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.
9/6/12
From twitter R. Williams (@OldSchBucFan98)
"Are Florida State defensive ends Bjoern Werner and Brandon Jenkins first-rounders?"
Right now, I would say they both are first-round picks . I think Werner (6-4, 255) has the better skill set for the NFL. He combines power, physicality and explosive speed. Werner has a huge upside as he is just tapping into his potential. Werner could return to college football in 2013, but a big season that he is perfectly capable of will probably push him into the first round.
Jenkins (6-3, 260) is a proven pass-rusher and the NFL draft always rewards players who have shown the ability to consistently get to the quarterback. Jenkins has totaled 21.5 sacks over the past two seasons, and he will probably enter the NFL having produced 30 sacks in college. The new wrinkle is that Jenkins just suffered a season-ending foot injury, so he will likley have a significant fall if he enters the 2013 NFL Draft. The senior should seek a medical redshirt to play again in 2013.
Jenkins is a great athlete and a pure speed-rusher, but he is more of a finesse player. Jenkins would be better as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That may limit him to certain teams, but he probably will grade out as a first-rounder if he can overcome any injury concerns next year.
From Graeme Smith, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
"Everyone seems very down on the Vikings chances to be competitive in 2012 and will be fighting it out for the #1 overall pick.
Do you see any way that the Vikings can surprise everyone and improve in 2012? They had an excellent draft and I think they could have found a real gem in CB Josh Robinson?"
If the Vikings weren't in the toughest division in football, I think they could have a bounce back season. If they played in the NFC West, they could be the second-place team.
That being said, I wouldn't be completely shocked if the Vikings are a surprise team this year. They have a good running game, and, obviously, Adrian Peterson is an elite player if he can stay on the field at or near 100 percent. Rookie left tackle Matt Kalil will be a huge upgrade and quarterback Christian Ponder should be better after getting a full offseason to improve.
I think Minnesota's secondary will get better as the year progresses. The team has the NFL's best pass-rusher, Jared Allen, along with other talents in the front seven. I have the Vikings picking in the top 10, like the consensus opinion, but I think they're a better team than others projected to be picking that high. Minnesota just has a daunting schedule. I do think the Vikings will be an improved team even if the record doesn't illustrate a more competitive season. So the answer is yes I do think the Vikings could surprise, and, even if their record doesn't show it, I believe they are an improved squad.
From Christopher Johnson, Fayetteville, Arkansas
"If Brian Quick and Chris Givens pan out for the Rams, do you see them taking a safety like Eric Reid and an offensive linemen like Barrett Jones instead of a lineman and wide receiver?"
I highly doubt that Quick and Givens will solve the wide receiver problems. I was not a fan of Quick after watching him at the Senior Bowl, and he hasn't been impressive in the early going. Quick may pan out as a pro receiver, but I doubt that will be clear after his rookie season. I think the Rams will still need a true No. 1 receiver next offseason.
If the St. Louis doesn't need a receiver, I think a safety wouldn't be the highest priority. The team invested a lot of picks and money into the secondary in the 2012 NFL Draft and in free agency. I believe the Rams would draft a left tackle and target other positions like outside linebacker and maybe a second offensive lineman. I think safety is possible, but after those positions.
From Brian McClanahan, Chicago, Illinois
"That's awesome to see your projection of the Bears picking 32 next April. How do you think the Bears can overcome the left tackle weakness?"
I'm high on Chicago this season, but honestly I don't feel great about that Super Bowl pick. I feel more confident picking Houston to get there, but lose. Two years ago, I was rock solid when I picked the Packers, and they proved me right by winning it all. I went with the Patriots last year, and they almost gave me two straight. I went with the Bears this year because I think everything is coming together for them this season. They have some elite talent, a good coaching staff and depth. Those are all essentials to make a postseason run.
The left tackle position is a weakness, but if you look at recent left tackles who won the Super Bowl, they aren't the elite of the NFL. Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning have both made a habit of bailing out their lines. Drew Brees hasn't had a standout franchise left tackle protecting him. The top left tackle in the NFL, Cleveland's Joe Thomas, hasn't seen any postseason success. Teams have gotten around tackles with limitations, and great quarterback play is the ultimate trump card.
From Michael Wallover, Philadelphia, PA
"I've seen Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III in a lot of different commercials recently for many different products. Do you think that him doing so many commercials will affect how much time he has for preparing for games? I know now he can win with his athleticism, but as proven by QB Dog Killer, a quarterback has to learn what to do for each play."
