2006 Draft Class GuideThe favorite time on the SFL calendar for GM?s is quickly coming. The 2006 SFL Draft is on tap for next week offering teams an opportunity to improve their teams for the upcoming 2006 season and beyond. SFL GM?s are preparing for the draft by jockeying for draft position and studying the draft class carefully. This guide offers one person?s perspective on the draft class including position breakdowns and individual prospect analysis. Each position will feature the top prospects at each position along with position rankings, key attributes, and an overall analysis. The first position on the guide is QB.
QB
#1- QB-Matt Leinart- USC- 23 years old, 6?4?, 224 lbs.- 69 AWR, 87 THP, 91 THA, and 88 INJ
Analysis: The 2006 QB draft class is weaker than usual. Leinart, however, leads the pack. He?s clearly the most the NFL ready of the class with a high 69 AWR and 91 THP. He doesn?t offer high end arm strength but plenty of QB?s have been successful in this league with average arm strength. This is the path Leinart will need to take. It would be great to see him as a left-handed throwing, but Madden may or may not grant that wish.
#2- QB-Charlie Whitehurst- Clemson, 24 years old, 6?4?, 225 lbs., 65 AWR, 92 THP, 85 THA, and 57 INJ
Analysis: Whitehurst has the feel of a professional QB. Good arm strength, above-average AWR and THA. He finishes just behind Leinart in the positional rankings for two reasons 1) His THA is six points behind Leinart and 2) He has a worrisome 57 INJ. The QB position is the last position you want with a low INJ rating. Can he overcome it? Sure. But whoever drafts him will need to consider securing a higher-end backup at the position.
#3- QB-Brodie Croyle- Alabama- 23 years old, 6?2?, 205 lbs., 57 AWR, 89 THP, 88 THA, and 74 INJ
Analysis: Brodie Croyle leads the next tier of QB?s in this class. These QB?s could potentially be full-time starters though they will need a favorable skew and/or considerable investment by the teams that select them. Croyle has good THP and THA. No problems with either of those attributes but his AWR is really low. The main challenge for any GM will be to play him without getting pummeled so that his AWR can advance to an acceptable level.
#4- QB-Kellen Clemens- Oregon- 23 years old, 6?2?, 224 lbs., 56 AWR, 92 THP, 84 THA, and 89 INJ
Analysis: The contrast between Clemens and Croyle is eerily similar to the contrast between Whitehurst and Leinart. Clemens and Whitehurst have the better arms while Leinart and Croyle have the better AWR and THA. In Clemens case, his AWR is alarmingly low. Maybe, he will experience a favorable skew. Outside of that he?s got a long way forward. He?s also dangerously close to having a scrambler tendency which would require significant AP points to rectify. If a team is looking for a backup, Clemens could be that guy, but thinking of him as a future starter may be forcing him to be more than he can really be.
#5- QB-Bruce Gradkowski- Toledo- 23 years old, 6?1?, 222 lbs., 60 AWR, 88 THP, 91 THA, and 83 INJ
Analysis: The final QB on this list is Bruce Gradkowski. This of course means Jay Cutler did not make the top 5. He is actually #6 on this list. He?s more name recognition than actual attribute-based quality. Back to Gradkowksi, he will likely possess the scrambler tendency. This means AP points to get him to an acceptable tendency. However, he does possess some upside if a GM chooses to go that route. In fact, He has better AWR than both Croyle and Clemens as well as better THA. His arm is average but still very functional in this league. Where some GM?s might back away from him is his height. At only 6?1? he might not be able to see the field clearly to make all the needed throws. He?s an intriguing prospect though and there will multiple GM?s looking at him in the middle rounds of this draft.
The next position in this guide is RB. Let?s be real, it?s one of the worst positional classes to have ever come out of any Madden draft class in any Madden league ever. Straight up trash! Here is a look at the players who might be worth a backup role on a team?s roster.
RB
#1- RB-LenDale White- USC- 21 years old, 6?2?, 238 lbs., 85 SPD, 71 STR, 40 AWR, 88 AGI, 85 ACC, 83 CAR, and 92 TAK
Analysis: White is a big back with great height, weight, and BTK. There are many GM?s that don?t care about AWR in a RB which is going to elevate White in their view. A favorable skew in SPD and/or ACC will only enhance his potential in this league. Is he a possible starter in this league? Yes for sure. But I think the AWR is a problem and the STR is not ideal for a guy with White?s size and BTK.
#2- RB-DeAngelo Williams- Memphis- 23 years old, 5?8?, 208 lbs., 91 SPD, 65 STR, 58 AWR, 93 AGI, 93 ACC, 76 CAR, and 83 BTK
Analysis: Williams is more a change-of-pace back with his good SPD, AGI, and ACC. He?s small and lacks the ideal STR and CAR though the CAR can easily progress. His biggest challenge will be his size. Teams just don?t look for this type of back. He could have a place as a kick returner with his 88 KR.
From RB we go to FB. This is a short trip because there is only one guy here worth mentioning.
FB
#1- FB-Lawrence Vickers- Colorado- 23 years old, 6?0?, 245 lbs., 86 SPD, 73 STR, 54 AWR, 86 AGI, 84 ACC, 81 CAR, and 87 BTK
Analysis: Vickers is an outstanding FB in a league without that many. Basically the best way historically to get a FB like Vickers is to convert them from HB. But in this RB draft class that?s just not a feasible scenario. So if a team needs a FB, it?s got to be Vickers or maybe a TE but this class lacks TE talent with 80 SPD and 80 ACC. Vickers is the real deal. He can block and he can run. A recent mock draft even had him being considered as a RB which I don?t think is far fetched, though I don?t think he has first round value at that position.
There are three other FB?s in the entire draft. They are not horrible but they really aren?t good enough to be featured in the draft guide. Now on to the best position on the offensive side of the ball, WR. It?s here that we will find some of the best talent not just on the offensive side of the ball but in the entire draft class itself.
WR
#1- WR-Brandon Marshall- UCF- 22 years old, 6?4?, 230 lbs., 99 SPD, 29 STR, 50 AWR, 96 AGI, 96 ACC, 73 CTH, and 80 JMP
Analysis: Marshall appears to be the consensus #1 overall in this year?s draft. It comes down to his 6?4?, 230 lbs. frame with 99 SPD, 96 AGI, and 96 ACC. Those numbers are elite and at a premium position. Detractors, including to some degree me, will look at his 29 STR and 50 AWR and call him a broken player. Proponents of Marshall will point out Drew Carter on the Super Bowl champion Cardinals, but I argue that the Cardinals are far more than Carter. Time will tell, but what we pretty much know for sure is that Marshall will be the first overall pick in this year?s draft.
