Draft Countdown updated mock 12/17/12

They got the right position for Miami, but I'm not a big Mingo fan. I probably would have gone Dion Jordan there instead. Also Elam did not go in the first in that draft, which is a strong possibility in the actual draft as well. I'd be hoping to score Elam with our early 2nd rounder and then WR Austin with our later second. I'm sure some would want to reach for a CB here, but IMO that would be a mistake as the position has so little impact nowadays that you're better off going with a mid-level FA CB.

"rafael wrote:

They got the right position for Miami, but I'm not a big Mingo fan. I probably would have gone Dion Jordan there instead. Also Elam did not go in the first in that draft, which is a strong possibility in the actual draft as well. I'd be hoping to score Elam with our early 2nd rounder and then WR Austin with our later second. I'm sure some would want to reach for a CB here, but IMO that would be a mistake as the position has so little impact nowadays that you're better off going with a mid-level FA CB.

I'm not a huge Mingo fan either, and Elam in the 2nd round would be rock solid. I just want the FO to find value at need, playmaking positions. Find the best CB, FS, WR or pass rusher in the 1st rd. Mingo doesn't seem like a compelling value that high.

I'd rather have his teammate Sam Montgomery, and Sean Porter still strikes me as a pass rushing value that would be a very good fir for us. I'm still curious as to how good Alec Ogletree could be at OLB, he's kind of lanky for a MLB but very good wheels and athleticism, not to mention production.

Tavon Austin is interesting, especially since we passed on TY Hilton (and my favorite Joe Adams) last year for Egnew. I'm interested in Da'rick Rogers, despite the baggage. Ireland better hit on the 1st 3 rounds this year, big time.

I don't see how T'eo will get past San Diego..their history with Seau being a major factor, and their culture needing an identity..

"djphinfan wrote:

I don't see how T'eo will get past San Diego..their history with Sean being a major factor, and their culture needing an identity..

They've drafted a few ILB prospects the past few years - I know Donald Butler. And Takeo Spikes is STILL playing good football. They've got other holes.

"RoninFin4 wrote:

They've drafted a few ILB prospects the past few years - I know Donald Butler. And Takeo Spikes is STILL playing good football. They've got other holes.

That team needs to gut itself, and replace it with leadership, cause it lacks it in a big way..

I misspelled Seaus name in my post...the connection there is strong and spikes is 36.. He makes a lot of sense to them imo.

Playmakers in the secondary are huge IMO. Elam and Reshad Jones makes me moist.

"Boomer wrote:

Playmakers in the secondary are huge IMO. Elam and Reshad Jones makes me moist.

You think they both have enough coverage skills to keep us from getting killed in the passing game though?

I see them both closer to SSs than FSs.

I love Jones and Elam I just don't know how they would compliment eachother.

Phillip Thomas is consistently underrated I think. Has 8 interceptions for Fresno State this year, 3 of them returned for TDs. Not to mention 4 forced fumbles. Didn't play in 2011, but had 3 interceptions in 2010, with another 2 forced fumbles. Had 2 interceptions as a frosh in 2009 with another return TD. First player in Fresno State history to be named a unanimous All American. One of three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award for best DB in the country (CB Johnathan Banks got it over Thomas and CB Dee Milliner). His 8 interceptions this year are more than 29 different FBS teams have in total. Total takeaways at 9 (one fumble recovery) is tied for most in the FBS. The 4 forced fumbles ranks 6th in the FBS nationally. Had 12.0 TFLs this year, as a safety, which ranks #3 in the Mountain West amongst all players including DLs and LBs.

The reason he missed 2011 was he suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle in a non-contact drill 3 days before the start of the season. If he'd played in 2011 then I think there would've been more background done on him by the media leading into 2012, and that's probably why everyone is slow on the uptake with him.

This dude is a playmaker. I read one quote of a scout that said he's easily the best safety prospect to come out since Eric Berry and Earl Thomas came out.

"rafael wrote:

They got the right position for Miami, but I'm not a big Mingo fan. I probably would have gone Dion Jordan there instead. Also Elam did not go in the first in that draft, which is a strong possibility in the actual draft as well. I'd be hoping to score Elam with our early 2nd rounder and then WR Austin with our later second. I'm sure some would want to reach for a CB here, but IMO that would be a mistake as the position has so little impact nowadays that you're better off going with a mid-level FA CB.

Exactly, sort of, ball skills and tackling is now more crucial then the classic Cb "good run/no hit" Cb template

I've heard Aldon Smith comparisons for Mingo. I don't watch enough film to really have an educated opinion on this, but was wondering if any of you guys think the comparisons line up for both of them pre-draft.

"padre31 wrote:

Exactly, sort of, ball skills and tackling is now more crucial then the classic Cb "good run/no hit" Cb template

I do not agree one bit. All you have to do is look at how defenses are playing to see that is not true.

"alen1 wrote:

I do not agree one bit. All you have to do is look at how defenses are playing to see that is not true.

I'm seeing more zone, less man, and more of a cushion in a RAC/YAC league guys have to have those skillsets over the classic bump and run/speed skill sets.

"padre31 wrote:

I'm seeing more zone, less man, and more of a cushion in a RAC/YAC league guys have to have those skillsets over the classic bump and run/speed skill sets.

I don't find the former to be true.

