-
Follow us on Twitter @buckeyeplanet and @bp_recruiting, like us on Facebook! Enjoy a post or article, recommend it to others! BP is only as strong as its community, and we only promote by word of mouth, so share away!
- Thread starter Buckeye513
- Start date
bucknut11
Defense still wins Championships
Here you go. SI's latest mock draft without Young going to da Raiders....
and as an added bonus<table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td class="pick">5</td> <td class="player"></td> <td class="player_a">LB</td> <td class="player_name_a">A.J. Hawk</td> <td class="player_a">Ohio State</td> <td class="player_a">Sr.</td> <td class="player_a">6-1</td> <td class="weight_a">240</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="analysis" colspan="8"> The Packers need help in their defensive front seven, and Hawk is the cleanest player on the board who fits the bill. But WWBFD? Translation: What would Brett Favre do? Will taking Hawk help convince Favre to return for another season? Or would the Packers' case be better made by giving somebody a shot to take tight end Vernon Davis, or one of the quarterbacks, in exchange for another pick or two?</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td class="pick">7</td> <td class="player_a">
</td> <td class="player_a">QB</td> <td class="player_name_a">Matt Leinart</td> <td class="player_a">USC</td> <td class="player_a">Sr.</td> <td class="player_a">6-5</td> <td class="weight_a">225</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="analysis" colspan="8"> C'mon, the idea of teaming the Raiders up with a big, left-handed quarterback with a knack for throwing the touch pass has to be almost irresistible to Al Davis, who loved everything about the Ken Stabler era. The Raiders also like Texas S-CB Michael Huff, who would be a playmaker for the secondary. But our hunch is the No. 3 Titans and No. 7 Raiders take Young and Leinart in some order.</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td class="pick">15</td> <td class="player">
</td> <td class="player_a">WR</td> <td class="player_name_a">Santonio Holmes</td> <td class="player_a">Ohio State</td> <td class="player_a">Jr.</td> <td class="player_a">5-11</td> <td class="weight_a">190</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="analysis" colspan="8"> With the Broncos now holding just one first-round pick after shipping No. 22 to San Francisco this week, they will likely prioritize their need at receiver. Give them Holmes over Florida's Chad Jackson, based on Holmes' ability to roll up yardage after the catch, which separates the men from the boys in NFL receiving circles.</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td class="pick_a">18</td> <td class="player_a">
</td> <td class="player_a">S</td> <td class="player_name_a">Donte Whitner</td> <td class="player_a">Ohio State</td> <td class="player_a">Jr.</td> <td class="player_a">5-10</td> <td class="weight_a">205</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="analysis_a" colspan="8"> The Cowboys could be on the move downward in the first round if they don't like their choices at No. 18, but Whitner at least fills their need for a free safety who can cover ground. The Buckeyes junior ran a pair of blazing 40s (4.37 and 4.39) during the Ohio State pro day workouts, and this is probably too high to take an offensive tackle like Auburn's Marcus McNeill.</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td class="pick">23</td> <td class="player">
</td> <td class="player">CB</td> <td class="player_name">Ashton Youboty</td> <td class="player">Ohio State</td> <td class="player">Jr.</td> <td class="player">6-1</td> <td class="weight">188</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="analysis" colspan="8"> The Bucs love Cromartie and hope he's still available when their turn comes. They'd also be thrilled if Virginia Tech's Williams tumbles to No. 23. Barring that, and barring a reach at offensive tackle (Auburn's Marcus McNeill), give them Youboty, the best of the remaining first-round cornerback prospects.</td></tr></tbody></table><table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td class="pick">25</td> <td class="player">
</td> <td class="player_a">LB</td> <td class="player_name_a">Bobby Carpenter</td> <td class="player_a">Ohio State</td> <td class="player_a">Sr.</td> <td class="player_a">6-3</td> <td class="weight_a">255</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="analysis" colspan="8"> Depending on what New York does in the LaVar Arrington bidding, linebacker might slide a bit further down the need list. But Carpenter is head coach Tom Coughlin's type of solid, dependable player, and the Giants always love those Big Ten prospects.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Anyone have a copy of the Minny game for those scouts to see Maroney "making the corner"?<table style="border: 1px solid rgb(102, 102, 102);" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="554"><tbody><tr><td class="pick_a">30</td> <td class="player_a"></td> <td class="player">RB</td> <td class="player_name">Laurence Maroney</td> <td class="player">Minnesota</td> <td class="player">Jr.</td> <td class="player">5-11</td> <td class="weight">205</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="analysis_a" colspan="8"> Who needs Edgerrin James when a talent like Maroney can be had with the 30th overall pick? Maroney's game seems nicely suited to the Colts' fast-track offense, and he can both make the corner and catch the ball out of the backfield. Indy's gamble to let James walk is going to wind up looking astute.</td></tr></tbody></table>
Upvote
0
SN
4/21
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tbody><tr class="v11" valign="middle"><td width="5">
</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td align="right">
</td> <td width="5">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="5">
</td> <td colspan="2">
</td> <td width="5">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <script> var initialFontSize = 15; if(parseInt(getCookie("adjustableFontSize"))) { initialFontSize = getCookie("adjustableFontSize"); document.write("<style>.adjustableFont{font-size: "+initialFontSize+";}</style>"); } function fontSizeOnChange(dropdownObject) { var fontSize = dropdownObject.value; var elements = document.getElementsByName("adjustableFont"); for(var i=0; i<elements.length; i++) { var element = elements; element.style.fontSize = fontSize + "px"; } setCookie("adjustableFontSize", fontSize, (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 * 365), "/"); } </script> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tbody><tr class="v11" valign="middle"> <td width="5">
</td> <td> Ohio State is the class of the draft
</td> <td align="right" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td width="5">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <script src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/prototype.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/effects.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="http://i.sportingnews.com/phpbb/js/commenting.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="5">
</td> <td class="v11" width="555">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="text"> Posted: April 20, 2006
Reggie Bush. Matt Leinart. Winston Justice. Taitusi Lutui. LenDale White. Darnell Bing. Dominique Byrd. Fred Matua. Frostee Rucker. Scott Ware.
Southern California, the school from the city of stars, will illuminate the draft.
