2014 NFL draft thread (no longer too early)

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

I keep hearing three quarterbacks will go in the top five, and I know plenty of teams need a QB, but I'll still believe it when I see it. This is not a great year for QBs. As far as I can tell, none of these guys is a "wow" prospect or even an obvious top 10 pick, so the question is whether its worth reaching a little for a guy because you need a QB or if you try to find someone later or wait a year (though admittedly I haven't paid enough attention to know what's coming next year). I'm sure someone will do it, but three of the top five choices? That seems a bit much.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

The question is how many teams will buy this "now it's a job, so I'm serious now" act. I'm sure some are dumb enough to fall for it, but if it was me, well, I'll believe it when I see it (sorry to be redundant). When it comes to the NFL, I'm from Missouri -- show me. All Manziel has shown so far is that he can be Eddie Haskell.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

So I'm hearing the Falcons really, really, really want Clowney. Apparently, one of their personnel guys sees him as another Bruce Smith. So, two questions......

1) How high would they have to move up in order to select him?

2) What would they have to give up in order to move up in the order?

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

It's notable how this thread judges Manziel's intangibles on so much stricter grounds than Clowney's. Manziel: Partied hearty after winning the Heisman as a freshman = bum. Clowney: Multiple dangerous speeding violations and his own coach pretty much admitting he's a dog in practice = Wow, did you see that 40 time! Number one pick!!!!

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

There are mock drafts where Clowney is available at No. 6. I don't think that is going to happen. As good as Matthews and Watkins are, I don't think you can justify taking them if Clowney is on the board.

I think he goes No. 1 or No. 2. No. 2 would make the most sense. I'm guessing the Falcons would have to give up next year's No. 1 to move up to No. 2.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

Speeding tickets and being lazy in practice just means he'll fit in great with the other D-linemen.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

First of all, Manziel has regularly flouted all sorts of rules and has also been arrested (bar fight and using a fake ID in 2012), as well as having met with a counselor regarding "alcohol and anger management issues." The big issue with him, though, is lack of discipline and maturity when it comes to football. Is he a gym rat/film freak or a party animal? Blowing off the Mannings at their camp is a big red flag. He needs to show discipline in the pocket, work through progressions. He takes a ton of big hits, BTW, which would also worry me as an NFL GM. In fact, he reminds me way more of Robert Griffin (who also gets hit a lot) than Russell Wilson.

As far as Clowney goes, I have never said I would have no concerns over his character/intangibles, and others on the thread have brought that up as well. It is a potential problem and something that should be weighed in a decision about drafting him. But surely you know there is a difference between a quarterback and a defensive end in terms of leadership, perception and other intangibles.

I'm just not sure I get your point. Both guys have character issues but are considered excellent prospects. People have also been talking about Manziel as a No. 1 pick. I wouldn't go there, but quite a few knowledgeable observers have.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

The distinction between the two, is the perception that Manziel plays hard every play of every game and that Clowney did not.
This is the NFL, if Aaron Hernandez pled his case out to obstruction of justicve and probation he would be in the league next season. Off field is unimportant.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

In most years, Manziel would be a late first or early second-round pick.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

Not in this century, Mizzou. Quarterbacks of accomplishment in college are pretty much automatic top 20 or higher picks nowadays due to the desperate need for quarterbacks. Tim Tebow was a first round pick, remember.
Joe King, your points about Manziel as a player are all valid concerns, especially his relatively slight build.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

Watching how Bortles caries himself, I think he is going to make a
big jump after The Combine.

 

Re: (Way too early) 2014 NFL draft thread

After what Clowney ran at the combine, he is going to be very difficult to pass up even for Houston at #1 or St. Louis at #2. You're going to go a lot farther with freak pass-rushers than with a Manziel or Bortles type of QB.