Random 2011 Draft Chatter....

sbk92

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Second-round QB for 49ers?

UPDATE: Monday afternoon, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter wrote that Andy Dalton might not be on the board when the San Francisco 49ers' second-pick comes up. So if they want him, they may have to make a trade up to get him (see Schefter's thoughts below).

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One possible scenario for the 49ers during the draft later this month is for the team to select a player that will help out on defense with the No. 7 overall pick. The Niners appear to be interested in a pass-rushing outside linebacker or a cornerback, and there are multiple elite options at both of those positions.

So if that plan comes to pass, will the team move quickly to draft a developmental quarterback thereafter? That was the idea put forth by former NFL scout Dave Razzano in a phone conversation with Lowell Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Razzano believes that the Niners may use their second-round pick (No. 45 overall) on a QB, and had some ideas on who this young man would be.

"Christian Ponder would be one," Razzano confirmed, "and also Andy Dalton from TCU. Those are efficient West Coast guys. They have good mobility, not great. Dalton really fits a West Coast style -- and remember [Jim] Harbaugh said he'll run the West Coast Offense. Dalton is accurate and efficient."

Razzano adds that he doesn't believe the Niners will have any rookie QB start in his initial season, which insinuates that the team will target a veteran to fill that role. While Alex Smith is the obvious option, a player like Marc Bulger, Matt Hasselbeck or Donovan McNabb could be a fit as well.

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Adam Schefter

Seems like a late first-rounder
"My sense -- there's that word again because there are so few absolutes surrounding the draft -- is Dalton goes somewhere between 25 and 35 overall, to a team that trades up to get him."
 
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There's no way Ingram slides out of the first.

Again, Green Bay would take him at #32 at the very worst.
 

sbk92

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DE for the Falcons at No. 27?

Back in March, we passed along a potential dream scenario for fans of the Atlanta Falcons that happen to follow the exploits of the University of Georgia football team as well; namely, the Falcons trading up to get in position to draft A.J. Green. Then, as now, it appears to be a bit too pricey of a move.

If the Falcons stick at No. 27, they'll most likely have their choice of all but the Top 2 wide receiver prospects if they feel that's the direction in which they'd like to head, or they could address a need on the defensive side of the ball to bring in a pass-rusher at defensive end. The latter avenue is the one chosen by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in his most recent mock draft, as he projects Ohio State product Cameron Heyward to the Falcons.

Ledbetter also made picks for Atlanta with their remaining picks, and chose Jerrel Jernigan in the second round, fulfilling that WR void discussed above. ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas notes why that part of the mock may not go as planned:

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Pat Yasinskas

He might be off the board by No. 59
"[Drafting Jernigan in Round 2] goes along with everything I'm hearing. It's pretty well known in league circles that the Falcons are very interested in Jernigan. One potential problem, though, is a lot of other teams are interested in Jernigan."
 

sbk92

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Two more in on Sturdivant

The UNC Tar Heels produced quite a few solid prospects for this year's draft class, including defensive linemen Robert Quinn and Marvin Austin, wide receiver Greg Little, cornerback Kendric Burney and linebackers Bruce Carter and Quan Sturdivant. The man last in line on that list is set to continue his schedule of visits this week, according to a report from Aaron Wilson of National Football Post.

Wilson passes along word that Sturdivant is meeting with the Buffalo Bills on Monday, followed by the Minnesota Vikings later this week.

Our last update on Sturdivant's schedule indicated that there was also interest on the part of the New Orleans Saints -- who dined with the LB prior to UNC's pro day -- the Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons.

Of this group of teams, the Bucs and Bills would seem to have the greatest need for a middle linebacker, as Barrett Ruud and Paul Posluszny are both hitting free agency. However, the Vikings and Ravens also make some degree of sense in the apprenticeship sense, as those teams may want to develop the heir to E.J. Henderson and Ray Lewis, respectively.
 

sbk92

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A speed WR option for Dolphins

The recent rumors linking Mike Sims-Walker to the Miami Dolphins -- started by the wide receiver and his former college teammate Brandon Marshall -- were downplayed by Matt Williamson of Scouts, Inc., who believes that Sims-Walker is not enough of an upgrade in the speed-oriented WR archetype. Such a player is thought to be a need for the team as the 2011 offseason continues.

