COMBINE...THIS WEEK, Ladies and Gents

Superman55

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Jet Fanatics
Benardrick McKinney - LB - Player
TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline reports the Rams "love" Mississippi State ILB Benardrick McKinney.
McKinney is huge at 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds. He's believed by some to be a fringe first- or second-round prospect and checks in as Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris' No. 4 off-ball linebacker. Pauline also reports the Broncos are eyeing McKinney. In the Rams' 4-3, McKinney could start out at strong-side linebacker before eventually replacing overpaid and overrated MLB James Laurinaitis.
Related: Broncos, Rams
 

Superman55

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Jet Fanatics
Could Titans take a receiver at No. 2?

Posted by Mike Florio on April 22, 2015, 9:28 AM EDT
Cooper
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The Titans could trade the second overall pick to the Chargers for quarterback Philip Rivers. Or the Titans could take quarterback Marcus Mariota. Or they could stick with Zach Mettenberger, as they reportedly plan to do.

Assuming they decide to stick with Mettenberger, what will they do with the second overall selection? Many think they’ll take USC defensive lineman Leonard Williams, beefing up the interior of the defensive line after keeping pass rushers Derrick Morgan and adding Brian Orakpo in free agency.

But the Titans need stars, too. Specifically, they need players who’ll sell tickets and jerseys and make the team interesting enough to merit something more than a perfunctory Thursday night game against the Jaguars.

And that’s prompting some to think that, as the draft approaches, the Titans could target a receiver with the second overall pick, with Amari Cooper and Kevin White being the primary candidates.

Sure, they could trade down and take a receiver. But if they don’t get an offer they like and if they have to make the pick, don’t be shocked if instead of Williams the Titans opt for a pass catcher who could either become a star on his own or help Mettenberger become a star.

Or, ideally for the Titans, both.

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Football51

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Jet Fanatics
Benardrick McKinney - LB - Player
TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline reports the Rams "love" Mississippi State ILB Benardrick McKinney.
McKinney is huge at 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds. He's believed by some to be a fringe first- or second-round prospect and checks in as Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris' No. 4 off-ball linebacker. Pauline also reports the Broncos are eyeing McKinney. In the Rams' 4-3, McKinney could start out at strong-side linebacker before eventually replacing overpaid and overrated MLB James Laurinaitis.
Related: Broncos, Rams




Jets like him at olb in Bowles' scheme.
 

Superman55

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Jet Fanatics
Jets like him at olb in Bowles' scheme.

It seems jets are locked in on McKinney and Peters at 37 if one is there...I expect one of those 2 to fall to 37 and not make it any further. I want Johnson or Dorsett from Miami (heart), my head says, look for Peters or McKinney to be a Jet, wouldn't be shocked if we trade down from 6 (to 8-12 range) and up from 37 (to the top of rd 2)...
 

Football51

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Jet Fanatics
It seems jets are locked in on McKinney and Peters at 37 if one is there...I expect one of those 2 to fall to 37 and not make it any further. I want Johnson or Dorsett from Miami (heart), my head says, look for Peters or McKinney to be a Jet, wouldn't be shocked if we trade down from 6 (to 8-12 range) and up from 37 (to the top of rd 2)...




If we trade down in the first, we might be able to aquire a second rounder so we can come away with Peters/McKinney and Dorsett/Johnson. That would be nice.
 

hobson54

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Jet Fanatics
It seems jets are locked in on McKinney and Peters at 37 if one is there...I expect one of those 2 to fall to 37 and not make it any further. I want Johnson or Dorsett from Miami (heart), my head says, look for Peters or McKinney to be a Jet, wouldn't be shocked if we trade down from 6 (to 8-12 range) and up from 37 (to the top of rd 2)...


i think peters is gone in the 1st. it's a relatively weak CB class, and talent-wise, he's up there with wayens. i think someone rolls the dice on him in the 1st. perhaps NE, needing to replace revis and browner.
 

Superman55

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Jet Fanatics
i think peters is gone in the 1st. it's a relatively weak CB class, and talent-wise, he's up there with wayens. i think someone rolls the dice on him in the 1st. perhaps NE, needing to replace revis and browner.

Yeah, I thought that too...Im being optimistic though.
 

Superman55

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Jet Fanatics
If we trade down in the first, we might be able to aquire a second rounder so we can come away with Peters/McKinney and Dorsett/Johnson. That would be nice.

ideal is the word I would use over nice. Would make me wonder who we took rd 1. ;)

rd 1 Dupree or Gregory
#37 Peters, and
Pick acquired: Duke Johnson or Dorsett

...would be a haul...
 