#2- WR-Cory Rodgers- TCU- 22 years old, 6?2?, 210 lbs., 99 SPD, 48 STR, 44 AWR, 99 AGI, 97 ACC, 75 CTH, and 88 JMP
Analysis: Rodgers is an absolute burner. What makes him so unique is that is has top level SPD, AGI, and ACC at 6?2?. This creates a mismatch with the fastest CB?s who are smaller in height. An early mock draft has Rodgers going in the top 5 and there?s no reason to think otherwise. In fact, if he makes it out of the top 5 GM?s will be trading up to grab him. Rodgers is a game changer.
#3- WR-Todd Watkins- BYU- 23 years old, 6?3?, 195 lbs., 91 SPD, 50 STR, 64 AWR, 97 AGI, 91 ACC, 79 CTH, and 78 JMP
Analysis: Todd Watkins comes in at #3 in the WR rankings. Watkins possesses good overall physical attributes to go along with being 6?3?. His AGI is off the charts good and unlike Marshall and Rodgers, Watkins actually has good AWR. Also unlike Marshall and Rodgers, he lacks the elite level SPD and ACC. Still Watkins is a good WR and I think he sneaks into the first round somewhere. Some GM?s might not be thrilled with his 78 JMP but I don?t know that the JMP attribute is high on most people?s list.
#4- WR-Maurice Stovall- Notre Dame- 21 years old, 6?5?, 220 lbs., 90 SPD, 69 STR, 57 AWR, 88 AGI, 90 ACC, 73 CTH, and 82 JMP
Analysis: Stovall comes in at #4, though some may put him above Watkins. Stovall is a big-framed WR with above average SPD and ACC. He?s also really strong. He reminds me a bit of the Patriots Clarence Moore or the Bears Vincent Jackson, both WR?s were taken in the first round and I think that will be the case with Stovall as well. He needs to improve his CTH a bit but overall he?s a good prospect.
#5- WR-Demetrius Williams- Monmouth- 23 years old, 6?2?, 197 lbs., 93 SPD, 50 STR, 53 AWR, 91 AGI, 94 ACC, 77 CTH, and 75 JMP
Analysis: Miles Austin and Demetrius Williams are almost in a dead heat for the #5 position at WR but Williams gets the nod ever so slightly due to his small advantage in AGI and ACC. In the 2003 or 2004 draft Williams would have been more valuable due to lack of overall league wide talent at the time. However, the league has more depth now and so the value of both Williams and Austin have decreased a bit. I think they are probably second round talents in a separate tier from the first four. Williams has good SPD and ACC bordering on great. At 6?2? he will pose matchup problems quite often. The downside for him is his 53 AWR and if you care, 75 JMP.
#6- WR-Miles Austin- Monmouth- 22 years old, 6?2?, 219 lbs., 93 SPD, 60 STR, 46 AWR, 91 AGI, 92 ACC, 72 CTH, and 89 JMP
Analysis: Austin is the last WR we will profile in this draft guide. As I mentioned in Williams? profile, Austin is very close in talent level to Williams. He?s 22 lbs. heavier which some GM?s will like and he also has 14 more points in JMP which some GM?s will also like. His 46 AWR isn?t ideal though. I still think he?s a 2nd round pick though.
The WR class is certainly deep this year and that?s great for GM?s looking for a WR. The next position in our guide is TE. While not deep like the WR position it has more to offer as a position than does a position like HB.
TE
#1- TE-Vernon Davis- Miami- 22 years old, 6?3, 253 lbs., 82 SPD, 79 STR, 57 AWR, 80 AGI, 79 ACC, and 81 CTH
Analysis: Vernon Davis is the elite TE of this draft class. His name is very recognizable but he?s at the top for more than his name. He will be the first TE in the league to have 80 SPD, STR, AGI, and ACC. He starts out with great catch and though 57 AWR isn?t great it?s the worst attribute he possesses. Davis is going to be a star. The 2005 TE draft classes was poor, so teams that were looking to grab a quality TE in last year?s draft may want to pounce on Davis early. For this reason, I see Davis going in round one of this year?s draft. He?ll be worth it too.
#2- TE-Delanie Walker- N/A- 6?1?, 22 years old, 237 lbs., 81 SPD, 74 STR, 49 AWR, 79 AGI, 82 ACC, and 75 CTH
Analysis: Delanie Walker comes in at #2 in our TE rankings. He?s a smaller TE and that may turn some GM?s away, but he?s got good SPD and ACC plus above average STR, AGI, and CTH. He?s very raw in terms of AWR, but after a season or two he?ll be up to the level he needs to be. He?s in the mold of an Age Crumpler and should be a starter in this league by next season.
#3- TE-Owen Daniels- Wisconsin- 23 years old, 6?3?, 247 lbs., 82 SPD, 66 STR, 59 AWR, 76 AGI, 75 ACC, and 71 CTH
Analysis: The Wisconsin Badger, Owen Daniels, comes in next in our TE rankings. Daniels has the SPD you would like to see in a TE but lacks some of the overall athleticism of a Davis or Walker. I don?t really like 66 STR in a TE but other GM?s will feel differently so his STR may limit his possible landing spots but ultimately won?t keep him from finding a landing spot. Is he a starter down the road? I think probably he is because the TE position doesn?t have a ton of depth still in the league.
#4- TE-Marcedes Lewis- UCLA- 22 years old, 6?6?, 261 lbs., 261 lbs., 74 SPD, 83 STR, 63 AWR, 77 AGI, 70 ACC, and 81 CTH
Analysis: Lewis is a different kind of a TE than the three ranked higher than him in this class. Lewis is a big, physical TE with great hands. Some GM?s don?t value SPD as highly in their TE?s but prefer a physical TE who can catch which is exactly who Lewis is. He?s not going to blow by safeties and LB?s but his 6?6? 261 lbs. will cause major problems to defensive players who aren?t bigger. I think he?s a starter in the league and he can actually start now.
#5- TE-Tony Scheffler- Western Michigan- 23 years old, 6?5?, 254 lbs., 78 SPD, 70 STR, 62 AWR, 71 AGI, 81 ACC, and 73 CTH
Analysis: Scheffler is a familiar name in Madden circles. He?s typically one of the top 10 TE?s in the early years of the league. I can?t say this is the case in the SFL but he still is worth a selection in the middle rounds of this year?s draft. He could get to 80 SPD and 80 ACC at 6?5? which to me translates into a starting role somewhere. Now his AGI is really low. It?s not at all what you want to see in a TE, but outside of that he?s good.
