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Inside Look: The Chicago Bears Draft Needs 2008

Thursday, March 13, 2008 by Jason Baudendistel

What do the bears need to do to make it back to the SuperBowl?  This question has been floating around message boards for some time.  Many rumors have circulated and most if not all of them are pretty outrageous. Among them that Chicago will trade for Larry Fitzgerald or that they will trade up in the draft.  Jerry Angelo is known for not overpaying for talent and he is more likely to trade down and look for value than to trade up.   Here are the main things they need to do to be a contender this year or next.

1. Fix the offensive line

Chicago's biggest problem last year was their aging line and a lack of consistency along it. They gave up countless sacks and failed to open any holes for the running game. Looking back at the SuperBowl against the colts I still flinch when I see the Garza whiff block and Rex getting leveled from his blindside while fumbling. No one should get through unblocked on your QB's blindside that is just sad. I believe they will draft two or three linemen. Most likely they will take an offensive tackle in the first. A guard is likely in the later rounds as well.
 
2. Add Playmakers to the Offense.
Many believe that Devin Hester can develop into a good young receiver while this is very possible the bears are still going to most likely draft someone who is less of a project. This is not saying Hester does not have talent. He has a ton of it but it makes more sense to have him learn from the slot than have him start without any real experience playing the position.

The signings of Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd give them two veteran receivers with the ability to move the chains. Lloyd is a bit of a risk but for one year at dirt cheap he adds much needed depth. They still need a running back to compete with Benson and they may very likely draft a quarterback to groom for the future. They will most likely still take a wideout in the middle to late rounds.
 
3. Find and draft a franchise quarterback to groom.
Rex Grossman is about one bad game from third string. Kyle Orton does not have the arm to play everyday in the NFL. This leaves the Bears with no legit starter and no other option but to look for the future in the draft. They have been targeting Joe Flacco extensively. Word has it the Bears staff is very impressed with him. If he is there in the second he will most likely be their pick. Another possibility they have explored is Josh Johnson in the third. Grossman will start this year but unless he shocks us all and plays extremely well he'll be gone in 09 or on the bench.
 
4. Add Depth at Strong safety and Defensive Tackle
The Bears have some real depth issues here they were decimated by injuries last year and the lack of talent behind the starters really showed at times. After Tommie Harris there are no guarantees and Dusty Dvoraceck cannot seem to stay healthy. They will most likely draft a DT in the later rounds to add depth and insurance in case another rash of injuries hit. SS is not as important but depending on whether they have any late compensatory picks they might look for a sleeper.

This report was submitted to us by Jason Baudendistel, big fan of both the Bears and small school talent.  We hope to have more posts like this from him in the near future.  You can check out his latest draft here.

Do you have some insight into an NFL team?  Want to share your thoughts on their Draft Needs?  We are looking for some experienced writers with in-depth knowledge, please contact us and let us know.

Comments (6)

Top Ten Pick Analysis - Picks 6 Through 10

Monday, March 10, 2008 by Michael Keller

6. New York Jets

With the players that I have being selected before, this is going to be Vernon Gholston. He had an outstanding combine. And the Jets need that hybrid DE/LB to play in their 3-4. Just like the chargers have in Shawn Merriman. Not comparing those 2 just yet, but that's the position Gholston would play. Will be a linebacker, but will rush the passer far more than he will drop into coverage. Got the only sack all season long against Jake Long last season, proving how good he can be. If McFadden is still around, then they may pick him instead, since Thomas Jones has a lot of wear and tear for a running back. But I obviously believe McFadden will be taken by this point, leaving them with Gholston.

Projected Pick: Vernon Gholston - DE/LB - Ohio State

7. New England Patriots (via San Francisco)

Simply put, they have to pick a cornerback. Ellis Hobbs was exposed in the playoffs and super bowl as being mediocre at best. Now, their only good cornerback from last season, Asante Samuel, is gone. So this comes down to Aqib Talib, Leodis McKelvin, Dominique Rodgers - Cromartie, and Mike Jenkins in my opinion. Of those 4, I believe it then comes down to McKelvin and Cromartie. Those 2 seem to have seperated themselves lately. Cromartie was the star of both the Senior Bowl and Combine and has been shooting up draft boards of late. But I don't honestly believe he has quite jumped McKelvin as the top corner in the draft. So, I think it's still McKelvin, but if he stumbles at all, or Cromartie has another outstanding workout at his pro day, then this could change to him. right now it's almost 51/49 in favor of McKelvin.

