This is a quick and dirty expose of my draft board and general assessment of the class. PW data is not taken into consideration.
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Quarterback
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1. Erik Ainge | projected round: round 1
2. Chad Henne | projected round: round 1
3. Matt Ryan | projected round: round 2
The skinny: This is a good draft class to pick up a QB to groom. There isnt anyone who can really start straight away but this league is tough on rookies. There are no less than 5 viable prospects.
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Tailback
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1. Jonathan Stewart | projected round: round 1
2. Matt Forte | projected round: round 1
3. Rahsard Mendenhall | projected round: round 2
The skinny: Although the class of tailbacks this year doesnt on the surface appear to have the same quality as last year, there are some nice players. A good private workout would be needed to justify taking any of these guys higher than mid round 1 for me.
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Fullback
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1. Mike Tolbert | projected round: round 2
2. Marcel Reece | projected round: round 2-3
The skinny: These are 2 really nice players at an unheralded position. Both have the size and athleticism to be very effective from Day 1.
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Wide Receiver
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1. James Hardy | projected round: round 1
2. Jordy Nelson | projected round: round 1
3. Malcolm Kelly | projected round: round 1-2
The skinny: There is no one as elite as Megatron but this is a nice receiving class, with some big guys and fast guys. Other guys such as Thomas, Jackson may get 1st round consideration as receiving and returning threats.
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Tight End
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1. Gary Barnidge | projected round: round 1
2. Martellus Bennett | projected round: round 2-3
The skinny: Barnidge is a bonafide stud. The rest of the class is all filler no killer.
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Offensive Tackle, Guard
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1. Carl Nicks | projected round: round 1
2. Chilo Rachal | projected round: round 1
3. Jake Long l | projected round: round 1
The skinny: Another good draft for offensive tackles and guards, although Nicks may be the only genuine stud RT.
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Center
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1.Cory Lichtenstigr | projected round: round 1-2
2. Steve Justice l | projected round: round 2
The skinny: A very decent C class too - definite potential for 2-3 starters out of this year's intake.
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Defensive End (4-3)
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1. Calais Campbell | projected round: round 1
2. Chris Long | projected round: round 1
3. Derek Harvey | projected round: round 1-2
The skinny: A handful of very legit players without the apparent flaws of some of last year's class.
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Defensive End (3-4)
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1. Chris Long | projected round: round 1
2. Lawrence Jackson l | projected round: round 1-2
The skinny: A handful of very legit players without the apparent flaws of some of last year's class.
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Defensive Tackle (4-3)
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1. Frank Okham | projected round: round 1-2
2. Jason Shirley | projected round: round 2
3. Trevor Laws | projected round: round 2
The skinny: Okham can play either scheme and Shirley and Laws have pass rush ability.
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Defensive Tackle (3-4)
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1. Frank Okham | projected round: round 1-2
2. Red Bryant | projected round: round 1-2
The skinny: Okham's strength may not be all that but I think his size fits the nose tackle profile to a tee. As long as his strength doesnt take a hit, he is also very athletic for such a big guy. Bryant has amazing strength but for my liking a little - a tad - underweight. However, that is nitpicking and he has the potential to be the better NT ife the skew isn't unkind.
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Outside Linebacker
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1. Keith Rivers | projected round: round 1-2
2. Chris Chamberlain | projected round: round 2
3. Mike Humpal | projected round: round 2
The skinny: No real elite prospects and a private workout necessary to pull the trigger in round 1. However, with a positive skew, any of 3-5 guys could be very good.
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Inside Linebacker
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1. Curtis Lofton | projected round: round 1-2
2. Philip Wheeler | projected round: round 1-2
3. Dan Connor l | projected round: round 1-2
The skinny: Some nice potential in this group too but a positive workout a must.
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Safety
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1. Domonique Barber | projected round: round 1
2. Craig Steltz | projected round: round 1-2
3. Caleb Campbell | projected round: round 2
The skinny: Barber has a very high ceiling. Outside of Steltz, Campbell and Morgan, the class is very average.
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Cornerback
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1. Aqib Talib | projected round: round 1
2. Brandon Flowers | projected round: round 1-2
3. Terrell Thomas | projected round: round 2
The skinny: A mediocre class truth be told. Talib shouldnt be higher than a top 15 pick but will go higher due to the dearth of talent. Flowers is 5-9 but is polished for a rookie. He's also only 1 inch smaller than Leodis McKelvin - but is a better athlete and better in press coverage. In past years he'd be a 2-3 round prospect. Thems the breaks.
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