Bob_Q
Mar 03, 2009 May 30, 2012 554 1856
I am a lifelong fan of the Eagles living just across the border in Wilmington, DE. I've been writing for the BGN front page since August 2009 and enjoy providing my fellow Philly fans with the latest news and analysis of our beloved Iggles.
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Top 100 Players of 2012: Nnamdi Asomugha Takes a Tumble
If you've been following NFL Films' Top 100 Players lately, you'd know that Nnamdi Asomugha was ranked fairly highly by his fellow players last year: 18th overall, in fact.
However, after a year in which he struggled to transition to a new system with a new team, Asomugha's rating has taken quite a tumble. According to Greg Cosell's teaser column on the NFL Films website, Asomugha will be appearing in tonight's episode, which features players ranked from 80th to 71st overall.
That being said, with Asomugha's All-Pro-level talent, his down year is likely to be simply a bump in the road. With a year to adjust to the Philadelphia defense and the addition of defensive backs coach Todd Bowles to the Eagles staff, Asomugha will have a solid chance at regaining his lofty position among the NFL elite in 2012.
Make sure to check out the countdown tonight on NFL Network at 8:00pm EST.
UPDATE: As presented by Titans safety Jordan Babineaux, Asomugha's ranking for this year's Top 100 Players is #79. Watch the clip here.
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft: Recap and Results
A big thanks goes out to everyone who participated in this year's BGN Community Mock Draft! As always, we had some very well thought out and informative articles, but there can only be one winner each year. The champion of the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft is jhn, who scored an unprecedented 91% community approval rating by mocking WR Justin Blackmon to the St. Louis Rams at #6 overall. Congratulations, jhn! You'll have the honor of picking for the Eagles next year.
Check out the full draft recap after the jump, and make sure to follow along during the real draft tonight to see if BGN's collective knowledge matches up!
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #32: The New York Giants
With the thirty-second and final pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, NYG_slater selects...
Chandler Jones: DE, Syracuse
Well that was easy. Like dangling crack in front of an addict. Let's see, Chandler Jones... 4.87 forty yard dash, 7.07 three cone drill, 4.38 twenty yard shuttle, 22 bench press repetitions, 35" vertical, 120" broad jump, 35.5 inch arms. Besides the forty time, Jones is longer, quicker, and stronger than Jason Pierre-Paul (4.71 forty yard dash, 7.18 3 cone, 4.67 shuttle, 19 bench, 30.5" vert, 115" broad, 34.5 inch arms). While Jones doesn't show as much explosiveness in his tape, he is still a long, athletic, pass rushing DE that Giants GM Jerry Reese covets. When you factor in the departure of Dave Tollefson, and the impending departure of Osi Umenyiora (I am skeptical they will get him to sign an extension for 2013) Chandler Jones is a perfect match at #32. Also, this pick lets the giants keep Mathias Kiwanuka at SAM, where he's blossoming.The other possible options I considered for the giants were: Doug Martin, Jerel Worthy, and Alshon Jeffery.
Martin would fill the void left by Jacobs, however, I think JR may look to add an RB later in the draft, which he has done many times (Bradshaw 7th round, Da'rel Scott 7th round, Andre Brown 4th round, Brandon Jacobs 4th round).
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #31: The New England Patriots
Whitney Mercilus: DE/OLB, Illinois
This mock draft has worked out very well for the Patriots. After snagging a player some believe to be a top 15 talent with the 27th pick in Michael Brockers, they now get a top-20 talent with the 31st pick, Illinois pass-rusher Whitney Mercilus.
Mercilus, who played defensive end for the Illini, entered the draft early after an extraordinarily productive junior season. In 13 games, Mercilus had 22.5 tackles for loss (most by a player in a BCS conference) and 16 sacks (2.5 more than anyone else in the nation). He also forced 9 fumbles, a Big Ten single reason record and the most by any player in at least 5 years. Mercilus is a handful for opposing offensive linemen due to his quickness off the snap and his non-stop motor. Additionally, his propensity for stripping the ball will drive opposing offensive coordinators insane.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #30: The San Francisco 49ers
With the thirtieth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, 21510akland selects...
