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KJDaniel31

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I've been reading quite a bit lately but not posting, and it is interesting to see the various views on different players. I am a draft junkie and spend alot of free time watching tape on players, as its so much fun to predict the unknowns who become stars (I love to boast about Miles Austin and Matt Cassel) or the "can't miss" blue chippers who turn out to be worthless (who didn't see JaMarcus Russell and Alex Smith coming?). So here is my top 32 players in terms of value, along with 10 Overrated and 10 Sleepers. Of course, there are some controversial picks, so I am curious to hear the discussion.

Big Board

1. Patrick Peterson (DB, LSU)- He is just the best football player on the board, but at a very low level position. I believe he is a FS in the NFL, and will be an Ed Reed type game changer. At CB, he will be very good and could even be great, but I'd love to see him with more freedom to make plays at FS. Possibly a pro bowler as a rookie.

2. Jake Locker (QB, Wash) - VERY controversial here, but it appears that many more are agreeing with me after seeing him throw at the combine. This guy is a leader of men, high character, better on the run than any QB in the last 10 years (agrees Mike Mayock) and has a serious arm. I felt all along that he had terrible talent around him, and he willed these guys to a winning season and 2 straight wins over USC. He is the best athlete at QB in the draft, more accurate than people who only read stats realize, and he is a top level talent who can play from Day 1. In 3 years I expect him to be a top 10 QB.

3. Marcell Dareus (DT, Bama) - He's huge, fast and is known as a hard worker, all big things at the DT position. Can play in the 3-4 or 4-3, and seems to have the strength and quickness to adapt to many systems. Probably the safest pick in the draft.

4. Von Miller (OLB, TAMU) – Many feel that Miller had a down year in 2010, but forget that he played injured for the first month and a half. As a JR he led the nation in sacks and spent most of the year in the offensive backfield VS the run as well. He’s a pure edge rushing 3-4 OLB, but has shown enough agility to be competent in coverage. Primary rush moves are the best in the class. Very high character guy, will work hard and should be an elite pass rusher for years to come.

5. Julio Jones (WR, Bama) – I know many have AJ Green as the #1 WR, but I just see too much ability on tape from Jones to put anyone above him. Big, strong and fast with good awareness and body control, he is a nightmare for CBs to cover 1v1. Not great after the catch, but powerful enough to gain a few yards in traffic and fast enough to run away from most DBs. More of an athlete than a polished product at this point, but is sure to be a great WR at the next level.

6. Prince Amukamara (CB, Neb) – Elite instincts and coverage skills, and has proven to have better speed than one thought. Perhaps not a pure ball hawk, but Prince is the type who can take any WR in CFB out of the game plan. A safe pick as well, given his high character, he never missed a game at NEB, and ready to play immediately.

7. A. J. Green (WR, UG) – Clearly the best route runner and best hands of the draft at WR. Good size and speed and is very dangerous in the vertical passing game. The knocks on him are that he seems to be hurt a lot and really doesn’t do much after the catch. Even so, with a solid QB Green will see his share of Pro Bowl seasons.

8. Mike Pouncey (OC, FLA) – Perhaps a low level position, but is among the best football players in the draft. A very safe pick, he never missed a game in CFB and is known as a leader on and off the field. Likely to start from day 1, he has the intelligence and experience to be an asset right away. More athletic than strong, he will need to add strength to maximize ability.

9. Robert Quinn (DE, UNC) – More of a pure athlete than a football player at this point, but his measurables are off the charts. Lacks rush moves, especially after the initial block, but his motor and work ethic have never been questioned. I believe he will learn the skills to go with elite athleticism and become a top edge rusher, likely in the 4-3.

10. Ryan Mallet (QB, Ark) I have gone back and forth on this guy for months, however a couple of film sessions against bigtime SEC opponents will cure that. This guy torched the best defenses in college football for 2 years, and less than 5% of NCAA fans can name another player on his offense. He has elite size and arm strength, and his accuracy surprised me. I am cautious of what money will do to him, but he really seems to want to win, and his teammates love him. He will cause major problems for defenses who will now have to guard the whole field due to his ability to make every throw. Boom or bust pick, but most likely a boom.

