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We're going to double up for this edition of the community mock. Picks #24 and 25, let's head down to the podium.
Draft Pick # 24
Team Name: New Orleans Saints
GM: MicThaRock
Selection: (DE) Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
Draft Pick # 25
Team Name: Seattle Seahawks
GM: Rena
Selection: (QB) Colin Kaepernick, Nevada
Why the picks:
Adrian Clayborn (MicThaRock)
On their way to a Super Bowl victory in 2009, the New Orleans Saints compiled 35 sacks and 26 interceptions. Their best pass rusher was the Fresh Prince of Bourbon Street, Will Smith who dropped opposing QBs for loss 13 times. Charles Grant and Sedrick Ellis each added 5.5 sacks to the team total; 28.5 of the 35 sacks (81%) were by defensive linemen.
In 2010, the Saints managed 33 sacks but only 9 interceptions. Will Smith's sack total dropped to 5.5 and Sedrick Ellis led the team with 6 sacks. Only 20.5 out of the Saints 33 sacks (63%) in 2010 were by defensive lineman.
That dropoff in interceptions may be abyproduct of the drop in production from defensive linemen. There was no significant drop in the team sack total so with the defensive linemen failing to reach the QB at the same rate as the previous season, Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams blitzes the QB more, thus taking more players out of coverage and decreasing the chances of intercepting passes. Adding this pass rusher should allow the Saints to put adequate pressure on the QB without sacrificing the ability to cover and create turnovers.
Colin Kaepernick (Rena)
Follow the jump for analysis of the picks:
(Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
-- Drafttek.com ranked #38 Overall, #8 at the position
-- Wes Bunting, National Football Post: #21 Overall, #6 at the position
Impression: Isn't your prototypical speed rusher. However, he's a guy who can win on first, second and third down for you at the next level at either defensive end spots.Looks like a potential ten-year vet.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #22 overall, #7 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #24overall, #7 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #22 overall, #7 at the position
Interesting guy. After his junior year, most would have called him a top-10 to top-15 pick. All that stuff about Erb's Palsy and will it affect his draft stock, I say watch the tape. He's a football player. Gabe Carimi got the better of him this year, but I though he dominated Carimi a year ago. If he goes in the low 20s, what a great football player you're going to get.
Pass rush: Strong pass rusher able to rips off blocks with violent hands to get the corner. Good closing speed to the quarterback, even after absorbing a big punch from offensive tackles off the snap. Able to break down in space to get his hands on ballcarriers. Tight ends and fullbacks have little chance to handle his strength and strong punch on the edge. Will pause his pass rush to knock a running back off his route into the flat and continue on his path to the quarterback. Pass rush comes from strength and hustle, not an explosive first step that allows him to turn the corner. Does not have counter rush moves and will not be able to swipe aside most starting NFL tackles. Appeared less sudden and relentless in 2010.
Run defense: Active and stout run defender who stays square to the line of scrimmage and often gives a second and third effort. Plays with leverage, able to stack tackles and shed in either direction using strong hands to get to the ballcarrier -- even if pushed off the line a bit by stronger tackles. Feels cut blocks, keeps his eyes up and uses his hands well. Uses his hands to use tackles' momentum against them. Flows through traffic, keeps his feet moving, and separates from linemen with active hands on inside runs. Lowers his shoulder to anchor against pulling guards behind the line to help linebackers stay free. Consistently keeps contain on his side of the line, especially against mobile quarterbacks, and is able to change direction to chase down backs going for the sideline. Lack of height allows larger tackles to engulf him.
Explosion: Doesn't have the typical explosive first step of most rush ends because of his girth and lack of ideal height. He is considered an explosive player against the run and pass, because he has one of the strongest punches and most effective hands in the class.
Strength: Uses his low center of gravity and strong upper and lower body to play with great leverage. Consistently leverages blockers and disengages from blocks with strong and violent hands. Lacks height to block field goals but provides good push and penetration inside; also a factor on punts as protectors cannot handle his strength and quickness.
Tackling: A solid tackler who is very active and stays square and low, but his technique is not always sound. Strong arms allow him to be explosive when coming straight on and force fumbles by ripping or simply creating a big impact. Punches blockers in space to keep them from latching on, stays alive to make a play. Doesn't have great length and will often slip or bounce off ballcarriers; his initial impact might be strong enough to bring down college running back, but NFL runners might have more success staying alive.
