2013 NFL Draft Mailbag
I received many e-mails and tweets about my 2013 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.
6/16/12
From twitter Stefanos Yowhannes (@StefanosY)
"Is Rob Gronkowski a product of the system in New England, or could he be plugged in anywhere else?"
Gronkowski definitely is not a product of the system. He would be one of the league's best tight ends regardless of the team he played for. As long as Gronkowski had just an average quarterback, he would be a productive receiver. The reason is Gronkowski's fantastic skill set combined with his size, speed, hands and route-running. He also is no slouch as a blocker.
After signing a mega-extension with New England, we won't know absolutely if Gronkowski is truly a product of the system, however the Patriots have had a number of quality tight ends during Tom Brady's tenure and none of them have been the weapon that Gronkowski is. In my opinion, he is the real deal.
From Amar Iyengar, Indianapolis, Indiana
"I just recently discovered the site but I find it to be a breathe of fresh air, keep up the good work. Anyways, what do you think of Casey Pachall? We saw the kind of impact Andy Dalton had as a rookie and Pachall exceeded any season that Dalton ever put up statistically and is bigger with more physical tools. Any chance he could be a first rounder next year with another big season?"
First of all, thanks for the compliments. I agree with you that Pachall could end up being a first-round pick. Right now I would say the 6-foot-5, 226-pounder looks like a second-rounder, but if he improves as a junior and senior, he could move into the top 32 in his draft class.
Pachall set single-season TCU records for completions, completion percentage and passing yards in 2011, his first year as a starter. He completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 2,921 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Pachall stepped up with a massive game in TCU's one-point road win over Boise State. He threw for 473 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. Aside from that game, Pachall beat up on some weak competition. He will see better defenses with TCU's move to the Big XII this season.
If Pachall continues to improve while playing better talent, his draft stock will really rise.
From Jason McCann, Springfield, Illinois
"Do you think that Michael Buchanan's broken jaw will impact his draft status?"
Right now, there is not a lot known about the altercation that led to Buchanan breaking his jaw. On the field, he should be fine. Buchanan isn't expected to miss any time, and in August, he'll be able to add back any weight/muscle he loses while on a liquid diet with his jaw wired shut.
Illinois is expecting Buchanan to pick up the slack for the Illini with Whitney Mercilus moving on to the NFL. Buchanan looks like a second-day pick right now, but if he has a big season, he could crack the top 32.
The off-the-field incident that led to Buchanan's jaw being broken is a wild card that could be harmful to his draft stock.
From Andre Morris, Durham, North Carolina
"You were a big fan of Josh Norman and said he was a steal for Carolina. With him surprising everyone and pushing for a starting job already, does that take away Carolina's need to draft a corner early in the 2013 draft?"
That is definitely possible. If Norman is solid on the other side from Chris Gamble, the Panthers could wait until the second day or mid-rounds to find some depth and nickel competition.
I do think that Norman was one of the steals of the 2012 draft. For months I had him going in the third round, and I thought he would end up becoming a quality starter in the NFL.
It was clear at the East-West Shrine practices that Norman was more talented than any other player there with the possible exception of Miami of Ohio guard Brandon Brooks. All week, Norman had dominant practices that showcased him producing some splash plays.
In his collegiate career, the 6-foot, 197-pounder totaled 13 interceptions with 35 passes broken up, four forced fumbles, four blocked kicks and 196 tackles. He broke out with eight interceptions as a sophomore in 2009.
In my Day Three Winners and Losers story, I had Carolina as a winner for taking Norman and Tampa Bay as a loser for passing on him in the fifth round for a backup linebacker in Najee Goode. Taking Norman could bolster the Panthers' secondary for years to come.
From Rob Brozny, Reno, Nevada
"Who are two dark horse candidates for offensive and defensive rookie of the year?"
There a lot of guys to pick from, but I'm going to go with Baltimore outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw and Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin.
The Ravens have a great coaching staff and a lot of talent around Upshaw. I think they will use his pass-rushing skills well and get him in position to make a real impact in sack production. The easiest way to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year is to put up a big total of sacks or interceptions.
With Terrell Suggs injured, I think Upshaw stands a good chance of having a significant impact as a rookie. He plays for a prominent team and won't go unnoticed.
I love Martin's versatility and I think as the season progresses, his playing time will increase on a weekly basis. He provides some sudden explosiveness that the Bucs have needed in their backfield along with outstanding receiving ability.
Martin makes a defenses' job more difficult because of the different ways he can contribute on any given play. LeGarratte Blount is good runner, but more one-dimensional. As a result, I think that by the end of the season, Martin will be seeing a lot more snaps than Blount. Martin could rack up some good numbers, and I think he stands a good chance of being in the discussion for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Once again send questions/comments via email draftcampbell@gmail.com or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Feb. 4
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Jan. 18
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Jan. 14
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Dec. 17
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Dec. 10
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Nov. 23
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Oct. 26
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Sept. 6
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Aug. 24
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Aug. 16
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Aug. 7
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - July 26
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - July 8
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - June 15
2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 16
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
6/16/12
From twitter Stefanos Yowhannes (@StefanosY)
"Is Rob Gronkowski a product of the system in New England, or could he be plugged in anywhere else?"