11. J. J. Watt (DE, Wisc) – This is pretty high to rank a 3-4 DE, but this guy’s motor is off the charts. Playing the 5 technique is more about effort and strength, both things Watt excels at. You literally never see him quit on a play, and he often wears down the OL late in games. May never have big stats since he isn’t an elite pass rusher, but will be a solid anchor for a 3-4 for many years.

12. Blaine Gabbert (QB, Mizzou) – Blaine doesn’t amaze me at any aspect of QB play, but he isn’t weak in any area, either. He has good arm strength and though many doubt his ability to play under center, he’s played that way all through high school and the drops should come back to it easily. He seems to go through reads very well and has a good understanding of coverages, and has good accuracy to put the ball on target. Smart, hard working and good mechanics will overcome his slight lack of raw talent. Likely to be a solid starter and fringe pro bowler.

13. Tyron Smith (OT, USC) – Would likely be a top 5 pick next year, so some team in the late top 10 or early teens will get a steal in a year or 2. Very athletic with great feet, but like most top level pass blockers he must add strength to be a great OT in the NFL. All signs point to a dedicated player and should be the best OT in this draft.

14. Nate Solder (OT, Colo) – Just barely behind Smith due to the difference in athleticism, but Solder is the smartest player at his position in a long time. He has a great understanding of the game and assignments, is never out of position, and has a huge frame with which to add strength. Expect Nate to be perhaps the unsexy steady Eddie of the OL class.

15. Corey Liuget (DT, Ill) - Next to Dareus he is the best DT against the run, and as such will be draft very high. A true “in the trenches” guy who loves taking on double teams and still making plays. A great tackler and endless motor along with great instincts for the run game will keep Corey in a job for a long time. Wont provide much pass rush, so he is likely a 2 down player.

16. Marvin Austin (DT, UNC) – I always worry about guys who break major NCAA rules and what will happen to them when they finally get money, so this guy scares me. On talent alone, he is a top 5 pick, but he hasn’t played football in a year and is likely a character problem waiting to happen. He gets off blocks as well as anyone in the 1st round this year, and is dangerous in the passing game as well. Should be a beast when he is on the field, but work ethic is a definite concern.

17. Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Pur) – Many have Ryan as a OLB, but he has not shown any ability to play in space in my opinion to be anything but a 4-3 DE. Solid vs the run and a very good pass rusher, he doesn’t hurt you in any aspect of the game and will dominate inexperienced OL. Lack of versatility will hurt him on draft day, but on the field he will make plays from day 1.

18. Kyle Rudolph (TE, ND) A split TE in the mold of Greg Olsen, Kyle is as dangerous with the ball as without it. Great feet and can make people miss, he will cause a lot of problems for LBs who are too slow or DBs who are too small. Needs to develop his blocking, but with the way teams use 2 TEs now he will be a hot item on draft day as the clear cut #1 TE.

19. Aldon Smith (DE, Mizzou) – Smith is a pure pash rusher in the Jevon Kearse mold. Struggles mightily against the run, so I have him valued much lower than other edge rushers in this draft. Even so, he will cause a lot of problems on passing downs, and that is a very valuable skill in the NFL. Likely to have great numbers even as a rookie.

20. Muhammad Wilkerson (DT, Temp.) – Another of the unsexy but solid DL in this draft, Wilkerson really seems to be solid at everything. Elite against the run, he can likely start week 1 on 1st and 2nd downs. Really not much in the area of pass rushing, but run stopping ability will get him on the field as a rookie.

Continued.....

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21. Aaron Williams (S, Tex) – Played CB in college, but really lacks 1v1 cover skills vs elite WRs to play CB in the NFL. Great ball skills and instincts, he should slide over to S with little learning curve. Not a good tackler but a good project as a center fielder, especially in a cover 2 scheme.

22. Cameron Jordan (DE, Cal) - 3-4 DE as a 5 technique, he is great against the run and excels at shedding blocks to make plays. A tough guy who works hard, his motor will overcome his deficiencies as a pass rusher. Likely to have a long and uncelebrated NFL career.

23. Gabe Carimi (OG, Wisc) – Dominant run blocker + lack of foot speed = a great guard in the NFL. Gabe will kick inside and be among the best run blockers within 3 years. If he is left at T, even RT, he will struggle severely against any decent pass rusher.

