McShay


Scouts Inc.'s Top 32 Players Pos. School Grade
1. Andre Smith* OT Alabama 98
2. Sam Bradford** QB Oklahoma 98
3. Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest 97
4. Michael Crabtree** WR Texas Tech 97
5. Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State 97
6. Aaron Maybin** DE Penn State 97
7. Matthew Stafford* QB Georgia 97
8. Jeremy Maclin** WR Missouri 96
9. Everette Brown* DE Florida State 96
10. Eugene Monroe OT Virginia 96
11. Rey Maualuga ILB USC 96
12. Brian Orakpo DE Texas 95
13. Vontae Davis* CB Illinois 95
14. Gerald McCoy* DT Oklahoma 95
15. Mark Sanchez* QB USC 95
16. Jermaine Gresham* TE Oklahoma 95
17. B.J. Raji* DT Boston Coll. 94
18. Knowshon Moreno** RB Georgia 94
19. Jason Smith OT Baylor 94
20. James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State 94
21. Brandon Pettigrew TE Okla. State 94
22. Chris Wells* RB Ohio State 93
23. Michael Oher OT Mississippi 93
24. Terrence Cody* DT Alabama 93
25. LeSean McCoy** RB Pittsburgh 92
26. Jerry Hughes** DE TCU 92
27. Tyson Jackson DE LSU 91
28. Taylor Mays* S USC 91
29. Greg Hardy* DE Mississippi 90
30. Brian Cushing OLB USC 90
31. Ndamukong Suh* DT Nebraska 90
32. Percy Harvin* WR Florida 90

Here is McShay's mock, which was last updated on 12/31
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3803148

(INSIDER)

The top 5 leads me to believe they'll have a very hard time trading #1 (if they wanted to):


1. Detroit Lions (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=det) (Record: 0-16) -- Sam Bradford (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24679)**, QB, Oklahoma

The Lions could have a tough choice here between Bradford and Georgia's Matthew Stafford. Bradford could use another year of experience and improved strength. There will also be concerns regarding his transition to the NFL from a shotgun-heavy offense at Oklahoma, where he is afforded the luxury of a first-class supporting cast. On the positive side, Bradford excels in the areas most critical to being a successful quarterback in the NFL: mental makeup, intangibles and accuracy. If the Lions aren't sold on any of the available quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, selecting an elite offensive tackle like Andre Smith wouldn't be a bad option. Just ask the Dolphins how the Jake Long (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=11234) pick worked out.

2. St. Louis Rams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=stl) (2-14) -- Andre Smith (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24678)*, OT, Alabama

While his suspension for improper dealings with an agent is disappointing, it doesn't appear to point to a larger issue regarding Smith's character. Assuming those concerns are unfounded Smith should be the first offensive lineman taken off the board. He's not as polished as Long was coming out of Michigan, but Smith possesses better overall physical tools. It's no secret the Rams wanted Long badly last year so it's safe to assume Smith will be high on their wish list a few months from now.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=kan) (2-14) -- Matthew Stafford (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24681)*, QB, Georgia

Tyler Thigpen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=10660) showed some promise as a fill-in starter this season, which gives the Chiefs some flexibility at No. 3. There are people inside the Chiefs organization that are very high on Stafford, and for good reason. He plays under center in something close to a pro-style offense at Georgia. He faced top competition in the SEC and did not have a great supporting cast around him. Stafford also has a rifle for an arm and is very accurate when is footwork is correct. His inconsistency and lapses in judgment are concerning, which is why we could have an interesting arms race between Stafford and Bradford if both are available for the upcoming draft.

4. Seattle Seahawks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sea) (4-12) -- Aaron Curry (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=23926), OLB, Wake Forest

Seahawks fans would certainly second-guess passing on a potential game-breaker like WR Michael Crabtree. It doesn't take much research, however, to realize the risks of taking a receiver this early in the draft. Curry is emerging as the top overall linebacker in the 2009 class because of his combination of physical tools, toughness and leadership. Teams build defenses around high-intensity guys like Curry and the Seahawks could be in the market if Leroy Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8512) bolts via free agency.