Projected Pick: Leodis McKelvin - CB - Troy

8. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore has a few needs. Cornerback and Quarterback are really the biggest 2. There isn't a QB worth taking here, so that's out the window. So if they just draft on need, they will pick a corner, probably Cromartie. That being said, Sedrick Ellis is very intriguing at this point. He's probably in the top 4 or 5 players on everyone's draft board, but with the needs of the teams picking before, he has fallen down and is still available. So now this is between Ellis and Cromartie. I think with how Cromartie has come on lately, they feel he has a chance to be a shutdown corner in the NFL and can step in immediately and play with McAlister. Rolle isn't bad, but he's getting older and quite frankly at this point needs to be no more than a nickel corner. I think they will probably pick Cromartie but that it is a 55/45 split between him and Ellis.

Projected Pick: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie - CB - Tennessee State

9. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati needs help all over their defense. Along the line, linebacker, and in the secondary. If Sedrick Ellis is still available, there is no chance they pass on him. If he's not there, then they probably go with either Keith Rivers, or one of the many cornerbacks available. If Ellis is gone, then either Cromartie or McKelvin would be available, but I still think it's Rivers. But if Ellis is here, there shouldn't be any hesitation at all.

Projected Pick: Sedrick Ellis - DT - USC

10. New Orleans Saints

This is another team who just flat out needs help on defense. They just signed Randall Gay and traded for Johnathon Vilma, but they still have to look for some more help. If McKelvin, Cromartie, or Ellis are still available I think one of them is the pick. But with all three gone, that makes things a little more blurry. I would say this comes down 3 people. Phillip Merling, Keith Rivers, or Aqib Talib. I think ideally they want to pick a corner, but are worried it's early for Talib. I do think they come to their senses, and pick a corner, which they still do need, even after the signing of Gay. Talib, I think, will be a very good corner in the NFL. Didn't turn his hips well during his workouts, but did much better with that while he was at Kansas. Has good height and pretty good closing speed.

Projected Pick: Aqib Talib - CB - Kansas

Michael Keller is the author of the highest rated, most viewed mock draft on MyMockDraft at the moment.  He recently contributed his Five Most Overrated and Underrated Players in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Comments (1)

Top Ten Pick Analysis - Picks 1 Through 5

Thursday, March 06, 2008 by Michael Keller

1. Miami Dolphins

Miami needs players at lots of positions. Defensive line, linebacker, secondary, offensive line. You name it they need it. The only position they really don't need is running back, since Ronnie Brown was among the league leaders in rushing before getting hurt. The only player at the top of the draft that you can rule out with that is Darren McFadden. I would be shocked if they even think about him. The other position they may not need is quarterback. That depends on how Parcells and Sparano feel about John Beck, who was Miami's 2nd round pick last season. So, at least in my opinion, this pick comes down the 3 players. They are Chris Long, Glenn Dorsey, and Matt Ryan. At this point, I think they are leaning towards Chris Long right now. If Matt Ryan excels at his pro day, that could push the balance back towards him. I think their is a 45/40/15 percent split between Long/Ryan/Dorsey.

Projected Pick: Chris Long - DE - Virginia

2. St. Louis Rams

If Chris Long is still on the board, then this is probably a no brainer. It's a great player who will be at a position they need players at. Their D Line is the thing holding them back the most, so if Long is gone, I think it will be Glenn Dorsey. They picked Carriker in the first round last year, but they run a 4-3 and could use Dorsey along side him. There isn't too much to say about this, it's going to be Chris Long if he isn't drafted by Miami, and Glenn Dorsey if he isn't.

Projected Pick: Glenn Dorsey - DT - LSU

3. Atlanta Falcons

Another situation where it's a little bit of a no brainer. If Matt Ryan is there, Atlanta absolutely has to take him. If he's not there, then they will draft Jake Long. It's just that simple. Atlanta needs someone to help fill the shoes of Michael Vick. Ryan is a high character guy, so it's doubtful he'll run into the trouble that Vick did. Ryan has clearly seperated himself from the other quarterbacks in the draft. So there shouldn't be much hesitation if he is around.

