Draft: What's DG Up To?

[Walter Mitchell]

What's your guess?

Here's mine:

(1) He's hoping that CB Antrel Rolle is there at #8. Rolle is #1 on DG's board.

(2) DG's #2 is RB Cedric Benson. If Benson is there at #8...he's the pick.

(3) If Rolle and Benson are both taken before #8...DG will look to trade down, figuring one of the Auburn RBs will still be available later...as may Auburn CB Carlos Rogers...who's a bit of a reach at #8. I don't believe DG is all that high on LB Derrick Johnson. The scouts are very divided on Johnson. They all love his athletic ability, but he takes too many plays off, for the likes of some scouts.

I think DG wants Rolle or Benson...and the only other player he would bite on at #8 is QB Alex Smith...and it's looking more and more like Smith will be the 49ers pick at #1.

If DG can't trade down...he receives no reasonable offers...and Rolle and Benson are gone...he'll try to decide between one of the Auburn RBs or Carlos Rogers or Pacman Jones. My guess in this scenario: CB Carlos Rogers.

(4) If DG drafts a CB in the 1st Round...he's going to wait and see what RBs are available at #44...if Ciatrick Fason is there...he's the pick...if not...will he make the Buffalo trade?

I don't think he will...I think if Fason is not there at #44, Green will take the BPA at #44...and there will be some very good players still available...some real surpises too...and DG will snag a RB like Frank Gore, Darren Sproles or Walter Reyes at #75.

(5) If DG drafts a RB in Round 1, he obviously won't make a trade with Buffalo and will take the best CB available at #44...hoping that Corey Webster, Brandon Browner, Marlin Jackson, or Eric Green is still on the board.

If all the stars align: DG's Dream Draft:

1. CB Antrel Rolle, Miami

2. RB Ciatrick Fason, Florida

3a. DT Luis Castillo, Northwestern

3b. CB Darrent Williams, Oklahoma St.

3 potential starters in Rolle, Fason and Castillo and the starting nickle back/punt returner in Darrent Williams.

 

[MadCardDisease]

I would probably pretty much agree with this. In fact my latest mock has us taking Rolle and Fason. I'd be very happy with those picks!

 

[D-Dogg]

Where are you getting this Walter?

I don't think Denny will trade down. Not gonna happen.

I think he likes Rolle, but he also likes Rogers. Fason? Denny has said he likes JJ Arrington in the past and I've never heard a word about Fason attributed to DG.

And Denny has gone on record as liking both Auburn backs.

And he also hasn't said anything about a QB, and it is very unlikely he drafts one that high that isn't a super stud. No QB in this draft is a stud.

I think Denny's board likely looks more like 1. Ronnie Brown/Cadillac Williams 2. Rolle 3. Rogers 4. Benson

Now if you are going towards what we might end up with...I can see that happening. But I don't think that's the way Denny wants it to fall.

 

[Scott MS]

I like the picks, but I don't agree with Castillo. After the steroid report, I think his stock drops way down. Nobody wants a player who could be suspended day 1.

 

[Cheesebeef]

(3) If Rolle and Benson are both taken before #8...DG will look to trade down, figuring one of the Auburn RBs will still be available later...

I'm still trying to figure out how the Auburn backs - which are pretty much both rated ahead of Benson and top five picks are going to last later than when we pick - pretty out there if you ask me.

 

[earthsci]

I'm so sure that Denny will draft Derrick Johnson and Adrian McPhearson that if he doesn't I will drink a six pack of cold Budweiser really fast. Then again, if he does...

 

[CardinalLaw]

I think Denny has no want for any CB's in the 1st round. We need depth at CB not top 10 talent. Whether we plug a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd into the mix I think we will get the same exact production from them. I think Denny is aiming for Benson, they want a Power back, Benson is the best out of the 3. Then maybe QB or CB round 2. I say we get Frye if he is there.

 

[Rocco]

What's your guess?

Here's mine:

(1) He's hoping that CB Antrel Rolle is there at #8. Rolle is #1 on DG's board.