24. Da’ Quan Bowers (DE, Clem) – A bit of a risk as Bowers is definitely a tweener. I believe he is a 4-3 DE, but many teams are looking at him as a 3-4 DE or even an 3-4 OLB. He can clearly get after the QB and is solid vs the run. Good size as a OLB but would likely be useless in coverage. He is at his best when he can load up and rush the passer. He is a project who is unlikely to play much this year.

25. Andy Dalton (QB, TCU) – I love smart, accurate QBs, especially with the great number of teams going to the west coast offense. Andy is a leader and a winner, has a solid arm and great understanding of coverages and where to go with the ball. He is a bit of a project and should really sit for a year or 2 given his lack of experience against elite defenses, but should make the transition into a solid starter for several years to come.

26. Rahim Moore (FS, UCLA) – A true ballhawk is a very underrated player in the NFL, as shown by how low these guys are drafted. Moore is ready to start today and has great size and speed to be a top 5 FS in the league very soon.

27. Anthony Castonzo (OT, BC) – Very athletic and has great feet, Anthony shows solid technique that many teams want. Has a serious problem with power players and must add strength, but would excel in a zone blocking scheme.

28. Cameron Heyward (DL, OSU) – Very versatile and can play just about any position across the DL. Hard worker, respected by teammates and plays big in big games, as evidenced by the 4 quarters he spent in Arkansas’ backfield in the Sugar Bowl. Ready to play today, and may never have big numbers but will be an asset for any defense.

29. Jon Baldwin (WR, Pitt) – Looks like the 2nd coming of Vincent Jackson. Big, strong and fast with great hands and competitiveness, Jon looks like a guy who after a year or 2 will be a tough cover for any CB. Needs to develop route running, but looks like a guy who wants to win.

30. Danny Watkins (OG, Baylor) – Ready to play today, Danny is a mature (27 years old) man who is a high character hard worker. Still a bit raw and should develop very quickly, Watkins plays mean and is never outworked in the trenches. Look for him to start very quickly.

31. Titus Young (WR, BSU) – A down the field playmaker with dangerous speed, Young was a menace to DBs his entire career at Boise. Good hands and above average routes, he seems to be able to run more than just the go route and should likely be a Mike Wallace type player. A dangerous deep threat by year 2.

32. Brandon Harris (CB, Mia) – Coaches rave about his work ethic, and it shows in his man coverage ability. A serious competitor, Harris hates to lose at anything and really excelled in big games. Will struggle in a cover 2 scheme, but let him man up on anyone and you will get the best out of him. Ready to start year 1.

10 Players to remember

1. Greg Jones (LB, MSU) – I love LBs who always find the football, and Jones does that better than anyone in the country. Will continue his massive tackle numbers for whatever team takes him around the 4th round. Compares well to DeMeco Ryans.

2. Craig Cooper (RB, Mia) – Cooper gets a bad rap for his lack of game breaking speed, but many failed to realize that his agility numbers were either 1st or 2nd in every category. Short speed is the much more important time for a RB in the NFL, and Cooper uses that to be a great receiver out of the backfield. Lacks power and his pass blocking must improve, but is known as a hard worker and should make a team out of training camp. Likely to take someone’s job by year 3.

3. Owen Marecic (FB/LB, Stan) – Extremely smart player, he saw a lot of time at FB and on defense for a top 10 Cardinal team. I watched quite a bit, and it looks like he can start in the NFL at either position. At worst he will be an elite special teams player as a rookie, but look for Owen to succeed at whatever position he chooses in the NFL, but personally I like him as an ILB.

4. Joseph Barksdale (OT, LSU) – I have no idea why this guy isn’t getting more looks. Looks to have the feet of a LT, and really looks good against some great SEC competition. Great athlete and will excel as a pass blocker, but watch out if he gets stronger. Should start within 3 years.

5. Deunta Williams (FS, UNC) – A serious leg injury is pushing Williams down everyone’s board, which is really going to favor the team he falls to. On the field, Williams is a solid pro prospect and a playmaking center fielder. Good speed, size and agility, he likely isn’t ready to play now, but give him a year to fully recover and you can have a very good S in the 5th round.

6. Jeremy Kerley (WR, TCU) – Runs much faster on tape than on the track, Kerley is simply a gamer. He will be dangerous right away as a return man, but will be underrated as a WR. The team needing a returner will get a big surprise in a couple of years when he develops into a solid #2 WR.

7. Jordan Todman (RB, UCONN) – Jordan is a good all around back who loves getting tough inside yards. A very hard worker who is loved by his teammates, Todman can win a job as a rookie and won’t disappoint. Very competitive, his fearlessness will win him many fans at the next level. A much better receiver and blocker than given credit for, look for him to vastly outplay his 3rd/4th round status.

8. Niles Paul (WR, Neb) – It seems that Paul may have been wasted at UN and that option attack. A tough competitor, he reminds me a lot of Hines Ward in his over the middle fearlessness and hit tenacious run blocking. Not a burner, but a good target over the middle who should have a long career and could have good numbers along the way.

9. DJ Williams (TE, Ark) – Among the top receiving TEs in NCAA this year, Williams is slotted anywhere from the 3rd to 6th rounds. Smart player who is great at finding holes in the zone, though he often struggled against man coverage. Williams is the type of TE that a smart QB can really get great production out of, and is a solid blocker as well. Definitely a starter at the next level.

10. Jamere Holland (WR, Lindenwood) – Among the best athletes in the draft, Holland might also be the dumbest. He is impossible to guard 1 v 1 and is impossible to understand some of the idiotic things he does, and how he simply could not pass a college class. He has the speed and skills of the first round WRs and should he ever grow up, he will be a dangerous player who came very cheap, likely 7th round or UDFA. I expect him to make a roster and contribute very early. However, he may simply be too much of a moron for coaches to tolerate.

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10 Players to forget

1. Cam Newton (QB, Aub) – His abilities translate into a great 3rd/4th round project for a backup QB. Lacks accuracy, coverage understanding, experience in a pro system, character, and just about everything else needed to succeed in the NFL. Only chance will be for a team who runs a spread offense, which right now is only Buffalo. Any true pro system will swallow him whole.

2. Mark Ingram (RB, Bama) - Mark has a degenerative knee condition which I feel is going to seriously hinder him. Not a game breaker or a bulldozer, his main assets are vision and patience. He will be solid but unspectacular while healthy, but expect a very short career.

3. Jimmy Smith (CB, Colo) – Good size and speed but serious character and work ethic concerns. Should be a 3rd round pick but likely to be off the board by pick 40.

4. Nick Fairley (DT, Aub) – One year wonder known for laziness and moronic penalties as much as his great athletic ability. Money is likely to change him and I expect him to be out of the league very soon.

5. Brooks Reed (LB, ARZ) – A guy who few thought much of before the combine. Looks like a 1st rounder in the combine, but a decent 4th rounder with long term project written all over him on tape. Lacks counter moves and really only took advantage of weak opponents. Unlikely to contribute for a couple of years, if ever.

6. Colin Kaepernick (QB, Nev) – Nothing about this guy says NFL starting QB to me. Great feet and decent size, he looks like a perfect backup QB candidate starting around the 5th round. Many are predicting a 2nd round pick for him, which is going to set a team back quite a bit.

7. Torrey Smith (WR, Maryland) – As far as KRs go, Smith is at the top of the list. As a WR, beware of speed guys who simply can’t catch. Doesn’t show good route discipline at all and seems terrified across the middle. I watch him play and think I’m watching Troy Williamson.

8. Allen Bailey (DL, Miami) – Too small to play DT, too slow to play DE, not a great pass rusher or run stopper to play anywhere. Bailey looks great in shorts but doesn’t really cause many problems for offenses when on the field. Considered a 2nd round pick by many, but seems like a career backup to me.

9. Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor) – Too many strikes against him already. Got kicked out of Penn State (tough to do) and now has an inoperable foot condition. Looks good on tape, but too many things likely to keep him off the field.

10. Derek Sherrod (OL, MissSt.) – Lacks strength, doesn’t seem to care when he is beat or beat up. I prefer OL who like to hurt people. This guy isn’t an ugly type of player, and finesse OL are not high percentage picks.

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Wow, I hope you don't have a wife...but seriously, that's awesome information.