Projected Pick: Matt Ryan - QB - Boston College

4. Oakland Raiders

This is one of the harder picks to project. You never know what Al Davis is going to do. They don't really need a running back that much, especially after just resigning Justin Fargus, but McFadden could be one of the best running backs in the NFL for years to come. I think the idea of JaMarcus Russell handing the ball off too Darren McFadden for the next decade just excites Al Davis too much. He may even have a heart attack he's so excited. And you can't really blame him too much, on potential that has a chance to be one of the best tandems in the entire league, which would set Oakland up for a lot of success in the near future. The other possibility here is Jake Long, which would actually probably be smarter.

Projected Pick: Darren McFadden - RB - Arkansas

5. Kansas City Chiefs

If Jake Long falls to Kansas City, then this again is basically a no brainer. They need help along the offensive line big time, and Jake Long will be a mainstay in the NFL for years. He has big hands and shuffles his feet exceptionally well. He could have the same impact as Joe Thomas did in his rookie season with the Browns last year. Kansas City is lucky to have him. If Long is gone then I think they would pick the next best offensive lineman, which is Ryan Clady from Boise State. They just need help on the offensive line too much to take someone else.

Projected Pick: Jake Long - OT - Michigan

Check Back Soon for Picks 6 Through 10.

Michael Keller is the author of the highest rated, most viewed mock draft on MyMockDraft at the moment.  He recently contributed his Five Most Overrated and Underrated Players in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Comments (18)

Is Favre the Best Football Player Ever?

Wednesday, March 05, 2008 by Andrew Brown

This question was posed to us by Andrew Brown.  You may remember Andrew from his commentary during our Scouting Combine coverage.  We are curious to hear your thoughts:

There has been a lot of talk since yesterday about Brett Favre and where he ranks amongst the best quarterbacks of all time.  From a records standpoint it's impossible to not put him with the elite to ever play the position, but most seem to have a hard time putting him above the likes of Unitas or Montana.  That said- if you ask who is a better football player it seems the answer would be Brett.  He embodied everything that is football.  So it begs the question, can Brett Favre be the 4th or 5th best quarterback ever, but still be the best FOOTBALL player to ever put on the pads?

Let us know what you think!

Comments (5)

Hidden Gems

Tuesday, March 04, 2008 by Jason Baudendistel

This report was submitted to us by Jason Baudendistel, big fan of both the Bears and he has an eye for small school talent.  We hope to have more posts like this from him in the near future.  You can check out his latest draft here.

Hidden Gems and Draft Sleepers

Every year you have players who no one expects to be that good.  They play for a small school or they merely do not get the press that some other players do. The 2006 Draft offered up Marques Colston, he was drafted by the Saints in the seventh round and had a monster year.  The late rounds of the 2007 Draft proved to be vital for the NY Giants run for the Super Bowl.

In this psot I have listed five players that I believe will be impact players in the NFL. Impact does not necessarily mean a starter, but a player who can contribute even if in a backup role. Several of these players as I will note will be possible starters. Many of these names will surprise you, but I am confident most if not all of them will go between rounds 4 -7 in the draft. 

Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego

Be honest, until the combine you had no idea who he was and many people still are not looking that closely at him. He will probably go much later than he should. He might go as high as the second or third round but he's first round talent that is why he is on this list. He played under head coach Jim Harbaugh who was a successful NFL quarterback himself. His final year in college he threw 43 touchdown passes and only one interception. He also happened to run a 4.40 40 at the combine and had a chance to display his cannon of am arm.  He will start somewhere and plenty of general managers will surely be kicking themselves.

Player Comparison: Donavan Mcnabb 

Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State

A 4.37 40 at the combine may have widened some eyes, but what impressed me more about Dexter Jackson was watching his play in the Michigan game.  He put up almost a hundred yards and two touchdowns against a very good defense. He will be a dangerous slot receiver for years to come.  He also happens to be a dangerous return man, so should be able to pitch in almost immediately.