The commercials shouldn't impact Griffin's game preparation. Those are typically filmed during the players' vacation time before training camp starts. On commercials during the season, those are filmed on Tuesday, the players one day off during the week. Sources have told me that Griffin is a studious player and a very hard worker. He has been putting in all the necessary time and going above and beyond in his preparation. I don't think the commercials will be a distraction for him. Peyton Manning has certainly proven they can be a non-factor.
From twitter MikeInTamp2, (@seneca1ss)
"Would you have taken LB Luke Kuechly or S Mark Barron if you were the Bucs? (I wanted Luke but Barron looks like a stud two)"
I had Kuechly as my seventh-overall player available entering the 2012 NFL Draft. I had Barron lower, so I would have gone with Kuechly. He is an absolute force in run and pass defense. I think Kuechly will have a bigger impact on a down-by-down basis compared to a safety like Barron.
If you're taking a safety that high, he better turn into an Ed Reed- or Troy Polamalu-like presence for your defense. Safeties also can be very injury prone in the NFL (see Bob Sanders, among others). I think Kuechly is going to have a career similar to, or better than, the Bears' Brian Urlacher. Thus, I would have gone with Kuechly.
That being said, I don't think Barron was a bad pick for Tampa Bay. The Bucs had nothing at the position and there was a big drop off after Barron. I think both Barron and Kuechly will have good careers, just with Kuechly being slightly better.
From J.P. Bauman, Battle Creek, Michigan
"Did Le'Veon Bell's big night to start the season vault him into first-round consideration?"
No, not yet. It is too early to put Bell up that high. He was fantastic against Boise State. While his running carried the Spartans to a win, his blitz protection and pass-receiving skills impressed me the most. Bell showed the ability to be a true three-down back in the NFL.
That being said the junior still has more to prove. The one thing I wonder about Bell is if he is too slow and not explosive enough to hit the hole in the NFL. The Big Ten has produced a number of good college backs who don't have the burst to get to the hole before it closes in the NFL. Former Wisconsin Badger and New York Giant Ron Dayne could be the most famous example. Bell is around 6-foot-2, 240-pounds and it might be a good idea for him to trim down some for the next level.
Working against Bell and all other running back prospects is the NFL downgrading ball-carriers in general. I think he currently looks like a second-day pick.
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 - May 19
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
9/6/12
From twitter R. Williams (@OldSchBucFan98)
"Are Florida State defensive ends Bjoern Werner and Brandon Jenkins first-rounders?"
Right now, I would say they both are first-round picks . I think Werner (6-4, 255) has the better skill set for the NFL. He combines power, physicality and explosive speed. Werner has a huge upside as he is just tapping into his potential. Werner could return to college football in 2013, but a big season that he is perfectly capable of will probably push him into the first round.
Jenkins (6-3, 260) is a proven pass-rusher and the NFL draft always rewards players who have shown the ability to consistently get to the quarterback. Jenkins has totaled 21.5 sacks over the past two seasons, and he will probably enter the NFL having produced 30 sacks in college. The new wrinkle is that Jenkins just suffered a season-ending foot injury, so he will likley have a significant fall if he enters the 2013 NFL Draft. The senior should seek a medical redshirt to play again in 2013.
Jenkins is a great athlete and a pure speed-rusher, but he is more of a finesse player. Jenkins would be better as a 3-4 outside linebacker. That may limit him to certain teams, but he probably will grade out as a first-rounder if he can overcome any injury concerns next year.
From Graeme Smith, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
"Everyone seems very down on the Vikings chances to be competitive in 2012 and will be fighting it out for the #1 overall pick.
Do you see any way that the Vikings can surprise everyone and improve in 2012? They had an excellent draft and I think they could have found a real gem in CB Josh Robinson?"
If the Vikings weren't in the toughest division in football, I think they could have a bounce back season. If they played in the NFC West, they could be the second-place team.
That being said, I wouldn't be completely shocked if the Vikings are a surprise team this year. They have a good running game, and, obviously, Adrian Peterson is an elite player if he can stay on the field at or near 100 percent. Rookie left tackle Matt Kalil will be a huge upgrade and quarterback Christian Ponder should be better after getting a full offseason to improve.
I think Minnesota's secondary will get better as the year progresses. The team has the NFL's best pass-rusher, Jared Allen, along with other talents in the front seven. I have the Vikings picking in the top 10, like the consensus opinion, but I think they're a better team than others projected to be picking that high. Minnesota just has a daunting schedule. I do think the Vikings will be an improved team even if the record doesn't illustrate a more competitive season. So the answer is yes I do think the Vikings could surprise, and, even if their record doesn't show it, I believe they are an improved squad.
