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A Claw Swipe at the 2008 NFL Draft


Clenched_CLAW

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2008 NFL Draft - Bears' View

 

According to Drew Boylhart from The Huddle Report.com:

 

“If the Bears don't pick an O-lineman at this spot (#14) then the team will not improve.“

 

I agree with this statement, but not the use of a double negative nor the selection of Gosder. ;)

 

Furthermore, I understand not everyone would agree with the statement, yet, I think most can see the logic for the assertion. It is for that reason that I began my 2008 NFL draft analysis with the offensive linemen.

 

I tried to arrange the players within a given position according to an aggregation of media review (film and print), scout opinions (NFL.com, draft sites, etc.), and the perceived value of a given player. Furthermore, I listed the O-linemen I’d like to see drafted in the first round and thereafter the players are grouped according to second and third round plus and arranged by the previously mentioned criteria.

I understand only 1 player will likely be drafted in the second and 2 in the third, but, the players not selected from the second round group would be great options for the third and beyond (+) and the same for third rounders who will become more valuable with each passing round. Lastly, each group will have a reason for a second round selection because there are a number of holes that could use a high draft pick to help fill.

 

 

OL

 

First

 

Ryan Clady

 

Chris Williams

 

Branden Albert

 

Second

 

OL Plan 2A:

 

If a LOT is chosen in the first a Guard like: Mike Mcglynn would be a great selection.

 

or if a LG is chosen in the first, a raw OLT like: Oniel Cousins could learn from Tait while Tait helps the rookie LG before moving to ROT or ROG to end his career with the Bears.

 

Similarly, these 2 would make a great OL Plan 2B:

 

John Greco

 

Jeremy Zuttah

 

Third+

 

Offensive Line is an area that will likely need 2 promising rookies, so if a second is not chosen in the second, then perhaps one of these players or another that falls from the previous group:

 

Chad Rinehart

 

Anthony Collins

 

Mike Gibson

 

Robert Felton

 

Gosder Cherilus *I realize this is unlikely, but, this is where I see his value

 

Pedro Sosa

 

Jeff Otah *Same as Gosder note

 

Drew Radovich

 

Duane Brown

 

 

DT

 

Another option to consider in the second would be to find another 3 technique defensive tackle:

 

Second

 

Trevor Laws

 

Demario Pressley

 

Jason Jones

 

Carlton Powell

 

Carlton Powell Interview

 

 

Third+

 

James Mcclinton

 

Kendall Langford

 

Adamm Oliver

 

Kenny Iwebema

 

Lionel Dotson

 

Keilen Dykes

 

 

DT Musings:

 

How about a DT that can also play FB?

 

Derek Lokey = DT + short-yardage fullback

 

Lokey Looks To Lead

 

 

QB

 

Let’s keep trying for that HoF Bears’ QB:

 

Second

 

Josh Johnson

 

Brian Brohm

 

Third+

 

Dennis Dixon

 

Chad Henne

 

 

RB

 

...sigh...

 

Second

 

Ray Rice

 

Matt Forte

 

The majority of the following backs were chosen to provide Thunder for G_Wolfe’s Lightning.

 

Third+

 

Thomas Brown

 

Jerome Felton

 

Carl Stewart

 

Chad Simpson

 

Lex Hilliard

 

Xavier Omon

 

Andre Callender

 

Marcus Thomas

 

Jalen Parmele

 

Jehuu Caulcrick

 

Yvenson Bernard

 

Benjarvus Green Ellis

 

Calvin Dawson

 

 

S

 

This position looked rock solid to start the season last year...is more talent needed?

 

Second

 

Dajuan Morgan

 

Reggie Smith

 

Antoine Cason

 

Third+

 

Derrick Doggett

 

Wesley Woodyard

 

Corey Lynch - Appalachian State

 

http://www.goasu.com/article/11121/

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMtV5oaKznI

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQZqkcubYjQ

 

Regardless of whether a safety is selected sooner – one or both of these players should be considered in the seventh or as UDFA:

 

Martel Van Zant from Oklahoma State has succeeded on the field and in the classroom despite his deafness.

 

http://www.okstate.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SP...p;Q_SEASON=2007

 

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ...zant/index.html

 

Joe Fields - Syracuse - Converted QB - improved at Safety last 2 years

 

http://blog.syracuse.com/haveyouheard/2008..._hula_bowl.html

 

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=9466

 

Draft Scout Joe Fields News

12/06/07 - 2007 All-BIG EAST Conference Second Team (Coaches): Safety Joe Fields finished the season tied for sixth in The BIG EAST Conference with 8.1 tackles per game. The senior led the Orange with 97 tackles, including 53 solo stops, and had four interceptions and one fumble recovery. Fields started 25 consecutive games in the secondary after moving to free safety from quarterback prior to the 2006 season. - Syracuse Sports

 

11/24/07 - PLAYERS TO WATCH: FS Joe Fields - The senior is fifth in the conference with 8.7 tackles per game, and his 0.40 interceptions per contest is tied for fourth in the Big East. He leads the Orange with 87 tackles, including 48 solo stops. Fields will be asked to help out on Barnett.

 

 

WR

 

Can Mark and Devin evolve into legit starters?

 

Second

 

Mark Bradford

 

Darius Reynaud

 

Earl Bennett

 

Third+

 

Jordy Nelson

 

Marcus Monk

 

 

 

Thanks for all you did for da Bears and pro football Coach Dooley.