Player Comparison: Torry Holt
 
Kevin Smith, RB, Central Florida
He nearly broke the single season rushing record held by Barry Sanders.  He has a good blend of quickness, speed and has excellent vision. His level of competition and foot speed has been constantly scrutinized and this will probably cause him to be selected much later than he should.  I see no reason why he would not be a quality starter, if he is given the chance.

Player Comparison: Brian Westbrook

Kerry Brown, G, Appalachian State
He is a solid blocker and has a great attitude.  He is also a very hard nosed and hard working player. He kept Michigan out of his quarterback's backfield so enough said.

Given his play at a small school and lack of publicity, he will probably slip to late in the second day, where some NFL team will pickup quite a steal.

Player Comparison: Flozell Adams
 
Jerome Simpson, WR, Coastal Carolina

At 6'2 and a 4.47 40, Jerome has a good blend of size and speed. He has good hands and is also a excellent option as a punt returner. He is a smart player with good open field quickness. He impressed everyone at the combine displaying good hands and athleticism.

Player Comparison: Bobby Wade

Bonus Player

Corey Lynch, S, Appalachian State
If I were an undefeated team that beat Michigan and several of my players were looked at as undraftable I would feel cheated too. Lynch is the prototypical safety who has good speed and range. He also managed to come up big on special teams, blocking the field goal that preserved their upset win over Michigan. He is an extremely intelligent player. His foot speed is very average and played for a small school so unfortunately he'll go late but someone will take him and get a steal.  At the very least, I believe he will make an excellent special teams player and serve as a great backup. Nonetheless, given a chance in the right system, he could be a quality starter.

Player Comparison: Ed Reed

*Current Player Comparison is not who I think these players are equal too right now. It's more of if they reach their potential, players that I feel they can make a similar impact as if they reach their potential.

If you are interested in contributing on MyMockDraft, please contact us.  We are looking for a few writers to cover various NFL teams and NCAA conferences.

Comments (11)

The Five Most Overrated Players

Saturday, March 01, 2008 by Michael Keller

This report was submitted to us by Michael Keller.  Michael is the author of the highest rated, most viewed mock draft on MyMockDraft at the moment.  Here is a list of his top 5 most overrated players in this year's draft.

5. Joe Flacco - QB - Delaware

Not saying that Flacco is a bad player, but I think he is going to be drafted a little higher than he should be. He has a cannon of an arm, and can make most throws, but I put value on what players do on the field. Flacco only had 23 td's and 5 picks against Division 1-aa competition last season. Compare that to Josh Johnson, who played against lower level competition and had 42 td's and only 1 pick this past season. In the championship game against Appalachian State, Flacco passed for 334 yards and a touchdown, but took 48 throws to do it. Only completed 23 of those 48, which is less than 50 percent. He has all the tools, but I think he should have thrown for more scores than he did last season. And yes I do realize the players on his Delaware team weren't outstanding either. But it's hard for me to get past the comparisons to Josh Johnson (who also played at a small school, with less talent on his team, but put up outstanding numbers). 


Should be drafted in Round: 3 - 4

4. Chris Johnson - RB - East Carolina

An eerily similar comparison to Chris Henry from just a year ago, at least in my opinion. Henry shot up draft boards when people realized how fast he was at the combine. He went in the 2nd round, and really didn't do much in Tennessee this season. Johnson isn't a bad player, but isn't an every down back who can run between the tackles and move the pile. He's probably going to go in the 2nd round, and I believe if your drafting a running back that high, your looking for them to have the potential to really shoulder the load. He ran a 4.24 at the combine, which is the fastest time I think I have ever heard (at least in the past few years), but I don't think you can just draft someone on speed alone. I think he's a good pick later in the draft, say the third or fourth round, as a kick return specialist and a spell back who gets say 5 or 10 carries a game. But that's not what you draft a running back in the 2nd round to be, which is where he almost definitely will go.

