Packerats 2010 Mock Draft

[jmbarnes101]

The Falcons have only had one pick so far and they added Sean Weatherspoon which will certainly help their LB corps. Their weakness is in the front 7 and while they drafted Lawrence Sidbury last year they're going to take another similar player in this spot and hope one or both turns into a solid starter at DE. With these two picks the Falcons hope they have found some pass rushers to help them out.

WIth the 87th pick in the NFL draft the Atlanta Falcons select...

Jason Worilds, DE Virginia Tech

Analysis courtesy of nfldraftcountdown.com
Strengths:
Super Athletic --- Explosive with good speed and a burst --- Very quick and agile --- Active with an excellent motor --- Does a fantastic job in pursuit --- Good strength and power --- Uses hands well --- Plays with proper leverage--- Reliable Tackler --- Comfortable in space --- Smooth dropping in coverage --- Tough --- Feisty --- Versatile --- Hard Worker.

Weaknesses:
Lacks the ideal size that you look for --- Questionable instincts and awareness --- Is not stout at the point of attack against the run --- Is often late off the snap --- Repertoire of pass rush moves is limited --- A ' Tweener who may have to change positions --- Durability is a concern.

Notes:
Was a two-year starter for the Hokies --- Went by "Jason Adjepong" before legally changing his last name in 2007 --- Named 2nd Team All-ACC in 2008 and 2009 --- Has a long history of shoulder injuries which have required multiple surgeries --- Didn't have the huge season most expected in 2009 but was playing through a painful shoulder injury --- Played defensive end in college but could also project to outside linebacker at the next level --- Best fit might come in a 3-4 scheme -- Physical tools and style are eerily reminiscent of Darryl Tapp.

[Joemailman]

For the Bengals, losing T.J. Housh in FA still hurts. Although they signed Antonio Bryant, they still need to do more to upgrade the league's 26th rated pass offense. Therefore, with the 84th selection in the NFL Draft, the cincinnati Bengals select:

Carlton Mitchell WR South Florida

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1253970?tag=pageRow;pageContainer

Analysis
Release: Gets to top speed much faster than expected for his height, eating up cushion and blowing by corners without great speed. Can hesitate to lull defender to sleep, then accelerate to get separation. Is not pressed much because of his size and speed, but seems comfortable giving a shake and using his hands to free himself from the jam.

Hands: Inconsistent hands and traps the ball against his chest more often than not on short to intermediate throws. Tracks balls over his shoulder, able to secure the catch when stretched out on deep balls or throws to the sideline. Excellent red-zone threat. Better adjusting to high throws than low ones, but can get down to make the grab if given room to do so. Loses concentration on easier passes at times.

Route running: Will round off routes at times, but sinks his hips coming in and out of routes pretty well for a 6-4 receiver. Stop and comeback routes are sudden, a dangerous combination with his potential as a deep threat. Uses a head fake to sell routes. Willing to find holes in zones over the middle.

After the catch: Not many tall receivers are used on quick screens, but his surprising quickness and length allows him to succeed. Turns on the jets after the catch, with his long strides making it difficult for defenders to catch him. Can be elusive on screens but fails to avoid defenders when on a dead run. Height makes him a target to be chopped down in the open field by better corners.

Blocking: Has the desire and length to take defenders out of the play when he knows the run is coming, but a failure to break down and mirror his man allows them to avoid his grasp. Runs hard and extends his arms to keep safeties at bay while blocking for fellow receivers downfield. Resorts to ineffective cut blocks at times despite have the size advantage on the edge.

Intangibles: Tough player who bounces up after the big hit. Confident, well-liked in the locker room who has worked hard to be more than a track star playing football.

[OS PA]

Packers are up next after Brandon picks.

Biggest needs - CB, RB, SS, OT, QB, OLB, P

Possible picks - Top Players Available

Name/Pos/School/40yd/10yd
Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson 4.22 1.46
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida 4.64 N/A
Perrish Cox, CB, Ok. S 4.58 1.59
Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas 4.68 1.67
Thaddeus Gibson, DE/OLB, OSU 4.78 1.64
Alex Carrington, DE, Ark. St. 4.92 1.69
Greg Hardy, DE, Miss 4.82 1.75
Reshad Jones, SS, Georgia 4.51 1.56
Larry Asante, SS, Neb. 4.62 1.60
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn 4.34 1.49
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tenn. 4.49 1.51
Ed Wang, OT, V.Tech 5.18 1.78
Selvish Capers, OT, WVU, 5.11 1.74


My vote - 1A. Ben Tate 1B. Perrish Cox, 2A. Thaddeus Gibson 2B. Reshad Jones

[Fred's Slacks]

Packers are up next after Brandon picks.

