2014 Official Draft Thread

[Panama]

Back to the most awesomest Charger D ever, 2012. Shit don't change.

At least it's just in the one thread this time.

[sandiego17]

At least it's just in the one thread this time.

This one gets a sticky though. Not fair to the others.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

We should just post our comments after long leagal or tax code chapers like I submitted above until the start there own thread....

[thelightningwill]

This must be the time when everybody gangs up on Yubaking.

Chargers should take the best player available every round.

[Yubaking]

Back to the most awesomest Charger D ever, 2012. Shit don't change.

Apparently, you missed the point I was making altogether, which was not about our 2012 defense, but was about the Ravens 2012 defense not being good. I mean if many of you think our 2012 defense was not all that good and yet it was statistically better than the defense of the SB champ Ravens that year, how good could the Ravens defense have been? That was the point in response to Steve's suggestion that their defense was very good that year, which was, of course, BS.

[Yubaking]

This must be the time when everybody gangs up on Yubaking.

Chargers should take the best player available every round.

I agree as long as the player is at a position with some degree of need. Are we really going to take Manziel or Carr if they are BPA at #25?

[Panama]

This must be the time when everybody gangs up on Yubaking.

Chargers should take the best player available every round.

I agree as long as the player is at a position with some degree of need. Are we really going to take Manziel or Carr if they are BPA at #25?

Ok, so BPA every round, as long as he plays NT.

[Formula 21]

The FTO "I'm bored and want to see some draft posts mock draft"

1. Anthony Barr, OLB -Surprise. IMO Ford with his outstanding speed and proven production and Ealy with his athleticism at DE move above Barr. Second choice is Dee Ford if he doesn’t jump up the talent charts as far as I think he will. Reminds me of Melvin Ingram dropping and Michael Irvin being taken in front of him two years ago.
School: UCLA | Conference: PAC12
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: San Pedro, CA
Height/Weight: 6-5 / 255 lbs.
Projected Ranking
Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
10 2 1

Player Lowdown
Combine Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
4.66 - - 15 34 1/2 9'9" 4.19 6.82
Workout Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
- - - - - - - -

Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Perhaps most impressive qualities are Barr's balance, lateral agility and acceleration, which he uses to break down in the open field as well as when exploding into ballcarriers for ferocious hits.

Freakish combination of size and athleticism. Possesses long arms, extraordinary burst off the ball and explosive closing ability -- a terrifying combination that gives him an immediate advantage over pass-blockers. Developing swim move to complement his speed, and possesses the strength and use of leverage to effectively bull-rush.

Followed up breakout junior season with another standout campaign despite facing constant double-team attention. Causes holding penalties due to his athletic motor and power to rip through blocks.

WEAKNESSES: Still developing as a run defender. Will be tested in coverage if working as a stand-up linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Raw as a two-year player on the defensive side of the ball in coverage, and will need to pick up NFL schemes quickly to be more than a situational pass rusher as a rookie.

Compares To: Demarcus Ware, Cowboys -- To develop into the all-around performer that Ware has become, however, Barr will need to show better leverage and overall physicality, especially when offenses run his direction.
Player Overview
During the recruiting process, the promise to keep Barr as a ballcarrier on offense swayed him to UCLA, but with head coach Jim Mora taking over in 2012 and a crowded backfield, Barr agreed to move to linebacker that spring. To say he flourished at the new position would be a vast understatement.

Barr's evolution from running back to outside linebacker and a potential top-five selection in the 2014 draft is one of the more extraordinary developments in college football over the past two years.

Powerful and athletic, Barr can be a terror off the edge. After racking up 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss as a junior, he added 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and three forced fumbles in 2013. He earned a cupboard full of awards in the process, including the Lott Impact Trophy, first team Walter Camp All-American and first team All-Pac-12.

Scouts feel that Barr is stout enough to handle strong-side duties in the 4-3 alignment but believe his best fit is as a stand-up outside linebacker in the 3-4.


2. Jordan Matthews, WR -I’m not passing up on a skilled wr early in a deep wr draft
School: Vanderbilt | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Madison, AL
Height/Weight: 6-3 / 212 lbs.
Projected Ranking
Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
57 9 2

Player Lowdown
Combine Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
4.46 - - 21 35 1/2 10'0" 4.18 6.95
Workout Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
- - - - - - - -
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Chiseled frame that was more impressive than higher-profile names also at the Senior Bowl. Size/speed combination along with his hand/eye coordination and body control makes him an attractive prospect, showing the ability to make plays at all levels of the field and do damage after the catch.

