sureletsrace
Official CZ Homer
- Messages
- 4,622
- Reaction score
- 4,197
I'm not going to do any trading of players or picks, and I will be including 2 UDFA picks. The goal of this mock is to bring some new names into the picture, rather than the same 15 names we've heard all offseason long. It is also not much of a boom or bust mock, just a lot of solid, good character, hard working type players. Please comment, positive or negative. Dig in.
This is a long mock draft, because I'm going to give my reasoning for selecting the player, and a pro analysis on each player, so take breaks while reading.
Round 1- Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Why- I'll admit it. I love cornerbacks. A team will never be anything if they don't have good corners. This kid is as fluid as I've seen anyone in my life. His body is like liquid coming in and out of breaks. I want to have 4 fully reliable corners on our team, and with Alan Ball looking like the starting FS, we'll need a CB. This will be the BPA for our needs.
What the experts say-
Read & React: Good instincts for the position. Reads the receiver and is athletic enough to mirror routes. Willing to take gambles and will bait the quarterback. Showed better focus as a senior. Aggressively attacks the line on outside runs and wide receiver screens.
Man Coverage: Lanky athlete with long arms. Built to play press coverage. Aggressive use of hands at the line of scrimmage helps knock receivers off routes. Good low, tight backpedal. Good balance and foot quickness to turn and mirror the receiver's route.
Zone Coverage: Good low, tight backpedal. Good route recognition for zone coverage. Reads the quarterback's eyes and closes quickly. Needs to improve his discipline in zone coverage, as he too often trusts his eyes and can wander out of his zone.
Closing/Recovery: Explosive burst to close toward the passer. Shows a legitimate second gear to recover if beaten initially. Former wide receiver with natural hands for the interception. Can pluck the ball outside of his frame and secures it quickly. Competes well for the jump ball. Times his leaps and has explosive athleticism. Natural playmaker with good vision for the return. Elusive and has very good straight-line speed to pull away.
Run Support: Looks smaller on film than his listed size. Has a cover corner mentality -- steers clear of head-on physical contact in run support. Will make the tackle when needed, but isn't likely to throw his body into the ballcarrier. Showed improved recognition of the sweep as a senior, rushing up to the line of scrimmage to beat the block and make the tackle behind the line. Will struggle to take down bigger ballcarriers. Will grab on, but is too often taken for a ride until teammates arrive to clean up.
Tackling: Efficient wrap-up tackler in the open field. Breaks down in space and isn't afraid to take on the bigger man, though he typically relies on duck-and-swipe type tackles. Quick, active hands to rip the ball away. Forced two fumbles in 2009.
Intangibles: Has all the tools. However, he hasn't developed into a true standout and has minimal starting experience (24 starts in 44 career games). Suspended for four games (2008 Music City Bowl, first three games of 2008) for his role in the Florida State academic scandal. Good special teams player with experience as kickoff and punt returner and with a blocked kick and blocked PAT (returned it for two points) to his credit.
Round 2-Torrell Troup, NT, UCF
Why- Because I like Siavii as much as the next guy, but Ratliff needs to get off the field at least 10-15 snaps per game, plus we need some solid backup at the position. Troup will be it.
What the experts say-
Pass rush: Bull rusher who often pushes his man (or a double-team when fresh) to collapse the pocket using leverage. Able to rip off blocks, punch and swim over the top, or even get under the arm of guards to pressure the quarterback if he hangs onto the ball too long. Limited burst; will provide some heat but not many sacks. Sits on many obvious passing situations.
Run defense: Stands his ground against single and double blocks using his girth and strength, although he lacks the quickness to split the double. Can be violent with hands to free himself. Able to sift through trash inside to get to ballcarrier. Moves laterally while engaged to stay in the play. Needs improvement avoiding and recovering from cut blocks.
Explosion: Quick and powerful off the snap, penetrating easily against man-up blocks. Good balance after initial contact, keeping pads low and moving forward. Loses steam coming off the ball throughout the game.
