The Official NFL Draft Thread

[SoCalPat]

Just so we all know where you stand, predict where Star and Ziggy will go, plus who you think your NFL team of choice will take and who they should take.

Star: No. 4 to Philly. Based on what little I've heard, most of the teams immediately following Philly don't have an overriding need for a hole-plugging nose tackle. If not Philly, then we could see Carolina dip into the Utah pipeline again at No. 14.

Ziggy: He's such a wild-card in so many respects that it's difficult to peg where he'll land. Is he best suited as an outside pass rusher in a 4-3, or as OLB in a 3-4? Buffalo, NY Jets, San Diego and Tampa Bay could all be potential landing spots. Given Ansah's background, he needs friends in the locker room that share his beliefs to ease the transition. I'll go with San Diego.

Buffalo: The Bills need help at LB more than any other team in the league, but the top LB prospects don't warrant going at No. 8, save for Ansah and you've got to be sold on his being able to reach his ceiling (If you knew he could, he'd go No. 1 overall). They are really intrigued with Ansah, which is saying something because Buffalo rarely looks to Western schools in the draft. Even with Kevin Kolb, I think they'll address QB later in the draft. They did lose Andy Levitre to the Titans, and this is a draft heavy in O-line prospects. That said, Levitre was a guard, so do you use such a high pick on a guard? They could also use a bonafide No. 2 wideout. (For a team that went 6-10, the Bills are very well off at some key positions, most notably D-line, the secondary, tight end and running back). The Bills are in a good position in that they can afford to trade down; trouble is, what player could be available that's worth trading up to No. 8 for? Ansah would be a bold pick, but short of trading down, I see the Bills going with the BA O-lineman, and relying on the coaching staff to mix and match to cover up for Levitre's loss.

[concerned]

Just so we all know where you stand, predict where Star and Ziggy will go, plus who you think your NFL team of choice will take and who they should take.

Star: No. 4 to Philly. Based on what little I've heard, most of the teams immediately following Philly don't have an overriding need for a hole-plugging nose tackle. If not Philly, then we could see Carolina dip into the Utah pipeline again at No. 14.

Ziggy: He's such a wild-card in so many respects that it's difficult to peg where he'll land. Is he best suited as an outside pass rusher in a 4-3, or as OLB in a 3-4? Buffalo, NY Jets, San Diego and Tampa Bay could all be potential landing spots. Given Ansah's background, he needs friends in the locker room that share his beliefs to ease the transition. I'll go with San Diego.

Buffalo: The Bills need help at LB more than any other team in the league, but the top LB prospects don't warrant going at No. 8, save for Ansah and you've got to be sold on his being able to reach his ceiling (If you knew he could, he'd go No. 1 overall). They are really intrigued with Ansah, which is saying something because Buffalo rarely looks to Western schools in the draft. Even with Kevin Kolb, I think they'll address QB later in the draft. They did lose Andy Levitre to the Titans, and this is a draft heavy in O-line prospects. That said, Levitre was a guard, so do you use such a high pick on a guard? They could also use a bonafide No. 2 wideout. (For a team that went 6-10, the Bills are very well off at some key positions, most notably D-line, the secondary, tight end and running back). The Bills are in a good position in that they can afford to trade down; trouble is, what player could be available that's worth trading up to No. 8 for? Ansah would be a bold pick, but short of trading down, I see the Bills going with the BA O-lineman, and relying on the coaching staff to mix and match to cover up for Levitre's loss.

FWIW, I have read that the Raiders at 3 have need at NT and interest in Star too, but perhaps not as much as Philly. But they may go with the Florida DT instead.

[DrumNFeather]

I think we see Star go #3 or #4...if not, someone is getting a helluva player outside of the top 5.

I've read that Ansah could go as high as #2 to Jacksonville...but I'll say he goes to Detroit at 5 and won't drop past Cleveland at 6.

The Redskins don't have a first rounder, so they'll be looking at Safety or Corner in round 2 at #51. Hopefully if there isn't someone that they must have there, there will be a team interested in trading up for one of those second round QBs. I wouldn't mind seeing them take the Honey Badger in the third round if he's on the board in the 3rd.

[SoCalPat]

I think we see Star go #3 or #4...if not, someone is getting a helluva player outside of the top 5.

