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.
7/8/12
From twitter Justin Wall (@jwalluww)
"What position do you think teams will draft Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones at?"
Right now. I would say center or guard. In some ways that is surprising because he was a First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-American left tackle last season. Jones shutdown LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery, a likely first-round pick in 2013 or 2014, and pretty much every defensive end he went against. Alabama has moved Jones to center for his senior season, and I think he will enter the NFL as an interior linemen, most likely at center.
The main reason is body type. At 6-foot-5, 311-pounds, Jones fits the mold of an interior linemen more than a tackle. The NFL is trending towards bigger tackles with long arms. That calls for players in the 6-6/6-7 range and weights in the 320-340 range. Big bodies with length and some foot quickness are desired for matching up on speed-rushers. Jones may not have the desired arm length. With his run-blocking and mobility, he should be an instant difference-maker for his NFL team.
Assuming Jones stays at center this year, he will have started on the inside of the line for three out of four collegiate seasons. Jones is extremely intelligent, so coaches will love his ability to make the line calls that are placed on many centers in NFL offenses.
Jones looks like a top-25 pick at the moment, and he could turn into a prospect on a par with Steelers guard David DeCastro, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and Dolphins center Mike Pouncey. Those have been the three best interior linemen to come out in the last three years.
From Justin Ambrose, Denver, Colorado
"I hate that you and Walt have the Broncos picking in the middle of the first round of your mocks. Peyton Manning will be all the difference this year. He's a lock for the comeback player of the year."
First of all, the NFL is made to have new division-winners on a yearly basis, and the AFC West has other contenders. Manning is in his mid-30s; before the injuries he was already declining physically. Now he's had four neck surgeries, and there are rumors around the league speculating how truly healthy the signal-caller is.
The Broncos' defense was hit-and-miss at times last year, plus the team wasn't winning when it was using a pocket-passer early in the year. I think Denver will definitely have a competitive team, but I'm not convinced the Broncos have improved drastically over last year's squad. They didn't upgrade their wide outs or their offensive line. Plus, both Walt and I think Kansas City will be good this year, although I think San Diego has the capacity to be a surprise team.
Right now, my pick for Comeback Player of the Year is Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The past two seasons he was playing excellent football before torn biceps injuries ended each season. I spoke with a coach from an AFC West team a few months ago who was doing some film study to prepare for playing Tampa Bay this season. The coach said that McCoy was phenomenal against Atlanta in 2011 and was dominating the line of scrimmage. He also played a great game against the Colts before getting injured. McCoy was really coming on and turning into a difference-maker.
McCoy hasn't gotten much help from the Bucs organization. He's had three different defensive line coaches in three years, and is now on his second defensive scheme. Those coaches have all taught different techniques, so McCoy has spent his preparation time learning new concepts rather than mastering and refining coaching points he's all ready developed.
Continuity makes a massive difference in the NFL, but McCoy has had none. Another new change this year for McCoy is that he will have some two-gap responsibilities. In college and his first two years in the NFL, McCoy played one gap with the assignment to cause disruption by firing through his gap. That fit him well, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts.
Despite these challenges, I think McCoy will have an excellent season in 2012 as long he can stay healthy. He has tons of talent and has flashed the ability to resoundingly defeat NFL offensive linemen. If McCoy can stay on the field, he has big-time upside.
From Mike Perry, Madison, Wisconsin
"I liked the Packers draft but am concerned that all of the top three rookie defenders played in 4-3 schemes in college. Do you think that could lead to them not working out for the Packers?"
No, I don't think that will be an issue at all. It is funny you ask, because I was discussing that very topic with some family friends in Wisconsin two months ago. At a retirement banquet for my parents, I spoke about that with our family veterinarian Dr. Bill Carisle, U.S. Representative Paul Ryan and Carthage College senior administrator Paul Hegland. All three are huge Packer fans and raised the same concern.
Outside linebacker Nick Perry (first round), defensive end Jerel Worthy (second round) and cornerback Casey Hayward (second round) played in 4-3 defenses in college and will have to transition to the 3-4. I don't see that being an issue for any of the three.
Before gaining weight prior to his senior season, Perry was playing in the 250s and 260s and many thought he would be best in a 3-4 in the NFL. Perry could easily trim down to add more agility to play in space. Green Bay took him for his pass-rush ability, and rushing off the edge is the strength that made him a first-rounder.
Worthy looks like a better fit as a 3-4 end than a 4-3 tackle. He was inconsistent in college at tackle. There were times when Worthy was dominantly blasting by linemen and disrupting the backfield. However, there were also frequent stretches during which he just held his ground and was quiet. For Green Bay, all Worthy needs to do is set the edge and stay tough at the point of attack. That's perfect for him, and he fills that void of a nasty, physical end who was lost when Cullen Jenkins signed with the Eagles.
