JS- Draftniks grade Packers

[Bretsky]

Draftniks grade Packers
Posted: April 30, 2007
SportsDay



Bob Wolfley
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What better way to follow the most over-covered annual sports event on television than to examine the rush to judgment by a bunch of guys who dutifully ignore common sense because premature evaluation and hair-trigger analysis is what NFL football culture demands?

We, of course, are referring to, respectively, the National Football League draft and the grades assigned to teams by some writers or broadcasters.

The following list includes the draft grader's name and affiliation, his grade and a brief comment contained in the analysis of the Green Bay Packers' 2007 draft:

• Don Pierson, Chicago Tribune, Grade B. "With 11 picks, general manager Ted Thompson continued his pattern of quantity without trying to impress anybody with flashy picks." Pierson gave eight teams higher grades.

• Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News, Grade C. "The Packers had the best seventh round, selecting a 2,000-yard career rusher with 4.47 speed (DeShawn Wynn) and a TE with 143 career catches (Clark Harris). But they reached twice in the third round for (James) Jones and (Aaron) Rouse." Gosselin gave 12 teams better grades, including Minnesota, which he gave an A-plus.
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• Jeff Darlington, Miami Herald, Grade D. "Maybe Packers quarterback Brett Favre should have retired after all." The Packers grade was the lowest for any team.

• Jim Trotter, San Diego Union-Tribune, Grade C. "Harrell fills a need but middle of the first round is too high. (Brandon) Jackson was a reach, Jones was overvalued and Rouse is considered a tweener." Trotter gave 25 teams higher grades.

• Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN, Grade C-plus. "Defensive tackle Justin Harrell didn't fill need, but the Packers chose the best available player over need. Harrell was hurt most of his senior season, but that didn't hurt his stock much. RB Brandon Jackson, if he can build on his strong finish to 2006, has a chance to be Green Bay's starting running back."

• Pete Prisco, cbssportsline.com, Grade B. "(Justin Harrell) will be a force in the middle of their line." Prisco gave nine teams higher grades.

• Tony Moss, Sportsnetwork.com, Grade C-minus. "The franchise might have engaged in the reach of the entire draft by selecting Jones on the first day." Moss had 27 teams with better grades.

• Paul Zimmerman, SI.com, Grade C-plus. "The guy who intrigues me, though, is David Clowney, a fifth-round flier and one thing Brett can still do is gun it deep." Sixteen teams got better grades from Dr. Z.

• Charles Robinson, Yahoo! Sports, Grade C-minus. "A tremendous risk for the 16th overall pick." He gave 12 NFC teams better grades.

There was at least one draft observer who chose another kind of rating system.

Tom Weir, USA Today, gave the Packers two stars on four-star scale, meaning "holes (were) plugged, but leaks remain." Weir wrote: "Justin Harrell didn't fill a need with the first-round pick and at No. 16 was taken ahead of projections."

There were other draftniks who did not rate teams, but offered analysis of their choices:

• Keith Kidd, Scouts Inc.: "Green Bay is a true-value team; it relies heavily on its player stack, and Tennessee DT Justin Harrell was easily the best player left on the Packers' board. The addition of Harrell continues a youth movement on the defensive side of the ball. GM Ted Thompson is building this team around a tough defense. I thought the pick here could have been Michigan DL Alan Branch, or perhaps a playmaking WR. Harrell is an impressive athlete for his size, but has never been a really effective inside pass rusher. But he has potential to develop into a good two-down player in the NFL. It is a little bit of a reach in our view since he was ranked 30th on our board."

• Unsigned comment, Scouts Inc. at ESPN Insider site: "Make no mistake about it; Justin Harrell is a talented player, and staying away from a player who has problems keeping his weight down like Alan Branch makes sense considering the problems the Packers had with Grady Jackson. However, tight end is a far greater need and Greg Olsen was still on the board, so they probably could have gotten a little more bang for the buck here."

• John Clayton, ESPN Insider: "The Packers didn't wow anyone with their selections of defensive tackle Justin Harrell and running back Brandon Jackson in the first two rounds. Unfortunately for Packers fans, (Randy) Moss favored the Patriots over the Packers in what appeared to be a trade of convenience for the Raiders and Moss."

