Mock Draft Update

by John Morgan on Apr 17, 2007 12:36 PM PDT

Wonder where the sports blog mock draft has gone? I, as much user as writer, have as well. It seems to have resurfaced over at Pride of Detroit. Here's a link to the draft results through the 47th pick. A couple interesting picks, there. Cleveland takes a center despite still having LeCharles Bentley under contract. I understand that Bentley's future is uncertain, but a center can be had in almost any round. Picking one in the second round--especially when you consider that Ryan Kalil is barely big enough to play center and certainly couldn't move to tackle or guard--virtually guarantees that no matter Bentley's fate he will be cut. Curious move. Also a bit of a head-scratcher for me is Chicago not drafting Drew Stanton w/ the 37th pick. After Quinn and, um, yeah, Stanton is the quarterback most likely to succeed in the NFL in this year's draft. Chicago needs depth and a possible long-term replacement for Rex Grossman as early as next year. Seriously, Chicago, sticking with Grossman because "he's the quarterback that got you there" is completely illogical.

Talking about quarterbacks, David Lewin has his yearly QB projections up at Football Outsiders. As anyone who has been reading this site knows, it's much higher on Brady Quinn than Jamarcus Russell. I love Lewin's system not only because it's accurate, but because it proves that prospect projection isn't just guesswork. As more and better information becomes available analysts and informed fans should be able to have an ever more precise idea of the value of draftees and free agents. Serious football analysis is in its infancy, but the future is exciting.

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Cleveland

has been through a devastating series of centers in the last few years, something like 8 of them. You cannot argue with them taking a center in any round, in fact you can't argue if they wanted to take a center every round.

by Adam T on Apr 17, 2007 1:53 PM PDT reply actions

Dude

are you serious about taking a QB? You can't be. Grossman is our starter, period. Like it or not that is how it is. As far as depth, who has better. We have Griese as backup, not many people have backups with so much experience and at the 3 spot we have Orton, who as a rookie starter won 10 games. Know any other third string QBs who have done that.

All it would do is wreck a team if we brought in a QB with a high draft pick. That shows a lack of confidence in Grossman and it could cause the locker room to pick sides. That is not good for a team.

by Adam T on Apr 17, 2007 1:55 PM PDT reply actions

On Russell

and this is the thing I have a hard time with. if you look at the ratings before the LSU/Notre Dame game he is projected in the third round, then IMMEDIATELY after the game, he shoots up to the first overall pick. How the hell did that happen? I don't know if I see a bigger bust potential in all the draft.

by Adam T on Apr 17, 2007 1:57 PM PDT reply actions

Um, hmmm...

For his career, Rex Grossman has averaged 6 healthy games a season, at the very least the Bears need depth. Griese is weak armed and a terrible fit for a Bears' system built around downfield passing. Orton didn't win anything for the Bears, the Bears D won despite Orton's failings. Orton, quite simply, sucks.

And...really, Grossman is your quarterback, period? What does that even mean?

I think a GM or a fan should want what is best for their team.

You want to win a Super Bowl, right? Everything went right last year. Everything: Grossman was healthy, Hester broke an NFL record for return touchdowns, you started the same 5 on your offensive line all season and post-season, you had home field throughout and your opponent was considered to be a mediocre Super Bowl contender, at best. Still, the Bears lost and it wasn't terribly close.

Before the Colts switched to prevent in the 4th, Grossman achieved 3 first downs through the air. 2 interceptions, 1 fumble, 1 botched snap and 3 legitimate first downs through the air against the 18th ranked pass defense. That's your guy?

That's your guy.

so it goes

by John Morgan on Apr 18, 2007 12:18 AM PDT reply actions

So bringing in a rookie

who won't be ready for a few years and will be able to take over just as half our team is ready to retire makes a ton of sense. When you can bring somebody in who can help win the Super Bowl while we are in our window.

Grossman played a full season last year and his team went to the Super Bowl, yeah go after that spot.

Again, if you are going to leave Grossman the starter and make him the man bringing in a guy to replace him make no sense whatever.

by Adam T on Apr 18, 2007 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions