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Finhead's Mock Draft: Version 6

This is my sixth version of the mock draft and there have been a few changes. The draft order finally has the order set with the exception of four spots being decided by a coin toss. The spots that will depend on a coin toss will be marked by an *. As a note, I will not include trade scenarios in the mock drafts. I know there certainly could be moves made and I'm sure there will be at least one trade in the NFL Draft in April, but I will not include them here. I am simply giving a mock draft based on the current order.

1) Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck, QB: It is looking almost certain the Colts will draft Luck and it looks like Peyton Manning and the Colts are on track to part ways. Taking Luck is the best thing for the franchise, even if it does mean that it'll cause you to lose arguably the best player in team history and one of the best QBs to ever play in the NFL.

2) St. Louis Rams - Justin Blackmon, WR: I have been thinking Matt Kalil would be the most likely candidate until recently. I am thinking the Rams just may consider getting a LT with their second round pick. When it comes to taking Blackmon, the top WR, and a good, but not great LT in the second, I think the Rams will find that option preferable. This could go back to Kalil if the Rams address their WR needs in free agency. Another option for the Rams could be to trade back if one of the teams interested in Robert Griffin III wishes to trade up.

Star-divide

3) Minnesota Vikings - Matt Kalil, OT: Morris Claiborne is also a consideration and Blackmon would go here if available. The Vikings may lean more towards Kalil than Claiborne because they need to protect Christian Ponder. This too is another position both the Dolphins and Redskins may look to trade for to get Griffin.

4) Cleveland Browns - Robert Griffin III, QB: Trent Richardson and, if available, Blackmon are both options here as well. I think the Browns selecting Griffin are about 50%, but the other half is divided by the other two players. Majority wins in this one. While the Browns likely still have faith in Colt McCoy, Griffin may just be too much to pass up.

5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Morris Claiborne, CB: I've bounced back and forth with Claiborne and Trent Richardson at this position, but I will go back to Claiborne because I believe he's at a position that carries more value. Ronde Barber will be a free agent and Aqib Talib is facing legal problems, making CB a hole the Bucs must address.

6) Washington Redskins - Riley Reiff, OT: Griffin would likely be the preferred choice, but the Redskins have the Browns in front of them and don't have the ammunition like the Browns do if both teams wish to enter a bidding war for the Baylor QB. Blackmon and Claiborne would be their next targets, but both of them fall off the board. Instead, the Redskins bite the bullet in this scenario as they can't land any of their preferred targets. Reiff is still a nice consolation prize as he and Jammal Brown will help settle Washington's OT positions for a long while.

7) Jacksonville Jaguars - Quinton Coples, DE: Aaron Kampman is getting up there in age and may not be back. Matt Roth just wasn't the answer for Jacksonville. Coples would do very well to help solidify their defensive line and will give Jacksonville a good pass rushing threat for the next several years in a division that has Matt Schaub, Jake Locker, and probably Andrew Luck.

*8) Miami Dolphins - Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB: The Dolphins would love to get Griffin and with a 4-3 defense, they'd also love to get Coples. Unfortunately, neither are available. Ingram is the next best option at DE to play opposite of Cameron Wake. Another option for Miami may be for them to try and move down toward the middle of the round and draft Ryan Tannehill, but with Griffin in Cleveland, they may be able to land Tannehill in the second, even if they have to trade up a few spots. Mark Barron would be a slight reach here, but could land with Miami to fill their need for a play-making Safety. Personally, I would absolutely love to have Blackmon at this spot as well. Having him and Marshall as a duo would help our starting QB, no matter who that happens to be.

*9) Carolina Panthers - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB: They may go with someone like Jonathan Martin as well, but they need help badly on the defensive side of the ball. Carolina allowed 8.4 YPA against the pass and Kirkpatrick could be a starter from day 1. He'd help fix their defense while their offense grows.

