2015 Draft Lead Up Thread

[Frank Nova]

Is Shaq Thompson projected to be available at 30? He's been off my radar for awhile now because I just assumed he wouldn't be there when we picked. Denzel Perryman is still my #1 ILB and I like Stephone Anthony as my #2. I'm not really sold on any of the others tbh. 1 of Shaq, Perryman, Anthony would make me ecstatic. Marcus Peters is the only CB I'd draft at 30 with Waeyns guaranteed to be gone. I'd much rather take Shaq/Denzel/Stephone at 30 and Quentin Rollins at 62 then take Jalen Collins or Kevin Johnson at 30 if Peters is gone.

Right now I guess my short list would be:
1. Denzel Perryman
2. Marcus Peters
3. Shaq Thompson
4. Eddie Goldman
5. Stephone Anthony

I realize im probably way higher on Perryman than most but I just absolutely love his mean streak attitude on the field and the way he flies around trying to knock heads off. I find that to be a trait that we've lacked forever now and with the pathetic middle linebackers we've suffered through the past decade, someone like Perryman could change that immediately. With him rumored to be on New England's radar at 32 now I don't think 30 is a reach at all for him. Maybe im biased a bit because U football is my favorite since I'm a little kid but I just want a tough, mean middle linebacker that makes plays all over the field and puts fear into other teams and that's definitely Perryman above anyone else we could draft at 30. Especially at such a position of need and such an important position in general. Need to sure up the middle of the D in a major way.

[Profound23]

You never know with guys like Shaq. He could go in the middle of the 1st or slip down to the 2nd.

[zmanishere11]

The real question is where does little Cleo have all these guys ranked

[PkrsBcksGphsMqt]

Obligatory Gopher prospect post:

[tweet]https://twitter.com/GopherFootball/status/587653995826524160[/tweet]

[eagle13]

Trading down and taking PJ Williams and Stephone Anthony may be the way to go in this draft as none of the top ILB prospects have really stood out. EXCEPT many recent reports have distinguished UCLA’s Lance Kendrick in several key ways. He is reportedly the best in coverage by far as he is alledgedly quick and flexible enough to turn his hips, change direction and run with most RBs and TE’s. MOST. Coverage by the ILB in today’s game is pretty key especially against hurry up offenses that don’t allow substitutions. We’ve got Barrington to be the aggressive plug but we need the cover guy. Also Kendricks did in fact call the defensive signals and thrived in setting the defense. I know TT values this especially with Hawk who was our defensive signal caller now gone. Finally Lance also was statistically quite high at spontaneously shooting the correct gap and stuffing the tackle at the LOS. And he’s fast enough to pursue as well. His lone deficiency is rushing the passer. IMO while that is extremely important - we have lots of blitzers. And no one is saying he can’t develop a pass rush just that he wasn’t asked to do it much at UCLA. As a result of these scouting reports Kendicks is now my #1 ILB prospect at #30. Hopefully he remains.

With two added comp 6ths, I do trade our 5th, 6th and 7th for another 4th. Still have 7 picks.

1 IB Kendricks – good in coverage, setting the defense and defending the run
2 CB PJ Willams – good size, athletic, able to play press or zone - only still available because of antics
3 CB Shaw – 4.4 speed brings Shields to mind but Shaw is bigger and a willing tackler - but also has had antics
4 LT Hickey – we have no-one to backup LT except slide bulaga. TT thrives with OL in the 4th
4 DL Mbu – can play any spot in DL either inside and out. TT values versatility.
6 IB TJones – powerful at POA
6 TE Koyak – if he is still available he would be good value

[HKPackFan]

I can't remember if this was posted before, but I just caught this little bit of info:

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=10468

It was bandied about the internet the New York Jets spent a significant amount of time with Philip Dorsett. I can confirm this to be true. Besides the Jets the other team who has taking a liking to the speedy wide out are the Green Bay Packers.

Staying with the Pack, I’m told they are very high on Stephone Anthony, who would fill a need at inside linebacker. Anthony had 16 official visits at the combine and the first team he met with was Green Bay. I was informed Anthony is a favorite of defensive coordinator Dom Capers.

