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NEWS AND INFORMATION ON THE NFL DRAFT |
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BREAKING DOWN THE DRAFT
by Dave Syvertsen, GBN Analyst AFC WEST DRAFT REVIEW KANSAS CITY CHIEFS Top 3 Needs: OT, Pass Rusher, ILB Picks #1 – Eric Fisher – OT/Central Michigan <>-Best offensive tackle in this class. Great athlete with size and presence.-Fits in at RT right away and starts. Long term security to the vital LT spot. #63 – Travis Kelce – TE/Cincinnati -Former wildcat quarterback with athletic, huge but still growing frame -Gives KC a more complete TE that will block well and does things after the catch #96 – Knile Davis – RB/Arkansas -Total package when considering the tool set but underachieved on tape. -Will fill out the depth chart and be given the opportunity to back up Charles. #99 – Nico Johnson – LB/Alabama -Capable two down run defender that needs to be kept inside -Provides much needed talent and depth next to and/or behind Derrick Johnson #134 – Sanders Commings – CB/Georgia -Versatile skill set that can play all over the secondary. Reliable performer. -Can be used as a quality backup throughout the entire secondary #170 – Eric Kush – C/California (PA) -Quality athlete for the interior that moves fast with power and balance -Developmental guy that can eventually add depth along the three inside spots #204 – Braden Wilson – FB/Kansas State -Huge, physical lead blocker that can makes some things happen with the ball -Reid likes to use a conventional fullback to pave the way for his ground attack #207 – Mike Catapano – DE/Princeton -Strong presence on the outside that impressed in workouts and interviews -Much needed depth outside that fits in well with a multi-look scheme What They Did: <>Year one of the Andy Reid era has gotten off to a great start. Their offseason has to be considered a major success to this point, as they’ve pushed all the right buttons when it comes to building their roster to contend for a record over .500 in 2013. They went offense-heavy in the first two days of the draft that will aid the resurgence of an offense that has the capability of being an efficient unit. The two additions from the SEC conference on day three aren’t household names,, but Johnson and Commings are the kind of players that are valuable components that can put that defense on an elite level.Top Value Pick: Sanders Commings – CB/Georgia (#60 overall player on my board) <>UDFA Most Likely to Make Team: Tyler Bray – QB/Tennessee******
OAKLAND RAIDERS Top 3 Needs: CB. DL, QB The Picks #12 – DJ Hayden – CB/Houston <>-Talented athlete man that has shown flashes of top tier man coverage ability-Oakland gets their top CB filling their biggest hole despite trading from #3 to #12 #42 – Menelik Watson – OT/Florida State -Relatively new to the game but impresses with blend of power and foot quickness -High upside developmental type that won’t need to be rushed in to action #66 - Sio Moore – LB – Connecticut -Productive and versatile player with plenty of athletic ability and pop -Joins an already strong LB core that will add intra-team competition #112 – Tyler Wilson – QB/Arkansas -Good decision maker that plays tough in the pocket and throws with accuracy -Could end up competing for a starting job at some point in 2013 #172 - Nick Kasa – TE/Colorado -Former OT with big time presence as a blocker and high potential as a receiver -Added presence in the trenches to help the ground game #181 – Latavius Murray – RB/Central Florida -Big bodied athletic runner that attacks downhill & can outrun defenders downfield -Will compete for the third or fourth string back behind injury-prone McFadden #205 – Stacy McGee – DT/Oklahoma -Athletic and thick inside rusher that constantly ran in to trouble off the field -Low risk row of the draft with high potential reward at a position of great need #209 – Brice Butler – WR/San Diego State -Big and long receiver with soft hands that can go up and get the ball -A sure handed possession receiver could go a long way in this offense #233 – David Bass – DE/Missouri Western -High energy, athletic player with a big body that has room for growth -Has the size and strength to rotate in the lineup considering the thin group of Des What They Did: The new brass in Oakland gambled with a trade down from #3 to #12 overall with Miami, which also gave them the 10th pick of round 2. Despite moving down ten slots, they still nabbed their top rated defensive player in Hayden. He was going to be that third pick if a trade agreement wasn’t made. They kept with the trade-down-theme in rounds 4 and 6, acquiring two extra selections in the sixth. As I said prior to the draft, the Raiders are fighting against a tough salary cap standing to say the least. The best way to dig themselves out of their hole will be the draft and a quantity of selections. Nice job by them to get themselves on the clock 10 times over the course of the weekend. They’ve added a nice blend of developmental and immediate contribution types on both side of the ball. Most importantly, the acquisition of Tyler Wilson gives them hope at QB for the future. He will be a quality starter, possibly sooner rather than later. Top Value Pick: Tyler Wilson – QB/Arkansas (#97 overall player on my board) UDFA Most Likely to Make Team: Lamar Mady – G/T Youngstown State ****
