4/16/12
From Marcus Painter, Twin Lakes, Illinois
“I don’t know if I read this or heard this somewhere recently, but what might be the possibility that the Chicago Bears trade Matt Forte now that they have Michael Bush? The logic seems to make some sense if they can pick up some additional draft picks this year. They could draft a good young RB to compliment Bush and Bell. With an additional couple of mid round picks, the Bears could, theoretically, address their needs at D-Line, O-Line, Secondary, and LB. Thoughts?”
I don’t think the Bears are seriously entertaining a trade of Matt Forte. The contract issue has been contentious, but there has been no talk of Chicago shopping Forte around the league. There definitely would be interest from some teams for a sign and trade, but Chicago seems more focused on trying to bring Forte back into the fold.
If the Bears made a deal, they could target some young talent for their defense. From what I’ve heard, they want a defensive end and cornerback more than anything else. A few months ago I received word that the Bears would make some bold moves, and shortly later they traded for Brandon Marshall and signed some other free agents. If Forte were available for a trade, I think it would’ve made it out into the media at this point, like it has with Philadelphia cornerback Asante Samuel.
From Mark, Pennsylvania
“Being a Browns’ fan, I feel as the beginning of the draft is projected to play out that our best choice at #4 would be LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne. But I would almost prefer to trade down like Heckert said, no lower than the top 10 (with some wiggle room, in my opinion). Who would be our most-likely trading partner with Claiborne, Tannehill, Blackmon, and/or Kalil, should he fall to us (although, I’m not opposed to drafting him in this case), all sitting there for the taking? And if we do not address QB in the first 2 rounds (which is the way I’m leaning), who would be the best one to target in the middle rounds? Osweiler? Foles? Just please don’t say Cousins. I just feel he is too much like Colt McCoy and won’t be able to challenge Colt as well as someone else could. Thanks for your time.”
If Cleveland trades down, I think the most likely team would be the Miami Dolphins. That is a remote possibility. In order for it to happen, the Dolphins would have to fall in love with Ryan Tannehill and be convinced that he won’t make it to their pick at eight. The Browns will have to drum up that other teams like Kansas City or Philadelphia want to do a deal with them to get Tannehill. It would be an interesting game of poker, but I see it as an extreme long shot.
Cleveland could target Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden in the second round. He would be able to provide Colt McCoy with some immediate competition, and Weeden could be a quick upgrade over McCoy. If the Browns are targeting a quarterback in the middle rounds, I think the best would be Brock Osweiler. He has the physical tools to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. It would be best for him to go to a team that has a veteran starter whom he can learn from for a few years before breaking into the lineup.
From Chris Garman
“Probably about 80% of the mocks I’m seeing have Hightower to the Steelers. I like the pick as it fills a need, and Hightower seems to fit in that 20-30 range well, but I’m reminded of a few years ago when I was really hoping Rolando McClain was going to fall to the Steelers. Who do you think are an option if he goes earlier than expected? I’m hoping the interest in Mike Adams is a smokescreen because he looks like he has huge bust potential to me (I’m hoping for Jonathan Martin). I know Walt likes Fleener to the Steelers too, but I couldn’t justify it unless they traded down in the 30 range, they need too much help on the OL.”
The Steelers should be in position to fill a need and it wouldn’t surprise me if a good player falls to them. I think Pittsburgh could consider an edge rusher like Nick Perry. They are hosting him on a visit and could use a young rusher to replace James Harrison in the next couple of years.
Along the offensive line, I agree with your sentiments on Adams being a potential bust and I think that Jonathan Martin is much better. Pittsburgh could hope that Cordy Glenn falls to them, but that may be a stretch that he makes it by the Chargers, Bears, Titans, Bengals, Browns and Lions. The Steelers are hosting Bobby Massie and I think he would be a good fit in Pittsburgh. Massie is power blocker who has a mean streak. Some believe that he could be developed into a left tackle as well. They could take him at 24, or target him after trading down assuming someone is willing to deal.
One dark-horse player whom I think could fall to Pittsburgh is Dontari Poe. His stock has been declining because of an inconsistent motor and lack of production. He would make a nice nose tackle to replace Casey Hampton.
From Richard Stevenson, San Antonio, Texas
“First I think you have the best site on the web. I have sent so many of my friends to your site I feel I need a check. Now to the serious question. The Eagles are deep at the defensive line position. Why would they draft a defensive lineman? I would like to see them draft Dont’a Hightower or Michael Floyd in the first round and Vontaze Burfict at some point. What do you think of them drafting any two of these players?”
Thanks for the compliments and referring friends over to WalterFootball.com! While the Eagles have some good defensive linemen, they could use some youth at the position as they have a lot of veterans. Andy Reid has always been inclined to draft for the line early, and line depth is needed every season for just about every team.
