Thoughts on the talent available for round two
National Football League
Draft King Analysis
April 23, 2010
Lou Pickney, DraftKing.com
Reader feedback is always welcomed here. Send your thoughts to Draft King at LouPickney@gmail.com.
There was a certain abruptness to the end of yesterday's first round of the NFL Draft. At the same time, the new format of the draft certainly sets round one apart from the other six rounds.
I felt sympathy for Jimmy Clausen this morning when I saw his interview with Erin Andrews on ESPN. It was uncomfortable at times to see Clausen have to face the questioning, which is one downside under the new draft format for guys who were expected to be first round picks who didn't go in the first 32 spots of the draft. But such is life for high-profile players who find themselves on the outside looking end after day one.
Seattle filled two big needs yesterday, landing Oklahoma State OT Russell Okung and then picking up Texas S Earl Thomas. The team Seahawks two top 15 picks, and they managed to land a pair of highly-touted players that fill need positions for the team.
No surprise to me to see Maryland OT Bruce Campbell slide out of round one. The guy had an impressive showing at the combine, and he is a great workout warrior, but Campbell wasn't the first round prospect that some made him out to be. Meanwhile, I was shocked to see Texas OLB/DE Sergio Kindle slide out of the first round.
Crazy Oakland made another so-called stretch pick in landing Alabama ILB Rolando McClain, but I like the pick. McClain was easily the top ILB prospect in this draft and has experience in the 3-4 defense, and he will give a boost to Oakland's front seven.
This is seen by many observers as being a deep draft, and there is all kinds of talent still on the board going into today. I can only imagine what has been floated in St. Louis' direction for the #33 pick in the draft. And while it's deeper at some positions than others, consider this list of prospects still available:
QB: Jimmy Clausen, Colt McCoy
RB: Dexter McCluster
WR: Golden Tate, Arrelious Benn
TE: Rob Gronkowski
OG: Jon Asamoah
OL: Charles Brown, Rodger Saffold, Bruce Campbell
DT: Brian Price, Terrency Cody, Mike Neal
DE: Everson Griffen, Linval Joseph (3-4 DE)
LB: Sergio Kindle, Donald Butler
CB: Brandon Ghee, Donovan Warren
S: Taylor Mays, Major Wright
That is a strong level of talent, and I left out plenty of other players who could easily end up being stars in the NFL. Anticipate all kinds of trades today, and keep a close eye on teams like Cleveland with a need for a young QB who might be tempted to make a move to get their guy. Yes, Mike Holmgren said that he wished that he liked Jimmy Clausen more, but perhaps he'll be willing to trade up to secure him -- or Colt McCoy -- for the Browns.