[HKPackFan]

Another couple guys who are on the Packers draft board:

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=10483

Quite possibly no defensive back is moving up draft boards faster than Eric Rowe of Utah.

As first reported two weeks ago, there’s a feeling Rowe will end up in the second half of round one and won’t get past the 40th pick. The teams I’m hearing highest on Rowe in round one include the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have doubled up on Rowe, that is worked him out and will bring him in for an official visit, as have the Detroit Lions, who believe Rowe can start at either safety or cornerback. ...

Getting back to the Green Bay Packers, immediately after the the combine I was told by several sources cornerback Kevin Johnson of Wake Forest is a player that have been targeting in round one....

Looking for a late round sleeper?? Turn towards Texas Southern cornerback Tray Walker, a player that was not on scouting sheets entering the season.

Watching the film Walker is an explosive, sudden player who loves to mix it up with opponents. He’s physical and fast but still a bit rough around the edges. Walker needs work on his backpedal but could easily line up as a nickel/dime back in zone packages. Walker measured a shade under 6-feet/3-inches and 190lbs on pro-day, averaging 4.47s in the forty and timing 6.7s in the 3-cone.

How busy is Walker? His visits list includes the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons, who’ll also be working him out.


It seems the Packers have their board of CBs and ILBs lined up. I'm OK with either in round one, I just hope if they go CB first, that ILB is not far behind.

[eagle13]

I’ve always liked Johnson and Anthony 1-2 but most pundits say Johnson will be gone.
If Johnson is gone then I like Kendricks / PJ Williams 1-2.
If Kendricks is gone I trade down and take Anthony and PJ Williams with two 2nds.

[MickeyDavis]

Thompson answers questions about the draft, past and present, and as usual doesn't say much

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/300933061.html

[HKPackFan]

This is from JSONLINE

BENARDRICK MCKINNEY, ILB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Seen by most as the No. 2 inside linebacker in the draft after Kendricks. But McKinney is 4 inches taller and 15 pounds heavier than Kendricks, and if Thompson wants a thumper, this would be his man.

McKinney (6-4, 246) will be one of the NFL's tallest middle linebackers, and he believes his size is a huge plus.

"It helped me quite a bit, just looking over the line of scrimmage, being long with a long wing span, getting off of tall, big offensive linemen, using my hands," McKinney said. "It helped me get a big advantage."

McKinney is raw, but a terrific athlete. McKinney ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 and has a 34-inch vertical leap. And after the Packers spent years watching A.J. Hawk get destroyed by bigger blockers, McKinney's ability to take on blocks would be a sight for sore eyes.

The knocks on McKinney are his coverage ability and overall awareness.

When asked his greatest weakness, McKinney said: "Covering and staying on the field on third down. I'm going to get better at that. So that's the only thing.



Are you ok with a 2 down ILB. A thumper? Even though it is a passing league....im OK with this.

I'm ok with a monster in the middle who is big enough to knock people around..who is big enough to prevent long runs. Who forces teams into 3rd and long situations. I'm tired of seeing light weight brad jones be tossed aside or aj hawk making tackles 4 yards downfield. I want a thumper. I want a guy thats going cause havoc in the run game. He's also quick for that size. We get into 3rd and long we have pass rush specialists like clay and peppers and daniels and nick perry who are supposed to clean up on 3rd down. Give me a hitter. I want a guy that's going to hit anyone crossing the LOS.

[BUCKnation]

We are a week away from the draft:

Who is everyone's top 5?

[Balls2TheWalls]

This is from JSONLINE

BENARDRICK MCKINNEY, ILB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Seen by most as the No. 2 inside linebacker in the draft after Kendricks. But McKinney is 4 inches taller and 15 pounds heavier than Kendricks, and if Thompson wants a thumper, this would be his man.

McKinney (6-4, 246) will be one of the NFL's tallest middle linebackers, and he believes his size is a huge plus.

"It helped me quite a bit, just looking over the line of scrimmage, being long with a long wing span, getting off of tall, big offensive linemen, using my hands," McKinney said. "It helped me get a big advantage."

McKinney is raw, but a terrific athlete. McKinney ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 and has a 34-inch vertical leap. And after the Packers spent years watching A.J. Hawk get destroyed by bigger blockers, McKinney's ability to take on blocks would be a sight for sore eyes.

