2013 NFL Draft thread

[billmac91]

I'm shocked by the lack of anticipation for this draft. I realize that there isn't really anyone groundbreaking at the top, but I can't remember ever being under a month until the draft and having such a lack of discussion.

The common perception is that this is a weak draft with no elite QB prospect. It's really taken a lot of "juice" out of the build-up. I think it's a super deep draft though, especially at several positions of need for the Browns, which is awesome. The Browns should be able to get a pro-bowl level safety in the third round should they stand pat with their picks. Just unreal talent at that position this year....

 

[Surge]

The common perception is that this is a weak draft with no elite QB prospect. It's really taken a lot of "juice" out of the build-up. I think it's a super deep draft though, especially at several positions of need for the Browns, which is awesome. The Browns should be able to get a pro-bowl level safety in the third round should they stand pat with their picks. Just unreal talent at that position this year....

Agreed. If they do stay where they are at. I say CB in the first, S in the 3rd. Somewhere down the line I like the TE Kelce from Cincy. Not sure where he is projected.

 

[DCunleaded]

I'm not one of those guys who likes to throw race into any and every controversy, but damn it sure seems like he's bordering on a white supremacist attitude. Seems like his go-to move is "lazy and stupid" for black QBs even when everything anyone else says about that guy is the complete opposite, like it seems to be for Geno.

While I'm not a huge Geno Smith fan, this guy's reports of Smith having a poor work ethic is the opposite of every other thing I've found. My biggest issue with Smith is how he handles himself when things aren't going well. In his games vs Texas and (I think) KSU, he would get introverted and unapproachable on the sidelines; not so much like a solo meditation, but it seemed like a pouty kid not getting his way. When things aren't going well (and they won't in CLE), the QB NEEDS to possess better leadership qualities than how Smith behaved in those games. I'm pretty sure Smith isn't even in the conversation for LomBanner at this time, anyways...

Wanted to know people's opinions on UCLA DE Datone Jones.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/datone-jones?id=2539325

Is he strictly a hand-in-the-dirt DE, or can he cover and play OLB? I know that he's on our radar, so I'd really appreciate more info on this guy.

I think Jones is a Justin Smith-type of player, he can create a ton of pressure from the 34 DE spot. That NFL profile mentioned he could easily add weight to his 280# frame, so he could bring a pretty neat dynamic to the interior of a defense (or an inside/outside guy in a 43). I'm not sure if they are looking at him much any more, after the big commitment to Bryant.

I'm shocked by the lack of anticipation for this draft. I realize that there isn't really anyone groundbreaking at the top, but I can't remember ever being under a month until the draft and having such a lack of discussion.

Three weeks out is usually the end of the final lull before pre-draft chatter goes into manic levels, leading up to and a few days after the draft.

Here's why I think we will trade down on draft day:
-Browns used their 2013 2nd round pick on Josh Gordon (Captain Obvious says you're welcome)
-Banner has a consistent history of trading down in PHI
-Outside of LT, there really isn't any slam-dunk elite talent at the top of the draft
-The #6 selection is a major sweet spot for getting the last of the three elite OTs (Joeckel, Fisher, and Lane Johnson)
-Cards at #7 have a major hole at LT, so someone will need to jump them
-Miami has an extra 2nd (42 & 54) and a pair of 3rd rounders (77 & 82).
-Tampa might be looking to trade up to get Millner
-San Diego might be in the mix for an LT
-San Fran and NE brought in Austin and Dion Jordan in for private workouts; might be too big of a drop for CLE.
-There's been some legit interest from CLE in Eifert and Austin; not really guys you'd grab at #6, but with the 12th pick???
-VERY deep draft for CBs and Safeties; getting that 2nd will allow us to fill out our defensive backfield with 2nd & 3rd round picks

All this stuff isn't anything new for most of you guys, but I just wanted to put all the reasons for trading down on a list.

 

[Snowblind]

Dont forget to add the chargers to that list for a team to trade down with. They're looking at o line too.

 

[Shakalu M.D.]

I'm shocked by the lack of anticipation for this draft. I realize that there isn't really anyone groundbreaking at the top, but I can't remember ever being under a month until the draft and having such a lack of discussion.