• Don Banks, SI.com, said Favre was one of the "losers" in the draft, because he didn't get a running back or receiver in the first pick. "What's a living legend to do? Any chance No. 4 will retire in protest?"

• John Czarnecki, "Fox NFL Sunday" and FoxSports.com. "Once again, the Packers were great at leaking misinformation. They kept saying they needed playmakers to help Brett Favre in his final season. Every team tells some lies at draft time. When I asked specifically about Justin Harrell two days ago, the Pack told me he wasn't their guy."
Filled to the brim

The Milwaukee Braves' 50th reunion celebration Aug. 30 at Potawatomi's Northern Lights Theater is sold out.

"We've been swamped with requests," said Bud Lea, vice president of the Milwaukee Braves Historical Association. "All 350 tickets, priced at $300, are gone."

Hall of Famers Hank Aaron and Red Schoendienst will join 14 other former teammates to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1957 club's World Series victory over the New York Yankees.

Call SportsDay at (414) 223-5531 or send e-mail to bwolfley@journalsentinel.com

[Bretsky]

THESE DRAFT GRADES ARE WORTHLESS AND INSANE THIS EARLY BUT FIGURED IT WAS INTERESTING READING SO I POSTED

[HarveyWallbangers]

NFL Draft Countdown:

Justin Harrell

Missed the majority of his senior season with a ruptured biceps tendon but put off surgery for a week so he could help his team in a big game against Florida...Does everything well but doesn't really stand out in any one area...Might also project to defensive end in a 3-4 scheme...The Volunteers have a strong pro tradition when it comes to defensive tackles and Harrell will attempt to follow in the footsteps of John Henderson, Shaun Ellis, Darwin Walker, Rashad Moore and Jesse Mahelona.

Brandon Jackson

Entered the draft after his junior season despite a pedestrian on-field resume...A guy who could be underrated because he most certainly has talent and appeared to finally be coming into his own this past season...May have been the top senior running back for 2008 so he could end up being a big steal for someone this year.

James Jones

Emerging prospect who really had a breakout season as a senior in 2006...Can also long snap...Has steadily moved up draft boards...He profiles as a backup but could be more...Still underrated but he could be a pleasant surprise for someone.

Allen Barbre

Division II All-American...A workout warrior who really opened some eyes at the Scouting Combine...Could also project to guard at the next level..Might thrive in a zone blocking scheme...One of the top sleeper prospects in this draft and he will attempt to follow in the footsteps of guys like Todd Herremans and Kevin Boothe.

Aaron Rouse

Began his career as a linebacker and only moved to the secondary in 2005...Could project to either strong safety or outside linebacker in the pros depending on the scheme of the team that picks him...He just might end up being a classic workout warrior who amazes scouts with his triangle numbers in the months leading up to the draft and sees his stock soar...Extremely intriguing prospect to say the least.

David Clowney

Was also a sprinter for the Hokie track team...He played in a receiver rotation and dealt with a real shaky quarterback situation which limited his opportunities and somewhat explains his modest statistics...Does not project to be a #1 wideout in the NFL but can contribute as a #3 or #4 while also helping out on special teams.

Desmond Bishop

JUCO transfer from San Francisco Community College...His father, Dennis, played football at Illinois and professionally in the United States Football League...A very good college player who doesn't project well at the next level...He will more than likely have to make his mark as two down run type or a backup / special teamer.

Mason Crosby

Father, Jim, was a fullback at Texas-El Paso in the mid-1970s...Was the runner-up for the Lou Groza Award in 2005 as a junior...Superstitious and has to hit at least 60 golf balls at a driving range two days before a game...Best kicking prospect to come along since Mike Nugent and might be the highest chosen since Sebastian Janikowski back in 2000...A rare prospect who is a true weapon on special teams.

DeShawn Wynn

Was a top recruit coming out of high school...A classic underachiever who seems to have all the physical tools but doesn't play up to them...Could surprise at the next level but at this point intangibles are holding him back...Boom or bust type.

