Official 2008 NFL Draft thread Day 2

[Rastak]

So Brohm would be the #3? I suppose they do want someone with experience if A-Rod goes down. But I am leery of his ball handling skills (not to mention his decision making ability the last few seasons).

Be interesting to see if he takes it. Don't see a lot of suitors after him.

Brohm was already the #3 when he was drafted, we just didn't have a #2. Since our starter has very little experience, Rodgers is almost certainly going to get all the reps with the first team guys in practice. So Brohm isn't going to get many reps this year, because Rodgers needs them and this is not a competition yet. After a year, Rodgers will have a ton more experience than he does now and McCarthy can give more reps to Brohm, so he can become a #2.

But as pro-ready as he is, he wasn't going to be the #2 this year.

Now who wants to contribute to the "Buy Rastak a Green and Gold Culpepper Jersey" fund?

I actually have a purple one.....that should suffice.....

[Rastak]

Colts take LB Howard:


Strengths: Explodes off the ball and makes plays in the backfield. Though inconsistent in this area, flashes above-average upper body strength and can shed blocks. Takes adequate pursuit angles, shows outstanding range and is a sideline-to-sideline player. Has excellent lateral mobility, flows to the ball effortlessly and does a good job of scraping down the line of scrimmage. Is quick enough to turn the corner and shows excellent closing speed. Changes directions very well and can set tackles up to the outside before redirecting inside. Explodes into hits and flashes the ability to jar the ball loose. Keeps head up, gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback and has excellent vertical leaping ability. Lined up at defensive end the past two year but lined up at outside linebacker before that and has experience dropping into coverage. Opens hips well, shows good burst coming out of cuts and athletic enough to develop above-average man-to-man cover skills. Has stayed relatively healthy and appears to be durable.

Weaknesses: Tall enough to add some bulk to frame but vastly undersized end and lacks prototypical size for an outside linebacker in most 3-4-schemes. Plays with emotion but doesn't have much of a mean streak and avoids blockers rather than fighting through them. Plays with a narrow base and doesn't show great lower body strength. Stands up coming out of stance and gets driven back too much. Though could have an easier time reading plays at outside linebacker than did at end because of height, takes to long to locate the ball and step slow getting to it at times as a result. A relentless pas rusher but appears to gear down in pursuit at times and effort is inconsistent. Relies on quickness too much and doesn't show a wide variety of pass rush moves.

Overall: Howard arrived at Georgia in 2003 and redshirted his first year. In his first season with the Bulldogs (2004), he played strong-side linebacker and appeared in 11 games, recording three tackles. He was moved to defensive end in 2005, and over the next two seasons he played in all 25 games, turning in 35 tackles (1.5 for losses, all sacks) and a forced fumble. He finally cracked the lineup as a senior in 2007, starting all 13 games and finishing the season with 41 tackles (12 for losses), 10.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups. Howard isn't big enough to stay at end where he lined up last year and there are even some concerns about his ability to anchor against the run at outside linebacker. That being said, he has rare upside because of his excellent top-end speed and above-average explosiveness.

[Rastak]

oops, and the Bucs take QB Johnson:


Strengths: Possesses adequate height and enough room on his frame to add necessary bulk. Excellent athlete for the position. Has quick feet, gets set quickly and is agile enough to avoid pressure on a consistent basis. Buys a lot of second-chance passing opportunities with his feet and is a legitimate running threat when he breaks contain. However, he is not a run-first QB. He shows good patience in the pocket and will go through his progression reads. He can throw on the run with good velocity and accuracy. Has a quick release and above-average arm strength. Gets good zip on deep out throws and can fit the ball into some tight spots. Seems to be most comfortable throwing vertically. He gets good air under his deep throws and shows good touch as a vertical passer. Very good ball skills. Has long arms and big hands. Does a great job of selling play fakes.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size. Height is adequate but not good and he must add bulk in order to hold up at the next level. He's a streaky passer that can be accurate at times but will lose the strike zone at other times. He needs to learn to change up his velocity on some of his throws; he tends to put too much zip on shorter throws. Seems to struggle with his accuracy on underneath throws (screens, flares, dump offs, wheel routes, etc.) more than he does on intermediate-to-deep throws. He's a small-school quarterback (non-scholarship DI-AA) that will undoubtedly have a severe learning curve in the NFL. Still telegraphs too many of his throws and gets away with a lot of questionable decisions that he will pay for in the NFL.

Overall: Johnson played 44 games in four seasons at San Diego (2004-'07), moving into the starting lineup in 2005. In his first three years, he completed 518 of 764 attempts (67.8 percent) for 6,711 yards, 70 touchdowns and just 14 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,138 yards and 17 touchdowns on 206 carries (5.5 average) in that span. As a senior, he may have been the most efficient and prolific player at any position in college football. He completed 205 of 300 attempts (68.3 percent) for 2,976 yards, 42 TDs and just one interception, finishing with an astounding 197.19 passer rating. He also ran for 674 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2008 class. He needs to add bulk to his tall but lanky frame and he still has much room to improve in terms of reading coverage and making his progressions. However, he is a confident player with underrated passing skills and outstanding mobility. He answered some questions regarding his ability to make the leap from a non-scholarship FCS program to the NFL when he stood out as the most electrifying playmaker in the East-West Shrine game. Most importantly, he proved that he's not just a running quarterback by remaining patient in the pocket and going through his progressions before opting to run as a final option. Johnson is still very much underrated in our opinion and he's worth the investment in Round 3.

