2014 NFL Draft Mailbag
I received many e-mails and tweets about my 2014 NFL Mock Draft and the upcoming NFL Draft in general. To share the answers to the questions publicly, I decided to start up a mailbag column. Pass along your NFL draft questions and comments. I'll put together a mailbag periodically that answers questions/comments sent via email draftcampbell@gmail.com or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
5/16/13
From Vinny, Staten Island, New York
"With the news that the Jets are moving Ouinton Coples to outside linebacker and Sheldon Richardson to his spot on the 3 man line, how much do you believe the Jets' pass rush will be improved? Also what is a realistic expectation for Geno Smith's first and second years in the league?"
I definitely think the Jets' pass rush is going to be improved in 2013. Richardson was a disruptive pass-rusher for Missouri last year and had success rushing from defensive end as well as tackle. He is an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end. Coples has the speed and athletic ability to be a standup edge-rusher as well. I think he'll be improved in his second pro season.
I think Coples, Richardson and Muhammed Wilkerson will form a formidable trio. In my opinion, the team would probably do a better job of putting pressure on the quarterback from a four-man defensive line with Richardson and Wilkerson rushing from tackle. The Jets used a lot of four-man line sets in 2012, so I think these three guys will be used in a variety of ways.
I think New York is one more edge-rusher away from having maybe the best young defensive line in the NFL. If the Jets somehow could land Jadeveon Clowney in the 2014 NFL Draft, they could have the makings a legendary unit.
From twitter Justin Wall, @jwalluww
"You gotta think no Buddy Nix puts E.J. Manuel on a very short leash...."
I don't think Buddy Nix leaving the general manager position has a real impact on Manuel. The Bills took Manuel because he was the quarterback of choice for Doug Marrone. The new coaching staff and front office staff were on board with Manuel being their guy, so I think he will get every opportunity to succeed. The Bills made a big investment in Manuel, and I would expect them to give him two to three years to pan out.
From twitter Craig Davis, @CraigDavis2695
"If you compare a current pro to Teddy Bridgewater who would it be?"
That's an interesting question and one I hadn't thought of yet. I'm just in the very preliminary stages of studying the 2014 prospects, so this comparison could change. If I had to say one right now, I would probably go with Ryan Tannehill. Bridgewater may not be as fast or athletic, and he doesn't run as much as Tannehill did in college, but they have similar styles of play. Both move well in the pocket with strong, accurate arms.
I think Tannehill is going to take a big step forward in 2013 and Bridgewater looks poised for a big junior season. I think both could have successful careers in the NFL.
From Dave, Pensacola, Florida
"A lot of attention has been given to the Vikings' draft picks of Sharrif Floyd and Cordarrelle Patterson. What are your thoughts of their pick of Xavier Rhodes?"
I think Rhodes landed with a perfect team. Minnesota will use him to the best of his abilities with zone coverage and press man. He gives the Vikings a big corner to matchup against Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Jordy Nelson. I thought Rhodes played better in the first half of the 2012 season compared to the back half. In speaking with some friends around the FSU program, they said it seemed like he was maybe taking some plays off and protecting himself to avoid getting injured before the 2013 NFL Draft.
That won't be tolerated with Leslie Frazier and Mike Singletary. Having a former NFL defensive back in Frazier will be good for Rhodes, while Singletary will provide plenty of motivation. I agree with you that Rhodes hasn't received the attention of the Floyd or Patterson pick, but Rhodes could be the safest selection of the three.
From Terrell Harvey, Mobile, Alabama
"Why did Jesse Williams fall so far on draft day?"
I was never a believer of Williams being a first-round pick and had him lower than most. I had him in the third round of my final mock draft. In my opinion, Williams was a one-dimensional run stuffer who offered very little as an NFL pass-rusher.
In speaking with some scouts, they gave Williams a mid-round grade because of the lack of pass rush. Another reason why they had him lower was that he struggled with double-teams. Eating up double-teams would be one of his primary roles in the NFL as a two-gap defensive tackle or zero-technique nose tackle.
That being said, I think Williams is a quality selection in the fifth round for Seattle. I wouldn't expect big things from him, but I think Williams could be a serviceable rotational player.
