Official 2007 Live Draft Thread

[Rastak]

Steelers


Ryan McBean
DT | (6'4", 286, 4.98) | OKLAHOMA STATE

Scouts Grade: 74

Flags: (B: BULK/SIZE) Lacks size/bulk for position Selected by: Pittsburgh Steelers
Round: 4
Pick (Overall): 33(132)


Strengths: Possesses good size-potential. Anticipates snaps fairly well, has a quick first step and can disrupt running plays in the backfield. Keeps head up and generally locates the ball carrier quickly. Plays with a good motor and shows decent range. Moves well laterally and runs line stunts well. Flashes an effective rip move and closes well when gets a clear path to the passer. Flashes a decent spin move and is a relentless pass rusher. Keeps driving legs once in position and flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Plays with a mean streak and can deliver a big hit when gets to the quarterback.

Weaknesses: Lacks great lower body strength, he plays too high and can get driven off the ball. Avoids blockers rather than stacking them up, is overaggressive and gets caught out of position at times. Though he flashes a strong upper body and the ability to shed blocks quickly, he doesn't always use hands well and is somewhat inconsistent. Doesn't protect legs well and is vulnerable to cut blocks. Lacks ideal awareness and takes too long to react to screens as well as draws. Frequently fails to wrap up upon contact and is an inconsistent tackler. Though relatively tall and has long arms, he doesn't always get hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback.

Overall: McBean originally attended Hinds Community College in 2003 where he started from day-one and finished his sophomore season in 2004 with 58 total tackles and seven sacks, earning all-conference honors. He arrived at Oklahoma State for spring practice in 2005, and then started all 11 contests at defensive tackle and recorded 37 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. McBean started all 13 games in 2006 and amassed 25 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
McBean lacks ideal size and will never be a two-gap defender. However, he has the frame, quickness, upper-body power and tenacity to develop into a quality starter in a one-gap scheme. He should continue to grow and get stronger over time. Depending on the scheme, McBean could fit as a defensive end or defensive tackle in the NFL. Regardless, he projects as a late-first day pick.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

[Tarlam!]

Just listened to Barbre.

Man, small town southern kid. He needs someone to coach him on PR.

[RashanGary]

Our depth is slowly getting back to servicable. We were stripped completely but as some of these young guys mature like Jolly, Hodge, Blackmon, Ingle Martin, and maybe some of the ones we get this year; we'll be in bettter shape for injury or retirement or other forms of turnover.

[Rastak]

Falcons

Martrez Milner
TE | (6'3", 252, 4.79) | GEORGIA

Scouts Grade: 73 Selected by: Atlanta Falcons
Round: 4
Pick (Overall): 34(133)


Strengths: Possesses adequate height and room on his frame to add bulk. He shows good initial quickness and does a fine job of reaching the second-level and hitting the moving target as a blocker in space. He has adequate upper body power and shows the ability to jar defenders with his hand punch. He is a fluid athlete with adequate top-end speed. Shows the ability to make the difficult catch at times and occasionally will adjust to the poorly thrown ball. Shows some upside as a receiver and should continue to develop with more experience. His quickness, coordination and balance are promising, though.

Weaknesses: He lacks experience and exposure. Is somewhat unpolished and has much room to improve in terms of overall technique. Far too unreliable catching the ball. Lets the ball get into his pads and doesn't show consistent focus in that regard. He needs to do a better job with his first step and blocking angles. He lacks ideal bulk and will get overwhelmed by bigger, stronger defenders at the point of attack. Needs to get bigger and stronger. Has some minor durability concerns due to back spasms in 2004.

