NFL Draft Blog w/Texans info

[aristophanes34]

My friends and I have started an NFL draft blog. Most of us are either Texan or Viking fans, so as the process goes on a lot of the info will be with those two teams in mind. It has only been up since the East/West Shrine game. All of the articles are simply our observations and opinions. Although many of us do have a football background, none of us have ever worked in "the league." We aren't experts or insiders. We don't have access to game film. Basically it is a blog written by a bunch of the amateur draftniks; however, we think it is fairly well done. Check it out and tell me what you think.

Thanks

http://texsotadraft.blogspot.com/

[Texian]

Certainly is a different perspective from everything I watched and read. Alphonso Smith falling? He had 3 INTS and was the most impressive CB on the field. Cushing got constant raves and in the end many said he was the best LB in Mobile. Oher although a little inconsistent was the best LT in Mobile and English got regular kudos for his ability to pressure QB.

[aristophanes34]

Certainly is a different perspective from everything I watched and read. Alphonso Smith falling? He had 3 INTS and was the most impressive CB on the field. Cushing got constant raves and in the end many said he was the best LB in Mobile. Oher although a little inconsistent was the best LT in Mobile and English got regular kudos for his ability to pressure QB.

Thank you for acknowledging that I am bringing my own opinion and perspective to this and not just reading all the stuff posted around the web; however, I would like to discuss your very interesting and original perspective. I am curious how Smith garnered 3 INTs when there was only one total in the game? Smith's teammate, Ellis Lankster of West Virginia, had the only pick in the game on a lollipop from Graham Harrell. Hey, as I said I like Smith, but there are some NFL people who worry about his size. This is well documented. He is a kid whose play making ability has always made his size irrelevant. In the game he missed a pick that would have been a sure 6, and he missed two potentially big tackles. Cheesing plays doesn't help those who doubt you forget you are only 5'8". Being out jumped for passes in one on one drills when he actually had good coverage doesn't help either.

Cushing was awesome at times during the week. He is very physical. He also showed a lack of discipline at times as well. If you go back and watch the South team practice sessions and the game you will see him over run the ball carrier on an alarming number of occasions. He needs to learn to get himself under control and breakdown and fit with his teammates. Every tackle doesn't have to be a highlight hit. It is scary because over pursuit can get you beat.

Oher was inconsistent in the game, but he was awful during some of the practice sessions. He had a set of one on one drills on Monday where he was beaten so easily he barely touched the defender. He looked bad regularly. Two-three weeks ago he was the #1 LT in most mock drafts and the #1 pick in some. Look around. That is no longer the case. In fact, just watch. I guarantee this trend continues. In a few weeks he will be the 3rd or 4th tackle off the board in most mocks. That, my friend, is a fall. He is still a sure first rounder but 1st pick and 14th pick is a big difference.

Yes, English was often lauded for his ability to rush the passer but that was praise for the season he had not for Senior Bowl practices. It was mentioned several times that he didn't look very explosive off the line during practice. Mayock even suggested that his weight gain looks to have slowed him down. Now, I thought he looked a little better in the game. He was active and made some plays against the run.

We appreciate you checking us out.

[Texian]

Smith had 3 INTs in practice. He is 5' 8 7/8" . Your knocking Smith only for his size. He was head and shoulders above everyone else in coverage and play making ability. Smith is a playmaker, Think Bob Sanders.

Cushing on a couple of occasions did over pursue but he did blow the guard and turned the play inside which is very important. This didn't stop him from being the best LB in Mobile.

Oher did have some inconsistencies and the reason he and all the other OL did not look as good and got beat is because the the drills favored the DL. The drills gave the DL more space to operate than a game situation. Oher was the best LT in Mobile and played well in the game.

A good example of this is Raji. During practice he was unblockable most of the week but most of the OL he practiced against was mid RD talent. During the game Raji was fairly quite.

[pure_respect]

Smith had 3 INTs in practice. He is 5' 8 7/8" . Your knocking Smith only for his size. He was head and shoulders above everyone else in coverage and play making ability. Smith is a playmaker, Think Bob Sanders.

Cushing on a couple of occasions did over pursue but he did blow the guard and turned the play inside which is very important. This didn't stop him from being the best LB in Mobile.

