Last-minute mock draft: One round of fun
I couldn't help myself with just a few hours remaining before the Carolina Panthers make a potentially franchise-changing selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, so here is an alternative, last-second Round 1 mock draft. I'll say that I wasn't too happy slating some of the picks, but NFL teams tend to do strange things during the draft. I'm starting to buy into the notion of several quarterbacks going in the first round, and there will be a few surprises along the way. Tap your mouse here for more »
NFL Draft Grapevine: Draft day surprises
Every year the NFL draft comes with its fair share of surprises, often in the way of falling players or head-scratching reaches. Fans and draftniks alike question the minds of those in charge of making the selections, wondering how a team could be so foolish.
While no one will ever be 100 percent accurate with their prognostications, it's always fun to try. I have identified several players that have the potential to cause a few heads to spin based on where the prospect's draft placement. Tap your mouse here for more »
Colin Kaepernick vs. Cam Newton: It’s all about value
Trainer Chip Smith believes University of Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick is a superior prospect to Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora. Tap your mouse here for more »
NFL Draft Grapevine: A spin around the league
This week's NFL Draft Grapevine takes us on a spin around the league to explore the latest visits, workouts and general draft news. Tap your mouse here for more »
NFL Draft Grapevine: Top five picks
The top five picks of this year's NFL Draft are tougher to predict than any year in recent memory. The only team I have confidence in mocking a pick for is the Arizona Cardinals.
The owners of the first overall pick can go in more possible directions than imaginable. In addition, no one player has emerged as the consensus No. 1 pick. Tap your mouse here for more »
Dez Bryant: The tip of the iceberg?
Every draft season offers a few prospects, usually of the high-profile variety, that are the total package on the field but carry more baggage than a Waldorf-Astoria bellhop off of it.
Last year's poster boy was Dez Bryant, who was suspended the entire 2009 season for lying to the NCAA about meetings with Deion Sanders. Most people felt his on-field skills outweighed the potential risk of his questionable judgment. For the most part, that was a fair sentiment, but where do you draw the line? Tap your mouse here for more »
NFL Draft Grapevine – Pro Days review: Part III
In this week's NFL Draft Grapevine I continue my recap of recent Pro Days and also check out news from around the draft scene. Find out which prospects are rising and falling as we inch closer to April's big event. Tap your mouse here for more »
NFL Draft Grapevine: Pro Day reviews – Part II
Part II of our NFL Draft Grapevine review of recent Pro Days. Click here to check out Part I. Tap your mouse here for more »
Cam Newton’s Pro Day reignites the hype
Auburn quarterback Cam Newton reportedly threw well at his Pro Day and will certainly be the focus of the pre-draft hype machine, for better or worse. He completed 42 of his 53 throws to route-running receivers. Some of the misses were drops, others were overthrows by Newton.
He is somewhere in between the showing at the Scouting Combine and what he displayed today. Don't get overly excited about his performance. I still believe he won't escape the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 4, and lately I'm of the mindset that Newton going No. 1 is very realistic. Feb. 24 I wrote about this possibility.
Newton's accuracy is best seen on tape, in pads, against live competition.
2011 Scouting Combine notes and thoughts
The 2011 NFL Scouting Combine is wrapping up, so let's highlight a few things that stood out.
Ryan Mallett, quarterback, Arkansas
His superior arm strength was evident during the throwing portion of his drills, as Mallett rocketed deep outs, posts, flags and fly routes. According to published reports, he interviewed well with teams, too, so it's fair to say Mallett helped himself over the weekend.
Cam Newton, quarterback, Auburn
The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner wasn't all that impressive, hitting only 11 of his 21 throws. Newton regularly overthrew receivers, especially on deep routes. He probably helped himself by explaining his "entertainer and icon" comment, but I don't think his draft stock necessarily changed.
Blaine Gabbert, quarterback, Missouri
I was a little upset that Gabbert didn't put it on the line with the rest of prominent passers in this class. He is expected to throw at his pro day next month. Gabbert looked the part, otherwise, measuring 6-foot-4 5/8, 234 pounds.
Colin Kaepernick, quarterback, Nevada
The mobile Kaepernick showed the most velocity of any quarterback and did nothing but help his draft stock. He said the right things, too, and prided himself on his clean rap sheet. Tap your mouse here for more »
Blog Calendar
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| « Jan | ||||||
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | |||
