Month: December 2014 (Page 3 of 3)

Would you consider drafting Todd Gurley in the first round?

All the rumor and conjecture over Marshawn Lynch’s future in Seattle will continue for another week at least:

For what seems like the fifth consecutive Sunday, the gameday media will be filled with talk about Lynch and the Seahawks. At least this time it’ll come from the horses mouth. Who knows what he’ll say, or what Michael Robinson will ask? Even something as simple as, “do you want to play for the Seahawks next year” would provoke an intriguing response.

Whatever your opinion is on this story, there’s at least some realistic chance Lynch won’t return in 2015 — forcing the Seahawks to bring in another running back. I think that’s fair to say. I appreciate the role of Robert Turbin as the #2 back but wouldn’t expect him to be used as the new #1. Christine Michael has struggled to earn playing time.

If Lynch goes, they’re probably going to add a running back in the draft.

Indiana’s Tevin Coleman is seriously underrated. We all know about Melvin Gordon. If the Seahawks are willing to entertain an early round pick at the position, they’re two names to consider.

But what about Todd Gurley?

After serving a short NCAA suspension this season, Gurley returned for Georgia only to tear an ACL in his comeback game. At one time he was being tipped to be a likely top-15 pick. Now you have to wonder where he’ll be drafted. The seriousness of the injury, the nature of the position and his possible inability to work out before the draft will be concerning. Any running back expected to go early needs to be healthy, not carrying too many miles on the clock and they need to look good at the combine.

The team that drafts Gurley will be taking a major punt if they use an early pick. Can he return to play as a rookie? How effective will he be? Can he avoid future injuries?

A good team picking in the late first might consider it — especially a team that can play the patient game. Cost-wise it’s no gamble at all. Teddy Bridgewater, the final pick in round one this year, doesn’t earn more than $2m until the final year of his deal. His cap hit in 2014 is just $1.2m. Stashing Gurley for the long haul wouldn’t be a problem.

I fully expect Gurley to be a first round pick. The New England Patriots were willing to draft Dominique Easley at #30 this year coming off an ACL injury. Everyone expected he’d go in the middle rounds. In the end he was too good. The Pats took a chance on talent. Sure — he worked out pre-draft in a light pro-day. It’s unclear whether Gurley will be able to do the same. But the point remains — if Easley can go in the first round coming off an ACL, so can Todd Gurley.

If the Seahawks make the playoffs and pick anywhere between #26-32, would they consider it? Would you?

On the one hand it’d be an opportunity to draft a player who would normally be out of reach. Gurley is a phenomenal talent — capable of getting the tough yards up the middle due to his size, while also providing unique home-run-hitting ability for a 230lbs back. He makes plays in the passing game and he’s capable of taking a kick-off return to the house. He’s an incredible player.

Alternatively, there’s no guarantee Gurley will be as effective post-recovery. His size could be a negative — putting strain on the body and encouraging further injuries. Particularly if he rushes back to hold a pro-day. He’s already missed time with ankle and hip injuries. Can you trust him to stay healthy?

It really comes down to how much you rate his potential. If you think he can be the next big thing at running back — an average cap hit of around $1.2-2m is probably worth the risk over four years. Any player can get injured. When you’re picking late in the first round, it’s not like you’re passing on a top-ten talent to take the gamble. If you don’t trust him, well, it’s an easy decision.

Even if the Seahawks keep Marshawn Lynch in 2015 they could still draft Gurley and red-shirt him as the heir apparent. Whether he features next year or not, at least you’d be replacing your best offensive player with a prospect who at least has the potential to pick up the slack.

Or maybe spending a high pick on a running back would open up old wounds with Lynch? Unless of course you hand him a decent pay-rise in the off-season.

There are other things to consider too. If Seattle is able to make some choice additions in free agency (improve the defensive line depth, add a big target for Russell Wilson) this becomes a more attractive proposition. If they’re relatively inactive in free agency and concentrate on extending the contracts of Wilson and Bobby Wagner, this might be considered something of a luxury depending on the other options available. Just yesterday we discussed Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown — the best 2015 eligible prospect nobody talks about.

