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        the Gridiron >> between the 20's >>  Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
        
(Message started by: Philly on Jan 5^th, 2006, 5:41pm)

Title: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 5^th, 2006, 5:41pm

Here's a quick one I put together recently. It will obviously change as more and more juniors declare by 1/15 (or don't declare, as the case may be). I'll be sure to update it once we get some info from the all-star games and the workouts too.

1 HOU - Reggie Bush RB USC
2 NO - Matt Leinart QB USC
3 TEN - Vince Young QB Texas
4 NYJ - Laurence Maroney RB Minnesota
5 GB - Haloti Ngata DT Oregon
6 OAK - Mario Williams DE NC State
7 SF - Jimmy Williams FS Virginia Tech
8 BUF - Mathias Kiwanuka DE Boston College
9 DET - Jay Cutler QB Vanderbilt
10 ARZ - Eric Winston OT Miami-FL
11 STL - AJ Hawk LB Ohio St
12 CLE - Tye Hill CB Clemson
13 BAL - Chad Greenway LB Iowa
14 PHI - Tamba Hali DE Penn St
15 ATL - Michael Huff S Texas
16 MIA - Claude Wroten DT LSU
17 MIN - DeMeco Ryans LB Alabama
18 DAL - Santonio Holmes WR Ohio St
19 SD - Max Jean-Gilles OG Georgia
20 KC - Will Blackmon CB/WR Boston College
21 NE* - DeMario Minter CB Georgia
22 DEN (from WAS)* - Marcedes Lewis TE UCLA
23 TB* - Winston Justice OT USC
24 CAR* - Marcus McNeill OT Auburn
25 CHI* - Leonard Pope TE Georgia
26 CIN* - Rod Wright DT Texas
27 PIT* - LenDale White RB USC
28 NYG* - Jesse Mahelona DT Tennessee
29 JAX* - Darryl Tapp DE Virginia Tech
30 DEN* - Derek Hagan WR Arizona St.
31 SEA* - LaRon Landry S LSU
32 IND* - Abdul Hodge LB Iowa

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by StegRock on Jan 5^th, 2006, 5:50pm

NICE work, yet again, Philster!!! [smiley=bow.gif]

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by steelkings on Jan 5^th, 2006, 8:28pm

It wouldn't suprise me to see the Colts and Steelers swap players in your draft. I think with Staley returning healthy and the emergence of Parker, you will see a linebacker or an O-lineman in Pittsburgh. I believe the Colts will be in a position to replace Edge with a young back like Lendale White. Both Edge and Wayne are both UFA's, the cap straped Colts will tag Wayne ( Their leading pass catcher)and look for a young back. (Tagging Edge 2 years in a row would prove very costly)

Great job!

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by DB on Jan 5^th, 2006, 9:58pm

Alright, i am ready for next year now with Mel Kiper-Philly style. 8-) Just a couple thoughts though. I think when all is said and done with the combines and all that ... Leinart moves down outta the top 3. I think Santonio could turn out in the top 5. Didn't Virginia have a O-lineman that was supposed to be a top-top pick?

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by BarnabyWilde on Jan 5^th, 2006, 10:19pm

Yes, D'Brickshaw Ferguson. He'll be a top 5 pick for sure. And I will not be posting my mock until the underclassmen all decide if they are turning. I am not convinced Vince Young is coming out yet.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 6^th, 2006, 9:40am

Looks like I'll need to revise this sooner than later... Claude Wroten (#16 in my mock) was arrested earlier this week with marijuana possession with intent to distribute. Ouch!

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 6^th, 2006, 9:43am

on 01/05/06 at 22:19:39, BarnabyWilde wrote:

Yes, D'Brickshaw Ferguson. He'll be a top 5 pick for sure. And I will not be posting my mock until the underclassmen all decide if they are turning. I am not convinced Vince Young is coming out yet.

Yeah... this is the second mock that I've done now where D-Brick somehow slipped my memory. He's a top player (top 10 for sure) and I can't believe I keep missing him.

I think Young should declare. The worst he'll do this year is #3 overall. Next year he'll be battling Brady Quinn, and possibly Ahmad Brooks and LenDale White for the top spot.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by BarnabyWilde on Jan 6^th, 2006, 11:02am

Do you think LenDale stays at USC? I think he goes pro.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Chumpzilla on Jan 6^th, 2006, 11:05am

on 01/06/06 at 11:02:56, BarnabyWilde wrote:

Do you think LenDale stays at USC? I think he goes pro.

