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.
8/16/12
From twitter @StefanosY (Stefanos Yowhannes)
"What do you think about Quinton Coples first game as a Jet?"
Coples had a fabulous preseason debut and looked like a stud defensive lineman. He registered a great stat line with five tackles, sack, forced fumble, tackle for a loss and batted-down pass. Those numbers were validated by Coples' actual play. He was excellent.
Coples was around the ball throughout the game and tough at the point of attack. He showed his strength and physicality by moving offensive linemen while his holding ground when runs came right at him. Coples' run defense was superb.
The rookie also did well as a pass-rusher. He had a nice sack and got penetration into the pocket on other pass plays. Even though Coples had a reputation for taking plays off in college, he showed a good motor and was consistent on a down-by-down basis against the Bengals. Overall, his performance was phenomenal first game for a much maligned first-rounder.
Obviously, the Jets took an injury risk in letting Coples play well into the second half. However, letting him get that much playing time will pay off in September and October. The increased reps has against NFL offensive linemen will expedite his learning process.
In general, I think teams may benefit by giving rookies more playing time in preseason games, but the teams are quite terrified of potential injuries. It is a tough decision to make, but, after one game, the Jets are looking good.
From Matt Cummings, Mechanicsville, Virginia
"The Penn State scandal is one of the largest sports stories in recent history; I have a few questions for you regarding this scandal. Do you think the Board of Trustees did the right thing in removing the Joe Paterno statue? Penn State received enormous sanctions because of this scandal, sanctions only surpassed by the "Death Penalty": do you think these sanctions were fair? Lastly, how do you think the Penn State football team will perform this season? Will the looming scandal drive the team to compete or will the team play poorly as a result of the inevitable scrutiny by the media and the public?" The Penn State situation is such a tragedy for everybody involved, none more so than the victims of the abuse. This kind of abuse happens in athletics all over the country across different sports. Hopefully the Penn State scandal will serve as a catalyst to confront the problems rather than sweeping them under the rug. I'll run through each answer to your questions:
From Tim Porter, Seattle, Washington
"Which schools are you most looking forward to watching for this year's draft and possibly the 2014 NFL Draft?"
That's a good question. There are a number of teams that are high on my radar. Here my top dozen: USC, LSU, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arkansas, Texas A&M, South Carolina, TCU, California and Wisconsin. All of those teams have multiple players who look like potential early-round picks for the 2013 NFL Draft. The first six to eight are especially loaded with NFL talent for the top of the draft.
There are other programs which are more under the radar that I'm extremely interested in seeing. They include Illinois, Stanford and North Carolina. All three of these programs have something in common. They each had a former head coach who recruited excellent talent in recent years. Ron Zook (Illinois), Jim Harbaugh (Stanford) and Butch Davis (North Carolina) brought a lot of talent into those programs.
All three programs currently have some clear NFL prospects who could be early-round picks. I also think these teams have the capacity for breakout players this season who nobody knows about right now. Each school could have some behind the scenes talent.
After all, nobody knew about Whitney Mercilus at this time last year, but by the end of the 2011 season, he led college football in sacks and forced fumbles. All three of those programs could have players like Mercilus who could take college football by storm this season.
As for the 2014 NFL Draft, I would say Clemson and Florida have a lot of young talent in their sophomores and juniors. I think the Gators' juniors look more like four-year players, but some prospects like safety Matt Elam or linebacker Jelani Jenkins could have big enough years to prompt them to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.
From Jerry Buchanan, Savannah, Georgia
"Charlie do you think Carolina will finally have a young receiver emerge to compliment (sic) Steve Smith?"
The Panthers certainly need one to step up and become a reliable producer in the NFL. Since Moose Muhammed hung it up, Carolina's offense has been lacking a true complement to Smith.
I reached out to some sources, and they said that Brandon LaFell is capable of doing that this season. They don't believe that he will be Muhammed in his prime, but that LaFell could generate some quality numbers this season. He has flashed at times, but the time is now for him to turn into a solid starter. If he doesn't get it done this year, receiver will be a big need for the Panthers next offseason.
Another player to keep an eye on is Louis Murphy. Carolina landed him in a trade with Oakland, and I think he is a better player than his numbers have illustrated to this point. Murphy has some potential with size and speed. I like him as a third receiver in the Panthers' offense.
Murphy also knows Cam Newton dating back to 2007 and 2008 when they were teammates at Florida. That past familiarity could help Murphy in getting his quarterback to target him when he gets in the game. I wouldn't expect Murphy to produce a massive season, but I think he could be a serviceable third receiver. This is an underrated move by general manager Marty Hurney that could pay off.
Over the next draft or two I think Carolina has to target a left tackle and a No. 1 receiver. The team clearly has the running backs, some interior offensive line talent and a franchise signal-caller. Smith and left tackle Jordan Gross can't play forever, so the Panthers have to land some talent at those positions in order to get the most out of Newton and company in their primes.
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
8/16/12
From twitter @StefanosY (Stefanos Yowhannes)
"What do you think about Quinton Coples first game as a Jet?"
Coples had a fabulous preseason debut and looked like a stud defensive lineman. He registered a great stat line with five tackles, sack, forced fumble, tackle for a loss and batted-down pass. Those numbers were validated by Coples' actual play. He was excellent.