Overall: Milner was redshirted upon his arrival in Athens in 2002. He played in 13 games in 2003 as backup tight end making one catch for 15 yards also seeing time on special teams. In 2004, Milner appeared in 10 games making two starts and caught four passes for 77 yards but missed time because of back spasms. He appeared in all 13 games in 2005 and made four starts, finishing the season with 14 catches for 291 yards, averaging 20.8 yards per catch, and scoring two touchdowns. In 2006, Milner was selected to the All-SEC third team after appearing in 12 games, with 10 starts, and recorded 30 receptions for 425 yards (14.1 average) and three touchdowns.
Milner was rising up draft boards thanks to a fast start to his senior season, which was his first as a fulltime starter after backing up Leonard Pope (Cardinals) the previous couple years. However, he cooled off significantly from that point on and was demoted to second string after he dropped three passes in the loss to Florida. Milner is far too inconsistent as a route runner and blocker, and he lets too many balls get into his pads as a receiver. While his upside is intriguing, we think Milner is too much of a risk to draft on Day 1.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

[MJZiggy]

Just listened to Barbre.

Man, small town southern kid. He needs someone to coach him on PR.

I have time.

[Rastak]

Ravens


Antwan Barnes
OLB | (6'0", 240, 4.43) | FLORIDA INTL

Scouts Grade: 59 Selected by: Baltimore Ravens
Round: 4
Pick (Overall): 35(134)


Strengths: Explosive and capable of disrupting plays in the backfield. Flashes above-average upper body strength, extends arms once in position and is capable of shedding blocks quickly. Plays with adequate leverage and is stronger at the point of attack than size would indicate. Though doesn't always take great pursuit angles, plays with a good motor, can slip blocks in space and shows good range. Plays with a mean streak and can deliver big hits. Is fast enough to turn the corner when rushing the passer and shows good closing speed when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Has experience lining up at defensive end and can effectively rush the passer from that position.

Weaknesses: Takes too long to break play down and has problems locating the ball. Lacks elite size, hasn't shown great lower body strength and is going to have problems holding ground when teams run at him. Doesn't read routes well, doesn't have elite ball skills and isn't much of a playmaker in coverage. Lacks ideal experience dropping into coverage, doesn't show great awareness in zone coverage and is vulnerable to play action. Though has the athletic ability to improve in this area hasn't shown a variety of pass rush moves.

Overall: Barnes stepped right into the starting lineup for all 12 games as a true freshman in 2003 and registered 57 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble. In 2004, he started three of the 10 contests he appeared in, making 53 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, forced two fumbles, blocked one kick, and returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown. Barnes began the 2005 season at linebacker but was moved to defensive end in the third game, eventually earning a first team All-Sun Belt accolade. For the year, he collected 45 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. Barnes again started all 12 contests in 2006, amassed 69 total tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery to earn more All-Sun Belt recognition.
Barnes doesn't have the size to line up at defensive end fulltime in the NFL and there are concerns about his ability to hold up in coverage at linebacker. However, he has a great deal of upside as a pass rush specialist and he could develop into a quality every-down linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Once considered a fringe late-round prospect, Barnes' tremendous combine workout helped verify what we saw of him on film against typically lower-level D-IA competition. Barnes could come off the board as early as the fourth round.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

[Rastak]

49ers

Joe Cohen
DE | (6'2", 313, 5.1) | FLORIDA

Scouts Grade: 39 Selected by: San Francisco 49ers
Round: 4
Pick (Overall): 36(135)


Strengths: Possesses a good combination of bulk and agility. Continues to add weight and is starting to project better as a one-gap DT prospect in terms of NFL potential. He shows good initial quickness out of his stance and flashes explosive power to knock offensive linemen back on their heels when he stays low.

Weaknesses: He is a bit of a misfit without a true position. Has spent time playing defensive end and defensive tackle at Florida, but has major deficiencies at both positions. He lacks ideal size as an interior prospect. Does a poor job of using his hands to keep separation and allows linemen to get into his pads too easily. He gets rag-dolled too easily when teams run at him. He is quick as an interior pass rusher but lacks top-end speed as an edge rusher. Seems to lack instincts as a pass rusher. Needs to improve his array of moves and do a better job of getting off of blocks once reached.