10) Buffalo Bills - Andre Branch, DE: Upshaw is still a possibility in the eyes of some, but I think Buffalo goes for a more traditional 4-3 DE with Branch. It's possible the Bills can also target Jonathan Martin here, but with a new shift in defensive schemes, the Bills need to find someone to fill their 4-3 DE need.

*11) Kansas City Chiefs - Luke Kuechly, ILB: Their defense has underperformed and Kuechly will help solidify the LBs. They will look to resign CB Brandon Flowers and hope that he and Brandon Carr will rebound from underwhelming years. Eric Berry returning will also help their secondary.

*12) Seattle Seahawks - Trent Richardson, RB: I would have to agree with Todd McShay of ESPN here if Richardson makes it this far. If the Seahawks were interested in Tannehill, they could likely try to trade down and if Richardson was available, I would have to think the Cincinnati Bengals and maybe even the New York Jets could be an option as a trading partner. Even if Seattle were to resign Marshawn Lynch, Richardson is just too good a prospect for Seattle to pass over.

13) Arizona Cardinals - Jonathan Martin, OT: The Cardinals will be happy to take one of the top three OTs or David DeCastro as they need help all over the offensive line. They could look Vontaze Burfict or Courtney Upshaw with this pick too if they're available.

14) Dallas Cowboys - Janoris Jenkins, CB: With a strong outing at the Senior Bowl, Jenkins overtakes Dennard in the draft. Jenkins could have been the #1 CB in the draft had he not had issues with the Gators. With Terrence Newman expected be out of Dallas this off-season, they will need all the help Dennard can provide.

15) Philadelphia Eagles - Michael Brockers, DT: The weak link for the Eagles has been their LBs and FS, but they're not ready to give up on Nate Allen and the selection of Brockers could help Casey Matthews at MLB. Brockers and Cullen Jenkins would give the Eagles a very nice tandem at DT and with Jason Babin and Trent Cole at DE, Philly would have a defensive line that could end up being just as good as the defensive front four of the New York Giants. Michael Floydcould be an option here if they've grown tired of DeSean Jackson.

16) New York Jets - Mark Barron, FS/SS: Courtney Upshaw could also be an option if available. The Jets have holes at both safety positions and could use a man like Barron to help solidify their weaknesses covering TEs. Barron isn't very good in man coverage and may be a bit stiff in the hips, but he's great in zone coverage with his ability to read the QB. His closing speed will be able to make up for many of his mistakes when he's slow to turn and run with a receiver. He's aggressive in run support, but will overrun on the play at times.

17) Cincinnati Bengals - Alfonzo Dennard, CB: He'd be a top 10 pick if he wasn't in trouble with the Gators. The Bengals have Leon Hall, but Nate Clements is 32 and has been inconsistent. Jenkins and Hall could quickly become one of the better CB duos in the NFL.

18) San Diego Chargers - Courtney Upshaw, OLB: The Chargers could also use David DeCastro, but the prospect of Courtney Upshaw is just too much for them to pass up. The Chargers need a lot of help at OLB as Larry English just hasn't developed as San Diego has hoped.

19) Chicago Bears - David DeCastro, OG: The Bears could really use someone like Michael Floyd at WR, but DeCastro is considered by some the best OL in the draft. The Bears address the bigger need and select DeCastro at this slot.

20) Tennessee Titans - Nick Perry, DE: Karl Klug has been the top pass rusher for the Titans with 7 and they need to get some help to get to the passer. Parry is a natural pass rusher that could help the Titans get after the QB. With a bunch of young QB prospects in the AFC South, the Titans will need someone to rattle their cage. CB could be a hole if they don't resign Cortland Finnegan, but I already project the top CBs to be gone.

21) Cincinnati Bengals - Lamar Miller, RB: Cedric Benson hasn't been very effective despite his rushing yards and he's a free agent. Miller is a home run threat and is quick to hit the holes. Miller is also a tough runner to bring down. It's possible Cincy could go with a Guard or Center like Cordy Glenn or Peter Konz, but there is a thin market for RBs in free agency and the Bengals need an upgrade in the backfield more than they do on the line.

