ravens’ zone scheme too.

 

SS Antonio Allen, South Carolina

He’s a linebacker-safety mixture. The 6-foot-1, 202 pounder has good size and speed and has flashed playmaking ability. He logged 88 tackles and had three interceptions as a senior. His athleticism could make him a good special teams player.

 

FS Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State

He’s rangy, athletic and has strong character. He’s a three-year starter who has enough traits to perhaps one day make him a starter. Martin is more of a big hitter than a sure tackler, however.

 

FS Trent Robinson, Michigan State

More undersized than some of the other safeties, the 5-foot-9, 193-pounder makes up for it with good coverage skills. He could be looked at as a possible cornerback as well. He was a special teams ace in college and could be the same in the NFL.

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/04/28/players-available-on-day-3/

[thundercleetz]

There are lots of quality receivers still on the board:

 

- Tommy Streeter (UMiami), 6'5", 219 pounds, 4.40 40, 800+ yards and 8 TDs in 2011

- Dwight Jones (UNC), 6'3", 230 pounds, 4.55 40, 85 receptions, nearly 1,200 yards, and 12 TDs in 2011

- Marvin McNutt (Iowa), 6'3", 216 pounds, 4.54 40, 82 receptions for 1,315 yards and 12 TDs in 2011

- Nick Toon (Wisconsin), 6'2", 215 pounds, 4.54 40, 926 yards and 10 TDs in 2011

- Marv Jones (Cal), 6'2", 191 pounds, 4.46 40, 4.11 20 yard shuttle, 846 yards in 2011.

- Jarius Wright (Arkansas)

 

You have to think we'll pick a receiver or two sometime this draft. This is the deepest receiver draft in years.

 

How about Ben Jones, center from Georgia? Not the most athletic center, but the guy has a none stop motor, put up thirty reps at the combine, and has an excellent football IQ. Lots of football experience. I would be thrilled if we took Jones with one of our fourth rounders.

[cravnravn]

What is Burficts deal I know he failed a drug test. Was it drugs or medications?

[vmax]

Good call cleetz. I'd be thrilled too.

So far I'd rate this draft as "Just OK". Get Jones and a receiver/returner and I'll call it good.

[RavenMad]

So is Ben Jones the consensus at the top of the 4th? I like the kick returner Adams from Arkansas if is available at the bottom of the 4th. After reading the piece on Burfict I would take him in the 5th if he is stil available but he might have burned too many bridges to get drafted.

 

Those 3 would make it a really good draft for the Ravens. We can wait another season to get a LT I hope.

[thundercleetz]

Good call cleetz. I'd be thrilled too.

So far I'd rate this draft as "Just OK". Get Jones and a receiver/returner and I'll call it good.

 

I love the draft so far. You get an impact defensive player with the first pick. A mauler offensive lineman who has a mean streak, lots of college experience, and can compete right away for a starting spot. And in the third we get a running back with size, speed, awareness, and outstanding college production. IMO you picked three players who will immediately contribute, and one or two might possibly be impact players.

 

We'll get a center and receiver most definitely. Outside of that I could see us picking up a safety prospect. There are a few small school prospects out there that might be sleepers.

[vmax]

War room on phone with KO....

 

http://www.baltimore.../?homepage=true

 

[vmax]

So is Ben Jones the consensus at the top of the 4th? I like the kick returner Adams from Arkansas if is available at the bottom of the 4th. After reading the piece on Burfict I would take him in the 5th if he is stil available but he might have burned too many bridges to get drafted.

 

Those 3 would make it a really good draft for the Ravens. We can wait another season to get a LT I hope.

 

 

Adams would be sweet!