Official 2008 NFL Draft thread Day 2

[Rastak]

Chiefs take OT Richardson:

Strengths: Gets adequate hand placement, drives legs once in position and rarely loses a battle once locked onto defender's frame. Big enough to engulf undersized defenders and can wear defenders down over the course of a game. Shows adequate lateral mobility and can seal the edge. Take adequate angles to blocks, shows good body control in space and flashes the ability to get into position at the second level. Shows rare range for size and can turn the corner when asked to pull. Plays with a good motor and looks to throw blocks downfield. Gets set quickly and uses long arms to ride edge rushers past the pocket. Bends at the waist rather than the knees but has excellent size and can generally hold ground against bull rushers. Never missed a game because of an injury while at Clemson and durability doesn't appear to be a concern.

Weaknesses: Plays too high and can struggle to drive two-gap defenders off the ball in short-yardage situations. Doesn't deliver a powerful initial punch, fails to roll hips into blocks and isn't going to knock many defenders back. Lacks a mean streak and isn't physical enough. Over commits at times and can get caught too far outside when trying to reach defenders lined up on outside shoulder. Though shows functional lateral mobility at times footwork is a little inconsistent, is vulnerable to double moves and has some problems adjusting to delayed blitzes. Lacks elite initial quickness and is going to have a harder time preventing edge rushers from turning the corner at the NFL level.

Overall: As a freshman in 2004, Richardson played in Clemson's first four games as a reserve, then entered the starting lineup at left tackle to stay. He started every game over his last three seasons (2005-'07), finishing his career with a streak of 45 consecutive starts and having appeared in each of his team's 49 games in his four seasons. Richardson isn't a powerful drive blocker who dominates the point of attack despite his excellent size and his lack of aggressiveness cannot be overlooked. However, he has the frame, athletic ability and range to develop into a serviceable starter or valuable backup so he projects as a late fourth or early fifth round pick.

[Rastak]

Jets take Henry, WR:


Strengths: Quick of the line of scrimmage for size, locates soft spots in zone coverage and flashes the ability to get open quickly. Is smooth getting in and out of cuts and sets defenders up with effective double moves. Uses hands fairly well and can get a clean release working against press coverage. Has long arm, shows good body control and does a nice job of adjusting to fade or deep throws. He also does a nice job of high-pointing the throws and will go up and over defenders at times to make the catch. Shows ability to attack the middle of the field and make the catch in traffic.

Weaknesses: Lanky, lacks ideal upper-body strength and gets pushed out of routes at times. Isn't fast enough to run by corners and does not possess the top-end speed to be a big play threat in the NFL. Lacks tempo and suddenness as a route runner. Stands up coming out of cuts and is going to have problems separating from man coverage at the next level. Inconsistent hands and relies on trapping the ball with body at times. Ineffective with blocking as he does not sustain blocks long enough.

Overall: Henry played extensively as a freshman, and in his first three seasons at Kansas (2004-'06) he amassed 50 receptions for 585 yards (11.7 average) and three touchdowns in 33 games. As a senior, he appeared and started in all 13 games, nearly doubling his career output to that point. Henry finished the 2007 season with 54 receptions for 1,014 yards (18.8 average) and 10 touchdowns, plus a 23-yard run. Henry possesses the height and ball skills to develop into an effective sub-package possession receiver but it's unlikely he ever develops into an every-down player, which is why he projects as a late round pick or rookie free agent.

[Rastak]

Flacons take RB Brown:


Strengths: A north-south runner that displays solid vision, rarely hesitates in the backfield and shows good burst through holes. Accelerates well and can hit the second level going full speed. Displays ability to make defenders miss in the hole and stays low when running between the tackles. Shows great lateral mobility, can bounce runs outside after starting inside and can cutback. Is quick enough to turn the corner and shows a second gear when gets into space. Runs hard, flashes the ability to pick up yards after contact and will lower shoulder into defenders rather than heading out of bounds when gets to the sideline. As a receiver, attacks the flats and does a nice job of sticking his routes. Possesses sound ball skills and shows solid body control when adjusting to passes thrown outside frame. Shows good awareness and does a nice job of avoiding contact when running screens. Is elusive in the open field and flashes the ability to turn a catch underneath into a long gain. Competes and won't back down to bigger pass rushers when asked to help out in pass protection. Has experience returning kickoffs, has flashed big-play ability in this role and can contribute on special teams

Weaknesses: Sustained a season-ending knee injury in 2006, he missed three games with a broken collarbone in 2007 and there are obvious concerns about ability to stay healthy over the course of a 16-game season. Is undersized and it's unlikely ever develops into an every-down back. Lacks ideal lower body strength and isn't going to push the pile in short-yardage situations. Doesn't have elite top-end speed and isn't going to outrun NFL defenses when gets a seam. Appears to lose focus at times and drops some passes should catch. Isn't big enough to anchor in pass protection and gets driven back into the quarterback when doesn't attack the legs of blitzing linebackers.

