506 replies to this topic

[SoxScout]

There is expected to be a mass exodus out of college football for players eligible to declare early this year with the possibility of a rookie wage scale in 2011.

Mock Drafts:
nfldraftdog.com
walterfootball.com
draftcountdown.com
newnfldraft.com
fftoolbox.com
nfldraftsite.com
nepatriotsdraft.com
NFLDraftScout player rankings
Patriots mock draft database

Other Links:
ESPN.com Draft Page

Round 1 -- 22nd overall
Round 2 -- 44th overall (from Jacksonville)
Round 2 -- 47th overall (from Tennessee)
Round 2 -- 53rd overall
Round 4 -- 119th overall
Round 6 -- 190th overall
Round 6 -- 205th overall (compensatory)
Round 7 -- 229th overall
Round 7 -- 231st overall (from Philadelphia, through Denver, New England)
Round 7 -- 247th overall (compensatory)
Round 7 -- 248th overall (compensatory)
Round 7 -- 250th overall (compensatory)

Edited by SoxScout, 24 March 2010 - 05:56 PM.

[SoxScout]

Joining Sam Bradford and Dez Bryant in the 2010 draft will be...

Jimmy Clausen enrolled at Notre Dame to learn about the NFL. Looks like he's learned enough.

Following the advice of deposed Irish coach Charlie Weis, Clausen has decided to forgo his senior season and enter this April's draft. Rated as perhaps the top quarterback in this year's class, he is believed to be coveted by St. Louis, Cleveland and Washington -- three teams that will conceivably pick in the top 5.

"After the season, in talking to my parents and obviously Coach Weis, I jut feel it's the right time,'' Clausen told ESPN.com Monday before a scheduled 2 p.m. news conference in South Bend. "Coach Weis told me whether he was going to be here or not be here, it was time for me to go. He thought I've improved so much since I came to Notre Dame. So, I'm taking his advice, and I'm going to head out.''

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4721703

Edited by SoxScout, 07 December 2009 - 12:36 PM.

[redinchicago]

Didn't Dez White play for Georgia Tech a while back? I know you meant Dez Bryant. Just found it funny that Dez White was written in. I haven't heard that name in a while.

[templeUsox]

Michigan's Donovan Warren will most likely be declaring.

[SoxScout]

Didn't Dez White play for Georgia Tech a while back? I know you meant Dez Bryant. Just found it funny that Dez White was written in. I haven't heard that name in a while.

Jesus, White hasn't even been in the NFL since 2005, I have no idea where my brain came up with that one.

[Mystic Merlin]

Didn't Dez White play for Georgia Tech a while back? I know you meant Dez Bryant. Just found it funny that Dez White was written in. I haven't heard that name in a while.

I've been making this mistake for months.

[redinchicago]

Michigan's Donovan Warren will most likely be declaring.

That's correct and somewhat of a mistake, IMO. I'll be surprised if tests well in the athletic drills. He's got decent awareness and ball skills, but does not have good feet or straight line speed. I think he moves to Free Safety a year or 2 into the NFL.

[FullaPoloni]

There is expected to be a mass exodus out of college football for players eligible to declare early this year with the possibility of a rookie wage scale in 2011.

2010 NFL Draft: Underclassmen Watch List

Mock Drafts:
nfldraftdog.com
walterfootball.com
draftcountdown.com
newnfldraft.com
fftoolbox.com
nfldraftsite.com
nepatriotsdraft.com
NFLDraftScout player rankings
Patriots mock draft database

Other Links:
ESPN.com Draft Page

hailredskins.com has a link to just about every mockdraft out there

[templeUsox]

Any team which gets Golden Tate anywhere in the draft is getting a steal. If the Eagles hadn't used two early picks on receivers the last two years, I would want them to draft him. He's a sure-thing as far as I'm concerned.

[ElcaballitoMVP]

According to ESPN, Jake Locker is returning for his senior year. He was being looked at as a top 10 type prospect if he came out this year. This will likely raise the stock of Claussen, Bradford, etc. with one less top QB prospect off the board.

I think this is a good move for Locker, he needs more time in college to develop as a QB. So long as he stays healthy, he'll be one of the top QB's off the board next year and be a better player having stayed and developed another season at Washington. I'm sure he'll get himself a nice little insurance policy just in case, anyway.

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4741959

This means one less guy available at the top of the draft board. It'll be interesting to see how teams adjust.

[bowiac]

I think this is a good move for Locker, he needs more time in college to develop as a QB. So long as he stays healthy, he'll be one of the top QB's off the board next year and be a better player having stayed and developed another season at Washington. I'm sure he'll get himself a nice little insurance policy just in case, anyway.

Are you familiar with any players having actually gotten such insurance?

[RIrooter09]

Are you familiar with any players having actually gotten such insurance?

Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, and Lendale White to name a few.