Balanced route-runner with a sizeable catching radius. Size allowed him to be moved inside and out in Vandy's offense, allowing the team to find him favorable matchups. Detailed and reliable route-runner. Very good hand-eye coordination to haul in tough passes, including one-handed catches.

WEAKNESSES: Good, but not great build-up speed and may lack an elite second gear to gain separation. Lean-muscled and needs to do more in contested situations.

Compares To: Earl Bennett, Bears ? Matthews joins Bennett as potentially the best receivers Vanderbilt has produced to the NFL in years. Matthews is two inches taller than Bennett, but share a similar concern about whether he lacks the straight-line speed to consistently beat NFL cornerbacks.
Player Overview
A very productive target, the cousin of legendary Jerry Rice is an impressive prospect because of his athleticism, catching radius and determination with the ball in his hands. With a combined 201 receptions the past two seasons, Matthews became the first Commodores wide receiver to earn first team All-SEC honors from the coaches in consecutive seasons and in the process emerged as the clear-cut top senior wide receiver in this draft class.

He was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he sported a good frame with long arms (32 5/8 inches) and big hands, but he dropped a handful of passes throughout the week of practice and failed to consistently gain separation from cornerbacks.


3. Keith McGill, CB, 6-3, 211, 4.51 -Great size with decent speed at a position of need

School: Utah | Conference: PAC12
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: La Mirada, CA
Height/Weight: 6-3 / 211 lbs.
Player Lowdown
Combine Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
4.51 - - - 39 10'8" 4.18 7.29
Workout Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
- - - - - - - -
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Tall, well-proportioned athlete with intriguing fluidity and straight-line speed. Frequently asked to play press in Utah's scheme and displays the balance, agility and acceleration to perform well in this role at the next level.

Alert defender who plays the ball well, using his height, leaping ability and long arms to bat away passes. Baits quarterbacks into throwing underneath routes and shows an explosive downhill burst to close. Generally effective open-field tackler with the long arms to wrap securely.

Signed with Utah as a JUCO All-American free safety at Cerritos College and logged five starts in this role for the Utes in 2011. Has the length, instincts and athleticism to project nicely in the NFL. Served as the gunner on kick coverage and handled outside duties on punt returns.

WEAKNESSES: Often lines up with his hips open, helping him turn more efficiently to run downfield with receivers. Often sneaks in a strong pop on the receivers deep downfield, which could earn him holding penalties in the NFL. While physically imposing, McGill shows only average toughness, too often hand-fighting with smaller receivers' blocks downfield rather than aggressively defeating them and attacking the ballcarrier.

A bit hesitant when forced to break down and make tackles in the open field and can resort to lunging attempts at arm tackles rather than driving through the ballcarrier. Only fair hands for the interception and will occasionally drop easy picks (Arizona State).

Missed as many games as he played while at Utah, losing the final eight games of the 2011 season due to a shoulder injury and rehabbing the entire 2012 campaign following surgery to correct the issue.

COMPARES TO: Trumaine Johnson, Rams -- Like the young Rams standout, McGill has the length and athleticism scouts adore at cornerback. Whereas Johnson had to answer character questions before getting drafted, NFL teams may need reassurance of McGill's durability before drafting him as high as his talents warrant.

--Rob Rang (1/14/14)
Player Overview
McGill earned All-American honors at Cerritos Junior College and signed with Utah as a highly regarded free safety, rated No. 11 among all Juco players by Rivals.com. He played in five games at this position in 2011 before a shoulder injury ended his season early and missed all of 2012 in a lengthy rehab following surgery to correct the issue.

Moved to cornerback during the spring of 2013, McGill earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors from the coaches as a senior.


4. Jawuan James, OG/OT -Building the O line is important to me.

School: Tennessee | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Suwanee, GA
Height/Weight: 6-6 / 311 lbs.
Projected Ranking
Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
111 11 3-4

Player Lowdown
Combine Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
5.34 - - 22 29 8'6" 4.56 7.42
Workout Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
- - - - - - - -
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Surprisingly quick off the snap, showing the ability to slide to protect the edge against the variety of speed rushers he has faced in the SEC. Plays on the balls of his feet but with his knees bent and his butt down, putting him good position to shuffle laterally as well as anchor against a quality bull-rush. Surprisingly light feet also stand out while run-blocking, as does his competitive spirit.