Overall: Brown was an immediate contributor as a freshman in 2004 and became the Bulldogs' full-time starter as a sophomore. He appeared in 23 games (15 starts) in his first two seasons, rushing for a combined 1,611 yards and 12 touchdowns on 319 carries (5.1 average). In 2006, he ran for 256 yards and a touchdown on 62 carries (4.1 average) in seven games (five starts). Last season, Brown appeared in 10 games (seven starts), running for 779 yards and 10 touchdowns on 148 carries (5.3 average). For his career, he also had 39 receptions for 373 yards (9.6 average) and two touchdowns, and ran back 32 kickoffs for 731 yards (22.8 average) and a score. Brown's final two college seasons were ended early, by a torn ACL in his right knee (six games missed in '06) and a broken collarbone (three games missed in '07). Brown possesses just average size but has the quickness, agility and hands tools to emerge as a valuable change-of-pace back that contributes to the return game as well. However, his problems staying healthy and the fact that he doesn't have great power or top-end speed should cause him to slide to the fifth round.

[digitaldean]

Saw Henry in a game KU had vs. Okla St.

He definitely has the skills.

[Rastak]

Houston takes the first Gopher! D Barber S:

trengths: Shows sound instincts in coverage, reads quarterbacks' eyes and breaks on the ball fairly well. Stays poised and does a nice job of locating uncovered receivers when quarterback scrambles. Shows a good sense of timing and does a solid job of batting the ball away when able to get into position. Aggressive and down-hill safety in run support and will explode upon contact. Able to fight off blocks and possesses enough quickness to get to bubble screens as well as quick screens. Relentless and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Does a sound job of disguising blitz and is a relentless pass rusher. Has shown a knack for blocking kicks and can contribute on special teams. He comes from tremendous bloodline, as father played and brother is playing currently in the league.

Weaknesses: Doesn't have prototypical size for an in-the-box safety and can get engulfed when lines up close to the line of scrimmage. Lacks ideal top-end speed, takes too long to open hips when forced to turn and run and lacks the second gear to recover once caught out of position. Plays too high and doesn't show great closing speed coming out of backpedal. Struggles to change directions quickly, doesn't explode out of cuts and is going to have some problems matching up with slot receivers. Lacks ideal range, doesn't always take sound angles to the ball once it's in the air and can have some problems covering the deep half of the field when asked to drop into zone coverage and doesn't play with sound technique. Doesn't have great ball skills and isn't a playmaker.

Overall: Barber arrived at Minnesota in 2004, and in his first three seasons ('04-'06) he appeared in 34 games (12 starts) and collected 91 tackles (one for a loss), two forced fumbles, five pass breakups and four interceptions. As a senior in 2007, he played all 12 games and had a team-high 100 tackles (5.5 for losses), one sack, eight pass breakups and three fumble recoveries (one of which he returned for a touchdown). Barber also blocked three kicks during his Gophers career. His father, Marion II, played in the NFL and his brother, Marion III, currently is a Dallas Cowboys running back. Barber has his limitations in coverage and he doesn't have great size for a situational run stuffing strong safety but he is a tough and relentless run defender capable of providing depth at safety and contributing on special teams. As a result, he projects as a sixth round pick.

[woodbuck27]

Great! TT got a TE and a DE. V. good. Who are these prospects? I was checking out TE Jermichael Finley yesterday as a possible choice:

http://www.packers.com/draft/2008/

@ 3-91 and (** 4-102) and TT trades **up and down. He's Da Man :
4-113 To NY Jets with No. 162 ** for No. 102. Originally acquired from NY Jets with No. 36 for No. 30 on Saturday 27 Apr. '08.

4-128 To St. Louis Rams for Nos. 137 & 217

10 new prospects on tap now, so far for us fr. this draft.TT's doing ' his thing '.

Details:

3-91 TE Jermichael Finley Texas 6'4" - 243 lbs.
In 26 games at Texas, Finley started 17 contests. He ranks fourth on the school's career-record list for tight ends with 76 receptions and sixth with 947 yards (12.5 avg).TE Finley's Athleticism Intrigues Packers

4-102 DE Jeremy Thompson Wake Forest 6'4" - 264 lbs.
Thompson started 32 of 46 games at right defensive end, recording 112 tackles (73 solos), including 8.5 sacks for minus 73 yards and 20.5 stops for losses of 92 yards. (from NY Jets for Nos. 113 & 162)

DE Thompson Handled All Roles At Wake

PACKERS FOREVER!

[HarveyWallbangers]

I liked the draft through the first 5 picks (especially Brohm, Lee, and Thompson), but these guys that don't even have a bio haven't exactly worked out. I think Tony Moll, Dave Tollefson, Mike Hawkins, and Kurt Campbell were the other guys that Thompson drafted that didn't even have a bio. Moll has been surprising, but just a good backup. The other three haven't done anything. I know that's not normally, but it just gives me a sinking feeling--especially taking them in the 5th round.