Totally agree. [smiley=yes.gif] I'll be shocked if he stays at USC.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by junkyardjake on Jan 6^th, 2006, 12:59pm

Cool mock draft Philly [smiley=beaver.gif], but don't forget about D'Angelo Williams

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 6^th, 2006, 4:17pm

DeAngelo Williams, the player who didn't want to start against a tough Tennessee defense and ended up getting benched for the game by his coach? I left him out of the first round intentionally. I think he'll slide right out of the first round this year, regardless of how many records he's broken. Remember how Steven Jackson, Chris Perry, Kevin Jones, and Julius Jones slid a couple years ago? That could happen to Williams this year.

As for LenDale White, I think he'll declare. Word is that he isn't on solid footing academically at USC anyway. He'll be a definite first rounder and I'll likely move him up some more as a result of the Rose Bowl effort. I personally would love to see him stay because he'd break all the TD records (I think he had like 55 coming into the Rose Bowl in three years) and be a serious Heisman candidate without sharing the limelight with Reggie Bush. He'd probably throw up a 1500-2000 yard season with 25-30 TDs and earn a top 5 grade in the process (a grade he doesn't currently have).

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by BarnabyWilde on Jan 6^th, 2006, 4:34pm

Yeah, but if White comes out this year, he can play for a team like New England, Carolina, or Pittsburgh, instead of a bottom 5 team in 07.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 6^th, 2006, 4:41pm

on 01/06/06 at 16:34:12, BarnabyWilde wrote:

Yeah, but if White comes out this year, he can play for a team like New England, Carolina, or Pittsburgh, instead of a bottom 5 team in 07.

I'd guess LenDale White is a bit more interested in the extra $10+ million he'd get in a signing bonus by being top 5 instead of top 25 pick...

Plus, if he waits until next year to declare, and there's no salary cap (or rookie salary pool) to deal with, he could break the bank as high draft picks really stand to benefit the most from the lack of an extenstion to the CBA.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by junkyardjake on Jan 6^th, 2006, 5:07pm

Quote:

[smiley=uh.gif] He had a sprained ankle for that game, that's pretty harsh.

And all the accolades he's earned aside, didn't Williams more than make up for that with 230 yards and 3 TDs in the Motor City Bowl ?

I think Williams, at worst, doesn't make past pick#15 in April.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 7^th, 2006, 12:07am

on 01/06/06 at 17:07:32, junkyardjake wrote:

[smiley=uh.gif] He had a sprained ankle for that game, that's pretty harsh.

He had a mildly sprained ankle, one that wasn't going to keep him from playing. He told the coach that he thought he'd be better coming off the bench instead of starting. The coach told him that if he wasn't good enough to start, then he wouldn't play at all. Williams bowed out after that. I just found the whole thing pretty weak.

Quote:

And all the accolades he's earned aside, didn't Williams more than make up for that with 230 yards and 3 TDs in the Motor City Bowl ?

230 and 3 sure looks nice, and is a good effort, without a doubt, but let's consider who he played... Akron's defense is not good against the run.

Quote:

I think Williams, at worst, doesn't make past pick#15 in April.

He'll have to do something amazing, like run in the 4.3s at the Combine or run for 200+ at the Senior Bowl in order to get into the top half of the first round (in my opinion). But that's the great thing about the draft... no one really knows what's going to happen -- not even the NFL GMs.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by junkyardjake on Jan 7^th, 2006, 1:30am

Quote:

Remember how Steven Jackson, Chris Perry, Kevin Jones, and Julius Jones slid a couple years ago? That could happen to Williams this year.

btw Philly, I forgot to mention this in my previous message, but I don't quite understand this comparison. Jackson, Perry and Kevin Jones were all first rounders (albeit, I guess at lower spots than projected?), and Julius Jones was considered a reach in the 2nd round.

Quote:

230 and 3 sure looks nice, and is a good effort, without a doubt, but let's consider who he played... Akron's defense is not good against the run.

Granted, Williams played in a weak conference, so I guess you could extend that agrument to his entire season. However, LT also played in a weak conference, and he turned out pretty much as advertised. (btw, I'm not saying that I think Williams is as good as Tomlinson, but I don't think he's that far off).

Quote:

He'll have to do something amazing, like run in the 4.3s at the Combine or run for 200+ at the Senior Bowl in order to get into the top half of the first round (in my opinion).