Coby Fleener: TE, Stanford
Jim Harbaugh and his 49ers surprised folks in 2011 ending the season with a 13 - 3 record and a deep playoff run. Granted they're in the soft NFC West but they beat some real teams making some heroic comebacks along the way. Say what you will about their game with the Eagles and Ronnie Brown's ill fated backwards pass at the goal line, the Niners never gave up and still had to make the (other) stops and put up the points. The 49ers came *that* close to a superbowl appearance in February; if not for an injury to Ted Ginn Jr. (of all people) and game long terrible decisions and mishandled balls by his over-matched understudy Kyle Williams they'd have surely beat the vaGiants handily.
They play conservative, defense minded football with a running centered offense. They have a possession style of passing game, though they're not afraid to go vertical and can put up points in all three phases; the aforementioned Ginn Jr. is right up there on Devin Hester / DeSean Jackson level in the return game. They're returning all of their defensive starters, didn't really loose anyone of note to Free Agency instead adding some depth behind Frank Gore and a few new toys for Alex Smith, who finally seems to be growing into his big boy pants (or at having a QB mind-meld with Harbaugh), to throw to.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #29: The Baltimore Ravens
With the twenty-ninth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, Skulman7 selects...
Peter Konz: C/G, Wisconsin
While I believe the Ravens first two options would be trading up for Dont'a Hightower or in this situation trading out of the first round, for this mock draft, Konz makes a lot of sense. After losing Ben Grubbs to the New Orleans Saints and (thankfully) missing out on Evan Mathis in free agency, the Ravens are currently extremely thin at interior offensive linemen. If losing their Pro-Bowl guard wasn't enough, the Ravens must also factor in that their former All-Pro center Matt Birk is entering the final years of his football career. Peter Konz is a player who not only fills an immediate need, but also has the potential to be a fixture on the Raven's offensive line for years to come.
Regarding Peter Konz, scouts rave about his intelligence, character and potential. "Hell of a football player," the scout said. "Oh, my God, he's a genius on the board. Genius. We put him on the board and he blew it away. Great kid.". While Konz did not blow anyone away with his bench press at the combine, his game tape along with his football IQ have various scouts raving about his ceiling. Bucs GM Mark Dominik coincidentally compared him to Ravens All-Pro center Matt Birk, who Konz would serve as the eventual successor. Konz has the versatility where he can step in right away and start at guard for the Ravens while having the ability to eventually slide over to center once Birk hangs up the purple and black jersey.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #28: The Green Bay Packers
With the twenty-eighth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft captain nodar selects...
Devon Still: DT, Penn State
The Pack finished 15-1 in the regular season and are certainly in a position to draft the BPA, but the disparity between the 2011 O and D could not be greater. Their passing D took a major step down in 2011, largely due to the loss of end Cullen Jenkins. While secondary help or an OLB with pass rushing skills to compliment Matthews would be a welcome addition here, it all starts in the trenches.
Still will fill Jenkins' void and should immediately improve a unit that ranked last in both passing yards and sacks percentage in 2011. Although known as more of a run stuffer in college, the athletic 6'5'' 305lb Still has the perfect combination of size, speed and power for a ¾ DE, and is just a flat out playmaker behind the line. With very good upper and lower body strength and a tremendous bull rush, Still will draw his share of multiple blockers, and Clay Matthews should find himself facing a decreased number of double and triple teams and put up numbers closer to his 2010 campaign.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #27: The New England Patriots
Michael Brockers: DT, LSU
For a team coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots have some significant holes, the most significant of which come on the defensive side of the ball. What was already a below average pass rush has been weakened further by the loss of OLB Mark Anderson, the Pats' co-leader in sacks last season. Andre Carter, who started at OLB across from Anderson, is coming off a season ending quad injury and is also currently unsigned. Rob Ninkovich is the only capable starter at the position left on the Pats' roster.
5-technique DE is the other big need in that defense. After releasing prototype 5-tech Ty Warren last summer, they were left with Brandon Deaderick, Jonathan Fanene, and Ron Brace, who are little more than JAGs. They're desperately in need of some talent and potential at the position.
The other holes can for the most part be solved with players currently on the roster. While the retirement of elite LT Matt Light was a blow, last year's 1st round pick Nate Solder should be ready to step into the starting role. The Pats' secondary was a mess, but they really just need to let top-40 picks Devin McCourty and Ras-I Dowling develop.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #26: The Houston Texans
With the twenty-sixth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, KByars selects...