5. Cleveland Browns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle) (4-12) -- Malcolm Jenkins (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=23967), DB, Ohio State

It remains to be seen who will be making the decisions and what schemes the Browns will be running in 2009. They could be in the market for a rush-linebacker with this pick and a playmaker like Crabtree would be intriguing as well. Jenkins makes the most sense right now, though. The local product is an experienced and versatile playmaker who would instantly upgrade the athleticism of the secondary and also brings special teams value.
The only way I see that happening is if a team is desperate to get Smith and knows St Louis would take him (or the Lions). Smith is going to need a monster combine to garner interest for a trade down (or one of the QB's to blow up off the charts).

I wonder how long it's been since neither a UM or MSU player was not taken in the first round?

That's an awkward sentence, sorry.

2006, n/m

I think it was 2006

2006. First one was Eric Smith (last pick of 3rd round). Avant was first Michigan player in 4th round.

Ringer is rated #77 overall, the 5th RB after Moreno, McCoy, Spiller and Green.

That would be a tall order to go in the first round unless he has a stellar combine. he's shown his strength, he'd have to display some good speed to crack the first round IMO.

2006, n/m

lol, I was typing my post before this.

Prior to that it was 1997 when Rod Payne (C - Michigan) was taken in the 3rd round first.

Prior to that was 1983 when "we" took Rich Strenger from Michigan in the 2nd round.

I would heavily consider taking Aaron Curry with our first pick.

Are these ratings relative to the class or against the entire draft history?

I don't really keep up on USC but watching the Rose Bowl game yesterday I was impressed with Taylor Mays. He's a fucking giant and runs a 4.28, at least that's what I thought I heard them say.

I dunno where he'll go, though.

I don't really keep up on USC but watching the Rose Bowl game yesterday I was impressed with Taylor Mays. He's a fucking giant and runs a 4.28, at least that's what I thought I heard them say.

I dunno where he'll go, though.

He does not run a 4.28 anyone giving a time under 4.4 is usually giving a stop watch time and those are never right.
Only legit times are electronic.

He does not run a 4.28 anyone giving a time under 4.4 is usually giving a stop watch time and those are never right.
Only legit times are electronic.

Well for what its worth he was clocked several times as the fastest player on USC's team. I'm guessing with all the five stars and studs they have that being the fastest player on THAT team makes you a pretty special player. You add in that he is tall and thick and you have a playmaker in the defensive secondary which is a term not used very often.

I look for Pittsburgh to select Shonn Green. A main weakness of theirs is short yardage situations (and goal line runs) in which they've blown several 4th and goals this season. Green would make an instant impact as a kind of "Baby Bettis" -- dude is almost impossible to drop behing the line.

Glenn, discuss?

As for the Lions, Bradford is the wrong choice. I'd go for Andre Smith and anchor that O line.

I look for Pittsburgh to select Shonn Green. A main weakness of theirs is short yardage situations (and goal line runs) in which they've blown several 4th and goals this season. Green would make an instant impact as a kind of "Baby Bettis" -- dude is almost impossible to drop behing the line.

Glenn, discuss?



They've sucked on 4th down, no doubt, (worst in the league) but they have Gary Russell to fill that role, and he's more than capable. The problem with short yardage for the Steelers is the same problem they have overall, O-Line.

I look for Pittsburgh to select Shonn Green. A main weakness of theirs is short yardage situations (and goal line runs) in which they've blown several 4th and goals this season. Green would make an instant impact as a kind of "Baby Bettis" -- dude is almost impossible to drop behing the line.

Glenn, discuss?

As for the Lions, Bradford is the wrong choice. I'd go for Andre Smith and anchor that O line.


Why would Pittsburgh select Greene in the 1st rd? They just drafted Mendenhall last year in Rd 1...

They need a bruiser, but InternetSensationGlennDanzig is correct: they need to work on their O Line.

Once again, Glenn humbles me.

Mays staying in school. Bradford staying in school. Sanchez declares. Per ESPN.

Assuming he's still on the board, how would you feel about taking about the Lions not taking a QB with the first pick and instead taking an O-Lineman and taking Sanchez with the late first (if the new regime is looking to take a QB)? I don't really know a lot about him other than he seems to have all the "tools".

I have a hard time believing the Lions get two offensive players in the first.

I also don't think Sanchez will be there at 20.

49ers or Bears could grab him.

I would love it if we had another first round pick in between our two picks. The defense was historically bad, so unless some major roles are filled via free agency, I can't defend the Lions if they do that.

I'm not a big fan of the idea, I was just trying to think of how they could not screw it up if they were to go for a QB in the first round.