Strength: Very strong player; prime nose tackle candidate. Uses a low center of gravity and thick upper body to gain leverage. Able to stack his man and disengage to chase the quarterback or wrap up ballcarriers.
Tackling: Has length and upper-body strength to bring down most any player in his immediate area. Willing to chase down players but lacks burst to track them down from behind without help or consistently make tackles outside the box. Doesn't change directions easily, and can be eluded in space. Must keep his feet moving instead of relying on his strength to make arm tackles.
Intangibles: Hard-working, unselfish leader with a quiet sensibility. Consistently gives good effort inside whether rushing the passer or stopping the run. No major character issues. Worked off 30 pound of weight during his career to gain stamina, although he still carries extra around his midsection.
Round 3-JD Walton, C, Baylor
Why- I don't know about you, but I'd like a backup (or maybe starter in 2011?) center besides Proctor. How cool would it be to have 1 new starter this year in Free and 2-3 the year after in Marinelli, Walton, and maybe Brewster? This kid is intelligent and mean. A 'mauler' and a natural leader.
What the experts say-
Pass blocking: Quick set after the snap, getting hands into the tackle's jersey. Works hard to keep contact with nose tackle, maintaining his anchor against bigger, stronger defenders. Mirrors well and keeps his feet moving and arms punching to assist on double-teams. Adept on shotgun (which Baylor uses often) and direct snaps. Will lean into his man, making him lose his balance and body control on occasion.
Run blocking: Short arms make it difficult to sustain against defensive tackles with above-average length. Strong on double-teams, getting leverage to maintain big hole/passing lane inside. Works hard throughout the play, and agitates his defender even when on the ground. Gets low in goal-line and short-yardage situations to take out his man.
Pulling/trapping: Best in close quarters. Adequate footwork to get the correct angles when on the move. Not overly quick or smooth as a runner, his feet get caught up in trash inside. Lacks agility to adjust to oncoming defenders, although he manages to stop them, using strength and will.
Initial Quickness: Good pop off the snap when run blocking and in pass pro, though Baylor doesn't drive block very often. Adjusts to late line shifts, using angles to his advantage. Must improve his ability to cut block on quick throws.
Downfield: Not especially agile at the second level, but usually finds and sustains against a second man after coming off a double-team. Effective at taking out inside-out defenders by using any available part of his body. Plays through the whistle, and will take out a man if he's not playing aware.
Intangibles: Typical mauler inside, giving everything he has on every play. Leader of the offensive line. Just the type of tough, intelligent, durable pivot man NFL teams like.
Round 4-Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
Why- Here's your short, quick slot/PR/KR everyone. He's not only fast, but he's quick. He doesn't lose the ball on punt returns, he's elusive, and can make some incredible catches.
What the experts say-
Release: Good straight-line speed and superior quickness. Quick first step off the line, and separates from defenders after a cut or once past the second level with great acceleration. Will need to learn how to beat the jam from pro corners, but won't back away from the challenge.
Hands: Makes the easy catch consistently, and can make difficult catches look easy. Strong hands and good vertical in jump-ball situations, albeit against smaller FCS corners. Can track the ball over either shoulder. Maintains control of the ball after taking a hit down the sideline. Secure with the ball as a punt returner.
Route running: Most receptions come on screens, drag routes or down the sideline. Separates from nickel corners on quick outs, and can stop on a dime after securing the ball to head upfield. Will need to learn the finer points of route-running to find holes in zones from the slot, but his quick feet and sure hands should allow him to excel.
After the catch: Very elusive after the catch, often turning short throws into big gains using quick reverse moves, vision and acceleration. Protects the ball well, and plays stronger than his wiry frame would indicate. Fights for additional yardage after initial contact. Nice first step, cut back and quick acceleration on punt returns, but NFL special teams units will be tougher to gain yardage against.