The Packers like bigger corners who are ballhawks. Hayward is just under six-foot, yet totaled 13 interceptions the past two seasons with 21 passes broken up. He is a great fit in Green Bay's secondary.
Green Bay, like all NFL 3-4 teams, can't be too picky; not many college teams run 3-4 defenses - Goergia and Stanford are among the few. The 4-3 scheme is run by the vast majority of programs. Even Alabama runs a hybrid scheme using three- or four-man defensive lines. Oklahoma and Florida are putting in some more 3-4 packages, but overall the 4-3 style is run by the vast majority of schools.
As a result, NFL teams have to project players with the ability to transition into a 3-4. Perry, Worthy and Hayward all look like they have the traits to do it, so I'd be surprised if any of those three picks didn't pan out for Green Bay. Ted Thompson is head and shoulders above the majority of NFL general managers; he knows what he's doing.
From Dan Paulson, Grandview, Missouri
"The Chiefs obviously don't have their long-term quarterback on the roster. Do you think they'd be better off drafting a pocket passer like Oklahoma's Landry Jones or a running quarterback like Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas?"
I would go with Thomas. He has more upside and his running element could combine well with Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis to form the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL. Plus, Thomas has the big arm to hit passes downfield to Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin. Thomas would make Kansas City's offense more diverse than Jones.
From Ryan Sturtz, Richmond, Virginia
"How do you like the Redskins receivers meshing with Robert Griffin III?"
I think Washington has a nice stable that should work extremely well with Griffin. His deep-ball accuracy is just uncanny and truly unique. The Redskins have a talented array of speed receivers who can get open downfield. With Washington's running game, Griffin should be able to go deep to his receivers in the play-action game with safeties focused on the run.
Obviously, Santana Moss has been getting it done for a long time, and the team was raving about how he was looking this spring. Josh Morgan was really playing well in 2011, and is capable of a big year. Pierre Garcon has good speed, too, while second-year wide out Leonard Hankerson was a dangerous deep receiver at Miami. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that, as a whole, the Redskins have a nice group of receivers. They should really complement Griffin's strengths once he learns the pro game.
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
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 19
2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
7/8/12
From twitter Justin Wall (@jwalluww)
"What position do you think teams will draft Alabama offensive lineman Barrett Jones at?"
Right now. I would say center or guard. In some ways that is surprising because he was a First-Team All-SEC and First-Team All-American left tackle last season. Jones shutdown LSU defensive end Sam Montgomery, a likely first-round pick in 2013 or 2014, and pretty much every defensive end he went against. Alabama has moved Jones to center for his senior season, and I think he will enter the NFL as an interior linemen, most likely at center.
The main reason is body type. At 6-foot-5, 311-pounds, Jones fits the mold of an interior linemen more than a tackle. The NFL is trending towards bigger tackles with long arms. That calls for players in the 6-6/6-7 range and weights in the 320-340 range. Big bodies with length and some foot quickness are desired for matching up on speed-rushers. Jones may not have the desired arm length. With his run-blocking and mobility, he should be an instant difference-maker for his NFL team.
Assuming Jones stays at center this year, he will have started on the inside of the line for three out of four collegiate seasons. Jones is extremely intelligent, so coaches will love his ability to make the line calls that are placed on many centers in NFL offenses.
Jones looks like a top-25 pick at the moment, and he could turn into a prospect on a par with Steelers guard David DeCastro, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and Dolphins center Mike Pouncey. Those have been the three best interior linemen to come out in the last three years.
From Justin Ambrose, Denver, Colorado
"I hate that you and Walt have the Broncos picking in the middle of the first round of your mocks. Peyton Manning will be all the difference this year. He's a lock for the comeback player of the year."
First of all, the NFL is made to have new division-winners on a yearly basis, and the AFC West has other contenders. Manning is in his mid-30s; before the injuries he was already declining physically. Now he's had four neck surgeries, and there are rumors around the league speculating how truly healthy the signal-caller is.
The Broncos' defense was hit-and-miss at times last year, plus the team wasn't winning when it was using a pocket-passer early in the year. I think Denver will definitely have a competitive team, but I'm not convinced the Broncos have improved drastically over last year's squad. They didn't upgrade their wide outs or their offensive line. Plus, both Walt and I think Kansas City will be good this year, although I think San Diego has the capacity to be a surprise team.