[Rastak]

49ers take WR Morgan:

Strengths: Has adequate height and is thickly built. Is quick and displays good change-of-direction skills. Knows how to find soft spots in zone and not afraid to go over the middle. Shows good sideline awareness and has generally done a good job of getting feet down inbounds. Flashes excellent upper body strength and can shed press coverage. Uses frame to shield defenders from ball, flashes ability to make the tough catch in traffic and has the potential to develop into a productive red zone receiver. Runs hard after the catch and flashes the ability to pick up yards after contact. Flashes a mean streak and can sustain blocks if he wants to. Plays with a good motor and looks to throw blocks downfield. Has experience returning kickoffs as well as punts, can get to the punter when going for a block and can contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite top end-speed and is going to have a harder time getting behind the defense at the NFL level. Doesn't have great elusiveness, isn't fast enough to go the distance when gets a seam and isn't much of a big-play threat. Will occasionally take his eyes off the ball and drops some passes should catch. Doesn't always work hard enough as a backside receiver and his effort as a blocker is even worse. Character is a big concern; charged with obstructing an officer in late September 2006 and Virginia Tech suspended him for the Georgia Tech game as a result.

Overall: In his first three seasons at Virginia Tech (2004-'06), Morgan appeared in 37 games (12 starts) and had 76 receptions for 1,265 yards (16.6 average) and 11 touchdowns. In 14 games (11 starts) as a senior, he posted 46 receptions for 552 yards (12.0 average) and five touchdowns. For his career, he also had 26 kickoff returns for 450 yards (17.3 average), 14 punt returns for 148 yards (10.6 average) and six rushing attempts for 20 yards. Morgan suffered a left foot fracture in the spring before his first season. He was suspended one game in 2006 after his arrest for disorderly conduct and obstructing justice. Morgan has the tools to develop into an effective sub-package possession receiver in the NFL. However, he lacks the top-end speed to provide big plays as a route runner or after-the-catch. He also gives an inconsistent effort and comes with some off-the-field baggage. As a result, Morgan could be selected anywhere from the fourth round to the seventh round of the 2008 draft.

[Rastak]

I liked the draft through the first 5 picks (especially Brohm, Lee, and Thompson), but these guys that don't even have a bio haven't exactly worked out. I think Tony Moll, Dave Tollefson, Mike Hawkins, and Kurt Campbell were the other guys that Thompson drafted that didn't even have a bio. Moll has been surprising, but just a good backup. The other three haven't done anything. I know that's not normally, but it just gives me a sinking feeling--especially taking them in the 5th round.

Hello Harv, were you surprised the Vikings and Packers did a draft day trade? I was pretty surprised.

[MadtownPacker]

Im just jumping on, what was the trade?

[HarveyWallbangers]

Hello Harv, were you surprised the Vikings and Packers did a draft day trade? I was pretty surprised.

What was the trade?

[Rastak]

Im just jumping on, what was the trade?

Packers sent the Vikes a 5th so they could move up and take QB John David Booty....the packers moved back a few spots and got the #2 pick in round 7.

[pbmax]

Which round?

Im just jumping on, what was the trade?

[Rastak]

Hello Harv, were you surprised the Vikings and Packers did a draft day trade? I was pretty surprised.

What was the trade?

see above.....

[Rastak]

Bucs take LB Hayes:

trengths: Takes sound pursuit angles, uses quick feet to avoid blockers in space and shows sideline-to-sideline range. Has good instincts and locates the ball carrier quickly. Squares up to ball carriers, wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler that flashes the ability to deliver the big hit. Gets good depth in drops and rarely gets caught out of position when asked to drop into zone coverage. Gets out of backpedal quickly, shows adequate not great closing speed and generally does a nice job of wrapping up receivers when they catch the ball in front of him. Changes directions well, shows adequate burst coming out of cuts and can match up with most backs as well as tight ends in man coverage. Shows good initial quickness, has the agility to develop effective double moves and is a relentless pass rusher coming off the edge.

Weaknesses: Undersized, can get engulfed at the point of attack and may be a better fit at outside linebacker at the NFL level. Doesn't deliver a violent initial punch, doesn't use hands well and takes too long to shed blocks when gets reached. Does an adequate job of timing the snap when asked to blitz but doesn't have great lower body strength and isn't going to run through most blockers in the backfield so needs a clear path to be effective when rushing the passer up the middle. Missed three games with a knee injury in 2006 and durability is somewhat of a concern.

Overall: Hayes was the only Florida State freshman to appear in all 13 games of the 2005 season. In 2006, he started ten games and missed three games with a knee injury. He recorded 59 tackles including 12 tackles-for-loss that year. Hayes started ten of the 11 games he appeared in during the 2007 season finishing with 80 total tackles including 49 unassisted tackles and 17.5 tackles-for-loss. He also recorded five sacks, one interception and two forced-fumbles last year. Hayes has experience playing OLB and MLB in a 4-3 alignment, as well as ILB in a 3-4. His lack of bulk and problems anchoring against the run are reasons for concern, so it seems likely he will fit best at WLB in the NFL. However, he has the range and instincts to develop into an effective starter for a team that has the personnel at defensive tackle to take up space and keep blockers off him. In addition, he has above-average cover skills and could develop into a valuable special teams' contributor. Hayes projects as a third or fourth round pick.