I think the Eagles will address the receiver position in the first three rounds. Floyd would be a nice weapon in their offense, but I think they can find a decent complement for DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin on the second day. Floyd would be a luxury, and how many passes would actually get thrown his way considering they have those veterans and LeSean McCoy to feed touches to? I think the Eagles could target a receiver like Mohamed Sanu or Rueben Randle on Day 2.
Hightower would upgrade their linebacking corps, but after the trade for DeMeco Ryans, they don’t have a natural fit for Hightower. In their defensive scheme, Hightower would probably come off the field in the nickel, and thus he would be on the sideline for half the defensive snaps in a game. They wouldn’t rush Hightower from end like other teams, because then they would be nonsensically pull Jason Babin or Trent Cole. That being said, it would be hard to rip the Eagles for taking him because he is a good player and their linebackers were terrible last year. You would just have a debate about the value of the pick considering Hightower would just be a part-time player for Philadelphia’s defnese.
From twitter Vinnie (@1vabucsfan)
“Whatsup Charlie, miss you over on Pewter Report, give me some Bucs news, do they like Trent Richardson that much? Would they take him over Morris Claiborne?”
From what I hear, the Bucs have an inclination for Richardson over Claiborne. They would be happy taking either player, but if both were available, I believe they would go with Richardson. Tampa Bay hasn’t drafted a Pro Bowler in the last five years, the only team that hasn’t in the NFC South, and Richardson could break that streak immediately as a rookie.
General manager Mark Dominik and director of player personnel Dennis Hickey need the team to improve in 2012 to stick around. Typically, a running back provides a bigger impact as a rookie than a cornerback (see Cadillac Williams in 2005). Head coach Greg Schiano wants a bell-cow back, a power running game and a physical football team. Richardson would provide that instantly with his rare combination of power and speed.
From Lawrence Hopper, San Diego, California
“Big fan of your site and the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers have a need at both right tackle and left guard. Wouldn’t it make sense to draft Cordy Glenn, a man who could make it into the starting lineup at either position?”
That makes so much sense that it won’t happen. For years A.J. Smith has resisted drafting for the offensive line in the first round (Editor’s Note: The Chargers haven’t selected an offensive lineman in the first round since 1986). This year could be more of the same with San Diego needing to improve their edge rushing. I think Glenn or Jonathan Martin would be good picks for the Chargers.
The Chargers could target a pass-rusher in the second round. They are interested in Oklahoma outside linebacker Ronnell Lewis, and he would be a good pickup in Round 2 to address that need. If you want the Chargers to go this route you’ll have to hope that Smith has changed the way he attacks the draft.
From Ben, Long Island, New York
“I don’t think the Jets will take Mark Barron with their first pick despite the huge need at the position. Rex Ryan’s defense doesn’t need a first round safety, and Barron doesn’t represent a tremendous value that they cannot pass up, like Eric Berry was a few years ago. Your previous pick of Courtney Upshaw is a lot more realistic. My question is, why Upshaw? He seemed awfully stiff in the coverage drills for DEs at the combine, and Rex’s rush linebackers drop into coverage more often then in other 3-4 schemes. The Jets haven’t paid much attention to the SEC in recent drafts either, with only recent selection from the conference being John Connor from Kentucky in 2010 (he famously of Rex Ryan’s own accidental discovery.) Jets sources have said that they are looking into rush linebackers in the first round and it will take a special player falling to them at 16 for that plan to change. I just wonder why everyone links Upshaw to the Jets when there seem to be more likely prospects; like Whitney Mercilus (more athletic than Upshaw and the Jets draft Big 10 hard) or even Upshaw’s teammate Dont’a Hightower (a better prospect for the future, can be moved around the linebacker slots). Let me know what you think about the Jets first round situation.”
I don’t think the Jets are closed to the SEC. They sent a big contingent to scout Melvin Ingram at South Carolina’s pro day, and I bet they would be thrilled to land him at 16. New York has only made 13 draft picks in three years with Rex Ryan as their head coach, so I don’t think that is enough of a body of work to say that he has bias against SEC products.
As for Upshaw, I think he would be a big upgrade to the Jets linebackers. New York, like most teams in the league are going to tweak their defense every year. If they can land a natural 3-4 edge rusher like Upshaw, I think Ryan would be thrilled to see him rush the quarterback. One reason why I think Ryan’s dropped his outside linebackers into coverage more is because they are better in coverage than they are in rushing the passer. Upshaw could drop some weight to improve his agility, but the Jets have got to improve their pass rush and Upshaw would do that immediately.
Mercilus or Hightower would be good picks as well. If they do take Barron or a player at a different position, they also could target Ronnell Lewis in the second round. They are interested in him and hosting him on a visit before the draft.
Once again send questions/comments via email [email protected] or on Twitter @draftcampbell.
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag Archive:
2013 NFL Draft Mailbag - June 16
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 20
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 15
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - May 6
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 24
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 16
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 9
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - April 3
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - March 25
2012 NFL Draft Mailbag - March 15
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