Haha I do...she's happy too! This took about 3 months total...one hour at a time. Its a fun hobby for me, but I'm sure there are many things other guys do that I dont have time for.

All that being said, she would definitely laugh if she saw this was the fruit of all that time I was typing during commercials.

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I've been reading quite a bit lately but not posting, and it is interesting to see the various views on different players. I am a draft junkie and spend alot of free time watching tape on players, as its so much fun to predict the unknowns who become stars (I love to boast about Miles Austin and Matt Cassel) or the "can't miss" blue chippers who turn out to be worthless (who didn't see JaMarcus Russell and Alex Smith coming?). So here is my top 32 players in terms of value, along with 10 Overrated and 10 Sleepers. Of course, there are some controversial picks, so I am curious to hear the discussion.

Big Board

1. Patrick Peterson (DB, LSU)- He is just the best football player on the board, but at a very low level position. I believe he is a FS in the NFL, and will be an Ed Reed type game changer. At CB, he will be very good and could even be great, but I'd love to see him with more freedom to make plays at FS. Possibly a pro bowler as a rookie.

2. Jake Locker (QB, Wash) - VERY controversial here, but it appears that many more are agreeing with me after seeing him throw at the combine. This guy is a leader of men, high character, better on the run than any QB in the last 10 years (agrees Mike Mayock) and has a serious arm. I felt all along that he had terrible talent around him, and he willed these guys to a winning season and 2 straight wins over USC. He is the best athlete at QB in the draft, more accurate than people who only read stats realize, and he is a top level talent who can play from Day 1. In 3 years I expect him to be a top 10 QB.

3. Marcell Dareus (DT, Bama) - He's huge, fast and is known as a hard worker, all big things at the DT position. Can play in the 3-4 or 4-3, and seems to have the strength and quickness to adapt to many systems. Probably the safest pick in the draft.

4. Von Miller (OLB, TAMU) – Many feel that Miller had a down year in 2010, but forget that he played injured for the first month and a half. As a JR he led the nation in sacks and spent most of the year in the offensive backfield VS the run as well. He’s a pure edge rushing 3-4 OLB, but has shown enough agility to be competent in coverage. Primary rush moves are the best in the class. Very high character guy, will work hard and should be an elite pass rusher for years to come.

5. Julio Jones (WR, Bama) – I know many have AJ Green as the #1 WR, but I just see too much ability on tape from Jones to put anyone above him. Big, strong and fast with good awareness and body control, he is a nightmare for CBs to cover 1v1. Not great after the catch, but powerful enough to gain a few yards in traffic and fast enough to run away from most DBs. More of an athlete than a polished product at this point, but is sure to be a great WR at the next level.

6. Prince Amukamara (CB, Neb) – Elite instincts and coverage skills, and has proven to have better speed than one thought. Perhaps not a pure ball hawk, but Prince is the type who can take any WR in CFB out of the game plan. A safe pick as well, given his high character, he never missed a game at NEB, and ready to play immediately.

7. A. J. Green (WR, UG) – Clearly the best route runner and best hands of the draft at WR. Good size and speed and is very dangerous in the vertical passing game. The knocks on him are that he seems to be hurt a lot and really doesn’t do much after the catch. Even so, with a solid QB Green will see his share of Pro Bowl seasons.

8. Mike Pouncey (OC, FLA) – Perhaps a low level position, but is among the best football players in the draft. A very safe pick, he never missed a game in CFB and is known as a leader on and off the field. Likely to start from day 1, he has the intelligence and experience to be an asset right away. More athletic than strong, he will need to add strength to maximize ability.

9. Robert Quinn (DE, UNC) – More of a pure athlete than a football player at this point, but his measurables are off the charts. Lacks rush moves, especially after the initial block, but his motor and work ethic have never been questioned. I believe he will learn the skills to go with elite athleticism and become a top edge rusher, likely in the 4-3.

10. Ryan Mallet (QB, Ark) I have gone back and forth on this guy for months, however a couple of film sessions against bigtime SEC opponents will cure that. This guy torched the best defenses in college football for 2 years, and less than 5% of NCAA fans can name another player on his offense. He has elite size and arm strength, and his accuracy surprised me. I am cautious of what money will do to him, but he really seems to want to win, and his teammates love him. He will cause major problems for defenses who will now have to guard the whole field due to his ability to make every throw. Boom or bust pick, but most likely a boom.