22) Cleveland Browns (via Falcons) - Michael Floyd, WR: The Browns opt to give Colt McCoy and Griffin another weapon here. They could make a run at Ryan Tannehill here if they pass on Griffin. Floyd has some height to him and a bit of speed. With Greg Little joining Floyd on the outside, the Browns can finally focus on rebuilding their receiving threats since they dumped the likes of Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards.

23) Detroit Lions - Cordy Glenn, OG: The Lions, like many teams, need help on their offensive line and could also go with Peter Konz to place Dominic Raiola at center, but I think they'll try to milk another season out of their aging center while they address OG. Zach Brown could also be an option for the Lions if they wish to address LB.

24) Pittsburgh Steelers - Vontaze Burfict, ILB: Dontari Poe could be another option if they look for a future NT, but the Steelers also need to inject some youth at ILB. Hightower has been a great leader on the Alabama defense and is another one of the great Alabama LBs. Also, Paul Soliai could be a free agent target to replace Casey Hampton if they choose not to go with Dontari Poe.

25) Denver Broncos - Devon Still, DT: Denver already has solid players on the outside for the future with Elvis Dumervil, Robert Ayers, and Von Miller. Still could bring a solid presence in the middle to team with Broderick Bunkley to help solidify the middle of the field and strengthen Denver's run defense. Kendall Wright could be an option, but I think Denver likes Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker.

26) Houston Texans - Alshon Jeffery, WR: They could also go for Dontari Poe here, but they should be satisfied with where their defense is at. Jeffery still has a lot of improvement he needs to do, but he has the potential to give the Texans a solid compliment to Andre Johnson.

27) New England Patriots (via Saints) - Kendall Wright, WR: The Patriots could address the defensive line here if they wish, but they also need a deep threat at WR. Wright would be the perfect solution to help bring a down-field threat and take attention away from the middle of the field.

28) Green Bay Packers - Whitney Mercilus, DE: Mercilus is a bit of a risky player in my mind, but the prospect of teaming him up with Clay Matthews and trying to terrorize QBs would be very enticing for the Packers.

29) Baltimore Ravens - Peter Konz, C: The Ravens need a center to take over for the aging Matt Birk. Konz, the best center in the class, would give the Ravens one of the best interior lines in the NFL if the Ravens can resign Ben Grubbs.

30) San Francisco 49ers - Mohamed Sanu, WR: Braylon Edwards didn't performed as good as San Francisco hoped and is now gone. The 49ers could test the free agent market, but if unable to land a WR, Sanu would be a good fit. He doesn't have elite speed, but he's fast enough to be a vertical threat. He has very good hands, runs good routes, and is physical enough to get off the line.

31) New England Patriots - Fletcher Cox, DE/DT: Cox can thrive as a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE. Cox has athleticism and superb strength. He has pass rushing moves, but he mostly depended on his bull rush while at Georgia. He is at a good weight for either position, but he's capable of adding more weight at the pro level. Adding him to play next to Mercilus would be a good way for New England to start patching up a poor defense, especially one that generates little pass rush.

32) New York Giants - Zebrie Sanders: The Giants offensive line has been going through transition. Look the once dominant offensive line to try and speed up their recovery by drafting Sanders. They'd love to have Glenn available and may look for Dwayne Allen at TE, but they probably feel they have enough weapons.

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Wow

Richardson is falling down the mock draft! If he slips to 12….how likely is it that the Patriots may be a trading partner? They’re notorious for dropping back and stock piling…but one of these years they’re going to shock everyone and move way up to nab a star that is falling down the boards, like Richardson. Seeing as they could use some RB help, maybe Richardson is their man? Rather see him on the Pats than the Jets. I only hope the worst for every Jet, outside of McElroy…but I don’t forsee him being a Jet next season after his comments, lol.

by Jared Maier on Feb 13, 2012 8:34 AM EST reply actions  

I don't think they're too likely unless Richardson falls further.