I don't think Williams is capable of running a 4.3 (isn't he clocked at like high 4's- 4.5?), but he shouldn't have to. He's arguably rated as the #2 back after Bush, so conversely, I think he would have to really blow it in the next 4 months to get knocked out of the first round.

Also, concerning Laurence Maroney, he's the guy that I personally think is overrated. In fact you can make a case for both Williams and LenDale White being drafted before him. He seems like a talented player, but he's a bit on the small side, and also has below-average receiving skills.

I think if the Jets go with a runningback at #4, it will more than likely be Williams, and I wouldn't mind White either.

What do you like so much about Maroney? ?.?.?

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 11^th, 2006, 2:59pm

on 01/07/06 at 01:30:47, junkyardjake wrote:

Yes, they were first rounders, but there were many who thought that Jackson, Perry, and KJones were all possible top 10 backs. I distinctly remember how surprised Kiper & Co. were that Jackson was still available as late as he was...

Quote:

What do you like so much about Maroney? ?.?.?

I think he's a poor man's Shaun Alexander. He's got nice speed (although he's not the fastest, as you mentioned) and he runs well between the tackles. However, since you asked the question... I went back and reviewed some film of both Williams and Maroney, and I have to admit that I was swayed towards Williams. Maroney really had a much better line to work with where Williams really needed to create on his own. Also, Maroney didn't carry the load as Gary Russell took a big chunk of it from him. All that being said, I like Maroney better than Marion Barber III, who has enjoyed some (limited) success in the NFL already.

Either way, I think that they both slip towards the end (or out) of the first round. Same deal with Brian Calhoun who is in the same tier of backs as Maroney and Williams.

I think Bush goes first, LenDale White goes second (among backs, not overall), and then there will be a run on the other positions for the rest of the round.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by KillerKingSting on Jan 11^th, 2006, 3:28pm

I am about 3 monhs bEEhind on my rookie draft analysis right now. So anything I say can't BEE use4d against me in a court of Fantasy experts

but,

where is D.Brickshaw Ferguson in your 1st round rankings?

I have to agree somewhat with JYJ on DeAngelo Williams - the guy had 4 new offensive linemen starting for him this year and they didn't exactly get great push off the LOS either - thus creating holes to run through;

Also, the QB situation wasn't always all that great either.

As for comparing him to LT2 though,

I'm with Philly on that.

Further more, I don't see A.J. Hawke getting out of the top ten babe-bee!!!!!!

Cutler might be ranked a but high.

M. Jean-Gilles - thats an interesting pick! Hes a mauler!

Does Frisco really go for defense when they just drafted #1 overall a QB that needs desperate offensive help?

I also agree with Steg , in that Philly did a great job here! [smiley=twothumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by sameoldsameold on Jan 11^th, 2006, 3:35pm

WHere is elvis Dumerville i see him as a 1st rounder easily? I know it is easy to judge after the fact but what are your thoughts on dumerville? I think he will be a great player in the NFL.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 11^th, 2006, 3:41pm

Hey Killer... thanks for the [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...

If you scroll up a bit, you'll see that I plumb forgot about D-Brick. He should be in there and will be in my update (I have an update done, but I don't love it). I think that I am confusing D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Mathias Kiwanuka (I know, there's no comparison other than long names).

As for Jay Cutler... I personally think he's the best QB in this draft. If I had a top 5 pick and needed a QB, I'd say screw Leinart and Young, I'm trading down and grabbing Cutler. Back on September 1st I predicted that Cutler would be a special NFL QB (http://condraft.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=3083&st=0&#entry32531) and then in a December 1st mock I had Cutler in my top 10 while no one else was looking at him as a first rounder(http://condraft.com/boards/index.php?showtopic=3612&st=0&#entry38764). Now everyone is on the Cutler bandwagon.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 11^th, 2006, 3:58pm

on 01/11/06 at 15:35:34, sameoldsameold wrote:

WHere is elvis Dumerville i see him as a 1st rounder easily? I know it is easy to judge after the fact but what are your thoughts on dumerville? I think he will be a great player in the NFL.