Coples was around the ball throughout the game and tough at the point of attack. He showed his strength and physicality by moving offensive linemen while his holding ground when runs came right at him. Coples' run defense was superb.
The rookie also did well as a pass-rusher. He had a nice sack and got penetration into the pocket on other pass plays. Even though Coples had a reputation for taking plays off in college, he showed a good motor and was consistent on a down-by-down basis against the Bengals. Overall, his performance was phenomenal first game for a much maligned first-rounder.
Obviously, the Jets took an injury risk in letting Coples play well into the second half. However, letting him get that much playing time will pay off in September and October. The increased reps has against NFL offensive linemen will expedite his learning process.
In general, I think teams may benefit by giving rookies more playing time in preseason games, but the teams are quite terrified of potential injuries. It is a tough decision to make, but, after one game, the Jets are looking good.
From Matt Cummings, Mechanicsville, Virginia
"The Penn State scandal is one of the largest sports stories in recent history; I have a few questions for you regarding this scandal. Do you think the Board of Trustees did the right thing in removing the Joe Paterno statue? Penn State received enormous sanctions because of this scandal, sanctions only surpassed by the "Death Penalty": do you think these sanctions were fair? Lastly, how do you think the Penn State football team will perform this season? Will the looming scandal drive the team to compete or will the team play poorly as a result of the inevitable scrutiny by the media and the public?" The Penn State situation is such a tragedy for everybody involved, none more so than the victims of the abuse. This kind of abuse happens in athletics all over the country across different sports. Hopefully the Penn State scandal will serve as a catalyst to confront the problems rather than sweeping them under the rug. I'll run through each answer to your questions:
- I do think they did the correct thing in removing the Paterno statue. The program needs to pay its debts and then move on from the past. Right now, having the Paterno statue on display would just serve as a constant reminder of the scandal.
- I think the sanctions were generous toward Penn State. In my opinion, the death penalty was in order. This was way worse than college football players taking money from boosters or agents. The victims of Jerry Sandusky will have to deal with the assaults for the rest of their lives. Penn State is fortunate the penalties weren't worse like the death penalty or having the program shut down permanently.
- I think the Nittany Lions are in for a season of 4-6 wins. The exodus of players hurts their talent level, and the nightmare of the scandal will be hanging over the program this year and for some years to come. It is going to take a long time to rebuild the program with the sanctions and stigma to overcome.
From Tim Porter, Seattle, Washington
"Which schools are you most looking forward to watching for this year's draft and possibly the 2014 NFL Draft?"
That's a good question. There are a number of teams that are high on my radar. Here my top dozen: USC, LSU, Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, Georgia, Arkansas, Texas A&M, South Carolina, TCU, California and Wisconsin. All of those teams have multiple players who look like potential early-round picks for the 2013 NFL Draft. The first six to eight are especially loaded with NFL talent for the top of the draft.
There are other programs which are more under the radar that I'm extremely interested in seeing. They include Illinois, Stanford and North Carolina. All three of these programs have something in common. They each had a former head coach who recruited excellent talent in recent years. Ron Zook (Illinois), Jim Harbaugh (Stanford) and Butch Davis (North Carolina) brought a lot of talent into those programs.
All three programs currently have some clear NFL prospects who could be early-round picks. I also think these teams have the capacity for breakout players this season who nobody knows about right now. Each school could have some behind the scenes talent.
After all, nobody knew about Whitney Mercilus at this time last year, but by the end of the 2011 season, he led college football in sacks and forced fumbles. All three of those programs could have players like Mercilus who could take college football by storm this season.
As for the 2014 NFL Draft, I would say Clemson and Florida have a lot of young talent in their sophomores and juniors. I think the Gators' juniors look more like four-year players, but some prospects like safety Matt Elam or linebacker Jelani Jenkins could have big enough years to prompt them to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.
From Jerry Buchanan, Savannah, Georgia
"Charlie do you think Carolina will finally have a young receiver emerge to compliment (sic) Steve Smith?"
The Panthers certainly need one to step up and become a reliable producer in the NFL. Since Moose Muhammed hung it up, Carolina's offense has been lacking a true complement to Smith.
I reached out to some sources, and they said that Brandon LaFell is capable of doing that this season. They don't believe that he will be Muhammed in his prime, but that LaFell could generate some quality numbers this season. He has flashed at times, but the time is now for him to turn into a solid starter. If he doesn't get it done this year, receiver will be a big need for the Panthers next offseason.
Another player to keep an eye on is Louis Murphy. Carolina landed him in a trade with Oakland, and I think he is a better player than his numbers have illustrated to this point. Murphy has some potential with size and speed. I like him as a third receiver in the Panthers' offense.
Murphy also knows Cam Newton dating back to 2007 and 2008 when they were teammates at Florida. That past familiarity could help Murphy in getting his quarterback to target him when he gets in the game. I wouldn't expect Murphy to produce a massive season, but I think he could be a serviceable third receiver. This is an underrated move by general manager Marty Hurney that could pay off.
Over the next draft or two I think Carolina has to target a left tackle and a No. 1 receiver. The team clearly has the running backs, some interior offensive line talent and a franchise signal-caller. Smith and left tackle Jordan Gross can't play forever, so the Panthers have to land some talent at those positions in order to get the most out of Newton and company in their primes.
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
(total posts: 4)
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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)
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)
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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
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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)
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?
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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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