11. J. J. Watt (DE, Wisc) – This is pretty high to rank a 3-4 DE, but this guy’s motor is off the charts. Playing the 5 technique is more about effort and strength, both things Watt excels at. You literally never see him quit on a play, and he often wears down the OL late in games. May never have big stats since he isn’t an elite pass rusher, but will be a solid anchor for a 3-4 for many years.

12. Blaine Gabbert (QB, Mizzou) – Blaine doesn’t amaze me at any aspect of QB play, but he isn’t weak in any area, either. He has good arm strength and though many doubt his ability to play under center, he’s played that way all through high school and the drops should come back to it easily. He seems to go through reads very well and has a good understanding of coverages, and has good accuracy to put the ball on target. Smart, hard working and good mechanics will overcome his slight lack of raw talent. Likely to be a solid starter and fringe pro bowler.

13. Tyron Smith (OT, USC) – Would likely be a top 5 pick next year, so some team in the late top 10 or early teens will get a steal in a year or 2. Very athletic with great feet, but like most top level pass blockers he must add strength to be a great OT in the NFL. All signs point to a dedicated player and should be the best OT in this draft.

14. Nate Solder (OT, Colo) – Just barely behind Smith due to the difference in athleticism, but Solder is the smartest player at his position in a long time. He has a great understanding of the game and assignments, is never out of position, and has a huge frame with which to add strength. Expect Nate to be perhaps the unsexy steady Eddie of the OL class.

15. Corey Liuget (DT, Ill) - Next to Dareus he is the best DT against the run, and as such will be draft very high. A true “in the trenches” guy who loves taking on double teams and still making plays. A great tackler and endless motor along with great instincts for the run game will keep Corey in a job for a long time. Wont provide much pass rush, so he is likely a 2 down player.

16. Marvin Austin (DT, UNC) – I always worry about guys who break major NCAA rules and what will happen to them when they finally get money, so this guy scares me. On talent alone, he is a top 5 pick, but he hasn’t played football in a year and is likely a character problem waiting to happen. He gets off blocks as well as anyone in the 1st round this year, and is dangerous in the passing game as well. Should be a beast when he is on the field, but work ethic is a definite concern.

17. Ryan Kerrigan (DE, Pur) – Many have Ryan as a OLB, but he has not shown any ability to play in space in my opinion to be anything but a 4-3 DE. Solid vs the run and a very good pass rusher, he doesn’t hurt you in any aspect of the game and will dominate inexperienced OL. Lack of versatility will hurt him on draft day, but on the field he will make plays from day 1.

18. Kyle Rudolph (TE, ND) A split TE in the mold of Greg Olsen, Kyle is as dangerous with the ball as without it. Great feet and can make people miss, he will cause a lot of problems for LBs who are too slow or DBs who are too small. Needs to develop his blocking, but with the way teams use 2 TEs now he will be a hot item on draft day as the clear cut #1 TE.

19. Aldon Smith (DE, Mizzou) – Smith is a pure pash rusher in the Jevon Kearse mold. Struggles mightily against the run, so I have him valued much lower than other edge rushers in this draft. Even so, he will cause a lot of problems on passing downs, and that is a very valuable skill in the NFL. Likely to have great numbers even as a rookie.

20. Muhammad Wilkerson (DT, Temp.) – Another of the unsexy but solid DL in this draft, Wilkerson really seems to be solid at everything. Elite against the run, he can likely start week 1 on 1st and 2nd downs. Really not much in the area of pass rushing, but run stopping ability will get him on the field as a rookie.

Continued.....

I hear you talking so what will you do at number 1 ?

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Locker at 2 is funny, Jones over Green?

A little far fetched for me.

I had Aaron Rodgers at #1 in 2005, got heckled for that, so bring it on! I dont think there is alot between Jones and Green, but there are several scouts and writers who agree. I don't think it's as clear cut among the "experts" as you might think.

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I hear you talking so what will you do at number 1 ?

