2012: Rebuilding With an Open Window

Durn it! I blame Nuffle.

Spikes, Sanders, Gaither… what do you want?

Three players who become solid full-time starters, including one who does it as a rookie, and one player who becomes an elite player at his position in his first contract, of four players who become solid full-time starters, including one who does it as a rookie or becomes an elite player at his position in his first contract.

For example, 2003 was okay, even though the top of the draft sucked donkey-balls, they picked up some guys who would be seen as big successes even if picked in the top ten.

1st Round: Dre Kirkpatrick
6’3, 192 pounds | Cornerback | Alabama

First word: Kirkpatrick started 12 of Alabama’s 13 games in 2010 at left cornerback. He finished the year with three interceptions, seven pass breakups and 53 tackles. As a freshman in 2009, Kirkpatrick sat and learned behind Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson. Leading into his junior year, Kirkpatrick has all the tools to be an elite cornerback. He’s still a work in progress, however, and much of the praise surrounding him is based on projecting potential.

2nd Round: Ray Ray Armstrong
6’4, 215 pounds | Safety | Miami
First word: How good is Ray Ray Armstrong? He lives up to his number, 26. It’s quite a feat considering it was worn by former Miami star Sean Taylor. It’s easy to compare the two. Like Taylor, Armstrong is a big, physical safety with solid coverage skills. NFL teams are already getting in touch with Armstrong’s high school coaches to get more background on the junior.

Armstrong started only four games of the 2010 season, but saw significant playing time throughout the year. He finished 2010 with 76 tackles and three interceptions (taking one back for a touchdown).

3rd round: James-Michael Johnson | 6’2, 240 pounds | MLB | Nevada
"Nevada defenders have a tough time trying to make people take notice of their play because of the team’s offense, which ranked fourth in the FBS in total yardage in 2010. But Johnson’s toughness and production has not escaped notice of WAC coaches, who named him second-team all-conference in each of the last two seasons, and NFL scouts.

Johnson played in all 13 games with 10 starts as a redshirt freshman. Included in his 49 tackles were 12.5 for a loss, and he also had 1.5 sacks, an interception and forced fumble. He started every game over the next two seasons, making 57 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and five pass break-ups on the outside in 2009 before moving to the middle as a junior (88 tackles, eight TFL, 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles).

Teams running base schemes should see Johnson as one of the top true mike linebackers in this draft because of his ability to come downhill against the run. If he proves himself athletically in a post-season all-star game and the Combine could push him into the top 100 overall selections.

4th Round: Adrian Robinson | 6’2, 250 pounds | DE/OLB | Temple
"As a prolific pass rusher (33 sacks his last two seasons) and Most Valuable Player of the famed "Big 33" all-star game between the top high school prospects from Ohio and Pennsylvania (three sacks, blocked punt), Robinson could have matriculated to Penn State or a host of other prominent programs. He surprisingly chose Temple, though, because he knew then-head coach Al Golden had the football team going in the right direction and he "liked being the underdog."

Golden got Robinson’s talent on the field right away, playing him in all 12 games and starting him at defensive end the final three contests (20 tackles, 1.5 TFL, sack). Robinson’s break-out sophomore season earned him MAC Defensive Player of the Year accolades after racking up 13 sacks and forcing five fumbles. Though his numbers were down in his junior season (38 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles), league coaches saw enough of his game to once again name him first-team All-MAC.

Though Robinson is listed as a defensive end, Temple coaches have played him all over the field. In addition to rushing the passer with his hand on the ground, Robinson played outside the tackle, over the tight end, and at the second level in a stack. New defensive coordinator Chuck Heater may play him as a more traditional 4-3 end like he did Jermaine Cunningham and other undersized ends while at Florida, but the versatility Robinson showed during his career may push 3-4 teams looking for powerful linebackers to select him early in the 2012 draft.

5th round: John Cullen | 6’4, 305 pounds | OT | Utah
Is far from a finished product, but there is some real natural athleticism there. Needs to get stronger and develop as a puncher, but has to take that next step as a player. Struggles vs. better competition."

6th round: Phillip Blake | 6’3, 320 pounds | C | Baylor
Pass Blocking: Former right tackle possesses the length and footwork to mirror any interior lineman. Plays with low center of gravity, natural bend and lateral quickness. Flashes a strong enough anchor to pancake overextended defenders, but can be pushed backwards when his hands aren’t on his man’s numbers. Also gets out-quicked when hand placement is off. Reliable, accurate shotgun snapper.

Run Blocking: Strong run blocker capable of moving the nose tackle to his left or right with his upper body. Agile enough to seal to either side when uncovered. Inconsistent down-blocking and finding the mike linebacker on combo blocks in tight quarters, gets stuck at the line at times instead of moving to second level. Inconsistent intensity and hand placement to sustain after initial contact. Stops his feet too often, losing his balance or allowing his man comes off his block. Stays low, gets some movement in short-yardage situations but typically just holds the line.

7th round: Derek Moye | 6’5, 202 pounds | WR | Penn State
Impression: A big wide out who uses his skill set to get off press and has some sneaky strider speed down the field. Isn’t going to separate a ton in the NFL, but can win in the three step game, work the middle of the field."

What’s his name, Kellen Moore I think (the QB). Smaller guy, not a strong arm, but seems to know how and when to place the ball. Made a career of winning the big games. Maybe if drops down to 7th round or goes undrafted we could bring him in as a project backup? Or do you think that someone is going reach for him in earlier rounds?

I see Cason/Gilchrist as average, and average as good enough if the pass-rush is going. If we want an immediate improvement, we can get a guy in FA. I’d recommend a tall sideline corner to fill the gap vacated by Jammer.

Unless they can pick up a day 2 pick for McNeill or a stud CB or SS falls through the cracks to the third round, I’d almost rather they didn’t spend a high draft pick on the secondary. I’d like to see them bite hard on the offensive line, dominate the game, make opposing offenses have to score on every possession. Instead of being satisfied with “high-flying” on O, I’d rather see us get back to “legendary” status.

But they need an immediate impact player who can rush the passer NOW and build into a solid run-stopper. Guys like Gamble and Barnes are very one-dimensional; LaBoy and English are good backups, but neither is the starter going forward (English could have been, but for his bum foot). The run defense will suffer until they put in some beef opposite Phillips.