From Ryan Davis, San Jose, California
"Do you think that Terrelle Pryor can electrify the Raiders' offense the way Colin Kaepernick did for the 49ers? If he can't, Oakland has to get a future franchise quarterback unless Tyler Wilson turns out to be a steal."
I think the odds are better that Tyler Wilson is a surprisingly successful rookie rather than Pryor having a Kaepernick-like impact for Oakland. From what I've heard, Pryor isn't the sharpest signal-caller in the classroom and at knowing the playbook. That is going to make it tough for him to see the field in the NFL.
If Wilson had entered the 2012 NFL Draft, the junior probably would've at least been a second-day pick. Last season was such a nightmare for the Arkansas program it is very understandable that Wilson's production declined. He lost his head coach, playcaller and group of good receivers. Along with the turmoil, Wilson also dealt with a concussion.
Wilson was well prepared for the NFL by former head coach Bobby Petrino, so I think he could make a quick transition to the Raiders' West Coast offense and is legitimate competition with Flynn and Pryor. It would certainly accelerate the Raiders' rebuilding effort if Wilson proved to be a steal because Oakland could address a non-quarterback need in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
From Gary Rudd, Ann Arbor, Michigan
"I see that you had Larry Warford as your favorite second-day prospect. Who is your favorite for the 2014 NFL Draft?"
It is too early to pick one, but my top candidate, right now, would be Tennessee left tackle Antonio Richardson. He could easily turn into a first-round pick with a strong 2013 season. The Volunteers were able to move Dallas Thomas inside to guard last year because of Richardson. He did an impressive job of protecting Tyler Bray's blind side.
If Richardson plays well against South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney, he could give his stock a real boost. I bet Tennessee will let Richardson take on Clowney in some one-on-ones. If Richardson does well in those plays, ir could be huge for his draft stock. The 6-foot-6, 332-pounder has good size for a left tackle with surprising quickness and agility. Not a lot of people project him as a first-rounder right now, but I think that could easily change later this fall.
From twitter Eric Westlund, @EricWestlund
"Still going Johnny (Manziel) that high, huh? The scouting community is starting to go the other way."
Well I'm not sure which scouts you're referring to, but the area scouts who I talk to haven't seriously started the 2014 process. They are mostly on vacation until August.
There are some directors of college scouting in the NFL who have already started watching 2014 players, but the area scouts who give players their round grade haven't started that process yet. Plus Manziel is an underclassman. Most area scouts just focus on the seniors and then go back and review the underclassmen once they've declared for the draft. It is way too early to make an estimation on how the scouting community feels about any 2014 prospect.
Once again send questions/comments via email draftcampbell@gmail.com or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
2014 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2014 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 16
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
5/16/13
From Vinny, Staten Island, New York
"With the news that the Jets are moving Ouinton Coples to outside linebacker and Sheldon Richardson to his spot on the 3 man line, how much do you believe the Jets' pass rush will be improved? Also what is a realistic expectation for Geno Smith's first and second years in the league?"
I definitely think the Jets' pass rush is going to be improved in 2013. Richardson was a disruptive pass-rusher for Missouri last year and had success rushing from defensive end as well as tackle. He is an excellent fit as a 3-4 defensive end. Coples has the speed and athletic ability to be a standup edge-rusher as well. I think he'll be improved in his second pro season.
I think Coples, Richardson and Muhammed Wilkerson will form a formidable trio. In my opinion, the team would probably do a better job of putting pressure on the quarterback from a four-man defensive line with Richardson and Wilkerson rushing from tackle. The Jets used a lot of four-man line sets in 2012, so I think these three guys will be used in a variety of ways.
I think New York is one more edge-rusher away from having maybe the best young defensive line in the NFL. If the Jets somehow could land Jadeveon Clowney in the 2014 NFL Draft, they could have the makings a legendary unit.
From twitter Justin Wall, @jwalluww
"You gotta think no Buddy Nix puts E.J. Manuel on a very short leash...."
I don't think Buddy Nix leaving the general manager position has a real impact on Manuel. The Bills took Manuel because he was the quarterback of choice for Doug Marrone. The new coaching staff and front office staff were on board with Manuel being their guy, so I think he will get every opportunity to succeed. The Bills made a big investment in Manuel, and I would expect them to give him two to three years to pan out.
From twitter Craig Davis, @CraigDavis2695
"If you compare a current pro to Teddy Bridgewater who would it be?"