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
-- Drafttek.com ranked #74 Overall, #7 at the position
-- Wes Bunting, National Football Post: #119 Overall, #8 at the position
Impression: Doesn't seem to warrant the type of lofty draft pick a lot of people are making him out to be as he needs to calm down his throwing motion and learn to throw with a bit more base. But he's a hard worker who has come a long way and is an interesting guy to have in a NFL camp.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #63 overall, #7 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked outside top 50, #7 at the position
-- Mike Mayock not in top 32
Positives: Three-year starter is a tremendous athlete and a very mobile prospect who set too many college records to count. Strong arm, can laser the ball, also has a 90-plus mph fastball as a baseball pitcher. Reads defenses well and has nice touch. Outstanding ability to escape the pass rush and throw accurately on the move. Can be very accurate in streaks with good footwork from the pocket. Extremely fast and agile for size. Top intangibles: determined athlete, durable team leader, tough, hard worker.
Negatives: Has a windup and a full hitch in his motion from the pocket, and too many throws get batted down. Outside the pocket, throwing motion varies considerably. Accuracy is inconsistent. Tall thin frame is not ideal for taking a lot of NFL hits. Did not take a lot of snaps from under center. Doesn't do a great job securing the ball while running. Comes from an offensive system noted for producing big college statistics, but not a lot of quality NFL quarterbacks.
Draft Pick | Team | 2010 Record | Assigned GM | Team Needs | Selection |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Carolina | (2-14) | Alexcomestokill | 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, WR1, WR2, WR3, CB | AJ Green |
2 | Denver | (4-12) | Sean N | 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, FS, SS, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 ILB, TE, ROT | Nick Fairley |
3 | Buffalo | (4-12) | BTB | Everything except RB and WR, Kitchen Sink | Marcel Dareus |
4 | Cincinatti | (4-12) | staubachfan | QB, 4-3 DT, WR, 4-3 DE, FS, 4-3 MLB, OG, OC | Patrick Peterson |
5 | Arizona | (5-11) | howboutdemcowboyz | QB, 3-4 OLB, CB, OG, LOT | Cam Newton |
6 | Cleveland | (5-11) | BlueEyedDevil | 4-3 DE, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 MLB, WR, FS, CB | Robert Quinn |
7 | San Francisco | (6-10) | regaberto | 3-4 DT, 3-4 OLB, CB, OC, QB | Von Miller |
8 | Tennesee | (6-10) | accidentalinnuendo | QB, CB, 4-3 DE, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 MLB | Da'Quan Bowers |
9 | Dallas | (6-10) | ChiaCrack | ROT, FS, OG, SS, CB, SILB, WILB, 3-4 DE, 3-4 OLB | Tyron Smith |
10 | Washington | (6-10) | Creasy729 | QB,RB, WR, OG, OC, 3-4DT, 3-4 OLB, FS, CB | Blaine Gabbert |
11 | Houston | (6-10) | I am Ironman! | 3-4 DE, 3-4 DT, 3-4 OLB, FS, CB | Prince Amukamara |
12 | Minnesota | (6-10) | KJDH2154 | QB, WR, 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, FS, LOT, OG, | Jake Locker |
13 | Detroit | (6-10) | DIRE WOLF | CB, 4-3 OLB, MLB, ROT, OG, WR | Anthony Castonzo |
14 | St. Louis | (7-9) | Squishmytomato | WR, 4-3 DR, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 DE, FS, CB, OG, OC, SS | Julio Jones |
15 | Miami | (7-9) | iCoach | QB, 3-4 OLB, SS, OC, OG, 3-4 MLB, RB, WR | Mark Ingram |
16 | Jacksonville | (8-8) | gogokroz | 4-3 DE, 4-3 MLB, CB, QB, WR, OG, | Aldon Smith |
17 | New England | (14-2) | fivetwos | 3-4 DE, 3-4 OLB, CB, RB, WR, OG, OT | Cameron Jordan |
18 | San Diego | (9-7) | salas88 | 3-4 DE, 3-4 OLB, FS, CB, WR, OT | JJ Watt |
19 | NY Giants | (10-6) | Jeterian 2 | C, RB, OT, 4-3 OLB, SS, CB | Mike Pouncey |
20 | Tampa Bay | (10-6) | Blustartatoo | 4-3 DE, 4-3 MLB, FS, CB, OG, LOT, 4-3 OLB, ROT, TE, OC, WR | Ryan Kerrigan |
21 | Kansas City | (10-6) | Becho | 3-4 DT, WR, OC, ROT, 3-4 OLB, RB, 3-4 SLB, | Gabe Carimi |
22 | Indianapolis | (10-6) | BTB | 4-3 DT, 4-3 OLB, FS, CB, WR, OG, OC, OT | Muhammad Wilkerson |
23 | Philadelphia | (10-6) | JimmyK | CB, OG, 4-3 DE, 4-3 OLB, 4-3 MLB, SS, OT | Jimmy Smith |
24 | New Orleans | (11-5) | MicThaRock | RB, 4-3 DT, 4-3 DE, CB, 4-3 OLB | Adrian Clayborn |
25 | Seattle | (7-9) | Rena | QB, 4-3 DT, CB, WR, OT, OG | Colin Kaepernick |