Powerful at the point of attack and can drive defenders off the ball. Not shy about peeling off of them to target would-be tacklers at the second level, as well. A plug and play candidate, James looks like a solid bet to crack the first 100 picks of the 2014 draft.

WEAKNESSES: Like most blockers with his frame, James occasionally struggles with pad level. When he drops his head, he can be beaten with a swim move over the top. This occurs most often while run blocking.

--Rob Rang
Player Overview
It is difficult to be overshadowed at 6-6, 324-pounds but given the high profile talent in Knoxville, James qualifies. The veteran of 37 consecutive starts at right tackle for the Vols entering the 2013 season, James is more fundamentally sound than talented junior left tackle Antonio "Tiny" Richardson and yet offers a similar package of size and athleticism.


5. Tyler Gaffney, RB -Big physical downhill rb
School: Stanford | Conference: PAC12
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: San Diego, CA
Height/Weight: 6-0 / 220 lbs.
Projected Ranking
Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
143 11 4-5

Player Lowdown
Combine Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
4.49 - - - 36 1/2 9'7" 4.18 6.78
Workout Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
- - - - - - - -
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Solidly-built with good body strength. Balanced runner with admirable toughness to shake and slide off tacklers. Runs hard and physical and would rather go through defenders than around them - will deliver hits with a strong stiff arm and often fall forward. Coordinated athlete with light feet.

Tough at the point of attack and not easy to bring down with arm tackles. Strong inside runner and a very smart and assignment sound runner to stay in his lane. Churns out yards as a workhorse back and runs the same late in games as he does in the 1st quarter.

Gives up his frame as a blocker. Ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Productive senior season and finished top-10 in the FBS in rushing yards (1,709) and rushing scores (21) despite not playing football in 2012. Dedicated and hard-working athlete and gets the most out of his body and ability.

WEAKNESSES: Lack of burst shows after slowing down or changing directions. Doesn't have much body wiggle to elude in space. Inconsistent vision and not always decisive at the line of scrimmage. Sluggish through the middle and takes too long to get north-south. Bad habit of running up the backs of his blockers and needs to be more agile between the hashes.

Will have some drops when he takes his eyes off the ball. Only one season as a starter and production comes in a run-heavy, smash-mouth offense. Where does baseball fit in his long-term plans?

--Dane Brugler
Player Overview
Gaffney spent three seasons stuck as the back-up RB behind Toby Gerhart and Stepfan Taylor, recording 791 combined yards over his first three years at Stanford.

He also played three seasons of baseball for the Cardinal and decided to play baseball in 2012 after he was selected in the 24th round of the MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates - batted .297 for State College (Pa.) in the Class-A New York-Penn League. But he returned to the Stanford football team in 2013 and earned the starting running back job, finishing eighth in the country in rushing yards (1,709).

Gaffney is built well for the position and has the power and coordinated athleticism that fit the Stanford ground-and-pound style. He's at his best when he stays patient and allows blocks to develop, but too often he runs into the backs of his blockers and struggles to stay clean as a runner with streaky vision.

Gaffney is a little slow through the line of scrimmage, but he's a workhorse who can wear down defenses - worth a third day draft pick to be a complimentary piece of a NFL backfield.


6. Ryan Carrethers, NT -Just a big mother who understands his job is as a grunt
School: Arkansas State | Conference: BELT
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Nashville, TN
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 337 lbs.
Projected Ranking
Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
180 16 5-6

Overview
Two-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection (2012-13). 2013: Blocked two kicks and led Red Wolves with four sacks. 2012: Started all 13 games. 2011: Played in all 13 games, including the last six as a starter. 2010: Played in all 12 games. 2009: Redshirted. High School: Four-year varsity letterman who was All-State as senior and led Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tenn.) to three state championship games.
Analysis
Strengths
Big and thick with outstanding weight-room strength -- squats a small house and maintains low body fat. Has sheer mass and natural girth to dig in and hold his ground vs. double teams. Has a wrestling background and understands leverage. Has two-gap ability. Heavy tackler. Nice effort for a big man. Tough and durable. Solid personal and football character -- is devoted to his craft and has a professional approach to the game.
Weaknesses
Lacks ideal height. Has short arms and small hands. Average initial quickness. Heavy-legged with limited range. Inconsistent contact balance at the point of attack -- rooted out of the hole more often than he should be. Needs to improve hand use -- quickness, placement and shed timing. Marginal pass-rush value. Stamina has to be monitored.
Bottom Line
Stoutly built, NFL-strong interior defender who was a literal and figurative anchor for the Red Wolves despite playing for four different head coaches. Could make a living occupying blocks and clogging run lanes as a two-down, rotational nose tackle in an odd front.


