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National Football League
Draft King Mailbag
February 23, 2007
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here at DraftKing.com. Send your thoughts to me at LouPickney@gmail.com.
From: Jason German
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Feb 22, 2007 11:41 AM
Subject: Lynch and peterson
Considering their production in college why is peterson considered the
better prospect? Lynch has shown to be more durable more versatlie a
better reciever and in my opinion faster. He carries the same amount of
weight on a shorter frame, even though he doesn't have the same power as
peterson he is a lot more elusive than peterson.
Also what is the verdict on the steeler defence? Are the sticking to
the 3-4 (which I love and pray they do) or goin with the cover 2?
Lou: Adrian Peterson is taller and faster (6'2" 4.45) than Marshawn Lynch (5'10" 4.5), but both are high end prospects who are worthy first round selections.
Peterson has certainly received more national acclaim, particularly because of his outstanding freshman season in 2004. Lynch has some questions about his receiving and blocking ability (though he did catch 34 passes in 2006); however, there are at concerns among some about Peterson's blocking as well. Both of them are strong playmakers, but Peterson's slight edge on speed and size gives him the nod.
The word out of Pittsburgh is that Mike Tomlin will utilize a 3-4 defense... at least for 2007. Don't be surprised if the Steelers start looking toward bringing in players who could also succeed in a 4-3/Cover 2, as clearly Tomlin would prefer to go with that. But, for now, the 3-4 stays. But if Joey Porter ends up parting ways with the club, that could hasten a change.
From: Don Pilgrim
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Feb 23, 2007 3:00 PM
Subject: Your Mock
With all due respect for someone who puts the time and effort into
posting a mock draft, I have to disagree with you about a few players.
One, there is no way oft-injured Michael Bush goes before Marshawn
Lynch. As a Packer fan, I would choke on that one, not that I'm so enamored
with Lynch.
Second is that I have very grave doubts the Posluszny goes before
Patrick Willis and maybe not even ahead of one of the FSU linebackers.
I wouldn't quibble with any of your other selections, but I will say this:
Any team, starting with the Raiders, who pass on Calvin Johnson are
making a big mistake. Only player who comes close to having the talent
at his position as Johnson does at his is Joe Thomas, OT.
Keep up the good work.
Lou: I agree with your points. I'm not sure if you saw a dated version of my picks, but I'm on the same side with you on all of the arguments you made.
I'm definitely higher on Michael Bush than some; Mike Mayock ranks Tony Hunt (Penn State), Brian Leonard (Rutgers H-Back) *and* Lorenzo Booker (Florida State) above Bush. But no way Bush goes before Marshawn Lynch, barring a real surprise (either a Lynch injury or Bush roaring back with an amazing workout.)
Despite the way it looks, it's no lock that the Packers will take a RB in round one. Even if Ahman Green doesn't return, and my guess is that he won't, there are needs in Green Bay beyond running back. RB makes a great deal of sense, but if Green Bay thinks that there are capable RB options beyond round one, they could go anywhere from WR to SS/FS to OL. Lynch to Green Bay makes sense, but it's not set in stone by any means.
I have Patrick Willis lined up with Carolina at #14. The word out of Charlotte is that the Panthers will take the "best player available", but there is little motivation for draft strategy to be given out at this point in the year. Lawrence Simmons may end up in Carolina; he isn't terribly experienced, but the guy can play. Paul Posluszny could end up with New England, have a chip on his shoulder over being slighted, and spend the next decade proving his detractors wrong. I think Posluszny is a great prospect, but he has some stiff competition at LB. There are some good LBs that look to fall into that 10-40 range.
From: Mike Torbert
To: LouPickney@gmail.com
Date: Feb 23, 2007 5:21 PM
Subject: Ramonce Taylor?
What do you think about Former Texas RB Ramonce Taylor? He was busted for possession and forced out of Texas, but the guy is a human highlight reel (see Youtube) Based on his Talent and off the field issues, what round do you project him being picked, and what team. (Other than Denver!)
Lou: There are a few Ramonce Taylor videos out there -- my favorite is the one set to "Who's Got the Herb" by 311.
The felony drug possession charge is a big problem, and Taylor has the "discipline problem" tag for allegedly not going to class at Texas, for fighting (which, as the story goes, lead to the police searching his vehicle and finding just under five pounds of marijuana), and for general attitude issues that lead to him falling out of favor with Texas coach Mack Brown. This will, in all likelihood, prevent Taylor from being a day one pick, but someone at some point is going to take a chance on him.
As part of his sentencing for the pot arrest, Taylor received a 60 day jail sentence and five years of "deferred probation", which seems to be a uniquely Texas legal status. The explanation of that type of probation is explained here:
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Q: What is deferred adjudication?
A: Deferred adjudication is a special type of probation available to defendants who plead guilty or no contest. Basically, you are placed on deferred adjudication for a certain amount of time. If you complete the time period without getting in trouble, the charges are dismissed and you will not have a conviction on your record. However, if you commit another crime or violate the conditions of the deferred adjudication, you are found guilty and the judge can assess any punishment in the statutory range of the crime.
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So, legally speaking, Taylor should be okay as long as he stays out of trouble through November 2011. People make mistakes in life, and hopefully (for his sake) Taylor will be given an opportunity to overcome the poor decisions he has made.
While Taylor doesn't have the appearance of being a potential primary RB (he wasn't known for breaking many tackles), he has elite speed (Sports Illustrated has listed it as 4.23, which seems unrealistic; I've seen 4.3 estimated elsewhere, which is still world-class) and could be an excellent addition for a team looking for a speedy change-of-pace RB. Taylor is very decisive at reaching the line, finding his hole, and hitting it. He's 5'11" 195, and even if he "only" runs a 4.4 40, he could be a contributor. Taylor has at least serviceable pass-catching skills, which is another important factor.
His performance tomorrow at the combine will be very important, as Taylor needs to show that he physically still has the goods and that, maturity-wise, he has improved enough to warrant being given a shot in the NFL.
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