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Top 3 Needs: OLB, LT, Pass catcher The Picks #11 (1) DJ Fluker – OT/Alabama <>-Mammoth blocker that lacks ideal quickness for the edge, but has elite power-Can be considered a day one starter at RT with potential for an eventual move to LT #38 (2) Manti Te’o – LB/Notre Dame -Elite inside run defender with instinctive movement towards the action -Gives San Diego another piece to help build up an inconsistent run defense #76 (3) Keenan Allen – WR/California -High effort, talented hands catcher with NFL-caliber routes and YAC ability. -Could be the immediate contributor that is reliable underneath and intermediate #145 (5) Steve Williams – CB/California -Speedy CB that can stick with WRs downfield. Good ball skills and reaction times -Will fight for playing time right away in a secondary with a lot of question marks #179 (6) Tourek Williams – LB/Florida International -Aggressive, physical presence with good power exerted from his hands and base. -Will be asked to move to a standing OLB position. Can make an impact on specials. #221 (7) Brad Sorenson – QB/Southern Utah -Mature QB with presence/toughness in the pocket. Potential long-term backup -Fits the new system well and has a good shot at winning a roster spot What They Did:The Chargers had a fantastic start to their draft, bringing in three established and proven players that can physically handle the speed and power of the NFL. The theme throughout this entire class revolved around acquiring guys that love the game and love to work. Good intangibles, high football IQ, and the ability to produce on the NFL. San Diego wants a team that will produce more than the sum of its parts, and I think this group of rookies adds to that theory. Fluker and Te’o are physically limited, but they will likely handle the physical side of the game in addition to playing with instincts and hustle. Allen is a guy that could have been a top 20 pick had he avoided the injury bug late in 2012. The later rounds guys all have impressive tape but their consistent hustle and ability to be in the right place at the right time gives off the notion they are simply quality football players that will contribute in the right system. Top Value Pick: Keenan Allen – WR/California (#19 overall player on my board) UDFA Most Likely to Make Team: Brandon Moore – DT/Texas ****
DENVER BRONCOS Top 3 Needs: Edge Rusher, OL, CB #28 (1) Sylvester Williams – DT/North Carolina -Quick off the snap with a powerful, low pad level presence -Can be moved around inside to fill multiple roles against the pass and run #58 (2) Montee Ball – RB/Wisconsin -Productive back that hits the hole fast and hard with ability to break tackles -Joins a crowded backfield but will provide long term insurance and depth #90 (3) Kayvon Webster – CB/South Florida -Good sized corner with a physical style that can turn and run with most receivers -Can factor in as a nickel/dime CB early on, potential Bailey replacement eventually #146 (5) Quanterus Smith – DE/Western Kentucky -Productive edge rusher that excelled against Alabama’s offensive line in 2012 -Future contributor as he recovers from a torn ACL and makes a leap in competition #161 (5) Tavarres King – WR/Georgia -NFL caliber route runner and hands catcher. Can get open and get behind safeties -Will start low on the depth chart but he has the game that excels in this league #173 (6) Vinston Painter – OT/Virginia Tech -Big frame with a strong initial punch. Quality run blocker that could move inside -Will need time to develop quickness and foot mechanics #234 (7) Zac Dysert – QB/Miami (OH) -Tough, hard nosed leader that can move well and throw with accuracy on the run -Will eventually battle it out with Osweiler to be the top backup and future ace What They Did: Interesting fact that may not be of interest to everyone here, but the Broncos did not draft one underclassmen with any of their selections. They brought in players that play a productive, NFL-style type of game that can contribute early on. Without any glaring holes heading in to draft weekend, they were able to make outstanding value grabs all three days. On my final reports of Williams, Ball, and Webster I noted that they had NFL ready skill sets and styles of play. They will all give quality depth to positions with aging veterans. When their respective numbers all called, they will be reliable assets to a tough defense. King and Smith are two guys I really like for the future and they don’t play a position that is screaming for talent currently. They have the tools to develop in to quality starters. Top Value Pick: Tavarres King – WR/Georgia (#120 overall player on my board)UDFA Most Likely to Make Team: Manase Foketi – G/West Texas A&M |