Bush and Leinart are expected to be among the top four overall selections. Justice could be a top 10 pick. USC could produce as many as six first-round picks, but it more likely will have four. One general manager says he expects every starter for the 2005 Trojans offense to play in the NFL.
<table style="padding-left: 4px;" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><script>OAS_AD("TopRight")</script>
</td></tr></tbody></table>So is the USC class of 2006 the best draft class from a school ever? It's good but not that good. In fact, it might not even be the best this year. "Some of these players are overhyped because they played at USC," one AFC scouting director says. "In some ways, the Ohio State class might be better this year. It's a group with a lot less baggage."
Justice has had some scrapes with the law. White has dropped on most draft boards because of concerns about his personality, plus he can't or won't run a 40 because of a hamstring problem. Byrd's dedication has been questioned. Lutui has had weight problems.
The Ohio State class is much cleaner by comparison. The Buckeyes' headliners are linebackers A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, cornerback Ashton Youboty and offensive linemen Nick Mangold and Rob Sims. All but Sims have a chance of going in Round 1.
The best ever? Probably the Miami class of 2004, with six first-rounders: Sean Taylor, Kellen Winslow, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Vernon Carey and Vince Wilfork. You also could make a case for the Hurricanes' 2002 class, which included five first-rounders -- Bryant McKinnie, Jeremy Shockey, Phillip Buchanon, Ed Reed and Mike Rumph -- as well as Clinton Portis in the second round.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at [email protected].
</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody> </table>
4/21
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tbody><tr class="v11" valign="middle"><td width="5">
</td> <td nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td align="right">
</td> <td width="5">
</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="5">
</td> <td colspan="2">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <script> var initialFontSize = 15; if(parseInt(getCookie("adjustableFontSize"))) { initialFontSize = getCookie("adjustableFontSize"); document.write("<style>.adjustableFont{font-size: "+initialFontSize+";}</style>"); } function fontSizeOnChange(dropdownObject) { var fontSize = dropdownObject.value; var elements = document.getElementsByName("adjustableFont"); for(var i=0; i<elements.length; i++) { var element = elements; element.style.fontSize = fontSize + "px"; } setCookie("adjustableFontSize", fontSize, (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 * 365), "/"); } </script> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tbody><tr class="v11" valign="middle"> <td width="5">
</td> <td> Ohio State is the class of the draft
</td> <td align="right" nowrap="nowrap">
</td> <td width="5">
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <script src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/prototype.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/effects.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script src="http://i.sportingnews.com/phpbb/js/commenting.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="780"> <tbody><tr valign="top"><td width="5">
</td> <td class="v11" width="555">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="text"> Posted: April 20, 2006
Reggie Bush. Matt Leinart. Winston Justice. Taitusi Lutui. LenDale White. Darnell Bing. Dominique Byrd. Fred Matua. Frostee Rucker. Scott Ware.
Southern California, the school from the city of stars, will illuminate the draft.
Bush and Leinart are expected to be among the top four overall selections. Justice could be a top 10 pick. USC could produce as many as six first-round picks, but it more likely will have four. One general manager says he expects every starter for the 2005 Trojans offense to play in the NFL.
<table style="padding-left: 4px;" align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td><script>OAS_AD("TopRight")</script>
</td></tr></tbody></table>So is the USC class of 2006 the best draft class from a school ever? It's good but not that good. In fact, it might not even be the best this year. "Some of these players are overhyped because they played at USC," one AFC scouting director says. "In some ways, the Ohio State class might be better this year. It's a group with a lot less baggage."
Justice has had some scrapes with the law. White has dropped on most draft boards because of concerns about his personality, plus he can't or won't run a 40 because of a hamstring problem. Byrd's dedication has been questioned. Lutui has had weight problems.
The Ohio State class is much cleaner by comparison. The Buckeyes' headliners are linebackers A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, cornerback Ashton Youboty and offensive linemen Nick Mangold and Rob Sims. All but Sims have a chance of going in Round 1.
The best ever? Probably the Miami class of 2004, with six first-rounders: Sean Taylor, Kellen Winslow, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Vernon Carey and Vince Wilfork. You also could make a case for the Hurricanes' 2002 class, which included five first-rounders -- Bryant McKinnie, Jeremy Shockey, Phillip Buchanon, Ed Reed and Mike Rumph -- as well as Clinton Portis in the second round.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at [email protected].
</td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody> </table>
Upvote
0
<SCRIPT> var initialFontSize = 15; if(parseInt(getCookie("adjustableFontSize"))) { initialFontSize = getCookie("adjustableFontSize"); document.write("<style>.adjustableFont{font-size: "+initialFontSize+";}</style>"); } function fontSizeOnChange(dropdownObject) { var fontSize = dropdownObject.value; var elements = document.getElementsByName("adjustableFont"); for(var i=0; i<elements.length; i++) { var element = elements; element.style.fontSize = fontSize + "px"; } setCookie("adjustableFontSize", fontSize, (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 * 365), "/"); } </SCRIPT><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=780 border=0><TBODY><TR class=v11 vAlign=center><TD width=5>
</TD><TD>Ohio State is the class of the draft</I>
</TD><TD noWrap align=right></I>
</TD><TD width=5></I>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><SCRIPT src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/prototype.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/effects.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://i.sportingnews.com/phpbb/js/commenting.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=780 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=5></I>
</TD><TD class=v11 width=555></I>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=text>
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at [email protected].
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Wow, that was refreshing to read.
Upvote
0
BuckeyeKid789
Guest
</I>SN
4/21
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=780 border=0><TBODY><TR class=v11 vAlign=center><TD width=5>
</TD><TD noWrap>
</TD><TD align=right>
</TD><TD width=5>
</TD></TR><TR><TD width=5>
</TD><TD colSpan=2></TD><TD width=5>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><SCRIPT> var initialFontSize = 15; if(parseInt(getCookie("adjustableFontSize"))) { initialFontSize = getCookie("adjustableFontSize"); document.write("<style>.adjustableFont{font-size: "+initialFontSize+";}</style>"); } function fontSizeOnChange(dropdownObject) { var fontSize = dropdownObject.value; var elements = document.getElementsByName("adjustableFont"); for(var i=0; i<elements.length; i++) { var element = elements; element.style.fontSize = fontSize + "px"; } setCookie("adjustableFontSize", fontSize, (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 * 365), "/"); } </SCRIPT><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=780 border=0><TBODY><TR class=v11 vAlign=center><TD width=5>
</TD><TD>Ohio State is the class of the draft</I>
</TD><TD noWrap align=right></I>
</TD><TD width=5></I>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><SCRIPT src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/prototype.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://i.sportingnews.com/js/effects.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://i.sportingnews.com/phpbb/js/commenting.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT></I>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=780 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=5>
</TD><TD class=v11 width=555></I>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD class=text>Posted: April 20, 2006
Reggie Bush. Matt Leinart. Winston Justice. Taitusi Lutui. LenDale White. Darnell Bing. Dominique Byrd. Fred Matua. Frostee Rucker. Scott Ware.