From Christopher Johnson, Fayetteville, Arkansas
"If Brian Quick and Chris Givens pan out for the Rams, do you see them taking a safety like Eric Reid and an offensive linemen like Barrett Jones instead of a lineman and wide receiver?"
I highly doubt that Quick and Givens will solve the wide receiver problems. I was not a fan of Quick after watching him at the Senior Bowl, and he hasn't been impressive in the early going. Quick may pan out as a pro receiver, but I doubt that will be clear after his rookie season. I think the Rams will still need a true No. 1 receiver next offseason.
If the St. Louis doesn't need a receiver, I think a safety wouldn't be the highest priority. The team invested a lot of picks and money into the secondary in the 2012 NFL Draft and in free agency. I believe the Rams would draft a left tackle and target other positions like outside linebacker and maybe a second offensive lineman. I think safety is possible, but after those positions.
From Brian McClanahan, Chicago, Illinois
"That's awesome to see your projection of the Bears picking 32 next April. How do you think the Bears can overcome the left tackle weakness?"
I'm high on Chicago this season, but honestly I don't feel great about that Super Bowl pick. I feel more confident picking Houston to get there, but lose. Two years ago, I was rock solid when I picked the Packers, and they proved me right by winning it all. I went with the Patriots last year, and they almost gave me two straight. I went with the Bears this year because I think everything is coming together for them this season. They have some elite talent, a good coaching staff and depth. Those are all essentials to make a postseason run.
The left tackle position is a weakness, but if you look at recent left tackles who won the Super Bowl, they aren't the elite of the NFL. Aaron Rodgers and Eli Manning have both made a habit of bailing out their lines. Drew Brees hasn't had a standout franchise left tackle protecting him. The top left tackle in the NFL, Cleveland's Joe Thomas, hasn't seen any postseason success. Teams have gotten around tackles with limitations, and great quarterback play is the ultimate trump card.
From Michael Wallover, Philadelphia, PA
"I've seen Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III in a lot of different commercials recently for many different products. Do you think that him doing so many commercials will affect how much time he has for preparing for games? I know now he can win with his athleticism, but as proven by QB Dog Killer, a quarterback has to learn what to do for each play."
The commercials shouldn't impact Griffin's game preparation. Those are typically filmed during the players' vacation time before training camp starts. On commercials during the season, those are filmed on Tuesday, the players one day off during the week. Sources have told me that Griffin is a studious player and a very hard worker. He has been putting in all the necessary time and going above and beyond in his preparation. I don't think the commercials will be a distraction for him. Peyton Manning has certainly proven they can be a non-factor.
From twitter MikeInTamp2, (@seneca1ss)
"Would you have taken LB Luke Kuechly or S Mark Barron if you were the Bucs? (I wanted Luke but Barron looks like a stud two)"
I had Kuechly as my seventh-overall player available entering the 2012 NFL Draft. I had Barron lower, so I would have gone with Kuechly. He is an absolute force in run and pass defense. I think Kuechly will have a bigger impact on a down-by-down basis compared to a safety like Barron.
If you're taking a safety that high, he better turn into an Ed Reed- or Troy Polamalu-like presence for your defense. Safeties also can be very injury prone in the NFL (see Bob Sanders, among others). I think Kuechly is going to have a career similar to, or better than, the Bears' Brian Urlacher. Thus, I would have gone with Kuechly.
That being said, I don't think Barron was a bad pick for Tampa Bay. The Bucs had nothing at the position and there was a big drop off after Barron. I think both Barron and Kuechly will have good careers, just with Kuechly being slightly better.
From J.P. Bauman, Battle Creek, Michigan
"Did Le'Veon Bell's big night to start the season vault him into first-round consideration?"
No, not yet. It is too early to put Bell up that high. He was fantastic against Boise State. While his running carried the Spartans to a win, his blitz protection and pass-receiving skills impressed me the most. Bell showed the ability to be a true three-down back in the NFL.
That being said the junior still has more to prove. The one thing I wonder about Bell is if he is too slow and not explosive enough to hit the hole in the NFL. The Big Ten has produced a number of good college backs who don't have the burst to get to the hole before it closes in the NFL. Former Wisconsin Badger and New York Giant Ron Dayne could be the most famous example. Bell is around 6-foot-2, 240-pounds and it might be a good idea for him to trim down some for the next level.
Working against Bell and all other running back prospects is the NFL downgrading ball-carriers in general. I think he currently looks like a second-day pick.
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
|
Vince
10-26-2012
02:03 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx3.99
(total posts: 4)
 19
 21
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
10
@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?
|
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 19
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 16
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 15
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
© 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
Privacy Policy
2 5 9
Leave a comment