Rough Draft

[synaptic apoptosis]

Trade- Turner For a 3rd rounder(saves on cap + get a pick)

FA- OT,RB,DT

Draft

1st- None

2nd- Kevin Zeitler, OG Wisconsin,6-4 / 318

2011 First team all Big 10 by Phil Steele. AFCA FBS COACHES' ALL-AMERICA TEAM: OL Kevin Zeitler, Sr., Wisconsin, has been selected to the 2011 AFCA FBS Coaches' All-America Team announced by the American Football Coaches Association. - Wisconsin football

Pass blocking: Anchors against larger defenders in the middle, resets hands to maintain distance. Athletic enough to help on nose tackle then pick up twist or late blitzer. Mirrors quick interior rushers. Looks to help the center, or even the tackle a few yards upfield, if he is uncovered.

Run blocking: Good fit in a zone system, uses mobility and strength to move defender down the line. Dips shoulder and moves his feet to get outside leverage when needed. Strong and low coming out of his stance, effective in short-yardage situations. Finds the mike quickly and negates him when it is his responsibility. Gives effort to hit as many targets as possible, even if on the ground. Need to work on keeping outside leverage when doubling on the nose.

Pulling/trapping: Good foot quickness working behind the line, though losing a few extra pounds around the middle would help his agility. Brings hips to knock back linebackers in his way, maintains block until running back finds the hole behind him. Gets down low quickly to defeat defenders trying to cut down running backs. Ducks his head at times, must keep his posture to see and sustain against his target.

Initial Quickness: Possesses adequate quickness off the snap to get his hands into defenders and attack linebackers at the second level, but is not elite in this category and can be a step late at times.

Downfield: Regularly hits second-level targets, uses strong hands to latch on, and keeps legs churning to carry them out of the play. Knows correct blocking angles inside, gets into position with good footwork. Will punch at smaller defenders at times instead of latching on, allowing them to get off the block.

Intangibles: Dependable, no-nonsense mauler who works hard in the weight room and on the field. Did not start the first four games of 2010 due to a high ankle sprain suffered during the summer.

--Chad Reuter

3rd- Markelle Martin, S Oklahoma State,6-1 / 200

First team all Big 12 by Phil Steele.

Some players flourish under the big lights; Martin's performances in the Cowboys' past two bowl appearances put him in that category. He racked up nine tackles and a pass break-up in the 2010 Cotton Bowl against Ole Miss, then won player of game honors in the 2010 Alamo Bowl after returning an interception 62 yards for a touchdown and breaking up two other passes in the team's 36-10 dismantling of Arizona.

He made some big plays even when coming off the bench (four pass break-ups) and playing special teams (four tackles, blocked punt) as a true freshman. In 2009 he moved into the starting line-up, breaking up a team-high 11 passes during the season. As junior, he intercepted the first three passes of his career while again reaching double-digits in deflections with 10.

Though OSU coaches list Martin as a strong safety on the depth chart, his combination of ball skills, closing speed and willingness to make the big hit make him one of the more versatile safeties in the class. Look for teams to consider him a potential top 50 pick at free or strong with another season where the big plays come in the biggest games. Unleashes big hits on receivers, making them hear footsteps later in the game, using closing speed and tenacity to arrive with maximum impact. Strong upper body allows him to drag down backs to the ground in space. Ducks his head and swipes too often on open field tackles, however, and will draw the occasional personal foul flag. Not asked to blitz often, but should be solid in that capacity once learning how to beat pass blocks with his hands given his strength and tenacity.

3rd- Mitchel Schwartz, OT California,6-5 / 317

first team all pac10 by Phil Steele. First-team All-Pac-10 preseason choice of Athlon, Steele and Sporting News, while Lindy's has him as one of Cal's "Players to Watch" and a second-team preseason All-Pac-10 selection. Has started all 38 games possible over the last three seasons at either left tackle (22) or right tackle (16) after redshirting the 2007 season in his first campaign with the program ... his 38 career games played are tied for the most by any active Cal player ... has been named honorable mention Pac-10 All-Academic in each of the last three campaigns (2008-10) and earned the Brick Muller Award as Cal's Most Valuable Offensive Lineman the past two (2009-10).