Dontari Poe: DT, Memphis
The workout warrior finally comes off the board. With the last of the first round caliber offensive linemen and wide receivers selected with the previous few picks, this selection came down to a decision between Poe and Whitney Mercilus.
Houston is in need of upgrades at both the outside linebacker and nose tackle positions. The deciding factor was the amount of scouting reports that pegged Mercilus as strictly a 4-3 DE who would not be able to play as a 3-4 OLB. That uncertainty outweighed any concerns about Poe's ability to translate his freak physical athleticism into on-field production.
This late in the first round, Dontari is the sort of high ceiling prospect who could make the Texans' front office and coaching staff look very good if he lives up to the potential which he displayed at the draft combine and in workouts.
More after the jump...
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2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #25: The Denver Broncos
With the twenty-fifth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, wild_eagle selects...
Jonathan Martin: OT, Stanford
As we all know the Broncos landed Peyton Manning and have now switched to a more "normal" offense without Tebow. The good news for the Broncos is that they don't have many holes to fill and they have a young, aggressive and very talented Defense which will only get better as the years go by. I actually had some issues with this pick because their only needs as far as I'm concerned are Defensive Tackle, Running Back,, Tight End and Offensive line. Even with these holes they're in no immediate need due to the fact that this draft is deep at Offensive line, Defensive Tackle and Running back, so in summary the Broncos are free to go best player available at a position of need.
This pick was a hard one to make, but with the addition of Peyton Manning and with guys like Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Brandon Stokley at Wide Receiver and the Free Agent additions of Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen I find it hard to go after somebody for Peyton to throw to, so this rules out Fleener for me. And looking at Running back I just simply don't see anybody worth going at #25 and with a deep Defensive Tackle class I don't see much of a difference between grabbing Michael Brockers or Dontari Poe or waiting until the 2nd Round to grab a guy. So this leaves only one option for me...
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #24: The Pittsburgh Steelers
With the twenty-fourth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, Qwest selects...
Dont'a Hightower: ILB, Alabama
Due to their regular season success and roster upheaval, the Steelers find themselves sitting near the end of the first round with a ton of "needs." Complicating things was a cap number that started 25 million over the then-projected salary cap. So they began turning over their roster, cutting long time staples like James Farrior, Aaron Smith, and Hines Ward. Think it stops there? No way. They have huge issues at both tackle positions with Max Starks tearing an ACL in the Denver playoff loss and the injury-waiting-to-happen in Colon on the right side. One more thing...their workhorse back, Rashard Mendenhall, is likely to miss the entire season with an ACL tear. Casey Hampton, now 35, is also coming off of an ACL injury.
Truly they could have gone a myriad of directions with this pick and positively affected their team. However, they have to be ecstatic to see a player this talented at a position of immediate need fall in their laps. With the better cornerbacks being gone (Claiborne, Kirkpatrick, Gilmore, Jenkins) and a thin group of offensive linemen and running backs with a first round grade, the Steelers could significantly bolster a position that was once the strength of their team.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #23: The Detroit Lions
With the twenty-third pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, trinityeagle selects...
Cordy Glenn: G/T, Georgia
The Detroit Lions for being an up and coming team do have a fair number of positions to address in the draft. They have screaming needs at O-line and cornerback. They have less pressing needs at several other positions such as defensive end, another wide receiver, running back, and linebacker. At this spot there is great value at Defensive Tackle, however given their immense talent in that spot I can't see them capitalizing on Michael Brockers or Dontari Poe being available.
In this situation, I can easily see the Detroit Lions selecting Cordy Glenn out of Georgia. He can immediately step in at right tackle or left guard or really anywhere and that offensive line and be an upgrade. They have awful play from the center position, Jeff Backus at left tackle will be 35 years old, and the right guard spot is relatively weak with Rob Sims. Stephen Peterman at left guard has been begging to be replaced for years.
The Lions would really prefer to have a cornerback fall to them here. They are "set" on one side with Chris Houston but lost Eric Wright in free agency to the Buccaneers. In a division with Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, and Christian Ponder, Detroit could really use a few more players in their secondary. I would be surprised at this point to see Detroit take Janoris Jenkins given the 3 marijuana arrests among last season's rookies already.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #22: The Cleveland Browns
With the twenty-second pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, drc242 selects...