Southern California, the school from the city of stars, will illuminate the draft.
Bush and Leinart are expected to be among the top four overall selections. Justice could be a top 10 pick. USC could produce as many as six first-round picks, but it more likely will have four. One general manager says he expects every starter for the 2005 Trojans offense to play in the NFL.
<TABLE style="PADDING-LEFT: 4px" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><SCRIPT>OAS_AD("TopRight")</SCRIPT>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>So is the USC class of 2006 the best draft class from a school ever? It's good but not that good. In fact, it might not even be the best this year. "Some of these players are overhyped because they played at USC," one AFC scouting director says. "In some ways, the Ohio State class might be better this year. It's a group with a lot less baggage." </I>
Justice has had some scrapes with the law. White has dropped on most draft boards because of concerns about his personality, plus he can't or won't run a 40 because of a hamstring problem. Byrd's dedication has been questioned. Lutui has had weight problems.
The Ohio State class is much cleaner by comparison. The Buckeyes' headliners are linebackers A.J. Hawk and Bobby Carpenter, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, cornerback Ashton Youboty and offensive linemen Nick Mangold and Rob Sims. All but Sims have a chance of going in Round 1.
The best ever? Probably the Miami class of 2004, with six first-rounders: Sean Taylor, Kellen Winslow, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Vernon Carey and Vince Wilfork. You also could make a case for the Hurricanes' 2002 class, which included five first-rounders -- Bryant McKinnie, Jeremy Shockey, Phillip Buchanon, Ed Reed and Mike Rumph -- as well as Clinton Portis in the second round.
Senior writer Dan Pompei covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at [email protected].
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></I>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
I don't get how they put in Rob Sims over Donte Whitner.
Upvote
0
That's a very nice artice, but in the same issue of The Sporting News that came from, they didn't even rank Kudla among the top 20 DE's in the draft; so....yeah.
Upvote
0
BuckeyeKid789
Guest
Some douchebag on ESPN radio said Florida St. had better defensive prospects than us and made fun of our offense. Fucking morons. 
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Upvote
0
Link
4/24
Bears could decide that 'safety' comes first
By Gene Chamberlain
STAFF WRITER
1. Michael Huff, Texas (6-foot, 204 pounds, 4.3 seconds in 40-yard dash): Athletic and a leader.
2. Donte Whitner, Ohio State (5-10, 204, 4.4): Lack of size, not heart.
3. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska (6-0, 212, 4.4): The new Mike Brown.
4. Ko Simpson, S. Carolina (6-1, 209, 4.4): Green, needs some time.
5. Darnell Bing, USC (6-2, 227, 4.5): A slower Polamalu. Greg Blue, Georgia (6-2, 216): A sledgehammer.
Roman Harper, Alabama (5-11, 198, 4.6): Smart guy, coach's son.
Anthony Smith, Syracuse (5-11, 194, 4.6): Hits so hard he's an injury risk.
Pat Watkins, Florida State (6-4, 202, 4.6): Tall — maybe too tall.
The best
Next best
Risky business
Dark horse
Reed Doughty, Northern Colorado (6-foot, 209, 4.7): Not much on paper, but gets it done on field.
LAKE FOREST — Coach Lovie Smith frowned at the suggestion his Bears place a minimum value on the safety position. "I don't know how we got to that perception," Smith said. "I've always put value on the safety position. In Tampa, we had John Lynch and we treated him like a star, which he was. In St. Louis, we had Adam Archuleta, who's a great player. We have Mike Brown at our place right now.
"It was never down on our totem pole."
The importance of the position to the Bears could be evident on draft day. Even though they have Brown as a veteran secondary leader, they already made a failed attempt to get Archuleta in free agency. They could now turn to the draft.
Brown missed part of the playoff game with Carolina and four regular-season games with a calf muscle strain. In the last two seasons, they are 6-12 in regular-season games their Pro Bowl defensive secondary leader has missed.
"Mike Brown has been such a catalyst for us emotionally as a leader, anytime you take an emotional leader off the field it impacts you," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said.
It's because of Brown's injury history that they've emphasized a change in his offseason training regimen geared at better health, much like they did with Brian Urlacher after his 2004 hamstring pulls. They may need to think about Brown's eventual replacement now.
They have other safety concerns beyond Brown's injuries. Impressive, undrafted free agent safety acquisition Brandon McGowan may not be available until after the season starts due to a knee injury. Reserve safety Todd Johnson has been injury-prone. Bobby Gray and Cameron Worrell last year suffered season-ending knee injuries.
"I was pleased with our safety play this past year, (rookie) Chris Harris stepping up and playing well as a rookie, of course, Mike Brown going to the Pro Bowl," Smith said. "But you could always use some depth mixed into that group."
The safety position has rarely held real significance in terms of first-round status, so the Bears could acquire talent later, like with fifth-rounder Harris last year. There hasn't been more than one safety chosen in the draft's first round since 2002.
Top safeties in this draft think the trend is changing due to the impact of top NFL safeties.
"I think it goes back to players like (2004 defensive player of the year) Ed Reed and (Troy) Polamalu, their success as a safety," said Texas' Michael Huff, who is regarded the draft's consensus best safety. "It's a vital position on the field because we're the last line of defense, and we can do it all.
"Hopefully I can carry on that tradition, and hopefully safeties are (chosen) high."
Huff made seven career interceptions playing all four secondary positions. At 6-foot, 198 pounds, some draft experts think of him as a cornerback, but his real value has been calling defenses and providing direction at free safety.
