2012 Draft overall thoughts thread

I know DT is probably our largest need. We don't really have anyone starter worthy at the position. We have a bunch of guys. We have no idea what Ron Edwards will give us and truthfully we don't know what Mclain and Fua can give us.

Maybe I am reading too much into the times, ie the giants, but investing early in pass rushers helps your team tremendously. The Giants have lucked out in some ways as well. Nobody really expected JPP to be as impressive as he was last year. Keuchly doesn't do much in terms of pressure and while I like Alexander he's a 4th rounder with question marks and that doesn't even bring in the price paid to draft him.

I wasn't a huge fan of Cox but there is no denying his talent and ability to get into the backfield. But taking someone like him or Couples in the 1st to really help establish that Dline would go a long way.

We ended up going with the LB at a position that was a relative strength. Yes Davis is an unknown and Beason is coming back form the achilles but I think you gotta at least give Beason the benefit of the doubt. Now either Keuchly or Beason will be at OLB and they are both inferior players on the outside. So while Keuchly was a nice player a 9 for a MLB he will be playing out of position thus eliminating some of his utility.

I like the Silatolu at 40. Obviously we could have added someone like Worthy who would have met a huge need but I mentioned how Hurney would probably go OL in the 2nd. We've had such poor luck there in the past he might play it "safe" and grab the OL who has the smallest bust potential. Yes he comes from a lesser conference but I think OL is probably the easiest position to translate to the NFL.

I'm not gonna touch the trade up. I think we all have similar feelings about it. Hopefully Alexander can turn into a Mark Anderson type. Joe Adams in intriguing. Probably won't contribute much beyond PR but I'm okay with a 4th rounder for that. In time he might be able to add some big play ability. We've had shit luck with these types however. Ryne Robinson and Armanti come to mind so who knows how this is gonna work out.

Overall I'm lukewarm about the picks. If we get two starters with Keuchly and Silatolu that's fantastic and about average for our drafts.

 

Frankly it was lucky that Norman was still available in the 5th. If someone had taken him in the 4th, we'd all be shitting bricks about the situation at corner. Even now the team only has a small-school project to show for the team's biggest or second biggest weakness, no matter how much I do like his long-term potential.


edit:
Great thoughts, Jaz. You nailed it.

 

9. Luke Kuechly, OLB, Boston College: A Grade

I woulda liked a DT but none was good enough for this pick. Was wishing for Blackmon or Barron but both went before us. He needs to be an all-pro MLB to justify going this high. I'm still a bit iffy but good with it as the BPA.

40. Amini Silatolu, G/OT, Midwestern State: A ++ Grade
Love that they got a very talented and nasty guard, was at top of my wish list.

103. Frank Alexander, DE, Oklahoma: A ++ Grade
I think this has a good chance of being the value pick of our draft. Best stat i saw was 8 blocked passes. Great quicks and hops. Was a huge need. Love the pick.

104. Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas: D Grade
Very iffy about this pick. Woulda preferred to see us draft a safety here.

143. Josh Norman, CB, Coastal Carolina: C Grade

207. Brad Nortman, P, Wisconsin: F Grade
Punted this pick away.

216. D.J. Campbell, S, California: A Grade
Needed a FS. Good round to find a hidden gem.


Disappointed we didn't find a DT but very happy they didn't reach. Love the G. Can probably find some help at DT from some other team's deadwood. If Beason comes back healthy, him and Keek and Alexander will make a huge difference on D.

Disappointed too we didn't get a WR ... next year.

If Otah comes back strong, we could have one hell of a OL. Thought Wharton was the weak link on the line last year, so I think this is going to be one hell of an upgrade.

Overall, very happy with this draft. Still is shock Hurney would draft a guard so high.