7. Austin Franklin, WR/KR -Speed and quickness for the slot. Projected as a 7/UDFA, I kind of expect him to go earlier because he seems too talented to go this late. I suspect he’s not real smart. Also some potential as a kick returner.
School: New Mexico State | Conference: BELT
College Experience: Junior | Hometown: Dallas, TX
Height/Weight: 5-11 / 189 lbs.
Projected Ranking
Overall Position Proj. Rnd.
244 32 7

Player Lowdown
Combine Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
- - 07 36 10'3" 4.33 7.07
Workout Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
- - - - - - - -
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Boasts impressive acceleration, making him a legitimate threat to gain significant yardage after the catch. Fights through contact, dropping his shoulders, spinning and keeping his legs churning to force defenders to tackle him, rather than falling down once contact is initiated. Strong hands to pluck outside of his frame. Times his leap well and competes for jump balls against bigger, more physical defenders. Good vision to set up blocks. Elected to sign with New Mexico State out of high school after being recruited by the likes of Utah, Utah State and Vanderbilt, among others.

WEAKNESSES: Possesses a slim build, including in his lower body. Impressive initial acceleration but tops out quickly and dominated against low, slower competition. Isn't as quick laterally as he is vertically. Wasn't asked to run a full-complement of routes in this offense; mostly drags across the middle and quick screens to get him the ball in space. Doesn't attack holes on kick returns with the same determination as he does as a receiver. Academic suspension could be taken as a red flag that Franklin may struggle to handle a complicated playbook.

COMPARES TO: T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts - Hilton has emerged as one of the most exciting young slot receivers in the league, a fact that is aided by the brilliant passing of Andrew Luck. Franklin will need to be just as fortunate with his quarterback fit and work hard to convert to a pro-style offense to enjoy the same early success as Hilton but the playmaking ability is there. Like Hilton, Franklin possesses a lanky build and is surprisingly tough as well as lightning quick.

--Rob Rang (2/5/14)
Player Overview
When discussing playmaking wide receivers out "west," USC's Marqise Lee, Fresno State's Davante Adams and Colorado's Paul Richardson are often mentioned. Playing for New Mexico State of the Independent League didn't get Franklin much national attention but savvy scouts certainly know his name. Soon, you might too.

New Mexico State clearly knew the caliber of athlete they had with Franklin, utilizing him not only at wide receiver but as kick returner and Wildcat quarterback, as well. He missed the first four games of the 2013 season due to an academic suspension but certainly showed off his playmaking ability once on the field, scoring seven touchdowns in just eight games. He played in 33 games for the Aggies over the last three seasons, catching 160 passes for 2,439 yards and 19 touchdowns and showed the ability to step up against top competition, hauling in seven passes for 154 yards against Auburn in 2012 and 10 catches for 145 yards and two touchdowns in a close loss to Boston College in 2013.

Like Lee and Richardson, Franklin projects best in the slot where his burst and willingness to fight through arm tackles can best result in big plays. Likely to still be available in the middle or even later rounds, he could ultimately prove a better value than some of his more well-known peers.

[thelightningwill]

I agree as long as the player is at a position with some degree of need. Are we really going to take Manziel or Carr if they are BPA at #25?

I now only read the first two words from each of your posts.

It's like Twitter, only more to the point.

[Yubaking]

Ok, so BPA every round, as long as he plays NT.

NTs are the BPA each round.

[blahblahblah]

Apparently, you missed the point I was making altogether, which was not about our 2012 defense, but was about the Ravens 2012 defense not being good. I mean if many of you think our 2012 defense was not all that good and yet it was statistically better than the defense of the SB champ Ravens that year, how good could the Ravens defense have been? That was the point in response to Steve's suggestion that their defense was very good that year, which was, of course, BS.

Apparently, everybody misses your point. This is the fault of everybody else.

[blueman]

That would be a pretty sweet draft, FTO.