I like Elvis Dumervil's effort, but I don't think he's a first round player. He's too much of a tweener. He's not big enough to be an ideal 4-3 DE and he's nowhere near fast enough or good enough in coverage to be a 3-4 OLB. He might have to be used as a 3-4 ILB (kinda like a Tedy Bruschi type). He did most of his damage in the first half of the year and disappeared at the end. In his first 7 games he had 20.5 TFL (19 sacks). Over his last 5 games he had a TOTAL of 1.5 TFL (1 sack). He did most of his damage against the likes of Kentucky, North Carolina, and Florida Atlantic. The only decent opponent he did well against was Oregon St (game 2 - before things got better for OSU) but Louisville built up such a big lead that OSU had to abandon the run which allowed Elvis to get after the QB every play.

If Marcus Vick didn't do a Riverdance on Elvis's knee in the bowl game, no one would have even mentioned him as he finished with 2 tackles (1 solo).

So, you'll see that his numbers, impressive as they are, are inflated. Against the better opponents (and some bad ones in Pitt & Syracuse), he was shut down completely.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by KillerKingSting on Jan 11^th, 2006, 4:30pm

Cutler : it will be interesting to see if your right on this guy!
Also, I will be excited to read more about him per your advice! Thanks!

For an early prediction - and I say this BEEcause I am 3 months BEEhind on my rookie coverage right now,

but,

I think we might see another center sneak into the first round this year as did Chris Spencer in 05 with the Seahawks.

Per the emergence of the 3-4 defense in the NFL, Centers are now asked to hold off HUGE stud-like mountain Nose Tackles while protecting against the interior pass rush.

After what I witnessed this past season, ie: Minnesota, Green Bay, Oakland with Grove on the injury bench, the Jets also come to mind etc etc.................

........centers are becoming a BIG deal - in contrast to the past where they were always considered "last" man on the offensive line.

So far from what I see, this is a pretty strong center draft.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 12^th, 2006, 11:08am

For those of us who like the pivot man, this is an OUTSTANDING draft for centers. Of the class, I like Mike Degory (Florida) best. He's a big mauler who's a good guy off the field and a beast on. Nick Mangold (Ohio St) and Greg Eslinger (Minnesota) are right on his heels in my opinion. The three of them are all first day selections and one could slip into the end of the first round.

Some others that bear watching as value picks on day two:
Ryan Cook (New Mexico)
Marvin Phillip (Cal)
Brian Van Acker (Northern Illinois)
Pat Ross (Boston College)
Chris Morris (Michigan St)
Donovan Raiola (Wisconsin)
Will Montgomery (Va Tech)

...and, if you really want to turn some heads, drop the name of Pascal Matla (Eastern Illinois). Wouldn't you love to have a football player named Pascal, especially if he's responsible for making all the line calls?

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by KillerKingSting on Jan 13^th, 2006, 10:32am

Great info Philly!!!!! [smiley=cheerleader.gif]

On the defensive side of the line,

what about Hali? you moving him up? I have him in the top ten!

Insane Gang MemBranes, get your offensive linemen info here!!!!!

TAKE NOTICE!!!!!!

Philly is a GREAT resource for rookie information!!! [smiley=bow.gif]

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by junkyardjake on Jan 14^th, 2006, 12:18pm

Quote:

I went back and reviewed some film of both Williams and Maroney, and I have to admit that I was swayed towards Williams.

I thought you'd think that [smiley=graduate.gif]. It will be interesting to see if that changes your mock draft.

btw, good call on Cutler, speculation is that he doesn't make it past Miami at #16.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 14^th, 2006, 8:49pm

on 01/13/06 at 10:32:58, KillerKingSting wrote:

I definitely like Hali (you'll notice that I had my beloved Eagles selecting him #14 in the mock)... I don't think he climb into the top 10 (not with Mario and Kiwi there) unless he adds some weight and really puts up some great workout numbers. As a football player on the field, he'll be a great one. I think he's pretty much set as the #3 DE off the boards.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Chumpzilla on Jan 16^th, 2006, 6:10pm

on 01/14/06 at 20:49:24, Philly wrote:

Any chance, because of his size (in my opinion, too small for an NFL DE) and excellent speed, that some NFL team drafts him with the intent of converting him to LB??

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by KillerKingSting on Jan 16^th, 2006, 8:20pm

on 01/16/06 at 18:10:55, Chumpzilla wrote:

Any chance, because of his size (in my opinion, too small for an NFL DE) and excellent speed, that some NFL team drafts him with the intent of converting him to LB??

Good point Chumpzilla,

also lets NOT forget about guys like Robert Mathis the passing-down defensive end for the COLTS.
Yes most certainly he benefits from Freeney being on the other side,

however,

in his own right,

Mathis has "game" babe-bee,

and he has closing speed.