Biggest needs - CB, RB, SS, OT, QB, OLB, P

Possible picks - Top Players Available

Name/Pos/School/40yd/10yd
Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson 4.22 1.46
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida 4.64 N/A
Perrish Cox, CB, Ok. S 4.58 1.59
Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas 4.68 1.67
Thaddeus Gibson, DE/OLB, OSU 4.78 1.64
Alex Carrington, DE, Ark. St. 4.92 1.69
Greg Hardy, DE, Miss 4.82 1.75
Reshad Jones, SS, Georgia 4.51 1.56
Larry Asante, SS, Neb. 4.62 1.60
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn 4.34 1.49
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tenn. 4.49 1.51
Ed Wang, OT, V.Tech 5.18 1.78
Selvish Capers, OT, WVU, 5.11 1.74


My vote - 1A. Ben Tate 1B. Perrish Cox, 2A. Thaddeus Gibson 2B. Reshad Jones

He'd probably be an exremely unpopular pick here and it would be nice to fill another need but Jacoby Ford could be a nice addition here IMO.

[packrulz]

Packers are up next after Brandon picks.

Biggest needs - CB, RB, SS, OT, QB, OLB, P

Possible picks - Top Players Available

Name/Pos/School/40yd/10yd
Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson 4.22 1.46
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida 4.64 N/A
Perrish Cox, CB, Ok. S 4.58 1.59
Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas 4.68 1.67
Thaddeus Gibson, DE/OLB, OSU 4.78 1.64
Alex Carrington, DE, Ark. St. 4.92 1.69
Greg Hardy, DE, Miss 4.82 1.75
Reshad Jones, SS, Georgia 4.51 1.56
Larry Asante, SS, Neb. 4.62 1.60
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn 4.34 1.49
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tenn. 4.49 1.51
Ed Wang, OT, V.Tech 5.18 1.78
Selvish Capers, OT, WVU, 5.11 1.74


My vote - 1A. Ben Tate 1B. Perrish Cox, 2A. Thaddeus Gibson 2B. Reshad Jones

He'd probably be an exremely unpopular pick here and it would be nice to fill another need but Jacoby Ford could be a nice addition here IMO.

Ben Tate is really good, just ask him, lol. Seriously though, I think he actually ran a 4.43 fourty, not a 4.34, but I would think he would be a great value pick in the third round. Who would run the ball if Grant went down?

[Joemailman]

Reshad Jones would probably make a lot of sense for the Packers in the 3rd round.

[jmbarnes101]

See now this is difficult because different sites will have vastly different values of who's left at this point.

For example, I took these players off the list of top available prospects from nfldraftcountdown (100 top prospects) and it varies from the above list. Of course i'm not just going to list positions of need since TT doesn't draft that way.

Montario Hardesty, RB Tennessee
Mardy Gilyard, WR Cincinnati
Dorin Dickerson, TE Pittsburgh
Aaron Hernandez, TE Florida
J.D. Walton, C Baylor
Jason Fox, T Miami
Selvish Capers, T West Virginia
Jermane Cunningham, DE Florida
Alex Carrington, DE Arkansas State
Greg Hardy, DE Mississippi
Arthur Jones, DT Syracuse
Jamar Chaney, ILB Mississippi State
Thaddeus Gibson, OLB Ohio State
Perrish Cox, CB Oklahoma State
Amari Spievey, CB Iowa
Zoltan Mesko, P Michigan (he's not on the list but since we've taken a Big 10 punter in the 3rd round before I thought I should include him; he's top rated)
Italicized players are those on both lists.

Even though WR isn't an issue I'd like to see us add a dynamic threat like Gilyard at this spot. Especially since he can return kicks and punts.

BTW, how weird is it to not have any Ohio State, Wisconsin, or Purdue players gone or really even looked at in the first three rounds? Thaddeus Gibson is the first one on a list and he may go in the 4th. Just so odd to not see anybody from "The Ohio State University" being selected until late. There are only a couple of real prospects from each school (Gibson & Coleman for OhSt - Schofield/Graham for Badgers).