Given our needs, I'd take Dareus. If you look at our history in the first round, we rarely take big risks, which is why we rarely have a bust. I'm not a fan of big risks in the first round, so I would welcome Dareus/Peterson/Miller/Jones/Green. Miller is not a need, but I prefer great players at positions of little need over guys destined to be cut by year 3 at a position we need help.

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Haha I do...she's happy too! This took about 3 months total...one hour at a time. Its a fun hobby for me, but I'm sure there are many things other guys do that I dont have time for.

All that being said, she would definitely laugh if she saw this was the fruit of all that time I was typing during commercials.

Ha. I was kidding with you. I get in trouble for reading all of the time on here.

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    • It is time to take a look at the defense.  Without further ado do.... Edge (OLB):  I think we overpaid for Jaelan Phillips, but he is constant pressure with 73 pressures in 2025, ranking 9th in the NFL.  In all, he was the 20th (of 111) rated pass rushing edge in 2025 according to PFF, putting him in the top 20% in the nfl.  With a pair of solid ILBs beside him and if we can get Wharton going, I think the sum of the parts will make him better than he was in Philly.  Furthermore, with second-year pro Princely Umanmielen behind him, I expect him to grow with the tutoring and competition. On the other side, the duo of Nick Scourton and Patrick Jones II is strong, in my view.  Scourton generated 34 total pressures as a pass rusher. That total included 8 sacks, 23 hurries, 3 hits. Against the run, he recorded 28 solo tackles. For a rookie, second round, edge, that is great.  He also forced 1 fumble on the season. Jones was decent in 2025 in just 131 snaps, but he is solid veteran depth.   We seem to lack the elite pass rusher, but this rotational unit will be a big upgrade over last season.  Expect Scourton and Princely to show improvement. While it is unlikely that we add more to edge this draft, you can never have too many pass rushers (well, you can--two sophomores and two veterans is a good mix). Would the Panthers take an edge if one was sitting there? Absolutely. Defensive End:  Derrick Brown is a stud.  I did not notice how dominant he became as a pass rusher.  His PFF pass-rush grade of 72.0 ranked 23rd among 134 qualified interior defensive linemans. His run-defense grade of 66.3 ranked 22nd at the position. He generated 35 total pressures as a pass rusher. That total included 6 sacks, 23 hurries, 6 hits. On the other side:  What the hell?  Tershawn Wharton earned a 40.8 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 127th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemans. His PFF pass-rush grade of 57.0 ranked 95th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen. His run-defense grade of 34.8 ranked 125th at the position. However, Wharton needs to be situational and we really need a few DEs who can plug and pressure.  LaBryan Ray is an interior defensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers who earned a 45.7 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season.  You cannot tell me that we are not going to add a DE.  In my view, this is a HUGE need that we have not adequately addressed.  There were only 3 DEs in the NFL who played more snaps that Derrick Brown.  We have to give him more blows during the game.  So After Brown, we have 2 other players who need to improve a lot to reach mediocre. Nose Tackle:  Of course, a NT might move out some to help stuff the run at DE opposite Brown, and stats do not always reflect on a NT's actual value.  Bobby Brown III earned a 54.1 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 80th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen.  His PFF pass-rush grade of 51.1 ranked 126th among 134 qualified interior defensive linemans. His run-defense grade of 57.8 ranked 51st at the position.   Behind him, Cam'Ron Jackson is an  earned a 45.5 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season.   The defensive line is weak, based on 2025 performance rankings in PFF.  After DBrown, they pretty much suck.  These are the guys our ILBs will be counting on. Inside Linebacker:  Devin Lloyd earned a 89.1 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 3rd among 88 qualified linebackers. His PFF coverage grade of 81.1 ranked 3rd among 88 qualified linebackers. His run-defense grade of 83.2 ranked 11th at the position. His pass-rush grade of 82.2 ranked 5th among qualified linebackers.  He's good.  