And in leagues that support high-fantasy sack points for their IDPs (such as the Insane Gang!) - he could be of worth BOTH in the NFL & IDP leagues.

Size is sometimes over-rated. With so many subsitutions in today's game - while coaches are trying to keep their players fresh for the 4th quarter - in addition, preventing injuries due to fatigue and more "playing time hits" - SUB-package players are becoming moreso prestigeous in their draft and game value.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Chumpzilla on Jan 16^th, 2006, 10:08pm

on 01/16/06 at 20:20:37, KillerKingSting wrote:

Size is sometimes over-rated. With so many subsitutions in today's game - while coaches are trying to keep their players fresh for the 4th quarter - in addition, preventing injuries due to fatigue and more "playing time hits" - SUB-package players are becoming moreso prestigeous in their draft and game value.

KKS, I totally understand ypur point , however, size matters in Philly. Failures include Mike Mamula, Jamal Green, Jerome MacDougal, and Trent Cole (AND I think Patterson will fit the same profile). Even Kearse is suffering. I think you hit it on the head though... the player on the opposite side (or supporting cast) is extremely important.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Chumpzilla on Jan 16^th, 2006, 10:11pm

BTW. I love Trent Cole. Hell of an engine. There's no way he will last an entire game though.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by KillerKingSting on Jan 17^th, 2006, 4:38am

Size matters in the NFL for sure. I am just saying that it is sometimes over-rated.

Jason Taylor comes to mind - Dwight Freeney isn't that big himself - KGB, another force off the edge - Terrel Suggs of the Ravens - Even J. Abraham of the Jets Jets Jets isn't blessed with great size -

I remember scouting the talents of Osi Umenyoira before he became a starter. Osi Umenyoira (I'm sure I mis-spelled that one) had his size questioned and his ability to play and be an every-down DE in the NFL.

Now, hes a monster - even when Strahan was on the bench w/ injury.

and the list goes on.

All very productive defensive ends in the NFL.

Sure - you'd like to have the all-star combo of size AND speed goin for yah but,

its not the say-all for speed-rushers off the edge in the NFL in this day and age anymore.

Wow! Your giving up on Trent Cole after just one year? I don't know too much about him CZ but, I noticed that he was making a splash early on in the season though since then, haven't heard much of a peep outta him.

But for me - I just racked that up as the Eagles having a really bad bad year moreso than it being his ability to play in the NFL.

Further more, hes a rook. The transition from collegiate ranks to the NFL - is stifiling!

See what he does this year and then, if hes not a play-maker - I would agree with you.

In his specific case though, I would agree with you in that - he is probably too smallish to be an every down DE in the NFL.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Chumpzilla on Jan 17^th, 2006, 5:10am

Can you tell I'm a little gun-shy about "lighter" DE's? ;)

Another scenerio... maybe the Eagles, my favorite team, are a poor judge of talent with regard to DE's. ;D

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by KillerKingSting on Jan 17^th, 2006, 5:46am

Hey CZ!!!!
There are some big-time super-sized offensive lines in your division-theNFC east!!!

I think your concerns are most definitely valid! [smiley=twothumbsup.gif]

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 17^th, 2006, 12:29pm

I have to admit that I am partial to the bigger DE as well. I think I got spoiled by Reggie White. I am coming around the the benefits of a pass-rushing specialist who is a bit lighter and a better athlete.

So many teams employ a D-line rotation now where they use their bigger ends and tackles for obvious running situations and the lighter ones for pass-rushing situations. A guy like Robert Mathis does well particularly because of this. He doesn't play all the snaps on defense, but when he comes in, it's a passing down and he's fresh - hence his great numbers. Offensive lines generally don't substitute situationally.

As for Hali, he's far too big for a OLB candidate. He's 6'3" and about 260. He's not fast enough to play an OLB position and doesn't have the coverage skills. What he has is an outstanding motor and great strength for his size. He also uses his quickness which would be negated some if he dropped back off the line. He's got the frame to carry more bulk and I would guess that he'll get up to about 270-275 for the NFL (maybe not first year, but by second or third). He is reasonably strong against the run in addition to being an outstanding pass rusher. He's still a very raw player and will improve greatly with NFL coaching and experience.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 23^rd, 2006, 11:16pm

on 01/07/06 at 01:30:47, junkyardjake wrote:

Also, concerning Laurence Maroney, he's the guy that I personally think is overrated. In fact you can make a case for both Williams and LenDale White being drafted before him. He seems like a talented player, but he's a bit on the small side, and also has below-average receiving skills.