[ElcaballitoMVP]

Are you familiar with any players having actually gotten such insurance?

A quick google search reveals:

Reggie Bush: http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=2280160

Colt McCoy: http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4356869

Tim Tebow, along with a history of similar players dating back to 1981 when Hershel Walker took out a $1M policy:

http://sportsillustr...ies1/index.html

Really, it's been happening for a while now.

[SoxScout]

Pure insanity. Sarkisian will definitely help him, but he is a mortal lock to be Top 5 and would most likely be #1. The risk is just too great, insurance or not, he should be at API right now getting ready for Pro Day and the Combine.

[Shelterdog]

Pure insanity. Sarkisian will definitely help him, but he is a mortal lock to be Top 5 and would most likely be #1. The risk is just too great, insurance or not, he should be at API right now getting ready for Pro Day and the Combine.

Here's hoping he has an amazing 2010 and the raiders go 0-16!

[templeUsox]

He did get a 6-figure signing bonus just for committing to the Angels if he ever plays baseball. Not like it's going to set him up for life, but it should be enough to supply alcohol on campus for another season.

Edited by templeUsox, 15 December 2009 - 03:49 AM.

[Pandemonium67]

Locker might really benefit from the extra year in college. He missed most of last year with the thumb, and until this year he was pretty much the kind of run-first QB that's not ready for the pros. He made big strides as a passer in his one year with Sarkisian. The thinking is that one more year here will better position him for the long term.

As a UW fan, this makes me very happy in the pants.

[SoxScout]

Illinois junior wide receiver Arrelious Benn will declare later Wednesday that he is entering the NFL draft, sources briefed on the player's decision told ESPN's Joe Schad.

Benn is the third-ranked receiver by Todd McShay of Scouts Inc., behind Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant and Notre Dame's Golden Tate. Benn is ranked No. 33 overall on Scouts' list of draft prospects.

http://sports.espn.g...ce=NCFHeadlines

[Infield Infidel]

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4754776

Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle Gerald McCoy has decided to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

The school announced McCoy's decision Friday. He said he made his decision around midseason when he realized he would have enough college credits to graduate.

[cgori]

If you read the Simmons-Gladwell column on Friday, Gladwell referred to a paper by Massey & Thaler regarding the value of draft picks. I'm reading it right now and I'm only about half-way through it but it seems like very interesting reading. Here's the link: paper

I'd be curious to see what others think, but it seems like another one of those papers that you could ask Belichick about and he would have already read it.

EDIT: The paper gives a semi-shout-out to the Patriots and their handling of the draft in the '02-'06 timeframe in its conclusion. I'm almost certain the FO must be aware of it.

Edited by cgori, 20 December 2009 - 01:04 AM.

[SoxScout]

Fresno State junior running back Ryan Mathews will enter the NFL draft, sources close to the situation said Monday.

Mathews led the nation in rushing during the regular season, averaging 151.3 yards per game.

Mathews, 5-11, 220 pounds, had 31 rushes for 144 yards in Fresno's 35-28 overtime New Mexico Bowl loss to Wyoming.

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4761924

A Jonathan Stewart-type back would be nice in New England.

[jsinger121]

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4761924

A Jonathan Stewart-type back would be nice in New England.

I'd say he is high up on the Pats board especially with the Pat Hill connection.

[Chemistry Schmemistry]

Workout warrior Donovan Warren of Michigan declared: http://www.annarbor....-at-this-point/

Dumb decision. He was constantly out of position this season, did not play up to his ability. He's relying on a fantastic combine to get into the second round. Not sure it will make a huge difference even with a tight rookie wage scale. It would still be far better to go in the second round in 2011 than the third round in 2010.

[redinchicago]

Workout warrior Donovan Warren of Michigan declared: http://www.annarbor....-at-this-point/

Dumb decision. He was constantly out of position this season, did not play up to his ability. He's relying on a fantastic combine to get into the second round. Not sure it will make a huge difference even with a tight rookie wage scale. It would still be far better to go in the second round in 2011 than the third round in 2010.

Really? Workout warrior? I've never read that with Warren. Maybe with Woolfolk. I think he doesn't do well in combine, agility drills. I think he is best suited for a cover 2 corner or FS. He has good instincts (one of the few on the defense) and ball skills. But lacks foot speed and top end speed to play as a cover corner.

Brandon Graham, on the other hand, is the best defensive player Michigan's had (IMO) since Charles Woodson. And there's been quite a few good defensive players since Woodson.

Edited by redinchicago, 22 December 2009 - 01:48 PM.

[dwightinright]

If you read the Simmons-Gladwell column on Friday, Gladwell referred to a paper by Massey & Thaler regarding the value of draft picks. I'm reading it right now and I'm only about half-way through it but it seems like very interesting reading. Here's the link: paper

I'd be curious to see what others think, but it seems like another one of those papers that you could ask Belichick about and he would have already read it.