Stephen Hill: WR, Georgia Tech
With the Browns selecting Richardson 4th overall, the Browns biggest need is a WR and Stephen Hill is the only wideout left on the board who is worth taking with the 22nd pick. Anyone who has seen a Browns game in the last year can plainly see the receiving core is one of the worst in the league and needs a major upgrade. Fact of the matter is the Browns only have two receivers (including TE's and RB's) in the Top 100 in both receptions and receiving yardage. At 6'4", 215 lbs, and with a 4.34 40 yd dash, Stephen Hill can be a solid contributor from day one for Cleveland, and can really help in the development of Colt McCoy.
The big thing driving this pick is the selection of Richardson 4th overall,and if the Browns selected Blackmon instead, this pick would be best used on the o-line, most likely Jonathan Martin, or Mike Adams out of Stanford and Ohio State respectively. The Browns have a major hole at RT and either of these guys would be a huge upgrade from the start. I could also see Cordy Glenn out of Georgia because of his versatility in being able to play guard or tackle.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #21: The Cincinnati Bengals
EDITOR'S NOTE: Apologies for the late posting. I was busy attending the Phillies' donkey of a game this afternoon and only just got access to a computer again. Anyway, back to the draft.
With the twenty-first pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, PierreC selects...
Kendall Wright: WR, Baylor
Since the Bengals got a stud CB with the 17th pick of this mock draft I see them having two needs. OL and WR. Starting with the WR, after AJ Green, there is no player outside of Jermaine Gresham, who is a TE, who had over 40 catches or over 400 yards receiving last year who is on this roster in the time I'm writing this. They lost Jerome Simpson who had the third most reception and TDs and the second most receiving yards on the team last year. Simpson is still a FA but has been sentenced to a 15-day prison time and a possible suspension and he might not be brought back by the Bengals. If Simpson returns however, the Bengals should look for an OL with this pick if they pick a CB at 17th.
The OL is also a need after losing some offensive linemen to FA, among them were former Eagles C Mike McGlynn. The OL situation can be upgraded but for now they have an offensive line that might be able to get through the 2012 season. They should probably look to get an upgrade from RG Clint Boling tough as he probably is the weakest link on the offensive line.
Other needs in the team are RB and DE but there is really no RB worth taking at this point and they should focus to upgrade WR or OL before DE.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #20: The Tennessee Titans
With the twentieth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, Udalango selects...
Nick Perry: DE, USC
The Titans lost Jim Washburn to the Eagles. It was a huge loss which was made worse by losing their best DE, Jason Babin, who was also scooped up by the Eagles. The Titans had racked up 40 sacks in the 2010 season with those two present. In 2011 that number was only 28, so I am drafting Nick Perry DE from USC.
The 6'3, 271 pound Nick Perry opted for the draft after being named USC's defensive linemen of the year. He recorded 9.5 sacks, 55 total tackles, 13 of which were for a loss, and 2 passes deflected at the line. At the combine he showed nice explosion and speed with a 10 yard time (which applies to DEs much better than a 40 time) of 1.57 seconds and a 38.5 inch vertical. He explodes off the line in the pass rush and has great footwork to keep attacking the passer relentlessly. He has some moves he uses to get around the tackle. At 3:29 of this video, he pulls a very nice spin move on Kelemete. Kelemete looks completely at a loss.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #19: The Chicago Bears
With the nineteenth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, AnthroEagle selects...
Janoris Jenkins: CB, North Alabama
The Chicago Bears are in the fortunate position of having no really pressing needs in this draft. It's really too bad I can't draft a new grounds crew or stadium for the Bears, because that's where the clear room for improvement exists here. Still, the Bears could use an upgrade at their #2 WR spot, offensive line, defensive line and defensive back. With no elite options at any position, (excluding Fleener at TE, who would be a reach here) BPA is the best strategy here. In my opinion, that player is Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama.