We shift gears now to focus on the offensive line. First up are the offensive tackles.
OT
#1- LT-DBrickashaw Ferguson- Virginia- 22 years old, 6?6?, 312 lbs., 60 SPD, 93 STR, 68 AWR, 73 AGI, 74 ACC, 87 PBK, and 88 RBK
Analysis: Ferguson tops the list of offensive line in this year?s draft. Ferguson is definitely a top 10 overall prospect in this draft and maybe even top 5. It?s rare that you find a talent that has both elite physical attributes as well as great attributes that progress. Ferguson is that guy. Now he is listed at LT, but in reality he may be better suited to play the premium position of RT.
#2- LT-Marcus McNeill- Auburn- 22 years old, 6?7?, 336 lbs., 63 SPD, 88 STR, 70 AWR, 69 AGI, 79 ACC, 86 PBK, and 88 RBK
Analysis: McNeill is a super elite athlete with incredible AWR and blocking skills. The only attribute that he is lacking is STR. Now 88 STR can turn into 90 STR with a favorable skew or AP points. Additionally, McNeill is big tackle with long arms to keep DE?s from getting to the QB. McNeill?s best position may be at RT though that will require a bit of an AWR hit, but it would still leave him with higher AWR and highlight his athleticism.
#3- RT-Quinn Ojinnaka- Syracuse- 22 years old- 6?5?, 295 lbs., 65 SPD, 92 STR, 60 AWR, 73 AGI, 75 ACC, 82 PBK, and 81 RBK
Analysis: Ojinnaki is another highly skilled, athletic offensive lineman with great SPD, AGI, and ACC. He?s already positioned at RT though some people may want to move him to OG. He lacks the ideal size for the position and he has lower AWR as well but he?s still elite. I think he goes in the top 15 of this year?s draft.
#4- RT-Ryan OCallaghan- California- 23 years old, 6?7?, 344 lbs., 58 SPD, 99 STR, 63 AWR, 64 AGI, 72 ACC, 78 PBK, and 89 RBK
Analysis: OCallaghan is perhaps the most interesting OT prospect. He has the 99 STR that so many GM?s covet but he lacks a bit of the athleticism guys like Ferguson, McNeill, and Ojinnaka have. OCallaghan?s initial blocking skills set up better for an OG than it does for an OT. But long-term he has the size, strength, and athletic ability to be a tackle. I think OCallaghan is higher than this on some boards but lower on this than others, so I?m trying for a middle ground. He?s a very good prospect just like the three guys ranked above him.
#5- RT-Jeremy Trueblood- Boston College- 23 years old, 6?9?, 330 lbs., 53 SPD, 93 STR, 65 AWR, 62 AGI, 73 ACC, 86 PBK, and 86 RBK
Analysis: Another good OT here in Jeremy Trueblood. I do think he is the first of a second tier of tackles though. Still probably in the first round, but he just doesn?t have the physical attributes of the four guys ranked above him. Now, he does have great size; as good as or better than McNeill and OCallaghan. What he does lack is the elite level SPD, AGI, and ACC. Many GM?s don?t really care about SPD for their offensive linemen. For them, Trueblood will be fine. He should be ready to play now with his AWR and blocking skills so that?s why when you look at the entire picture for him, I see a first round grade.
#6- LT-Joe Toledo- Washington- 24 years old, 6?5?, 330 lbs., 61 SPD, 89 STR, 51 AWR, 70 AGI, 79 ACC, 77 PBK, and 85 RBK
Analysis: The talent continues to roll in at this position in the 2006 SFL draft. Toledo is another big guy with elite SPD, AGI, and ACC. He?s in the mold of a bigger David Diehl who just went for a first round plus in a trade this offseason. Now Toledo has AWR and PBK issues, meaning he?s raw and will need the help of training camp to get him to playing level. But the talent is clearly there.
#7- LT-Charles Spencer- Pittsburgh, 24 years old, 6?5?, 352 lbs., 60 SPD, 89 STR, 63 AWR, 65 AGI, 73 ACC, 79 PBK, and 88 RBK
Analysis: Spencer is a similar player to Toledo except he?s bigger but with less AGI and ACC. He?s got much better AWR and blocking skills though so he could be ready to go this season. I?m interested in his skew because a favorable one could really make him a diamond in the rough. Both he and Toledo could use more STR and higher PBK and if they get it, watch out.
The OT?s are among the strongest positions in this draft. We move next to the OG?s. Here we find talent as well just not as deep of talent.
OG
#1- RG-Davin Joseph- Oklahoma- 22 years old, 6?4?, 312 lbs., 61 SPD, 95 STR, 64 AWR, 66 AGI, 73 ACC, 83 PBK, and 86 RBK
Analysis: Joseph is the prototypical OG good athleticism combined with superior strength and attributes that progress. He doesn?t have a weakness in any of his attributes. Now you might argue that you want someone who has better size. And I can understand that. But you won?t find superior attributes for the position in this class.
#2- LG-Max Jean-Gilles- Georgia- 22 years old, 6?4?, 340 lbs., 62 SPD, 96 STR, 60 AWR, 67 AGI, 70 ACC, 79 PBK and 90 RBK
Analysis: Jean-Gilles is the beast of the the OG?s. He has imposing size with elite strength and athleticism, while not being his strength, is still pretty decent. He?ll be a great run blocker immediately though he?ll need some time to get to the same level in pass blocking. If you want to play him at LG then you can handle his AWR but if you want to move him he?ll be pretty raw in AWR. I think both Joseph and Jean-Gilles are destined for the first round. It?s just a matter of where and when.
#3- RG-Tony Palmer- Missouri- 6?2?, 330 lbs., 64 SPD, 91 STR, 57 AWR, 72 AGI, 75 ACC, 80 PBK, and 85 RBK
Analysis: Tony Palmer is a highly athletic OG who has risen up my draft board in recent days. He?s got the type of skill set that can play right away but might be able to slip under the radar into round 2. It?s always a good value when you can get a starting OL in rounds 2 or 3. I project Palmer to be one of those guys in the 2006 draft. I love the 64 SPD, 72 AGI, and 75 ACC. This combo is elite whether it?s at guard or tackle. His 57 AWR, 80 PBK, and 85 RBK aren?t elite but they are manageable so long as they don?t skew down. I think some GM?s will have a concern with his 6?2? height. I think that?s a legit concern, but I also think his physical attributes can make up for that.