[packrulz]

Brandon494 is on the clock...

[Brandon494]

Since I can't name one Browns WR off the top of my head I decided with the 85th pick in the NFL draft Cleveland selects....

Mardy Gilyard

Overview

Gilyard is an excellent college receiver with top athleticism and above average acceleration and average speed and size for the next level. He has been extremely productive in a passing offense but will need work on making his routes more precise as well as on his release off the line. He is extremely dangerous once he has the ball in his hands and can be a threat to take it all the way with his running skills. He can short arm the ball when he hears footsteps and will need to work on his receiving skills when in traffic.


Strengths

Gilyard is a very athletic prospect who was extremely productive in college. Is a terror in the open field with the ball in his hands after catch. Has the quickness and burst to separate from defenders when running short to intermediate routes. Is a high-character guy on the field.

Weaknesses

Gilyard has adequate height but lacks the bulk you like to see in a starting receiver and isn’t a good blocker. Is quicker than fast and top end speed is only adequate – won’t blow by many pro DB’s. Hands are inconsistent. Makes too many body catches.

[Brandon494]

Packers are up next after Brandon picks.

Biggest needs - CB, RB, SS, OT, QB, OLB, P

Possible picks - Top Players Available

Name/Pos/School/40yd/10yd
Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson 4.22 1.46
Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida 4.64 N/A
Perrish Cox, CB, Ok. S 4.58 1.59
Roddrick Muckelroy, OLB, Texas 4.68 1.67
Thaddeus Gibson, DE/OLB, OSU 4.78 1.64
Alex Carrington, DE, Ark. St. 4.92 1.69
Greg Hardy, DE, Miss 4.82 1.75
Reshad Jones, SS, Georgia 4.51 1.56
Larry Asante, SS, Neb. 4.62 1.60
Ben Tate, RB, Auburn 4.34 1.49
Montario Hardesty, RB, Tenn. 4.49 1.51
Ed Wang, OT, V.Tech 5.18 1.78
Selvish Capers, OT, WVU, 5.11 1.74


My vote - 1A. Ben Tate 1B. Perrish Cox, 2A. Thaddeus Gibson 2B. Reshad Jones

My vote would be Perrish Cox. Not only would he add depth at the CB position but he would add to special teams in the return game. I like Ben Tate but he is nothing different from what we have in Ryan Grant. Also believe we can find a running back in the later rounds.

Overview

Cox had another productive season in 2009 as the most active secondary defender for the Cowboys as well as an effective return specialist. He has an excellent combination of size, strength and athleticism. He has good ball skills and does a nice job of making plays in the open field. He can be physical to reroute receivers off the line of scrimmage. Cox is quick and has a knack for finding creases as a returner. He is inconsistent to shed blockers as a run defender but is a willing tackler on the perimeter. His instincts are average when reacting to the pass and needs to improve his awareness when reading route progressions. Cox needs technique work as a secondary defender and likely will have his biggest impact on special teams in his rookie season.

Strengths

Cox has ideal height and bulk. Explosive with very good top-end speed and lateral agility. Possesses great ups and soft hands which makes him a ball-hawk in the secondary. Effective in press coverage and strong enough to support the run. Talented return man who scores touchdowns.

Weaknesses

A bit stiff in the hips, especially when getting out of his backpedal. Does not consistently make good reads and reacts late. Gives too much of a cushion and looks lackadaisical at times. Gets turned around too often and sometimes struggles to find the ball. Misses some tackles by dipping his head.

[jmbarnes101]

Since I can't name one Browns WR off the top of my head I decided with the 85th pick in the NFL draft Cleveland selects....

Mardy Gilyard

Sure, give them the guy I wanted us to take.

[Bretsky]

Since I can't name one Browns WR off the top of my head I decided with the 85th pick in the NFL draft Cleveland selects....

Mardy Gilyard

Sure, give them the guy I wanted us to take.

I wanted him too; dang good pick for round 3

[packrulz]

The Packers select: Perrish Cox CB Oklahoma State
Overview
After a U.S. Army All-American prep career in Waco, Cox made an immediate impact for the Cowboys. He returned the opening kickoff of the 2006 season for a touchdown, becoming the first 'Poke true freshman to do that since Barry Sanders in 1988.