(2) DG's #2 is RB Cedric Benson. If Benson is there at #8...he's the pick.

(3) If Rolle and Benson are both taken before #8...DG will look to trade down, figuring one of the Auburn RBs will still be available later...as may Auburn CB Carlos Rogers...who's a bit of a reach at #8. I don't believe DG is all that high on LB Derrick Johnson. The scouts are very divided on Johnson. They all love his athletic ability, but he takes too many plays off, for the likes of some scouts.

I think DG wants Rolle or Benson...and the only other player he would bite on at #8 is QB Alex Smith...and it's looking more and more like Smith will be the 49ers pick at #1.

If DG can't trade down...he receives no reasonable offers...and Rolle and Benson are gone...he'll try to decide between one of the Auburn RBs or Carlos Rogers or Pacman Jones. My guess in this scenario: CB Carlos Rogers.

(4) If DG drafts a CB in the 1st Round...he's going to wait and see what RBs are available at #44...if Ciatrick Fason is there...he's the pick...if not...will he make the Buffalo trade?

I don't think he will...I think if Fason is not there at #44, Green will take the BPA at #44...and there will be some very good players still available...some real surpises too...and DG will snag a RB like Frank Gore, Darren Sproles or Walter Reyes at #75.

(5) If DG drafts a RB in Round 1, he obviously won't make a trade with Buffalo and will take the best CB available at #44...hoping that Corey Webster, Brandon Browner, Marlin Jackson, or Eric Green is still on the board.

If all the stars align: DG's Dream Draft:

1. CB Antrel Rolle, Miami

2. RB Ciatrick Fason, Florida

3a. DT Luis Castillo, Northwestern

3b. CB Darrent Williams, Oklahoma St.

3 potential starters in Rolle, Fason and Castillo and the starting nickle back/punt returner in Darrent Williams.

My guess:

Agree on Rolle and Benson. Agree that Denny would like to trade down for Rogers if Rolle is gone and we have Henry or if both Rolle and Benson and Cadillac are gone. But if he can't find a suitable trading partner, I think he'll take Derrick Johnson if available. I also think G&G will think long and hard about who to take if Alex Smith falls to #8. I don't think they expect him to fall that far.

As far as a later round back, in addition to Fason I think we would consider Shelton in the second or maybe Brandon Jacobs in the third. Both would give us that big north-south power back that Rowen seems to be looking for. A fourth or fifth round option may be Ryan Grant of Notre Dame, who shared time with Julius Jones.

Two later round corners that may fit into our cover-2 schemes are Bryant McFadden (2nd round) and Eric Green (3rd round). Corey Webster has great upside but needs alot or work. I wouldn't mind seeing us pick up Travis Daniels in the fourth round either, where I'd think he would be a good value for that selection.

I don't think Rolle is going to fall to us. Best scenario IMO, we get Henry straight up for Shelton and trade down for Rogers in the first round. That would give us some wonderful flexibility with the rest of the draft. Plus at least one extra pick, probably a third rounder.

 

[earthsci]

I think Denny has no want for any CB's in the 1st round. We need depth at CB not top 10 talent. Whether we plug a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd...

Yes. Nice. We are going to have at least two corners before day one is over but that doesn't mean it will be the #1 pick.

 

[Savage58]

I'm so sure that Denny will draft Derrick Johnson and Adrian McPearson that if he doesn't I will drink a six pack of cold Budweiser really fast. Then again, if he does...

LOL you say that like it's a bad thing, I think you win out either way bud!

I agree, and also believe Benson goes 1st of the big 3, then Williams and Brown slides, oh BOY!

 

[HookemCards]

who's a bit of a reach at #8. I don't believe DG is all that high on LB Derrick Johnson. The scouts are very divided on Johnson. They all love his athletic ability, but he takes too many plays off, for the likes of some scouts.

I don't know what DG is thinking, but this could be the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard. Every scouting report I've ever seen on him is that he lacks ideal strength, but is in practically every single play. I've never heard one scouting report that says he takes plays off.