#4- RG-Rob Simms- Ohio State- 6?4?, 310 lbs., 69 SPD, 88 STR, 60 AWR, 65 AGI, 69 ACC, 81 PBK, and 88 RBK
Analysis: Simms comes in at #4 in our OG rankings. I think GM?s will be enticed by the potential of a 70 SPD, 90 STR, 65 AGI, and 70 ACC offensive lineman. He could actually be the first OL to have 70 SPD. The three current players with 69 SPD are legit stars or in Clabo?s case will be a legit star. The two knocks on Simms will be his size and average STR. I?m confident those weaknesses can be mitigated, in large part, by his other attributes.
#5- RG-Tyler Reed- Penn State- 25 years old, 6?5?, 305 lbs., 69 SPD, 89 STR, 53 AWR, 71 AGI, 73 ACC, 76 PBK, and 85 RBK
Analysis: Reed represents the next tier here in the OG class. He possesses good athleticism led by his 69 SPD and 71 AGI. On the flip side, he has really low AWR and PBK. He would be a liability on the field at this point. However, he is likely to be eligible for one maybe two rounds of training camp. I think a GM could stash him on the roster and get him close to ready by next season. I don?t think he?ll ever be in the pro-bowl but he could eventually be a starter in the league.
We go on to the center position which is usually a feast or famine class. In this year?s class there is one potential star and two serviceable players.
C
#1- C-Nick Mangold- Ohio State- 22 years old, 6?3?, 300 lbs., 57 SPD, 94 STR, 68 AWR, 71 AGI, 71 ACC, 88 PBK, and 85 RBK
Analysis: Mangold is the star of this draft at the center position. I continue to contend that it is the least important position along the offensive line, but it is also position where you can?t move a tackle or guard to. This means you need to acquire a center by trade or the draft making it harder to find a good one. Mangold is not big but he?s physical at 94 STR and he has 57 SPD, 71 AGI, and 71 ACC which is very good for a center. When you factor in the elite level AWR, PBK, and RBK I think you can see why he might well go late in round 1.
#2- C-Ryan Cook- New Mexico- 23 years old, 6?6? 325 lbs., 58 SPD, 89 STR, 56 AWR, 66 AGI, 70 ACC, 79 PBK, and 83 RBK
Analysis: Cook is not going to wow anybody. But he can be a functional starting center in this league once he gets his 56 AWR and 79 PBK up a little bit. He?s got good size and he should have STR at or above 90 by next season. He?s the type of guy that you might be able to get in the middle rounds especially by a team that has multiple mid-round picks needing to fill starting roles.
#3- C-Greg Eslinger- Minnesota- 23 years old, 6?3?, 285 lbs., 63 SPD, 85 STR, 66 AWR, 65 AGI, 70 ACC, 80 PBK and 79 RBK
Analysis: Greg Eslinger comes in at #3 in the center rankings. He?s a pretty similar player to Cook. He isn?t outstanding but he?s serviceable. In Eslinger?s case he lacks size and STR. But he has good AWR at 66. He needs a little help with blocking, but he?s not too far off. He won?t be anyone?s primary target but he can play.
Overall there is considerable depth and high-level talent on the offensive side of the ball. The two strongest positions are WR and OT, but there are other good players at other positions as well. The worst position is clearly HB. The center position is probably the next worst position along with FB just because there aren?t many players available.
We?ve covered the offensive side of the ball, now it?s time to turn our attention to the defense. It feels like the defense in the SFL is a little behind the offense in terms of talent. Will this draft class help to bridge the existing talent gap between the two? Let?s find out. We start our look at the defensive side of the ball with the DE position. This class has some very talented players physically but they are also broken players. Broken players are players that have one attribute that is so off-the-charts bad that they lack attribute integrity. In this case, the attribute that DE?s possess that is broken is AWR.
DE
#1- RE-Darryl Tapp- Virginia Tech- 21 years old, 6?2?, 265 lbs., 83 SPD, 84 STR, 44 AWR, 78 AGI, 85 ACC, and 75 TAK
Analysis: Tapp is a classic pass rusher. He has the combo of 83 SPD, 84 STR, and 85 ACC. In most Madden leagues this equals a high-end pass rusher. His 78 AGI and 75 TAK are acceptable attributes as well. You wouldn?t necessarily be drawn to those attributes if the SPD, STR, and ACC weren?t as high as they are, but since the AGI and TAK are fine. Where Tapp runs into problems in the evaluation process is with his 44 AWR and lack of size at 6?2?, 265 lbs. His weight isn?t as much of a problem is his lack of height. I think Tapp is still a top of round 1 talent. I just don?t think you can let a guy of his caliber go particularly with the lack of talent league-wide at the position. Could he drop? Yes, he could particularly with high end DE talent on the trade market currently.
#2- RE-Mario Williams- N.C. State- 21 years old, 6?7?, 265 lbs., 85 SPD, 73 STR, 37 AWR, 82 AGI, 84 ACC, and 72 TAK
Analysis: Williams is another pass-rushing DE like Darryl Tapp. He offers higher-end speed that Tapp and better agility, but he has 37 AWR which is unbelievably low and that?s prior to any potential position change to the left side (incidentally Tapp will likely undergo the same position change as well). Again, like Tapp I think Williams is a broken player. However, I think he?s a player that will get drafted and probably in the first round as well. I think in both Williams and Tapp?s case GM?s will look at LE-Osi Umenyiora and think the success he has had is the type of success both of these players can have.
#3- LE-Victor Adeyanju- Indiana- 23 years old, 6?4?, 268 lbs., 80 SPD, 75 STR, 34 AWR, 81 AGI, 89 ACC, and 66 TAK
Analysis: Adeyanju comes in at #3 in our DE draft class rankings. He?s the first of the three top ranked players to actually be a LE already. He will not require an awareness hit which is a good thing because he comes with the lowest AWR in the DE draft class. In fact, I believe when Adeyanju is selected in the draft he will become the lowest AWR player in the entire SFL. This will probably not be highlighted in his draft profile. Now maybe he skews up but he would need to skew up about 20 points for my interest. He?s another broken player sure to be drafted because of the lack of talent at the position.
#4- LE-Tamba Hali- Penn State- 22 years old, 6?3?, 265 lbs., 77 SPD, 81 STR, 59 AWR, 79 AGI, 77 ACC, and 79 TAK
Analysis: Hali is not the athlete that the three prior players are in these rankings. But he has readiness to play immediately with his 59 AWR and 79 TAK. Additionally he can be a player that would be 80 SPD, 80 STR, 80 AGI, and 80 ACC. It will take some work, maybe through a favorable skew or through AP points. I actually think he?s a little underrated. There are a few GM?s that care about AWR and TAK along with physical attributes and for them, Hali is going to be higher on their board. He could go as early as late round 1 or more likely in round 2. He?s going to be a good player in this league.