2012 SENIOR BOWL WEDNESDAY: OT Mitchell Schwartz, California: Overshadowed in the Pac-12 due to the presence of two elite prospects in USC's Matt Kalil and Stanford's Jonathan Martin, Schwartz has stood out this week due to his size (6-5, 317), long arms (33 1/8"), strength and surprising agility. He's held up well at right tackle in pass blocking drills and has done a nice job of sealing off defensive linemen in the running game and has been able to get to the second level, as well. Schwartz has been especially impressive in pass blocking drills, where he's repeatedly stoned Penn State's Jack Crawford and Virginia's Cam Johnson, among others. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

4th- none

5th- Danny Trevathan, OLB Kentucky,6-0 / 230

2011 ASSOCIATED PRESS ALL-SEC FOOTBALL FIRST TEAM: LB - Danny Trevathan, Kentucky, Sr., has been selected All-SEC Conference First Team for the 2011 college football season as voted on by The Associated Press. Trevathan, a native of Leesburg, Fla., made an impressive 143 tackles during the season for the Wildcats, leading the SEC in tackles for the second-consecutive season. Trevathan ranked fifth in the nation in tackles with an 11.92 average per game and led the nation's linebackers in interceptions and fumbles forced. The senior finished the season with 11.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback sacks, four interceptions, five pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and five fumbles forced. This is the second consecutive year Trevathan has been honored as an All-SEC performer by league coaches after being named first-team All-SEC last season. Trevathan ends his UK career ranked 10th all-time on Kentucky's career tackle list with a total of 374 stops. Trevathan had a total of 20 games with double-figure tackles in his career, including a career-high 17 tackles in 2010 against Auburn, the eventual national champion, and also against Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Georgia. - Kentucky football

6th- T.J. Graham, WR NC State,5-11 / 185, 4.36 40

T.J. Graham was a bigger track star than wide receiver in high school, laying claim to a 10.44 100 meters vs. 7 catches for the entire season as a senior at WR.

Graham was initially used mostly as a kick returner for NC State, but grew as a football player and became a standout receiver by the end of his senior campaign, finishing 2011 with 46 catches for 757 yards and 7 TDs, including a breakout performance in his final game against Louisville in the Belk Bowl. Statistically, Graham has been better returning punts than kickoffs, and has set numerous all purpose yardage records.

As an NFL Draft prospect, Graham is cut from the classic slot/PR mold. Likely too small framed for full time WR duty, Graham is quick and fast, and projects to get separation in the NFL against nickel corners. Despite his small size, Graham gives great effort as a blocker and team things like tackling the defender who just made the interception. Given his rather short football career to date, the fact that Graham's performance as a WR kept improving as time went forward gives reason for hope that there could be more upside.

Strengths: Fast, quick, decent turning, gets consistent separation. True burner with deep speed. Versatile enough to effectively handle WR, slot, PR, and KR duty. Makes good effort to secure the ball. Legit NFL PR talent. Energetic, healthy, inspiring, hard working team leader who keeps getting better.

7th- Travian Robertson, DT South Carolina,6-4 / 305

EAST-WEST SHRINE WEDNESDAY: South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson showed quick feet, a burst off the snap, good low pad level and finished well. But he struggled with his initial hand placement and looked unrefined fundamentally. Coaches harped on him because of his sloppy technique, but his encouraging play this week, including a positive weigh-in (6-4, 305 pounds), will force teams to do some extra homework on him. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

Edited February 20, 2012 by Negatron

[hjerry]

Signing an OT in FA and spending our 2nd and 3rd on OL is overkill.

[synaptic apoptosis]

The line has got to be solidified. We need better starting talent and backup talent. As far as I'm concerned we need as much competition on the line as possible.

