Whether you are in a private pool, filling
out contests on the Internet, or simply
completing your own personal mock draft, it
is important to have a strategy. In some
instances, more information creates more
confusion. This time of year there is no
shortage of NFL Mock Draft's. Most
football-related web sites have continuous
updates for NFL organizations and fans
alike.
I decided to get my feet wet and "surf the
web" this weekend and make a few notes.
Although some may impact my own personal
mock draft, I feel most of the information
can be promptly dismissed. Naturally, I
will refrain from using names or web sites
(you know, to protect the innocent). After
all, since I am relatively unknown, I'd like
to avoid entering the "Draft Protection
Program".
Once again, thanks for the e-mails,
feedback, and comments, they are always
appreciated. However, as a note, I am from
Canada, so the words are not misspelled, we
just use a few more "u"'s in our words.
1. Many people feel the best defensive
player available is AJ Hawk. Strangely
enough, I have yet to see a mock draft,
where he is actually the 1st defensive
player off the board. Traditionally,
Linebackers are not taken highly. I think
LaVar Arrington was the last LB to go in the
top 5. However, every year is different.
If you are looking for solid prospects to go
in the first round, I could make cases for
Demeco Ryans, Ernie Sims, or my 2 favorite
sleepers at LB (Thomas Howard and Jon
Alston).
2. Speaking of the top defensive
prospect, most people have billed Mario
Williams as the top choice amongst defensive
prospects. As a pure DE, he is a force to
be reckoned with; however, all things being
equal, I'd prefer Kamerion Wimbley or Manny
Lawson. I am not saying that they will be
taken before Edwards; although, I am making
a note to evaluate these three players at
this time next year.
3. In a tiebreaker between 2 talented
prospects, I always allow speed to be the
final differentiation. Case in point,
Michael Huff (based purely on speed) is a
much better prospect than Jimmy Williams,
who spent the majority of this draft season
as the top CB, only to be falling, perhaps
based on character issues.
Regardless of how much research you do prior
to determining the top 32 prospects,
remember that there will always be a few
moments of "Shock and Awe". No one should
anticipate being 100% accurate. As a
personal goal, I have been happy with 24-26
correct picks. Here are just a few examples
of some potentially crazy moments on draft
weekend, based on recent mock drafts on the
web:
* Matt Leinart falling
to the Lions.
* Vernon Davis Not in the top 20.
* Chad Greenway still being touted as
a top 10 pick.
Well, just a few more weeks and its all over
but the grading.
