The Draft War Rooms are open for buisness (in friggin' November)

[Crossbones]

Nispy found us a kicker. Ito from Rutgers? Dude probably plays golf with O.J. Simpson in the off season down in Florida. Just sayin'.

 

[hawaiianboy]

With the second pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select _______ _______.


A) All Day Peterson
B) Alan Branch
C) Marshawn Lynch
D) Calvin Johnson
E) Tedd Ginn Jr
F) None of the above

 

[Crossbones]

Peterson would be my guess even though I'd prefer Lynch!

 

[Limee]

"We didn't score enough". That was then and things are worse now. After watching Johnson being a non factor in the Georgia v Georgia Tech game I want the running back who you can feed the ball to 20-25 times a game.

Peterson would be my personal choice, but I would be happy with Lynch.

 

[jatfly]

With the second pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders select _______ _______.


A) All Day Peterson
B) Alan Branch
C) Marshawn Lynch
D) Calvin Johnson
E) Tedd Ginn Jr
F) None of the above

HB or someone else fill me in on these guys give me some stats and other info since I don't follow College players until draft time.

 

[Turo]

I would be happy with all of the above.. with the exception of Ginn at #2. That'd be a bit hard to choke down.

 

[Chris_77]

I won't give up my QB crusade until I see Brady Quinn hold up that Detroit jersey.

Common Al.

 

[Limee]

Some draft thoughts from the Arkansas v LSU game.

It is a shame we can't get the one man offense that is Darren McFadden.

JaMarcus Russell seems a lot like Daunte Culpepper to me even down to the fumbles.

Dwayne Bowe could be a decent WR to TE conversion project.

 

[RaiderIVlife]

Dude, did you really just throw at another WR-turned-TE project? No, no, no.

Just give me a guy that can block and catch the occasional squat between the hash marks. That's all.

Besides, I really like this John Madesn guy, could be a real find as a "big WR" IMO. Ronald Curry should be even better in 2007. Perhaps Porter finds his way back into good graces? Either way, this is my long way of saying draft....

Petersen or Lynch. I have no idea which one is better, just be sure that we the better one.

 

[Langlier]

Its Peterson for me till someone nabs him in front of us.

 

[Limee]

Dude, did you really just throw at another WR-turned-TE project? No, no, no.

I thought everyone would approve. I am not saying he should be the pick for us, I just think that looks a likely route for him.

 

[BigTron]

Calvin Johnson was a non-factor b/c his QB is garbage. He would rather run around then throw the ball. If you gave this guys a real qb it would be scary.

A.Peterson worries me alittle with his style of running. He kind of runs in the same mold as fargas. He is kinda tall while running and he also looks for contact. That might not fly as well in the NFL. He also isnt going to clock as fast as Lynch either, and you know how much Al likes his speed. Mcfadden is the real deal. I wish he were coming out this year. He looks like the next LT.

 

[Crossbones]

Calvin Johnson was a non-factor b/c his QB is garbage. He would rather run around then throw the ball. If you gave this guys a real qb it would be scary.

A.Peterson worries me alittle with his style of running. He kind of runs in the same mold as fargas. He is kinda tall while running and he also looks for contact. That might not fly as well in the NFL. He also isnt going to clock as fast as Lynch either, and you know how much Al likes his speed. Mcfadden is the real deal. I wish he were coming out this year. He looks like the next LT.

As I watched Peterson I made the same comment that it looked like he ran a little too upright for me. Maybe it was his height. Dunno.

Anyway I like Lynch. He looks to be in the mold of a Tomilson type of runner maybe even a little more physical. Plus he grew up in the area and that might give him that little something special to be proud of wearing the once famed Silver & Black.

 

[RaiderIVlife]

Well, everything else being equal, I'd prefer Lynch for that reason alone. There is something to drafting players that are "true" Raider Fans. Kirk Morrison anyone?

