WalterFootball.com - Detailed NFL Mock Drafts, Player Prospect Rankings, and One of the Largest Mock Draft Databases on the Web

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.

8/7/12


From Jake Kallen, from Lafayette, California

"I was curious what you thought of the Texas pass rushing duo, Jackson Jeffcoat and Alex Okafor. I have read mixed reports on them and I have not really seen enough tape to see if they have consistent motors. Your thoughts?"

I think both Jeffcoat and Okafor are ascending young players. Jeffcoat started off the 2011 season extremely slowly. He had zero sacks and three tackles for a loss in the first six games. After that, Jeffcoat flipped the switch and finished the year with 7.5 sacks in the final seven games. He also had 54 tackles and 16.5 tackles for a loss last season.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Jeffcoat needs to fill out his frame, but he has real potential. Jeffcoat has a some serious quickness and athleticism. He is still developing, but I think he has the potential to turn into a impact player with a sack total in the double digits this season.

Texas uses Jeffcoat in a variety of ways. He's rushed as a standup outside linebacker, put his hand in the ground as a defensive end, dropped into pass coverage as a linebacker and even played some defensive tackle. As a result of that variety, Jeffcoat lost some pass-rushing opportunities last year, and he could have had a bigger total if the Longhorns had let him go after the quarterback in every possible passing situation.

For the NFL, I think Jeffcoat may fit best as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but he could be a 4-3 defensive end. I think the junior will develop into a first-round pick, and, with his skill set, he could go in the top-20.

Okafor had a breakout year last year. He was a disruptive force for the Longhorns, assembling 50 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three passes batted and two forced fumbles. The junior was a First-Team All-Big XII selection.

Okafor is a well-rounded pass rusher and run defender. At 6-foot-4, 260-pounds, he is more developed physically than Jeffcoat, but the latter has the more natural talent.

Okafor is a speed-edge rusher coming around the corner. He has a good get-off when the ball is snapped, and his quickness puts tackles on their heels. Okafor has nice agility to drop his hips and shoulder so he can turn the corner. Okafor should work on adding/refining some more pass-rushing moves for the NFL - along with adding 10-15 pounds of bulk if he plays in a 4-3 defense.

Like Jeffcoat, Okafor has lined up in a variety of places. He has done a lot of stand-up edge-rushing over the tackle along with blitzing over interior linemen as a linebacker. Okafor definitely has the length and athleticism to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.



From Tim Vadasz,

"I read your article on assistant coaches that are Hall of Fame worthy, and I couldn't help but say that former Redskins offensive line coach Joe Bugel most definitely deserves to be on that list as well."

From Mike Keck, Lebanon, Pennsylvania

"The late great Eagles defensive coordnator Jim Johnson should be in the hall of fame. His eagles defenses were great." From twitter Vince Gonzalez (@G0nzilla32),

"Nominations: Gary Kubiak (Denver offensive coordinator), Wade Phillips, Mike Martz (Rams offensive coordinator) and Alex Gibbs (offensive line coach)."

I definitely agree on Jim Johnson. His defenses were phenomenal, and he has to be one of the best play-calling defensive coordinators in league history. The uncanny way Johnson knew when to call the right blitz is legendary. He should be a no-brainer for the Hall of Fame.

I also agree on Joe Bugel, Alex Gibbs and Gary Kubiak. They were the drivers of the zone-blocking scheme for an offense and that changed offensive football in the NFL. Kubiak could be on the cusp of greatness in Houston as a head coach as well.

Martz had a great run with the Rams, but really disproved himself to a degree with his coordinator performance in San Francisco, Detroit and Chicago. I think it would take some convincing but he's worthy of a debate.

Wade Phillips is an interesting candidate. He owns a career winning percentage of .581 as a head coach, but struggled in January. Phillips has led some good defenses with the Bills, Broncos, Chargers, Cowboys, Texans and others. However, he doesn't have a Super Bowl championship on his resume. If Phillips can win a ring in Houston with Kubiak that could make him much more competitive.

It has been a lot of fun to get the feedback on the coordinators. I think it is clear that the fans of pro football agree that assistant coaches belong in the Hall of Fame.