They drafted 2 RBs they like last year and they’d have to pay a bit to move up that high. I think Cincy and Cleveland would be the two teams to watch out for if Richardson falls to 12 or into the teens.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions  

Man...

I sure hope the Pats don’t get Kendall Wright. I think he might be one of the gems of this year’s draft.

by Drumzan on Feb 13, 2012 10:00 AM EST reply actions  

I wouldn't want Kendall in NE either.

I’d rather them take someone like Jeffery, who I think has a high bust potential. Wright gives them exactly what they need at WR. I don’t like that…

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions  

Think the Pats will go possession rcvr to replace Welker(FA and age) before nabbing a

speed rcvr.

Get the best man to clear every hurdle that stand in the Dolphins way, go RG3.
RG3, the new Transformer of the future.

by fin4three5yrs on Feb 13, 2012 7:08 PM EST up reply actions  

I doubt Welker leaves New England.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 7:55 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah thats not happening.

"Theyas no fawking qwatahback!"-Anonymous Patriots fan at seeing the Wildcat formation for the first time.

by texascowpunk on Feb 13, 2012 9:28 PM EST up reply actions  

The only way I will be disappointed in this draft is if the Phins take an OL at #8 (or #9)

My current man crush is Morris Claiborne. I think he would instantly upgrade the Phins secondary. He would play CB, then Davis or Smith (my preference would be Davis) could move to FS. That would be a sick secondary.

I am not sold on either Coples or Ingram as being a special type of pass rusher. At least not yet. I think pass rusher is hard to project from College to the NFL. Are either Coples or Ingram as good as JPP was in college? I don’t think so. Remember JPP was taken #15 and behind Brandon Graham in that draft. Graham didn’t register a sack last year and the Eagles signed two DE’s in FA to rush the passer prior to last year.

Besides Luck and RGIII, Claiborne is the only other “Sure Thing” in this draft, IMO.

"It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." MACBETH
"Walter, I love you, but sooner or later, you're going to have to face the fact you're a goddamn moron." THE DUDE (The Big Lebowski)

by ct1361 on Feb 13, 2012 12:26 PM EST reply actions  

I don't think they're any worse prospects than JPP

In fact, Ingram kind of resembles JPP. He has some similar burst and strength to JPP. The biggest knock on JPP was the lack of experience because he was a JUCO prospect. Like JPP, Ingram doesn’t have the long line of experience. In fact, comparing to when they entered/will enter the NFL, Ingram has better hands as well.

Coples is just as solid a prospect as well and talent wise, may even be a better prospect than both Ingram and JPP. He has experience to back it up unlike the other two, but his knock is maturity.

While Ingram and Coples are not JPP and shouldn’t be compared to JPP as far as their abilities, they aren’t any less of prospects than JPP was.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 12:54 PM EST up reply actions  

May I just add something to that and make a point about Coples?

I think why NFL teams are salivating the way they are over Coples has to do with a few things. Obviously there are his skills as a pass rusher (and I don’t think he has elite get-off, like a Julius Peppers, but he gets off of the snap quickly and can bull and speed rush), but teams love his measurables, his hip flexion and lateral movement as well as his play in space. When you draft a player you have to have a vision for that player. Teams envision Coples doing so many things. He has the awesome prototypical “long” measurables that teams love in a 5-tech (and I believe he could also play 3-tech). They are going to teach him how to cover (both in man and zone, primarily in zone), they are going to use him in Rover defenses as well as in Radar packages. In the Nickel he will be invaluable because they can play him as a Pass rushing outside Linebacker from the DE position which A. Helps disguise his role and B. Helps Coples on the edge in pass rush situations, being that he doesn’t have an elite get-off IMO.