Clark Harris

A solid college player but his lack of ideal physical tools are going to become much more problematic in the pros...Might be limited to a situational / backup role at the next level and not as good as advertised...A reliable weapon in the short passing game but is not the type of dynamic threat that teams are looking for these days.

[HarveyWallbangers]

SI.com:

Justin Harrell

ANALYSIS: A hard-working lineman with a lot of physical skill, Harrell could be one of the most underrated players in this draft. His injury last season will decrease his final grade, yet he offers starting possibilities as either a two-gap lineman or as a conventional tackle.

PROJECTION: Early Second Round

Brandon Jackson

ANALYSIS: Jackson moves on to the next level after just a single productive season. He does not possess the size to be a feature runner, but his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield as well as his running style makes him well-suited to be a third-down back.

PROJECTION: Late Third Round

James Jones

ANALYSIS: A big, strong, receiver, Jones turned himself into an NFL prospect last season. Gives effort in all aspects of the game and could develop into a productive third wideout.

PROJECTION: Middle Sixth Round

Aaron Rouse

ANALYSIS: After a breakout junior campaign, much was expected from Rouse last season. Played well at the Senior Bowl, and offers the tools to be used as a strong safety in the NFL, yet must quickly get his game back on track.

PROJECTION: Early Third Round

Allen Barbre

ANALYSIS: A productive small-school blocker with the tools to play at the next level, Barbre is a developmental prospect who could start at either a guard or tackle in two seasons.

PROJECTION: Late Second Round

David Clowney

ANALYSIS: Athletically gifted, Clowney offers potential as a third receiver at the next level if he improves his consistency.

PROJECTION: Middle Third Round

Korey Hall

ANALYSIS: An overachiever who gets the most from his abilities, Hall's attitude, toughness and football intelligence will help him find a spot at the next level.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

Desmond Bishop

ANALYSIS: A two-down defender with a nose for the football, Bishop is an underrated linebacker who will be downgraded because of his limitations in coverage. Has the intelligence and attitude to produce as a rookie on special teams, and could eventually develop.

PROJECTION: Early Seventh Round

Mason Crosby

ANALYSIS: A productive and consistent kicker in college, Crosby is a legitimate first-day pick who can impact a team during his rookie campaign.

PROJECTION: Late Third Round

DeShawn Wynn

ANALYSIS: Possessing the athleticism and skill to be a feature runner at the next level, Wynn is an underachiever of sorts who never took his game to the next level. Teases scouts with his ability and must start to consistently play at a high level.

PROJECTION: Middle Fifth Round

Clark Harris

ANALYSIS: Harris lacks the size/speed to be anything other than a backup. His production as a long snapper last year could help him secure a spot on a roster.

PROJECTION: Middle Fifth Round

Rory Johnson

ANALYSIS: Offering potential as a weak-side linebacker, Johnson needs to improve his overall game and become more aggressive to have any chance of sticking at the next level.

PROJECTION: Late Fifth Round

Juwan Simpson

ANALYSIS: A one-gap linebacker with marginal instincts, Simpson could back-up in a penetrating defense that allows him to freely flow to the action.

PROJECTION: Early Fifth Round

Larry Birdine

ANALYSIS: After a brilliant junior campaign when he looked like a future star, Birdine took a big step backwards the past two years. A situational pass rusher not stout enough to be an every-down defensive end.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

[HarveyWallbangers]

Rory Johnson

JUCO transfer who entered the draft after his junior season and only played one year at the Division I level...A bit of an enigma in that he has an intriguing set of physical tools but there are a lot of warning signs too...Classic boom or bust type.

Juwan Simpson

Was arrested prior to his senior year for receiving stolen property, possession of marijuana, and carrying a pistol without a license after which he entered a court-ordered drug treatment program...Needs to develop a bit physically but has most of the tools you look for...He has the ability to start on the weakside in the pros.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Sports Forecaster (used by JSO):

Justin Harrell

Scouting Report: A tantalizing mix of raw mass, athleticism, and leadership, Harrell can be dominant at times. Harrell plays with a lot of heart and is a take-charge defender, leading the way in run-stopping and occasionally sneaking into the backfield for a sack. He possesses a lot of presence on the field, both in terms of physicality and will-power. His biggest problem has been staying healthy, and a couple of serious injuries kept him from really blossoming. He's a sleeper due to a shortened senior campaign, but could really surprise if he stays on the field.