So it's not too surprising to see the news from Adam Caplan of Fox Sports on Monday that the Dolphins are visiting with Tennessee WR Denarius Moore, who reportedly ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at his pro day.

In addition to the Dolphins, Moore has had -- or will have -- visits with the New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. Moore clearly has breakneck top-end speed, but his scouting report also notes that he's got a great set of paws as well:

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Scouts, Inc.

Moore's ball skills are exceptional
"Consistently attacks the ball with his hands. Can adjust to poorly thrown ball. Appears to have strong hands. Makes the tough catch in traffic. Displays very good body control. Consistently shows ability to catch over his head."
 

sbk92

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Jordan in high demand

Expected to be taken within the first 20 picks of the NFL draft, Cal defensive end Cameron Jordan is drawing a lot of interest this pre-draft season because of his versatility. Given that he has collegiate experience manning a DE slot in a three-man front, he can slide in to such a role as a rookie or take over the end position for a 4-3 team. Jordan is also athletic enough to occasionally do some pass coverage work.

On Monday, Aaron Wilson of National Football Post reported that Jordan will visit with the St. Louis Rams (No. 14), Atlanta Falcons (No. 27), Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 31), Buffalo Bills (No. 3 and No. 34) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 20). Jordan has already visited the Detroit Lions (No. 13) and the Carolina Panthers, and worked out for the Falcons and New York Jets (No. 30). The interest on the part of the Panthers -- with the draft's No. 1 overall pick and no second-rounder -- seems a little odd at first, but if they are able to trade down, they'll need to have good intel on players available in that later range.
 

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Bowers on Broncos' radar

The draft stock of Clemson defensive end prospect Da'Quan Bowers has been on the slide recently, and his performance at Friday's pro day did nothing to stop the bleeding. As a result, many believe that the absolute ceiling for where he'll be selected is No. 6 overall, and it's possible he'll still be on the board as the final picks of the first round are taken.

With all of this in mind, it's a little surprising to read a report that Bowers visited with the Denver Broncos on Monday, according to Mike Klis of the Denver Post. The Broncos hold the second overall pick, and though Bowers was thought of as a prospect worthy of that selection earlier in the season, it doesn't appear that the team would use that particular pick on him.

Instead, Bowers becomes a viable target for the Broncos if they were to trade down. Klis believes that a trade with the Tennessee Titans -- with the Broncos moving back to No. 8 overall -- would put them in place where grabbing Bowers would make sense.
 

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O-line picks possible for Cards

Monday, we found out who Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett wants the team to draft at No. 5 overall: Texas A&M pass-rusher prospect Von Miller.

Generally, the Cards have been linked to pass-rushers and quarterbacks with that top pick, as it is a need for the team at a premier position. But after that first-round selection is made, Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com believes, the team may look to draft an offensive lineman.

Urban writes that the tackle spots are fairly locked down, and the team is likely to bring center Lyle Sendlein back. At guard, however, there is a lot of uncertainty, as Alan Faneca may retire, and Deuce Lutui may bid the team adieu. Rex Hadnot is an option at one spot, but drafting an interior lineman in the second round or later becomes a possibility.

Danny Watkins is the cream of the guard crop this draft season -- and thus, might not be on the board when the Cards are up in Round 2 -- but prospects such as Orlando Franklin, Marcus Cannon, Clint Boling and William Rackley all have second-round grades from ESPN's Scouts, Inc.
 

sbk92

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An OLB option at No. 13

The Detroit Lions' need for help at outside linebacker is either "considerable" or "extreme," depending upon one's opinion of Bobby Carpenter and Ashlee Palmer. It's been reasoned, then, that the team may use a draft pick or two on the position, as well as investigate the free agent offerings whenever league business gets going again.