Special teams would be a big role for any safety the Bears choose in later rounds. From that end, Florida State's Pat Watkins might be a good fit. He played gunner four years on punt teams, blocked on punt returns, was kickoff team safety and designated jumper on field goal blocks.
The last duty came about because he stands 6-4, an unusual height for safeties.
"I believe it plays a big part in my favor," he said. "I come up and make sure tackles and play the deep ball very well. I think I'm pretty consistent in both of those areas and will be able to go up to the next level and do the same thing."
Ohio State safeties Donte Whitner and Nate Salley are both regarded potential draft picks. Whitner is more highly decorated and possibly the second-best safety available behind Huff.
"I was better being a middle-of-the-field guy, deep-half guy, and Donte was great at being near the line of scrimmage," Salley said.
Georgia's Greg Blue is thought of as a strong-safety type whose questionable coverage skills could push him back to Day 2 of the draft.
"I'd rather be labeled as a big hitter," he said. "(Former Raider) Jack Tatum, he was labeled as a big."
Ko Simpson of South Carolina has the exact opposite problem. The free safety needs to prove his tackling and is a project considering he played two years for the Gamecocks.
Teams hoping to find another Polamalu might want to take his successor at USC, Darnell Bing. He's a larger, slower version of the Steelers' safety.
"It's pretty tough following Troy, he's such a great guy," Bing said. "He's like an animal out there. He's all over the field making all kind of plays.
"I think I'm capable of matching his skills. I probably won't be as fast as he is, because he's that type of player. But I think I can get the job done just as well."
Sun-Times News Group
4/24
Bears could decide that 'safety' comes first
By Gene Chamberlain
STAFF WRITER
1. Michael Huff, Texas (6-foot, 204 pounds, 4.3 seconds in 40-yard dash): Athletic and a leader.
2. Donte Whitner, Ohio State (5-10, 204, 4.4): Lack of size, not heart.
3. Daniel Bullocks, Nebraska (6-0, 212, 4.4): The new Mike Brown.
4. Ko Simpson, S. Carolina (6-1, 209, 4.4): Green, needs some time.
5. Darnell Bing, USC (6-2, 227, 4.5): A slower Polamalu. Greg Blue, Georgia (6-2, 216): A sledgehammer.
Roman Harper, Alabama (5-11, 198, 4.6): Smart guy, coach's son.
Anthony Smith, Syracuse (5-11, 194, 4.6): Hits so hard he's an injury risk.
Pat Watkins, Florida State (6-4, 202, 4.6): Tall — maybe too tall.
The best
Next best
Risky business
Dark horse
Reed Doughty, Northern Colorado (6-foot, 209, 4.7): Not much on paper, but gets it done on field.
LAKE FOREST — Coach Lovie Smith frowned at the suggestion his Bears place a minimum value on the safety position. "I don't know how we got to that perception," Smith said. "I've always put value on the safety position. In Tampa, we had John Lynch and we treated him like a star, which he was. In St. Louis, we had Adam Archuleta, who's a great player. We have Mike Brown at our place right now.
"It was never down on our totem pole."
The importance of the position to the Bears could be evident on draft day. Even though they have Brown as a veteran secondary leader, they already made a failed attempt to get Archuleta in free agency. They could now turn to the draft.
Brown missed part of the playoff game with Carolina and four regular-season games with a calf muscle strain. In the last two seasons, they are 6-12 in regular-season games their Pro Bowl defensive secondary leader has missed.
"Mike Brown has been such a catalyst for us emotionally as a leader, anytime you take an emotional leader off the field it impacts you," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said.
It's because of Brown's injury history that they've emphasized a change in his offseason training regimen geared at better health, much like they did with Brian Urlacher after his 2004 hamstring pulls. They may need to think about Brown's eventual replacement now.
They have other safety concerns beyond Brown's injuries. Impressive, undrafted free agent safety acquisition Brandon McGowan may not be available until after the season starts due to a knee injury. Reserve safety Todd Johnson has been injury-prone. Bobby Gray and Cameron Worrell last year suffered season-ending knee injuries.
"I was pleased with our safety play this past year, (rookie) Chris Harris stepping up and playing well as a rookie, of course, Mike Brown going to the Pro Bowl," Smith said. "But you could always use some depth mixed into that group."
The safety position has rarely held real significance in terms of first-round status, so the Bears could acquire talent later, like with fifth-rounder Harris last year. There hasn't been more than one safety chosen in the draft's first round since 2002.
Top safeties in this draft think the trend is changing due to the impact of top NFL safeties.
"I think it goes back to players like (2004 defensive player of the year) Ed Reed and (Troy) Polamalu, their success as a safety," said Texas' Michael Huff, who is regarded the draft's consensus best safety. "It's a vital position on the field because we're the last line of defense, and we can do it all.
"Hopefully I can carry on that tradition, and hopefully safeties are (chosen) high."
Huff made seven career interceptions playing all four secondary positions. At 6-foot, 198 pounds, some draft experts think of him as a cornerback, but his real value has been calling defenses and providing direction at free safety.
Special teams would be a big role for any safety the Bears choose in later rounds. From that end, Florida State's Pat Watkins might be a good fit. He played gunner four years on punt teams, blocked on punt returns, was kickoff team safety and designated jumper on field goal blocks.
The last duty came about because he stands 6-4, an unusual height for safeties.
"I believe it plays a big part in my favor," he said. "I come up and make sure tackles and play the deep ball very well. I think I'm pretty consistent in both of those areas and will be able to go up to the next level and do the same thing."
Ohio State safeties Donte Whitner and Nate Salley are both regarded potential draft picks. Whitner is more highly decorated and possibly the second-best safety available behind Huff.
"I was better being a middle-of-the-field guy, deep-half guy, and Donte was great at being near the line of scrimmage," Salley said.
Georgia's Greg Blue is thought of as a strong-safety type whose questionable coverage skills could push him back to Day 2 of the draft.
"I'd rather be labeled as a big hitter," he said. "(Former Raider) Jack Tatum, he was labeled as a big."
Ko Simpson of South Carolina has the exact opposite problem. The free safety needs to prove his tackling and is a project considering he played two years for the Gamecocks.