Impact: Like many of the other picks in the top round, this one seems dictated more by pure talent than by a team trying to fill holes. The Green Bay defensive line isn't sorely in need of a player like Harrell, but it's hard to argue with the selection. The team has said they are more interested in taking the most gifted player regardless of position, and with Marshawn Lynch off the board, the Packers seemed to go the "best player available" route. Harrell is a very good nose tackle prospect who can provide this team with some depth on the middle of the D-line.

Brandon Jackson

Scouting Report: Despite declaring after his junior year, Jackson really has only one full season of significant college experience. In 2006 he proved he can be a very productive, versatile, and elusive runner, piling up yards and touchdowns for the Cornhuskers. While he's not particularly big or lightning-fast, Jackson is a very instinctive back who reads plays extremely well and uses superb jukes and lateral moves to find holes. He also showed skills as a returner. Jackson is a top sleeper who may eventually find himself starting in an NFL backfield.

Impact: This may be the running back that most were expecting the Pack to take in the first round. The best way to describe Jackson is 'elusive,' and he has the talent to be eventually be a starter for Green Bay. While not an elite-level back, Jackson is sneaky-good and is the type who might end up being better than his draft position. A cagey pick by the Packers, who may still go out and bring in a veteran runner until Jackson is ready for prime time.

James Jones

Scouting Report: An All-WAC Second-Team selection, Jones came on strongly late in his college career. He put up very good numbers in his final season with San Jose State and was by all accounts the team's go-to guy on offense. Jones has good size, hands, and instincts for a wide receiver. He is quick getting off the snap and runs solid routes. His biggest challenge is overcoming a lack of great speed, either separating in space or going vertical. He has the look of a solid possession guy at the next level if he keeps working hard.

Impact: A surprising pick for the Packers. While it's a given that they are looking for mature players who are ready to contribute right now, Jones was seen by most pundits as a late-round selection, if not a free agent. He certainly has skill and good intangibles, but his lack of athleticism or elite size make him a possession guy in the best scenario. Maybe Packer management sees something others don't.

Aaron Rouse

Scouting Report: If Rouse had spent all his time at Tech playing just one position, he might be seen as one of his draft's elite defenders. Blessed with a rare combination of size, speed, and aggressiveness, Rouse was good as a linebacker for his first two seasons, then even better at safety as a junior and senior. A lights-out hitter, Rouse is always around the ball and is a real playmaker. His lack of polish as a safety showed a little in 2006, as he was replaced as a starter for three games. Regardless, he is a top prospect talent-wise and only needs to keep working to be great.

Impact: The Packer secondary finished the 2006 season much better than it started, a testament to the fact that they need more depth. Enter Rouse, a player who can provide some big hits at several positions. He may be a bit of a 'tweener linebacker-safety, but that may actually help Rouse contribute sooner rather than later in Green Bay's improving young defense. He's a sleeper, but may wake up quickly if all goes well.

Allen Barbre

Scouting Report: A Division II All-American and All-MIAA First-Teamer, Barbre has been dominant for MSU for the past couple of years. His rare combination of mobility and power are elite for his position, although he remains somewhat raw in terms of technique. Barbre is a major sleeper who projects as a potential starter in the NFL at either guard or tackle, but his athleticism and lack of elite pure size might make him more suited to certain systems. A hard worker and intense competitor as well, Barbre may be a major steal if given the time and patience to develop.

David Clowney

Scouting Report: Clowney has speed to burn. Probably known more for his exploits as a track runner than as a receiver, he showed in spurts as a Hokie that he can translate those jets into big plays on the football field. Clowney didn't get many opportunities to be the No.1 guy in the Virginia Tech system, but he has the talent to be a very good wideout. He needs to hit the weights and bulk up, and if he does then Clowney may surprise some by becoming a solid deep threat in the NFL.

