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 24
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
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
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TS
07-08-2012
05:49 am
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@RD
There's a whole lot of wrong in that wall of text. #1. Cooley is not a good TE, he was 2 years ago but injuries have made him little more than an over hyped decoy. Fred Davis is a top 10 talent when not suspended though. #2. Helu had 5 starts last year, and in those 5 starts he had 428 rushing yards and 223 extra receiving yards. 4 good games in 5 starts as a rookie? That sounds like a lot more than "nothing" to me. Also Shanny excels at getting production out of any RB. The running game won't be a problem for the Redskins this season. #3. Your lack of knowledge regarding the Redskins D is goddamn laughable. In addition to Fletcher, Kerrigan, and Orakpo there's also Barry Coefield who had a Pro Bowl caliber year at NT, Perry Riley who at times outplayed Fletcher at ILB, and CB Josh Wilson who had an excellent season despite awful Safety play and being forced to compensate for Deangelo Hall's ineptitude. The secondary sans Wilson is pretty bad, but the rest of the D is good to great. #4. Everyone claimed that the Panthers receivers were terrible too before Cam Newton came to town. While Steve Smith is better than Santana Moss, Garcon is certainly better than Brandon LaFell, and barring a suspension Fred Davis is probably better than Greg Olsen. Helu is a talented back, your ignorance notwithstanding, and like I said Shanhan excels at making no name RBs into fantasy football gods. While the Redskins backs might not be as talented as Deangelo Williams or Jonathan Stewart they're still solid, Helu being a good starter while Tim Hightower is a very good 3rd down back. Another Shanny staple which you've ignored is that he takes offensive lineman people have never heard of and makes them look passable. They might not have the name recognition that a Ryan Kalil or Jordon Gross has, but I doubt they'll be significantly worse. Prior to Williams being suspended and a slew of injuries the Redskins line looked very solid last season. That's with incompetent QBs John Beck and Rex Grossman holding the ball all day, I doubt RG3 will have such a fondness for getting sacked as those two clowns did. #5 The enter key, use it. I'm not even going to address that random gibberish you descended into at the end because it hurts my eyes to look at the abomination that is your post.
RD
06-16-2012
06:35 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.204
(total posts: 1)
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Well, Tony has a point (tho they have more weapons then he mentioned)... WAS has a crap cast... they have a washed up vet (moss), a decent, but unproven youngster (hankerson), 2 crap signings (morgan and garcon... and I'm a 9er fan, I know all about Morgan) at WR, good safety valves in TE's cooley and davis, and nothing at rb (come on guys, I know you like him an all, but helu has had like 4 good games in his career, he can't be counted on), and a line with more holes than swiss cheese (williams and brown are the only decent o-line men, and brown is almost done)... as for defense, whoever said that carriker is a weapon is stupid, that idiot got released by the RAMS when they drafted #1... he is garbage, along with the rest of the d, except orakpo, fletcher, and now kerrigan. RG3 is going to struggle big time in his 1st season. at least newton had smith (he's an old speedster, but can still catch unlike moss) with lafell, a solid TE in olsen, a great committee of RB's in williams and stewart, and a solid line anchored by 2 multiple pro-bowlers and all-pros (gross and kalil). can WAS boast ANY of those things? Maybe better at the TE position w/ 2 good TE's, but they are solid, not spectacular (see: Gronk, Graham, Gonzo, Davis, etc.) and honestly, how many times will they use both TE's? even if they do it 1/2 the time (very generous, the 9ers didn't even do that 1/2 the time, and they have a HC who specializes in this), thats 1/2 the time 1 of their 2 best receivers are on the bench. As great as RG3 maybe, w/o a cast, he'll turn into another david carr or alex smith (in his early years).
Amar
05-28-2012
03:37 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.157
(total posts: 1)
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I just recently discovered the site but I find it to be a breathe of fresh air, keep up the good work. Anyways, what do you think of Casey Pachall? We saw the kind of impact Andy Dalton had as a rookie and Pachall exceeded any season that Dalton ever put up statistically and is bigger with more physical tools. Any chance he could be a first rounder next year with another big season?
i think
05-20-2012
05:46 pm
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(total posts: 2)
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somebody loves the word i think...this dude who writes this crap hasent a clue,rg 3 has played qb how long?and be is the next cam newton..lol
@Tony
05-20-2012
05:36 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx4.86
(total posts: 1)
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Charlie answers the mailbag questions so yea....you're dumb. And why can't Griffin come in and play just as well as Cam Newton?