[Rastak]

Jet's grab QB Ainge.....QB Run......:


Strengths: Possesses outstanding height and size-potential. Ainge can be reasonably effective when given protection in the pocket. His outstanding height and over-the-top release allow him to see the entire field and throw over his linemen with good touch. He makes quick reads and gets rid of the ball quickly. He has a quick, compact delivery and will typically show good accuracy on short-to-intermediate throws -- so long as he can set his feet and step into his throws. He has shown the ability to make all the necessary NFL throws accurately when his feet are set and when he follows through on his delivery. Continues to improve his ball security and is doing a better job of selling his play fakes. Has done a good job of overcoming early-career struggles and has dealt with pressure of being a four-year starter at a football factory like Tennessee.

Weaknesses: Lacks the strong arm to drive the ball down the field vertically. He will never be a serious running threat, either. He was more consistent late in his career but must continue to be more consistent with his mechanics, especially setting his feet and following through on his throws. He will get happy feet in the pocket at times and needs to trust his progression reads more. He is competitive and he knows he's talented, but his confidence has been shaken at times. There are some questions regarding his toughness and natural leadership skills. Durability has been a problem area throughout his career, including a shoulder injury in 2004, a minor neck injury in 2005, an ankle injury in 2006 and a knee injury in May of 2007. The most recent injury (knee) required surgery and forced him to miss the final two weeks of spring practice.

Overall: Ainge saw action in 29 games (23 starts) in his first three seasons (2004-'06) at Tennessee, completing 408 of 691 attempts (59.0 percent) for 5,178 yards, 41 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. As a senior, he completed 325 of 519 pass attempts (62.6 percent) for 3.522 yards, 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 14 games, all despite suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee (which required surgery) in the spring and breaking the pinky finger on his throwing hand in August. He also missed four games in 2004 because of a separated shoulder and was sidelined one game in 2006 by an ankle injury. Ainge made enormous strides from the beginning to the end of his collegiate career. Immaturity and injuries stunted his growth early on but Ainge flourished his final two seasons under the disciplined tutelage of coordinator David Cutcliffe and he also stayed relatively healthy in 2007. Plus, he stayed relatively healthy in 2007. Ainge possesses the size-potential, touch and accuracy to compete for a backup job at the next level. However, his below average arm strength and marginal mobility put a relatively low ceiling on his NFL potential. Ainge projects as a mid-to-late round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

[Carolina_Packer]

Mort on ESPN reported that the Packers offered Daute Culpepper a contract.

Very interesting....

So Brohm would be the #3? I suppose they do want someone with experience if A-Rod goes down. But I am leery of his ball handling skills (not to mention his decision making ability the last few seasons).

Be interesting to see if he takes it. Don't see a lot of suitors after him.

Risk/Reward both ways. We are on risky ground. He's undervalued because of two sub-par seasons after an injury re-hab. He hasn't forgotten everything he learned about being a QB. If he's physically able to go and compete, why not have that insurance policy. Are there a lot of better options? Byron Leftwich? Tim Rattay? Nall?

No I'd say he's the best in the proverbial barrel of rotten apples. Leftwich can have his release timed with a sundial. Rattay couldn't hit the broadside of a barn if he was standing 10 yards from it. Nall is a non-factor.

Jeff Garcia survived two years of QB hell with the Browns (now building of course) and the Lions (oy!) and rebounded. Granted, Garcia wasn't trying to come back from having a shredded knee, but coming back from injury and playing for bad teams two years in a row is not a recipe for a good comeback chance. I hope that if the Pack get Culpepper he never takes a snap, of course, but if he had to, I think he'd be at least serviceable.

[woodbuck27]

What do you guys think of the draft so faR?

I'd grade it as a 'C' so far.

I'm just checking what's happened today, now Partial. I believe that TT will push it higher today. HOPING!

PACKERS FOREVER!

[Carolina_Packer]

Geez, any love for Andre Woodson?

[digitaldean]

What do you guys think of the draft so faR?

I'd say overall, pretty good.

Glad to see TT addressed the TE and CB spots. Just at first glance looks like the Sitton kid from CFU is a keeper.

Nice value pick for Brohm. If Rodgers plays like gangbusters, the Packers might be able to package Brohm later on. If A-Rod struggles, then we have a definitive plan B without spending a first rounder on him.

Would have liked to seen RB or FB addressed. But there will be a ton of UFA's out there.

Considering we won't be able to tell until about 3 yrs. from now, we can't say anything definitive.

[Rastak]

Geez, any love for Andre Woodson?

Boy, none at all it seems.

[Rastak]

What do you guys think of the draft so faR?