The 5'10" 193lb Jenkins was widely regarded as one of the top DBs in last year's draft, projected to go as high as 11th overall before he elected to return to school. Unfortunately, character concerns popped up at this time, and Florida dismissed him from their program due to multiple arrests for marijuana and a bar fight (he has also fathered four children to three women, a la Antonio Cromartie). However, he has been open about his mistakes and passed every drug test at North Alabama, saying that drugs are in his past. His coach from N. Alabama, Terry Bowden, fully supports him, suggesting that Jenkins never had a drug problem and was simply making some questionable decisions with old friends. Bowden also said that Jenkins was a great teammate during his tenure at North Alabama (full disclosure - he did get ejected from a game for punching another player). Still, if Jenkins has put his behavior problems in the past, he will probably be the best CB to come out of this draft.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #18: The San Diego Chargers
With the eighteenth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, sports00fan00 selects...
Riley Reiff: OT, Iowa
The San Diego Chargers three biggest needs are SS, OLB, and OL. With Mark Barron and Courtney Upshaw off the board it makes sense to address other needs at this point in the draft. Lucky for the Chargers Riley Reiff dropped down to pick 18. Riley Reiff will offer depth on the offensive line. Although, The Chargers resigned Jared Gaither who came in last year and filled in for left tackle Marcus McNeill, who was recently cut due to his injury history, they are really slim on OL depth.
LG Kris Dielman was forced to retire due to concussions, leaving Tyronne Green as a part-time starter at left guard. Green should easily see competition for playing time from a high round draft pick. As far as depth at on the OL, San Diego is not very strong, to put it lightly. Brandyn Dombrowski returns as the backup left tackle; the same Brandyn Dombrowski who in week 10 against the Oakland Raiders allowed four sacks, a hit and nine pressures. The rest of the depth San Diego has on the OL are Colin Baxter, an undrafted center, and Steve Schilling, a 6th round pick, who are both returning for their second years. At 6'6" and 300lbs, Riley Reiff will give a much needed security for Philip Rivers as a backup tackle or even starting at guard.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #17: The Cincinnati Bengals
With the seventeenth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, omnom96 selects...
Stephon Gilmore: CB, South Carolina
Ideally, if you're the Bengals, you're looking for an opportunity to move up to grab David DeCastro. He seems to be one of the best guard prospects in a decade, and with 2 first rounders and a massive hole at guard, alongside the willingness of many top 10 teams to trade down, it only makes sense for the Bengals. However, at 17, Cordy Glenn, the next best guard in the draft is still a reach. The next largest hole is at cornerback, with Leon Hall coming off a recent season-ending Achilles injury and Nate Clements and Adam Jones both in the last years of their contracts.
In this situation, Bengals select Stephon Gilmore, who some see as the second best cover corner in the draft. Gilmore is able to fit better into the zone scheme that the Bengals run than Janoris Jenkins, and also comes without the baggage that Jenkins brings. Gilmore has plus size, at 6'1", 195 and is still raw, leaving him room to develop with Mike Zimmer into the solid #1 corner. The folks over at Cincy Jungle seem to be enamored with Gilmore, with many people believing that he is a better prospect than even Dre Kirkpatrick.
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2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #16: The New York Jets
With the sixteenth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, rohan915 selects...
Mark Barron: S, Alabama
The Jets have numerous holes on their team. They need WR, OLB, RB, and S. Despite all these holes, the Jets picked up an injury prone safety (LaRon Landry) and the second coming of Christ (Tim Tebow.) I initially had the Jets either pick up Michael Floyd or Courtney Upshaw. If the Jets want to stay close to the Patriots they need another playmaking WR beside Santonio Holmes and a good pass rusher. However I don't see a serious WR to pick up at 16 and this draft is very deep with pass rushers. So I decided to go with the best safety in the draft, Mark Barron.
The Jets as of now only have Eric Smith and LaRon Landry. Eric Smith is terrible and LaRon is an injury risk. Many people will argue that Mark Barron is a bit of a reach at 16, and that he's just overhyped because of a weak safety class. However, based on the Jets real need for a safety and that there is no other player I would pick for the Jets at 16 (maybe Brockers), Barron seems like a good fit at 16.
Barron was a huge part of Alabama's devastating defense. He is known to be extremely physical and could be counted upon to prevent the big play. He did well enough to be named All-American in 2011. While he may have ok speed, he is a high-percentage tackler. As the Eagles saw last year, having a sure tackler on a team is very important. He can be considered a ball hawk.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #15: The Philadelphia Eagles
With the fifteenth pick in the BGN Community Mock Draft, last year's champion, outsyders34, selects...