Blocking: Willing downfield and goal-line blocker, but lacks the size and hand technique to sustain against larger corners. Could give more consistent effort maintaining the inside angle and getting to defenders in the open field. Gets a body on a defender to seal back-side edge when run blocking from motion.
Intangibles: Hard worker on and off the field, as is expected from students of a military school. Quiet leader, well-liked by his coaches. Received the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame's annual Bobby Richardson Sportsmanship Award in May 2009.
Round 6-Jeromy Miles, FS, Massachusetts
Why- Alan Ball will need backup, and Jeromy's stock is steadily rising. This guy is good. His numbers weren't too hot in '09, but that's because in '08 he had an All-American year, so teams were wary to throw in his direction. Over his college career, he racked up 9 INT's and 6 FF's, which, last I checked, is what our defense needs. Turnovers.
What the experts say-
Read & React: Recognizes run or pass quickly, and keeps an eye on the quarterback while understanding routes coming in his area. Jumps screen passes, fighting through blocks to do so. Could chase down plays across the field more regularly.
Man Coverage: Lines up against slot receivers regularly, and has the length and strength to press. Needs to tighten up his backpedal as he tends to get high and choppy, but transitions well to run with receivers down the field. Adequate change of direction skills to stay with larger receivers but does not have elite agility to stay with quicker NFL slot men. Breaks on the ball, however, and uses his recognition skills to jump routes or be in the right place for a tipped-ball interception. Good concentration and hands to make the play and can outrun would-be tacklers, run through them, or make them miss after the catch to flip field position.
Zone Coverage: Good range to cover the deep half, and quick enough to get to the sideline or the seam to help out his corner. Explosive tackler on plays in front of him. Can be a step late to see open receivers on seam routes.
Closing/Recovery: Good acceleration to the ball when it is in the air; can knock away passes as the ball arrives or as the receiver make the catch. Lacks great recovery speed if beaten by a double move or if late recognizing receiver coming into his area.
Run Support: Very willing and physical in run support, attacking the line of scrimmage. Will duck his head but usually gets into the thigh of the running back and wraps up a leg to bring him down. Seven career forced fumbles shows ability to get his helmet on the ball. Maintains gap responsibility. Will get redirected by receiver blocks or try to run around them, but is strong enough to shed.
Tackling: Secure wrap-up tackler in the box or in space. Likes to lower the shoulder as well on receivers on crossing routes. Comfortable in the box or playing deep. Angles to the ball could be improved, but usually has the length and agility to still make the play.
Intangibles: Team captain as a senior who understood his role as a motivator and leader by example for the team's younger players. Academic all-conference in 2008, 2009. Navy transfer could be a red flag, but Miles and his coaches say he learned discipline and respect during his time in Annapolis. Special teams contributor. Durable four-year starter.
Round 7-Roddrick Muckelroy, ILB, Texas
Why- I freaking love this guy. He was the key to Texas' defense, and received ZERO credit. But you haven't heard a word from him. This man just works. He's always there for the clutch stop, he is always in the film room, and just plays hard and is intimidating to the opposing team. A beast.
What the experts say-
Read & React: Typical weak-side linebacker who flows to the ball well. Plays faster than 40 time indicates. Keeps his eyes in the backfield in coverage, and is quick enough to get sideline angle to prevent long QB runs or force throws across the body. Stays home against misdirection and does not take many false steps.
Run defense: Attacks holes in the line and fills quickly. Gets pads low to make tackles near the line. Chases plays to the opposite sideline and down the line of scrimmage. Shows great downfield hustle to prevent long touchdown runs. Uses his hands to avoid cut blocks in space. Could be stronger against tight end blocks, and gets taken out the play instead of punching to get off. Chooses to run around blocks for that reason. High-cut and a bit thin in the hips, he might struggle against NFL offensive linemen.
Pass defense: Has a safety's build and agility. Recognizes and attacks receiver screens. Agile enough to drop into medium zones; good ball awareness, and will hit the receiver quickly after the ball arrives -- if he doesn't get to it first. Has the quickness to recover if fooled by misdirection. Handles coverage responsibilities in the flat but may not have the speed to stay with backs downfield. Physical with tight ends on the line but is at a height disadvantage downfield.