Hard to say. I like the Brohm pick, the DE pick was ok. Goofy trade with the Vikes. I haven't heard of some of the guys. Nelson is probably an ok pick.


I really can't grade it.

I do like the Vikings draft thus far.

[digitaldean]

Ainge is a nice fall back alternative if neither Clemens or Pennington pan out.

[digitaldean]

Owen Schmitt to the Sea hags.

[Rastak]

Hawks take FB Shcmidt:


Strengths: Possesses prototypical NFL fullback size with good height and excellent bulk. Is well-proportioned with excellent upper and lower body strength. Possesses good straight-line speed for his size. Shows a second-gear in the open field and can be a punishing runner for DB's to bring down once he gets a head of steam. He has a great feel for the passing game for a FB. Understands his routes and has been a reliable dump-off option throughout his career. Displays very good awareness as a blocker both run and pass. Generally gets in good position and shows the foot quickness to consistently reach his blocks on the second-level as a run blocker. Ideal intangibles. Hard working and extremely "coachable". He picks up new schemes quickly and has spent some time in spring of 2007 working at tight end. He gives a great effort in the weight room and has freakish strength. Has been mostly durable throughout his career and has shown great toughness playing through knee and ankle injuries in the past.

Weaknesses: Needs to play with better overall leverage. Enters the phone booth too high and loses some of his power as a result. He displays good initial pop but does not consistently sustain. Will need to improve his ability to uproot LBs as an iso-blocker. Runs a bit high at times, so he isn't always as powerful as he should be for a runner with his size and strength. He has been reliable as a receiver but he is clearly not a natural hand catcher. Also struggles to flip his hips in space to get upfield quickly. Has good speed on a straight-line but doesn't display much wiggle as a runner. Won't make many defenders miss in space. He has had some fumbling issues early in his career but has improved in that regard. Suffered minor injury at the Senior Bowl but it is not expected to have long-terms implications.

Overall: Schmitt attended Wisconsin River-Falls before transferring to West Virginia in 2004, redshirting that season. He appeared in 25 games in his first two seasons with the Mountaineers (2005-'06), logging 113 carries for 731 yards (6.5 average) and nine touchdowns, plus 20 receptions for 167 yards (8.4 average) and another score. As a senior in 2007, he had 47 carries for 272 yards (5.8 average) and four touchdowns, adding 12 catches for 121 yards (10.1 average) and a receiving TD. He also had three punts last season, averaging just 20.3 yards but placing two inside the opponents' 20. Schmitt dealt with quadriceps, knee and ankle injuries at West Virginia but never missed any games. Schmitt is a big, powerful fullback with outstanding straight-line speed and reliable hands for his position. He also plays the game with great passion and is the type that will do anything asked of him in order to contribute. Schmitt still has room to improve in terms of technique as a blocker and he'll never be more than a situational short-yardage runner in the NFL. However, we believe Schmitt is the most complete fullback prospect in the 2008 class. He should come off the board somewhere in the fourth-to-fifth round range.

[Rastak]

Damn, Saints take "Stevie" Nicks:


Strengths: A massive ROT prospect with a thick build, long arms (34.6 inches) and big hands (10 inches). Displays adequate initial quickness when firing out of his stance as a run blocker. Can engulf smaller defenders at the point of attack in the run game. Works to finish his blocks and displays a mean streak at times. Will sustain his blocks when his hand-placement is sound. Can anchor versus the bull rush when he plays with leverage. Displays a quick set in pass pro for an OT his size. Also has very good upper body strength to jar defenders with his initial punch. Lots of upside to work with as a developmental project.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal athletic ability. Is quick on a straight line but struggles to move laterally. Will have trouble getting back inside in pass pro. Does not redirect quickly enough at times. Struggles to hit the moving target in space. Needs to play with more consistent leverage. When he comes out of stance too high he is vulnerable versus powerful bull rush. No excuse for him getting walked back into his own QB like he did versus Wake Forest DE Jeremy Thompson. His footwork and hand placement need a lot of polishing.

Overall: Nicks signed with New Mexico State out of high school (2003), switching from defensive tackle to the offensive line. In 2004, he transferred to Hartnell (Salinas, Calif.) CC, where he played two seasons (2004-'05). Nicks also threw shot put and discus for Hartnell's track team. He transferred to Nebraska in 2006, appearing in 11 games (two starts) at right tackle in his first season with the Cornhuskers. As a senior in 2007, he moved to left tackle and made 11 starts, appearing in all 12 games. He missed the first quarter of last season's Kansas State game because of disciplinary reasons. Nicks is a couple notches below elite-tackle prospects such as Jake Long, Ryan Clady and Chris Williams. He played left tackle as a senior at Nebraska but he is a far better fit on the right side. Nicks moves well enough for his size but he does not possesses ideal agility for the position, so his technique must improve considerably before he's ready to compete for playing time at the next level. If coached properly, though, Nicks has the massive size, short-area quickness and mean streak to develop into a quality starter in the NFL Nicks should come off the board late in the second round or early in the third round.

[woodbuck27]

Shoot! Da Bears picked TE Kellen Davis. I wanted him.

Packers Forever!