Quinton Coples: DE, North Carolina
The Eagles have been put into a tight spot with their two most likely candidates being gone in Luke Kuechly and Fletcher Cox. At this point, it makes the most sense to try to trade back and either gain up a high pick for next year or move back a bit and draft either Stephon Gilmore, Coby Fleener or one of the three tackles with first round grades. However, because in this mock I am required to make a pick, trading back is not an option.
Most experts would consider Quinton Coples, Dontari Poe and Whitney Mercilus as best player available (BPA) at fifteen. As of Saturday, April 7th, the Eagles have only had a visit with Poe. Each of the three has question marks: Coples had big time production in 2010, but it tailed off in 2011; some saying he seemed to have lost motivation. Poe never had the production despite his size, speed and athleticism he demonstrated at the NFL Combine. Mercilus led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss in 2011, but he is essentially a one-year wonder.
I think the Eagles may have learned from their lesson and may stay away this year from high motor players because they now have Jim Washburn in the fold, and he is a master at getting players motivated. Because of this, I believe the Eagles need to go BPA and select Quinton Coples out of North Carolina. Many experts have him as a top ten selection, so grabbing him at fifteen is a steal. Coples does not come with some warts, especially those previously mentioned. However, he possesses a lot of upside.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #14: The Dallas Cowboys
With the fourteenth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, JimmyK selects...
Fletcher Cox: DT, Mississippi State
The Cowboys don't lack for star players, but when you analyze their roster as a whole, you also realize that they don't lack for glaring holes either. Prior to free agency, at my blog, I identified the Cowboys' team needs. I get into more depth on each position there, but for those of you that prefer the Cliff's Notes, I identified them as follows:
- Offense: Interior OL (all 3 spots), Swing tackle, backup QB, #3 WR, #2 TE
- Defense: CB, DE, S, OLB, ILB
The Cowboys were busy in free agency this year. A quick list of their signings and how they affect the team needs above:
- CB Brandon Carr: Enormous upgrade over Terence Newman, who was abysmal in 2011. The Cowboys could still look at CB, since Mike Jenkins is scheduled to become a free agent in 2013.
- ILB Dan Connor: Excellent fit for their defense, gives them some flexibility in not rushing 2011 2nd round pick Bruce Carter onto the field. Not really a need anymore.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #13: The Arizona Cardinals
With the thirteenth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, NowWhat? selects...
Luke Kuechly: LB, Boston College
First of all, damn you TheRealMcCoy!!!
Now that that's out of the way, time to explain why I'd piss all the Eagles fans off...
Quite simply, it boils down to some simple facts: One, the Cardinals need a lot of help at OL, LB, and S, and could do with depth at WR too, and two, the Cardinals under Ken Whisenhunt have a tendency to go BPA in the draft. When you put the two together, and look at the board to this point, each position has a consensus BPA: Riley Reiff, Luke Kuechly, Mark Barron, and Kendall Wright. Wright and Barron, as good as those players might be, are not worth a pick as high as 13, nor are a #2 receiver or safety even that urgent of a need. This leaves Kuechly and Reiff. We'll come back to these guys in a few minutes, but first we should look at what makes these positions such a need for the Redbirds.
Offensive Line
To say the least, the Cardinals' offensive line is truly horrid. They gave up an astounding 54 sacks last season, topped only by their NFC West mates in St. Louis. They also had the fourth lowest third-down conversion in the NFL (Astoundingly, good for 2nd BEST in the sad excuse for a division they are in). If there was one good thing to say about the O-Line and their effect on the offensive whole, it was that their yards/rush attempt was mid-pack for the league. It's quite clear that the offensive line is in need of a serious overhaul on this team.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #12: The Seattle Seahawks
With the twelfth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, Talon Talent selects...
Courtney Upshaw: DE/OLB, Alabama
Seattle has quite a few options at the 12th position. They had an offense that was terrible in the passing game and not much better in the running game. The obvious choice here would be to get an impact WR but the thought is that most of their offensive struggles were based on the fact no one feared their passing attack because of a weak QB. This allowed opponents to stack the box and focus on stopping the run. The signing of QB, Matt Flynn, is in theory, supposed to take care of the passing woes allowing Seattle to become a more balanced offensive attack.