Since they can't yet contact free agents, the Lions have been investigating the draft prospects at LB, and Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press reports that it appears UCLA's Akeem Ayers was in town for a visit this week. "Ready to get off this plane to see what Detroit has in store for me," Ayers tweeted Monday.

If the Lions believe that Ayers can be a long-term starter at one of the outside linebacker positions, then he'd be a good pick, even though some would likely call it an over-draft. The other option is to trade down from No. 13, and hope that Ayers is still on the board at their new position. In order to do that, it would require that another team was itching to jump ahead of the St. Louis Rams at No. 14. This could end up being the case if wide receiver Julio Jones is still on the board, and a team like the New England Patriots wished to slide up a few positions.
 

sbk92

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The Titans and Gabbert

There are a lot of hypothetical scenarios being thrown around regarding the NFL draft, and one class of them has the Tennessee Titans trading up from No. 8 overall in order to pick a particular quarterback.

Though the team has shown some interest in Cam Newton, it'd been believed that Blaine Gabbert was under heavier consideration. Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean confirmed that -- at least from the standpoint of what they want the public to know -- the Titans appear interested, as Gabbert is on the schedule to visit the Titans between now and the opening night of the draft.

As with any report on pre-draft visits, take this with several grains of salt. A meeting doesn't always equate to high interest, and may be used as a smokescreen. But given the vacuum at the QB position in Nashville, the investigation of Gabbert is logical.
 

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The Pats' WR plan

There are some who believe that the New England Patriots should be included amongst the teams looking to add an impact wide receiver this offseason, either through the draft or free agency. As a result, they've been linked to potential free agents like Sidney Rice. Additionally, there has been speculation that one of the team's many early-round picks will be used on a prospect at the position.

While the Pats didn't have a true deep threat wideout once Randy Moss was gone -- and, let's face it, Moss didn't really live up to those expectations this season -- there are some who believe that Taylor Price can become that player.

The supposed need for a WR is enough of a hot topic that Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com chose to address it in his latest mailbag column:

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Mike Reiss

Long-term help needed
"I think some have been influenced by the playoff loss in which the need for a receiver to 'take the top off the defense' showed up. I don't rate receiver as a major need, but one consideration is that Deion Branch and Wes Welker -- the top two players on the depth chart -- enter the final year of their contracts. So if a receiver is selected, it might be with 2012 in mind more than 2011."
 

sbk92

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Who wants Leshoure?

Monday, we passed along the idea that running back Mark Ingram may slip out of the first round of the NFL draft, and it's not as crazy a scenario as we might've imagined weeks ago.

One reason why Ingram might fall is the fact that there are some RB-needy teams that don't consider him the No. 1 back available in this year's class. Peter King of Sports Illustrated has spoken recently with three teams with such a need, and they all confirmed that Mikel Leshoure may wind up being taken ahead of Ingram.

Whether or not any team will use a first-round pick on either man is a larger question, and this situation is an effect of the decreased reliance on a single player as "lead back" by most teams. Then again, there are a number of teams that could be looking to bolster their stable this offseason -- the Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens amongst them -- and the talent of Ingram or Leshoure may be too much to pass up for the teams near the end of the first round.
 

sbk92

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Broncos narrowing choices

The Denver Broncos will have their choice of every NFL draft prospect except for one on the night of Apr. 28 (though they have considered trading down). As a result, they're performing due diligence on every player that suits their fancy as they re-build the franchise under head coach John Fox and executive vice president John Elway.

While there is a scenario that exists where the team will walk away that night with defensive end Da'Quan Bowers, there are some who believe Bowers is not worthy of the No. 2 pick.

One player that is, however, is Texas A&M's Von Miller, and Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post reports that the team has given "plenty of consideration" to the linebacker. According to Fox, the team foresees Miller fitting in to their defensive scheme as the strong-side LB, where he would be responsible for run-stopping, pass-rushing and coverage.