Limee - Well, I was joking as much as anything else, but I've grown a little gun shy with the words "WR to TE conversion" and "Raiders" in the same line of thinking.

 

[BigTron]

I think we could consider trading down this year. We might move a few players and trade some picks. If we traded down and took Jarret or Ginn instead of CJ we could pick up and extra pick. Paul P from pennstate would round out our LB core for the next 8 years in the mid first. Landry the FS from LSU paired with Huff could possibly develop into the best tandom in the league. Gaines Adams or Branch would set up our D-Line also. Quinn or Brohm would assure there is a franchise QB on the roster. Hell even Troy Smith looks like the next Drew Brees. I think the best way to build and O-Line is through big bucks in F.A., we need a proven mauler at RT and Guard. Just some thoughts.
Since this season is so painful im looking forward to having high picks, alot of cap room and and a exciting young defense for years to come and its still November...

 

[Limee]

Calvin Johnson was a non-factor b/c his QB is garbage. He would rather run around then throw the ball. If you gave this guys a real qb it would be scary.

That was my worry. I think he is a super talent, but we have had some talent at WR and it hasn't got us anywhere.

Well, everything else being equal, I'd prefer Lynch for that reason alone. There is something to drafting players that are "true" Raider Fans. Kirk Morrison anyone?

Limee - Well, I was joking as much as anything else, but I've grown a little gun shy with the words "WR to TE conversion" and "Raiders" in the same line of thinking.

I think Lynch being a Raider fan is a factor, but if Peterson is rated much higher then I think you have to make him the pick. I added the Bowe TE comment as I could imagine the general reaction if we tried another conversion.

we traded down and took Jarret or Ginn instead of CJ we could pick up and extra pick.

I think Ginn is a super fast WR with inconsistent hands so I would rather pass. Jarrett looks like he could be the real deal, but I thought Mike Williams would be really good so who knows.

 

[hawaiianboy]

Calvin Johnson was a non-factor b/c his QB is garbage. He would rather run around then throw the ball. If you gave this guys a real qb it would be scary.

I agree... Put Jarret or Samardzija on that GT team in place of CJ and you'd see the same pedestrian numbers... You put CJ in SC in plce of Jarrett or in ND in place of Samardzija, and you'd see the kind of mind numbing numbers that correlate with the sick physical talent he has IMO...


I wouldn't sneeze at taking Lynch because he gives you a pass threat out of the back field as well as what he can do running the ball, but I'd take Peterson over him... Injuries over the past couple of years have dimmed AP's star quite a bit, but man after his freshman year, legitimate comparisions were being made with the collegiate versions of the Hershell's, Bo's and Dickersons...

 

[Crow]

Calvin "Larry Fitzgerald w/ Speed" Johnson this year, suck ass, then take McFadden next year.

Probably not, but it's a thought.

 

[hawaiianboy]

SAMSON SATELE
Offensive Guard / Center
Hawaii
6-3, 325
40 Time:


source: NFL Report.com
Hawaiian native with the talent and experience to play any positions along the O line. After redshirting in 2002, Satele stepped into a starting role as a redshirt Freshman in 2003. Four-year starter. Played OT and OG as a Freshman, earning Freshman All-American honors from numerous publications that season after recording a team-high 48 knockdown blocks. Started at both Guard and Center as a Sophomore in 2004, earning second-team All-WAC honors that season. Started every game at Guard as a Junior in 2005, when he earned first-team All-WAC honors after leading the team in pancake blocks (32) and surrendering only two sacks on the season. Satele is a powerful, authoritative lineman who punishes on his assignments. A mauler who knows how to finish and will take good angles to his targets. Locks on his target and finishes strong. Makes good use of his hands and keeps defenders off his body. Won't surrender much ground to bull-rushing DTs. Technically sound. A rock up front with very good instincts/awareness. Almost impossible to shed by opposing defenders because of his strength and determination.