That really is my only concern with him. There is the stuff about the dropoff in production from his Junior to Senior seasons but I am not too concerned about all of that. If you remember back to Senior Bowl week though, I thought he really struggled with the bigger, athletic Tackle’s once they got their hands on him and in the game Mike Adams really gave him fits. There are plenty of Tackle’s in the NFL like Adams which concerns me alittle, but Coples is still a great prospect because he is so good at so many things, and teams are going to use him in so many different roles.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Feb 13, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Coples

I’ll start with the dropoff in production because that is the easiest to explain. Coples was forced to move positions from DE to DT because of a suspension to Marvin Austion. When he moved back to DE last year, he was consistently double-teamed as he was the focus on UNC’s defensive front.

As for Coples learning to cover, I don’t have high hopes for him in coverage in a 3-4 scheme and I personally don’t feel like he’d do very well as a 3-4 OLB. That being said, I expect the Dolphins to be a more traditional 4-3 defense and I think there are more positives to Coples that you didn’t mention.

With Miami playing a 4-3, I can see Coples as a DE that can also line up inside at DT in nickel and dime packages if Miami wanted to. I don’t see that happening this year with some good penetrating DT options like Starks and Odrick (plus Miami doesn’t have a pass rushing DE at the spot if Coples slides over), but if Miami can get the personnel to do that, Coples could be a nightmare on the line. You can see the Giants doing that often when they would line up JPP, Tuck, Kiwanuka, and Umenyiora on the line at the same time. I would love it if Miami were to eventually get a personnel package similar to that.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions  

I don't think he will do very well as a 3-4 Outside Linebacker either.

If teams want to play him in the 3-4 they will play him in the 3 Tech (which I think he can play, he has the lateral burst, quickness inside and he is strong enough) although it will be somewhat unnatural, never mind a waste. I meant him playing Outside Linebacker (pass rush linebacker) only in the Nickel defenses where teams stand one or two Defensive Ends and play them as Linebackers. I forget the nickname of the package. It allows team more ability to disguise looks.

Coples is fast for his size, can close space quickly and has good make up speed, so teams are going to use him in pre-snap motion, to shield the Centers vision, disguise pressure, disguise coverage e.t.c. JPP is used this way sometimes, as is Tuck but the Giants are very strong on the line so they like to kind of just let them hunt.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Feb 13, 2012 5:50 PM EST up reply actions  

I am not quite sure how you are getting Outside Linebacker in the 3-4 though.

I said Outside Linebacker once, but only in the context of how teams will use Coples to take advantage of his measurables in Radar packages, Rover defenses e.t.c. and one such example (like how the Broncos use Von Miller) is to move that player around in the Nickel, playing him as an extra Linebacker so as to disguise coverage, pressure scheme e.t.c. I also understand that Miller played Outside Linebacker in college so the movement and duties come more naturally however, Coples will also be used in some of the same ways. He has the perfect measurables and his skillsets have to be utilized. These packages take advatage of his size, his straight line speed, make up quickness, lateral movement, ability to clos space e.t.c. and help create favorable matchups to make up for his slight deficiency in get off.

Thats all I was saying there.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Feb 14, 2012 7:24 AM EST up reply actions  

There is A LOT to like about Coples

but, I am taking a ‘buyer be ware’ approach to his draft stock right now. He has all the measureables you want in a defensive lineman. However, when I watch him play both in the ACC and at the Senior Bowl I do not see that potential transition to the field. I am concerned that he is only chasing the money right now. As the first pick of the Joe Philibin era the player has to be a pillar of the offense or defense (to steal an old Ireland quote). IF Miami goes defense I feel much safer with Melvin Ingram or Courtney Upshaw. IF Miami goes offense I like Riley Reiff, Jonathan Martin. Based on this Mock Draft I would consider trading down a couple of spots because some team will want to move up for Trent Richardson.

by bbickley on Feb 13, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions  

I also don't think the Dolphins will implement 3-4 packages either.

I never said anything about the Dolphins playing in the 3-4 defense. Was simply laying out some qualities that teams will utilize in the NFL.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Feb 13, 2012 9:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Not true.