#5- LE-Frostee Rucker-USC- 22 years old, 6?3?, 267 lbs., 76 SPD, 80 STR, 61 AWR, 76 AGI, 82 ACC, and 67 TAK
Analysis: Rucker resembles Hali in the style of player and overall attributes. He?s a guy that you could play immediately and wouldn?t be embarrassed by his performance. He could however stand to see some improvement in his 67 TAK. Overall though he?s a quality player. It will be interesting to see where he goes. I feel like round 2 is right for him, but I don?t know if GM?s will view him as a player of need, meaning he could slide maybe even into round 3. Rucker and Hali both remind me of a Dan Cody taken by the Bills with the last pick in round 1 in the 2005 draft. Cody may have gone a tad early but he?s a comp for sure.
Now we transition from the outside of the DL to inside as we look at the DT position.
DT
#1- DT-Haloti Ngata- Oregon- 22 years old, 6?4?, 336 lbs., 57 SPD, 93 STR, 50 AWR, 66 AGI, 79 ACC, and 87 TAK
Analysis: I struggled a bit to figure out who was #1 ranked DT in this draft class. Ultimately, I landed with Ngata because of his size and strength but there are other DT?s who better SPD and AGI. At the end of the day, I just couldn?t overlook how effective Ngata could be as a run stopper. He?s already got 87 TAK which is great. Plus his size is a problem for interior lineman. And it?s not as though he isn?t athletic for his size. His 79 ACC is really good. A mock draft has him as going as high as fifth overall to the Ravens and I could actually see that. He?ll be a really good player in this league.
#2- DT-Domata Peko- Michigan St.- 21 years old, 6?3?, 319 lbs., 69 SPD, 87 STR, 57 AWR, 73 AGI, 76 ACC, and 79 TAK
Analysis: Peko is a pure athlete at the DT position. His 69 SPD, 73 AGI, and 76 ACC are elite, particularly his SPD. But he still has decent size and his 79 TAK means he won?t be a liability in this run game. If he were to stay the same through the skew I could see a case where he would be a good 3-4 DE. If he were to skew up just one or two points in ACC he could approach the 70 SPD, 90 STR, 75 AGI, and 80 ACC mark. Now Marcus Spears would be better physically than him but Spears also started out as a DE as well. It will be really interesting to see where Peko plays in this league. I do think that as far as the draft goes, he?s a first round talent.
#3- DT-Brodrick Bunkley- Florida St.- 22 years old, 6?2?, 300 lbs., 66 SPD, 91 STR, 58 AWR, 73 AGI, 73 ACC, and 80 TAK
Analysis: Bunkley comes in at #3 in our DT rankings. He?s more of the traditional athletic DT. He has good SPD and AGI. but is undersized for the position and doesn?t have the high-end STR you would hope for. I like his 58 AWR and 80 TAK. It means he will be able to play immediately but there are limited destinations for an undersized guy like him without high-end STR. I expect he could drop to the late 2nd or early 3rd round of this draft.
#4- DT-Jesse Mahelona- Tennessee- 23 years old, 6?0? 311 lbs., 72 SPD, 84 STR, 59 AWR, 76 AGI, 82 ACC, and 74 TAK
Analysis: Mahelona, Cofield, and Williams are all pretty much even for me. I list Mahelona first because he has the best ACC. I do think I might choose Booker over him though but it?s close. Mahelona fits more of the profile for a 3-4 DE. I don?t think I would put him as a DT because of his 84 STR. I feel like the 3-4 DE and particularly the RE is better suited for him. He?s also short so that?s a problem. On the positive side of the ledger his 72 SPD, 84 STR, 76 AGI, and 82 ACC would make him a likely candidate to be a starter. I think teams will just have to figure out where that position is.
#5- DT-Barry Cofield- Northwestern- 22 years old, 6?4?, 303 lbs, 73 SPD, 84 STR, 64 AWR, 73 AGI, 79 ACC, and 79 TAK
Analysis: As I said above, Mahelona, Cofield, and Williams are all in the same tier for me. I like Cofield?s 79 TAK and 64 AWR but he does lack STR and a bit of ACC to be that athletic 3-4 DE. Of course, a favorable skew in ACC or AP points added to the ACC would make that jump for me. I also like the fact that he is 6?4? compared to Mahelona?s 6?0?. Both of these guys are more like a Charles Grant of the Saints or a stronger version of Calvin Pace with the Lions.
#6- DT-Kyle Williams- LSU- 23 years old, 6?1?, 295 lbs., 70 SPD, 88 STR, 60 AWR, 73 AGI, 73 ACC, and 81 TAK
Analysis: As I lump Mahelona, Cofield, and Williams together, I admit that Williams may actually have the ability to play #2 DT. Again he?s short and light, but he has enough strength to with athleticism to be a DT. I also think he might struggle at 3-4 DE due to his lack of ACC. I love the 70 SPD, 88 STR, and 73 AGI together. I also love the fact that he has 60 AWR and 81 TAK. It means he?s ready to play immediately. I think ultimately the biggest knock against him will be his size.
From the defensive line we move to LB?s. Many GM?s view the DL and LB core as a seven-man unit. So here?s a look at what this year?s LB draft class looks like.
OLB
#1- ROLB-A.J. Hawk- Iowa, 22 years old, 6?1?, 246 lbs., 83 SPD, 82 STR, 61 AWR, 85 AGI, 88 ACC, and 82 TAK
Analysis: The consensus #1 OLB in this draft appears to be A.J. Hawk. His 83 SPD, 82 STR, 85 AGI, and 88 ACC is really good. Hawk is this year?s Dansby, Jackson, and Merriman. All three of those guys went in the first round, Dansby and Merriman at pick 1.8 and Jackson at 1.18. Depending on need, you might see Hawk go a little earlier or between 1.8 and 1.18. I really can?t see him falling anywhere beyond that. He?s an elite OLB in this class or in any class.
#2- ROLB-Thomas Howard- UTEP- 23 years old, 6?3?, 240 lbs., 84 SPD, 86 STR, 51 AWR, 85 AGI, 86 ACC, and 74 TAK
Analysis: Howard comes in at #2 in our OLB rankings. He?s a bigger OLB, with great physical skills and an eye-popping 86 STR. He is, however, quite raw as a prospect. He only has 51 AWR and 74 TAK. He?s going to be out of position a fair bit and may fail to may some tackles along the way. He could well be eligible for training camp which could help substantially help him. I think he?s a first-round pick, particularly for a good team with high AWR in much of their defense. If that?s the type of place he goes, he should be able to play and grow at the same time.