The Seahawks need to eventually replace Lynch with another effective runner. They have their point guard quarterback, but the physical style of the offense also requires a top class running back. Any player you draft late in the first is going to carry a degree of risk — there’s unlikely to be a better overall talent available. The worst case scenario is it’s another wasted first round pick. The best case scenario is you just solved the dilemma on how to move on from Beast Mode and possibly added a generational talent to your roster.

The injury could be a gift for a team picking late in the first if he regains his best form. Admittedly it’s a big ‘if’.

Let me know what you think. Would you consider drafting him in the first round?

Mock scenario: What if Oakland goes after Harbaugh?

Here’s Jim Harbaugh, perhaps praying he doesn’t have to take the Raiders gig

How could the NFL draft be impacted if Oakland decides to pursue Jim Harbaugh? The 49ers are expected to try and gain some level of compensation. How could it play out?

This is just a bit of fun. Do not take this seriously. I mean it. Please believe me when I say I mean it. Unless it comes off, then actually I was deadly serious. I know this is lowest common denominator blogging. But hey — I’m not starting the weekly mock drafts for a while yet. Really this is an opportunity to discuss certain prospects and put some thoughts down in a post. So here’s a first round scenario with the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia all involved in a deal that keeps Harbaugh in the Bay Area. There’s an explanation on how this shenanigans goes off later on.

#1 Philadelphia Eagles (via Oakland) — Marcus Mariota (QB, Oregon)
See below for details on how I have this playing out. Is it unlikely? Sure. But Chip Kelly won’t get another chance to go after his protégé at Oregon. He still hasn’t brought in a quarterback who truly fits his scheme perfectly. Mariota would be that guy — and he could take the Eagles to another level.

#2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Randy Gregory (DE, Nebraska)
Gregory’s run defense is suspect (he had a nightmare against Wisconsin in Melvin Gordon’s record-breaking performance). And yet he has ideal length (6-6) and the frame to add more size. Some have compared him to Aldon Smith.

#3 Tennessee Titans — Leonard Williams (DE, USC)
Personally, I’m not blown away by Williams. I think he could easily fall a bit. There’s no denying his frame and athletic potential are right up there. He’s not had a bad year but neither has he truly dominated any USC game I’ve seen.

#4 Jacksonville Jaguars — Bud Dupree (DE, Kentucky)
Love this guy. Bud Dupree is everything you want in a football player. Fantastic athleticism, dynamic pass rusher, heart and soul leader. He’s set for a big-time career at the next level.

#5 New York Jets — Amari Cooper (WR, Alabama)
Not only is Cooper a mature and intelligent football player, he’s also a terrific playmaker. He just keeps making big plays. He’s shown enough speed to make up for a lack of brilliant size (around 6-1/6-2) but he high points the ball and knows how to get open. The most natural receiver to enter the league since A.J. Green.

#6 Washington Redskins — La’el Collins (G, LSU)
I think he’ll be a guard at the next level, but he’s shown he can make a fist of it at tackle this year. Every week he’s blowing people off the LOS. A team captain and emotional leader, Collins could play for +10 years inside.

#7 New York Giants — Shaq Thompson (LB, Washington)
Thompson is the very definition of a modern day linebacker. He gets around the field, makes impact plays. You can trust him in coverage and get him blitzing to impact the quarterback. He has the range you’re looking for. He has a ton of upside — the only thing that might hurt is the position he plays. It’s not exactly a premium.

#8 Carolina Panthers — Andrus Peat (T, Stanford)
The Panthers need a left tackle and Peat is the more natural blind-side blocker in this class. He’s not flawless but he’s the best pass protector available.

#9 Minnesota Vikings — Shane Ray (DE, Missouri)
I actually like Markus Golden more but Ray has the potential to set alight the combine. Great edge rusher who knows how to mix it up. Does a good job stunting inside. Plays with fire. Are there concerns about his size against the run? Perhaps.

#10 New Orleans Saints — T.J. Clemmings (T, Pittsburgh)
Defensive convert who took his time but finally appears to be on the right track at tackle. This would be an investment in potential. The risk-reward factor is high here — he still needs a lot of work. A good O-line coach will back himself to turn Clemmings into a stud.

#11 Chicago Bears — Vic Beasley (DE, Clemson)
Great speed rusher with a tremendous get-off. Insane production over the last three seasons. Will be a liability against the run but he’ll make his money on third down. The Bears need to create more pressure in the pass-happy NFC North.

