Hopefully, you don't consider my analysis as criticism or my reply as argumentative. I enjoy back and forth discussions about the draft. I usually learn something when someone defends their mock.
1 Dont’a Hightower, OLB/ILB
As an ILB, I don't think he can handle coverage responsibilities in the NFL. There is a good chance that he runs slower than Bradie James did when he was drafted. He has the size to move to 3-4 OLB. I think he will be available in the 2nd.
Showcases good foot quickness for his size, natural balance when trying to change directions and can pick his way through the line of scrimmage. Doesn't have a great first step or great range sideline-to-sideline. But keys well, is fast enough and showcases a slight burst when closing into contact.
Pass defense: Top zone awareness kept him on the field in passing situations despite average speed. Drops to first-down marker quickly and watches for crossers in front of him. Very aware of RB routes with effort to attack throws to the sideline. Lacks speed and short-area quickness to handle NFL slot receivers and better tight ends in man coverage; can struggle to track and catch up with misdirection. Manhandles receivers at the line of scrimmage
Your reply seems to support my analysis to some extent.
: Lacks good initial burst and shows stiffness in hips. Will have man-to-man limitations. Spent more time working as an edge rusher on passing downs in 2011. Shows some savvy and power as a rusher.
2 Vinny Curry, OLB/DE, Marshall
He is a decent passrusher. Some people think he should only be drafted as 4-3 DE. I wouldn't be too upset if Dallas drafted him in the 2nd, but in your senerio, I think he might be available with your later 2nd round pick.
Pass rush: Relentless and strong off the edge as a pass rusher when fresh. Gets under the pads of tackles to bull rush them into the backfield. Gives second and third effort to reach the passer. Uses his hands to swim past linemen. Struggles to beat cut blocks with his hands. Challenge interior linemen with quickness and strong hands when lined up inside.
Again, I agree that he is a good passrusher. Coverage is the question.
2 or 3 Chase Minnifield, CB/KR, Virginia
Safe pick. I don't know if he is the best pick for the Rob Ryan scheme because he is better in zone than in man coverage.
Man Coverage: Well versed in press and off-man coverage. Generally gets an effective punch on the receiver at the line of scrimmage, staying square and riding him throughout the first few yards to throw off the timing with the quarterback.
Ball Skills: Competitive corner who times his leaps well in jump-ball situations. Long arms and good hand-eye coordination to slap away the ball just as it arrives. Possesses good hands for the interception, typically turning passes in which he has a reasonable chance at making a play into turnovers. Saw time as Virginia's punt returner. Possesses lateral agility to elude and quick acceleration when on the return.
Tackling: One of his better traits. Breaks down well when in the open field against elusive athletes. Closes on the ball-carrier in a hurry, making a clean, sure tackle. Technically sound tackler who lowers his shoulder into the ball-carrier with good hit-lift-drive form.
The evaluations vary on this player. Again, I'm ok with the pick.
: Is capable of holding up in majority of man-to-man situations but skill set indicates he might be best suited to play in a Tampa 2 or zone-heavy defensive scheme in the NFL.
3 Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina
My favorite CB that will be available after the 1st round. He has the added bonus of having longer arms than most or all of the other CBs in this draft.
He could end up going in the 2nd.
I like this kid also - Either way he has the talent to quickly match-up with NFL receiver at the next level.
Agree.
4 Senio Kelemete, OG, Wash
I like the player as a 4th round pick in general; however, Dallas already has multiple of this type of OLineman, quick but undersized. Probably needs a year to get bigger.
well I did not say he would be a starter - but at 6-4 #3OO I think he is what JG is looking for
A former defensive lineman who made the move to guard in 09' before switching to left tackle as a junior in 2010. Possesses a naturally strong frame with a thick lower half. Won the teams offensive lineman weight room honor in 2010 and plays up to his weight room numbers.
so this kid HAS A MEAN STREAK
I like the player, he just seems the same as about 3 players that are already on the team.
5 Akiem Hicks, DT/NT, Regina University
Love this pick in the 5th based on the reports. He is the only one on the list that I have not seen play. He has very long arms (35- 1/8") and is reported to be quick enough to play 3-4 DE in addition to NT. For comparison, Poe has 31-5/8" arms.