Should be drafted in Round: 4

3. Vernon Gholston - OLB/DE - Ohio State

An outstanding physical specimen, but disappeared in a lot of games for Ohio State. Was in the top 2 or 3 in basically every workout done at the combine, proving how good an athlete he truly is. But something has to be said for what he did on the field for Ohio State. He seemed to play to the level of competition. Got the only sack all season long against Jake Long of Michigan (who will go in the top 5 of the draft), so if he can channel that ability every game, he will be great. Had a game with 4 sacks and another one with 3 sacks, both against big ten opponents (Wisconsin and Michigan), but only had 7 in his other 11 games. 7 sacks in 11 games isn't bad, but when playing to his abilities had 7 sacks in 2 games, against arguably the 2 best teams Ohio State played during the regular season (proving my point that he plays to his competition). Clearly a top 5 pick if he plays to his abilities, which didn't happen on a consistent basis at Ohio State. Could be one of the best players in the entire draft, but I put a lot of stock of how players play during their games in college, and Gholston basically played to the level of his competition, which in my opinion doesn't warrant a top 10 pick.

Should be drafted in Round: 1 (later in the round than he will be drafted - between 15 and 25 or so)

2. John Carlson - TE - Notre Dame

Is a very good blocking tight end, but he's going pretty high (2nd or 3rd round), for a player who specializes in that area. To be drafted that high at tight end you have to be able to catch the ball over the middle. Carlson has the hands to catch the ball, but honestly doesn't have the speed to separate from any of the good linebackers in the NFL. They are all too fast and athletic, and Carlson just isn't that fast (ran in the low 4.9's at the combine). Good blocker and good hands, but in the NFL I don't think that is enough, you absolutely HAVE to have the speed to get distance from the linebacker's and safeties your going to go up against. Can find the soft spot in zone coverage, but every team in the league doesn't play zone every down, which will take him out of the plays. Could be a good pick up later in the draft, if he can develop a little speed, but will probably be drafted in round 2 or 3, which I believe is a little bit too high for him.

Should be drafted in Round: 4 - 5

1. Dan Connor - LB - Penn State

Outstanding productivity at Penn State, but lacks the ideal size or athleticism that every elite linebacker possesses in the NFL. Absolutely cannot cover running backs out of the back field in my opinion, at least one that has any speed at all, which is a terrible sign for a linebacker that will probably go in the first round. If you draft him, you better either play a lot of zone or let him rush the passer almost every down, which wouldn't be a good thing either, considering he struggles to get off blocks. His pros I don't believe translate to a good NFL career. He is a sure tackler - but I don't believe he has the speed to be able to meet up with running backs or wide receivers in the open field. He is good at reading plays - but if teams try to fake him out then he cannot miss a step for even half a second. If he does, quite frankly he is out of the play, because he doesn't get out of his cuts quick enough to get back into the play. I feel like I'm contradicting myself a little bit, because in a few other evaluations I said I do value what players do on the field, and Connor made a lot of plays for Penn State. But I also feel his strengths don't translate to the NFL very well. The other players I mentioned who produced well in college (see top 5 Underrated Players) also had some attributes that correlated to a solid NFL career, and I don't feel that Connor does.

Should be drafted in Round: 3 - 4

Comments (29)

The 5 Most Underrated Players in the 2008 NFL Draft

Tuesday, February 26, 2008 by Michael Keller

This report was submitted to us by Michael Keller.  Michael is the author of the highest rated, most viewed mock draft on MyMockDraft at the moment.  Here is a list of his top 5 most underrated players in this year's draft.

5. Josh Johnson - QB - San Diego

He has been shooting up draft boards since the Senior Bowl and now his Combine workouts, but I still feel he will go lower than he should. Josh played under Jim Harbaugh, who was a quarterback in the NFL as recently as 2001, which is only going to help his adjustment. He is a mobile QB (ran a 4.40 40 yd dash at the combine), but without question looks to pass the ball before tucking it and running if nothing is there. He proved during senior bowl practices and during the game that he can make any throw on the football field. Has solid height at 6-2, and generally makes good decisions. The only possible knock is the level of competition he played against, but many players have overcome that before, and I believe Johnson is going to be a franchise quarterback within the next 2 or 3 years for whoever is smart enough to draft him.