#12 St. Louis Rams — Landon Collins (S, Alabama)
Potential SPARQ demon who flies around the field. Well built despite his athleticism and can deliver a hit. Would be a good partner for Mark Barron in the secondary — could even move to linebacker or be used like Deone Bucannon.

#13 Houston Texans — Dorial Green-Beckham (WR, Oklahoma)
DGB will need to convince teams he’s a changed man if he declares. He has a back-catalog of off-field problems, including a recent domestic abuse incident. Physically he’s a freak of nature. He could be the next superstar receiver if he can just stay out of trouble. That’s a pretty big if.

#14 Miami Dolphins — Melvin Gordon (RB, Wisconsin)
Gordon has real momentum and if he continues to run the ball with authority someone will take a shot early. He runs like a gazelle and is a genuine home-run threat when he finds the edge. Can he run up the gut and get the tough yards? Debatable. There’s real star potential here though.

#15 Cleveland Browns — Dante Fowler Jr (DE, Florida)
Fowler Jr has been a rare bright spot for Florida during the Will Muschamp days. He can effortlessly shift inside and rush the interior. You can line him up anywhere. He will play his best football at the next level.

#16 Pittsburgh Steelers — Markus Golden (DE, Missouri)
Golden is a big time prospect. Fast, powerful, aggressive. He’s maturing nicely and is having a fantastic year. Along with Shane Ray he’ll get a chance to make a major statement in the SEC title game. Nobody else gave Ju’Wan James fits last season. Just Golden.

#17 Baltimore Ravens — Cedric Ogbuehi (T, Texas A&M)
This has been a really disappointing season for Ogbuehi, who started the year as a top-ten candidate. It’s hard to imagine any team drafting him to start quickly at left tackle. A return to the right side seems inevitable. He’s still got plenty of upside, but he hasn’t followed the path of Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews.

#18 Cleveland Browns (via Buffalo) — Devante Parker (WR, Louisville)
Difficult to cover and made for a high-octane passing offense. He lacks bulk (around 205-210lbs) but has nice height and appears to have long arms. He won’t fit every offense but with a good quarterback he’ll put up numbers.

#19 San Francisco 49ers — Shawn Oakman (DE, Baylor)
Oakman could go in the top ten. You don’t get many human beings who look this good at 6-8 and 280lbs. The tape is miserable at times though. The 49ers could groom him into their rotation slowly.

#20 Dallas Cowboys — Bendarick McKinney (LB, Mississippi State)
McKinney is the player Rolando McClain should’ve been. If they lose McClain, this would be a nice replacement. Similar size, but McKinney is at least somewhat reliable. He’s a big reason why Miss. State have succeeded this year.

#21 Atlanta Falcons — Brandon Scherff (T, Iowa)
Might be better at guard. Like Ogbuehi, hasn’t always looked comfortable as a pass protector. He excels in the running game. The Falcons need to get more physical. Scherff can provide that edge up front.

#22 Kansas City Chiefs — Kevin White (WR, West Virginia)
High points the ball nicely, competed well against some tough opponents this year. Production has dropped off a bit recently. Doesn’t have ideal size but plays big. Has been an X-factor in several games.

#23 Indianapolis Colts — Corey Robinson (T, South Carolina)
In a down year for his team, Robinson has quietly put together a solid season and seems to have momentum. With such a premium on the offensive tackle position, don’t be surprised if he slips into the back end of round one.

#24 Detroit Lions — Eddie Goldman (DT, Florida State)
Goldman has impressed on a few occasions this year. He isn’t overly dominating and has played some weak opponents. Yet he does a nice job getting off blocks and into the backfield. He’s a decent pass rush prospect working the interior.

#25 San Diego Chargers — Cameron Erving (C, Florida State)
A move to center is paying dividends for Erving. He looks comfortable. He still has a shot to get into this range if he finishes the year strongly. San Diego has had a revolving door at center all season. Erving can probably play guard too and act as a backup tackle.

#26 Seattle Seahawks — Malcom Brown (DT, Texas)
If the Seahawks move on from Marshawn Lynch, running back becomes a need. If they keep him — the off-season priority should be the defensive line and getting a big target for Russell Wilson. Brown can be Clinton McDonald-plus for Seattle’s defense.