Teams hoping to find another Polamalu might want to take his successor at USC, Darnell Bing. He's a larger, slower version of the Steelers' safety.
"It's pretty tough following Troy, he's such a great guy," Bing said. "He's like an animal out there. He's all over the field making all kind of plays.
"I think I'm capable of matching his skills. I probably won't be as fast as he is, because he's that type of player. But I think I can get the job done just as well."
Sun-Times News Group
Upvote
0
Buckeye513
Stable Genius
They're morons because they have opinions?Some douchebag on ESPN radio said Florida St. had better defensive prospects than us and made fun of our offense. Fucking morons.
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Bunkley, Sims, Wimbley, and Cromartie are nothing to sneeze at. Look at FSU's defensive lineup in the NFL with Peter Boulware, Derrick Brooks, Darnell Dockett, etc. and you can see why someone may think that *gasp* they may have better prospects than OSU.
Upvote
0
CPD
4/24
Buckeye draft board
Monday, April 24, 2006
Six Ohio State players could be selected in the first round and seven others could be drafted in later rounds. First-round possibilities:
A.J. Hawk, linebacker
Possible selections: Green Bay at No. 5, San Francisco at No. 6, Oakland at No. 7.
Santonio Holmes, receiver
Possible selections: Philadelphia at No. 14, Denver at No. 15, Miami at No. 16, San Diego at No. 19.
Donte Whitner, safety
Possible selections: Miami at No. 16, Minnesota at No. 17, Dallas at No. 18.
Bobby Carpenter, linebacker
Possible selections: New England at No. 21, San Francisco at No. 22, N.Y. Giants at No. 25, Pittsburgh at No. 32.
Nick Mangold, center
Possible selections: N.Y Jets at No. 29, Indianapolis at No. 30, Pittsburgh at No. 32.
Ashton Youboty, cornerback
Possible selections: Kansas City at No. 20, Chicago at No. 26.
Potential later round selections: Rob Sims, guard; Mike Kudla, defensive end/linebacker; Josh Huston, kicker; Marcus Green, defensive tackle; Anthony Schlegel, linebacker; Nate Salley, safety; Tyler Everett, cornerback.
4/24
Buckeye draft board
Monday, April 24, 2006
Six Ohio State players could be selected in the first round and seven others could be drafted in later rounds. First-round possibilities:
A.J. Hawk, linebacker
Possible selections: Green Bay at No. 5, San Francisco at No. 6, Oakland at No. 7.
Santonio Holmes, receiver
Possible selections: Philadelphia at No. 14, Denver at No. 15, Miami at No. 16, San Diego at No. 19.
Donte Whitner, safety
Possible selections: Miami at No. 16, Minnesota at No. 17, Dallas at No. 18.
Bobby Carpenter, linebacker
Possible selections: New England at No. 21, San Francisco at No. 22, N.Y. Giants at No. 25, Pittsburgh at No. 32.
Nick Mangold, center
Possible selections: N.Y Jets at No. 29, Indianapolis at No. 30, Pittsburgh at No. 32.
Ashton Youboty, cornerback
Possible selections: Kansas City at No. 20, Chicago at No. 26.
Potential later round selections: Rob Sims, guard; Mike Kudla, defensive end/linebacker; Josh Huston, kicker; Marcus Green, defensive tackle; Anthony Schlegel, linebacker; Nate Salley, safety; Tyler Everett, cornerback.
Upvote
0
Link
4/25
Eagles eyeing a Buckeye?
Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes could be there at No. 14.
By Larry O'Rourke
Of The Morning Call
Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes and the Philadelphia Eagles are a match made in mock NFL draft heaven.
Most projections have Holmes being available when the Eagles are scheduled to make their first-round selection, the 14th overall, Saturday afternoon in the 2006 NFL draft <!-- Begin Advertisement --> <table style="clear: left; padding-right: 5px;" align="left" width="10%"> <tbody><tr> <td><!-- Ad Space: html.ng/tag=std&site=mcall&color=none&edition=newspaper&content=sports&channel=football&adtype=cube&adsize=300x250 --> <script src="http://brt.trb.com/javascript/DartRichMedia_1_03.js"></script><!-- Sniffer Code for Flash version=60 --> <!-- HTML ad style --> <!-- /Ad Space: html.ng/tag=std&site=mcall&color=none&edition=newspaper&content=sports&channel=football&adtype=cube&adsize=300x250 -->
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <!-- End Advertisement --> <!-- Begin Advertisement -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td> <!-- quigo adsonar content ads begin--> <!-- quigo adsonar content ads end--> </td></tr></tbody></table> <!-- End Advertisement -->
The Eagles are still trying to get over their nasty separation and divorce from Terrell Owens and, despite good signs so far, can't know for sure if Todd Pinkston will come back 100 percent from his torn Achilles' tendon.
No matter what they say, the Eagles can't be certain yet that Reggie Brown, selected out of Georgia in the second round of last year's draft, is going to be much more than a No. 2-type receiver. Brown did, however, show a lot when he had 34 catches while Owens was suspended/exiled over the final nine games of 2005.
Jabar Gaffney, a veteran of four NFL seasons, was a solid free-agency acquisition this winter after he caught 55 passes last season for the woeful Houston Texas. But is Gaffney any better than another No. 2-type receiver?
And as 2005 wore on, Greg Lewis showed that while he's a competent No. 3/4 receiver and special teams player, he can't be asked to be much more.
So a selection of Holmes would at least temporarily mollify critics who charge the Eagles do not put enough value in their receiving corps, an allegation that carries some weight given coach Andy Reid's pass-happy orientation and the fact the team has spent much of his tenure getting by with so-so receivers.
Holmes began building toward his expected first-round selection when he caught 55 passes for Ohio State in 2004, then solidified his first-round prospects when he had 53 catches for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, including five catches for 124 yards and a TD in the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame. Holmes was red-shirted as a true freshman in 2002, so he is giving up his final season of college eligibility in favor of the NFL, where Buckeye receivers such as Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn and David Boston have found first-round riches in recent years.
In a draft combine-week interview, Holmes said his jump into the NFL draft was endorsed by Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
''There weren't as many big-name wide receivers in the draft, so [Tressel said] 'take advantage of it,''' Holmes said.
