As a follow up to the mid-draft hysteria, I’m going to take a page out of Scott Wright’s book (or his webpage at draftcountdown.com) where he drafts one player in every round plus takes a flier on a RFA. I’ll follow his methodology in choosing someone who went at the 16th spot or lower in that given round. While he limits himself to one player at any position and doesn’t draft for any scheme, I will confess my preference for the 3-4 and apologise early lest I violate in taking multiple players at the same position.
1. Melvin Ingram, defensive end/outside linebacker, South Carolina
Selected: 18th overall by San Diego
While I was tempted to consider Chandler Jones or Nick Perry, Ingram is the only pass rusher left on the board who I would take over Courtney Upshaw. Ingram is quite the versatile athlete as he can line up almost anywhere along the line. Honestly he reminds me of Adalius Thomas and I expect he’ll get a chance to succeed in a rebuilding defense in S.D.
Also, the player I would n’t touch in round 1: Brandon Weeden. I’ll admit that if he isn’t 28 he’d warrant first round consideration, but quarterbacks get overrated on potential (and then teams counter-psych themselves out in letting players like Aaron Rodgers drop late [fair point, I thought Rodgers would be another Tedford disciple turned horrible quarterback – success as a quarterback is a mix of mentality, mental agility, and the physical abilities necessary to lead a team, but it’s also very tied to the situation. Regardless of situation I’m unimpressed by Weeden overall]).
2. Rueben Randle, wide receiver, LSU
Selected: 31st overall by N.Y. Giants
I know that the receiver position is deep this year and I have the chance to select a natural left tackle in Mike Adams (although he’s off my board until the 3rd) or a solid contributor, I expect, in Isaiah Pead. Devon Still and Vinny Curry are intriguing – I really like Curry in an Eagles’ defense focused completely on stopping the pass, but I’m going to grab a tall, smooth receiver which is a quality fitting into any offensive scheme. Randle landed in a good situation where he doesn’t have to contribute right away but will plug in with Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz as soon as he earns his stripes.
I didn’t have Derek Wolfe going in this round at all, but he sounds like a better pro player than college. Still, I would rather have Devon Still or Jerel Worthy first.
3. Brandon Hardin, safety, Oregon State
Selected: 79th by Chicago
Dwight Bentley was a consideration, but there are other corners to be had later. Jake Bequette is someone I’m intrigued by, but didn’t study up enough on like I did Hardin. Bergstrom at tackle and Brandon Thompson were thoughts, but really I’m down to Hardin and Bequette. Without his injuries, Hardin is likely going a full round earlier and I expect him to find his way onto the field.
It’s cliche to criticize a team for drafting a punter in the 3rd round…but I’m going to anyway. Almost as surprising to me is seeing T.J. Graham came off the board before Mohamed Sanu – I would’ve had the NC State product in the 5th or 6th, but then you can never really tell with receivers.
4. James-Michael Johnson, inside linebacker, Nevada
Selected: 120th by Cleveland
Finding a four year starter who plays this well in the box makes this decision for me. Joe Looney at guard and Kyle Wilber were thoughts. I liked Ron Brooks’ upside quite a bit and hoped he would be around in the 5th as was fellow Bills’ selection Nigel Bradham. Miles Burris to Oakland also might turn out.
5. Terrell Manning, outside linebacker, NC State
Selected: 163rd by Green Bay
Unsurprising for those who know me, I grab for another linebacker. If not for the filled defensive end position, I would’ve grabbed Jonathan Massaquoi. Ryan Miller should contribute at guard or tackle for the Browns and I like the DeQuan Menzie pick earlier in the round, but I think the Pack nabbed a good one here.
6. Brandon Washington, offensive guard, Miami
Selected: 200th by Philadelphia
Andy Reid has a pretty good eye for linemen and I’m ready to select one (while every other team is reaching for a kicker). Washington needs to clean up his technique and improve in using his hands, but he has the frame and right situation in which to work through such issues. Billy Winn was also a thought here as was James Hanna.
7. Andrew Datko, offensive tackle, FSU
Selected: 241st by Green Bay
It would’ve been Cam Johnson if I hadn’t already filled the end/outside backer spots but Datko’s chances at a full recovery are well worth a late round flier. The Pats likely landed the steal of the draft with Alfonzo Dennard’s late slip-up, but I’d rather take a chance on finding a plug and play tackle who will get the job done.
Rookie Free Agent: Chris Polk, runningback, Washington
Garth Gerhart, brother of Toby, is intriguing at center; nose tackle Nicholas Jean-Baptiste from Baylor is another in that category. Look out for Matt Merletti, safety from UNC, Micah Pellerin and Chris Galippo to find the field for the Colts in the midst of their rebuilding program. Tydreke Powell is quite talented, Luke Nix could sneak into a starting o-line spot, Marquis Maze might just make something as a RS and I’ve heard good things about Adrian Robinson. I’ll also be watching Garrett Celek, Brent’s little brother, and Leonard Johnson.
All that said, I would’ve considered Polk late in the second round and certainly by the fourth. As a camp invitee, there’s no reason not to give the guy a shot when he’s managed to produce consistently over his career in the Pac 10/12. Chase Minnifield also should’ve been drafted in my book, but finding a contributing back is my selection here.
Sports Thinklings 