JPN 1st Qtr Mock 10.4.12

[JustPlainNasty]

This mock is kind of geared for a mid round selection with a mind set of a variation defense of a 4-3/3-4 defense. My major concern is always talent & talent mismatches over perceived need. I know most wont like the idea of the 1st pick, but if you could get JJ Watt would you take him, he has that kind of potential/effect on a game.

1. Joe Kruger - DE-Utah - 6’7 280



Kruger is a player in the mold of JJ Watt. He constantly causes pressure, and has a nastiness. He's going under the radar at the moment but often outshines the other Star on the team. Check out tonight's USC vs Utah game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA3Z8ntZ0gU


2. Sean Porter - LB - Texas A &M - 6’2 230



Porter could very likely go much higher if a team takes a chance on his "quickness". Truthfully I'm not a fan of his potential as a 3-4 OLB as much as I am of what I now see for potential as an ILB or possibly a 4-3OLB.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfUlsnuwLGc


3. Mike Mauti - LB - Penn St- 6’2” 232



As a PSU alum I often find myself being highly critical of PSU players. This time however I'm biting on Mauti, even just for his performance last Saturday vs Illinois. Quite honestly the thing I liked most about it was his coverage on punts. The star/captain linebacker hustling down on punts as if he was a freshman trying to make the team, not to mention all the other stand out things he did and has done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71BWyDD6Jk8


4. DJ Swearinger - S - South Carolina - 6’0 210

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zzy5UTdmWY&feature=fvwrel

He may be more of a SS candidate but when I first saw him play I was thinking who is this linebacker? Then I saw him lined up at corner vs the teams #1 or even #2 receiver either way it was vs and SEC team and I was like what? He is an intriguing player to watch and even more so love the fact that he is a leader and a bit crazy.



5. Joseph Fauria - TE - UCLA - 6’7” 255



I bet the knock on Fauria will be about his blocking. I had some impressions of that early but I have seen more good than bad. Regardless Im more concerned with the fact that he can separate in tight quarters and is a hands catcher. His blocking is capable of as good or better than just about any of our current TE's with room to grow. Also has been an asset as far as Special Teams blocks etc.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4xazpvM4TQ

6. Isi Sofele - RB - California 5’8” 205



This little guy plays big, Im surprised to see his ratings so low in other media sources, but really I laugh at a lot of things I see or dont see in the "top" sources. Tough enough between the tackles, he's everything we wish Rainey could be in the mismatch, passing and running game. He's a lot scarier in the open field. Don't let the height be a concern, he's 205 tough and durable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&NR=1&v=SbpkOU-sG0w

7. Broderick Brown -CB - 5’8” 185

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKNAKWh_ogk

This guy is sick and always makes plays. If not for height he'd be way up the boards. The play on youtube exemplifies his abilities, mindset and instincts.


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[FourThreeMafia]

I dont think Kruger is anywhere near Watt in terms of overall talent, even if they are similar types of players.

That being said, I cant see them spending another first on a player like that. If it was JJ Watt or a player similar, Id agree. And chances are, if that was/is the case. he would be drafted long before he fell to us. I dont see us picking higher than 16-18.

Anyway, its hard for me to like this draft at this point for the mere fact that I dont know what will be happening next year in terms of who our DC will be and what our defense will look like.

I do like the draft positionally and that its defense loaded. But in terms of the players, at this point....i dont really care for it.

Alot can and will change in the next 7 months though.
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[JustPlainNasty]

More so , just a draft to make you aware of some potentials. I don't want to compare him to Watt so much because Watt is more versatile but he does provide the same type pass rush/pocket push maybe even better. He's a junior and was a very disruptive force last year on the rotation opposite Lotulelei.

Just the concept that if you can get a disruptive force. I do have us figured in the 16-18 slot for this mock actually. I see Kruger in the 9-12 range, at max potential. I saw Watt as the #2-3 overall despite common perception that he was 10-12 range at best.

Tonight Utah vs USC, Id expect Star to have a good game as USC's center situation w/ or w/o Holmes can be ugly, Holmes has to be one of the slower Centers Ive ever seen get off the ball.
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[stillersenat]

I guess since Porter is our second pick he will hang around a few years, making some noise in training camp, then finally be released since he couldn't develop into an NFL caliber player?
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[FourThreeMafia]

[kethnaab]

[1BackInBlackFan]

Mauti has already had blown ACLs on both knees. Too much of a risk durability wise. I don't see him having a long career in the NFL.
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The cool high-flying Troy sig courtesy of Lysar529. Great work!

[jebrick]

[whit09]

Personally, I was for trading up for JJ Watt like the Steelers did with Polamalu. I argued he had Ngata-like potential. Everyone thought I was insane. He is now well on his way to fullfilling that.

I first noticed Joe Kruger in Pitt's 2010 season opener at Utah. He's a more complete D-Lineman than his brother Paul, I'd argue. However I'm still not sure if he's a lock for being a first rounder. Close, though.

On Mauti, I highly doubt he goes that early. Injury history, as had been said. Mauti is not even the best LB at PSU, that being Gerald Hodges. But, the guy does get better and better the more he's on the field, which is always a good sign for a pro career.

I'm a fan of DJ Swearinger, I think he would fit in perfect here, nasty suspension-worthy hits and all.

[FourThreeMafia]

[kysteeler]

Give me a trade up for Eric Reid or stay put and take Manti Te'o. As of right now at least...

[JustPlainNasty]

Kruger has a left foot injury for USC game

I love how they call Holmes the best center. Its so funny how sheepish this ratings industry is. He's slow and exposes his pads. Cal figured him out horribly last year, the map is out there. Cal's two NT's gave him fits last year and demolished him and Barkley.
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[ImissEricGreen]

Chances are DJ Swearinger will be a 2nd rd pick, i was hoping he woudl fly under the radar but as you said, to see him constantly cover the other team 1 or 2 is amazing.

[snoopydawg44us]

Next yr I dont care who we draft as long as its a ILB, OLB 1st, 2nd no special order I do like the Notre Dame ILB Teo

[FourThreeMafia]