Tackling: Brings down ballcarriers effectively when on the attack using his length and change-of-direction ability. Likes to lay the wood when possible. Should wrap and secure more often in space, however, instead of going for the big shoulder-first hit. Able to strip the ball when he does wrap. Plays with speed and aggression inside on special teams coverage units. Lacks the bulk to bring down big backs or receivers with a head of steam.
Pass Rush/Blitz: Used as a pass rusher from the middle in 2009, he has the quickness and the tackling ability to attack the QB or be effective in the run blitz. Agile enough to jump over running back cut blocks. Good change-of-direction agility to track the quarterback down outside the pocket. Must prove he is strong enough to get off NFL fullback blocks and drag down stronger pro quarterbacks and running backs in the backfield.
Intangibles: Quiet intimidator. Hustles on the field and knows his responsibilities. Known for his knowledge of the game and film study. Earned Frank Medina Rehabilitation Award for coming back from ruptured tendon in right ring finger suffered in 2006. No major character issues.
UDFA-Hunter Lawrence, K, Texas
Why- We need a kicker. He kicks. He has proven that he can handle pressure extremely well. He's accurate. At worst, we get his as a camp body to give Buehler competition.
What the experts say-
Right-footed kicker who comes into the ball aggressively with a fast-paced three-step approach. Good explosion through the ball, but still owns a compact leg swing. Typically gets straight, end-over-end kick with high trajectory. Made field goals from the left and right hash.
Handled pressure situations very well, showing excellent concentration and poise in hostile environments. Father played linebacker at SMU; some of that rubbed off on Hunter, who had eight tackles on returns (five in 2006).
UDFA-Chris Marinelli, OT, Stanford
Why- I freaking love this guy too. He's a natural RT, and is a mean, smart, good, blue-collar kid. He plays hard, he's big, strong, a natural leader, and plays with a serious mean streak. Just what we need in our future RT.
What the experts say-
Pass blocking: Textbook knee bend and angled, short steps when set up in pass protection. Mirrors very well, extends his arm and resets to punch and keep defender at bay. Good balance and armbar to prevent ends from using inside moves to get to the quarterback. Gets down quickly on cut blocks but needs to get more into his man's thigh to get him on the ground. Adjusts well to twists, moves out to get in front of tackle and stands strong. Needs to be more aware of blitzing linebackers if his man's inside shoulder. Shorter, powerful ends can get into his chest on occasion and knock him back, especially when he keeps his pads too tall.
Run blocking: Drives off the snap and keeps his legs churning to push the pile on blocks inside. Anchors well, very strong at the point of attack. Combos from the tackle to linebacker fluidly and with strength. Able to turn his man out of the hole. Will take his man ten yards downfield once attached, if given the chance. Gets his hands up from a three-point stance quickly enough to push fast ends and blitzing linebackers around the pocket to prevent penetration on run blitzes. Works to keep his man on the ground if the defender loses his balance.
Pulling/trapping: Did not pull or trap a lot for Stanford, but had trouble moving behind the line or in front of outside runs when asked. Best moving straight off the snap, not turning to run laterally.
Initial Quickness: Good reaction to cadence, one of the first into his pass set. Gets off quickly on run plays, usually stoning or driving back his man. Does not out-quicked off the snap very often.
Downfield: Does not have elite quickness but has enough agility to get to the second level and is adept at hitting his target. Quick to come off a block to adjust to late oncomer, usually takes him out of the play. Could hustle more to help block downfield on short passes and runs.
Intangibles: Intelligent player that plays with a bit of a nasty streak. Cleans up piles and won't back down when challenged. Strong, vocal leader. Father worked for Local 88 Tunnels Workers Union for 30 years, and the offensive line took on that nickname for their group before the season because of its blue-collar attitude.
