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 19
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
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
04-16-2012
06:47 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
(total posts: 4)
 29
 28
I've been watching Jeromey Clary for years now (since Shane Olivea was released), and his only real issue is that he's simply too slow to play tackle well in the NFL. Edge rushers these days are just too fast for him.
The best thing for the Chargers at this point would be to draft Jonathan Martin in round one and stick him at RT, allowing them to kick Clary over to LG to replace Kris Dielman, where he'll be a far better fit anyway. Two upgrades for the price of one :D
Mr. Sanchezident
04-16-2012
03:33 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx9.62
(total posts: 1)
18
23
The Jets should draft Barron. I think that they're trying to bait the Cowboys into taking Ingram or Brockers, as well as doing the same thing to the Eagles. They NEED Barron. If they can't cover the TE tandem up in Foxboro, they'll never win the division. And the only ways to get good safeties is through the draft. There are too many pass rushers in this draft to justify passing up Barron in round one. The Jets NEED him. And they need more help. Drafting Barron this year and a safety next year(Tony Jefferson if they feel Barron is better as a SS or TJ McDonald if they like Barron as FS) would be the best option at this point. A lot of pass rushers around in round two and at the bottom of round one if they want to trade up.
ChiTown3
04-16-2012
11:15 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.162
(total posts: 1)
139
71
If we moved Forte, he is gunna be p*ssed as hell. It would look bad on the bears loyalty to their players. Forte needs to just accept his 7.7 mill and go out n win a super bowl. Especially how stacked Chicago is now. GO BEARS!!!
Vaughan Moore
04-16-2012
06:36 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.227
(total posts: 1)
25
27
You have had the Bills taking Riley Reiff since they picked up Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. I think the pick absolutely makes sense, but Buddy Nix said he'd be much more aggressive this off-season. Michael Floyd or Luke Kuechly would actually be better picks in my mind. They are both extremely talented and potential Pro Bowlers.
who cares
04-09-2012
02:27 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.119
(total posts: 1)
18
22
McFadden has absolutely been an offensive force when on the field. Check his highlights. Just say he's "dealt with a lot of injuries for Oakland" and leave it at that. I pray everyday that he stays healthy
Johnny, Atlanta, Georgia
04-09-2012
11:54 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.137
(total posts: 1)
13
19
I'd like to thank you for such a great website with accurate and useful information. My question is: What is your thoughts on the Rams moving further down I'm the first round? If any one other then Blackmon is available, major trade offers could come in. I could see Cincinnati moving up for ethier Clairborne/Richardson as well as New York moving up for the running back considering their new offensive additions.
Jesse
04-09-2012
09:50 am
xxx.xxx.xxx20.2
(total posts: 1)
21
24
I totally agree with what you wrote about first round running backs and I hope the browns wait until the second or third to take one.
Rance
04-03-2012
09:37 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.206
(total posts: 1)
25
32
What are your thoughts on the Bucs trading back a few picks and drafting Luke Kuechly from Boston College?
phil marrone
03-26-2012
12:05 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.107
(total posts: 1)
36
51
what are the chances the 49ers trade up for david decastro?
What?
03-25-2012
06:11 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx8.44
(total posts: 1)
28
25
Hey Mac in Illinois...do you even know what a football is?
Vince
03-25-2012
02:01 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
(total posts: 4)
27
23
@Beau from Milwuakee
Cincinnati is a Power Six conference (Big East). Just saying. Try Miles Burris, the OLB from San Diego State. Never hurts to have more pass rushers.
@Mac in Illinois
03-25-2012
01:46 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.219
(total posts: 1)
37
24
Really? Not RG3 to the Redskins? Not getting a QB that we traded everything for? lol....
Rhyan
03-16-2012
05:52 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx7.18
(total posts: 1)
28
26
Any chance of Mercilus going before Ingram? The more I see and hear about Mercilus, the more I like him.
Mac in Illinois
03-15-2012
06:14 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx7.94
(total posts: 1)
19
758
Quick query on the Bears' mailbag. I'm pretty sure that Miami gets those in the Marshall trade, so a bit of a moot point. Also, I have been hearing reports out of Redskins park that they are "very interested" in Matt Kalil. This would move Trent and all his struggles to the right side, and give them the best bookends in the NFL. You should put Kalil to the Redskins at No. 2.
Mac in Arizona
03-15-2012
06:07 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.100
(total posts: 1)
18
20
What would you think if the Cardinals trade out to San Diego who wants Decastro for their one and two to get Alabama's ILB Hightower at one and Fla State's OT Sanders at two
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2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 19
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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