2012 NFL Draft Thread.

[TTN2810]

I totally feel Lamar Miller is heavily overrated Dude has speed and some moves, but he needs good blocking, and is selective when he wants to show some power. He'll break the long ones, but other than that, I'm not that impressed. I think he's my 5th RB, TBH. Can I get some opinions on him?

Also, for me this is such a deep running back class. There's a lot of talent with a lot of these guys, but will be under drafted due to the state of the "running back by committee" going on. In reality a lot of these guys can carry the load.

 

[Hurricane Season]

I agree that he's overrated, but by that I mean he isn't a first round pick. Based on physical attributes, he possesses just about everything you want out of a running back. Size, speed, the whole 9. I just despised the way he would settle for short gains, and pretty much would give up on contact. I'm still attributing that to his injury though. He was running like a man early in the season, and showcased it sporadically throughout the season after he hurt his shoulder. He would dance around in the backfield waiting for his blockers to set something up, instead of using his burst to hit the hole. Again, I'm still giving him the benefit of the doubt there because of the injury.

Honestly, I think that he went through the motions a bit after the injury to protect his draft stock. He was probably set on entering the draft before the season started.

I wouldn't have him lower than the 3rd RB in the class. Behind only Richardson and Polk.

Just my opinion, tho.

 

[Hurricane Season]

He also won't be a shifty back that will break ankles in the open field. He'll probably make his money as a one cut and go runner at the next level. A faster Clinton Portis, but a much worse blocker. lol

 

[TTN2810]

Really? I had Polk at 6th. To me, Wilson, Martin, and even Ball are better than Polk. Wilson is a violent runner, yet with speed and moves. Martin, again, same kinda runner, bounces off tackles, keeps the legs going. And Ball is explosive. He can cut on a dime and go, and has the power and speed. Polk for me, is a good runner, excellent effort, but doesn't do anything great.

I'm surprised, we kinda like the opposite guys. You like Miller and Polk, I like Wilson, Martin and Ball. To be fair for the Miller thing, I'm not sure if he was hurt in the games I watched of his. But I did notice he almost came to a complete stop when he was about to be hit, where as my 3 embraced it and Martin even absorbed it.

EDIT

Not to say I don't like Miller or Polk, but I like the others better. Do you agree that this is a deep RB class though? So many guys I like.

 

[Mooche]

Polk at 6? No way..

Chris Polk was running behind an absolute terrible line at Washington and was still putting up solid numbers. The guy doesn't have the home run type of speed to take the ball to the house, but he has deceptive moves and he has very nice vision.

The comparison of Forte is very whored out for Polk, but it does fit.

 

[TTN2810]

I was gonna say Fred Jackson. I'll go back and watch some more Polk. But I've watched 3 games, and I haven't see that bad of a terrible o-line. I think it was the Stanford game. He had two long TD runs. On the first, it was a draw, literally all he had to do was out run a slow DE, and then the blocking by the WR's and TE's was very impressive. On the second, they opened up a huge hole, took out the linebackers, left him one on one with the safety, which he beat the safety, but that's easy. I see times when the line gets stuffed, but that happens to every line. I've seen some good blocking for him, and when I've compared him with other when there isn't good blocking, others have won out, churning more yards out. I'll try and watch a few more games of his and I'll report back to you guys.

 

[kam.]

Only way I see us go CB is if we move Winfield to safety.

We still have Cook on paid relieve and have most of our corners coming back healthy. I think we will try to get some help or some weapons for Ponder/Webb.

The draft is loaded at WR.

CB? Not even close.

Cook is horrible when healthy. Winfield is old and he should probably be moved to safety or nickle anyways. Hes getting beat more often by faster receivers on the outside.

Sorry, have fun with Claiborne.. Your not getting Blackmon.

 

[TTN2810]

It seems that you are clouding your own judgment here because you want him lol.

 

[TTN2810]

After further evaluation, I moved Polk up ahead of both Ball and Miller, but I couldn't move him above Richardson, Wilson or Martin. Martin is just a better athlete and really uses his blocks. He's more physical and creative, and also didn't have the best of blocking, but he always got at least 2 or 3 yards when the line was stuffed, where Polk sometimes got 2 or 3, but also got caught in the backfield too.

With moving Polk up, that also means Miller is now the 6th back. He's got talent, but I think he'll flop a little. All I see out of him is speed and finesse. I don't think he can handle a workload and I also don't think he'll be able to run between the tackles. He'll need to share the backfield. The way he runs is the way Chris Johnson is running this year: timid. BTW Jake, I know 2 of the games were early in the year (Ohio St, and Maryland) and I don't believe he was hurt in those games, and in both of those, I barely saw a hint of power. Again, it was very very inconsistent.

 

[kam.]

It seems that you are clouding your own judgment here because you want him lol.

Its not even that, its whats going to happen.

WRs don't go early, many teams value them as "dime a dozen" Blackmon wouldn't go top 3 unless he was a Calvin/Fitz/Andre type player.. and hes not, hes compared to Anquan Boldin. Thats about how good he'll be.

 

[TTN2810]

Maybe, but that bowl performance will rise him.
IMO, he's not an Anquan, they are totally difference styles. He's more like a Brandon Marshall/Dez Bryant. Bryant still hasn't shown his true potential, but both of those guys can take over a game, and Blackmon is no different. You say WR's don't go early, but CB's go early even less.

