The Roundtable: NFL Draft, Scott Boras, and the Effects of Chinese Food

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Tyler Durden: i am ordering chinese for lunch and i’m going to eat it at my desk as a sort of middle finger to those around me.

Marc Bulger: nice

Tyler Durden: has anybody ever dropped some serious science at their desk and then about 2-3 seconds later had somebody come up to your desk to talk to you? you can’t kick that stuff under the rug.

Banky Edwards: Yes but I’m married and stuck in a job with no current chance of advancement. Who am I trying to impress? Plus, since the RT hates most people, they should be proceeding with caution anyhow.

The Moderator: I have and I’ve been called on it.

My favorite thing to do is to crop dust a group of people, so they wonder which person in their group did it.

Banky Edwards: From STL today boards, no clue why the 8’s show up like that. Anybody else like the fact that Weatherspoon didn’t show up in that mock draft? But then again, I’d trust Kipers mock draft a lot more, his hair does not lie.

By Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN.com
Archive This is not a mock draft. Let me just state that up front. As we enter the time of year where those begin to arrive, I hear constantly how “So-and-so could never go No. 1!” when people check out the latest board — to which I’ll often reply, “Couldn’t agree more.” The Big Board is about the best pro prospects, not where they’ll land. This is about determining value. It’s about deciding what pick was a reach, and what pick was a source of great value.

When I do unveil my first mock — in the third week of January — Jake Locker won’t be in it, which is a noticeable change in this week’s Big Board as well. Locker — wisely, as I’ve said for a while — decided to stay in school, even with his stock rising. He could very well end up atop this board next year. But he’s out of the picture for now for the purposes of the Big Board, so read on for the latest shuffle.

1) Ndamukong SuhDT6-4300Analysis: Explosive, relentless and consistent. Last week: No. 1
2) Gerald McCoyDT6-4297Analysis: Disruptive force. Productive NFL career ahead. Last week: No. 2
3) Eric BerryDB5-11203Analysis: Ultimate playmaker, in the Ed Reed mold. Last week: No. 3
4) Jimmy Clausen QB 6-3223Analysis: Improved through adversity, has under-center experience. Last week: No. 4
5) Sam BradfordQB6-4223Analysis: Has underrated arm, great feel for position; is superaccurate. Last week: No. 6
6) Russell Okung OT6-5300Analysis: Athletic, strong and fiery blind-side pass-protector. Last week: No. 7
7) Joe Haden CB5-11190Analysis: Polished cover corner with tackling ability to match. Last week: No. 7
8) Derrick Morgan DE6-4275Analysis: Proven pass-rusher (12.5 sacks this season), stout versus run. Last week: No. 9
9) Dez Bryant WR6-2220Analysis: Dynamic receiver, punt returner and TD maker. Last week: No. 10
10) Brian Price DT6-2300Analysis: Powerful leverage guy who wreaks havoc. Last week: No. 11
11) Rolando McClain LB6-4258Analysis: Fiery, vocal team leader with top instincts for position. Last week: No. 12
12) Jason Pierre-Paul DE6-5262Analysis: Explosive, natural pass-rusher out of juco ranks. Last week: No. 13
13) Taylor Mays S6-3235Analysis: Has linebacker size with cornerback speed. Last week: No. 14
14) C.J. Spiller RB5-11195Analysis: Multitalented, superfast, electrifying game-breaker. Last week: No. 15
15) Everson Griffen DE6-3280Analysis: Supremely talented, now gaining the necessary consistency. Last week: No. 16
16) Carlos Dunlap DE6-6290Analysis: Physical tools are off the charts. Has unlimited upside. Last week: No. 17
17) Dan Williams DT6-3327Analysis: High motor, consistent, tremendously powerful lower body.Last week: No. 18
18) Aaron Hernandez TE6-2250Analysis: Great hands and excellent run-after-catch skills for a TE. Last week: No. 19
19) Brandon Graham DE6-2270Analysis: Awesome athlete and force off the edge. Last week: No. 20
20) Jahvid Best EB5-10195Analysis: Versatile, game-breaker supreme. Last week: NR
21) Sergio Kindle LB6-4255Analysis: Production finally matches his talent. Last week: No. 21
22) Jermaine Gresham TE6-6258Analysis: The best pass-catching tight end in college football. Last week: No. 22
23) Jerry Hughes DE6-3257Analysis: Prolific pass-rusher who could be a 3-4 OLB. Last week: No. 23
24) Sean Weatherspoon LB6-2245Analysis: Makes plays all over the field. Last week: No. 24
25) Patrick Robinson CB5-11193

