Stock Up, Stock Down

[Shep]

If you don't have a #1 WR, I think it's really hard to keep living without one. It's easier to play with solid corners than no #1 WR. I would WAY rather get Marshall or Routt to go with Wright.

We need to be a better passing team to even dream of competing. When we started getting to the quarterback, our coverage magically got better.

And the bottom line is the bottom line: How good is Oakland?

(5-11, 23rd in scoring defense.)

[heckofajobbrownie]

I think if I had to make a case for our draft pick right now, I'll dream that Berry somehow falls to #7, but consider that unlikely.

Then I'd start thinking about three guys: CJ Spiller, Rolando McClain, and Earl Thomas.

[Shep]

Oh, man, Heck. Alo is gonna just SNAP on you about McClain. Just hold on. It's coming. Be patient.

I like Earl Thomas. Maybe Spiller, but I think he's a little redundant with Jerome Harrison who earned his 300 carries next year. I've been taken to the woodshed on McClain.

I keep reading your post over and over to see Gresham, but it won't show up.

[Shep]

The more I think about Thomas, the more I like it. With safety becoming more and more about pass defense, that his thang. We have Elam for the dirty work.

But I really want a #1 WR. That's the side of the ball I care most about, admittedly.

[Solon16]

no way earl thomas that high...NO WAY!

[Alo]

Originally Posted by Legacy Fan

Alo - I was looking for you in the chat last night to set your scouting crosshairs on Bama's Marcell Dareus.

Obviously, he had a big game last night, but the guy's motor is sick for a 3-biller. He's only a So., but thanks to last night's monster game, and if he continues that kind of play for next season, he will start getting some Suh-like accolades (at least from media types).

Yep, he's going to be a good one. Definitely a guy to watch next fall.

Losing McClain, Cody, Arenas, and possibly a few others could hurt, but the continued development of guys like Dareus should keep that D relatively dominant.

Also, they'll be getting linebacker Dont'a Hightower back from injury: he may not be as well-regarded a prospect as McClain, but I like how he's a more aggressive player.

[Alo]

Originally Posted by Shep

One guy who DID, not mentioned here, is Levi Brown. He has a big arm, great size, quick release, decent mobility, and he's mostly accurate. As far as third round developmental QBs go, I'd like Brown. Don't know anything about his smarts, though.

Good point about Brown. He had a pretty good bowl game.

However, I'm not sure he's in the third round mix. I haven't seen anyone project him that high. That could change, but it's not a good sign that he's currently signed up for Texas vs. the Nation; a prospect with early/mid round potential usually receives an invite to the Senior Bowl or Shrine Game.

I watched a couple Troy games to check out their pair of pass rushers. Based on what I've seen, I'd add the following to your description of Brown:

- Decent size and mobility. He's listed on the school site as 6'3", but I wouldn't be surprised if he measures in a shade under that. His athleticism is close to Quinn's, though he's not nearly as muscular or dreamy.

- Not a precision passer. He'll make his receivers work for the ball, and he really struggles with his accuracy outside the hashes. Against lesser competition, he's able to put more touch on his throws, but he misses a lot when he's pressured and throwing into smaller windows.

- Plays in a shotgun system. I didn't see him take any snaps from under center, and his pocket presence isn't that great. He'll hold on to the ball too long, taking unnecessary sacks. And when he steps up or moves around the pocket, his footwork gets sloppy, leading to more inaccurate throws.

The draft process, particularly the all star game season, could propel his draft stock higher. But if I had to guess now, I'd say his ceiling is the 5th round, maybe the late 4th.

[Shep]

I could see that. I think he'll be on their radar given his size, arm strength, and eyeball-test release. He looks the part. I'd guess you're right, that he has a ceiling of round three and a basement of round six at this point.

[Alo]

5 Text Messages from NFL Scouts

[...]

5. QB Levi Brown from Troy is a QB to watch and could get drafted in the 4th round.

Comment: Brown is a rising quarterback prospect that will play in the Texas vs. the Nation game and has good size at around 6-4 230, so we will see what he looks like in an All-Star game setting.

via here.

[Shep]

Interesting comment on the Rams not taking Suh, something I'm reading all over the place. The prevailing rumor has them taking either Clausen or Bradford to build around. I think the Redskins would take Bradford if he's there. Detroit would throw a party... and if both QBs go in the top 6, I guess it increases the slim chances of Berry making it to #7.

Given that Suh and McCoy will go at the top, I guess it would take a couple tackles like Okung and Campbell going in the top 6, too. Can't imagine anybody taking Campbell over Berry, though.

Bryant will have the top WR spot to himself unless he just falls apart at the Combine. Probably means he can't get past Denver at 10. He's a popular pick at 12, too... but I can't remember who it is.