I've read that Ansah could go as high as #2 to Jacksonville...but I'll say he goes to Detroit at 5 and won't drop past Cleveland at 6.

The Redskins don't have a first rounder, so they'll be looking at Safety or Corner in round 2 at #51. Hopefully if there isn't someone that they must have there, there will be a team interested in trading up for one of those second round QBs. I wouldn't mind seeing them take the Honey Badger in the third round if he's on the board in the 3rd.

It would be so like Mike Shanahan to take Mathieu and eclipse his pick of Maurice Clarett as the worst draft pick ever made.

[DrumNFeather]

It would be so like Mike Shanahan to take Mathieu and eclipse his pick of Maurice Clarett as the worst draft pick ever made.

Haha...sure, he couldn't change Haynesworth...but he can change Mathieu!

[utebehindenemylines]

I think Star goes to Philly at 4.

Ansah will go to Detroit at 5.

As for my 49ers, since we have 14 picks in this year's draft, I'd like to see up move up to take Tavon Austin. I think he'd work well in the pistol/option game as he is a Percy Harvin type. If we don't move up I'd like us to take Johnathon Cyprien, safety from Florida Atlantic. I think Matt Elam from Florida would be a good option as well.

[utebehindenemylines]

if you're the Lions, you can't afford for this first round choice to be a bust.

Good point. The Lions became famous for this.

[Bacana Ute]

Most of what I am reading has Star going to the Eagles, probably not a bad landing spot other than the fans are ruthless.
I wonder where Joe ends up, Kiper had him going in the third round to the Cowboys the other day. I think Joe has a much better pro career than his college career. As for Ansah, I have just never been sold on the guy, he is obviously a workout wonder and dominated at the senior bowl, but at the same time he reeks of Vernon Gholston in my opinion. Guy who has all the tools and was able to dominate against college competition but just couldn't put it together in the pros.

[Tacoma Ute]

I think we see Star go #3 or #4...if not, someone is getting a helluva player outside of the top 5.

I've read that Ansah could go as high as #2 to Jacksonville...but I'll say he goes to Detroit at 5 and won't drop past Cleveland at 6.

The Redskins don't have a first rounder, so they'll be looking at Safety or Corner in round 2 at #51. Hopefully if there isn't someone that they must have there, there will be a team interested in trading up for one of those second round QBs. I wouldn't mind seeing them take the Honey Badger in the third round if he's on the board in the 3rd.

Can you imagine how great the Redskins would be if they had a secondary like Seattle does? The secondary is the only thing that keeps me from thinking we have a chance to win it all. I think the Skins win 10 or 11 and take the division again but the glaring holes in the defensive backfield will keep them from doing much in the playoffs.

I wouldn't mind if they rolled the dice for the Honey Badger. If they can keep him under control he could be a great pickup. I think of the case of Vontaze Burfict. Everyone, including myself, thought he wasn't going to even make a team. He ended up being an undrafted stud for the Bengals.

[UtahDan]

Can you imagine how great the Redskins would be if they had a secondary like Seattle does? The secondary is the only thing that keeps me from thinking we have a chance to win it all. I think the Skins win 10 or 11 and take the division again but the glaring holes in the defensive backfield will keep them from doing much in the playoffs.

I wouldn't mind if they rolled the dice for the Honey Badger. If they can keep him under control he could be a great pickup. I think of the case of Vontaze Burfict. Everyone, including myself, thought he wasn't going to even make a team. He ended up being an undrafted stud for the Bengals.

I think that unless Griffin is much healthier than I think he will be early that the first half of the year will be rough. We counted on scoring a lot of points last year. I will be pleasantly surprised if 2013 is not a temporary step back.

[DrumNFeather]

I think that unless Griffin is much healthier than I think he will be early that the first half of the year will be rough. We counted on scoring a lot of points last year. I will be pleasantly surprised if 2013 is not a temporary step back.

I agree with the caveat that I think they get somewhat of a break with their early season schedule (we've got a long way to go until then). I don't see Vick finding the fountain of youth in Philly and Detroit and Oakland are both winnable games as well. Even if Griffin doesn't start the season, which I think he will, but even if he doesn't, if Cousins can keep things afloat until he comes back, I see it as a two horse race. Philly imploded last year and is now in year one of a rebuild, and Dallas signed its death certificate with Romo's extension.