#3- LOLB-Jamar Williams- Arizona St., 23 years old, 6?0?, 234 lbs., 87 SPD, 68 STR, 58 AWR, 84 AGI, 88 ACC, and 76 TAK
Analysis: Williams is an elite level athlete. There?s nobody quite like him at the position. If indeed the skew is not negative Williams will be a sought after commodity in this draft as well via trade. You are looking at the potential of an 88 SPD, 70 STR, 85 AGI, and 90 ACC OLB. Covering TE?s and RB?s out of the backfield will be a strength of his. Now he?s a smaller LB, which makes sense considering his SPD. But he?s well worth a first-round pick. He has the feel of a guy who could end up in Seattle. That?s just total speculation, I have no insider information on his destination at all.
#4- LOLB-Chris Gocong- Cal Poly SLO, 22 years old, 6?2?, 263 lbs., 82 SPD, 81 STR, 56 AWR, 84 AGI, 82 ACC, and 80 TAK
Analysis: Here?s where the OLB rankings get a little murky. You have the choice, do you want a steady good across-the-board LB with good size, or do you want an incredibly tall OLB with good speed but lower TAK, or do you want the almost ready to go but slower OLB with great TAK. I?ve gone with door #1 in Chris Gocong. Gocong is good across-the-board. If he doesn?t skew down he?s going to have at least 83 in SPD, STR, AGI, and ACC. That?s elite-level stuff. Plus he?s a big guy at 263 lbs. and 6?2?. I don?t know what the skew holds, but again if he doesn?t skew down I don?t know how he?s not the fourth OLB in round 1.
#5- ROLB-Chad Greenway- Iowa, 23 years old, 6?2?, 242 lbs., 80 SPD, 70 STR, 60 AWR, 82 AGI, 86 ACC, and 86 TAK
Analysis: Greenway is safer pick IF (and that?s a big IF) his 80 SPD stays the same or goes up. If it skews downs, it?s a totally different story. Otherwise, you have to like his 86 ACC and 86 TAK- He?ll make the tackles and he will get off of the ball quickly. I think he?s the type of OLB GM?s love to hate. He?s not flashy, he?s not a guy that will that teams will brag about. But I think he will be a guy who gets the job done. He reminds me of a Dhani Jones and Victor Hobson with a little more upside. He?s likely a second-round talent in this draft.
#6- ROLB-Manny Lawson- N.C. State, 22 years old, 6?6?, 245 lbs., 85 SPD, 67 STR, 58 AWR, 78 AGI, 84 ACC, and 73 TAK
Analysis: At #6 on the OLB is Manny Lawson. I?ll admit that I think Lawson could be really good. I think he has potentially more upside than Greenway or Gocong. I can?t really find any comparable players currently in existence in the SFL. He will be the tallest OLB in the league once he is drafted plus he has good SPD and ACC. So why is he ranked #6? It?s because of his dreadful 73 TAK and mediocre 58 AWR. I?d so love to hear other GM?s perspectives here because I might be able to narrow down his value that way. For now, I think he could go as high as the middle of round 1 or as low as late round 2.
#7- LOLB-Freddie Keiaho- S.D. State, 23 years old, 5?11?, 226 lbs., 88 SPD, 66 STR, 57 AWR, 82 AGI, 83 ACC, and 75 TAK
Analysis: Keiaho is another speedy OLB along the same lines as Jamar Williams. Now Freddie is a little smaller and Williams and lacks the high-end ACC but he could still be a good fit, especially on the left side, for teams looking to get after the QB. Keiaho is a great example of how Madden works. He really only shines in one attribute, but it happens to be the most important attribute SPD. His 88 SPD is really elite and could create problems all over the place. I?m quite confident that he will be off certain team?s boards because he stands under 6?0? tall. But for the creative GM, he offers something because of his SPD.
The OLB class is a pretty good one this year and so too is the MLB class which is where we turn our attention to next.
MLB
#1- MLB-DQwell Jackson- Maryland- 22 years old, 6?0?, 230 lbs., 82 SPD, 80 STR, 75 AWR, 80 AGI, 84 ACC, and 87 TAK
Analysis: There are three or four players that are in the discussion for the best MLB in this draft. I think they all could be first-round picks. Jackson is the first player in my rankings because he has the best combination of AWR and TAK. His 75 AWR and 87 TAK combined with good physical attributes make him the safest bet to be productive in this league from day one. Now, there are other players who have a higher upside than Jackson but can be good now and later, so he tops the list. Jackson reminds me a bit of the Ravens Bart Scott or the Rams Odell Thurman.
#2- MLB-Leon Williams- Miami, 23 years old, 6?3?, 238 lbs., 85 SPD, 73 STR, 55 AWR, 80 AGI, 89 ACC, and 86 TAK
Analysis: Williams is a very close second to Jackson and in reality, they could be 1a and 1b. If Williams just had better AWR, he would be the clear cut #1, but he doesn?t. His 55 AWR makes me think he will struggle for a year or two until that AWR comes up. Williams has elite level SPD and ACC. He also has good size for the position. So I?m certain that like Jackson, Williams will be a first-round pick.
#3- MLB-Abdul Hodge- Iowa, 23 years old, 6?0?, 236 lbs., 83 SPD, 75 STR, 68 AWR, 80 AGI, 87 ACC, and 85 TAK
Analysis: Hodge is much like Jackson, he?s a smaller-framed LB with good AWR and TAK. His physical attributes are also good. 83 SPD, 80 AGI, and 87 ACC could translate into 85 SPD, 80 AGI, and 90 ACC. I don?t think many GM?s would be disappointed with that combo for their starting MLB. He should be another first-round pick in this year?s draft.
#4- MLB-Stephen Tulloch- N.C. State, 5?11?, 242 lbs., 85 SPD, 80 STR, 69 AWR, 78 AGI, 85 ACC, and 84 TAK
Analysis: If only Tulloch was taller. Will GM?s overlook his height? The ?short? answer is yes. I think they will but probably only after Jackson, Williams, and Hodge are gone. Still, I believe Tulloch is a first-round pick. If you look a couple of years out, Tulloch could be 85 SPD, 80 STR, AGI, and 85 ACC plus. That?s just gold particularly when he starts out with 69 AWR and 84 TAK. All four of these MLB?s are tightly bunched in my mind even though I have ranked them individually.
#5- MLB-DeMeco Ryans- Alabama- 22 years old, 6?1?, 236 lbs., 76 SPD, 84 STR, 71 AWR, 74 AGI, 78 ACC, and 86 TAK
Analysis: Ryans is definitely a tier or two below the first four guys in this class. He doesn?t have the SPD, AGI, and ACC that you want at the position, but he does have 84 STR, 71 AWR, and 86 TAK. Perhaps as a #2 MLB in a 3-4 Ryans can be successful. He just doesn?t have the speed to function in a 4-3. Where does he go in this draft? I?m not completely sure. Maybe late 3rd or early 4th. And hey if he gets a favorable skew it?s even better.