EDIT: The paper gives a semi-shout-out to the Patriots and their handling of the draft in the '02-'06 timeframe in its conclusion. I'm almost certain the FO must be aware of it.

Do we know anyone that does this?

While we do not elaborate this finding since it is not the focus the paper, it is clear that teams giving up a second-round pick next year for a third-round pick this year are displaying highly impatient behavior. Though it is not possible to say whether this behavior reflects the preferences of the owners or the employees (general manger and coach) who make the choices (or both), it is a significant arbitrage opportunity for teams with a longer-term perspective.

[SoxScout]

Cal running back Jahvid Best will announce later today that he's entering the NFL Draft, ESPN reported Saturday afternoon.

Best, a junior who has rushed for 2,668 yards and scored 29 touchdowns for the Bears, will hold a press conference in Berkeley at 3 p.m. today.

The former Salesian High star is considered one of the top running backs in the upcoming draft — ESPN has the 5-foot-10, 195-pounder rated the No. 22 overall prospect.

http://www.mercuryne...?nclick_check=1

[templeUsox]

Best might ride the Chris Johnson wave to a top 15 pick if he can show he's healthy and he combines like I expect him to.

[SoxScout]

Florida junior cornerback Joe Haden announced Sunday that he's declared for the NFL draft in what could be the start of a mass exodus of Florida underclassmen leaving early for the pros.

Haden is rated as one of the top cornerback prospects in the draft, and it was pretty much a foregone conclusion that he was coming out. Other Florida juniors who may also come out are defensive end Carlos Dunlap, tight end Aaron Hernandez, center Maurkice Pouncey, guard Mike Pouncey and safety Major Wright.

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4792743

This draft is going to be fucking awesome.

[SoxScout]

1. St. Louis	33. St. Louis
2. Detroit	34. Detroit
3. Tampa Bay	35. Tampa Bay
4. Washington	36. Washington
5. Kansas City	37. Kansas City
6. Seattle	38. Seattle
7. Cleveland	39. Cleveland
8. Oakland	40. Oakland
9. Buffalo	41. Buffalo
10/11. Denver (via Chicago)	42/43. Tampa Bay (via Chicago)
10/11. Jacksonville	42/43. New England (via Jacksonville)
12. Miami	44. Miami
13. San Francisco	45. San Francisco
14. Seattle (via Denver)	46. Denver
15. New York Giants	47. New York Giants
16/17. San Fransisco (via Carolina)	48/49. Carolina
16/17. Tennessee	48/49. New England (via Tennessee)
18. Pittsburgh	50. Pittsburgh
19/20. Atlanta	51/52. Kansas City (via Atlanta)
19/20. Houston	51/52. Houston
21/32. New York Jets	53/64. New York Jets
21/32. Baltimore	53/64. Baltimore
21/32. Arizona	53/64. Arizona
21/32. Cincinnati	53/64. Cincinnati
21/32. New England	53/64. New England
21/32. Green Bay	53/64. Green Bay
21/32. Philadelphia	53/64. Philadelphia
21/32. Dallas	53/64. Dallas
21/32. Minnesota	53/64. Minnesota
21/32. New Orleans	53/64. New Orleans
21/32. San Diego	53/64. San Diego
21/32. Indianapolis	53/64. Indianapolis

Starting this year, all 12 teams that make the playoffs will be seeded based on how far the teams go in the playoffs. Previously it was only the Super Bowl teams.

Both Patriots extra round 2 picks are going to be decided by coin flip. If Jax and Ten lose the flips their 2nd round picks will be the higher spot.

[Gunfighter 09]

Starting this year, all 12 teams that make the playoffs will be seeded based on how far the teams go in the playoffs. Previously it was only the Super Bowl teams.

Both Patriots extra round 2 picks are going to be decided by coin flip. If Jax and Ten lose the flips their 2nd round picks will be the higher spot.

When teams are tied for record, they rotate through the order every round
36-37 will flop between KC and Washington
38-40 should move up one, so, Cleveland, Oakland, Seattle 38-40

this also goes for all of the 7-9 and 8-8 teams.

Edited by Gunfighter 09, 04 January 2010 - 03:27 PM.

[I12XU]

Also a minor nitpick at this point, but the 4 teams with byes can be noted as 25/32 and 57/64.

[SoxScout]

Jimmy Clausen played his final 10 games at Notre Dame with torn ligaments in his right big toe and has told ESPN.com that he will undergo surgery Tuesday morning.

He is expected to be sidelined for two to three months, but intends to throw for pro scouts in early April. The operation will be performed by renowned foot specialist Mark Myerson in Baltimore.