[hjerry]

The line has got to be solidified. We need better starting talent and backup talent. As far as I'm concerned we need as much competition on the line as possible.

EVERYONE does not have to be replaced. If half of our roster was terrible, then what was the point of bring in Pat Hill? We could have just stuck with Boudreau and brought in new talent. Many of these players are already proven and others have plenty of potential. It's highly possible that, aside from maybe LT, Hill might be able to get the line fixed without adding anyone. We'll see.

[synaptic apoptosis]

EVERYONE does not have to be replaced. If half of our roster was terrible, then what was the point of bring in Pat Hill? We could have just stuck with Boudreau and brought in new talent. Many of these players are already proven and others have plenty of potential. It's highly possible that, aside from maybe LT, Hill might be able to get the line fixed without adding anyone. We'll see.

Youre a moron if you think what we have on the line now is sufficiant. We have Two legit starters right now. 2! 2! TWO

[hjerry]

Youre a moron if you think what we have on the line now is sufficiant. We have Two legit starters right now. 2! 2! TWO

To say you're a pessimist would be an insult to pessimists. This wil be my last post on this.

[synaptic apoptosis]

Yeah, I am a pessimist because our o-line needs to be addressed and you want to turn a blind eye. You would rather draft a TE with our first pick. Now that's just silly.

[Kennesaw77]

Yeah, I am a pessimist because our o-line needs to be addressed and you want to turn a blind eye. You would rather draft a TE with our first pick. Now that's just silly.

Mcclure is good.

Clabo is good.

Blalock is good.

Hawley, Reynolds, or Johnson could all compete for one job.

[FalcoChicquera]

Mcclure is good.

Clabo is good.

Blalock is good.

Hawley, Reynolds, or Johnson could all compete for one job.

Agreed. You could also add Andrew Jackson to those competing at guard.

In 2008 we seemed to manage with just 2 (2!!!) legitimate starters from the year before having only drafted one player.

It always strikes me as odd that posters feel that all of the players in that year's draft will make a difference and be able to start, but a year or two later all those developmental prospects (Jackson, Johnson, Hawley, Franks) are suddenly much worse than the current year's 3rd and 4th (even 5th and 6th) round picks.

In no way should this be seen as just an attack on the OP - I actually really like this draft, particualrly Martin, Graham and Robertson. I'm not as keen on the FA moves, as I don't see a tackle out there that fills LT as a definite starter, and we have a stopgap on roster already. I don't like spending FA money on a RB, which is a position I would always draft. It is difficult to tell without names and/or a list of who we are re-signing and cutting though. Also, I find the idea that a team would give up a 3rd round pick for Turner fairly comical.

[synaptic apoptosis]

Mcclure is good.

Clabo is good.

Blalock is good.

Hawley, Reynolds, or Johnson could all compete for one job.

Mcclure will be gone. So that leaves Clabo, Blalock, and like you said, a bunch of other guys to compete for starting positions. Reynolds is horrible( as many 7th round picks are ), and Hawley will be at center. We need quality depth and competition. PEOPLE, there have been times when teams have drafted two OL in one draft . Svitek is good but more of a utility backup. Cut Sam Baker, Cut Reynolds, and we have room to add OL.

[synaptic apoptosis]

Agreed. You could also add Andrew Jackson to those competing at guard.

In 2008 we seemed to manage with just 2 (2!!!) legitimate starters from the year before having only drafted one player.

It always strikes me as odd that posters feel that all of the players in that year's draft will make a difference and be able to start, but a year or two later all those developmental prospects (Jackson, Johnson, Hawley, Franks) are suddenly much worse than the current year's 3rd and 4th (even 5th and 6th) round picks.

In no way should this be seen as just an attack on the OP - I actually really like this draft, particualrly Martin, Graham and Robertson. I'm not as keen on the FA moves, as I don't see a tackle out there that fills LT as a definite starter, and we have a stopgap on roster already. I don't like spending FA money on a RB, which is a position I would always draft. It is difficult to tell without names and/or a list of who we are re-signing and cutting though. Also, I find the idea that a team would give up a 3rd round pick for Turner fairly comical.