Gronkowski definitely is not a product of the system. He would be one of the league's best tight ends regardless of the team he played for. As long as Gronkowski had just an average quarterback, he would be a productive receiver. The reason is Gronkowski's fantastic skill set combined with his size, speed, hands and route-running. He also is no slouch as a blocker.
After signing a mega-extension with New England, we won't know absolutely if Gronkowski is truly a product of the system, however the Patriots have had a number of quality tight ends during Tom Brady's tenure and none of them have been the weapon that Gronkowski is. In my opinion, he is the real deal.
From Amar Iyengar, Indianapolis, Indiana
"I just recently discovered the site but I find it to be a breathe of fresh air, keep up the good work. Anyways, what do you think of Casey Pachall? We saw the kind of impact Andy Dalton had as a rookie and Pachall exceeded any season that Dalton ever put up statistically and is bigger with more physical tools. Any chance he could be a first rounder next year with another big season?"
First of all, thanks for the compliments. I agree with you that Pachall could end up being a first-round pick. Right now I would say the 6-foot-5, 226-pounder looks like a second-rounder, but if he improves as a junior and senior, he could move into the top 32 in his draft class.
Pachall set single-season TCU records for completions, completion percentage and passing yards in 2011, his first year as a starter. He completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 2,921 yards with 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Pachall stepped up with a massive game in TCU's one-point road win over Boise State. He threw for 473 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. Aside from that game, Pachall beat up on some weak competition. He will see better defenses with TCU's move to the Big XII this season.
If Pachall continues to improve while playing better talent, his draft stock will really rise.
From Jason McCann, Springfield, Illinois
"Do you think that Michael Buchanan's broken jaw will impact his draft status?"
Right now, there is not a lot known about the altercation that led to Buchanan breaking his jaw. On the field, he should be fine. Buchanan isn't expected to miss any time, and in August, he'll be able to add back any weight/muscle he loses while on a liquid diet with his jaw wired shut.
Illinois is expecting Buchanan to pick up the slack for the Illini with Whitney Mercilus moving on to the NFL. Buchanan looks like a second-day pick right now, but if he has a big season, he could crack the top 32.
The off-the-field incident that led to Buchanan's jaw being broken is a wild card that could be harmful to his draft stock.
From Andre Morris, Durham, North Carolina
"You were a big fan of Josh Norman and said he was a steal for Carolina. With him surprising everyone and pushing for a starting job already, does that take away Carolina's need to draft a corner early in the 2013 draft?"
That is definitely possible. If Norman is solid on the other side from Chris Gamble, the Panthers could wait until the second day or mid-rounds to find some depth and nickel competition.
I do think that Norman was one of the steals of the 2012 draft. For months I had him going in the third round, and I thought he would end up becoming a quality starter in the NFL.
It was clear at the East-West Shrine practices that Norman was more talented than any other player there with the possible exception of Miami of Ohio guard Brandon Brooks. All week, Norman had dominant practices that showcased him producing some splash plays.
In his collegiate career, the 6-foot, 197-pounder totaled 13 interceptions with 35 passes broken up, four forced fumbles, four blocked kicks and 196 tackles. He broke out with eight interceptions as a sophomore in 2009.
In my Day Three Winners and Losers story, I had Carolina as a winner for taking Norman and Tampa Bay as a loser for passing on him in the fifth round for a backup linebacker in Najee Goode. Taking Norman could bolster the Panthers' secondary for years to come.
From Rob Brozny, Reno, Nevada
"Who are two dark horse candidates for offensive and defensive rookie of the year?"
There a lot of guys to pick from, but I'm going to go with Baltimore outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw and Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin.
The Ravens have a great coaching staff and a lot of talent around Upshaw. I think they will use his pass-rushing skills well and get him in position to make a real impact in sack production. The easiest way to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year is to put up a big total of sacks or interceptions.
With Terrell Suggs injured, I think Upshaw stands a good chance of having a significant impact as a rookie. He plays for a prominent team and won't go unnoticed.
I love Martin's versatility and I think as the season progresses, his playing time will increase on a weekly basis. He provides some sudden explosiveness that the Bucs have needed in their backfield along with outstanding receiving ability.
Martin makes a defenses' job more difficult because of the different ways he can contribute on any given play. LeGarratte Blount is good runner, but more one-dimensional. As a result, I think that by the end of the season, Martin will be seeing a lot more snaps than Blount. Martin could rack up some good numbers, and I think he stands a good chance of being in the discussion for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Once again send questions/comments via email draftcampbell@gmail.com or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Feb. 4
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Jan. 18
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Jan. 14
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Dec. 17
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Dec. 10
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Nov. 23
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Oct. 26
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Sept. 6
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Aug. 24
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Aug. 16
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - Aug. 7
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - July 26
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - July 8
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - June 15
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Vince
10-26-2012
02:03 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
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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)
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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
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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
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@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
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@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)
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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@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)
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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
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(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
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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
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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)
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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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2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 16
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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