I did mention him as a 3-tech which he can play IMO, if needed, but won’t in Miami.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Feb 13, 2012 9:40 PM EST up reply actions  

You have probably moved on to bigger and better things here but...

You are certainly right about the Giants front. Their rotation is incredible and they have players who can play both DE and Dt in Nickel, Dime and even 4-3 packages which makes it very difficult for an offense to adjust to any single threat. You mentioned JPP, Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka and Tuck but one of the central pieces to this rotation is also Chris Canty. In al three packages he can play DE and DT (and is especially dangerous when moved to DT because it allows the Giants to do so many things at DE). For example if Canty and Kinval Joseph are playing say the 1 and 3 tech spots, they can have Tuck/JPP at DE, they can have JPP/Umenyiora, Tuck/Umenyiora e.t.c. and the best part is that because the personnel is so compatible they can change the groupings during drives. The Giants are also exceptional with different Dawg pressure schemes which furtehr complicates the matchups.

As for Coples, there are certainly things I didn’t mention. I was only focusing on a few important areas that NFL teams will try to utilize. I also expect the Dolphins to be a traditional 4-3 defense (and I am fine with that, I love that style of defense), but as a team you have to put your people in the best positions to suceed. With Coples, I think he will greatly benefit from being used in motion defenses, Rover packages, and Radar looks because of his skillset and the matchups that one can create. I mentioned the Nickel package that the Broncos use for instance where they will play Miller/Dumervil as Outside Linebackers like a team would in the 3-4 with 3 down lineman. They are a very traditional defense, but they have implemented a package that helps them put their players in different spots so as to disguise looks, create matchups and get their players in space.

As for Coples dropoff, Marvin Austin’s entry to the NFL (congrats to the kid on getting a ring btw) surely played a big role and was one of the multiple factors along with the major losses to the lien over the past few season to the league (Robert Quinn) . The UNC program has been through alot in the past 24 months though and I believe that the multiple overhauls to the coaching staff played a role (for the whole team) as well.

I know you have left, but anyhow, interesting little conversation.

2008 AFC EAST Champions.

by civwarbuff on Feb 15, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions  

Agree about Morris

I am also – NOT sold on the top 2 DE prospects being impact pass rushers. but I would Add Blackmon as an impact player (little chance of getting him) – PLUS I like Kendall Wright a lot ! I think his speed would compliment Marshall very well…
Claiborne I think is “can’t miss” propect… like blackmon, and richardson. Jon Martin and Rieff are as well at Tackle – but not the impact of a PLAYMAKER on offense…

41 Year FIN FAN
Franchise QB... NOW !!! ...Draft Ryan Mallett ...Draft some Freakin speed for a change. WR & RB speed kills......

by 62Lou on Feb 13, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions  

Nice...

I love how you spend the entire Dolphins draft note talking about all the players it would be nice to have if they hadn’t already been drafted ahead of us. Nothing about the actual pick (Ingram).

I’m not sold on Ingram either. The biggest knock on him is his small arms/hands. Makes it harder for a pass rusher to fight thru blocks. And he wasn’t consistent thru out the season, especially on a D-line that also had Clowney and Taylor. I know there were injuries and stuff, but that sounds too much like a boom-or-bust prospect. At #8, I would rather see a more solid pick.

Maybe he proves the doubters wrong, but I’m just not sold on him…and obviously you aren’t either, or you would have written more about him than the prospects that Miami just misses.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Feb 13, 2012 1:36 PM EST reply actions  

I'm not going to spend too much time talking about the players...

Ingram and his strengths and weaknesses have been discussed plenty at length and will continue to be discussed for more months. I’m just posting options.

I’m not sold on Ingram, but don’t take the fact that I don’t speak that much on him that I don’t like him. He still has a lot of potential.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions  

Liking Ingram but I don't think he has the size to get his hands on passes thrown by the

qb while engaged with a blocking OL. Deflections are just as important than sacks.