[Tacoma Ute]

I agree with the caveat that I think they get somewhat of a break with their early season schedule (we've got a long way to go until then). I don't see Vick finding the fountain of youth in Philly and Detroit and Oakland are both winnable games as well. Even if Griffin doesn't start the season, which I think he will, but even if he doesn't, if Cousins can keep things afloat until he comes back, I see it as a two horse race. Philly imploded last year and is now in year one of a rebuild, and Dallas signed its death certificate with Romo's extension.

I was thrilled when Dallas signed Romo and also when they kept Garrett. I think we stay ahead of Dallas, although they might beat us down there. It's hard to know which Giants team is going to show up week in and week out. They might go 8-8 or they might return to the Super Bowl. I think we will edge them out for the division.

[Applejack]

This DeezNews article/slide show has some interesting predictions: http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1461/...uger-Utah.html

In addition to Star and JoeK, it lists the following as likely draft picks:
Sam Brenner - mid rounds
Dave Kruger - late rounds
DeVo Christopher - mid rounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brenner I could see, and maybe, MAYBE, someone takes a flier on Dave Kruger, but has anyone other than this anonymous staff writer for the Deseret News seriously suggested that DeVo is going to be drafted? Am I missing something?

[Jarid in Cedar]

This DeezNews article/slide show has some interesting predictions: http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1461/...uger-Utah.html

In addition to Star and JoeK, it lists the following as likely draft picks:
Sam Brenner - mid rounds
Dave Kruger - late rounds
DeVo Christopher - mid rounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brenner I could see, and maybe, MAYBE, someone takes a flier on Dave Kruger, but has anyone other than this anonymous staff writer for the Deseret News seriously suggested that DeVo is going to be drafted? Am I missing something?

DVC is an UDFA. I would be shocked to see his name called on draft day. Same with Dave. Brenner could get drafted ahead of other more talented players due to his versatility. You could see a team pick him up as a 8th or 9th lineman that could plug in depth at 2 or 3 line positions.

[Bacana Ute]

This DeezNews article/slide show has some interesting predictions: http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1461/...uger-Utah.html

In addition to Star and JoeK, it lists the following as likely draft picks:
Sam Brenner - mid rounds
Dave Kruger - late rounds
DeVo Christopher - mid rounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brenner I could see, and maybe, MAYBE, someone takes a flier on Dave Kruger, but has anyone other than this anonymous staff writer for the Deseret News seriously suggested that DeVo is going to be drafted? Am I missing something?

Yes you are, DVC is a true team player, a leader in the locker room, practices hard, plays hard every down, and an all around great WR. Yeah that is pretty funny, I think the guy is lucky if he gets an invite to someone's camp. I don't see Dave getting drafted but I would assume he at least gets a camp invite. Brenner wouldn't surprise me if he goes in round 6 or 7. I think Reggie Dunn has a better chance of getting drafted that those 3 and if he does it will be a late round pick as well.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Yes you are, DVC is a true team player, a leader in the locker room, practices hard, plays hard every down, and an all around great WR. Yeah that is pretty funny, I think the guy is lucky if he gets an invite to someone's camp. I don't see Dave getting drafted but I would assume he at least gets a camp invite. Brenner wouldn't surprise me if he goes in round 6 or 7. I think Reggie Dunn has a better chance of getting drafted that those 3 and if he does it will be a late round pick as well.

Agree on all points

[UtahsMrSports]

This DeezNews article/slide show has some interesting predictions: http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1461/...uger-Utah.html

In addition to Star and JoeK, it lists the following as likely draft picks:
Sam Brenner - mid rounds
Dave Kruger - late rounds
DeVo Christopher - mid rounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brenner I could see, and maybe, MAYBE, someone takes a flier on Dave Kruger, but has anyone other than this anonymous staff writer for the Deseret News seriously suggested that DeVo is going to be drafted? Am I missing something?

I saw that same article and got a kick out of it as well.

The last few rounds of the NFL draft are the same as the second round of the NBA draft. Such a crapshoot. Who would have thought that Matt Reynolds would go undrafted? I think after Star, I think Joe K gets drafted. Beyond that, I think we have a few guys who are a complete question mark. Itll be fun to see!

[DrumNFeather]

I saw that same article and got a kick out of it as well.