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JUSTIN BLALOCK
Offensive Tackle
Texas
6-4, 313
40 Time:


source: NFL Draft Forecast
NFL Comparison: George Foster, Denver Broncos

Positives: Blalock is one of the nation's premier drive blockers in the running game. He has tremendous natural strength and uses his hands well, generating consistent leverage and wearing down his opponent. Any opponent going toe-to-toe with Blalock in the short area is at a disadvantage. Despite his mass, he seems to be at a comfortable playing weight and stays fresh late in games. While not exceptionally mobile, Blalock can get out in space on screen plays and hit a moving target downfield.

Negatives: Texas hasn't asked for much from Blalock as a pass blocker at right tackle. It was Jon Scott, not Blalock, who protected Vince Young's blindside at left tackle during the Longhorns' national title run. The Texas offense utilizes bootlegs, option plays, and three-step drops; not an intricate downfield attack that would require Blalock to sustain his block for an extended period of time. He remains somewhat unpolished in pass protection and vulnerable to speed rushers on the edge. It's unlikely that Blalock has nimble enough feet to make the switch to the left side and be an elite pass blocker in the NFL.

Overall: Blalock's stock might not rise as high as some elite left tackle prospects, but he has the size, athleticism, durability, and attitude that NFL scouts look for. He could move inside to guard where he would excel in the running game, but might have a productive career starting at right tackle as well. VISIT

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ZACH MILLER
Tight End
Arizona State
6-5, 260
40 Time:


These TEs continue to get bigger and bigger and much more talented, as is the case with Arizona States, Zach Miller, 6-5 and 265 lbs. One of the most dynamic players at his position. His nickname is "The Truth" because he has lived up to all the hype coming into ASU. He's not only a very good blocker and intelligent, but he is very physical and that's one of the best qualities about Miller. He is technically a Junior, however, he's one of the top 3 ranked TEs at his position, and it would be a good bet that he declares and enters the 2007 NFL Draft

 

[hawaiianboy]

Brady Quinn

School: Notre Dame
Year: Senior
Height: 6'4
Weight: 231
Forty: n/a

NFL COMPARISON
Carson Palmer, Bengals

SCOUTING REPORT

SYSTEM: Quinn is not a system guy, let's get that very clear. However, playing in a pro style offense directed by Charlie Weis is not a negative. Quinn understands the game, makes good reads and did a much better job in his junior year of going to the right place with the ball than he had earlier in his career.

MEASUREABLES: Brady has excellent size. He is a tall quarterback with a great build. He's not a blazer, but he shows good pocket presence and can get himself out of trouble. He does need to improve on his decision making when outside of the pocket, but he's athletic enough to make throws on the run.

ARM STRENGTH: Quinn can make all the throws. He has good zip on his deep outs and also on his intermediate passes. He also has shown that he can get the ball downfield, as he throws a very nice deep ball. Part of this too are his mechanics, which are good. He comes over the top and his setup allows for good velocity.

INTANGIBLES: Quinn has shown great ability in pressure situations. He led the Irish to several close victories and isn't easily rattled. His intelligence is key. He adapted quickly to Weis' offense and has been praised for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities.

ACCURACY/DECISION MAKING: He's improved by leaps and bounds. He has shown the ability to put touch on the ball and also rifle it into tight spots, but he can be inconsistent. He also needs to improve his decision making. He's a rifleman who will throw the ball all over the field, but does tend to force passes into coverage.

OVERALL PROJECTION
Quinn has all the tools to be a very good starting Quarterback at the next level. He has the size, the arm and experience in a pro style offense. The question is, how consistent can he be?

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ADRIAN PETERSON

Running Back
Oklahoma
6-0, 228
40 Time:


source: NFL Report.com
Heisman and All-American candidate, RB Adrian Peterson, broke his collarbone on a dive into the endzone during Oklahoma's victory over Iowa State. Peterson is expected to miss the rest of the regular season but hasn't ruled out returning for Oklahoma's Bowl game, should the team make a bowl appearance. According to Peterson, he still fully expects to enter the 2007 NFL Draft despite the injury, which should be fully healed by the Scouting Combine in February.