Since the Carolina Panthers have a relatively strong corps of LBs, it would not be logical for them to use the No. 1 pick on Miller, so he'll most likely be available if the Broncos believe he's the best choice. But others -- like Patrick Peterson and Marcell Dareus -- have also been linked to the Broncos, and it's possible all three of them will still be on the board. A difficult decision awaits the team on that fateful night.
 

sbk92

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Ravens eyeing pass-rushers

We've already taken a look at the Baltimore Ravens' options at inside linebacker and outside linebacker in the draft, and this week Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com profiled some of the top pass-rusher prospects with the help of Ravens director of college scouting Joe Hortiz. You'll recognize some of the names from the OLB post (front seven defenders can be organized into a complex Venn diagram).

Included in quintet of prospects are defensive ends Ryan Kerrigan, Cameron Heyward, Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard, as well as OLB Justin Houston. Of the DEs, it's thought that Kerrigan could possibly make the move to OLB when the team goes to a three-man front, while the others appear to be more suited for the five-technique spot. However, given that the Ravens play a hybrid scheme, they aren't limited to just the players that fit into the 3-4.

With their first-round pick at No. 26, it's possible that one or more of these players will be off the board when the Ravens are on the clock -- Kerrigan, for instance, has been sent to the Jacksonville Jaguars in an increasing number of mock drafts. And there's still a second-round pick from 2010 to consider, as ESPN AFC North blogger James Walker explains:

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James Walker

Kindle is an unknown commodity
"This was a role Sergio Kindle was expected to fill. But with his future uncertain following a fractured skull, Baltimore is looking for players in this draft who can get to the quarterback, possibly as high as the first round."
 

sbk92

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Two best fits for Texans

Using his network of contacts, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle has been a steady source of great information a variety of NFL teams. But we take special note when he speculates on the future actions of the Houston Texans, as he's had the early word on things many times in the past.

In an article Wednesday, McClain assesses a variety of draft possibilities for the Texans, given the wide range of players that have been hypothetically sent to Houston in mock drafts. In McClain's view, while the dream scenario would have Texas A&M's Von Miller sliding down to them -- or close enough where a trade wouldn't be prohibitively priced -- the two realistic, logical choices at this point are UNC's Robert Quinn and Missouri's Aldon Smith.

The Texans have two starters at DE with whom they appear happy in Mario Williams and Antonio Smith, so this rules out the players projected to play 3-4 DE. Of the hybrid players -- expected to play OLB in a 3-4 scheme -- he isn't sold on Ryan Kerrigan, and believes that Quinn and Smith offer the best upside.

The other possibility is Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara, seeing as upgrading the secondary is a massive need this offseason.

If Amukamara, Quinn and Smith are all off the board, McClain believes the team would look to trade down. Though, understand that given everything we've been seeing, this would be an unlikely circumstance.
 

sbk92

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Second-round WR option for Indy

The Indianapolis Colts' "need" at wide receiver has been debated throughout this offseason thus far, and one way that they may use to address this perceived shortcoming is the draft, though it's unlikely that they will use their first-round choice (No. 22 overall) to this end.

Brett Mock of Colts blog Coltzilla provided a thorough breakdown of possible WR targets with all of the Colts' upcoming picks, and the first young man to seemingly have a legitimate chance of being selected by the team is Leonard Hankerson, if he's still on the board at No. 53 overall. Mock notes that if he was still on the board, it would force a "serious discussion" in the war room.

Previously, Hankerson had been linked to the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Our duo of draft experts published their latest mocks on Wednesday, with Hankerson going No. 47 overall to the St. Louis Rams in Mel Kiper, Jr.'s version and No. 70 overall to the Cleveland Browns in Todd McShay's.

So depending on several factors, it's quite possible that Hankerson will, in fact, be available, and it will be up to the Colts to decide whether he's worth their pick in that spot.
 

sbk92

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Lions investigate another CB

In their continued quest to find another starting-caliber cornerback, the Detroit Lions hosted UVA draft prospect Ras-I Dowling on Thursday, according to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post.