That's an interesting question and one I hadn't thought of yet. I'm just in the very preliminary stages of studying the 2014 prospects, so this comparison could change. If I had to say one right now, I would probably go with Ryan Tannehill. Bridgewater may not be as fast or athletic, and he doesn't run as much as Tannehill did in college, but they have similar styles of play. Both move well in the pocket with strong, accurate arms.
I think Tannehill is going to take a big step forward in 2013 and Bridgewater looks poised for a big junior season. I think both could have successful careers in the NFL.
From Dave, Pensacola, Florida
"A lot of attention has been given to the Vikings' draft picks of Sharrif Floyd and Cordarrelle Patterson. What are your thoughts of their pick of Xavier Rhodes?"
I think Rhodes landed with a perfect team. Minnesota will use him to the best of his abilities with zone coverage and press man. He gives the Vikings a big corner to matchup against Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Jordy Nelson. I thought Rhodes played better in the first half of the 2012 season compared to the back half. In speaking with some friends around the FSU program, they said it seemed like he was maybe taking some plays off and protecting himself to avoid getting injured before the 2013 NFL Draft.
That won't be tolerated with Leslie Frazier and Mike Singletary. Having a former NFL defensive back in Frazier will be good for Rhodes, while Singletary will provide plenty of motivation. I agree with you that Rhodes hasn't received the attention of the Floyd or Patterson pick, but Rhodes could be the safest selection of the three.
From Terrell Harvey, Mobile, Alabama
"Why did Jesse Williams fall so far on draft day?"
I was never a believer of Williams being a first-round pick and had him lower than most. I had him in the third round of my final mock draft. In my opinion, Williams was a one-dimensional run stuffer who offered very little as an NFL pass-rusher.
In speaking with some scouts, they gave Williams a mid-round grade because of the lack of pass rush. Another reason why they had him lower was that he struggled with double-teams. Eating up double-teams would be one of his primary roles in the NFL as a two-gap defensive tackle or zero-technique nose tackle.
That being said, I think Williams is a quality selection in the fifth round for Seattle. I wouldn't expect big things from him, but I think Williams could be a serviceable rotational player.
From Ryan Davis, San Jose, California
"Do you think that Terrelle Pryor can electrify the Raiders' offense the way Colin Kaepernick did for the 49ers? If he can't, Oakland has to get a future franchise quarterback unless Tyler Wilson turns out to be a steal."
I think the odds are better that Tyler Wilson is a surprisingly successful rookie rather than Pryor having a Kaepernick-like impact for Oakland. From what I've heard, Pryor isn't the sharpest signal-caller in the classroom and at knowing the playbook. That is going to make it tough for him to see the field in the NFL.
If Wilson had entered the 2012 NFL Draft, the junior probably would've at least been a second-day pick. Last season was such a nightmare for the Arkansas program it is very understandable that Wilson's production declined. He lost his head coach, playcaller and group of good receivers. Along with the turmoil, Wilson also dealt with a concussion.
Wilson was well prepared for the NFL by former head coach Bobby Petrino, so I think he could make a quick transition to the Raiders' West Coast offense and is legitimate competition with Flynn and Pryor. It would certainly accelerate the Raiders' rebuilding effort if Wilson proved to be a steal because Oakland could address a non-quarterback need in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
From Gary Rudd, Ann Arbor, Michigan
"I see that you had Larry Warford as your favorite second-day prospect. Who is your favorite for the 2014 NFL Draft?"
It is too early to pick one, but my top candidate, right now, would be Tennessee left tackle Antonio Richardson. He could easily turn into a first-round pick with a strong 2013 season. The Volunteers were able to move Dallas Thomas inside to guard last year because of Richardson. He did an impressive job of protecting Tyler Bray's blind side.
If Richardson plays well against South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney, he could give his stock a real boost. I bet Tennessee will let Richardson take on Clowney in some one-on-ones. If Richardson does well in those plays, ir could be huge for his draft stock. The 6-foot-6, 332-pounder has good size for a left tackle with surprising quickness and agility. Not a lot of people project him as a first-rounder right now, but I think that could easily change later this fall.
From twitter Eric Westlund, @EricWestlund
"Still going Johnny (Manziel) that high, huh? The scouting community is starting to go the other way."