I hope the Lions do draft a QB, just so I can bump Tre's "Drew Stanton a Lion!!!!!!!1" thread.

I'm not a big fan of the idea, I was just trying to think of how they could not screw it up if they were to go for a QB in the first round.

Well, if Sanchez is there at #20 I think they should take them (assuming they went defense at #1). I think he could be a steal like the Packers got with Rodgers late in the first.

It's possible I guess. There are only 2 other teams in the top 10 looking at QB's. KC and SF. KC might just go with Thigpen (plus Pioli isn't known for high draft pick QBs). SF might not pull the trigger in the first round with Smith's money on their payroll still (plus a defensive minded HC).

After that you have the Bears (maybe) and Skins (i think they stay with Campbell). That's about it. I could definately see Stafford or Sanchez fall to #20 like Rodgers slid.

Is there any chance that KC or someone has enough interest in Stafford that they are willing to trade up to #1 or is there a guy out there that the Lions could "play" in order to get a team to move up? I know ever year the team that has #1 talks about trading down, but if there was ever a team that needed to move down and pick up an extra pick or two it is the Lions.

Let's pretend we traded down to 3 and Stafford went 1 to KC and Andre Smith went 2 to St. Louis...................where would you want us to go with pick #3 and pick #20?

If the Skins draft a QB, any chance we could get Campbell? He'd be worth a shot (thought I doubt we'd have a shot at it, I don't know why they'd give up on him right now)?

A QB slipping a bit wouldn't surprise me. I don't think one would slip to 20 but slipping a little makes sense. If one slipped to 20, I bet the value of that pick would go up quite a bit as well.

If Sanchez is on the board in the middle of the 1st, I bet somebody would trade up to get him.

I doubt that he makes it to #20.

McShay has him rated at #4

Is there any chance that KC or someone has enough interest in Stafford that they are willing to trade up to #1 or is there a guy out there that the Lions could "play" in order to get a team to move up? I know ever year the team that has #1 talks about trading down, but if there was ever a team that needed to move down and pick up an extra pick or two it is the Lions.

Let's pretend we traded down to 3 and Stafford went 1 to KC and Andre Smith went 2 to St. Louis...................where would you want us to go with pick #3 and pick #20?
I highly doubt KC would trade up to get a QB. At worst they chose between Stafford and Sanchez (whoever we didn't take). No reason to give up a 2nd rounder (and maybe more) unless one of the QBs simply blows away everyone at the combine.

I think our only trade down shot is someone really high on Curry. That or Crabtree or Wells lights it up at the combine. There are too many OT's in the top 10 to merit someone trading up either.

I have a feeling we're staying at #1. I'm thinking Curry at this point. Hopefully Dizon can make strides at MLB.

My ideal scenario would be to trade the pick to the Browns (they run a 3-4 that is ideal for Curry) for their top 3-4 picks.

#8 - Orapko or Maualuga
#20 - Laurenitus or Johnson (opposite of #8 pick)

they'd have a lot of extra picks to move up if you think your guy will be gone at #20:

Browns 2nd
Browns 3rd
Dallas 3rd
Browns 4th?

Just like the Lions to get #1 in the worst year possible.

But at least they are #1 in something!

Just like the Lions to get #1 in the worst year possible.

But at least they are #1 in something!

I disagree a little bit Glenn. I actually think Andre Smith, Curry and Stafford all end up being great pros, but don't know if we NEED Stafford right now as we have no offensive line and I'm not sure if we're SMART enough to grab Smith.

New Question for the board..........

Who do you think is actually running the show at the end of April?

A. Ford Sr.
B. Lewand
C. Mayhew
D. Schwartz

If you think its a combo then which ONE person do you think has final say or the most pull?

New Question for the board..........

Who do you think is actually running the show at the end of April?

A. Ford Sr.
B. Lewand
C. Mayhew
D. Schwartz

If you think its a combo then which ONE person do you think has final say or the most pull?
We'll see at the end of April. ;)
butsrslyFordifihadtoguess

New Question for the board..........

Who do you think is actually running the show at the end of April?

A. Ford Sr.
B. Lewand
C. Mayhew
D. Schwartz

If you think its a combo then which ONE person do you think has final say or the most pull?


Running the show in terms of personnel? Probably a combination of Mayhew & Schwartz.

Lewand has no say in the roster. And Ford Sr. does absolutely nothing but sign the checks.

^^yearight.