Korey Hall

Scouting Report: The WAC's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Hall was an extrememly productive tackler during his time with Boise State. Highly aggressive and instinctive, he is a true ball-hawk who loves to deliver the big hit. Few players in the draft have a motor as strong as Hall's, and he has excellent leadership abilities to boot. His lack of great speed and size will be obstacles at the next level, but Hall is the type of player who will find a way to succeed. He projects as a special teams regular early on, with the potential for more as he learns the NFL game.

Desmond Bishop

Scouting Report: With All-Pac-10 First-Team honors in 2006, Bishop continued his rise amongst the ranks of college football's best inside linebackers. He is a very focused tackler, able to line up his targets and knock them down when he gets locked in. He was very productive for two seasons after transferring from JUCO. Bishop may have some trouble early in the NFL because he is a little one-dimensional, lacking a great awareness in pass coverage or the mobility to recover very well. That said, he's a hard worker who will get the most out of his ability. Special teams would be a great place for him to start.

Mason Crosby

Scouting Report: A dominant kicker for several seasons at Colorado, in 2006 Crosby was yet again an All-Big 12 First Teamer. That honour came despite Crosby stumbling a bit as a senior, as he hit just 19-of-28 field goal attempts. Then again, many of those misses came because of attempts other college kickers would never attempt. Few kickers in the nation can match his leg strength or college career accuracy. Crosby is also almost automatic on extra points. He is that rare blue-chip kicking prospect who only comes along once every few years.

DeShawn Wynn

Scouting Report: If not for some nagging injuries in his final year at Florida, Wynn might have put up more impressive numbers. Blessed with good bulk and speed, Wynn flashes some brilliant moves on occasion. He reads plays well and is aggressive through holes, and has the agility to adjust and make cuts. Wynn's biggest issue is a perceived lack of intensity and work ethic, and that seems to limit his upside. He certainly has the talent to be a good NFL tailback, but needs to prove he's committed to making it happen.

Clark Harris

Scouting Report: A perennial All-Big East selection, Harris was a highly productive receiver for Rutgers. His consistency was impressive, as he simply piled up catches game in, game out for several seasons. Harris is a pretty polished route-runner who is good at improvising when needed, and will go out of his way to complete a catch. While not an elite athlete, he's not slow or stiff and he has excellent size. Harris can also help out on special teams in the long-snap game, which will help him early on in his career. He needs a lot of work on his blocking.

[HarveyWallbangers]

Personally, I think there's some serious talent there.

[3irty1]

I'm really excited to see what we get out of these guys in the next few years. I'm probably most excited to see Rouse. Everything I've read was either real positive or called him a huge reach. I've never seen him play in college but I can only assume he has been inconsistent thus far.

Anyone found any good highlights? I keep hearing about his great hands and big hits but every video I find just shows him giving big bear hugs.

[vince]

Personally, I think there's some serious talent there.Thanks for posting those reviews Harv and B. As both of you have said, we'll not know about this draft for a couple years, as with all drafts, there are some projects here...

However, I really like the Harrell, Jackson, and Barbre picks in particular...

The other guys appear to have strong potential to, at a minimum, improve our special teams - particularly our coverages. Special teams is an area that was definitely weak last year, and an area that really is "one-third of the game."

But with regard to Harrell, championships are won in the trenches, and the best foundation for an elite team is an elite defensive line. Harrell has the skills, size and makeup to be an absolute anchor. The team doctors say there's no reason to have concern over his health, so his best years should be in front of him. Given his background, demeanor, work ethic, leadership ability, and that intangible that Ted and Co. have a relatively unique abiliy detect - HEART - that kid's future is bright. He'll stuff the run, and he'll not only get to the passer, but within the defensive scheme, enable everyone around him to be much more effective - including Williams, who will remain an important part of the rotation.

LOVE THIS PICK FOR THE PACK.