The final section of this guide is the secondary. First, we will look at the CB position. It?s the most important position on the defense. This year?s CB class is not loaded but there is still some guys worth added to rosters.
CB
#1- CB-Marcus Maxey- Miami, 6?1?, 192 lbs., 95 SPD, 49 STR, 53 AWR, 92 AGI, 93 ACC, 60 CTH, and 51 TAK
Analysis: Usually the top CB in the draft class has both height and SPD. He also typically has good AWR and CTH. While Maxey checks the height and SPD boxes, he does not check either of the AWR and CTH boxes. However, he?s still a bit better than any other CB in this class. Initially, some GM?s were anticipating a better version of Antonio Cromartie, but that version has not shown up in this draft class. I think Maxey is a cross between Mike Hawkins of the Falcons and Travis Daniels of the Lions. He?s definitely a first round pick.
#2- CB-Tye Hill- Clemson, 5?10?, 185 lbs., 96 SPD, 48 STR, 64 AWR, 92 AGI, 94 ACC, 64 CTH, and 55 TAK
Analysis: Hill is a prototypical small SPD corner with 96 SPD and 94 ACC. He?s only 5?10? so he will struggle with the taller WR?s in the league but the shorter speed receivers are a good matchup for him. Hill also has 64 AWR which gives him a great head start to high AWR. A comparable for Hill is Nathan Jones.
#3- CB-Jimmy Williams- Virginia Tech- 6?2?, 213 lbs., 89 SPD, 62 STR, 54 AWR, 90 AGI, 93 ACC, 69 CTH, and 70 TAK
Analysis: I expected Cromartie here, I really did. But when you put Williams side by side with Cromartie, Williams gets the slight edge due to his 90 AGI. Williams is a big-body CB who can cover the bigger WR?s in this league. With Williams and Cromartie, GM?s will be looking for a skew up in SPD because that only increases their value. Comparables for Williams are Nnamdi Asomugha of the Dolphins and Curtis DeLoach of the Jets.
#4- CB-Antonio Cromartie- Florida St., 6?2?, 208 lbs., 90 STR, 60 STR, 55 AWR, 84 AGI, 92 ACC, 69 CTH, and 63 TAK
Analysis: Cromartie comes in at #4 in our draft rankings. He and Williams are certainly similar players but I like Williams just a bit better. Cromartie comes in at 6?2? with 90 SPD and 92 ACC and that?s good. What I don?t like about Cromartie is his 84 AGI. I?m not sure he can stay with the bigger receivers who also have good AGI. Comparable for Cromartie would be Nnamdi Asomugha of the Dolphins. I think Cromartie will sneak into round one to make it four CB?s to be taken in the first round.
#5- CB-Josh Lay- Pittsburgh, 23 years old, 6?1?, 197 lbs., 92 SPD, 46 STR, 57 AWR, 93 AGI, 90 ACC, 66 CTH, and 45 TAK
Analysis: There are some bigger names in this draft at CB, but the guy that makes the #5 spot in our CB rankings is none other than the relatively unknown CB-Josh Lay. I love his 6?1? height combined with his 92 SPD, 93 AGI, 90 ACC, and 66 CTH. Are there concerns with Lay? Absolutely, he?s got 46 STR and 45 TAK. I?m not sure he?s going to be an effective tackler, but I think he will be able to cover.
#6- CB-Justin Phinisee- Oregon- 5?11?, 199 lbs., 95 SPD, 38 STR, 60 AWR, 90 AGI, 94 ACC, 61 CTH, and 52 TAK
Analysis: Phinisee is another speed CB only he has a bit more height that Tye Hill. He also has 60 AWR and 61 CTH which are both decent for a rookie. Where he falls short for me is his STR. I guess if you don?t really care about STR in your WR?s you might not care about strength in your CB?s but for me it?s just a bit too much to overlook. It will be interesting to see what the skew does to Phinisee. Being a relatively unknown player means I would expect a bit of a skew down. If there isn?t he?s a good player in a nickel or dime role. A comparable for Phinesee would be a guy like Rod Babers of the Ravens or Jerry Azumah of the Seahawks.
CB?s are the premium position in the secondary, but safeties still matter. In fact, in the initial SFL rosters safeties were speed-deprived and so each draft class that follows has given teams the opportunity to upgrade their speed at the position. This year?s class is no different.
FS
#1- FS-Pat Watkins- Florida St., 6?5?, 212 lbs., 88 SPD, 59 STR, 50 AWR, 83 AGI, 86 ACC, 65 CTH, and 64 TAK
Analysis: He?s 6?5?, need I say more. But that?s not all, he also has 88 SPD and 86 ACC. This guy is a freak of nature and will be ready to torture offenses from day one. I tried to find a current comparable but there was none to be found. He is probably a top 10 talent in this draft but because he is a safety he might slide a bit. Two things to consider with Watkins: 1) He has 50 AWR so that?s not ideal and 2) There?s a decent chance he might skew down in speed. I still think he?s a major talent and other GM?s will agree.
#2- FS-Nate Salley- Ohio State, 6?3?, 220 lbs., 87 SPD, 48 STR, 60 AWR, 91 AGI, 90 ACC, 62 CTH, and 71 TAK
Analysis: Nate Salley comes in at #2 on our FS rankings. Salley is another tall FS at 6?3? with 87 SPD and 90 ACC. These are elite attributes for a FS and, much like Watkins, is a special player. I think he?s the type of player with a high ceiling but also ready to play as a rookie. He has the potential to be a 90 SPD, 90 AGI, and 90 ACC plus player at 6?3? with good AWR, CTH, and TAK. I think he is another first-round talent in this year?s draft.
#3- FS-Anthony Smith- Syracuse, 5?11?, 192 lbs., 91 SPD, 69 STR, 65 AWR, 85 AGI, 88 ACC, 62 CTH, and 59 TAK
Analysis: Smith is a speed safety pure and simple. If he doesn?t skew down, he will be the fifth fastest FS in the league. He has good overall attributes as well including a high end 65 AWR. He?s another in the line of exceptional talent in this draft class. Now he?s almost certain to see a bit of a downward skew in SPD but he?s still going to a fast FS. It becomes difficult to gauge where other GM?s value the safety position as it relates to draft round, but I think he too is probably worthy of a late first-round selection.