''That's why I came here [to Ohio State]; to become a first-round pick, knowing the history of all the recievers that have made a legacy here and in the NFL,'' Holmes told the Columbus Dispatch newspaper while still weighing the pros and cons of foregoing his final season of eligibility.
According to the projections of Frank Coyle, whose assessments are found on the Web sites http://www.draftinsiders.com and http://www.collegefootball.rivals.com , the 5-11, 190-pound Holmes can be likened to NFL veteran wideouts Mark Clayton and Kevin Johnson in terms of ''size, athleticism, big-play ability and level of development.''
''He is a fine receiver who is ready for the NFL now, though he needs minor refinement,'' Coyle wrote recently. ''A top-25 player and a fine addition to a passing game. He'll be especially effective in a West Coast offense, where his talent can be best utilized. Teams like the Eagles, Cowboys and Broncos have him on their lists for the first round.''
On the downside, Coyle assesses that Holmes ''has had periods of inconsistency in catching the ball. His ability to go over the middle is an area that needs to improve. He needs to work on his strength and hand use to better fight off the bump-and-run from physical cornerbacks. He needs some development in his route running and needs to recognize defenses quicker.''
But Holmes said he will follow the example set by one his favorite NFL players, Hall of Fame-bound Jerry Rice, to make it as a pro.
''He [Rice] wasn't the fastest guy ever, but he never let anybody out-work him,'' Holmes said in his draft combine interview.
The bottom lines: Forget the marriage made in mock draft heaven. Reid & Co. have to acknowledge — to themselves, if no one else — that they do not have good track record on developing receivers, and their chances of getting an immediate starter are greater if they draft a player from another position at No. 14. Like it or not, the Eagles also will be able to look back to before Owens' 2004 arrival and see they made three consecutive NFC Championship Games with a dollar-store collection of receivers. That conveniently glosses over the fact that none of those No. 2- and No. 3-type receivers could get off the line of scrimmage in their 2003 NFC Championship Game loss to Carolina, but it still can be part of the case for using No. 14 on another position. The best guess here is that the Eagles will try to address their need at wideout by going after Philadelphia-area native Maurice Stovall in the second round, something they could make happen with rights to one of their three fourth-round picks as part of the equation.
4/25
Eagles eyeing a Buckeye?
Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes could be there at No. 14.
By Larry O'Rourke
Of The Morning Call
Ohio State wide receiver Santonio Holmes and the Philadelphia Eagles are a match made in mock NFL draft heaven.
Most projections have Holmes being available when the Eagles are scheduled to make their first-round selection, the 14th overall, Saturday afternoon in the 2006 NFL draft <!-- Begin Advertisement --> <table style="clear: left; padding-right: 5px;" align="left" width="10%"> <tbody><tr> <td><!-- Ad Space: html.ng/tag=std&site=mcall&color=none&edition=newspaper&content=sports&channel=football&adtype=cube&adsize=300x250 --> <script src="http://brt.trb.com/javascript/DartRichMedia_1_03.js"></script><!-- Sniffer Code for Flash version=60 --> <!-- HTML ad style --> <!-- /Ad Space: html.ng/tag=std&site=mcall&color=none&edition=newspaper&content=sports&channel=football&adtype=cube&adsize=300x250 -->
</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <!-- End Advertisement --> <!-- Begin Advertisement -->
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td> <!-- quigo adsonar content ads begin--> <!-- quigo adsonar content ads end--> </td></tr></tbody></table>
The Eagles are still trying to get over their nasty separation and divorce from Terrell Owens and, despite good signs so far, can't know for sure if Todd Pinkston will come back 100 percent from his torn Achilles' tendon.
No matter what they say, the Eagles can't be certain yet that Reggie Brown, selected out of Georgia in the second round of last year's draft, is going to be much more than a No. 2-type receiver. Brown did, however, show a lot when he had 34 catches while Owens was suspended/exiled over the final nine games of 2005.
Jabar Gaffney, a veteran of four NFL seasons, was a solid free-agency acquisition this winter after he caught 55 passes last season for the woeful Houston Texas. But is Gaffney any better than another No. 2-type receiver?
And as 2005 wore on, Greg Lewis showed that while he's a competent No. 3/4 receiver and special teams player, he can't be asked to be much more.
So a selection of Holmes would at least temporarily mollify critics who charge the Eagles do not put enough value in their receiving corps, an allegation that carries some weight given coach Andy Reid's pass-happy orientation and the fact the team has spent much of his tenure getting by with so-so receivers.
Holmes began building toward his expected first-round selection when he caught 55 passes for Ohio State in 2004, then solidified his first-round prospects when he had 53 catches for 977 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, including five catches for 124 yards and a TD in the Buckeyes' Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame. Holmes was red-shirted as a true freshman in 2002, so he is giving up his final season of college eligibility in favor of the NFL, where Buckeye receivers such as Joey Galloway, Terry Glenn and David Boston have found first-round riches in recent years.
In a draft combine-week interview, Holmes said his jump into the NFL draft was endorsed by Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.
''There weren't as many big-name wide receivers in the draft, so [Tressel said] 'take advantage of it,''' Holmes said.
''That's why I came here [to Ohio State]; to become a first-round pick, knowing the history of all the recievers that have made a legacy here and in the NFL,'' Holmes told the Columbus Dispatch newspaper while still weighing the pros and cons of foregoing his final season of eligibility.
According to the projections of Frank Coyle, whose assessments are found on the Web sites http://www.draftinsiders.com and http://www.collegefootball.rivals.com , the 5-11, 190-pound Holmes can be likened to NFL veteran wideouts Mark Clayton and Kevin Johnson in terms of ''size, athleticism, big-play ability and level of development.''
''He is a fine receiver who is ready for the NFL now, though he needs minor refinement,'' Coyle wrote recently. ''A top-25 player and a fine addition to a passing game. He'll be especially effective in a West Coast offense, where his talent can be best utilized. Teams like the Eagles, Cowboys and Broncos have him on their lists for the first round.''
On the downside, Coyle assesses that Holmes ''has had periods of inconsistency in catching the ball. His ability to go over the middle is an area that needs to improve. He needs to work on his strength and hand use to better fight off the bump-and-run from physical cornerbacks. He needs some development in his route running and needs to recognize defenses quicker.''