Overall: Cohen appeared in 10 games as a true freshman in 2003, mostly as an H-back, missed one game with a hamstring injury, carried once for no gain, and recorded one tackle. He moved to defensive end in 2004, started all 12 games finishing with 28 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble. In 2005, Cohen played in all 12 games (started the final nine), made 15 total tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception. He appeared in all 14 games (12 starts) during the 2006 season and finished with 26 tackles, two tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, and one forced fumble.
Cohen is a bit of a 'tweener DE/DT prospect with inadequate size as an every-down DT and inadequate speed as an every-down DE prospect. Regardless, he is a decent athlete for his size and he has enough talent to develop into a versatile reserve in the NFL if properly motivated and coached. Cohen projects as a late-round pick in the 2007 class.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

[Badgerinmaine]

Vikes trade detail....I like it....



Broncos trade up with Vikings

Wow, I don't blame you for liking it.

[Rastak]

Colts

Clint Sessions
OLB | (6'0", 233, 4.7) | PITTSBURGH

Scouts Grade: 30 Selected by: Indianapolis Colts
Round: 4
Pick (Overall): 37(136)


Strengths: Is aggressive, has adequate initial quickness and can make plays at the line of scrimmage. Plays with a mean streak and is a powerful open field tackler that can jar the ball loose. Diagnose plays quickly and does a good job of locating the ball carrier. Uses hands well, extends arms once in position and sheds blocks quickly.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size, doesn't always get under blocker's pads and has problems holding ground when teams run at him. Isn't big enough to line up at SLB in the NFL and will need to find a niche. Has had some durability issues in the past.

Overall: Sessions saw action in 12 of 13 games (sat out against Temple; minor concussion) in 2003 as a true freshman and recorded 39 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and one sack. He took over as the starting middle linebacker in 2004 collecting 91 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sack, and two interceptions while playing in all 12 games. Sessions moved to "SAM" linebacker in 2005 but was hindered by several injuries (knee, shin) and played in just eight contests (two starts) registering 28 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. He came back in 2006, starting all 12 games and tallying 101 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception (returned 78 yards for a touchdown), one fumble recovery, and five forced fumbles.
Sessions struggled through injuries and a position change (from MLB to SLB) as a junior in 2005 but he made tremendous progress as a senior in 2006. While he lacks ideal size, Sessions plays with a mean streak and he also possesses very good instincts. He will fit best inside or on the weak-side in the NFL and he should also make an impact on special teams. Sessions is unlikely to be drafted in 2007.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

[Rastak]

Ravens

Le'Ron McClain
FB | (6'0", 256, 4.88) | ALABAMA

Scouts Grade: 47 Selected by: Baltimore Ravens
Round: 4
Pick (Overall): 38(137)


Strengths: Possesses good size and is thickly built. Takes good angles to blocks, stays under control in space and can adjust to the moving target at the second level. Shows good balance and does a quality job of sustaining blocks once in position. Possesses good vision and reads blocks fairly well. Shows some ability as a short-yardage runner but is a more effective short-yardage receiver. Rarely drops passes that should catch and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Shows surprisingly good ability adjusting to the ball away from his frame as a receiver and he has the potential to develop into a productive red zone target. Shows awareness and generally does a good job of picking up the blitz.

Weaknesses: Lacks the burst to turn the corner and doesn't show a second gear in the open field. Doesn't have the quick feet to cut back and isn't going to make many defenders miss in the open field. He has good size and natural strength, but seems to lack explosive initial pop as a blocker.

Overall: McClain played in 11 games as a true freshman in 2003, when he finished with one carry for one yard and two catches for 35 yards. In 2004, McClain saw time in 12 games (started the last four) and registered 17 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns, and caught eight passes for 55 yards and three touchdowns. McClain played in all 12 games during the 2005 season (10 starts), when he carried eight times for 39 yards and caught 18 passes for 140 yards including two touchdowns. In 2006 he started all 13 games and finished with 11 carries for 64 yards (5.8 average) and 20 catches for 175 yards and three touchdowns.
McClain isn't a great athlete and he isn't going to make many big plays as a receiver or a runner. He has been far more productive catching the ball than carrying it, and he is an effective lead-blocker with good size. McLain ranks as one of the top-three fullback prospects in the 2007 class, which will get him drafted no earlier than the fifth round.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

[Scott Campbell]

The disparity in these guys draft grades is pretty funny.

[Rastak]

The disparity in these guys draft grades is pretty funny.

