TBR's Top Five

For the record, I thought Ryan was pro-ready and would do well, but wasn't and isn't a "franchise" QB. I liked Roethlisberger better, and said he was the best QB out of that year's class (I drastically underestimated Rivers, though). Flacco, I didn't really have a strong opinion on one way or another. Then Sanchez I actually would have liked better in Detroit because I'm not crazy about his arm strength outdoors up north. Just to be clear, I am not categorically opposed to taking a quarterback in the first round. Aaron Rodgers was great value for Green Bay (I liked him better than Alex Smith, who I hated, but never imagined that Rodgers would be this good). But picking in the top ten, or especially the top five, you have to get someone almost guaranteed to be an above average player. Choosing high risk quarterbacks in that spot puts your entire organization in jeopardy, as the wrong choice can set you back many seasons. It's just something I'm not comfortable with. I'd much rather go the route of playing with veterans while developing a young guy or two along the way. There are plenty of prospects in this draft who fit that mold, which is why I would hate to reach for someone who wasn't worthy at #1.

 

Honestly, Collin, I could give a shit how it's done (draft, FA, undrafted FA, CFL defect). I simply hope the team is able to, sooner than later, identify a solid starter that can be solid for about the same stretch of time that the team relied on Delhomme (for better, or worse).

I was almost certain that Newton would be a good fit here, up until this weekend. I took stock, and realized that while he probably will come here, it's not going to positively impact anything on the field for a while, if ever. Now, I don't think he will be terrible. In fact, in the right system with the right surrounding cast, he can be very good. But #1 overall good? Not so sure.

This offense needs someone who is precise, smart and has some leadership qualities. I think a guy like Bulger--although a quiet guy--would be ideal. He's had a year of rest, and probably--like Warner did--has something to prove in the twilight of his career. If we could land him, then--perhaps 2 years down the line--you identify a younger QB that can sit behind the vet and learn.

Maybe that younger guy is Clausen. Maybe he will turn out to be amazing, at some point. It's possible. Anything's possible. But Clausen needs, without debate, to change his wide stance, 3/4 delivery and--most importantly--attitude in order to make that leap. If he chooses to ignore those factors, forget about it.

Anyone else besides me think Tarvaris Jackson might not be a horrible get?

 

Sports Illustrated has released their rankings for 2011 draft prospects. Top 20 are as follows:

1. Marcell Dareus DT 3.28
2. Patrick Peterson CB 3.25
3. A.J.Green WR 3.24
4. Von Miller OLB 3.23
5. Nick Fairley DT 3.22
6. DaQuan Bowers DE 3.21
7. Julio Jones WR 3.20
8. Prince Amukamara CB 3.18
9. Robert Quinn DE 3.18
10. Cameron Jordan DE 3.16
11. Blaine Gabbert QB 3.14
12. Aldon Smith DE 3.14
13. Tyron Smith OT 3.13
14, Cam Newton QB 3.12
15. Ryan Kerrigan DE 3.11
16. J.J.Watt DE 3.10
17. Mark Ingram RB 3.09
18. Cameron Heyward DE 3.08
19. Muhammad Wilkerson DT 3.06
20. Anthony Castonzo OT 3.05


It is revealing when you compare these guys with the top 10 from 2010. Follows the same grading system.


1.Ndamukong Suh DT 3.45
2.Gerald McCoy DT 3.42
3.Eric Berry S 3.40
4. Russell Okung OT 3.39
5. Sam Bradford QB 3.33
6. Derrick Morgan DE 3.29
7. Joe Haden CB 3.29
8. Bryan Bulaga OT 3.28
9. Jason Pierre-Paul DE 3.28
10. Earl Thomas S 3.26
11. C.J. Spiller RB 3.25
12. Dan Williams DT 3.23
13. Ronaldo McClain ILB 3.22
14. Brandon Graham DE 3.21
15. Dez Bryant WR 3.20
16. Mike Iupati OG 3.16
17. Carlos Dunlap DE 3.14
18. Jimmy Clausen QB 3.13
19. Demaryius Thomas WR 3.12
20. Golden Tate WR 3.10


Some comparisons jump out:

• Joe Haden is in the same range as or marginally better than Patrick Peterson
• Marcell Dareus is in the same range as or marginally better than Dan Williams. He is rated well below Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy. Same goes for Nick Fairley.
• Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton rated in the same range as Jimmy Clausen.

Aside from the swimsuit issues I personally don't hold SI in high regard but I just thought the above was worth sharing

 

Wow. Their 2010 board was somewhat off, but then again, we go through this shit every year. McCoy wasn't a force until later in the year, and was inconsistent. Okung was part of one of the worst run blocking lines last season, and was tortured by Peppers in the playoff game. Morgan is going to be a bust, baring a quick change in years 2-3. Haden? Made some impact, but was rated a little high here.

This kind of analysis never makes sense to me. Apples/Oranges. I would be more inclined to see positional comparisons, but to rate Suh v. Bradford is hard. Different roles, different assignments.