(Draft) Flavor of the Week...

[binkar]

This may very well be a stupid idea for a thread (my threads generally are), but I like the concept of it. I am sure this will be a complete flop .

Anyways, a lot of time through the long wait for the draft a number of mid round prospects become a hot topic on the board (i.e. Lawrence Sidbury last year). Post here some of the less talked about prospects that you feel could be available in the 3rd round or on. If you have any info, or have personally watched any of the players mentioned play, give your opinion.

Here are a few I have found intriguing lately:
(The first 2 have been talked about quite often recently)

Torrell Troup
Position: NT
School: Central Florida
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 314

Scouting Reports:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=86414&draftyear=2010&genpos=DT

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2444

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1621669

Personal Commentary:
Troup seems like a hardworking stuffer that can be had in the 3rd round (though he may go sooner). He lost 40 pounds prior to last season. He seems to have good feet for a man his size, and could be a good rotation player at NT.

Donald Butler
Position: ILB
School: Washington
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 245

Scouting Reports:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1117848

Personal Commentary:
Seems to have the strength, athleticism, speed, and desire to be a productive ILB in the 3-4. Got great reviews Senior Bowl week. I wonder if he could be a possible replacement for Hayes, or if he would be better suited to play the WILB. I am sure some of you Pac-10 fans have seen him play and give better insight.

Marcus Easley
Position: WR
College: UConn
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210

Scouting Reports:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1621669

Personal Commentary:
Seems to be a late bloomer. We have 3 great receivers, but IMO it would still be great to finally find someone who can stretch the field with their speed. This kid seems VERY raw, but the size and speed are there. It seems as though it would take him some time to make an impact, but could be worth a flier in the last 2 rounds if there.

Now hit us with some of your interesting mid-round players.

 

[Garthshort]

Binkar, I like your idea and take on mid-round prospects. I never heard of Torrell Troup until I read a poster, forget which one, talk about his high motor, and how he could be a good mid-round selection. In that same thread Cam Thomas was identified as a VG NT candidate. Well Monday night on the NFL's Path to the Draft, Mike Mayock spoke about both of these guys and said that Thomas wouldn't get out of the second and Troup wouldn't get out of the third round. And since I'm guessing that while ILB is our major need, NT and CB are also positions of need that will be addressed in the first three rounds (four picks). My one non-obvious pick is wide receiver, since we are very thin behind our Big Three, two of which, have been injured during the past few years. So in the third round I'm guessing we go WR, and the one I'm selecting is Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati. He's not a burner, but has a good hands and is a KR. In the first round I hope there is an ILB, worthy of consideration, but thinking that McClain will be available is folley. Sean Weatherspoon is the guy I'm crossing my fingers on, but while pleased, I'd be more surprised if he's there at #26. A VG CB candidate, and some good pass rushers should be available, but you can argue that an OLB at #26 is a luxury we can't afford. And it (OLB) would probably hurt team chemistry (Brown and Porter) if that's our pick. So while I'm hoping that Weatherspoon is the pick, I'm hoping that if he's gone, we don't reach for an ILB, and I'm guessing we go CB in the first, NT or ILB in the second and vice-versa in the third.

 

[Cardiac]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1277467

Good stuff Binkar. The actual link for Easley.

I don't watch college FB so any thoughts and knowledge shared is greatly appreciated.

 

[Shogun]

Some later round guys who have caught my eye in some form:

LB Lee Campbell, Minnesota - I always get Minnesota games and when I would watch them out of boredom, this guy always stuck out. Not really athletic, but uber productive.

CB Walter Thurmond, Oregon - Good cover corner that has been limited by injuries and overshadowed in such a deep class.

DT Nate Collins, Virginia - Lone bright spot of the Cavs when Miami stomped their faces in this year. I hate saying this because the likelyhood of it coming to fruition, but I see some Jay Ratliff in him.

TE Dedrick Epps, Miami - Defines underachieveer. Very talented, but never took hold at a position until late into his career. Having Nix as OC didn't help, but he started to contribute a bit. Has upside, but I doubt he gets drafted.

OT Jason Fox, Miami - A finesse blocker, but well-rounded. Got too much hate at Miami. Definitely belongs in a ZBS and needs to get stronger.

LB Rennie Curran, Georgia - Not similar prospects, but the comparison to Buster Davis is inevitable. Very productive and has a nice game, but speed is a concern.

TE Nate Byham, Pitt - Was supposed to be the Pitt TE to talk about, but Dickerson stole his spotlight. Don't really know what happened to his production, but is a good blocker and a solid receiver.

LB Thad Gibson, Ohio State - Had he stayed in school, he was a sure-fire first rounder. Gets unfair comparisons to Vernon Gholston as Gibson is the better football player. Very nimble in coverage and in space, but he's behind in regards to pass rushing. He's like the opposite of most 'tweener guys coming out. One of my favorites.

TE Ed Dickson, Oregon - I've been singing this guy's praises for a couple years. Yes, he's not the greatest blocker and a bit undersized, but he just produces.

WR Mike Williams, Syracuse - Immensely talented, but an absolute knucklehead. If you look at him on the field he's as good as Damian Williams, Rejus Benn, etc., but he's a headcase.

S Major Wright, Florida - The forgotten Gator. He's an idiot for declaring in such a loaded class. Dude can lay the lumber....and that's about it. He can cover but doesn't play the ball, which doesn't lend itself to being a productive free safety. His game is better suited for strong safety, but he doesn't seem to be big enough for it.

CB Donovan Warren, Michigan - He was supposed to work himself into the first round, but has effectively destroyed his stock by running consistently high 4.6s in the 40. He claims bad ankle, but if it were so bad he shouldn't have ran on it. One of the better man-to-man guys in the draft, but that speed (or lack there of) is a deal breaker.

CB Patrick Robinson, Florida State - Color me unconvinced. Has the tools to be elite, but can't put it together on the field. Don't like him.

RB Anthony Dixon, Miss. State - My mom is an alumnus so she tries to watch when she can. Probably limited in the pros, but he brings the boom when he runs. My favorite power back.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

Binkar, I like your idea and take on mid-round prospects. I never heard of Torrell Troup until I read a poster, forget which one, talk about his high motor, and how he could be a good mid-round selection. In that same thread Cam Thomas was identified as a VG NT candidate. Well Monday night on the NFL's Path to the Draft, Mike Mayock spoke about both of these guys and said that Thomas wouldn't get out of the second and Troup wouldn't get out of the third round. And since I'm guessing that while ILB is our major need, NT and CB are also positions of need that will be addressed in the first three rounds (four picks). My one non-obvious pick is wide receiver, since we are very thin behind our Big Three, two of which, have been injured during the past few years. So in the third round I'm guessing we go WR, and the one I'm selecting is Mardy Gilyard of Cincinnati. He's not a burner, but has a good hands and is a KR. In the first round I hope there is an ILB, worthy of consideration, but thinking that McClain will be available is folley. Sean Weatherspoon is the guy I'm crossing my fingers on, but while pleased, I'd be more surprised if he's there at #26. A VG CB candidate, and some good pass rushers should be available, but you can argue that an OLB at #26 is a luxury we can't afford. And it (OLB) would probably hurt team chemistry (Brown and Porter) if that's our pick. So while I'm hoping that Weatherspoon is the pick, I'm hoping that if he's gone, we don't reach for an ILB, and I'm guessing we go CB in the first, NT or ILB in the second and vice-versa in the third.

Paragraph breaks, please...