The Official 2010 NFL Draft Thread

[pittstang5]

just heard it's Graham

[OS PA]

Holy shit that's a reach!

[Rastak]

Eagles take Brandon Graham...


Hmmmmmmmm......


Analysis
Pass rush: Relentless rusher able to pressure the quarterback lining up on the strong or weak side. Lines up at five-technique in some passing situations. Uses his strength, balance and lack of height to get under shoulder pads of tackle. Strong, violent hands to beat his man straight-out or disengage. Lacks a consistent counter move. Has an inside spin move but rarely shows it. Despite his stout build, Graham drops into zone coverage easily and shows some fluidity in space. Backpedal is slow, as expected, but he will still get a shot as a linebacker for a 3-4 team. Lines up wide so he can turn the corner against slower tackles, will struggle to do so against NFL tackles.

Run defense: Can punch the tackle to disengage or maintain the angle to force the action inside when run plays are coming his way. Occasionally gets skinny to penetrate on inside runs. Stays home to contain, watch for bootlegs and stop reverses. Must be more consistent using his hands to defeat cut blocks, although he can still make the tackle after a cut as he recovers fairly well. Has a good motor, works hard to get down the line on runs away from him. Lacks elite speed to chase down NFL backs consistently.

Explosion: Good first step off the ball and pounds his man's jersey on contact when in pure pass-rush mode. Has some pop off the snap when looking for the run, and is able to stand his ground against much bigger linemen. Brings full effort from the first quarter to the fourth, and smells weakness in his opponent. Closes quickly and explodes into the quarterback on a sack.

Strength: Capable of using his lack of height to his advantage, maintaining leverage to hold his ground on the edge. Stacks the tight end and disrupts plays when one-on-one. Can be engulfed by bigger tackles, losing sight of the ball.

Tackling: Above-average arm length allows him to disengage and wrap on running plays to his side, as well as chase down ballcarriers from behind. Does not meet his feet going through trash, making it hard for him to make the tackle when crashing down inside. Stays square and low in space, breaking down to tackle the ballcarrier.

Intangibles: Stepped up his role as a senior from leading by example and becoming a vocal leader who encourages and gets after teammates. Missed two games in 2008 with leg infection. Charged with disorderly conduct in July 2008 for playing music too loud, and failed to show up for trial. Charges were eventually dismissed, and a bench warrant was terminated.

[Rastak]

Couldn't they have stayed put and got him....? Or move up a couple?

[OS PA]

This is where the Pack trade up for Bulaga. If it's gonna happen.

[swede]

I can't believe teams are giving a first a second and a fourth to get one good player.

[Rastak]

Seattle takes Clausen?

[Sparkey]

Is Bulaga going to slide to the Packers pick ?

[Fred's Slacks]

I was still holding hope that he'd be our pick. Dang.

[TheCheese]

If we do trade up, hopefully it will be for Thomas.

[swede]

How many picks will Denver have now?

[Tarlam!]

Clausen must be feeling like Brady and Aaron, right about.......NOW!

[pbmax]

So much for the theory that McCloughan took attitude risks that Singletary didn't like. They jumped up for Davis.

Gosselin isn't faring well, but at least I picked Joe Haden to the Browns for the Rat Mock Draft Extravaganza.

[swede]

Seattle: Okung and Thomas?

Lucky!

[Rastak]

Anyone watching NFL network? Now I know why they are called the big uglies.....