Right now, my pick for Comeback Player of the Year is Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. The past two seasons he was playing excellent football before torn biceps injuries ended each season. I spoke with a coach from an AFC West team a few months ago who was doing some film study to prepare for playing Tampa Bay this season. The coach said that McCoy was phenomenal against Atlanta in 2011 and was dominating the line of scrimmage. He also played a great game against the Colts before getting injured. McCoy was really coming on and turning into a difference-maker.
McCoy hasn't gotten much help from the Bucs organization. He's had three different defensive line coaches in three years, and is now on his second defensive scheme. Those coaches have all taught different techniques, so McCoy has spent his preparation time learning new concepts rather than mastering and refining coaching points he's all ready developed.
Continuity makes a massive difference in the NFL, but McCoy has had none. Another new change this year for McCoy is that he will have some two-gap responsibilities. In college and his first two years in the NFL, McCoy played one gap with the assignment to cause disruption by firing through his gap. That fit him well, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts.
Despite these challenges, I think McCoy will have an excellent season in 2012 as long he can stay healthy. He has tons of talent and has flashed the ability to resoundingly defeat NFL offensive linemen. If McCoy can stay on the field, he has big-time upside.
From Mike Perry, Madison, Wisconsin
"I liked the Packers draft but am concerned that all of the top three rookie defenders played in 4-3 schemes in college. Do you think that could lead to them not working out for the Packers?"
No, I don't think that will be an issue at all. It is funny you ask, because I was discussing that very topic with some family friends in Wisconsin two months ago. At a retirement banquet for my parents, I spoke about that with our family veterinarian Dr. Bill Carisle, U.S. Representative Paul Ryan and Carthage College senior administrator Paul Hegland. All three are huge Packer fans and raised the same concern.
Outside linebacker Nick Perry (first round), defensive end Jerel Worthy (second round) and cornerback Casey Hayward (second round) played in 4-3 defenses in college and will have to transition to the 3-4. I don't see that being an issue for any of the three.
Before gaining weight prior to his senior season, Perry was playing in the 250s and 260s and many thought he would be best in a 3-4 in the NFL. Perry could easily trim down to add more agility to play in space. Green Bay took him for his pass-rush ability, and rushing off the edge is the strength that made him a first-rounder.
Worthy looks like a better fit as a 3-4 end than a 4-3 tackle. He was inconsistent in college at tackle. There were times when Worthy was dominantly blasting by linemen and disrupting the backfield. However, there were also frequent stretches during which he just held his ground and was quiet. For Green Bay, all Worthy needs to do is set the edge and stay tough at the point of attack. That's perfect for him, and he fills that void of a nasty, physical end who was lost when Cullen Jenkins signed with the Eagles.
The Packers like bigger corners who are ballhawks. Hayward is just under six-foot, yet totaled 13 interceptions the past two seasons with 21 passes broken up. He is a great fit in Green Bay's secondary.
Green Bay, like all NFL 3-4 teams, can't be too picky; not many college teams run 3-4 defenses - Goergia and Stanford are among the few. The 4-3 scheme is run by the vast majority of programs. Even Alabama runs a hybrid scheme using three- or four-man defensive lines. Oklahoma and Florida are putting in some more 3-4 packages, but overall the 4-3 style is run by the vast majority of schools.
As a result, NFL teams have to project players with the ability to transition into a 3-4. Perry, Worthy and Hayward all look like they have the traits to do it, so I'd be surprised if any of those three picks didn't pan out for Green Bay. Ted Thompson is head and shoulders above the majority of NFL general managers; he knows what he's doing.
From Dan Paulson, Grandview, Missouri
"The Chiefs obviously don't have their long-term quarterback on the roster. Do you think they'd be better off drafting a pocket passer like Oklahoma's Landry Jones or a running quarterback like Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas?"
I would go with Thomas. He has more upside and his running element could combine well with Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis to form the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL. Plus, Thomas has the big arm to hit passes downfield to Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin. Thomas would make Kansas City's offense more diverse than Jones.
From Ryan Sturtz, Richmond, Virginia
"How do you like the Redskins receivers meshing with Robert Griffin III?"
I think Washington has a nice stable that should work extremely well with Griffin. His deep-ball accuracy is just uncanny and truly unique. The Redskins have a talented array of speed receivers who can get open downfield. With Washington's running game, Griffin should be able to go deep to his receivers in the play-action game with safeties focused on the run.
Obviously, Santana Moss has been getting it done for a long time, and the team was raving about how he was looking this spring. Josh Morgan was really playing well in 2011, and is capable of a big year. Pierre Garcon has good speed, too, while second-year wide out Leonard Hankerson was a dangerous deep receiver at Miami. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that, as a whole, the Redskins have a nice group of receivers. They should really complement Griffin's strengths once he learns the pro game.
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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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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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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2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - June 19
2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 18
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - June 17
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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