Superman55

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Jet Fanatics
Dorial Green-Beckham - WR - Player
In a poll of 19 scouts, Dorial Green-Beckham received 7 1/2 votes as this year's draft-eligible wide receiver most likely to bust.
Michigan's Devin Funchess came in second with 3 1/2 votes as likeliest to bust, while UCF's Breshad Perriman garnered three votes and Auburn's Sammie Coates two. Green-Beckham's off-field issues have been well documented, though NFL personnel seem to have positive takeaways when they encounter him on a personal level. Whether DGB goes in the first round remains to be seen.

Leonard Williams - DL - Player
In a poll of 19 NFL executives done by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 10 named USC DT Leonard Williams as the No. 1 player in the 2015 draft.
Alabama WR Amari Cooper finished a distant second with four votes. Oregon QB Marcus Mariota (2 1/2) was third, Florida DE/OLB Dante Fowler and Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon each received one vote, and Georgia RB Todd Gurley got the final half-vote. (Notice Jameis Winston received no first-place votes.) Although there has been some recent scuttlebutt of Williams falling in the draft, it's hard to imagine him getting past the Raiders at No. 4 or Redskins at No. 5. And Williams could still easily go second overall to the Titans.

Amari Cooper - WR - Player
In a poll of 19 NFL scouts, 12 named Alabama's Amari Cooper the premier wide receiver in the 2015 draft class.
He beat out West Virginia's Kevin White, who received the other seven first-place votes. Using a "points" system based on votes from the scouts, the Journal-Sentinel rated Louisville's DeVante Parker No. 3 among wide receivers, USC's Nelson Agholor No. 4, and UCF's Breshad Perriman No. 5. Jaelen Strong, Dorial Green-Beckham, and Devin Funchess rounded out the top eight.
 

hobson54

Transition Tagged
Jet Fanatics
Dorial Green-Beckham - WR - Player
In a poll of 19 scouts, Dorial Green-Beckham received 7 1/2 votes as this year's draft-eligible wide receiver most likely to bust.
Michigan's Devin Funchess came in second with 3 1/2 votes as likeliest to bust, while UCF's Breshad Perriman garnered three votes and Auburn's Sammie Coates two. Green-Beckham's off-field issues have been well documented, though NFL personnel seem to have positive takeaways when they encounter him on a personal level. Whether DGB goes in the first round remains to be seen.


i know i'm the michigan slappy here, but i'd stay far away from funchess...at least with a 1st or 2nd round pick. while he's very talented, his work effort sucked. now maybe he matures and the light goes on for him in the pros. but i can definitely see how many think he's a big risk to bust.
 

Football51

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Jet Fanatics
Draft notes from Tony Pauline.



– A little more on the Browns. Earlier today on the Bull and Fox Show I revealed additional news on Cleveland wanting to trade up and select Marcus Mariota or possibly trading back with a team who wants to jump up and grab the signal caller. The premise being if trading up for Mariota was too rich for Cleveland’s blood they would be part of a three team trade in which another franchise would use the Browns initial pick as a stepping stone to move up for Mariota. I speculated the team in question is the San Diego Chargers with Philip Rivers being part of the trade. When asked if the Philadelphia Eagles would be interested in something similar I stated a move like that would surprise me. Here’s the audio. In conversations later in the day I found out on Monday evening Mike Florio wrote a piece stating the Eagles are in fact one team looking to work with the Browns in the hopes of trading up for Mariota. The article which can be found here.
After my interview with Bull and Fox I made further inquiries and can confirm both the Chargers and Eagles are exploring the possibility of maneuvering up for Mariota through the Browns and both teams have had conversations on the topic. This of course is contingent on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers not selecting Mariota with the first pick, which is a greater possibility than many presently predict, as well as the Titans passing on the Heisman Trophy winner. A league source told me if the Titans are ready to deal the pick then the Browns hold the most powerful position in the draft and the ability to dictate whether they or another team make the move for Mariota.
– I’m told the New Orleans Saints, another team with two picks in round one, will consider trading up if they feel they are in striking distance of Vic Beasley. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan loves Beasley’s pass rushing ability and potential in a 3-4.
– I’ve been a big proponent of Taiwan Jones and have stated several times he’s one of the more underrated linebackers in this draft. And while I was disappointed in his forty time at the combine it seems a number of teams concur on Jones being a gem at the linebacker position. Teams feel Jones is a smart, heady linebacker who makes up for his lack of foot speed with great instincts. The outside linebacker spot he played as a junior for Michigan State was a complex read and diagnose position and Jones rarely had mental lapses. Michigan State coaches have been raving about Jones to anyone who asks and there are a bevy of 3-4 teams who grade Jones as a third round pick.
– Another Michigan State defender that will be drafted earlier than originally predicted is Marcus Rush. Setting aside the fact his pro-day results were much better than scouts expected, Rush has blown teams away during the interview process. His willingness and ability to be a situational defender in a variety of schemes could push Rush into the fifth round.
– Staying with the linebackers, Wyoming senior Mark Nzeocha, who had his 2014 season cut short with a knee injury, worked out today for teams just six months after surgery. Nzeocha measured 6030/238lbs and timed as fast as 4.52s in the forty with a 1.56s 10-yard split. His other marks included a 39-inch vertical jump, 10’ 11” broad jump and 4.3s in the short shuttle. Scouts were surprised how quick and fast Nzeocha was just six months post-op. I had the opportunity to meet the senior at the combine and found Nzeocha to be engaging and articulate.
– I’m told the Seattle Seahawks would love to grab Dorial Green-Beckham if he’s available at the 63rd selection but they expect the receiver to be off the board during the initial fifteen picks of round two.
– I was surprised when I saw my buddy Josh Norris posted on a number of teams ranking Sean Mannion as the third quarterback in the draft. In the end Mannion could be the one laughing as I’m told more than a dozen teams in fact rank Mannion number three on their quarterback board. The Oregon State senior has recently worked out for the St Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys.
– I’ve taken a lot of grief for mispronouncing Marcus Mariota’s name time and time again; fair enough. In my defense I am an American of Italian descent and a life long New Yawker. See you tomorrow.