McShays newest Mock :
1) St. Louis RamsRecord: 1-12
Ndamukong Suh, DT, NebraskaReach for a quarterback or take the top defensive lineman in the class? Tough call, but we think the Rams should take Suh. Anyone who saw the Big 12 championship game knows what kind of effect the explosive Suh can have on a game. He is a disruptive run defender with the arm strength to toss aside blockers and the quickness to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Although he isn’t the most polished pass-rusher, he clearly has great potential in this area.
2) Tampa Bay BuccaneersRecord: 1-12
Eric Berry*, S, TennesseeThe Bucs might be hesitant to take a safety with the second overall selection, but we believe he’s the premier prospect in the 2010 class. Much like the Baltimore Ravens’ All-Pro Ed Reed, Berry is a game-changer with exceptional versatility.
3) Cleveland BrownsRecord: 2-11
Derrick Morgan*, DE, Georgia TechMorgan can anchor at the point of attack, make plays in pursuit, get to the quarterback coming off the edge and drop into coverage. That type of versatility would be a nice addition to a Browns defensive front seven that lacks difference-makers.
4) Detroit LionsRecord: 2-11
Gerald McCoy*, DT, OklahomaThe Lions are in dire need of a difference-maker along the defensive front, and McCoy is the prototypical 3-technique with the quick first step and power to make a living in opposing backfields.
5) Kansas City ChiefsRecord: 3-10
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma StateHelp up front might be Kansas City’s greatest need. LOT Branden Albert — a first-round pick in 2008 — has had problems staying healthy, and he could slide to the right side or even inside to guard if the Chiefs land a franchise left tackle. Okung is the most complete offensive tackle prospect in this class and could provide that piece of the puzzle for Kansas City.
6) Oakland RaidersRecord: 4-9
Carlos Dunlap*, DE, FloridaDunlap is very much a buyer-beware prospect. On one hand, an arrest on DUI charges the week of the SEC championship game and questions about his work ethic raise red flags. On the other hand, 290-pound defensive linemen who move as well as he does are few and far between.
7) Washington RedskinsRecord: 4-9
Sam Bradford*, QB, OklahomaSurgery on his throwing shoulder and concerns about the scheme he played in at Oklahoma caused Bradford to fall behind Locker on our board. On the other hand, Bradford has the physical tools and football IQ to quickly develop into an effective starting NFL quarterback.
8) Denver Broncos (from 5-8 Chicago)Record: 8-5
Rolando McClain*, ILB, AlabamaMcClain is a tough, relentless run stopper who masks his lack of ideal range with great instincts and his ability to take good angles. He’s not a two-down linebacker, either, and can more than hold his own in underneath coverage.
9) Seattle SeahawksRecord: 5-8
Trent Williams, OT, OklahomaWilliams moved from the right to the left side this year, and while he didn’t fare as well this season as he had in previous seasons, he is capable of quickly developing into an effective NFL starting right tackle. He is a tough run-blocker who drives his feet once in position, and he can hold his own in pass protection when his footwork is sound.
10) Buffalo BillsRecord: 5-8
Anthony Davis*, OT, RutgersDavis comes with a bit of baggage, but there isn’t an offensive lineman in the 2010 class with a better combination of size and agility.
11) San Francisco 49ersRecord: 6-7
Joe Haden*, CB, FloridaSan Francisco’s pass defense has been a liability this season, and the 49ers need to inject some youth and talent into their cornerback unit. Haden is the best cover corner in his class, has the burst to stalk receivers underneath and shows the speed to run with them downfield.
12) Pittsburgh SteelersRecord: 6-7
Bruce Campbell*, OT, MarylandCampbell is a work in progress and could benefit from another year in college, but he is shooting up draft boards after a strong 2009 season and might be too talented for the Steelers, who need help at offensive tackle, to pass up.
13) San Francisco 49ers (from 5-8 Carolina)Record: 6-7
Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, TexasSan Francisco could reach for an offensive lineman like Bryan Bulaga here, but in our opinion, Kindle is too good a value to pass up. Although he has to improve his ability to anchor against the run, he has the burst and agility base 3-4 defenses covet at outside linebacker.
14) Houston TexansRecord: 6-7
Earl Thomas**, S, TexasLike Berry, there isn’t much Thomas can’t do on a football field. He can match up with slot receivers and blitz off the edge, has great range in coverage and steps up in run support.
15) Tennessee TitansRecord: 6-7
Jason Pierre-Paul*, DE, South FloridaPierre-Paul wreaks havoc off the edge and would be a nice addition to the Titans, whose defensive ends are showing signs of aging.
16) Atlanta FalconsRecord: 6-7