-----------------
If you made it here, PM me your address and I'll mail you an official "I survived sureletsrace's Mock Draft" t-shirt.
-----------------
Comment!
This is a long mock draft, because I'm going to give my reasoning for selecting the player, and a pro analysis on each player, so take breaks while reading.
Round 1- Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State
Why- I'll admit it. I love cornerbacks. A team will never be anything if they don't have good corners. This kid is as fluid as I've seen anyone in my life. His body is like liquid coming in and out of breaks. I want to have 4 fully reliable corners on our team, and with Alan Ball looking like the starting FS, we'll need a CB. This will be the BPA for our needs.
What the experts say-
Read & React: Good instincts for the position. Reads the receiver and is athletic enough to mirror routes. Willing to take gambles and will bait the quarterback. Showed better focus as a senior. Aggressively attacks the line on outside runs and wide receiver screens.
Man Coverage: Lanky athlete with long arms. Built to play press coverage. Aggressive use of hands at the line of scrimmage helps knock receivers off routes. Good low, tight backpedal. Good balance and foot quickness to turn and mirror the receiver's route.
Zone Coverage: Good low, tight backpedal. Good route recognition for zone coverage. Reads the quarterback's eyes and closes quickly. Needs to improve his discipline in zone coverage, as he too often trusts his eyes and can wander out of his zone.
Closing/Recovery: Explosive burst to close toward the passer. Shows a legitimate second gear to recover if beaten initially. Former wide receiver with natural hands for the interception. Can pluck the ball outside of his frame and secures it quickly. Competes well for the jump ball. Times his leaps and has explosive athleticism. Natural playmaker with good vision for the return. Elusive and has very good straight-line speed to pull away.
Run Support: Looks smaller on film than his listed size. Has a cover corner mentality -- steers clear of head-on physical contact in run support. Will make the tackle when needed, but isn't likely to throw his body into the ballcarrier. Showed improved recognition of the sweep as a senior, rushing up to the line of scrimmage to beat the block and make the tackle behind the line. Will struggle to take down bigger ballcarriers. Will grab on, but is too often taken for a ride until teammates arrive to clean up.
Tackling: Efficient wrap-up tackler in the open field. Breaks down in space and isn't afraid to take on the bigger man, though he typically relies on duck-and-swipe type tackles. Quick, active hands to rip the ball away. Forced two fumbles in 2009.
Intangibles: Has all the tools. However, he hasn't developed into a true standout and has minimal starting experience (24 starts in 44 career games). Suspended for four games (2008 Music City Bowl, first three games of 2008) for his role in the Florida State academic scandal. Good special teams player with experience as kickoff and punt returner and with a blocked kick and blocked PAT (returned it for two points) to his credit.
Round 2-Torrell Troup, NT, UCF
Why- Because I like Siavii as much as the next guy, but Ratliff needs to get off the field at least 10-15 snaps per game, plus we need some solid backup at the position. Troup will be it.
What the experts say-
Pass rush: Bull rusher who often pushes his man (or a double-team when fresh) to collapse the pocket using leverage. Able to rip off blocks, punch and swim over the top, or even get under the arm of guards to pressure the quarterback if he hangs onto the ball too long. Limited burst; will provide some heat but not many sacks. Sits on many obvious passing situations.
Run defense: Stands his ground against single and double blocks using his girth and strength, although he lacks the quickness to split the double. Can be violent with hands to free himself. Able to sift through trash inside to get to ballcarrier. Moves laterally while engaged to stay in the play. Needs improvement avoiding and recovering from cut blocks.
Explosion: Quick and powerful off the snap, penetrating easily against man-up blocks. Good balance after initial contact, keeping pads low and moving forward. Loses steam coming off the ball throughout the game.
Strength: Very strong player; prime nose tackle candidate. Uses a low center of gravity and thick upper body to gain leverage. Able to stack his man and disengage to chase the quarterback or wrap up ballcarriers.