"ajaffe9 wrote:

I've heard Aldon Smith comparisons for Mingo. I don't watch enough film to really have an educated opinion on this, but was wondering if any of you guys think the comparisons line up for both of them pre-draft.

I'm not a fan of Mingo.

That being said, he is very quick off the ball. Great first step and reaction time. That being said, he doesn't seem like a football player to me. I don't know how to further elaborate other than saying it looks like he is a bit soft and doesn't have great football IQ. The thing that frustrates me the most with him is he will beat his man have a clear shot to the QB and miss A LOT when the QB simply steps up or side steps. I guess that could be because he is playing too fast for his own good, but I've seen it sooo many times I almost expect him to miss.

He can get real low to the ground by bending his body, sort of how Cam Wake does around the corner. He uses this to get leverage and get below/around OTs. Not a good open field tackler. Tackles low (like around legs most of the time). Doesn't love contact or the game it seems.

I think his bust potential is very, very high.

"ajaffe9 wrote:

I've heard Aldon Smith comparisons for Mingo. I don't watch enough film to really have an educated opinion on this, but was wondering if any of you guys think the comparisons line up for both of them pre-draft.

I don't see a Mingo-Aldon Smith comparison.

If that's the way it goes down, I'm leaning towards Dion Jordan, Ezekial Ansah, Matt Elam, Phillip Thomas or Tyler Eifert .

Just watched some cut ups of both players (Mingo and Aldon Smith). Smith looks to be on another level compared to Mingo, Smith is the much better player. Thank you for the input, UCF and phinsational.

"ajaffe9 wrote:

Just watched some cut ups of both players (Mingo and Aldon Smith). Smith looks to be on another level compared to Mingo, Smith is the much better player. Thank you for the input, UCF and phinsational.

The only draftee comparable to Aldon Smith in my opinion is Ezekiel Ansah.

"PhinsFan93 wrote:

The only draftee comparable to Aldon Smith in my opinion is Ezekiel Ansah.

I agree with you on that. Just watched some film of Ansah and he reminded me a lot of Smith, body type and playing style. I liked the way he was always using his hands to punch and disengage blockers. Always finding a way to be involved in the play despite being double teamed a lot. Powerful, great athleticism, but looks like he moves with purpose and understands how to read the play where as Mingo seems like a chicken with its head cut off, at times.

Wake and Ansah, as a few posters here have said, bookending the d-line would be pretty awesome to see. Two freak athletes. Mix of power and speed.

"ajaffe9 wrote:

Just watched some cut ups of both players (Mingo and Aldon Smith). Smith looks to be on another level compared to Mingo, Smith is the much better player. Thank you for the input, UCF and phinsational.

yes, Aldon is the total package, plus he produces and has a nose for making plays. ATM Mingo is no more than a tease in my eyes. When you have a solid defense behind you and a talented end like Montgomery opposite you helping create disruption, how do you have just 4 sacks and no forced fumbles?

"jim1 wrote:

I'm not a huge Mingo fan either, and Elam in the 2nd round would be rock solid. I just want the FO to find value at need, playmaking positions. Find the best CB, FS, WR or pass rusher in the 1st rd. Mingo doesn't seem like a compelling value that high.

I'd rather have his teammate Sam Montgomery, and Sean Porter still strikes me as a pass rushing value that would be a very good fir for us. I'm still curious as to how good Alec Ogletree could be at OLB, he's kind of lanky for a MLB but very good wheels and athleticism, not to mention production.

Tavon Austin is interesting, especially since we passed on TY Hilton (and my favorite Joe Adams) last year for Egnew. I'm interested in Da'rick Rogers, despite the baggage. Ireland better hit on the 1st 3 rounds this year, big time.

Ogletree worries me at ILB as well.... but his athleticism and speed are so tantalizing, to the point I wonder if you don't just let him become a big, intimidating strong safety ala Kam Chancellor. Watching how well the gifted Zach Brown is playing for Tennessee makes me curious how Ogletree could perform in a similar role. But then again, I thought Brown had a natural knack for getting to the QB, which I loved about him.

"ajaffe9 wrote:

I've heard Aldon Smith comparisons for Mingo. I don't watch enough film to really have an educated opinion on this, but was wondering if any of you guys think the comparisons line up for both of them pre-draft.

About as much of a comparison as Von Miller with Lamar Miller.

I know this opinion will be criticized but if Dion Jordan had quicker hands, he'd remind me of Aldon Smith a lot...albeit playing a different role in his defense. Then again that's kind of like saying if Justin Gatlin were faster he'd remind me of Usain Bolt.

I think it is instructive though to really dig back into what Aldon Smith was when he came out, especially as it relates to new guys that come out every year. Remember that when he came out, Aldon Smith was a lanky, physical and aggressive player with burst and movement skills, violent and quick hands...but not a guy that had showed a strong history of bending the arc on outside rush. I think in hindsight we want to say that he "showed it" but there are guys today that we talk about having trouble bending the arc or flattening the edge, that have also "showed it" at various points in their history, yet the criticism is still there because their tape isn't littered with it.

I think it's important to note that not everyone need be a Cameron Wake or Robert Mathis in that respect. There are other ways to be a star.

And of course the other thing to note about Aldon Smith is that when you stack up his Combine results at about 6'4" and 263 lbs, 4.74 in the 40, 9'10" broad jump, I think like a 34 or 35 inch vertical, 4.50 shuttle, 7.2 cone or thereabouts...I mean, good but not blowing the doors off anything.