Prep star from Texas. The consensus Player of the Year in high school football (Texas) when he rushed for 2,960 yards on 252 attempts, an average of 11.7 yards per carry, and 32 TDs as a Senior. Turned down offers from Texas, USC, Miami and UCLA to name a few and signed with Oklahoma in 2003. Became Oklahoma's feature back during his Freshman campaign in 2004 and set the college football world ablaze, finishing second in Heisman voting and becoming the first Oklahoma Freshman in the program's history to earn consensus All-American honors after he led the nation in rushing attempts (339) and finished third nationally with 1,925 yards rushing, which broke the OU school record for rushing yards in a single season as well as the NCAA freshman record set in 1996 by Wisconsin's Ron Dayne (1,863). Tied the NCAA freshman record for reaching 1,000 yards in the fewest games (seven) with Emmitt Smith (Florida, 1987) and Marshall Faulk (San Diego State, 1991) - some elite company. Named first-team All-Big 12 as a Sophomore in 2005 after leading the team and Conference in rushing (among RBs) with 1,108 yards and 14 TDs despite missing four games with a severely sprained ankle.

A dynamic rusher with ideal size, speed and explosion. Isn't afraid to take a hit or run through the middle. Doesn't mind contact and does an excellent job bouncing off defenders and creating for himself. A tough and determined rusher with exceptional instincts and awareness. Will bounce to the outside when need be and is dangerous and elusive in the open field. Demonstrates tremendous agility. Has the size to be a willing and capable blocker. Battle-tested and fully capable of taking on a full-time workload. Only downside is his lack of experience and polish as a receiver. Has decent hands out of the backfield but could get better. Wasn't called upon much as a receiver at Oklahoma and needs to develop better receiving skills.

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Marshawn Lynch

Vitals:
Position: RUNNING BACK
School: California
Year: Junior
Height: 5'11
Weight: 217
Forty: n/a

NFL COMPARISON
LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers
Both are generally north-south runners who have excellent lateral agility which allows them to make quick moves and get going upfield again. Both run extremely hard and have low centers of gravity which make them hard to take down on first contact. I'll give Tomlinson the edge as a receiver though.


SCOUTING REPORT

POWER: Lynch is a solidly built back and while he isn't built like say Jerome Bettis, he runs much bigger than his size. He is very powerful and runs low to the ground. He keeps his legs driving and runs like he refuses to be brought down. He has a strong lower body and is a back who cannot be arm tackled.

SPEED/BURST: Lynch isn't a true burner, but he definitely has enough speed to break long runs. He also has a quick upfield burst when he sees daylight and he always hits the creases hard. He also has shown the acceleration to get around the corner and beat defenders to the outside.

ELUSIVENESS: His lateral movement is outstanding. He is very agile and often leaves defenders flat footed. He isn't a back who will waste too much time dancing though, it's a quick move to get around a defender and then he gets himself headed upfield again. Lynch stops and starts well and he also can make cuts while running full speed.

VISION: Lynch has proven that he can find daylight. He's a good cutback runner and does a good job of seeing holes and getting through them quickly. He does a good job of seeing contain on outside runs and beating it with a quick move or burst of speed.

RECEIVING/BLOCKING: Lynch has shown some ability as a receiver and a pass protector, although he hasn't had to do a ton of either. So while he has potential in these areas, he must do them on a more consistent basis before they will be considered one of his strengths.

OVERALL PROJECTION
Lynch is an NFL type back. He is built for the NFL game and he has the skill set to succeed at the next level. What I love most are his toughness and determination. He runs hard every carry and that combined with his physical talent will have him going high in the draft.

CURRENT PROJECTION: High-mid 1st Round