Yea, what is a 20 or a 30? A guy who never player before?

[pacfan]

so will we be able to address our TE need in the draft, is there anybody left?

What other position, outside of GM, can we fix in this draft?

[Rastak]

Raiders

Jay Richardson
DE | (6'5", 279, 5.0) | OHIO STATE

Scouts Grade: 31

Flags: (S: SPEED) Player lacks ideal speed at position Selected by: Oakland Raiders
Round: 5
Pick (Overall): 1(138)
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Strengths: Possesses adequate lower body strength, can get under blocker's pads and can hold ground when teams run at him. Reads keys well and rarely gets caught out of position. Plays with a mean streak, uses hands fairly well and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Possesses adequate initial quickness, anticipates snaps well and can beat blockers to the point of attack. Shows adequate lateral mobility and runs line stunts fairly well. Plays with a non-stop motor and is a relentless pass rusher. Is tall, times jumps well and gets hands up when isn't going to get to the quarterback. Is an effective interior pass rusher and has some experience lining up at defensive tackle so is versatile. Two-year starter that showed progress at the collegiate level and that should continue to get better as gains more experience.

Weaknesses: Though takes sound pursuit angles, lacks ideal range and isn't a sideline-to-sideline defender. Doesn't have elite explosiveness, isn't fast enough to turn the corner and doesn't have great closing speed. Though flashes an effective spin move, takes too long to change directions when rushing the passer and rarely forces offensive lineman to redirect. Plays too high at times and can get driven off the ball when doesn't play with sound technique.

Overall: Richardson arrived at Ohio State in 2002 and was redshirted. In 2003, he played sparingly in five games and made two tackles as a redshirt freshman. Richardson started the first six contests of the 2004 season before suffering a knee injury in practice prior to the matchup with Indiana and then appeared in three more games, finishing the year with 15 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. In 2005, he saw action in all 12 games off the bench as part of the defensive line rotation and recorded 11 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Richardson started all 13 contests in 2006 and registered 25 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one fumble recovery, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades.
Richardson lacks ideal speed and athleticism but he is a tall, deceptively strong and disciplined defensive end who can also line up at tackle in pass-rush situations. If he exceeds low expectations during postseason workouts, Richardson could solidify a spot in the final two or three rounds of the 2007 draft.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.

[Rastak]

Rams


Dustin Fry
OC | (6'2", 314, 5.4) | CLEMSON

Scouts Grade: 33 Selected by: St. Louis Rams
Round: 5
Pick (Overall): 2(139)


Strengths: Possesses adequate-to-good height for an interior lineman and he also is a massive wide-body type. He is a workout warrior with tremendous overall test results in the weight room. Shows adequate lower body strength and explosive upper body power. Does a good job of firing out of his stance and shows the initial pop to knock defenders back. He's thickly built and does a good job of anchoring in pass pro. He's tough and has proven capable of playing through pain.

Weaknesses: Lacks ideal athletic ability. He takes too long to reach the second level and struggles to consistently hit a moving target. He can look a bit stiff when moving laterally and will have some trouble versus quick double-move in pass pro. Has room to improve in terms of hand-placement in pass pro.

Overall: Fry was redshirted in 2002. He saw significant action in all 13 games in 2003 and received two starts. In 2004, Fry once again served as a backup lineman but continued to log considerable playing time in all 11 games, including one start at right guard. Fry took over as a starting guard vs. Wake Forest in 2005 and wound up starting the rest of the season, earning All-ACC Second Team honors. In addition to his starting role at guard in 2005, Fry saw time at center and tackle. Fry started all 13 games at center in 2006.
Fry is a bit of a late-blooming prospect. He did not emerge as a starter until his junior season but he has started every game since and has shown significant improvement during the two-year span. He lacks ideal agility at the position and he's still somewhat of a work in progress from a technique standpoint. However, Fry possesses the size and power to possibly contribute in the NFL. Also adding to Fry's value is his versatility as an interior offensive lineman that could potentially serve as a backup at center and both guard positions. Fry warrants late-round consideration in the 2007 draft.



* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.