At the moment, beside him is Trevin Wallace  who earned a 55.9 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 57th among 88 qualified linebackers. His PFF coverage grade of 64.5 ranked 25th among 88 qualified linebackers. His run-defense grade of 42.3 ranked 85th at the position. His pass-rush grade of 64.2 ranked 45th among qualified linebackers.  Wallace was best as a coverage LB, and based on my memory, I am not sure he was in the top third, but if PFF says so...however, he was nearly last vs. the run.  We need better to play beside Lloyd.  Bam Morris-Scott earned a 37.6 overall PFF defensive grade. To put that in perspective, I was rated by PFF at 32.3 on my couch.   Cherilus Claudin is the third best ILB on the roster right now. He earned a 59.2 overall PFF defensive grade in just over 200 snaps.  Having lost Rozeboom, the Panthers are very thin behind Lloyd.  Look for a starting-caliber ILB in the draft.  Wallace is not the guy, but he is decent depth. Nickel CB:  Chau Smith-Wade  earned a 57.0 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 79th among 114 qualified cornerbacks. His PFF coverage grade of 57.2 ranked 79th among 114 qualified cornerbacks. His run-defense grade of 55.4 ranked 77th at the position.  For a nickel, he played a lot--garnering over 600 snaps.  Corey Thornton was a pleasant surprise, until he was injured.  However, in just 127 snaps, he was very good, earning a 68.5 overall PFF defensive grade.  I think he can play outside in a pinch, but nickel might be his gig.  I am not sold that Nickel is in good hands, but Thornton is promising.  Smith-Wade is average, and with the experience he has accumulated, we are probably not prioritizing Nickel, but there are some good nickels in the draft. Cornerback:  Michael Jackson should have been in the pro bowl.  He earned a 79.1 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 4th among 114 qualified cornerbacks. His PFF coverage grade of 80.9 ranked 3rd among 114 qualified cornerbacks. His run-defense grade of 67.2 ranked 36th at the position. He recorded 4 interceptions on the season. Jackson broke up 9 passes in coverage. He allowed a 72.9 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks --SOLID!!  Our second-best CB, Jaycee Horn, was in the pro bowl.  He earned a 57.8 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 76th among 114 qualified corner.backs. His PFF coverage grade of 61.6 ranked 61st among 114 qualified cornerbacks. His run-defense grade of 50.5 ranked 87th at the position.  He recorded 5 interceptions on the season.  Our CBs had NINE interceptions in 2025.  It is doubtful they duplicate that figure, but Jackson was our best CB.   We are thin at CB, but the two we put out there are solid.  Nickel, at this time, is "meh," but both are developing and should improve.  A great draft for Nickel.  The Panthers will add a CB somehow. Safety:  For now, Trevon Moehrig is as advertised--above average vs. the run, below average in coverage, making him average. He earned a 64.3 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 50th among 98 qualified safeties. His PFF coverage grade of 55.3 ranked 64th among 98 qualified safeties. His run-defense grade of 73.5 ranked 37th at the position.  Lathan Ransom got some valuable experience in 2025, getting in on 330 plays or so.  He earned a 62.9 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 56th among 98 qualified safeties.  (Average, not bad for a day 3 rookie) His PFF coverage grade of 55.8 ranked 63rd among 98 qualified safeties. His run-defense grade of 85.1 ranked 4th at the position.  A pure strong safety, if you ask me.  Nick Scott  earned a 67.8 overall PFF defensive grade in the 2025 season, 36th among 98 qualified safeties. His PFF coverage grade of 67.3 ranked 31st among 98 qualified safeties. His run-defense grade of 69.3 ranked 56th at the position.  Expect a draft pick at FS.  Demani Richardson is a safety for the Carolina Panthers who earned a 71.5 overall PFF defensive grade n 29 plays.  Nothing to see here.  Isaiah Simmons is probably more special teams than defensive player.   Overall:  We are thin on defense.  No real depth at CB, S, and DE/NT.  However, we have 5 starters who are pro bowl level players (D. Brown, Lloyd, Jackson, Horn, and Phillips--and I might throw Scourton in on that pile for the sixth potential pro bowler).  We are weak at NT, and if Wharton does not step up, DE.  Funny, I see Edge as our strength (and we really don't have a sack artist) and I love our starting CBs.  Moehrig is making too much to be average.   Expect:  In the draft, I think we have to draft a DT.  Having done this, I am not sure that we go after a S when we have such glaring needs at other positions.  We could upgrade at nickel and give the CB room more depth.  OLB?  Wallace is decent depth, and he could start in a pinch.   DE is our biggest need.  The answer could be on the roster?            
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