But Holmes said he will follow the example set by one his favorite NFL players, Hall of Fame-bound Jerry Rice, to make it as a pro.
''He [Rice] wasn't the fastest guy ever, but he never let anybody out-work him,'' Holmes said in his draft combine interview.
The bottom lines: Forget the marriage made in mock draft heaven. Reid & Co. have to acknowledge — to themselves, if no one else — that they do not have good track record on developing receivers, and their chances of getting an immediate starter are greater if they draft a player from another position at No. 14. Like it or not, the Eagles also will be able to look back to before Owens' 2004 arrival and see they made three consecutive NFC Championship Games with a dollar-store collection of receivers. That conveniently glosses over the fact that none of those No. 2- and No. 3-type receivers could get off the line of scrimmage in their 2003 NFC Championship Game loss to Carolina, but it still can be part of the case for using No. 14 on another position. The best guess here is that the Eagles will try to address their need at wideout by going after Philadelphia-area native Maurice Stovall in the second round, something they could make happen with rights to one of their three fourth-round picks as part of the equation.
Upvote
0
Link
4/25
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]NFL draft insider: Linebackers
[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]April 25, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]BY MIKE MULLIGAN Staff Reporter <!-- Empty line is needed --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table> [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif] <!--publication CST --> <!--pub_section SPT last modified 4/24/06 8:06 PM-->[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]There isn't a deep group of middle linebackers, the only reason the overall grade at this position isn't higher. But if you are looking for great athletes who can play in space, this draft has not only some bona fide stars, but also plenty of depth. Throw in a host of college defensive ends who project as linebackers -- N.C. State's Manny Lawson and Florida State's Kamerion Wimbley will go by the middle of the first round -- and teams searching for outside linebackers will find them throughout the first day.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Ohio State's A.J. Hawk is regarded as one of the best players in the draft, and his college teammate Bobby Carpenter also will go in the first round. Alabama's DeMeco Ryans might be the safest selection because he's a smart guy with high character. He graduated cum laude with a degree in management and has picked up a ton of academic honors, including being named to the NCAA's Top VIII, an award that combines athletic achievement, academic scholarship and community service. Ryans and Brown running back Nick Hartigan were the only football players honored with the prestigious award.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]There aren't a lot of colleges playing the 3-4 defense, one of the reasons teams looking for inside help will have to be creative. The top middle linebackers are Maryland's D'Qwell Jackson and Iowa's Abdul Hodge. Both lack ideal size. Tim McGarigle, Northwestern's all-time leading tackler with 545, will make some lucky team happy by the third round.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]THE TOP FIVE [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]1. A.J. Hawk, 6-1, 248, Ohio State: Lombardi Award winner is one of the most productive, competitive and highly regarded players in the draft; close to a can't-miss prospect. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]2. Chad Greenway, 6-2, 240, Iowa: Resident of tiny Mount Vernon, S.D., (population 400) reminds some of a slightly slower Brian Urlacher -- they have identical playing styles. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]3. Ernie Sims, 5-11, 234, Florida State: A heat-seeking missile who runs well and plays with reckless abandon; only issue is five college concussions, though he has been cleared to play. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]4. Bobby Carpenter, 6-2, 256, Ohio State: Overshadowed by Hawk and a great defense, this guy is a wild man with size, speed and power; needs to maintain focus. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]5. DeMeco Ryans, 6-1, 236, Alabama: Great intangibles but needs to improve strength and show he can take on and get off blocks instead of just running around them. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]LINEBACKERS GRADE: B+
NEXT: CORNERBACKS [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]FIVE IN NEED [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Cleveland: Browns signed aging Willie McGinest to help their 3-4 scheme but still could use a player inside and outside to improve the linebacker corps. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Green Bay: Speed at linebacker is a problem that will be fixed if Hawk is the Packers' pick at No. 5 as projected; need a player opponents must account for. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Oakland: Raiders used their nickel defense as the standard last year because they lacked an athlete who could play in space on the weak side and must fix that. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Indianapolis: Like the Bears, Colts have depth concerns and would like to add cover in case they lose some key players to free agency after this season. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]San Francisco: Lost two best players on defense to free agency, including linebacker Julian Peterson; need a space player with pass-rushing ability. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]THE BEARS[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Things would be easier if the Bears had reached a contract extension with Lance Briggs, but he still has a year remaining on his current deal. Hunter Hillenmeyer also is operating on a one-year contract. The good news is that Brian Urlacher is locked in for the long haul.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Regardless, the Bears need depth at linebacker and would be smart to invest a first-day, if not first-round selection, in the position. It would give them cover if Briggs and/or Hillenmeyer depart and offer a chance to improve one of the best positions on the defense. Generally speaking, coach Lovie Smith will give up size for speed at linebacker, and that sort of player should be available throughout the draft in a deep class.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q&A WITH A.J. HAWK[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. How do you fit into the Ohio State linebacker tradition?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. At Ohio State there is so much tradition, especially in the linebacker spot, it's an honor to play there. I had a great four years there, I had great coaches. The best thing about being there, the older guys would come back and let us know how they did things and how to handle yourself on and off the field. I have a lot of respect for them. I grew up hearing about them from my dad and other people. I couldn't ask for a better four years.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. Who came back?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. Chris Spielman is always around. He has a radio show in Columbus, does some TV stuff. Randy Gradishar was an honorary captain for a game my junior year. Mike Vrabel is always back working out with us. Andy Katzenmoyer. The list goes on. There's a bunch of guys. Pepper Johnson is coaching in the league now. There's so many great players that have been at Ohio State who have helped me out.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. Do you think in 15 years, people will hold you in same regard as Spielman?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. That's tough to say. Probably not. He's done so much for the state. Out of high school, he was the guy. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as him would be a great honor. We'll see 10 or 15 years down the road. That's what I'd like, to come in and see what I can do in the NFL and try to make an impact.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. How do you feel about possibly being taken by Green Bay at No. 5?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. I haven't really given it too much thought. You hear so many different things, I try not to pay attention to too much of it. I can play anywhere. Any team that wants me, I'll gladly go -- especially a team like Green Bay with the tradition they have, the fans they have, it would be unbelievable.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. Is there any player you have modeled yourself after?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. I wouldn't say I modeled myself after him because he's so much better than me, but I admire Zach Thomas' play. I have a lot of respect for what he's done. I've watched a lot of film on him the last couple years. He makes so many plays that so many guys can't make. I'm really impressed with what he's done in the league. People talk about him being too small or whatever, I don't believe any of that. It doesn't matter how tall he is, it's what he does. He's making plays all over the field. I have a lot of respect for his game.[/FONT]