The knocks on McKinney are his coverage ability and overall awareness.

When asked his greatest weakness, McKinney said: "Covering and staying on the field on third down. I'm going to get better at that. So that's the only thing.



Are you ok with a 2 down ILB. A thumper? Even though it is a passing league....im OK with this.

I'm ok with a monster in the middle who is big enough to knock people around..who is big enough to prevent long runs. Who forces teams into 3rd and long situations. I'm tired of seeing light weight brad jones be tossed aside or aj hawk making tackles 4 yards downfield. I want a thumper. I want a guy thats going cause havoc in the run game. He's also quick for that size. We get into 3rd and long we have pass rush specialists like clay and peppers and daniels and nick perry who are supposed to clean up on 3rd down. Give me a hitter. I want a guy that's going to hit anyone crossing the LOS.

If you want a 2 down thumper, I think you take Perryman. Perryman tackles with great form, comes downhill at runs, and delivers harsh blows. He can't do anything in coverage, but if you want a 2 down Mike, then Perryman would be my #1 linebacker.

[eagle13]

This is from JSONLINE

BENARDRICK MCKINNEY, ILB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Seen by most as the No. 2 inside linebacker in the draft after Kendricks. But McKinney is 4 inches taller and 15 pounds heavier than Kendricks, and if Thompson wants a thumper, this would be his man.

McKinney (6-4, 246) will be one of the NFL's tallest middle linebackers, and he believes his size is a huge plus.

"It helped me quite a bit, just looking over the line of scrimmage, being long with a long wing span, getting off of tall, big offensive linemen, using my hands," McKinney said. "It helped me get a big advantage."

McKinney is raw, but a terrific athlete. McKinney ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 and has a 34-inch vertical leap. And after the Packers spent years watching A.J. Hawk get destroyed by bigger blockers, McKinney's ability to take on blocks would be a sight for sore eyes.

The knocks on McKinney are his coverage ability and overall awareness.

When asked his greatest weakness, McKinney said: "Covering and staying on the field on third down. I'm going to get better at that. So that's the only thing.



Are you ok with a 2 down ILB. A thumper? Even though it is a passing league....im OK with this.

I'm ok with a monster in the middle who is big enough to knock people around..who is big enough to prevent long runs. Who forces teams into 3rd and long situations. I'm tired of seeing light weight brad jones be tossed aside or aj hawk making tackles 4 yards downfield. I want a thumper. I want a guy thats going cause havoc in the run game. He's also quick for that size. We get into 3rd and long we have pass rush specialists like clay and peppers and daniels and nick perry who are supposed to clean up on 3rd down. Give me a hitter. I want a guy that's going to hit anyone crossing the LOS.

If you want a 2 down thumper, I think you take Perryman. Perryman tackles with great form, comes downhill at runs, and delivers harsh blows. He can't do anything in coverage, but if you want a 2 down Mike, then Perryman would be my #1 linebacker.

Either of those guys would be great in the 2nd round - though I prefer Anthony or Shaq Thmpson if there at 2nd. But not interested in a 2 down one dimensional player in the 1st. Kendricks is only ILB I'd consider at 30 and I'm not 100%.

[HKPackFan]

This is from JSONLINE

BENARDRICK MCKINNEY, ILB, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Seen by most as the No. 2 inside linebacker in the draft after Kendricks. But McKinney is 4 inches taller and 15 pounds heavier than Kendricks, and if Thompson wants a thumper, this would be his man.

McKinney (6-4, 246) will be one of the NFL's tallest middle linebackers, and he believes his size is a huge plus.

"It helped me quite a bit, just looking over the line of scrimmage, being long with a long wing span, getting off of tall, big offensive linemen, using my hands," McKinney said. "It helped me get a big advantage."

McKinney is raw, but a terrific athlete. McKinney ran the 40-yard dash in 4.66 and has a 34-inch vertical leap. And after the Packers spent years watching A.J. Hawk get destroyed by bigger blockers, McKinney's ability to take on blocks would be a sight for sore eyes.

The knocks on McKinney are his coverage ability and overall awareness.

When asked his greatest weakness, McKinney said: "Covering and staying on the field on third down. I'm going to get better at that. So that's the only thing.