That season Cox made 24 tackles and two interceptions, then followed it up with another solid campaign in 2007, when he started the last eight contests. He was named honorable mention All-Big 12 by league coaches in 2008 after putting together his second consecutive season with two interceptions and eight pass breakups. Cox capped off his career in Stillwater with a first-team all-conference senior year in which he led the nation in passes defended per game (1.73, four interceptions, 15 pass breakups).

Simply looking at Cox's size, straight-line speed and statistics, including his return skills (six career touchdowns) leads one to believe he could be a top-40 pick. But questions about his maturity, tackling, and technique against top-flight receivers might cause him to fall further than expected.

Analysis
Read & React: Recognizes routes and diagnoses whether the receiver is the primary read by reading body language. Alert to swing passes in the flat in zone coverage. Reads receiver screens, avoids the block and closes to make the play near or behind the line. A step slow attacking in his zone or to chase plays, and will take poor angles to the ball.

Man Coverage: Should flourish as a press cover corner at the next level. Smooth hip transition from backpedal. Best in press coverage, using his length and size to neutralize the receiver, but could be more consistent getting his hands on jersey at the line. Keeps contact with receiver downfield to prevent separation. Has height and vertical leap to win jump balls. Often forces quarterback to look in another direction. Will lose his balance and footing on double moves. Likes to be physical downfield and must be more disciplined in this area.

Zone Coverage: Smooth pedal for his height and usually stays low. Maintains cushion for a few steps. Changes direction easily to shadow receiver. Can knock receiver off a route before letting him go to the safety. Keeps eyes in the backfield to make play on short throws or runs. Will come off his man to give help behind him when the ball is in the air.

Closing/Recovery: Good arm length to knock away passes after recovering, will take the ball out of receivers' hands during the catch. Must learn to read receivers' eyes and turn for the ball in man. Can accelerate to the ball in front of him, but has only adequate recovery speed if beaten off the line or on double moves. Only average hands for the interception, and will drop catchable passes.

Run Support: Willing in run support, displaying the toughness to get after a ballcarrier. Maintains outside leverage to keep running backs from getting the corner. Despite his height and well-developed upper body and leg builds, does not stand up against or get off downfield blocks from larger receivers very well. Uses his speed to run around blocks on receiver screens.

Tackling: Closes on receivers well when playing off, and will wrap the legs or waist to secure the tackle immediately after the catch. Has the strength to lift and plant receivers when tackling with squared shoulders. Drops his head when tackling in the open field, however, leading to missed tackles.

Intangibles: Started to take on a leadership role in the secondary as a senior, but his maturity is under question again after missing curfew before the Cotton Bowl and later tweeting about it. Good work ethic in the weight room, although it does not always translate on the field. Has three children. Arrested for speeding and driving with a suspended license in September 2009. Solid kickoff returner with necessary size and speed but must improve his vision to find open lanes and hit them hard instead of dancing; he will not get the corner against NFL special teams coverage units. Needs work on his blocking when in tandem return formation.

jmbarnes101 is on the clock...

[jmbarnes101]

Still needing help in the front seven the Philadelphia Eagles will elect to fill that hole with the first Buckeye taken off the board.

Thaddeus Gibson, DE/OLB, OSU

With Gibson they get a competant player that should be able to play and if he can't start should still be able to provide depth at DE and OLB. With Weatherspoon and Alualu they should be able to update their front seven considerably.

I'll provide more analysis later. I also considered Hardy and Arthur Jones at this spot.

[Joemailman]

Arizona lost Karlos Dansby in free agency and Gerald Hayes will turn 30 this year.

Therefore, the Arizona Cardinals select Donald Butler, ILB Washibgton

Strengths:
Great size with a muscular physique --- Very Athletic --- Explosive and fast with a burst --- Smooth with nice agility and quickness --- Terrific instincts to read and react --- Excellent strength --- Does a fantastic job in pursuit and closes in a hurry --- Able to avoid blockers --- Reliable tackler --- Can match up in man coverage --- Decent blitzer --- Hard Worker --- Leader --- Versatile --- Superb special teamer --- Productive.

Weaknesses:
Durability may be a concern --- Struggles when he has to take on and shed blockers --- Lacks power in his game --- Not a big hitter --- Can be too aggressive at times --- Gets engulfed when massive linemen lock on --- Is not stout at the point of attack --- Frame might be maxed out.