– Expect the talk of teams wanting to trade up for Marcus Mariota to pick up intensity in the coming week. From all accounts I’m hearing the Cleveland Browns are the front runners and working hardest in the hopes of acquiring the quarterback. Early last week I was told the asking price from the Tennessee Titans was both of the Browns first round picks as well as their choice in the second round, to which Cleveland replied no. Understandable Tennessee would have a high asking price at this point and even more understandable the Browns would say no. I’m told the Browns may be willing to part with both first round picks for Maroita but want to hold on to the second round choice to draft a much needed receiver.
– Back on February 20th I posted the St Louis Rams would target linebackers early in the draft. One linebacker the team loves isBenardrick McKinney of Mississippi State. The team worked out McKinney last week and came away very impressed. The tenth pick of round one is too early for McKinney which lends many to believe the Rams could trade down in the first round or trade up from the second round to secure McKinney.
– The Denver Broncos are another team I’m hearing linked to McKinney as they believe he’d fill their linebacker need. The other name associated with Denver in league circles is Paul Dawson of TCU. It must be mentioned the team has not shown a lot of interest in Dawson via the visit/workout route.
– I’ve been a big proponent of running back Jay Ajayi of Boise State and like his entire game. That said last week I was informed a number of teams red flagged Ajayi over a knee injury he sustained early in his college career.
– Now that he’s been cleared of any wrong doing I’m told Frank Clark of Michigan will be selected much earlier (top 125) than most predict.
 

Superman55

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Jet Fanatics
51 - doesnt sound like the Jets will get their guy if they stay at 37....

"– Back on February 20th I posted the St Louis Rams would target linebackers early in the draft. One linebacker the team loves isBenardrick McKinney of Mississippi State. The team worked out McKinney last week and came away very impressed. The tenth pick of round one is too early for McKinney which lends many to believe the Rams could trade down in the first round or trade up from the second round to secure McKinney.
– The Denver Broncos are another team I’m hearing linked to McKinney as they believe he’d fill their linebacker need. The other name associated with Denver in league circles is Paul Dawson of TCU. It must be mentioned the team has not shown a lot of interest in Dawson via the visit/workout route."
 

Superman55

Franchise Tagged
Jet Fanatics
Sean Mannion - QB - Player
TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline reports "more than a dozen teams" rank Oregon State's Sean Mannion the No. 3 quarterback in this year's draft class.
Opinions vary widely on Mannion, as many believe he's the next best thing after Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, while others, including Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris, don't even think Mannion is worth a late-rounder. Mannion (6-foot-5, 227) has ideal size and played in a pro-style offense, but completely falls apart in the face of pressure, turning the ball over and taking sacks.


Andrus Peat - T - Player
TFY Draft Insider Tony Pauline reports Stanford OT Andrus Peat will be a top-10 pick.
Per Pauline, Peat "won't get past the Rams" at No. 10 overall. Chatter coming out of St. Louis recently has the Rams really liking Peat, who we assume would replace free agent Joe Barksdale at right tackle with last year's No. 2 pick Greg Robinson sticking on the left side. Peat could also go to the Giants at No. 9.
Related: Giants, Rams


Marcus Mariota - QB - Player
In a poll of 19 NFL personnel executives asked to identify the top quarterback in this year's draft, Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston finished in a near-dead heat.
10-of-19 execs voted Winston as this year's top QB, while Mariota received nine first-place votes. Eight predicted Winston would bust or "disappoint," however, while Mariota was only predicted to bust or disappoint by two personnel men. In the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel's points system based on the voting by scouts, Baylor's Bryce Petty finished as this year's No. 3 quarterback, with UCLA's Brett Hundley as the No. 4 and Colorado State's Garrett Grayson as the No. 5.
 
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