Get the best man to clear every hurdle that stand in the Dolphins way, go RG3.
RG3, the new Transformer of the future.

by fin4three5yrs on Feb 13, 2012 7:13 PM EST up reply actions  

He does have potential.

I just think someone like Mercilus is a better DE prospect than Ingram. They could draft him at #8 or trade back and still draft him. If you’re going to take a risk on a 4-3 DE, might as well take the one with the biggest upside. IMO, that’s Mercilus. Giants took that risk last year with JPP…looks like it worked for them.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Feb 13, 2012 2:05 PM EST reply actions  

I actually think Mercilus has the biggest bust potential along with Jeffery.

Mercilus sells himself on the pass rush and that leaves himself very weak against the run because he blows his own assignments to try and make a sack. He’s also not overly athletic and can get stood up.

The Giants took a risk on someone with JPP who showed loads of potential, but lacked success at big programs because he was a 2-year standout at JUCO. Mercilus, like JPP, has one season of a lot of success at a solid program, but he is not nearly as refined as JPP was.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

He's not overly athletic?

He led the nation in sacks and forced fumbles and had good games against Ohio State and Wisconsin, two teams with potential first-round offensive linemen in this upcoming draft. You don’t do that without having athleticism.

I agree that he was weak against the run because he blew assignments to get the sack, but that can be corrected with coaching. You can’t coach speed & athleticism.

And I wouldn’t exactly call Illinois a solid football program. They’re ok, but it’s not like you see a bevy of talent coming out of Illinois. You can name three front seven defensive prospects coming out of South Carolina and several other programs. Besides Mercilus, you can’t name one from Illinois.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Feb 13, 2012 2:44 PM EST reply actions  

Yeah, not overly athletic

Mercilus has great effort, but he doesn’t have top end athleticism. He’s not nearly as athletic like Ingram or Coples.

As far as blowing assignments, it’s not about correcting it. I know he can correct it. When you go all out on the pass and neglect the run, you’re more likely to have better numbers against the pass. Would Mercilus have been as effective against the pass if he didn’t ignore his responsibilities against the run?

As for calling Illinois, they may not be a solid program (like USF for JPP), but they face much better competition than JUCOs do, which is where JPP played before he went to USF.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions  

Point taken on the JUCO competition.

My problem with Coples is that, like Brown, critics say he took plays off. That could be attributed to a UNC program that was still reeling from NCAA sanctions and the loss of their coach. Stuff like that can distract players and decrease morale.

by say_it_aint_so_JT on Feb 13, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Yeah, there are some concerns with his work ethic.

But he’s still a supremely talented player. If he were to land in Miami, I’d hope strong veteran leadership with the likes of Dansby, Burnett, Starks, Bell, and even Wake would help keep him in place. Kind of like how players were quick to call out Vontae Davis last year.

- Attempting to debate with a person who has abandoned reason is like giving medicine to the dead.
- Defeat isn't bitter if you don't swallow it.

Contributing Writer to the The Phinsider.

by Finhead83 on Feb 13, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions  

Yes Finhead

Good leadership from the vets, nice money from the FO, and effective teaching from the coaches should do Mr. Coples wonders.

Get the best man to clear every hurdle that stand in the Dolphins way, go RG3.
RG3, the new Transformer of the future.

by fin4three5yrs on Feb 13, 2012 7:16 PM EST up reply actions  

Why is everyone on here so high on Ryan Tannehill?

Is it because how much success andy dalton had?

I think the gingers achievement was more due to their stout D and A.J Green, making me lean more towards getting a new elite wr, for our new coach (who loves using 4 & 5 wr sets).

by Goobs4Life on Feb 14, 2012 12:31 AM EST reply actions  

I know that in many cases that its because they took the time to go look at his tapes.

"Theyas no fawking qwatahback!"-Anonymous Patriots fan at seeing the Wildcat formation for the first time.

by texascowpunk on Feb 14, 2012 6:08 AM EST up reply actions  

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