<!--End Content -->
<!--google position--> [FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]
[/FONT]
4/25
[FONT=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]NFL draft insider: Linebackers
[/FONT] [FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]April 25, 2006[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]BY MIKE MULLIGAN Staff Reporter <!-- Empty line is needed --> <table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table> [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif] <!--publication CST --> <!--pub_section SPT last modified 4/24/06 8:06 PM-->[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]There isn't a deep group of middle linebackers, the only reason the overall grade at this position isn't higher. But if you are looking for great athletes who can play in space, this draft has not only some bona fide stars, but also plenty of depth. Throw in a host of college defensive ends who project as linebackers -- N.C. State's Manny Lawson and Florida State's Kamerion Wimbley will go by the middle of the first round -- and teams searching for outside linebackers will find them throughout the first day.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Ohio State's A.J. Hawk is regarded as one of the best players in the draft, and his college teammate Bobby Carpenter also will go in the first round. Alabama's DeMeco Ryans might be the safest selection because he's a smart guy with high character. He graduated cum laude with a degree in management and has picked up a ton of academic honors, including being named to the NCAA's Top VIII, an award that combines athletic achievement, academic scholarship and community service. Ryans and Brown running back Nick Hartigan were the only football players honored with the prestigious award.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]There aren't a lot of colleges playing the 3-4 defense, one of the reasons teams looking for inside help will have to be creative. The top middle linebackers are Maryland's D'Qwell Jackson and Iowa's Abdul Hodge. Both lack ideal size. Tim McGarigle, Northwestern's all-time leading tackler with 545, will make some lucky team happy by the third round.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]THE TOP FIVE [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]1. A.J. Hawk, 6-1, 248, Ohio State: Lombardi Award winner is one of the most productive, competitive and highly regarded players in the draft; close to a can't-miss prospect. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]2. Chad Greenway, 6-2, 240, Iowa: Resident of tiny Mount Vernon, S.D., (population 400) reminds some of a slightly slower Brian Urlacher -- they have identical playing styles. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]3. Ernie Sims, 5-11, 234, Florida State: A heat-seeking missile who runs well and plays with reckless abandon; only issue is five college concussions, though he has been cleared to play. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]4. Bobby Carpenter, 6-2, 256, Ohio State: Overshadowed by Hawk and a great defense, this guy is a wild man with size, speed and power; needs to maintain focus. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]5. DeMeco Ryans, 6-1, 236, Alabama: Great intangibles but needs to improve strength and show he can take on and get off blocks instead of just running around them. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]LINEBACKERS GRADE: B+
NEXT: CORNERBACKS [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]FIVE IN NEED [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Cleveland: Browns signed aging Willie McGinest to help their 3-4 scheme but still could use a player inside and outside to improve the linebacker corps. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Green Bay: Speed at linebacker is a problem that will be fixed if Hawk is the Packers' pick at No. 5 as projected; need a player opponents must account for. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Oakland: Raiders used their nickel defense as the standard last year because they lacked an athlete who could play in space on the weak side and must fix that. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Indianapolis: Like the Bears, Colts have depth concerns and would like to add cover in case they lose some key players to free agency after this season. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]San Francisco: Lost two best players on defense to free agency, including linebacker Julian Peterson; need a space player with pass-rushing ability. [/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]THE BEARS[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Things would be easier if the Bears had reached a contract extension with Lance Briggs, but he still has a year remaining on his current deal. Hunter Hillenmeyer also is operating on a one-year contract. The good news is that Brian Urlacher is locked in for the long haul.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Regardless, the Bears need depth at linebacker and would be smart to invest a first-day, if not first-round selection, in the position. It would give them cover if Briggs and/or Hillenmeyer depart and offer a chance to improve one of the best positions on the defense. Generally speaking, coach Lovie Smith will give up size for speed at linebacker, and that sort of player should be available throughout the draft in a deep class.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q&A WITH A.J. HAWK[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. How do you fit into the Ohio State linebacker tradition?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. At Ohio State there is so much tradition, especially in the linebacker spot, it's an honor to play there. I had a great four years there, I had great coaches. The best thing about being there, the older guys would come back and let us know how they did things and how to handle yourself on and off the field. I have a lot of respect for them. I grew up hearing about them from my dad and other people. I couldn't ask for a better four years.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. Who came back?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. Chris Spielman is always around. He has a radio show in Columbus, does some TV stuff. Randy Gradishar was an honorary captain for a game my junior year. Mike Vrabel is always back working out with us. Andy Katzenmoyer. The list goes on. There's a bunch of guys. Pepper Johnson is coaching in the league now. There's so many great players that have been at Ohio State who have helped me out.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. Do you think in 15 years, people will hold you in same regard as Spielman?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. That's tough to say. Probably not. He's done so much for the state. Out of high school, he was the guy. Just to be mentioned in the same breath as him would be a great honor. We'll see 10 or 15 years down the road. That's what I'd like, to come in and see what I can do in the NFL and try to make an impact.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. How do you feel about possibly being taken by Green Bay at No. 5?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. I haven't really given it too much thought. You hear so many different things, I try not to pay attention to too much of it. I can play anywhere. Any team that wants me, I'll gladly go -- especially a team like Green Bay with the tradition they have, the fans they have, it would be unbelievable.[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]Q. Is there any player you have modeled yourself after?[/FONT]
[FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]A. I wouldn't say I modeled myself after him because he's so much better than me, but I admire Zach Thomas' play. I have a lot of respect for what he's done. I've watched a lot of film on him the last couple years. He makes so many plays that so many guys can't make. I'm really impressed with what he's done in the league. People talk about him being too small or whatever, I don't believe any of that. It doesn't matter how tall he is, it's what he does. He's making plays all over the field. I have a lot of respect for his game.[/FONT]
<!--End Content -->
<!--google position--> [FONT=arial,helvetica,san-serif]
[/FONT]
Upvote
0