 

JimDooley_Johhny_Morris_Ditka.jpg

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Nice! 2 questions: What is your knock on Cherilous? Usually he's described as one of the most NFL ready tackles out there and only the fact that he's a RT and not LT makes him a low first rounder. I haven't really watched him play so I'd like to hear your opinion. And Zuttah in the second? I've read scout reports that projects him as a 7th rounder. Again, I have only seen a little clips of him play. This is not any kind of criticism, I am just curios on how you are reasoning!

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Nice!

 

Thank you!

 

2 questions: What is your knock on Cherilous? Usually he's described as one of the most NFL ready tackles out there and only the fact that he's a RT and not LT makes him a low first rounder. I haven't really watched him play so I'd like to hear your opinion.

 

I saw him play several times as I was trying to evaluate Matt Ryan and he appeared very limited athletically and poor instincts about his opponents’ moves.

If he were more powerful, I could see him playing RT effectively, but, he seems destined to a mediocre career and likely as a back-up, IMdO.

 

Similarly, I'll bet someone reads how I down-graded Otah, but, he'll be a bust unless some patience and good coaching surround him and a first round selection may doom the kid.

 

And Zuttah in the second? I've read scout reports that projects him as a 7th rounder. Again, I have only seen a little clips of him play. This is not any kind of criticism, I am just curios on how you are reasoning!

 

IMdO, Jeremy seems to have the potential to play LT, if he is properly prepared, like a year with Rusty and watching Tait.

 

Do you feel he is really only a 7th rounder?

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i got no problems going with cherilous, but if we do, id love for us to trade down as i think he will be there later in the first round...see if you can get a second rounder for moving down to the mid 20s....then hope to get a QB and RB in second round...something like gosder, henne, forte would be nice

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Thank you!

 

 

 

IMdO, Jeremy seems to have the potential to play LT, if he is properly prepared, like a year with Rusty and watching Tait.

 

Do you feel he is really only a 7th rounder?

 

No, I would not grade him as a 7th. I've read a scouts report that graded him as 7th. I lack a lot of knowledge in grading OL, but I'm trying to pick up a lot. I was just curious as I've never seen him graded as high as you graded him.

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No, I would not grade him as a 7th. I've read a scouts report that graded him as 7th.

I lack a lot of knowledge in grading OL, but I'm trying to pick up a lot.

I was just curious as I've never seen him graded as high as you graded him.

 

The Sporting News Draft magazine rated Jeremy Zuttah as a fifth round guard

and to be fair (and minimize the appearance of a wild statement :)

I do have Jeremy listed as the fourth best guard or OT.

 

Furthermore, Sporting News said Jeremy is strong and competitive, show good quickness to cut-off speed rushers,

and displays good instincts.

 

From NFL.com:

 

At the combine Jeremy was a Top Performer in:

 

40-yard dash | Bench press | Vertical jump | 20-yard shuttle

 

(an indication of power and agility)

 

The Scouts' Analysis

 

Analysis

Positives: Good overall athleticism. ... Good initial quickness off the snap. ...

Uses his hands well to position and sustain blocks, flashing some explosion and nastiness. ...

Good set up in pass protection. ...

Keeps his shoulders square to the defender and has the foot quickness to compete on the outside. ...

Versatile offensive lineman with experience at both guard and tackle positions. ...

Viewed by some as athletic and instinctive enough to project best inside at center -- a position he has never played. ...

High effort player who wants to be good.

 

Negatives: Considered by some to be a bit of a 'tweener. ...

Lacks the size preferred for the outside and gets by on quickness and toughness, rather than strength, as a close-quarter run blocker. ...

Lacks true explosiveness to his game and may be a bit of a finished product, considering his work ethic and toughness.

 

How about some youtube clips:

 

 

There are a few samples of Jeremy's ability in this vid, but, my favorite is at about 16/17 seconds in where he uses a powerful hand jolt.

 

Ray Rice highlights

 

"High effort player who wants to be good." + ability to be good = solid prospect whether it is at T, G, or C.

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Thanks! Just for the record, I was not out to get you in some way, just curious! Thanks again for the good write up!

 

:cheers

 

All good!

 

I knew you were asking legit questions, please, feel free to talk some more player eval. I love this time of year!

 

Just for the record, if you'd been mongo or madlith or that Chile_B guy, I'd have thought I was in trouble. :dabears

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:cheers

 

All good!

 

I knew you were asking legit questions, please, feel free to talk some more player eval. I love this time of year!

 

Just for the record, if you'd been mongo or madlith or that Chile_B guy, I'd have thought I was in trouble. :dabears

You in trouble, CC? From me? No way!!! It's good to see you're here and posting!

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Ha!

 

Clenched, there's no reason I'd give you grief! (You didn't say anything bad about Mendenahll!) ;)

 

:cheers

 

:cheers

 

All good!

 

I knew you were asking legit questions, please, feel free to talk some more player eval. I love this time of year!

 

Just for the record, if you'd been mongo or madlith or that Chile_B guy, I'd have thought I was in trouble. :dabears

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Thank you sir, always the gentleman. :dabears

 

Do you have your supplies laid in for the big NFL Draft Week-end?

 

How is that Chilean Fall treating you and the Mrs. ?

Just got a bit warmer down here with your "scenic" post!

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