Well I'm not sure which scouts you're referring to, but the area scouts who I talk to haven't seriously started the 2014 process. They are mostly on vacation until August.
There are some directors of college scouting in the NFL who have already started watching 2014 players, but the area scouts who give players their round grade haven't started that process yet. Plus Manziel is an underclassman. Most area scouts just focus on the seniors and then go back and review the underclassmen once they've declared for the draft. It is way too early to make an estimation on how the scouting community feels about any 2014 prospect.
Once again send questions/comments via email draftcampbell@gmail.com or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
2014 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2014 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 16
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Vince
10-26-2012
02:03 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
(total posts: 4)
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Hey Charlie, Milliner plays some zone too. Unless there is a true #1 receiver on the opposing team (a la Alshon Jeffry and Rueben Randle last year and Cobi Hamilton and Justin Hunter this year), the Tide run mostly pattern-read zone on anything that is first/second and six or more. On almost all third downs and about half second and shorts they run straight man, but otherwise they're mostly a zone team.
Still, Dee Milliner is definitely the best corner in this draft.
nycsportzfan
09-06-2012
07:18 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx9.10
(total posts: 1)
12
15
Hey Walt, What do u think of this crop of Dlineman? I'm thinking of sleepers in the rd 3-5rd area.. Craig Roh DE michigan, Cameron Meredith DE Nebraska, and Akeem Spence DT Illinois?
Matt
08-16-2012
08:37 am
xxx.xxx.xxx0.32
(total posts: 1)
80
258
Uh oh, Walt might fire you after that Penn State blurb. In his eyes, Paterno is a saint and PSU was robbed.
Joe Schmo
08-07-2012
04:02 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.182
(total posts: 1)
16
10
@Steve, just because a quarterback has speed, that does not translate into success as a running back. But maybe on day 3 he is worth a pick as a project.
Wharthog
08-07-2012
01:43 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx48.2
(total posts: 1)
15
10
@Vince
I agree w/your list but Eric Winston Played in Miami, not USC. I guess that strengthens your argument since Winston was on your "pro" USC list. Also, add to your "con" list Rey Maualuga (drug dealing issue)and Taylor Mays (effort issues)who are both currently in Cincy...and maybe Keith Rivers too.
Steve
08-07-2012
01:36 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx17.5
(total posts: 1)
11
185
well if denard goes on day three, i hope my lions pick him up then, and put him at RB
Vince
07-27-2012
02:46 am
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
(total posts: 4)
18
36
Also in the melting pot of recent offensive USC busts with Sanchez and Leinart would be guys like Dwayne Jarrett, Reggie Bush, Deuce Lutui, Charles Brown, Sam Baker, and LenDale White. Steve Smith was average, as has been Chilo Rachal.
Overall it seems to affect the O-Line less, with guys like Eric Winston, Ryan Kalil, and Tyron Smith. Other than the O-Line, though, the only guy from USC on offense who actually looks legit is Fred Davis.
Wesley C
07-26-2012
08:10 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.175
(total posts: 1)
30
12
The "bust legacy" among past USC QBs shouldn't be that big of an issue. We all know Kyle Boller was a bust from Cal in the 2003 but his immediate successor at Cal, Aaron Rodgers seems to be successful in the NFL.
Matt @ Mac
07-26-2012
01:05 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.219
(total posts: 2)
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10
If young people voted in the same numbers as those over 40 Paul Ryan would not have a job. Also who roots 4 another team just because theirs suck? I guess Dolphin fans.....