Tackling: Has length and upper-body strength to bring down most any player in his immediate area. Willing to chase down players but lacks burst to track them down from behind without help or consistently make tackles outside the box. Doesn't change directions easily, and can be eluded in space. Must keep his feet moving instead of relying on his strength to make arm tackles.
Intangibles: Hard-working, unselfish leader with a quiet sensibility. Consistently gives good effort inside whether rushing the passer or stopping the run. No major character issues. Worked off 30 pound of weight during his career to gain stamina, although he still carries extra around his midsection.
Round 3-JD Walton, C, Baylor
Why- I don't know about you, but I'd like a backup (or maybe starter in 2011?) center besides Proctor. How cool would it be to have 1 new starter this year in Free and 2-3 the year after in Marinelli, Walton, and maybe Brewster? This kid is intelligent and mean. A 'mauler' and a natural leader.
What the experts say-
Pass blocking: Quick set after the snap, getting hands into the tackle's jersey. Works hard to keep contact with nose tackle, maintaining his anchor against bigger, stronger defenders. Mirrors well and keeps his feet moving and arms punching to assist on double-teams. Adept on shotgun (which Baylor uses often) and direct snaps. Will lean into his man, making him lose his balance and body control on occasion.
Run blocking: Short arms make it difficult to sustain against defensive tackles with above-average length. Strong on double-teams, getting leverage to maintain big hole/passing lane inside. Works hard throughout the play, and agitates his defender even when on the ground. Gets low in goal-line and short-yardage situations to take out his man.
Pulling/trapping: Best in close quarters. Adequate footwork to get the correct angles when on the move. Not overly quick or smooth as a runner, his feet get caught up in trash inside. Lacks agility to adjust to oncoming defenders, although he manages to stop them, using strength and will.
Initial Quickness: Good pop off the snap when run blocking and in pass pro, though Baylor doesn't drive block very often. Adjusts to late line shifts, using angles to his advantage. Must improve his ability to cut block on quick throws.
Downfield: Not especially agile at the second level, but usually finds and sustains against a second man after coming off a double-team. Effective at taking out inside-out defenders by using any available part of his body. Plays through the whistle, and will take out a man if he's not playing aware.
Intangibles: Typical mauler inside, giving everything he has on every play. Leader of the offensive line. Just the type of tough, intelligent, durable pivot man NFL teams like.
Round 4-Andre Roberts, WR, Citadel
Why- Here's your short, quick slot/PR/KR everyone. He's not only fast, but he's quick. He doesn't lose the ball on punt returns, he's elusive, and can make some incredible catches.
What the experts say-
Release: Good straight-line speed and superior quickness. Quick first step off the line, and separates from defenders after a cut or once past the second level with great acceleration. Will need to learn how to beat the jam from pro corners, but won't back away from the challenge.
Hands: Makes the easy catch consistently, and can make difficult catches look easy. Strong hands and good vertical in jump-ball situations, albeit against smaller FCS corners. Can track the ball over either shoulder. Maintains control of the ball after taking a hit down the sideline. Secure with the ball as a punt returner.
Route running: Most receptions come on screens, drag routes or down the sideline. Separates from nickel corners on quick outs, and can stop on a dime after securing the ball to head upfield. Will need to learn the finer points of route-running to find holes in zones from the slot, but his quick feet and sure hands should allow him to excel.
After the catch: Very elusive after the catch, often turning short throws into big gains using quick reverse moves, vision and acceleration. Protects the ball well, and plays stronger than his wiry frame would indicate. Fights for additional yardage after initial contact. Nice first step, cut back and quick acceleration on punt returns, but NFL special teams units will be tougher to gain yardage against.
Blocking: Willing downfield and goal-line blocker, but lacks the size and hand technique to sustain against larger corners. Could give more consistent effort maintaining the inside angle and getting to defenders in the open field. Gets a body on a defender to seal back-side edge when run blocking from motion.