Oher did have some inconsistencies and the reason he and all the other OL did not look as good and got beat is because the the drills favored the DL. The drills gave the DL more space to operate than a game situation. Oher was the best LT in Mobile and played well in the game.

A good example of this is Raji. During practice he was unblockable most of the week but most of the OL he practiced against was mid RD talent. During the game Raji was fairly quite.

I think Bob Sanders is a bad choice for comparison. Sure, they're the same height but he plays Safety. I would have mentioned someone like Dre' Bly, whom is a two time pro bowler who averages 4 picks and 12 defended passes a year.

The thing about Smith is that as much as I like this kid I really have to agree that his size will not help him break into the first round. It doesn't mean that he isn't talented, it just means that a team won't have to pay him as much to get a ballhawk. I'm hoping he's there for us at #46.

[aristophanes34]

Smith had 3 INTs in practice. He is 5' 8 7/8" . Your knocking Smith only for his size. He was head and shoulders above everyone else in coverage and play making ability. Smith is a playmaker, Think Bob Sanders.

Cushing on a couple of occasions did over pursue but he did blow the guard and turned the play inside which is very important. This didn't stop him from being the best LB in Mobile.

Oher did have some inconsistencies and the reason he and all the other OL did not look as good and got beat is because the the drills favored the DL. The drills gave the DL more space to operate than a game situation. Oher was the best LT in Mobile and played well in the game.

A good example of this is Raji. During practice he was unblockable most of the week but most of the OL he practiced against was mid RD talent. During the game Raji was fairly quite.

My bad, Texian. I assumed you were referencing the game. We all know what happens when we assume.

I actually like your Bob Sanders comparison. This is my point exactly. Sanders was more productive in college than some of the 43 players taken ahead of him. He was selected in the second because many NFL teams put measurables above production. They didn't think he was big enough to hold up and be productive in the NFL. He has proven them wrong. I see Smith the same way. First of all, I love the kid. I am not knocking him. Based just on college production and play making, he is the best corner in this draft. The dude is BIG time. However, despite his production he seems to be the 3rd, 4th, or even 5th corner on most boards. This is only because of his size. He needed to use Mobile to erase those who doubt him, and I am not sure he did. Maybe I am a little harsh in suggested that his status has dropped a bit, but he is at best holding steady. The Senior Bowl, I am afraid, did not give him a bounce up many boards.

For the record, if I were a GM I would take his proven production over the potential of V. Davis and even over Jenkins. Like I said, I love the kid.

I agree that Oher will most likely be the first Senior Bowl OL taken in this years draft. I still say he is on a slow downward slide and the Senior Bowl didn't help him.

William Beatty did the most of all the OL to help his status at the Senior Bowl. He has really light feet and a nice frame. I think he will be this years Chris Williams. He will shoot up into the 1st before it is all said and done.

Texian, I definitely respect your opinions, and I hope we can agree to disagree. The subjectivity of the process is what makes the draft so much fun.

BTW. Do you think William Moore still has any shot at being drafted in the 1st round?

Later

[Texian]

BTW. Do you think William Moore still has any shot at being drafted in the 1st round?

Later

After watching the Alamo Bowl and his performance at the Senior Bowl I would say no. I'm not sure he will be a Day 1 guy. There is now some talk that due to his recent poor performances he might be more suited to play LB. It now will depend on how well he performs at the combine.

[buzzedtexansfan]

A good example of this is Raji. During practice he was unblockable most of the week but most of the OL he practiced against was mid RD talent. During the game Raji was fairly quite.

The main two guys that Raji blew up all week was Alex Mack and Max Ungar, 2 guys who are going no worse than mid-second round.

[Texian]

The main two guys that Raji blew up all week was Alex Mack and Max Ungar, 2 guys who are going no worse than mid-second round.

You picked the top 2 guys, there happened to be another 4 to 5 guys he practiced against just as much that you failed to mention. When you add in their projected draft RDs, it is like I said, average mid RD talent. I guess it sounds better to you when you take statements out of context. Not to mention those drills favored DL because it allowed them more space to operate in. He didn't play as well as he practiced. In fact his Senior Bowl performance was indicative of college production and stats. But if he blew up Alex and Max works for you, you like it and it floats your boat and the rest of the facts don't matter, then hey, go for it! Raji wishes he had the game that Peria Jerry did.