Seattle's defense was actually a bright spot finishing 9th in overall yardage. They had the 11th ranked pass defense and the 15th ranked rushing defense. Some offseason losses have thus far weakened the unit though, so that is where they will direct their focus in the first round.
Seattle has a litany of options available here but decides to go with Courtney Upshaw the DE/OLB from Alabama. Upshaw can move right into a specialty role, labeled the Elephant, and at once strengthens both the pass rush and the run stopping ability of this unit.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #11: The Kansas City Chiefs
With the eleventh pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, TheRealMcCoy selects...
David DeCastro: OG, Stanford
Let's start with a little background on the 2011 Chiefs and their season. To sum up their season in a word that us Eagles fans would find familiar: disappointing. In the pre-season and at the beginning of the season, many thought that the Kansas City Chiefs were the team in the AFC West that could pull away the division title with ease (which would be their second title in a row). Coming off of a record of 10-6 record, the playoffs were the only logical expectation for this team. However, the injury bug really hit the Chiefs hard and early, with many of their top shelf players becoming inactive over the course of a month. The biggest names: running back Jamaal Charles, safety Eric Berry, and 2011 first round pick WR Jonathan Baldwin. Later on in the season, the Chiefs lost their starting quarterback, Matt Cassel, and had to replace him with Kyle Orton. As a result, the Chiefs ended with a 7-9 season record, fourth place in the AFC West.
With this all being said, the 2012 Kansas City Chiefs do have a lot to look forward to. They're essentially getting all of their major stars back from injury. The Chiefs have one of the best linebacker groups in the league, highlighted by Pro Bowlers Tamba Hali and Derrick Johnson. Their star wide receiver, Dwayne Bowe, is re-signed and happy to be playing alongside Steve Breaston and Jonathan Baldwin. The Chiefs signed Stanford Routt, essentially preemptively replacing a hole that the loss of Brandon Carr would have created. The Chiefs lost Le'Ron McClain this offseason, but signed Peyton Hillis to fill in as a short yard bruiser. The Chiefs signed OT Eric Winston to come in and help their receding offensive line. So far, free agency has been fairly kind to the Chiefs, as personnel who have left the team have been filled in pretty quickly.
More after the jump...
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2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #10: The Buffalo Bills
With the tenth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, NJEagle selects...
Dre Kirkpatrick: CB, Alabama
The Buffalo Bills had a season of very highs and very lows in 2011. They beat Tom Brady and the Pats, Ryan Fitzpatrick got a sweet deal after having an unthinkably good first half of the season and Stevie Johnson set a franchise record for back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. The problem is that they lost eight of their last nine games, lost Fred Jackson for half the year and missed the playoffs, even after the aforementioned great start.
Some may say the offense became predictable at midseason or that Fred Jackson was the only reason the season was a success up until his injury. To both, I say nay.
The Bills were ranked near the bottom in a majority of defensive statistics making it almost impossible to hold a lead. The team was ranked 26th in total defense giving up a staggering 371 yards per game. Quarterbacks had a rating 90.4 against the Bills, which ranked 25th in the league. The defense allowed 27.1 points a game which was the third worst in the NFL. They also gave up 30 passing touchdowns and 19 rushing touchdowns, respectively the 30th and 31st in those categories.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #9: The Carolina Panthers
With the ninth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, HawaiianGreen selects...
Michael Floyd: WR, Notre Dame
When I look at the Panthers, we see a young, hungry group that showed promise and potential under rookie head coach Ron Rivera and rookie quarterback Cam Newton. The Panthers were in most if not all of their games in 2011, but like the Eagles, couldn't finish games. The Panthers are much better than their 6-10 record they received in 2011, and should make some major noise next season. Heck, because the Saints were caught red handed, I expect the Panthers to win their division against an overrated Falcons team and a rebuilding Bucs team. There is much to be excited about if you're a Carolina Panther fan.
But to do so, they need to shore up a couple deficiencies. Because a majority of their needs would be reaches at the #9 spot in the draft, I'd be looking to trade down. The Panthers need to address WR, OL, DL, and DB. Taking a look at the offensive line, Riley Ratliff is a sure fire top 10 tackle, but the Panthers are set with LT Jordan Gross and RT Jeff Otah. DB's across the board aren't good enough to take with a top 10 pick outside of Morris Claiborne.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #8: The Miami Dolphins
With the eighth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, wildcatlh selects...