"It's a testament to him that he played with this type of injury,'' Myerson said Monday. "How he managed is beyond me. I can only imagine what he'll be like when he's fixed

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=4796255

[Hendu for Kutch]

Man, that 2nd rounder from Tennessee looked pretty sweet around the time of that 59-0 game, huh? What kind of odds do you think you could have gotten that the pick would fall in the bottom half of the round that night?

[redinchicago]

So Claussen waited until this week to have the surgery? Sounds like someone didn't want to be part of the running drills at both the combine and maybe even the pro day at ND? Good competitor, but I wouldn't risk a 1st rounder on him.

[NickEsasky]

When do QB's do anything other than throw unless they are being considered at other positions? Most QBs only throw on pro days and rarely at the combine these days.

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

UCLA DT Brian Price declares. He's probably off the board by the time the Pats pick, but he'd be a pretty interesting selection if BB et al think he could play 3-4 DE (from what I can tell, opinions are mixed on that).

[dcmissle]

UCLA DT Brian Price declares. He's probably off the board by the time the Pats pick, but he'd be a pretty interesting selection if BB et al think he could play 3-4 DE (from what I can tell, opinions are mixed on that).

I really do not want to hear this year a staple of almost every draft in recent memory: "The quality isn't there at the top ... bona-fide first rounders stop at about the middle of the round."

I also am not in the mood for, "the Patriots have too many picks and cannot utilize them all."

[jsinger121]

I really do not want to hear this year a staple of almost every draft in recent memory: "The quality isn't there at the top ... bona-fide first rounders stop at about the middle of the round."

I also am not in the mood for, "the Patriots have too many picks and cannot utilize them all."

Agreed. This draft should have tons of underclassmen declaring. No more of this quantity over quality shit. This team has to improve especially with the schedule they will have next season.

[Carmine Hose]

Brian Price plays a lot like Ty Warren.

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

I really do not want to hear this year a staple of almost every draft in recent memory: "The quality isn't there at the top ... bona-fide first rounders stop at about the middle of the round."

I also am not in the mood for, "the Patriots have too many picks and cannot utilize them all."

Brian Bulaga declared last night too. That's another elite player in what is looking like a very deep draft. I agree that this is the time to use all your picks, and maybe even think about getting creative to move up for the right player.

[ethangl]

Word is that Nuke LaLoosh, er, Jevan Snead is going to declare.

[Rick Burlesons Yam Bag]

Word is that Nuke LaLoosh, er, Jevan Snead is going to declare.

Definitely a guy who could be the next great QB or the next great 6'4" janitor

[SoxScout]

Who is reporting that "word"?

This is the latest I can find, from an Ole Miss beat guy.

Edited by SoxScout, 07 January 2010 - 11:59 AM.

[SouthernBoSox]

Houston Nutt if the worst thing that could have ever happened to Snead. Nutt said recently that Snead wasn't going to come into spring as the automatic starter and that he, Stanley, and Cotton would compete for the job.

After that was said to the press, it wouldn't suprise me one bit if he declared.

Also, I heard his family is in a pretty serious financial situation. That changes things...

Edited by SouthernBoSox, 07 January 2010 - 12:08 PM.

[ethangl]

Who is reporting that "word"?

This is the latest I can find, from an Ole Miss beat guy.

It's information from a subscription Ole Miss site, reposted on a subscription Texas site. Sorry, can't link.

It makes sense, though -- another year in Nutt's offense is not going to help anybody develop as a quarterback. It's better to get out while the gettin's still relatively good and there's no rookie cap.

[SouthernBoSox]

Snead has officially declared per ESPN.

[axx]

Lets see... great arm strength, bad accuracy. That screams Raiders to me. I bet the Raiders like Mallett better though.

[Infield Infidel]

Jason Pierre-Paul declared yesterday. 6'6" 260lb DE at USF. Juco transfer, only played one year of FBS football. Kiper has him as a first-rounder. If doing 13 backflips in a row makes you a good DE, sign him up.

[SouthernBoSox]

Lets see... great arm strength, bad accuracy. That screams Raiders to me. I bet the Raiders like Mallett better though.

Mallett has scheduled a press conference tomorrow around 1:30.

ALL indications I have gotten say he is coming back for 2010. There is just to much to gain with another year under Bobby Petrino and Garrick McGee.

I'd say 99% chance he comes back.

Edit: Yea, I can pretty much confirm the dude is coming back.

Edited by SouthernBoSox, 07 January 2010 - 07:25 PM.

[BigMike]

Lets see... great arm strength, bad accuracy. That screams Raiders to me. I bet the Raiders like Mallett better though.

I would guess it would depend on who ends up coach out there. If they do hire Leach Then I don't think they go QB early. I think Leach is a guy who would think he doesn't need a first round QB for his system, and in fact some of the potential first rounders might be a bad fit.

I can't see Mallet (or Jmarcus Russell) running the Leach offense. But McCoy who may be available in the second is a much better fit