6 Tysyn Hartman, FS, Kansas St
Ok player for the 6th round, but Dallas already has multiple Safeties on the roster with limited upside. I would like a late round pick that is raw but has terrific upside...someone like Desmond Marrow.
there not much on this kid but I heard his name all during the Ark game
I guess that I'm just frustrated with the team for cutting players in the secondary that have some upside like Josh Thomas in 2011. I know that Alan Ball, Frank Walker and Danny McCray were more ready to contribute in 2011, but keeping too many of those kind of players never allows for the possibility that a player like Josh Thomas could develop into a starter.
6 Chandler Harnish, QB, Northern Illinois
He is short with small hands. If their going to invest multiple years developing a QB, I would prefer that he had better measureables. B.J. Coleman is farther away from contributing, but is 6-3 vs 6-1.5 and has 10.25" hands vs 9.25" hands for Harnish
I seen Harnish play in three games - hes a tough kid
He possesses a solidly put together frame with natural thickness through his mid-section and the girth to take a pounding at the next level. He's a gutsy, tough kid and a "plus" leader who his teammates really seem to rally around. Is a good athlete both in and outside the pocket. He displays a natural feel inside the pocket, keeps his eyes down the field, demonstrates a good mental clock and exhibits good balance when side-stepping pressure. He can be a bit unorthodox at times and will change throwing angles at times when flushed from pressure, but he is accurate with the football on the move and generates some torque from the waist
A gritty quarterback prospect who is accurate and can move the chains with his legs. A typical overachieving MAC QB who has been told all his life he's not good enough, but has enough to mature and develop into a reserve at the next level.
you forgot about B.J. Coleman's injury
After senior quarterback BJ Coleman, from Chattanooga, went down with a shoulder injury - his throwing shoulder
Set 30 Northern Illinois passing, rushing and total offense records in four years as the Huskies' starting quarterback (see list). Three-time Academic All-MAC selection and was a first team All-MAC choice in each of his last two seasons. Led NIU to a 22-5 record in his final two seasons as a starter. Played in 47 games and started 45 over the past four years. First quarterback to lead NIU to four straight bowl games. Threw for 8,944 career yards on 687-of-1,110 passing for a 61.9 completion percentage with 26 interceptions and 68 touchdown passes. Rushed for 2,983 yards on 538 carries with 24 touchdowns and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Compiled 11,927 yards of total offense to rank third all-time in the MAC behind only Marshall's Byron Leftwich and Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan, and was responsible for 92 touchdowns (24 rushing, 68 passing).
enuf said
QB is the hardest position to evaluate, IMO. I'm not worried about Coleman's injury because any 6th round QB is unlikely to contribute in year 1. Actually, now that I think about it, the injury could be an advantage in that they could stash him on IR and still carry another development QB on the active roster in 2012.
7 Rhett Ellison, TE, USC
Ok, but he is a similiar player to John Phillips, average size/blocker and average athleticism but is smart and competitive. If they didn't already have Phillips, I would like this pick better. I would prefer someone that is either a really good blocker or is more athletic than John Phillips
can certainly reach block on the edge, win on contact vs. backers and seal DE when need be. Is also comfortable in pass protection, understands angles, plays long and displays good coordination and range in space.
Showcases a smooth arm over, can keep himself clean and get into his route. Picks up speed as he goes and can get on top of backers and threaten the seam. Also, exhibits a snap out of his breaks in the pass game. Maintains balance, keeps his feet under him and cleanly changes directions on sharply breaking routes, getting his head around and will pluck the football. Uses his big body to shield defenders from the throw and isn't afraid to work the middle of the field and take a lick in order to hang onto the football.
I guess it is just personel preference when you get to the late rounds. I just want at TE that is clearly better than John Phillips at either blocking or receiving. Maybe George Bryan for Blocking or Evan Rodriguez for receiving and playing H-back/backup-FB. It would be good to have someone more suited to being the back FB since Fiammetta has some durability issues.
FYI - Happy birthday and if you're in the military thanks for your service to the country.
