2012 NFL Draft Q&A with NFLMocks

by Dan Kadar on Dec 4, 2011 10:30 PM EST

On a weekly basis (so long as I remember my half), MtD and NFLMocks.com hooks up for a draft-related Q&A. This week I sent the questions over to NFLMocks' lead editor Jesse Bartolis on a few different subjects. My questions are in bold. His answers are italicized.

1. At this time of year, there is constant news happenings regarding underclassmen entering the draft. Which redshirt sophomores do you think are ready to make the jump to the NFL?

I think there is really only one who would benefit from declaring for the N.F.L. this year and that is Miami Hurricanes running back Lamar Miller. Miller has his N.F.L. body now and loads of talent. And besides that running backs have short shelf lives in the N.F.L. and (except for blitz pickups) usually a much quicker learning curve.

I also think Jarvis Jones could play in the N.F.L next year, but I saw a quote from him where he said

"I'm going to be here as long as I can. I love the university. I love the guys here. I love being in Athens. Most of all, school is going to come first. I love my coaches and right now, I don't think I'm ready to play in the NFL. I've still got a lot to learn."

If a player is self-aware and thinks he isn't ready for the N.F.L who am I to disagree with him? Some 34 team that's drafting high that needs a pass rusher is going o be disappointed though if he doesn't.

The other one I think is talented enough to play in the N.F.L. right now is Xavier Rhodes, but he didn't quite make the jump this year I thought he could. He has a world of potential and it's probably in his own best interest if he returns to school next year to try to make the jump into the first round.

(Note: Jesse dropped a line later saying he'd forgotten Notre Dame tight end Tyler Eifert. Of him, here's what he said: I think he can play in the league now as well.)

2. Over the last month, there has been no hotter quarterback than Matt Barkley of USC. But there are others who think only Baylor's Robert Griffin III could overtake Andrew Luck as the top QB in the draft. How would you contrast Barkley and Griffin?

The more you read and hear about Griffin as a person the more you like him because you can see on the field how physically gifted he is. I found it odd that both were listed at the same exact height and weight.

I think Griffin is more athletic and has a higher upside, while Barkley is a little calmer in the pocket and will wait a little longer through his progressions and could reach his potential quickly. I think Griffin throws a little more accurate deep ball. Barkley has more experience in a "pro-ready offense" while Griffin will have to adjust to that.

I think one of the important similarities they have is they have both shown to be smart quarterbacks with good touch on the football and guys who have really stepped up this year to make big plays and win big games. There aren't any diva concerns around either of these players and I think they both have a bright future.

3. With the NFL season winding down, who should be the NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year and why?

The defensive rookie of the year for me is become Von Miller more and more each week. Miller hasn't just been productive, he's overcome a benching early in the season and improved in the run game. Miller is also making big plays in big moments with sacks late in the fourth quarter, and last week he put some serious pressure on Rivers to keep the Broncos chances of winning alive.

On offense I still think it's Cam Newton. And while Andy Dalton has been impressive the Panthers are asking Newton to do an awful lot (too much if you ask me). The Panthers have two very talented running backs who are both averaging nearly five yards per carry this season (Williams at 5, Stewart at 4.8) but they only have 201 carries combined which is only 13 more than Benson has a lone. Newton also has 22 total touchdowns. An impressive year.

I guess I discount Dalton a little bit because he's doing it with A.J. Green even though that may not be fair of me.

I think DeMarco Murray joined the party a little too late and isn't scoring a ton, but he might be the league's Most Valuable Rookie, the player who is helping push the Cowboys into the playoffs.

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Lamar Miller

This kid is the real deal…If he enters the 2012 NFL Draft he is 1st round talent everyday and twice on Sunday’s…He has Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson’s type speed, burst, and acceleration. He has a stronger frame and better build than Johnson to run between the tackles while also capable of breaking arm tackles.. Has good hands to catch out of the backfield. I have yet to see in 2 years anyone catch him from behind when he has at least a couple of steps on the defender.
The old saying is “if he is even, he is leaving.” You can kiss da baby!

Best example of his speed and acceleration is: Watch the old Star Wars Triology movies, remember when Hans Solo use to put his spaceship into warp drive, well that’s Lamar Miller… Awesome Talent..

by KashMoney on Dec 5, 2011 6:07 PM EST reply actions

On the Subject of building a team - Browns Style

I have had numerous discussions with many people who think that I’m crazy for the picks that I would like to see the browns make in the draft.

I would like the rounds to go like this:

1st round – Best CB, then best DE or LB. – The defense still isnt done, but its the farthest along on the talent level, build on strengh. Also, a monster D is needed in the AFCN. I am also advocating trading back if possible, to pick up more picks to either get more players in later round and add depth, or package the picks up to move back into higher rounds and get players with more impact (see my second round).

2nd round – Best OG/OT – the right side of the offensive line has to be fixed if the current RB’s & QB are ever going to thrive. (If at all possible – move back into the 2nd round and take another offensive lineman, for same reason as the first pick in the 2nd round)

3rd round – DE or LB, get the best fit for the position that was missed in the first round.

4th round – RB & LB

The next rounds, to flesh out the back ups on the defensive side of the ball. I know I really haven’t addressed the other biggest need on the offense, which is WR (some out there think QB – McCoy will do really well if he’s got time to do more than a half second progression). I believe that there will be enough talent on the free agent market to upgrade these positions, and that the tight fisted ways of the front office should change to allow the upgrades.

What do you think? This team can be really great for a long time, if the pieces are put together right.

by J. W. on Dec 5, 2011 6:53 PM EST reply actions

FA is a way to destroy your team

See the eagles. You want to add a quality starter draft him. FA is useful for adding key backups (Mewelde Moore, Ted Ginn, ect.) but if you try to rely on it it will blow up in your face.

I'm getting tired of saying this: Dick LeBeau’s system is so complex very few rookies can make an impact.

"It would be tough for me to care less about their opinion, to be honest with you." Mike Tomlin

by Steel in FL on Dec 5, 2011 11:05 PM EST up reply actions