Ryan Tannehill: QB, Texas A&M
Ever since Dan Marino retired, the Dolphins have lacked stability at the quarterback position. In the 12 seasons since his retirement, the Dolphins have started 16 different quarterbacks. Only twice (Jay Fiedler in 2001 and Chad Pennington in 2008) has the same quarterback started all 16 games in a season. From 2004-2009, via trade or draft, the Dolphins used five second round picks on quarterbacks, none of whom are currently on the roster. Meanwhile, they have passed up on opportunities to trade for or draft Drew Brees (both in the 2001 draft and 2006 free agency), Matt Hasslebeck, Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Ryan. This offseason alone, the Dolphins were spurned by Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Alex Smith, and in their attempts to trade for the opportunity to select Robert Griffin III.
The Dolphins fan base has, for lack of a better term, rebelled. While every game in 2011 "sold out", several sell-outs were due only to last-second purchases, and the Dolphins filled only 81% of the seats at Sun Life Stadium, second-worst in the league behind Cincinnati. Season ticket sales are at an all-time low. Fans also staged a protest outside of Miami Dolphins headquarters in March, leading the team to promise greater transparency and owner Stephen Ross to personally call two of the season ticket holders who took part in the protest.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #7: The Jacksonville Jaguars
With the seventh pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, Snax selects...
Melvin Ingram: DE, South Carolina
With as many needs as the Jaguars have going into the draft, one could made a case for just about any player left on the draft board. When you look at all of the factors that derailed the Jaguars 2011 campaign, such as a decision to cut their starting quarterback and numerous to their offensive line and defense, you can see that this team is in a major need of playmakers and depth.
The main question for the Jags is "Where do we start ?". A lot of people will point out the deficiencies on offenses as a major jumping off point. The Jaguars took a step in the right direction by signing Laurent Robinson in free agency. Most people will agree that Robinson alone will not be able to fix all of the Jacksonville's offensive struggles. However, one thing that this move does is give the Jaguars more of an option to focus on other areas of need throughout the team. With the wide receiver position being fairly deep in this years drafts, Jaguars can look to draft someone who will add some explosiveness to the defense.
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #6: The St. Louis Rams
With the sixth pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, jhn selects...
Justin Blackmon: WR, Oklahoma State
So, the St. Louis Rams get to trade the 2nd overall pick to the Washington Redskins for the 6th overall pick, their second round pick, and their 2013 and 2014 first round picks, plus the top player at the position of the greatest need for the Rams still falls to them.
As Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith would say, "I love it when a plan comes together."
To say the Rams need receiving help would be an understatement. Last season, their leading receiver was Brandon Lloyd, who had 683 yards on 51 receptions. However, Lloyd wasn't even a member of the team until Week 5 after a trade with the Denver Broncos. Next on the list was Brandon Gibson with 36 receptions for 431 yards. The Rams were 30th in the league in passing with an average of just 179 yards per game.
Brandon Lloyd is now with the New England Patriots. The last receiver to have over 1,000 receiving yards in a Rams uniform was Torry Holt in 2007 with 93 receptions for 1,189 yards, hearkening back tothe Greatest Show on Turf days. Unfortunately for the Rams, those days are gone and Torry and Isaac Bruce aren't walking back through that door. (Well, Torry is, but just for a day so he can retire a Ram.)
More after the jump...
2012 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #5: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
With the fifth overall pick in the 2012 BGN Community Mock Draft, Mikesta selects...
Matt Kalil: OT, USC
Steal.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the free agency period with a splash and overhauled their offensive line by signing Pro Bowl guard Carl Nicks to a 5-year, $47.5M deal. The Bucs released center Jeff Faine and replaced him with guard Jeremy Zuttah. Tackle Jeremy Trueblood finished in the bottom 20 in ProFootballFocus' 2011 Pass Blocking Efficiency list, giving up 59 total pressures out of 596 pass block snaps. Drafting Matt Kalil would transform the Bucs front 5 and give them one of the most talented and dominant offensive lines in the NFL. Give Josh Freeman time in the pocket and he'll dissect any defense.
Next on the clock will be jhn with the St. Louis Rams.
Previous Picks: #1 Andrew Luck, #2 Robert Griffin III, #3 Morris Claiborne, #4 Trent Richardson
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