This is why. Last several drafts have all had some really elite talent that a lot of us where chomping at the bit to get. Granted we seemed to miss on all of those guys, but it was still excited to dream about pre-draft. There's no A.J. Green, Andrew Luck, RG3 etc. in this draft. BPA would likely be Star and he really doesn't fill a need at all. Biggest holes would be CB, safety, maybe pass rusher, QB, guard. Normally CB would be the best bet where we're picking, but I'm really not sold on Milliner at all. Seems like the best bet would be to go after a pass rusher or trade down. Trade downs just don't have the same appeal of landing a stud at the top of the draft.

 

[Soar]

I'm shocked by the lack of anticipation for this draft. I realize that there isn't really anyone groundbreaking at the top, but I can't remember ever being under a month until the draft and having such a lack of discussion.

The lack of talent is a huge part of it. Debating Richardson and Blackmon, Green and Jones, and even Berry and Haden was more exciting than the options this year. Furthermore, there just doesn't seem to be a consensus on two or even three top guys. In past years, comments would flood in from proponents of opposing camps. I've identified about 10 players that I can easily see drafted by the Browns. There just doesn't seem to be a locked in debate. Finally, our needs are obvious and more targeted. Last year we could have drafted any position and it would be need. Our needs at CB and S just feel obvious. And while CB and S are important, they just don't generate the same excitement other positions do.

 

[JMcCurry08]

If we trade down, we'll find a quality corner in the first two rounds

Rhodes
Trufant
Banks
Slay
Amerson
Taylor
Mathieu
Wreh-Wilson
Alford
Webb

 

[mofire]

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting 1h
#Browns. RT @ap575: The team most likely to pick Tavon Austin (not named the Rams) is __________.

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting 1h
I think it's possible (assuming trade down) for #Browns to leave draft with Tavon Austin and EJ Manuel. Dream scenario, need luck.

Not 100% sure but I do believe I saw somewhere before that this guy has some sort of history with either Lombardi or Chud. I'll check into his background a little more to see if there are any connections.

 

[Qasim Mitchell]

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting 1h
#Browns. RT @ap575: The team most likely to pick Tavon Austin (not named the Rams) is __________.

Eric Galko ‏@OptimumScouting 1h
I think it's possible (assuming trade down) for #Browns to leave draft with Tavon Austin and EJ Manuel. Dream scenario, need luck.

Not 100% sure but I do believe I saw somewhere before that this guy has some sort of history with either Lombardi or Chud. I'll check into his background a little more to see if there are any connections.

Nice info here.

The NFL Network guys (who chilled with Lombardi for five years) say that it is either Milliner at 6, or trade down.

Very interested to see how Eric is connected with Chud or Lombardi.

 

[MGMT]

I really don't see what there is to like about EJ as a prospect. Tavon is one thing because his talent's apparent but I see nothing with EJ.

 

[mofire]

I really don't see what there is to like about EJ as a prospect. Tavon is one thing because his talent's apparent but I see nothing with EJ.

I believe if the Browns do in fact like EJ it's because of his athletic ability to run the read option. I would think if they did draft him they would take the Alex smith kapernack approach where weeden is the guy for at least the first year, while the coaching staff works with rounding out EJ's overall game.

 

[MD13]

I believe if the Browns do in fact like EJ it's because of his athletic ability to run the read option. I would think if they did draft him they would take the Alex smith kapernack approach where weeden is the guy for at least the first year, while the coaching staff works with rounding out EJ's overall game.

I really hope not. If we draft him it's because we're in love with his physical tools and not the actual product on the field. Dude seems like a classic underachiever.

 

[Sly]

Not exactly thrilled with the prospect of a 5'9" receiver.

 

[mofire]

Not exactly thrilled with the prospect of a 5'9" receiver.

I tend to agree with you, but this guy is electrifying with the ball in his hands and can create so many mismatches with his speed, quickness, and ability to change direction. Watching him on tape makes me want him even more. However I do have concerns over his weight. At 175 that's not big at all for a receiver and wonder how durable he can be at this level. However weight aside there's no denying the game changing talent that this kid possesses.

 

[Surge]

Hopefully they are just floating rumors to gain interest in teams that want to trade up for Austin.

Just makes too much sense to trade down.