I always like discussing this around draft time because usually between now and Draft day some players are going to have some rumors floating around in terms of their draft stock going up or down. I'd like to hear your guess for which two players that are being viewed as early round one players that you predict might slide, and two late round 1 or early 2 players that you think might rise up into mid or early round 1. It's a great excercise in trying to see what might shape up our draft this year. My Players that might slide are: QB Gabbert (as late as #15 overall) RB Ingram (out of the first round) My Players that might rise are: QB Mallett (as high as #4 overall) RB Leshoure (as high as #15 overall) Lets see what you think Dolfans
I honestly think that Brooks Reed will be one of the players that go sooner then predicted. Dude is a beast in the pass rush game and his motor doesn't stop. I think he'll be a 1st rd pick if not top 25. I watched this guy play for the past few years at the UofA and he's the real deal. Whoever gets him won't be disappointed
My Players that might slide are: DT Austin (out of the second round) OT Solder (out of the first round) My Players that might rise are: QB Ponder (into 1st rd) TE Kyle Rudolph (Into 1st rd)
Honestly, if we took him (even at #15) it wouldn't be too much of a surprise for me. But I agree with you that would be much higher than what he seems to be rated.
I really wouldn't mind seeing Mallet fall to us at #15, I'm not sure what you have in mind as far as how far he'll fall. I personally expect him to be gone before we pick. We need to take a chance at QB and I think Mallet would be a decent gamble. I too think Ingram will fall farther than predicted. Not sure exactly where but someone could get a great pick if he falls deep enough
I think there's a good deal of parity through the first 7 QBs to where no one really separates themselves from the crowd (as I feel they all come with a little buyer beware to them), so I personally don't see teams reaching for these guys when the last one of the group should be available through the 2nd round. But hey, it wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong. For instance, if I'm Buffalo, I might not care to take a QB in the first round b/c players of similar value will be available a top the 2nd round. Like wise if I'm Cincinnati, Zona, San Fran, or Tenn. You could conceivably begin a snowball effect where a few teams passing on QBs tumbles the entire group down the board. Not forgetting---- Kolb, McNabb, and probably Carson Palmer will be starting somewhere, so that could push draftees a hair further down, too. The Saints are the kind of team who understands how to build a successful team and to make sure their strengths are developed and maximized, so I could very much see them taking Ingram to help out Brees and the offense.
I agree that Gabbert could be in for a slide. I just don't see what's so impressive about him on tape. Great size, good arm, but when you watch the film, it is check down after check down. The guy lacks pocket presence and isn't as accurate as a quarterback should be coming from this system. IMO, he's a highly overrated prospect, almost as overrated as Cam Newton is. If Mark Ingram slides, then it just goes to show you that there are some NFL types that are hung up on forty times and do not pay attention to the film. You put the film of this guy, and you see a top ten pick. The guy has the best vision and running instincts of any runner in this draft and is the best at making yards on his own, whether it comes from him powering over a guy or using his incredibly quick feet to make a guy miss.
The newest rumor is that the Redskins are trying to trade up into top 5 to draft a QB. They may be after Newton
If he's there at 15, it won't be b/c he "fell". Mallett is being projected to go in the 2nd round by just about everyone except Mayock, who has him in the 20's. I wouldn't touch him any time before the 3rd round.
I know he is expected to be later 1st or even 2nd rd but imo he has been on the rise. I'm not going to be too upset if we don't go after Mallet, just think he could be a really good QB. I personally think we should trade down and go with OL or OLB in the 1st and pick up a QB in the 2nd if there are any good QB's left.