 

[kam.]

Maybe, but that bowl performance will rise him.
IMO, he's not an Anquan, they are totally difference styles. He's more like a Brandon Marshall/Dez Bryant. Bryant still hasn't shown his true potential, but both of those guys can take over a game, and Blackmon is no different. You say WR's don't go early, but CB's go early even less.

Claiborns speed, character, cover skills, plus return ability will make him a sure fire top 5 pick.

His bowl game isn't going to make him "rise" like you think it will. He played Stanford, not some SEC defense. Sure he looked good. But most his big plays were 5 yard slants that he either broke away from or that play where he outran that linebacker #44??

Speed of a Anquan Boldin.
Catches the ball with his body sometimes.
Comes from passing offense.
Has been arrested in the past.

Hes a better prospect than what Crabtree was coming out but not better than Dez.

Im also concerned a little with his height. Hes not the typical 6'4 WR.

Upside: Anquan Boldin - Good YAC. Strong, gifted and can physically out muscle any CB for the ball. Not fast, won't beat you down the field. Also doesn't have great route running skills or get amazing separation.

Downside: Mike Williams (Seattle) or Reggie Williams (Former Jaguar).

I expect his range to be from 6-10 once april gets here. Hes not going to rise. WRs that will rise will be the Kendall Wrights, Mohammad Sanu's of the world who are quick and will impress people with their speed. Once Blackmon gets to the Combine and runs a 4.69-4.72 his stock isn't going to shoot through the roof.

My early mock draft so far goes like this.

Indy - Luck
STL - Kalil
MIN - Claiborne
CLE - RGIII
TB - Reiff
WAS - Richardson/Martin
Jax - Blackmon .

I know Shanahan doesn't take RBs early, but Richardson is too good to pass up on, and they also need protection for whoever will be their QB. I think once the combine gets here, Reiff will explode his way into the top 10.

 

[TTN2810]

In all honesty, by the draft time, I say Tannehill goes to Washington. Yes, I know it sounds crazy right now. But when Tannehill tears up the combine (we're talking 4.5 - 4.6 speed, big arm, pretty good footwork, high character etc.) he's going to rise like every other QB. He's has potential (way more than Ponder for sure last year), though he's not polished yet as a passer. Also don't forget Shanahan reached for Cutler. Don't take this as me being high on Tannehill. I like him, but personally, I would only take him 20-25.

We'll have more time to talk Blackmon -- but I'm going to bed lol. Tired as hell.

 

[Yankees2772]

Blackmon is going to run a 4.69? lmfao

STOP IT.

 

[jonathanlambert33]

I don't know much about the draft just yet, but what are some big pass rushing DE's and OLB's that could be had in the 2nd and 3rd?

 

[Mooche]

Blackmon is going to run a 4.69? lmfao

STOP IT.

Thank you.

It's wishful thinking that he's going to fall to the Jaguars now..

I mean, hell, the Rams are going to have a big decision at number two with what they want to do. Blackmon will be considered.

 

[kam.]

Blackmon is going to run a 4.69? lmfao

STOP IT.

Anquan Boldin ran slower than that.

Blackmon isn't a burner, he isn't.

Hes a possession WR that is deadly with the ball in his hands. Hes not a 4.34 or a 4.44 WR.

Dez Bryant ran 4.57 and 4.62.. and Dez is faster than Blackmon.

 

[kam.]

Thank you.

It's wishful thinking that he's going to fall to the Jaguars now..

I mean, hell, the Rams are going to have a big decision at number two with what they want to do. Blackmon will be considered.

New GM, New Headcoach.

Whats the first things new GMs do when they always get the Job?

Either

A) Shore up the trenches to help protect their Franchise QB (If they have one, Sam Bradford).

or

B) Draft a franchise QB.

This draft class is loaded with WRs. You can get a great weapon whos probably more suitable for STL offense in the 2nd round.

 

[Mooche]

The Rams will definitely ponder of Blackmon with the second selection. If they don't select him, and still want to get a playmaker, they will fall back to I assume the middle of the first round and look for a player like Floyd, Jeffrey if they do remain there still.

Either way the Rams will definitely benefit from adding another dimension to their offense.

 

[Hurricane Season]

After further evaluation, I moved Polk up ahead of both Ball and Miller, but I couldn't move him above Richardson, Wilson or Martin. Martin is just a better athlete and really uses his blocks. He's more physical and creative, and also didn't have the best of blocking, but he always got at least 2 or 3 yards when the line was stuffed, where Polk sometimes got 2 or 3, but also got caught in the backfield too.

With moving Polk up, that also means Miller is now the 6th back. He's got talent, but I think he'll flop a little. All I see out of him is speed and finesse. I don't think he can handle a workload and I also don't think he'll be able to run between the tackles. He'll need to share the backfield. The way he runs is the way Chris Johnson is running this year: timid. BTW Jake, I know 2 of the games were early in the year (Ohio St, and Maryland) and I don't believe he was hurt in those games, and in both of those, I barely saw a hint of power. Again, it was very very inconsistent.

That's because he isn't a power back, lol. RB's with a blend of size, speed and power don't come around often... I think you're evaluating the wrong attributes in his game. Miller isn't going to come into the league as a goal line back, or even an every down back. Hell, he wasn't an every down back at Miami.