Are you ok with a 2 down ILB. A thumper? Even though it is a passing league....im OK with this.

I'm ok with a monster in the middle who is big enough to knock people around..who is big enough to prevent long runs. Who forces teams into 3rd and long situations. I'm tired of seeing light weight brad jones be tossed aside or aj hawk making tackles 4 yards downfield. I want a thumper. I want a guy thats going cause havoc in the run game. He's also quick for that size. We get into 3rd and long we have pass rush specialists like clay and peppers and daniels and nick perry who are supposed to clean up on 3rd down. Give me a hitter. I want a guy that's going to hit anyone crossing the LOS.

If you want a 2 down thumper, I think you take Perryman. Perryman tackles with great form, comes downhill at runs, and delivers harsh blows. He can't do anything in coverage, but if you want a 2 down Mike, then Perryman would be my #1 linebacker.

Either of those guys would be great in the 2nd round - though I prefer Anthony or Shaq Thmpson if there at 2nd. But not interested in a 2 down one dimensional player in the 1st. Kendricks is only ILB I'd consider at 30 and I'm not 100%.

I'm not sure they last to the end of the 2nd round. I'm not an expert on the draft, but it reminds me of the wishful thinking that Borland would be around by the late 3rd round when we pick. Although that's a moot point now. Only one more week of all this speculation..

[raysbookclub]

If you want a 2 down thumper, I think you take Perryman. Perryman tackles with great form, comes downhill at runs, and delivers harsh blows. He can't do anything in coverage, but if you want a 2 down Mike, then Perryman would be my #1 linebacker.

I really like Perryman too.

My top 5 guesses for pick #30 are: ILB Kendricks, CB Jones, CB Collins, CB Johnson, or a trade down into the high 2nd round.

If they don't take Kendricks at #30, then would be happy to see them picking Perryman later in the 2nd or in the 3rd round. I doubt he goes in the top 45, being seen as a two-down ILB.

[ReasonablySober]

I'm amazed that Tampa appears to be set on taking Winston over Mariota.

[MickeyDavis]

Agreed. You have to put aside the local connection. You can't afford to get this pick wrong.

[MickeyDavis]

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/301153001.html

List of all of TT's draft day trades. Interesting reading

We got some good players by draft day trades, Clay of course but also Jennings, Jordy, Hayward, Lacy, Bakhtiari

[Balls2TheWalls]

If you want a 2 down thumper, I think you take Perryman. Perryman tackles with great form, comes downhill at runs, and delivers harsh blows. He can't do anything in coverage, but if you want a 2 down Mike, then Perryman would be my #1 linebacker.

I really like Perryman too.

My top 5 guesses for pick #30 are: ILB Kendricks, CB Jones, CB Collins, CB Johnson, or a trade down into the high 2nd round.

If they don't take Kendricks at #30, then would be happy to see them picking Perryman later in the 2nd or in the 3rd round. I doubt he goes in the top 45, being seen as a two-down ILB.

If you want Perryman, 30 is too early, and our 2nd pick is too late. We would for sure have to trade up in the 2nd round to get him.

[raysbookclub]

If you want a 2 down thumper, I think you take Perryman. Perryman tackles with great form, comes downhill at runs, and delivers harsh blows. He can't do anything in coverage, but if you want a 2 down Mike, then Perryman would be my #1 linebacker.

I really like Perryman too.

My top 5 guesses for pick #30 are: ILB Kendricks, CB Jones, CB Collins, CB Johnson, or a trade down into the high 2nd round.

If they don't take Kendricks at #30, then would be happy to see them picking Perryman later in the 2nd or in the 3rd round. I doubt he goes in the top 45, being seen as a two-down ILB.

If you want Perryman, 30 is too early, and our 2nd pick is too late. We would for sure have to trade up in the 2nd round to get him.

Yeah you might be right, but I think there's a chance his lack of coverage ability and his not-great combine #s might let him drop just enough.

The 2013 draft agrees with you. Mid 2nd rounders were Kevin Minter (45th), Alonso, Bostic, Arthur Brown (56th pick).

But last year, Mosley and Shazier went high as 3-down guys, but then it was Borland and Preston Brown as the next ILBs in the early 3rd round.