#4- FS-Calvin Lowry- Penn State, 5?11?, 200 lbs., 89 SPD, 60 STR, 64 AWR, 90 AGI, 88 ACC, 59 CTH, and 69 TAK
Analysis: Lowry is another speed FS. There aren?t many of them currently in the league which makes him a valuable player. He?s similar to Smith but is two points less in SPD. What he loses in speed he makes up for in his 90 AGI, five points higher than Smith?s. Both players are close in evaluation and some GM?s might rank Lowry higher, particularly if they value the TAK attribute where Lowry is 10 points higher. I believe that like Smith, Lowry is worth a late first round selection in this draft. Four free safeties taken in round one would be pretty unusual for a Madden league so I think GM?s will find great value if any one of these four slips beyond round 1.
#5- FS-Daniel Bullocks- Nebraska, 23 years old, 6?0?, 212 lbs., 87 SPD, 65 STR, 60 AWR, 81 AGI, 87 ACC, 67 CTH, and 66 TAK
Analysis: Bullocks is the final FS listed in my draft guide. He?s not an elite player by any means but he can be a starter in this league. What I love about Bullocks is ready to play from week one. He possesses 60 AWR, 67 CTH, and 66 TAK. All of these attributes are good entry level attributes. Additionally, his 87 SPD and 87 ACC are above average for a player at this position. The one concern I have with him is his 81 AGI. I?d prefer a more agile FS, particularly if he does not have great size. I?d say he is probably a third round grade for me.
From FS we move to SS, where there is a bit less talent than at FS but still some guys worth drafting.
SS
#1- SS-Roman Harper- Alabama, 23 years old, 6?1?, 200 lbs., 87 SPD, 76 STR, 68 STR, 82 AGI, 91 ACC, 63 CTH, and 74 TAK
Analysis: Harper is the type of SS that teams look for. He has good size and STR, but it?s not just his size and STR. He also has great attributes that progress, 68 AWR, 63 CTH, and 74 TAK. Finally, he?s a good athlete with 87 SPD and 91 ACC. If there?s a knock against him it?s his 82 AGI. Obviously, he is a player who can step in and play right away and he should be good for the better part of ten plus years. It is doubtful he will be eligible for second-year progression due to how good he is now. He?s a similar looking player to Corey Chavous of the Vikings and Michael Hawkins of the Panthers. I think he?s a clear-cut first round pick even though he a safety.
#2- SS-Tyrone Culver- Fresno State, 23 years old, 6?1?, 200 lbs., 89 SPD, 67 STR, 57 AWR, 90 AGI, 89 ACC, 64 CTH, and 67 TAK
Analysis: Culver is another valuable SS in this draft class and comes in at #2 in the rankings behind Harper. Culver offers a similar skill set to Harper but has 11 less AWR points which means he?s not ready to make the same first-year impact, but it could also mean he would get his second-year progression. He?s got great physical attributes with 89 SPD, 90 AGI, and 89 ACC. He?s also got good size. I think that?s he worthy of a first round pick, I just don?t know how many teams are looking at SS?s early in the draft.
#3- SS-Bernard Pollard- Purdue, 21 years old, 6?2?, 226 lbs., 86 SPD, 60 STR, 60 AWR, 80 AGI, 88 ACC, 63 CTH, and 80 TAK
Analysis: Pollard is the best tackler at SS in this year?s draft. He boasts an 80 TAK which is great for a veteran SS much less a rookie. His 6?2?, 226 lb. frame combined with 86 SPD and 88 ACC is also an asset for him and what will no doubt catch the attention of teams in this draft. What Pollard lacks is agility, currently being listed at 80 AGI. I feel like the bigger the player the more likely they are not to have good AGI, but it?s still concerning. Also if he were to go down in SPD through the skew that might expose another area of concern. He?s still good but I expect him to be a second-round pick in this draft.
#4- SS-Antoine Bethea- Howard, 22 years old, 5?11?, 203 lbs., 88 SPD, 65 STR, 64 AWR, 90 AGI, 87 ACC, 66 CTH, and 68 TAK
Analysis: The final SS in our draft guide is Antoine Bethea. He comes in at #4 in the rankings. There?s something in me that just doesn?t like SS?s that aren?t at least 6?0? tall. For this reason, Bethea is lower than guys who have less athleticism. If you look past his height, or just don?t care about it, you will find an excellent SS. He?s ready to play immediately with his 64 AWR, 66 CTH, and 68 TAK. His 88 SPD, 90 AGI, and 87 ACC is also very good. I even like his 65 STR. Really the only knock on him is his size. I think he?ll be a second-round pick like Pollard.
There are two positions left in this draft, K and P. Now I don?t have a problem doing rankings for these positions, but are only two kickers and three punters in the entire draft and none of them are that impressive to me, so I?m foregoing those rankings.
To conclude this draft I figured I would give what I think are the top 10 players in this draft. Now, this is based strictly on talent. I?m not at all saying these will be the top 10 picks in the draft because positional needs and value are obvious factors. Here are the top 10 best players I think are in this year?s draft.
#1- WR-Brandon Marshall- I just can?t get over 6?4? and 99 SPD. He is still a broken player in my mind, but he?s a really good one.
#2- WR-Corey Rodgers- Let me repeat myself with a little tweak, I just can?t get over a 6?2?, 99 SPD, 99 AGI, and 97 ACC WR. I think he?s still a little broken in AWR, but he is going to be incredible as well.
#3- ROLB- A.J. Hawk- If his attributes are as they say, I think he?ll be great. I don?t think he makes the immediate impact of Marshall and Rodgers but after second-year progression, nobody is going to want to see him on the other side of the ball.
#4- LT- DBrickashaw Ferguson- He?s just solid at every attribute. Maybe you can criticize the 74 ACC, but that?s it. He?s going to be really good for a really long time.
#5- RE-Darryl Tapp- If he only had more AWR. Even still he?s got talent. He could be scary good if a team invests AP points in him. He?s another broken player but a really good one.
#6- ROLB-Thomas Howard- I?m actually not really high on Howard, but in a couple of years he will be nasty. You have to endure the first year or so, but he is going to be really good.
#7- LT-Marcus McNeill- I?m nervous about his STR, but if that checks out he?s another great one at the tackle position. It?s amazing how much talent he enters the league with.
#8- LOLB-Jamar Williams- Just pure speed at the OLB position. I think two years of progression will just make him a further problem for teams.
#9- RE-Mario Williams- Again he?s a broken player, but he?ll be an incredibly athletic broken player.
#10- MLB-DQwell Jackson- His AWR combined with overall good attributes are what makes him the final player in the top 10.