 

[Cheesebeef]

I don't know what DG is thinking, but this could be the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard.

you must not read this board very often.

 

[Mulli]

I don't know what DG is thinking, but this could be the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard.

Did you miss Shaun King being likened to Ben Rothlisberger?

 

[HookemCards]

Sorry, I should have qualified it with a time frame........today, or in the past couple of days perhaps.

 

[Mulli]

Sorry, I should have qualified it with a time frame........today, or in the past couple of days perhaps.

 

[Russ Smith]

I don't know what DG is thinking, but this could be the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard. Every scouting report I've ever seen on him is that he lacks ideal strength, but is in practically every single play. I've never heard one scouting report that says he takes plays off.

I think he means they say he runs around blocks and in that sense they say he's taking the play off.

You don't make over 450 tackles in a career by taking plays off. Scouts says he's more of a "drag down tackler" than big hitter, and needs to wrap up better. I agree with the wrap up part but Johnson will pop you so I don't agree he can't hit.

I think he'll be a terrific pro LB unless someone is dumb enough to actually try to play him inside in which case he'll struggle.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I don't know what DG is thinking, but this could be the most ludicrous thing I've ever heard. Every scouting report I've ever seen on him is that he lacks ideal strength, but is in practically every single play. I've never heard one scouting report that says he takes plays off.

thank god someone responded to that. i've NEVER heard of dj taking a play off. i swear, sometimes i think walter just makes stuff up and talks himself into believing it so that it will further his point. he usually has a really good, long take that has at least one ridiculosity.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

I think he means they say he runs around blocks and in that sense they say he's taking the play off.

You don't make over 450 tackles in a career by taking plays off. Scouts says he's more of a "drag down tackler" than big hitter, and needs to wrap up better. I agree with the wrap up part but Johnson will pop you so I don't agree he can't hit.

I think he'll be a terrific pro LB unless someone is dumb enough to actually try to play him inside in which case he'll struggle.

he hits hard enough to cause qb's to look over their shoulders - that's hard enough for me.

 

[Walter Mitchell]

FYI, Ouchie...for starters read Len Pasquarelli's analysis of the LBs in this draft...on ESPN.com...quote: "the critics say he (Derrick Johnson) avoids too many plays"..."he runs around blocks and whiffs on tackles too much"..."it would be hard to imagine this is the case from a player who made over 450 tackles in college...but if you watch the tapes you can see what the critics are talking about."

There's no question that Johnson is a top notch prospect...but like every other player in the draft, he has his detractors and doubters. Most of the scouts think he's the real deal.

I was not offering my own anaylsis...I was reporting the fact that Johnson is receiving scrutiny from several scouts...and IMO, DG will pass on Johnson if Johnson is there at #8...for the reasons I stated...I think DG wants Rolle or Benson, and if neither is available he will choose to (a) trade down; (b) select Cadillac Williams or Ronnie Brown; or (c) select Carlos Rogers or Adam Pacman Jones.

 

[JeffGollin]

If all the stars align: DG's Dream Draft:

1. CB Antrel Rolle, Miami

2. RB Ciatrick Fason, Florida

3a. DT Luis Castillo, Northwestern

3b. CB Darrent Williams, Oklahoma St.

3 potential starters in Rolle, Fason and Castillo and the starting nickle back/punt returner in Darrent Williams.
If the stars align, DG's dream draft:

1. CB Antrek Rolle

While we're on the clock at #44, Donahue blinks and we trade Shelton for Henry - player for player & no picks.