Navorro Bowman*, OLB, Penn StateThe Falcons need an impact player at cornerback, but the next-best corner, Florida State’s Patrick Robinson, is not worth taking this early. Bowman has some off-the-field baggage, but he might be the best all-around athlete at linebacker in this class.
17) Baltimore RavensRecord: 7-6
Dez Bryant*, WR, Oklahoma StateBaltimore needs to give 2008 first-round pick and franchise QB Joe Flacco a playmaker at receiver. Bryant was ruled ineligible by the NCAA earlier this season, but teams have seen more than enough to know he can stretch the field.
18) Jacksonville JaguarsRecord: 7-6
Bruce Carter*, OLB, North CarolinaJacksonville could upgrade at outside linebacker, and Carter would be an excellent value here. He would benefit from adding some bulk to his frame, but he’s a rangy run-stopper and he shows above-average ball skills in coverage.
19) New York GiantsRecord: 7-6
Brandon Spikes*, ILB, FloridaAntonio Pierce sustained a season-ending neck injury and has just one year left on his contract, so Spikes would be a good fit as a future replacement. While injuries slowed Spikes this year, he is an instinctive run-stopper who can make plays all over the field when he’s healthy. He also has flashed big-play ability in coverage.
20) New York JetsRecord: 7-6
Bryan Bulaga*, OT, IowaBulaga plays a bit high and his footwork could be better, but the Jets need help at tackle and he’s the best available.
21) Miami DolphinsRecord:7-6
Golden Tate*, WR, Notre DameTate is a bit of a reach this high, but the Dolphins are in desperate need of a playmaker at wide receiver and he’s the next-best one this class has to offer behind Bryant.
22) Arizona CardinalsRecord: 8-5
Jermaine Gresham, TE, OklahomaGresham missed the entire 2009 season with a knee injury, and he doesn’t offer much as a run-blocker. However, our film evaluation makes it clear he has what it to takes to develop into one of the most productive and dangerous receiving tight ends in the league.
23) Seattle Seahawks (from 8-5 Denver)Record: 5-8
Jimmy Clausen*, QB, Notre DameCurrent starter Matt Hasselbeck is 34 years old, and backup Seneca Wallace doesn’t appear to be the long-term answer. There are concerns about Clausen’s release and he doesn’t have ideal arm strength, but his mobility and accuracy underneath would make him a good fit for a West Coast offense.
24) Dallas CowboysRecord: 8-5
Taylor Mays, S, USCWe’ve seen Mays get caught out of position far too often to move him ahead of Berry or Thomas. However, it’s rare to find defensive backs with Mays’ size and speed combination, and he would be an upgrade for the Cowboys.
25) New England PatriotsRecord: 8-5
Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, ClemsonNew England desperately needs to improve its pedestrian pass rush, and Sapp has the burst to provide that much-needed spark. He has lined up primarily at end in college but has shown he can be effective working out of a two-point stance and would be a good fit for the Patriots’ base 3-4 defense.
26) Green Bay PackersRecord: 9-4
C.J. Spiller, RB, ClemsonIn this scenario, Spiller slides down the board and Green Bay wins the lottery. Spiller would add a big-play element to the running game, and his ability to motion out into the slot makes him an excellent fit for the Packers’ pass-heavy scheme.
27) Cincinnati BengalsRecord: 9-4
Marvin Austin*, DT, North CarolinaCincinnati leads the league in rushing defense but having quality depth and talent at defensive tackle is essential to staying on top of the AFC North, so adding Austin makes sense. He’s a stout interior run defender and powerful bull rusher.
28) Philadelphia EaglesRecord: 9-4
Vladimir Ducasse, OT, MassachusettsDucasse is 330 pounds and his feet might not be quick enough to hold up at left tackle, where he played at UMass, but he still moves well for his size and we think he could develop into a starting right tackle. If he doesn’t pan out at tackle, he has the makings of an excellent guard.
29) San Diego ChargersRecord: 10-3
Jonathan Dwyer*, RB, Georgia TechDarren Sproles is an excellent change-of-pace back, but he’s too small to be the primary ball carrier, and 30-year-old LaDainian Tomlinson hasn’t looked the same the past two years. Taking Dwyer here would give the Chargers a physical between-the-tackles runner capable of carrying the ball 20-plus times and setting up the play-action package.
30) Minnesota VikingsRecord: 11-2
Brian Price*, DT, UCLAPrice is said to be leaning toward entering the upcoming draft. He’s a quick and powerful defender who could provide some much-needed depth behind aging starters Kevin Williams and Pat Williams.
31) Indianapolis ColtsRecord: 13-0
Jared Odrick, DT, Penn StateOdrick doesn’t have great athletic ability, but he’s quick, flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly and plays with a nonstop motor, making him a good fit for an Indianapolis organization looking to upgrade its run defense.
32) New Orleans SaintsRecord: 13-0
Dan Williams, DT, TennesseeWilliams is a reach here, but like Indianapolis, the Saints should be looking to upgrade their run defense, and adding the 311-pound Williams would be a step in the right direction.