RD
07-17-2012
12:51 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.172
(total posts: 1)
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12
@TS
#1 Cooley had 849 yards in 2010 while playing all 16 games; and thats with McNabb throwing more ints than tds that year; not to mention having a YPC avg of over 10 consistently. He has played all 16 games in 6 out of 8 seasons, and his play steadily gets better. He has never had a good qb; Campbell was only avg. Davis isn't a top-10 player; he is still very raw. He has had one year of good production and one of above avg. (09). And top- 10 talent is V. Davis, Gronk, Graham, Pettigrew, Gates, Gonzo, Winslow, Gresham, Witten, both Millers, Cooley, Daniels, and Celek. F. Davis is currently a 2nd-tier TE. #2 Helu was injured in his only season with 5 starts and about 150 carries; that inspires no confidence. His rush avg. was 4.2; exactly in the middle of the NFL. Almost 1/2 his receiving yards were on one day. Hightower is an ok 3rd down back, but not that great. This group of RBs are in the lower 1/2 of the NFL. And your absolutely right about Shanahan, he turns crappy RB's into 1000 yard rushers (Orlandis Gary, Quentin Griffin, Reuben Droughns, Tatum Bell). However, after Portis was traded, no one lasts long because they sucked. Look it up, I think only Droughns had 2 good seasons, and one was in CLE. Most of those good seasons were because Shanahan does a great job with the line. Also, in his 2 years in WAS, Shanahan has yet to produce a 1,000 yard rusher, which he used to do like nothing; and hasn't had one in his last 4 seasons. Helu will be another one of those backs; though he may have a better career than Gary and Griffin. I have nothing but respect for him as a HC, but it looks as though he is nearing the end; probably why he went all out with McNabb in 2010. #3 Cofield has had 1 good year and a couple of decent years; though I was surprised he didn't do more when playing with that dangerous of a DL. He will be another Aubrayo Franklin; good for like 2 years and then done. Riley may have had a decent year, but please don't compare him to Fletch; that's insulting. Fletch is the #1 underrated defensive players in the game today. He's been spectacular for years, never missed a game and had 12 straight 100+ tackle years. I like Riley and followed him in LSU; but currently, he is maybe avg.; nothing more. Playing next to Fletch will help develop him; but w/o him, Riley will struggle. Wilson's better, but he is only an good #2 or #3 CB. Like I said the D is garbage. 3 good players, 2 passable ones and a one year wonder does not make a good D, especially when the rest shouldn't be starting in the NFL. #4 Smith is, and always has been, a top-10 WR. In the 4 years after Delhomme started falling off in '06, Smith has put up almost 4,000 yards and 20 TD's; with bums like Matt Moore and Jimmy Clausen throwing to him. Garcon isn't better than Lafell, it just looked like he was because Manning was throwing to him and he had decoys in Wayne and Clark. Cooley is better than Olsen, Davis isn't; though he can be if he develops. Shanahan is great with the line; but only passable linemen? Come on; he had his fair share of good, even some great, linemen. Nalen is one of the best centers to play the game; and how about Schlereth, Zimmerman, Lepsis, or Studdard? They had talent, whether Shanahan was there. His current crop of O-linemen don't even compare to them. Only Williams and Brown should be starting at all. #5 Your ignorance and bias notwithstanding; WAS is a lost cause for at least 3 years. No #1 caliber players (alone or by committee) anywhere but LB and now QB. They have no 1st Rounder in 2 years; and currently don't have the skill to compete. STL will be taking WAS's next 2 1st rounders, so it will be harder to build around Griffin.
Mac
07-10-2012
12:44 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx5.71
(total posts: 1)
23
21
Charlie kicking it with Paul Ryan! Nice! If only the country would listen to him our economy and debt wouldn't be in the crapper. I'm a Dolphins fan, but I'll root for the Pack just cause Ryan likes them. Besides Miami is going to stink this year. Go Pack Go!
Chris
07-08-2012
07:23 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.204
(total posts: 1)
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Comeback player of the year could easily be Sam Bradford, he has had the same consistency issues with this being his third system in three years, and he had an ankle injury plaguing him last season. Combine the full off season with some big threat wide receivers and he could have a great season when last year was dreadful. And the chiefs need Tyler Wilson,he can take hits, deliver the big plays, makes good decisions, and can escape the pocket
PackFan
07-08-2012
03:44 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.135
(total posts: 1)
12
10
Another reason to like Worthy in the Packers' scheme is because they play in their sub packages about 85-90% of the time, meaning Worthy can line up inside and use his quickness to penetrate the gaps. Perry and Worthy will make a huge difference.
Matt
07-08-2012
12:11 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.219
(total posts: 2)
268
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Tell Paul Ryan to suck an egg next time you see him.
from joe zig Pitts MA
07-08-2012
08:23 am
xxx.xxx.xxx7.53
(total posts: 1)
11
10
Hey Walt, do u think Reuben Randle is gonna beat out last yrs 3rd rd pick Jerrell Jerrnigan for the giants 3rd WR spot?
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2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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