Draft Countdown updated mock 2/16/11

I've been predicting that the first two QBs go off the board like that for a while, but I think that Newton may go even higher. I knew he would shoot up after the combine and pro day, but this media thing he did has raised his hype even higher. I now think that #4 is probably too late for him unless he knocks over a convenience store between now and the draft. I do think that Gabbert goes no later than #8. As for the Dolphin's pick, that's a reasonable pick should the Dolphins be unable to trade down.

Exactly Rafi, this is a Qb driven league, the idea that the only 2 consensus "NFL ready" prospects would somehow slide out of the top 10 seems fantastical.

Though I picked Ingram in my first mock I kind of doubt we take him as that is not how Ireland and Co thinks, to me they'd go with an Olinemen as with a good line it does not matter who the running back may be.

If/when Marion Barber is cut do not be at all surprised to see him in Miami.

I think we may go OL if we trade down. But if we stay at #15 then my guess is they take Ingram over the OL.

"rafael wrote:

I think we may go OL if we trade down. But if we stay at #15 then my guess is they take Ingram over the OL.

I think we surprise everyone and go Defense or Mallet Rafi, Oline just is not that much bang for the buck, and I also calculate that Sparano may like his Oline pieces moreso than bringing in a Rookie.

"padre31 wrote:

Exactly Rafi, this is a Qb driven league, the idea that the only 2 consensus "NFL ready" prospects would somehow slide out of the top 10 seems fantastical.

Though I picked Ingram in my first mock I kind of doubt we take him as that is not how Ireland and Co thinks, to me they'd go with an Olinemen as with a good line it does not matter who the running back may be.

If/when Marion Barber is cut do not be at all surprised to see him in Miami.

Consensus NFL ready? No.

Wow, AJ Green falling to number 10

"padre31 wrote:

I think we surprise everyone and go Defense or Mallet Rafi, Oline just is not that much bang for the buck, and I also calculate that Sparano may like his Oline pieces moreso than bringing in a Rookie.

Selecting Mallett could put me in a bad mood for over a year. I see him as an aggressive version of Henne that's worse under pressure and has more (significant) character/leadership questions.

I see Ingram as far more likely than a defensive selection.

"jim1 wrote:

Consensus NFL ready? No.

Disagree jim1, consensus in the sense of "most likely to be ready" I dislike all of the qualifiers and hemming and hawing over draft choices when the plain fact is, they will end up playing in their rookie seasons, no need to do the tango to try and say they will not play.

Like the Bucs signing Leftwich when it was obvious Josh Freeman was going to play that season.

"rafael wrote:

Selecting Mallett could put me in a bad mood for over a year. I see him as an aggressive version of Henne that's worse under pressure and has more (significant) character/leadership questions.

To me, no more so than Phil Rivers had in 04, and Mallet has a better arm.

I'd like to have him unless we sign a Veteran Qb like Vince Young.

I see Ingram as far more likely than a defensive selection.

I truly do not believe Ireland approaches the draft in that manner Rafi, they think if you fix the Oline then virtually anyone can start at Running Back and have success, they prefer to have the System in place over a single player who can be a system.

"padre31 wrote:

To me, no more so than Phil Rivers had in 04, and Mallet has a better arm.

I'd like to have him unless we sign a Veteran Qb like Vince Young.

What are you referring to in regards to Rivers? Rivers decision making was almost legendary for how good it was, regardless of pressure. And his character and leadership was unquestioned.

"padre31 wrote:

I truly do not believe Ireland approaches the draft in that manner Rafi, they think if you fix the Oline then virtually anyone can start at Running Back and have success, they prefer to have the System in place over a single player who can be a system.

I don't know that that belief is so strong that they'll pass up a great player who is arguably the closest thing to "can't miss" in this draft. I think they want to trade down and pick up picks primarily, but failing that they'll take the BPA at a position of need. They'll follow their board. They're not going to take a player further down the board over the better player b/c of the system belief. All the defense talk is typical Ireland smoke. The only way they go defense is if somebody like Fairly falls. Again, basically following their board.