From John Nelson, Birmingham, Alabama

"I have a question about Denard Robinson. He's an amazing athlete, and he's been incredibly productive over the past 2 years. He's put up nearly 2,900 yards on nearly 5.8 yards a carry, just rushing the ball. I tell you why I'm not including his passing yards, is because I think he should be considered a first round running back, going into next years draft. He just has the ability to pass the ball as well, making him a bigger threat in the endzone, I say that because no one in the NFL really runs the wildcat much anymore. He's 6'0 197 which makes him a little small to be a every down back in the NFL, I can understand that. Did you know, he's actually bigger than Chris Johnson? Other than last years dissapointing year, which wrecked my fantasy football team, he's had a pretty stellar career. Chris Johnson 5'11 190lbs Denard Robinson 6'0 197. So what am I missing here, why is it that he doesn't even make it to the 4th round in alot of peoples mock draft. I think people are missing something, or am I wrong?"

It always takes some time for a projection player like Robinson to move up rankings. If he has a big senior season, you can bet there will be plenty of debate and attention about how Robinson fits in the NFL. I'm sure there will be some arguing he can stay quarterback, move to receiver, go to running back and maybe even move to defensive back. A great athlete like Robinson will certainly initiate a passionate debate.

That being said, I agree with you that Robinson should move to running back for the NFL. In my opinion, he is not a natural enough passer to be a quarterback and lacks the necessary arm strength. If Robinson could add some weight, that would be preferable to be a running back. He could be a nice quick slashing option as part of a running back stable. The Wolverines' signal-caller will definitely need to learn being a receiver out of the backfield and picking up blitzers.

Robinson still will be a project as a runner, especially with his running style. His body lean and pad level don't mimic a running back as often as needed. Because there is so much to project and hope that he develops, Robinson is looked at by many as a late-rounder. As a running back I think, he would be a third-day pick in the Round 4-6 range.

Pat White didn't work out in the NFL, and there are some similarities with Robinson. If the senior wants an NFL career, he has a lot to prove this year and beyond.




From Mark Thomas, Cincinnati, Ohio

"Charlie you have the Packers over Texans in the Super Bowl, who are some dark horse teams that you think could get to there?"

There are a few teams that I really like and have considered putting at No. 31 and No. 32 in my mock draft.

The first among them is the Bears, although they aren't getting to be much of a dark horse. I think Arizona is a sleeper, but I really like what Chicago has done this offseason. Aside from bringing in a true No. 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall, I love the depth that Chicago has accumulated. Last year and in past seasons, injuries to key players really sunk the Bears at the end of the season.

This year, Chicago has quality backups throughout the team, along with some of the best special teams units in the NFL. Roster depth and special teams play are the underrated X factors that have to produce to get a team to the Super Bowl. The Bears have strong depth throughout the roster. They have good backups at quarterback, running back, the defensive line, linebacker and in the secondary.

The team also has young talent that could really make an impact late in the season and in the stretch run. I think defensive end Shea McClellin and defensive tackle Brian Price could really come on in the second half of the season after they have some time being developed by defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. The key for Chicago is getting the offensive line to do its job.

In the AFC, I think a surprise team could break out aside from the usual contenders like New England, Pittsburgh and Baltimore. I don't have one team in particular that I feel strongly about, but there are a few teams that I think are capable of having big seasons. The Chiefs, Chargers, Jets and Bills are the teams that I think could be a lot better than the general opinion. I think those teams are the serious candidates to be this year's 49ers.


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

Leave a comment

Name
Comment
Verification:
click on image to refresh it
 
Vince 10-26-2012 02:03 pm xxx.xxx.xxx3.99 (total posts: 4)
20     22

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     11

@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)
20     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)
26     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)
133     118

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     240

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?





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





© 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
Google
















WalterFootball.com Now on Twitter:

WalterFootball.com Twitter

Subscribe to the WalterFootball.com RSS Feed:

Walterfootball.com RSS Feed






















































Support Walt's Other Site:

Sales Tips and Sales Advice - Tons of sales tips, sales techniques and sales advice, including a Sales Mock Draft: The 32 Worst Things You Can Do in Sales.