I also believe Jackson will be a solid contributor in the backfield. He has the perfect skill set to be one of those solid run producers that is off most people's radar screen until he comes in and rushes for 1200 yards. I don't think he'll need to do that this year, as I think Morency - and (out on a limb, I know) Beach will also produce in the backfield this year. The fact that he hasn't been overworked yet is a strong reason to like this kid. Another Thompson type football player that fits our scheme to a "T".

Likewise, Barbre fits the ZBS to a "T" with his mobility and athleticism, and also possesses the intangibles that you covet in a lineman. "Intense competitor" and "hard worker" translates into "big heart" and "winner" - a guy that could not only be great some day, but the type of guy that helps build the character of a great team. He's a perfect addition to this team and appears to be an ideal candidate to ultimately replace one of our 2 aging tackles.

These are all guys that someone (my apologies to the author) so astutely compared to Kampman in another thread, with regard to work ethic and passion, but that is right on the money, IMO.

Ted and Co. have a talent for doing what the rest of us, (along with numerous other GM's in the league, probably because they tend to give in to public pressure) generally don't do as well. He tends to accurately discern, whether it's intuitive or somehow externalized in their evaluation process, the important difference between measurable/highlight guys, and football players that produce on a consistent basis. It's impossible (or at a minimum, really difficult) to measure, as there are so many unique considerations to include in the analysis from team to team. But thankfully, he's proven that he tends to get that difference right more often than not, which is why his draft boards and free agent valuations rarely coincide with the guys in the press and those of us on the sidelines. It's also the reason he get's paid hansomely to make those determinations, while the rest of us sit on the sidelines.

[Tarlam!]

With draft complete, what's next?

By Gil Brandt (NFL.com Senior Analyst)

NEW YORK (April 29, 2007) -- The 72nd NFL draft set records for the longest Round 1, longest Day 1, and longest two days (over 18 hours). The interest in the draft continues to go up every year.

Several things will take place now that the draft has ended. The first thing is that 32 teams will hit the phones trying to sign undrafted free agents. Fifty undrafted free agents made Week 1 rosters last year.

Then the draft grades will come out in the Monday morning papers. Last year, Buffalo was given an F, but it turned out to be one of the best. Fans, if you're down on your team's draft, don't be worried. Teams' drafts tend to turn out better than the so-called experts think they might be.

And most of the teams will have minicamps next weekend. Usually only rookies, selected first-year players and some injured veterans will attend.

Then it won't be long before the veterans have to come to team headquarters for their minicamps and organized team activities.

There's still some time to tweak the rosters, but now the head coaches know for the most part what players they'll be working with in 2007, and it's time for them to start shaping those players into a team.

[Rastak]

I'll go with Harvey's favorite draft guy from the Dallas Morning News!


Actually, draft grades the day after mean nothing...it's just good to hear people that spend almost year round looking at these guys like the people your team picked.

[RashanGary]

I think Barbre and Rouse are going to be STUD special teamers.

[wist43]

THESE DRAFT GRADES ARE WORTHLESS AND INSANE THIS EARLY BUT FIGURED IT WAS INTERESTING READING SO I POSTED

Everybody's differing opinions is what makes the draft fun...

Now if everyone would just get in line and admit that my analysis is correct... lol. :shock:

[wist43]

I think Barbre and Rouse are going to be STUD special teamers.

I'm kind of looking at this as the "Special Teams draft"... the two guys at the top have a chance to contribute from scrimmage.

Pretty much every other pick is a Special Teams, project kind of guy. Given that the Packers ranked dead last in overall ST rankings - they needed help there, but an entire draft worth of ST guys???

[wist43]

I agree that this is looking like a decent draft... lots of potential, lots of projects.

In the end, however, they're really not going to see much help on the field for a while.... perfect fit with TT's 10 year plan concept.

The Jones pick was pure, "we're smarterism"... even if they rated him as a 3rd rounder - nobody else did. He would have been there in the 5th or 6th probably; and, if he wasn't??? so what. It's not like he's a difference maker. I think just about everybody laughed at this pick... maybe TT gets the last laugh, but to most, Jones looks like "just a guy".