I find it interesting that you mention Maroney as being a bit on the small side in your argument for DeAngelo Williams. I've already conceded that argument to you in light of some more studying on my part, but DeAngelo Williams showed up at the Senior Bowl and officially measured 5' 8 1/2" and 208 pounds. Quite a bit smaller than everyone was led to believe during the season where he was listed at 5' 10" and 217. :)

Anyway, it will be interesting to see how Maroney measures at the Combine. Probably a very similar set of numbers. I don't think height is all that important a measurable for RBs though. Lack of height could even be considered an advantage.

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by junkyardjake on Jan 24^th, 2006, 7:52am

on 01/23/06 at 23:16:20, Philly wrote:

DeAngelo Williams showed up at the Senior Bowl and officially measured 5' 8 1/2" and 208 pounds. Quite a bit smaller than everyone was led to believe during the season where he was listed at 5' 10" and 217. :)

Philly, I have to be honest, those measurements completely change my opinion as to Williams' status as a potential 1st rounder. I was of course considering the premise of 5'10" 217. It's one thing to shed some pounds to improve your speed, but now he is kind of reminding me of Michael Bennett and JJ Arrington.

This is not to say that Bennett and/or Arrington can't succeed in the right situation, or to say that physical height and weight is everything...Warrick Dunn, Tiki Barber and Priest Holmes are proof of that. (Although I must admit a preference for bigger RBs and have never drafted any of these guys for any fantasy team).

As far as the upcoming draft, if DeAngelo Williams is really 5' 8 1/2" and 208 pounds I now generally agree with your original assessment:

Quote:

He'll have to do something amazing, like run in the 4.3s at the Combine or run for 200+ at the Senior Bowl in order to get into the top half of the first round (in my opinion).

If I am an NFL GM, I don't take Williams in the 1st round unless he benches 400 lbs, runs a sub-4.4, jumps like a tree frog, and has roller blade shoes like Barry Sanders.

That may be a little conservative, but there is too much talent at other positions to waste a 1st rounder on an RB that may not be able to carry the load as the feature guy.

In any event, I now agree that Williams might fall into the second round. Good catch.[smiley=shammy.gif]

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by Philly on Jan 24^th, 2006, 9:20am

It will be interesting to see how things play out. It's great that DeAngelo is at the Senior Bowl. We'll get a chance to see what he can do (1) with a solid offensive line in front of him, and (2) against better defensive players. He had mixed reviews from his first day of practice, so we'll keep watching.

I've heard from scouts who feel he has LT2-like ability and I've heard from others who are very down on him. I'd like to see a bit more heart to go with his ability. I think that Bush and White go very early in the draft, and then a third back could go top 10 before we see any other backs slide some (just because of team needs).

Title: Re: Philly's First Gridiron Mock NFL Draft of 06
Post by KillerKingSting on Jan 25^th, 2006, 7:51am

I think you guys are too stuck on this guys size. JYJ mentioned some elite smaller backs but,

anyone remember Emmit Smith?

not that big.

If size is going to matter in any facet of the game for DJ, I would say moreso towards his blocking, as there are some big boys in the NFL to have to stand up to on 3rd down in a passing situation.

I will tell you guys ONE area in which you would need to worry in regards to elite RBs. His speed. he doesn't have that break-away gear. If thats a major concern for you in eval of RBs then, fair enough.

However, even more of a concern - and I am a little surprised this has yet to be a major concern for you guys in lue of this "size" issue - is his durability.

I think his "heart" is fine. Hes got great work ethic and character and thats a big plus in today's age of wife-beaters, drugsters, Whizzanators, gamblers, side-show-sex-addicts and thugs galore.

Philly, correct me if I am wrong but, you were concerned that he didn't play in the Tiger's big game this year because of some ankle probs?

Thats not a concern :P. heck, the guy came back from a MAJOR injury last year, decided to go back to college this year and make a comeback in his senior season - and did just that! And did it in a very productive way.

Thats heart for yah!

The fact that he decided to play in the senior bowl should show you that.

In the end, still, I think he is this draft's most COMPLETE RB. Running, catching & blocking.

But the burning question remains ,

how will he hold up to NFL-TYPE competition.