2. G-C David Baas
3a. NT Luis Castillo
3b. CB Ronald Bartell
4. TE Joel Dreesson
5. KR - Sproles

If Donahue doesn't blink, the deal is dead and we continue with

2. RB JJ Arrington
3a. NT Luis Castillo
3b. G-T Logan Mankins
4. TE Joel Dreesson
5. OLB Ryan Claridge

Or Dennis blinks, we swap our #44 for Buffalo's #55 and continue with -

2. We still get Arrington (who may not be rated as high as #55 on most boards) and the draft continues as it did above.

 

[Walter Mitchell]

Here's my latest hunch:

1. SF: QB Alex Smith, Utah. Mike Nolan's first choice. He makes the call.

2. MIA: WR Mike Williams, USC. Everyone thinks RB here...but I think the Dolphins will surprise everyone and take who they consider to be the most talented player in the draft.

3. CLE: CB Antrel Rolle, Miami. Romeo Crennel won't be able to resist Rolle.

4. CHI: WR Braylon Edwards, Michigan. Da Bears' first choice all along.

5. TB: RB Cadillac Williams, Auburn. Gruden fell in love with him at the Senior Bowl. Would have taken Mike Williams...but got beat to it...so he sticks with Cadillac Williams.

6. TEN: CB Carlos Rogers, Auburn. They too were hoping for Mike Williams...and are tempted to take WR Troy Williamson...but their need for a CB is too pressing.

7. MIN: WR Troy Williamson, South Carolina. They love this guy's speed.

8. ARZ: RB Cedric Benson, Texas. Green gets his guy. It all hinges on Miami passing on a RB...and there are those who claim that Miami won't take Benson because of the Texas ties (Ricky Williams)...Even if Miami takes Ronnie Brown...Benson could still be there for DG at #8.

 

[D-Dogg]

If the draft shaped up like that, Green would take Ronnie Brown over Benson.

However, I think Benson will be there at 8, and Brown and Caddy will be off the board so we will take what in Green's mind is the 3rd best RB in the draft. They're all very talented though, but Green has been vocal about his appreciation for the Auburn boys...

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

FYI, Ouchie...for starters read Len Pasquarelli's analysis of the LBs in this draft...on ESPN.com...quote: "the critics say he (Derrick Johnson) avoids too many plays"..."he runs around blocks and whiffs on tackles too much"..."it would be hard to imagine this is the case from a player who made over 450 tackles in college...but if you watch the tapes you can see what the critics are talking about."

There's no question that Johnson is a top notch prospect...but like every other player in the draft, he has his detractors and doubters. Most of the scouts think he's the real deal.

I was not offering my own anaylsis...I was reporting the fact that Johnson is receiving scrutiny from several scouts...and IMO, DG will pass on Johnson if Johnson is there at #8...for the reasons I stated...I think DG wants Rolle or Benson, and if neither is available he will choose to (a) trade down; (b) select Cadillac Williams or Ronnie Brown; or (c) select Carlos Rogers or Adam Pacman Jones.

fair enough.

 

[kerouac9]

If the stars align, DG's dream draft:

1. CB Antrek Rolle

While we're on the clock at #44, Donahue blinks and we trade Shelton for Henry - player for player & no picks.

2. G-C David Baas
3a. NT Luis Castillo
3b. CB Ronald Bartell
4. TE Joel Dreesson
5. KR - Sproles

If Donahue doesn't blink, the deal is dead and we continue with

2. RB JJ Arrington
3a. NT Luis Castillo
3b. G-T Logan Mankins
4. TE Joel Dreesson
5. OLB Ryan Claridge

Or Dennis blinks, we swap our #44 for Buffalo's #55 and continue with -

2. We still get Arrington (who may not be rated as high as #55 on most boards) and the draft continues as it did above.

Jeff, the only people who think that Denny wants to draft a non-impact player like an OG in the second round--where you pick up impact players--are on this board, and you and Walter are their leaders. The only time that Denny Green has ever drafted an interior offensive lineman on the first day was 1993--Denny's second year with the Vikings. They picked John Gerak with the first pick in the third round. The offensive line is set. Take Denny's word for it.

Drafting Luis Castillo after he sent out a steriod memo in the top of the third round would be an embarassment. There's no way that he gets drafted on the first day now.

 

[BigRedFan]

Also I thought that Green said that they wont take a RB (Arrington in 2nd) if they do the deal with Buffalo