The last few rounds of the NFL draft are the same as the second round of the NBA draft. Such a crapshoot. Who would have thought that Matt Reynolds would go undrafted? I think after Star, I think Joe K gets drafted. Beyond that, I think we have a few guys who are a complete question mark. Itll be fun to see!

If he's right and Brenner fits that zone blocking scheme, then let's bring him to DC!

[Applejack]

Yes you are, DVC is a true team player, a leader in the locker room, practices hard, plays hard every down, and an all around great WR. Yeah that is pretty funny, I think the guy is lucky if he gets an invite to someone's camp. I don't see Dave getting drafted but I would assume he at least gets a camp invite. Brenner wouldn't surprise me if he goes in round 6 or 7. I think Reggie Dunn has a better chance of getting drafted that those 3 and if he does it will be a late round pick as well.

I agree on Reggie Runn, but I have not seen anyone talking about him as a draft pick. Maybe he is too specialized to waste a pick.

[Bacana Ute]

I saw that same article and got a kick out of it as well.

The last few rounds of the NFL draft are the same as the second round of the NBA draft. Such a crapshoot. Who would have thought that Matt Reynolds would go undrafted? I think after Star, I think Joe K gets drafted. Beyond that, I think we have a few guys who are a complete question mark. Itll be fun to see!

The entire draft this year is looking like it may be somewhat of a crapshoot. There isn't really the surefire superstar players coming out of college in this year's draft. There really seems to be questions at the top of the draft with teams desperately trying to trade down into what appears to be weak draft at the top but solid through the middle. Watch that article be right and DVC does get drafted.

[Applejack]

Good return specialists should be a higher priority for teams. A few extra big returns per season can make a big difference. And, if you have a great returner, you should think twice about moving him to WR. Worked well for Steve Smith, not so well for Devin Hester. Jury's still out on Desean Jackson.

Reggie will never be a receiver, I fear.

[Bacana Ute]

Good return specialists should be a higher priority for teams. A few extra big returns per season can make a big difference. And, if you have a great returner, you should think twice about moving him to WR. Worked well for Steve Smith, not so well for Devin Hester. Jury's still out on Desean Jackson.

I wonder if there will be a decline in priority placed on return specialists due to the recent rules with kickoffs. It seems like the NFL is trying to limit the return game due to high speed violent collisions involved. Still even the Super Bowl return by Jones proves that teams are willing to return the ball even if it is kicked 9 yards deep into the end zone.

[UBlender]

No mention of Ryan Lacy in this thread? He continues to be underrated even after his playing days finished! After Star and Joe, I like Lacy about as much as anyone else to be drafted. No idea if he will but in my opinion he has a better chance than several others who are being talked about.

[Applejack]

No mention of Ryan Lacy in this thread? He continues to be underrated even after his playing days finished! After Star and Joe, I like Lacy about as much as anyone else to be drafted. No idea if he will but in my opinion he has a better chance than several others who are being talked about.

I'm glad you mentioned him. After the season I would have put him as having our second strongest NFL potential (before young Kruger declared). I think he stands a could shot to make a team whether or not he is drafted. Personally, I think Dave Kruger is a really long shot to make a squad.

[DrumNFeather]

Scouts just published a 7 round Mock Draft where Joe Kruger goes undrafted. I sure hope that's not the case.

[Tacoma Ute]

Scouts just published a 7 round Mock Draft where Joe Kruger goes undrafted. I sure hope that's not the case.

I think he goes early in the 4th.

[UtahsMrSports]

Scouts just published a 7 round Mock Draft where Joe Kruger goes undrafted. I sure hope that's not the case.

Lol! Anyone who comes up with a 7 round mock has WAYYYYYYYYYYYY too much time on their hands or theyre trying to troll, or both.

[DrumNFeather]

Lol! Anyone who comes up with a 7 round mock has WAYYYYYYYYYYYY too much time on their hands or theyre trying to troll, or both.

But the fans WANT to know which Guard out of a DIII school their team is taking in the 6th round!

[DrumNFeather]

Rumors swirling today that the Chiefs are leaning towards Eric Fisher from CMU at #1.

[Hot Lunch]

I haven't had much time lately to contribute to this thread, I just want to say that I love the NFL draft. The first 3 round might be my favorite sporting event of the year. It is the ultimate football discussion for 10 to 12 hours.

Can't wait for tonight.