4/24/12
From Bradford McGuffin, South Carolina
“I am a Colts fan and i want to ask you if you think we will draft Alshon Jeffery other than the TE?”
I think if the best available players were Coby Fleener and Alshon Jeffery, the Colts would take Fleener. They don’t have much at the position, and Fleener is the higher rated prospect. Fleener would be helpful in Andrew Luck’s transition to the pro game due their familiarity and the position. Indianapolis has a hole at tight end after losing Dallas Clark and Jacob Tamme.
From Alex B., Columbus, Ohio
“First let me state that I think your website is the best draft site on the web by far. Ok my question is if Fletcher Cox Doesn’t go number 6 or 9, where in the top 20 do you think is likely (other than Philly)”
Thanks Alex! We appreciate it. As for Cox, I do think he’s going to end up in Philly. If I had to pick some other teams, I would probably say the Seahawks at 12 could be an option. They could take a defensive tackle or defensive end in the first round. Another option could be Dallas. Cox has the strength and length to set the edge as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense. That being said, I don’t see any way that Cox gets by the Eagles, and I think there is a good chance that they trade up for him.
From Landon McBride, Stillwater, Oklahoma
“I’m not a Browns fan but I’ve been thinking that if they are considering Brandon Weeden in the 2nd round and need some offensive fire power why not take Justin Blackmon in the 1st and Weeden in the 2nd? It’s not a perfect plan but you get two guys who are familiar with each other and put up prolific numbers together in college. Why not give it a try its not like they have anything to lose.”
That is an interesting idea. It surely would help both Blackmon and Weeden transition to the pro game faster with their familiarity and chemistry. What they have to lose in that scenario is Trent Richardson. Cleveland has a bigger need for Richardson than they do for Blackmon. Also, Weeden may not even beat out Colt McCoy as a rookie; he could, but it is no sure thing as McCoy has the experience edge on Weeden. Richardson can shorten games and keep Cleveland more competitive with its tough division foes. The Browns’ pick sounds like it is coming down to either Richardson or Blackmon, with Weeden as a potential target later on. Your idea is certainly possible.
From Edmund Kuhn, Bangor, Maine
“I noticed in your big board you have Trent Richardson behind Justin Blackmon and Morris Claiborne. Most rate Richardson ahead of them. Why do you have Richardson behind them? “
That is another good question, and I can answer that in a number: 30. In doing the Big Board, I take into account longevity and how long a player will be playing. By the time those three players hit 30, Richardson could easily be on his last legs or he could already be done in the NFL. That is just the nature of the beast at running back. Wide receiver and cornerback are different. There are many effective wideouts and corners who are Pro Bowlers at 30 and even playing well into their mid-30s. You don’t see that at the running back position.
Thus, Blackmon and Claiborne could be in the middle of a second long-term contract and performing well while Richardson’s career is at the end. Blackmon and Claiborne could be starters for 10-plus years. Richardson won’t make it that far and is more like a 5- to 8-year player. That is the reason why I have Richardson behind Blackmon and Claiborne.
From Gregory Coker, Stevenage, England
“A question on Mike Adams of Ohio, many have highlighted his weakness against high level speed rushers. As such a physical player why are teams not highlighting him as a possible candidate to move to the guard position? “
Adams (6-7, 323) played guard for a couple of snaps at the Senior Bowl, but everybody projects him to tackle because he has the athletic potential for the position. That is hard to find for NFL teams, so when they have a guy with that size, quickness and agility, they want to work with him at tackle. If he flops there, I could see him moving inside to guard, like Robert Gallery and a host of others. It is a good idea as a backup if he bombs at tackle.
From twitter Justin Wall (@jwalluww)
“I know the Texans need a wide receiver, and the inside linebacker spot opened up, but is there any chance they look at Mike Adams for right tackle in round 1?”
I do think that right tackle is in play for the Texans in the first round. Adams could be an option, but I think his positive drug test from the NFL Scouting Combine pushes him down into the second round. From speaking with sources, I think the Texans are giving strong consideration to Georgia tackle Cordy Glenn. They believe he has the mobility and athletic ability to fit in their zone blocking system. I think Glenn will probably be gone, but Stanford’s Jonathan Martin could be a good fit for Houston.
From Lloyd Burns, Providence, Rhode Island
“How would you rank the top five pure cover corners in the draft? “
1. Janoris Jenkins 2. Morris Claiborne 3. Stephon Gilmore* 4. Dre Kirkpatrick* 5. Tie Jayron Hosley and Josh Robinson
If I had a defensive system that used more zone coverage, I would prefer Kirkpatrick. If it is more man-to-man based, Gilmore would be third. In my opinion, Jenkins is definitely best the cover corner in the 2012 NFL Draft. For more, check out our 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
Once again send questions/comments via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - June 16
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 20
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 15
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 6
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 24
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 16
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 9
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 3
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - March 25
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - March 15
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2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
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NFL Picks - Feb. 12