Intangibles: Hard worker on and off the field, as is expected from students of a military school. Quiet leader, well-liked by his coaches. Received the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame's annual Bobby Richardson Sportsmanship Award in May 2009.
Round 6-Jeromy Miles, FS, Massachusetts
Why- Alan Ball will need backup, and Jeromy's stock is steadily rising. This guy is good. His numbers weren't too hot in '09, but that's because in '08 he had an All-American year, so teams were wary to throw in his direction. Over his college career, he racked up 9 INT's and 6 FF's, which, last I checked, is what our defense needs. Turnovers.
What the experts say-
Read & React: Recognizes run or pass quickly, and keeps an eye on the quarterback while understanding routes coming in his area. Jumps screen passes, fighting through blocks to do so. Could chase down plays across the field more regularly.
Man Coverage: Lines up against slot receivers regularly, and has the length and strength to press. Needs to tighten up his backpedal as he tends to get high and choppy, but transitions well to run with receivers down the field. Adequate change of direction skills to stay with larger receivers but does not have elite agility to stay with quicker NFL slot men. Breaks on the ball, however, and uses his recognition skills to jump routes or be in the right place for a tipped-ball interception. Good concentration and hands to make the play and can outrun would-be tacklers, run through them, or make them miss after the catch to flip field position.
Zone Coverage: Good range to cover the deep half, and quick enough to get to the sideline or the seam to help out his corner. Explosive tackler on plays in front of him. Can be a step late to see open receivers on seam routes.
Closing/Recovery: Good acceleration to the ball when it is in the air; can knock away passes as the ball arrives or as the receiver make the catch. Lacks great recovery speed if beaten by a double move or if late recognizing receiver coming into his area.
Run Support: Very willing and physical in run support, attacking the line of scrimmage. Will duck his head but usually gets into the thigh of the running back and wraps up a leg to bring him down. Seven career forced fumbles shows ability to get his helmet on the ball. Maintains gap responsibility. Will get redirected by receiver blocks or try to run around them, but is strong enough to shed.
Tackling: Secure wrap-up tackler in the box or in space. Likes to lower the shoulder as well on receivers on crossing routes. Comfortable in the box or playing deep. Angles to the ball could be improved, but usually has the length and agility to still make the play.
Intangibles: Team captain as a senior who understood his role as a motivator and leader by example for the team's younger players. Academic all-conference in 2008, 2009. Navy transfer could be a red flag, but Miles and his coaches say he learned discipline and respect during his time in Annapolis. Special teams contributor. Durable four-year starter.
Round 7-Roddrick Muckelroy, ILB, Texas
Why- I freaking love this guy. He was the key to Texas' defense, and received ZERO credit. But you haven't heard a word from him. This man just works. He's always there for the clutch stop, he is always in the film room, and just plays hard and is intimidating to the opposing team. A beast.
What the experts say-
Read & React: Typical weak-side linebacker who flows to the ball well. Plays faster than 40 time indicates. Keeps his eyes in the backfield in coverage, and is quick enough to get sideline angle to prevent long QB runs or force throws across the body. Stays home against misdirection and does not take many false steps.
Run defense: Attacks holes in the line and fills quickly. Gets pads low to make tackles near the line. Chases plays to the opposite sideline and down the line of scrimmage. Shows great downfield hustle to prevent long touchdown runs. Uses his hands to avoid cut blocks in space. Could be stronger against tight end blocks, and gets taken out the play instead of punching to get off. Chooses to run around blocks for that reason. High-cut and a bit thin in the hips, he might struggle against NFL offensive linemen.
Pass defense: Has a safety's build and agility. Recognizes and attacks receiver screens. Agile enough to drop into medium zones; good ball awareness, and will hit the receiver quickly after the ball arrives -- if he doesn't get to it first. Has the quickness to recover if fooled by misdirection. Handles coverage responsibilities in the flat but may not have the speed to stay with backs downfield. Physical with tight ends on the line but is at a height disadvantage downfield.