* – Draft eligible junior

Tyler Durden: most places have weatherspoon dropping

todd mcshay called claussen a late first round early second round project. i can’t believe he gets paid for his insight. same guy that said jamarcus russell was a can’t miss. he’s mel kiper’s b*tch.

Randal “Pink” Floyd: I agree that Suh has to be the obvious pick at No. 1. We need a beast on that side of the ball.

Antowan Randel El: I don’t see him being a BUST like Long.

Banky Edwards: I’m good with Suh at #1, don’t see Spoon as a risk in the 2nd. Thoughts on Tony Pike as a project QB? And if Alexander drops to the 2nd round, I guess you’d have to take him over Spoon.

Tyler Durden: can somebody explain to me what is so f’ing hard about getting a complimentary back to steven jackson.?

if i were running the rams, my first 2 things i would do is:
1) get michael vick or jason campbell when the season is over
2) draft suh

Randal “Pink” Floyd: They have to draft a legitimate RB in the 2nd or 3rd round. If you have Vick (or Campbell) that gives you the option to wait on a QB until the 4th or 5th if you want to.

I really want the draft to go Suh then a RB in the 2nd. Immediate impact on both sides of the ball. After that, best available player and just sneak a QB in whenever.

Banky Edwards: I don’t pass on Alexander for a RB, but that’s just me.

Second thought: How random are our reactions to celebrity misbehavior? You’d think there would be some general moral principle at work here, but there just isn’t. Barry Bonds and Shawne Merriman allegedly did exactly the same thing: took performance-enhancing drugs that gave them a decided advantage over their peers. Bonds became a pariah. Merriman went to the Pro Bowl. Leonard Little left a party, got into his car and hit and killed a young woman. He blew .19 on the Breathalyzer. What happened to him? He did 60 days. Six years later, he was arrested for drunk driving again. He still plays for the Rams. Michael Vick did bad things to dogs and went to jail for two years and become the personification of evil. I mean, I love dogs and I was appalled by Vick’s behavior. But in what universe is it a bigger crime to fight pit bulls than it is to get wasted and kill an innocent person? (Let’s not even get into Plaxico Burress, whose case proves, I guess, how unexpectedly seriously New York state courts take the crime of stupidity). And now we have Tiger Woods, who fooled around on his wife and hit a fire hydrant. And in the middle of this absurd circus, the reigning King of Kings of the NBA and role model to millions is a man who not that long ago was accused of rape and lucked out of a trial because, by all appearances, he was able to buy off his accuser in a civil settlement. Huh? Maybe with your book royalties, you can endow the Sports Guy Chair of Celebrity Philosophy at Holy Cross to try to work this out.

Tyler Durden: also can we stop acting like tiger’s wife is a victim that we need to feel sorry for. she married an athlete and got what she deserved like every other b*tch that trades it in for the easy life.

Antowan Randel El: Nice!

Marc Bulger: she had the amount increased on the pre nuptial, she’s a prostitute

Antowan Randel El: Yep….a rich one at that.

Tyler Durden: hi, my name is prostitute and originally my prenup said that i get paid $10 million if i stay with tiger for 7 years, but then i had it changed to me getting $55 million after 10 years yet when he gets caught cheating on me i am going to act like i had no idea and make everyone feel sorry for me like i was living in a gutter eating cig butts while he was out cheating. also after this i will go marry another rich guy too.