Hopefully Jackson can emerge as the starter at RB - if not, he's a wasted 2nd round pick. If a 2nd round pick can't beat out Morencey, then he was a wasted pick.

Personally, I think Jackson is much better than Morency and should start.

[HarveyWallbangers]

I'll go with Harvey's favorite draft guy from the Dallas Morning News!

Actually, draft grades the day after mean nothing...it's just good to hear people that spend almost year round looking at these guys like the people your team picked.

Most of these guys don't spend almost year round looking at these guys. They get the initial reports that are made public to all teams by the scouts after the college season (maybe), watch the combine like us, and go by word of mouth. They haven't watched a ton of game tape. They haven't interviewed thse guys. That's my point. How many of these guys do you think actually really scout the players? They are a part of the combine process, they are a part of the interivew process, I doubt they have game tape on these guys. Do you think the guys at FOX, SI, and these other places actually scout that much. Even ESPN. How much time do you think Sean Salisbury spends doing hard-core scouting? Now, McGinn and DMN guy have great contacts around the league--with access to a lot of scouts. I respect their opinion more (even though they aren't gospel either). A lot of times a guy fits in one scheme, but not another. I respect a guy like Gil Brandt or Mike Mayock, but most of these guys are hacks that regurgitate what others are saying with a few tweaks.

[pbmax]

Hang on with the smarterisms. Remember, everyone had the same reaction to Collins and within two weeks, people were fessing up to liking him in the second round.


I agree that this is looking like a decent draft... lots of potential, lots of projects.

In the end, however, they're really not going to see much help on the field for a while.... perfect fit with TT's 10 year plan concept.

The Jones pick was pure, "we're smarterism"... even if they rated him as a 3rd rounder - nobody else did. He would have been there in the 5th or 6th probably; and, if he wasn't??? so what. It's not like he's a difference maker. I think just about everybody laughed at this pick... maybe TT gets the last laugh, but to most, Jones looks like "just a guy".

Hopefully Jackson can emerge as the starter at RB - if not, he's a wasted 2nd round pick. If a 2nd round pick can't beat out Morencey, then he was a wasted pick.

Personally, I think Jackson is much better than Morency and should start.

[Lurker64]

The Jones pick was pure, "we're smarterism"... even if they rated him as a 3rd rounder - nobody else did. He would have been there in the 5th or 6th probably; and, if he wasn't??? so what. It's not like he's a difference maker. I think just about everybody laughed at this pick... maybe TT gets the last laugh, but to most, Jones looks like "just a guy".

A few draftniks had Jones ranked just a couple of spots below where he was picked overall, they just had him slipping into the late rounds because they thought he would be obscure. So it's not a pure "we're smarter than you" pick, since people other than Thompson thought reasonably highly of the guy.

[Rastak]

I'll go with Harvey's favorite draft guy from the Dallas Morning News!

Actually, draft grades the day after mean nothing...it's just good to hear people that spend almost year round looking at these guys like the people your team picked.

Most of these guys don't spend almost year round looking at these guys. They get the initial reports that are made public to all teams by the scouts after the college season (maybe), watch the combine like us, and go by word of mouth. They haven't watched a ton of game tape. They haven't interviewed thse guys. That's my point. How many of these guys do you think actually really scout the players? They are a part of the combine process, they are a part of the interivew process, I doubt they have game tape on these guys. Do you think the guys at FOX, SI, and these other places actually scout that much. Even ESPN. How much time do you think Sean Salisbury spends doing hard-core scouting? Now, McGinn and DMN guy have great contacts around the league--with access to a lot of scouts. I respect their opinion more (even though they aren't gospel either). A lot of times a guy fits in one scheme, but not another. I respect a guy like Gil Brandt or Mike Mayock, but most of these guys are hacks that regurgitate what others are saying with a few tweaks.


I listened to Gosselin on a podcast and if I recall correctly, he said he starts working on the draft right after it's finished. He puts a ton of work into stacking his board.

[SD GB fan]

morency was a 2nd round pick as well. the awesome part is that we got him in a trade for gado (undrafted RB who was a great person but didnt fit our scheme)