Current Player Comparison: Donovan McNabb

4. Phillip Wheeler - MLB - Georgia Tech

Played under Jon Tenuta, who is one of the best defensive coordinators in the country. He is a very intelligent middle linebacker who can be a very good player and a mainstay on defense for the next decade. Adequate speed, and plays faster with pads on than most people. A sure tackler in the open field and can deliver the big hit. Tends to make plays behind the line of scrimmage, but that can tie into his weakness, which is that he over runs holes sometimes. There are NFL coaches who can help him work on that. Will probably be drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round, which I think can be a steal for him. If he can learn to quickly read plays in the NFL, he could be one of the best Middle Linebackers in the league.

Current Player Comparison: Nick Barnett

3. Ali Highsmith - OLB - LSU

An outstanding player on an outstanding defense, I haven't heard Highsmith's named mentioned as a first round possibility, which bewilders me. Extremely fast and is pretty good at reading plays. Doesn't have outstanding lower body strength, but can work on that in the NFL. Is much better in the open field making plays, and, once engaged,  can get sucked up by bigger blockers. But that comes back to his lower body strength, which will be worked on from day one in the NFL. Kind of splitting hairs, as he is pretty good at avoiding those same blockers who have the ability to cancel him out. If he can develop lower body strength and learn a little better technique when taking on blockers, can be a stud in the NFL.

Current Player Comparison: Lance Briggs

2. Corey Lynch - S - Appalachian State

I'll preface this one by saying that I did go Appalachian State for a year and am a huge fan of their football team. But Lynch started at safety, and was the best player on defense all 3 years that App State won the 1-AA National Championship. Has a very good sense of the moment, as he typically found a way to make a game changing play in most any game he played in (Example: blocked the game winning field goal against Michigan). He also in that same Michigan game made a few very good defensive plays against Big Ten athletes at Wide Receiver. During the 1-AA tournaments each of those three years, would come up with big play after big play that helped them win all 3 National Championships. Not the fastest or tallest player, but is always in outstanding position and, as previously stated, would come up with every big play that needed to be made. Not necessarily a first round draft pick, just given speed and height, but I think is definitely a sleeper for being drafted after round 4, which is what I'm hearing about him right now.

Current Player Comparison: Darren Sharper

1. Brandon Flowers - CB - Virginia Tech

Another player who had a big time sense of the moment. He made a lot of plays in every game for Virginia Tech. Won multiple games with an interception or a big pass deflection. When he does get his hands on the ball, almost always intercepts it and returns it a long way to set up his teams offense. Above average speed and has very good closing speed, hardly ever getting beat on the deep ball. Not great in press coverage, given his size, but can handle his own in man coverage. Another very good corner in the long line of great ones coming out of Virginia Tech. Strikingly similar to Dre Bly when he came out of Carolina almost a decade ago, with some of the same questions about height and speed. I feel just like Bly did in college, Flowers has proved he is able to make big plays.

Current Player Comparison: Dre Bly

*Current Player Comparison is not who I think these players are equal too right now. It's more of if they reach their potential, players that I feel they can make a similar impact as if they reach their potential.

If you are interested in contributing on MyMockDraft, please contact us.  We are looking for a few writers to cover various NFL teams and NCAA conferences.

Comments (11)

Top Ten Small School Prospects

Monday, February 25, 2008 by Jason Baudendistel

This report was submitted to us by Jason Baudendistel, big fan of both the Bears and he has an eye for small school talent.  We hope to have more posts like this from him in the near future.  You can check out his latest draft here.

 1.  QB Joe Flacco Delaware
Good mobility and a cannon for a arm. He is a GM's Dream Franchise Quarterback. Good Decision Maker with ton's of upside.
 
2. WR Dexter Jackson Appalachian State
I gonna put him lower on the list unitil he ran at the combine. A 4.28 40 yard dash says it all. He has blazing speed and steady hands a Gm's dream as a dangerous slot reciever.
 
3. QB Josh Johnson San Diego
He has a strong arm and great mobility. Ran a 4.4 40 yard dash at the combine.  A dual threat to beat you with his arm or his legs. A solid decision maker.
 
4. T Heath Benedict Newberry
Very Athletic for a tackle.  A solid blocker has a ton of potential.
 
5. DE Brian Johnston Gardner-Webb
This kid has good speed and a great motor. Also is a great character guy and never gives up on the play.
 
6. WR Jerome Simpson Coastal Carolina
Has good speed and size. At 6" 2' can go up and fight for the ball over smaller corners. Good hands definately would be a good NFL possesion reciever.
 