Antowan Randel El: Is that an original press release? It sounds well written.

Tyler Durden: should have been

Banky Edwards: I would just like welcome the Blues offense to the 2010 campaign. It’s nice to finally see it after 30 games. For those that didn’t watch, TJ Oshie officially made Ethan Moreau his b!tch. And I’m also inviting Perron to rejoin the party. War the Note.

The Moderator: Now they need to do it at home.

Banky Edwards: Agreed, no reason we shouldn’t be at the same level as the Blackhawks at this point.

Tyler Durden: i am once again in the mode where i can’t watch blues hockey. i don’t care what they’ve done in the last couple games they are truly pathetic. i watched 3 games this year and they gave zero effort. so if they want to play in a league that is nearly bankrupt and will be extinct in our lifetime and not give effort and reason for fringe fans like me to watch they can blow me.

The Moderator: Javier Vazquez is going back to the Yankees with Boone Logan for Melky Cabrera, Michael Dunn, and another prospect.

Tyler Durden: melky cabrera is absolute dogsh*t

also buster olney said the yankees have inquired about aaron harang.

The Moderator: The Harang deal is dead because of this. The Yankees also asked about Lowe, Maholm, and a few others.

Agreed on Melky – he’ll be forgotten in ATL.

Tyler Durden: where will damon end up?

The Moderator: I don’t know, but he’s not making the 2 yr $22MM he and Boras wants.

Tyler Durden: there is a guy from yahoo sports saying that holliday has a significant offer from an east coast team. and when reached for comment boras said that he has several offers. sounds like its late in the game and boras is reverting back to his old tactics of trying to get a team(the cardinals) to bid against themselves. luckily mozeliak is aware that the market is “fluid” and they are monitoring the situation. maybe boras shouldn’t have promised his client the moon.

Boras is an idiot.

How long until we just tell Holliday to take a walk. Part of me really wants that to happen.

Marc Bulger: yeah it’s dragging on to long, I thought he only had a week to decide

The Moderator: I don’t know, but there is speculation that the Yankees are in on Holliday and Bay now that Melky is gone.

Tyler Durden: and that speculation was created by boras. this is where he gets idiots to bid against themselves

The Moderator: I don’t think this is Boras talk. The Yankees don’t have a left fielder and have a history of going big on holes; I don’t see them going after a Xavier Nady or Mark DeRosa for LF. It’ll also have a snowball effect, causing the Red Sox to move for Bay or Holliday as well.

Tyler Durden: what is the cardinals back up plan?

The Moderator: DeRosa most likely, which wouldn’t be a good move; he’s still asking for 3 yrs $18MM – too much for a 35 year old. I’ve heard Dye, Beltre, and Tejada, although a younger guy would be better for a long term fit. There’s still talk of Dunn; I think we could get him with Mitch Boggs and Tyler Greene, which I would be OK with if Washington threw in a little money.

Randal “Pink” Floyd: I like Dunn.

Tyler Durden: i’ll take adam dunn for sure. i would almost rather do that than get locked into holliday. i could also live with tejada i guess but beltre is only good in contract years.

when do we bring up that flame thrower from springfield? is it sanchez or something?

The Moderator: Eduardo Sanchez. They’ll give him a shot in the Spring, but I see him spending most of the season in Memphis. I’m not sold on these hard throwers they sign, since most of them have control problems. Francisco Samuel and Fernando Salas were in the same spot coming into last season, and both couldn’t hit the strike zone this year.

Tyler Durden: that’s what they said about mel rojas and look what happened there.

fernando rodney is talking to the angels. wouldn’t mind getting him.

The Moderator: He’s good when not pitching 3 innings in a game.

Tyler Durden: i heard on bernie’s [Miklasz’s Show] the yankees are saying they don’t have interest in a long term contract with someone like bay or holliday because they would rather wait for next year’s class that includes joe mauer and carl crawford. also said that atlanta has been talking about offering damon a contract.

The Moderator: I don’t know if I believe that; yes next years free agent class is stronger, but Bay and Holliday would still be near the top of the class. Since this class is weak, the prices of these 2 will be lower than if there are better players getting better deals next year.

Tyler Durden: its more the money is what he said they are saying. they are not interested in getting tied up with long term contracts is what he was saying. not to mention holliday wasn’t worth 18 dollars when he played in the AL in the first go around.