In the dual three-round mocks published around these parts on Wednesday, Mel Kiper, Jr. has Dowling going No. 61 overall to the San Diego Chargers, while Todd McShay has Rowling off the board at No. 51 (the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).

Kevin Weidl of Scouts, Inc. wrote that Dowling's pro day this week was an important step in quieting the injury concerns that have plagued the CB after entering this season as a possible No. 1 pick, and offers a suggestion on the type of defensive scheme in which Dowling would thrive:

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Insider NFL Draft Blog

Tough at the line
"Dowling remained positive during a trying season and showed his mental toughness during his workout, and several scouts I've spoken to say his personality and love for the game have continued to show during the pre-draft process. Based on game film from his junior season, it's clear Dowling has first-round tools (size, top-end speed), and although teams still will check his medicals thoroughly, Dowling likely did enough during his pro day to quiet concerns and solidify himself as a second-round pick. His best fit at the next level will be in a scheme that uses him as a press corner, where he can use his long arms to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. He has the athleticism and speed to stay on a receiver's hip in trail position."
 

sbk92

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Mallett, Titans a match?

All of the quarterbacks in this year's draft class seem to have some sort of hole in their resume, be it for on- or off-field reasons. Ryan Mallett is no exception to that rule, but he has been making visits with the QB-needy teams around the league, a list that includes the Tennessee Titans.

It's not believed that the Titans would use the No. 8 overall selection on Mallett -- or any QB not named Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton -- but he may be under consideration in Round 2. As a matter of fact, both of our draft experts, Mel Kiper, Jr. and Todd McShay, sent Mallett to the Titans with the team's second-round pick (No. 39 overall) in their latest mock draft efforts.

The dueling mocks have gotten folks everywhere thinking and talking, and one citizen of SportsNation posed a question on Mallett's fit for the Titans' offense to our resident AFC South blogger, Paul Kuharsky during Thursday's chat:

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Paul Kuharsky

On the field, he's a match
"Needs protection, they should be able to give it. Needs a weapon, Kenny Britt should be one. I could see it. Do they like his character? That's one of the big questions."
 

sbk92

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Dareus the best choice for Denver?

On Wednesday, we noted the buzz surrounding the Denver Broncos possibly picking Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller with their first-round pick (No. 2 overall). But Miller is not the only good option there based on overall value, and he might not be the best one for the Broncos, specifically.

Judged to be the best overall prospect in the class, LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson could learn the trade from Broncos veteran Champ Bailey, and a tandem of Bailey and Peterson would be formidable before Peterson eventually takes over as the team's No. 1. The CB is in the mix for the Carolina Panthers as the first overall selection, but many believe that they are leaning towards Cam Newton instead.

So, Peterson is an option. Another is Alabama defensive tackle prospect Marcell Dareus. During his weekly chat with the members of SportsNation, Matt Williamson of Scouts, Inc. elected to field a query on the Broncos' possible selection of Dareus:

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Matt Williamson

He'd be my pick
"I very much believe that if Dareus is there, Denver takes him. As they should. [He's an] every down player who can be really effective all over the formation. The only other guy I would not criticize Denver for taking at No. 2 is Peterson. But Dareus would be my No. 1 guy on the board if I were in charge of the Broncos."
 

sbk92

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Sheard soaring

Pittsburgh DE/OLB draft prospect Jabaal Sheard recently underwent surgery on his elbow to fix an injury with which he'd been playing since high school, according to Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. As a result, he hasn't been able to showcase his talents in the bench press or some other position drills.

But that hasn't stopped the buzz around Sheard from developing, as he continues his schedule of visits during the pre-draft season. Wednesday, he was amongst a group of prospects that visited the Miami Dolphins, and he's also met with the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and St. Louis Rams. The Baltimore Ravens are on the docket as this week closes, then he'll head back to Indianapolis to get a medical re-check at the combine.

Sheard is in the mix to be a first-round pick if the dominoes fall a certain way. In ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper, Jr.'s latest effort, he's the fifth pick of the second round, winding up with the Cleveland Browns.
 
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