#27 Cincinnati Bengals — Tyrus Thompson (T, Oklahoma)
Cincy seems to like size on the offensive line. Thompson certainly provides that. Whether or not he’s a fit at left tackle at the next level is a serious question. But the Bengals will be lucky to find an ace pass-protector this late in the first round.

#28 San Francisco 49ers (via Oakland & Philadelpia) — Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia)
The 49ers are one of the few teams who can afford, in this scenario, to red-shirt Gurley and let him make a full and proper recovery from his ACL injury.

#29 Denver Broncos — Leonard Floyd (DE, Georgia)
I’m not a big fan of Floyd’s. He’s skinny — and has a little Aaron Maybin to his style. He hasn’t had a big year in terms of production. He would probably benefit from another year to add strength and experience. The Broncos might be prepared to let him act as a specialist in year one and develop slowly.

#30 Green Bay Packers — Jordan Phillips (DT, Oklahoma)
Big nose tackle with surprising athleticism. He’s a good combine away from getting into this range. Makes plays and is difficult to move off the ball. Might not declare but had injury issues last year. Could strike while the iron is hot.

#31 Arizona Cardinals — Tevin Coleman (RB, Indiana)
Exceptional talent and might be the best running back from the class a few years down the line. If he lands with the right team he can provide a major jolt to the offense. Arizona is crying out for a player like Coleman.

#32 New England Patriots — Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon)
He’s had a mostly disappointing season. His future might be in the slot — but it’s an increasingly vital position especially if you’re trying to usurp Denver as the AFC’s top dog.

How the hell does Philly get Mariota?

As well as Mark Sanchez has played recently, Chip Kelly needs his quarterback. He inherited Nick Foles and took a punt on Sanchez. This is a rare chance to draft the player he groomed at Oregon and fits the Eagles offense perfectly. So how do they make it happen? A three-team trade, of course…

— The Raiders, targeting a trade with San Francisco to get Jim Harbaugh, make an early off-season deal with the Eagles for the #1 pick. Philly feels comfortable making the move given Kelly’s history with Mariota. The Raiders jump all the way down to #28 but also get Philly’s second round pick and a first rounder in 2016.

— Oakland gives the #28 pick to San Francisco for Jim Harbaugh. They too feel comfortable with the deal, knowing they have two second round picks in 2015 to make up for a lack of a first rounder and an extra first in the following draft.

Convoluted? Yep. Likely? Almost certainly not. Is this supposed to be taken seriously? Of course not. But it’s fun to speculate.

No Jameis Winston?

Winston has thrown 17 interceptions this year and only 21 touchdowns. He’s been the cause and solution to many of Florida State’s problems. Technically he has a long winding release and he just takes too many chances. Can you rely on him to scan the field and make the right play for the situation at the next level? I’m not convinced.

Then you go back to the laundry list of off-field problems and questions over his maturity. The idea of a team looking at this guy and thinking, “this is the man to lead our franchise” is so completely far-fetched. Based on his 2014 performance, he simply won’t be worth the risk.

The Seahawks draft…. who?

A few different readers brought Malcom Brown (DT, Texas) to my attention. I had a look and was blown away by his potential. He’s a former 5-star recruit and if he decides to turn pro (he’s admitted he is considering his options) he could be set to make a rapid rise up the boards. Watch out for this guy. We could be talking top-15 potential by the spring.

Brown does a terrific job holding the point, he has the required swim and rip moves to act as an effective interior rusher. He looks superb carrying a 6-2 320lbs frame (very compact frame, minimal bad weight). Height is key here — he’s well built in the lower body and has a strong base making him hard to move off the point. He consistently wins with leverage at that height. Arm length will be interesting — it doesn’t look like he has great length (not a surprise at 6-2). That will put some teams off. It impacted Sharrif Floyd. Yet he’s shown more than enough potential to make up for this possible weakness.

A good three-technique doesn’t necessarily have to live in the backfield like Sheldon Richardson at Mizzou. It’s about impacting the pocket in different ways — pushing the guard back into the quarterback, getting the QB to move off his spot. You need to be able to hold position and fill holes. Brown isn’t Aaron Donald by any stretch of the imagination — but he would provide a very useful rotational cog to Seattle’s D-line rotation.

He’s the best player nobody talks about. Let’s hope it stays that way even if he declares and somehow lasts until the late first round.

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