7. RB Xavier Omon NW Missouri State
He has a good blend of size and speed. could be a good backup with a lot of teams.
 
8. P Mike Dragosavich North Dakota State
Has a very strong leg and is a decent athlete for a punter.
 
9. S Corey Lynch, Appalachian State
Has good speed and is a solid tackler.  He was instrumental in his teams upset win over Michigan.
 
10. DE Marcus Dixon Hampton
His foot speed isnt overly impressive but hes a hard worker and has a desire to get the quarterback and deliver crushing hits.

Comments (1)

Featured NFL Mock Drafts

Sunday, February 24, 2008 by DeepRough

From time to time we will be posting a few user created mock drafts that we feel really stand out from the rest.  These are highly rated drafts with insightful commentary, interaction with other users in the comments and a lot of views.

Michael Keller's Two Round Mock
Crazy Chris' Three Round Mock - Straight from April
jets52vilma's Seven Round Mock

There are tons of other great drafts out there, be sure to have a look through our Mock Draft Database.  If you would like to see your draft here, start by creating your own mock draft, be sure to explain your picks in the comments section, and spread the word about your draft!

Comments (0)

Live Blog of the Combine

Thursday, February 21, 2008 by DeepRough

Our live blog coverage of the Combine starts today at 2:30 PM Eastern time.  If you are stuck at work and cannot be at home to watch the Combine coverage on The NFL Network...or you just want to comment on the coverage, join us in our Live Blog.

Thursday: 2:30PM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 2:30PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

We also made another update to the site last night, if you would like to see the details, check the release notes in our forum.

Comments (1)

MyMockDraft Updated Again

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 by DeepRough

We have just gone through a major update in terms of look and feel of the site today. Things are still a little rough around the edges, but we were pretty excited to get this new version out and tested.  There are definitely little bugs here and there, formatting issues, cross browser issues, we will be resolving these over the coming days.

If you run into any major problems, have any ideas, or just want to let us know the new site rocks, please let us know in the Forum.

We hope you enjoy the new site!

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Site Updated - Leagues, Groups, Forums

Tuesday, February 05, 2008 by DeepRough

We have released a new version of MyMockDraft.  We have introduced the following new features:

Groups
The initial version of groups simply allows members to group together to participate in closed league drafts.  You can also leave messages for the entire group on your group page.  This will be expanded in the future to let group members easily view fellow member's drafts as well view statistical information about their group.

Leagues
The initial release of League drafts allows for live, multi-player mock drafts.  You can create a public, private or group only draft.  The draft will snake along in real time much like the real NFL draft.  If you would like to participate in the first official MyMockDraft league draft, let us know in the forums.

Integrated Forums
We have integrated the forums into the website so you do not have to goto another site to participate in our forum discussions.  You can edit your forum profile through our main Profile page.  If you haven't already been to the forums, come join us now.  Let us know how you feel about your team's needs in this draft, discuss your mock draft or let us know how you would improve MyMockDraft.

Comments (0)

We are Looking for Bloggers/Contributors

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 by DeepRough

Are you a blogger?  Have you thought of setting up a blog but just don't want to deal with the hassel of setting one up?  We are going to be expanding our original draft content, and would like to add a few regular contributors to the mix.  Short term, we would like to find someone who would be available to 'live blog' the Combine.

If you are a current blogger, this would be a great way to add exposure to your own blog, as we would be happy to let everyone know all about your blog.  If you haven't blogged in the past, here is your chance to voice your opinion to a huge audience.  MyMockDraft reaches over 50,000 unique visitors per month, and as we approach the draft that number climbs to over 5,000 people per day.

So if this interests you, please let us know, we would love to hear from you.

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MyMockDraft Updated

Tuesday, January 22, 2008 by DeepRough

We updated today to fix a couple bugs in the system:

  • Forum Logon Fixed (Was not working right for some users)
  • Player Videos Added (Look at the Player Profiles)
  • Player Statisitcs Added (Select Offensive Players have 2007 Stats)
  • Big Board Icons Added (You can see which players have stats/scouting reports)

Next update will be a draft order change, which should occur in the next few days.

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