2nd and 3rd round picks usually always have more to offer than late round project picks. Better technique, more refined, more natural ability, more strength, more speed. There is usually a higher ceiling, thus the reason one guy gets taken in the 2nd and one in the 7th

[Rai]

I don't know who will take a 3rd for Turner but good draft. I'd rather spend a pick on the DL in the 2nd though.

[Kennesaw77]

Mcclure will be gone. So that leaves Clabo, Blalock, and like you said, a bunch of other guys to compete for starting positions. Reynolds is horrible( as many 7th round picks are ), and Hawley will be at center. We need quality depth and competition. PEOPLE, there have been times when teams have drafted two OL in one draft . Svitek is good but more of a utility backup. Cut Sam Baker, Cut Reynolds, and we have room to add OL.

why are you assuming Mcclure will be gone?

[synaptic apoptosis]

EVERYONE does not have to be replaced. If half of our roster was terrible, then what was the point of bring in Pat Hill? We could have just stuck with Boudreau and brought in new talent. Many of these players are already proven and others have plenty of potential. It's highly possible that, aside from maybe LT, Hill might be able to get the line fixed without adding anyone. We'll see.

So, what exactly where you saying about not drafting two OL players with our first two picks. It really makes you sound like a moron when you spew **** you have no idea about. looks like TD agreed with me and didn't ignore the fact that we need competition on the line. Our line in 2011 was completely horrible, whether you want to turn a blind eye or not.

edit- Oh, and we also picked up OL in Free Agency! You know nothing know it all

Edited April 28, 2012 by Negatron

[hjerry]

So, what exactly where you saying about not drafting two OL players with our first two picks. It really makes you sound like a moron when you spew **** you have no idea about. looks like TD agreed with me and didn't ignore the fact that we need competition on the line. Our line in 2011 was completely horrible, whether you want to turn a blind eye or not.

edit- Oh, and we also picked up OL in Free Agency! You know nothing know it all

hahaahhahahahahahhaha

Oh, wow can you hold a grudge. I sound like a moron? You just bumped your own thread from 2 months ago so you could insult someone on the web. You, good sir, needs some friends (in real life).

[synaptic apoptosis]

hahaahhahahahahahhaha

Oh, wow can you hold a grudge. I sound like a moron? You just bumped your own thread from 2 months ago so you could insult someone on the web. You, good sir, needs some friends (in real life).

No, I have a problem with people who run around trying to act like they know more than everyone else. I have seen you starting threads such as, " Stop talking about us getting a NT people, we will not run any 3-4". You come off as someone who thinks they know more than they actually do. I can't stand that ****. As far as the real friends thing, how often do you see me posting on an internet message board?

[hjerry]

No, I have a problem with people who run around trying to act like they know more than everyone else. I have seen you starting threads such as, " Stop talking about us getting a NT people, we will not run any 3-4". You come off as someone who thinks they know more than they actually do. I can't stand that ****. As far as the real friends thing, how often do you see me posting on an internet message board?

Whatever, buddy. I'm not the one who's forcing this. I had completely forgotten abour our little discussion a long time ago and didn't even think about it until I read your post, so clearly this has been on your mind for a while. I'm not going to get into an argument with you about this. I don't care near enough to do so. If it makes you happy to read me type that I was wrong about my guess then fine. I was wrong when I guessed that we wouldn't take two Olinemen, just like you were wrong when you said we would trade Turner. There, happy? I already said this in another thread, but I'll say it again. Everything we that anyone posts on this board about who we will draft is a guess and to get a selection right is purely luck. That includes me and you. If you want to continue this silly little discussion, then go right ahead, but I won't be responding. Goodbye.

[synaptic apoptosis]

Go to 2:00 mark, sound familiar?

Edited July 27, 2012 by Negatron