Tackling: Brings down ballcarriers effectively when on the attack using his length and change-of-direction ability. Likes to lay the wood when possible. Should wrap and secure more often in space, however, instead of going for the big shoulder-first hit. Able to strip the ball when he does wrap. Plays with speed and aggression inside on special teams coverage units. Lacks the bulk to bring down big backs or receivers with a head of steam.
Pass Rush/Blitz: Used as a pass rusher from the middle in 2009, he has the quickness and the tackling ability to attack the QB or be effective in the run blitz. Agile enough to jump over running back cut blocks. Good change-of-direction agility to track the quarterback down outside the pocket. Must prove he is strong enough to get off NFL fullback blocks and drag down stronger pro quarterbacks and running backs in the backfield.
Intangibles: Quiet intimidator. Hustles on the field and knows his responsibilities. Known for his knowledge of the game and film study. Earned Frank Medina Rehabilitation Award for coming back from ruptured tendon in right ring finger suffered in 2006. No major character issues.
UDFA-Hunter Lawrence, K, Texas
Why- We need a kicker. He kicks. He has proven that he can handle pressure extremely well. He's accurate. At worst, we get his as a camp body to give Buehler competition.
What the experts say-
Right-footed kicker who comes into the ball aggressively with a fast-paced three-step approach. Good explosion through the ball, but still owns a compact leg swing. Typically gets straight, end-over-end kick with high trajectory. Made field goals from the left and right hash.
Handled pressure situations very well, showing excellent concentration and poise in hostile environments. Father played linebacker at SMU; some of that rubbed off on Hunter, who had eight tackles on returns (five in 2006).
UDFA-Chris Marinelli, OT, Stanford
Why- I freaking love this guy too. He's a natural RT, and is a mean, smart, good, blue-collar kid. He plays hard, he's big, strong, a natural leader, and plays with a serious mean streak. Just what we need in our future RT.
What the experts say-
Pass blocking: Textbook knee bend and angled, short steps when set up in pass protection. Mirrors very well, extends his arm and resets to punch and keep defender at bay. Good balance and armbar to prevent ends from using inside moves to get to the quarterback. Gets down quickly on cut blocks but needs to get more into his man's thigh to get him on the ground. Adjusts well to twists, moves out to get in front of tackle and stands strong. Needs to be more aware of blitzing linebackers if his man's inside shoulder. Shorter, powerful ends can get into his chest on occasion and knock him back, especially when he keeps his pads too tall.
Run blocking: Drives off the snap and keeps his legs churning to push the pile on blocks inside. Anchors well, very strong at the point of attack. Combos from the tackle to linebacker fluidly and with strength. Able to turn his man out of the hole. Will take his man ten yards downfield once attached, if given the chance. Gets his hands up from a three-point stance quickly enough to push fast ends and blitzing linebackers around the pocket to prevent penetration on run blitzes. Works to keep his man on the ground if the defender loses his balance.
Pulling/trapping: Did not pull or trap a lot for Stanford, but had trouble moving behind the line or in front of outside runs when asked. Best moving straight off the snap, not turning to run laterally.
Initial Quickness: Good reaction to cadence, one of the first into his pass set. Gets off quickly on run plays, usually stoning or driving back his man. Does not out-quicked off the snap very often.
Downfield: Does not have elite quickness but has enough agility to get to the second level and is adept at hitting his target. Quick to come off a block to adjust to late oncomer, usually takes him out of the play. Could hustle more to help block downfield on short passes and runs.
Intangibles: Intelligent player that plays with a bit of a nasty streak. Cleans up piles and won't back down when challenged. Strong, vocal leader. Father worked for Local 88 Tunnels Workers Union for 30 years, and the offensive line took on that nickname for their group before the season because of its blue-collar attitude.
-----------------
If you made it here, PM me your address and I'll mail you an official "I survived sureletsrace's Mock Draft" t-shirt.
-----------------
Comment!
DAL @ GB