He's a better passer than Cam was coming out of college. The Redskins have just as good a supporting cast on offense, if not better than the Panthers had last season They have Pierre Garcon, Leonard Hankerson, Josh Morgan, and Santana Moss at WR; Fred Davis and Chris Cooley at TE; Roy Helu (over 100 yards in 3 out of 4 of his starts) and Tim Hightower at RB, and a decent offensive line with solid depth. How is that nothing on offense? They have more depth at WR and better TEs than the Panthers and their offensive lines are basically equal when healthy? And only 2 players on defense? They have Barry Cofield at NT, who was a beast last year. They have a solid rotation of Jarvis Jenkins, Stephen Bowen, Adam Carriker, and Kedric Gholston at DE. Orakpo and Kerrigan are one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL at the OLB spots. London Fletcher is still one of the best ILB in the league and Perry Riley is a good young player as the other ILB. And they have good depth there with Jonathan Goff and Keenan Robinson. The only big issue on the entire team is the Defensive Backs. But they are more talented than people might think, they just have various behavior, consistency, and health issues. But they can be good enough if they put it all together. So next time you criticize someone, make sure you are actually criticizing the right person, idiot. And also make sure you know about the team you want to criticize them for liking because you obviously forgot to do both
@buttkisser
05-20-2012
04:37 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx58.4
(total posts: 2)
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somebody is mad b/c their team sucks this year haha
@tony
05-20-2012
04:36 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx58.4
(total posts: 2)
23
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Think for yourself and stop reading what retards post on comment boards. I could go on about how you're horrifically wrong but i'm just going to save my time. have a good one.
NlGGA WIT THA BIG NUTZ
05-20-2012
01:46 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx9.30
(total posts: 1)
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@Tony
A Washington fan? There's pages of Snyder trashing on this site.
BUTT KISSER
05-20-2012
01:02 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.152
(total posts: 2)
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GUY YOU KNOW ZILCH ABOUT FOOTBALL,WHAT ARE YOUR CREDENTIALS?YOU WRITE LIKE A 5TH GRADER,SHOW NO IN DEPTH ANALAYSIS OR FACTS TO BACK ANYTHING YOU SAY AND DRAW CONCLUSIONS ON WHAT?????????YOUR GUT FEELINGS?YOU SUCK
Ryan
05-20-2012
10:35 am
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(total posts: 1)
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A GM taking players that he likes the most is a GM picking off of his big board. You act like your big board or the big board of other "experts" are the end all of who these guys are ranked. Each GM has a different big board and each board is much different that that of a sports sites or channels big board. A GM taking someone he likes is more than likely taking someone at the top of his big board that is still available or at least the highest rated person at their position that is still available. There is not a GM out there who is going, "Well I really like John Doe even though it's the 4th round and I have him rated in the 7th, might as well just take him."
Tony
05-20-2012
09:17 am
xxx.xxx.xxx12.4
(total posts: 1)
17
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Is Walt a Redskins fan or what? Dude goobers over Griffin like he's going to come in the league slinging like an elite QB. Washington's supporting cast is absolute trash save two players on defense. People seem to push aside the fact that Shan is a stubborn old goat whose philosphies are outdated and he's not all that great of a coach to begin with. They'll win 5 games tops and Walt looks dumb again.
Pats fan
05-15-2012
05:30 am
xxx.xxx.xxx7.54
(total posts: 1)
15
23
It's hilarious that the Jets took Gholston in 2008 just so the Patriots wouldn't get him. How'd that work out for you guys?
Donald
05-15-2012
04:04 am
xxx.xxx.xxx49.2
(total posts: 1)
100
13
Can you bring back the old format of your scouting reports?
aaaa
05-11-2012
12:00 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx48.8
(total posts: 1)
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woody paige sucks
Salsa
04-24-2012
10:33 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.195
(total posts: 1)
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Woody Paige of the denver post put Walter on blast in his article today. The king of denver sports journalism.
Congrats Walter. You've arrived. |
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 24
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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