The day before the 2013 draft

With one day left I should probably stop neglecting my blog and at least list my possible scenarios.  Here are some I like without trade implications.

Scenario 1:

#7        Lane Johnson

#38      Matt Elam

#69      Barrett Jones

#103    A.J. Klein

#140    Marcus Lattimore

#174    Sean Renfree

#219    Theo Riddick

Lane Johnson seems like he’ll be an All-Pro caliber LT in a couple of years.  Due to his high demand there is little chance of getting him later.  Right now it’s a stretch that we’ll land him at #7.  He’d fill the #1 need on O and he’d be the BPA and there aren’t any other Ts and it just happens to be the 2^nd most important position on O.

I love what Elam brings at FS.  He’s a relentless pursuer and a hard hitter.  He’s first round talent taken in the 2^nd round.  He also happens to fill a top 5 need on D and be BPA.

Why wouldn’t you take the national Scrabble champion as your Center?  Plus, Barrett can play C or G and be a good fill in at T.  He’s a steal in round 3.  He fills need and BPA.

A.J. Klein plays the game the right way.  He’s got great instinct and technique, albeit he isn’t speedy.  But at the unsexiest position other than NT, he’d be a great fit at SILB.  He’ll start at our 1^st biggest need on D.

At #140 Marcus Lattimore doesn’t pose any risk.  It’s a no brainer to take him here.  He might have a freakish injury thing, but he’s a great talent and character guy to take a “risk” on.  We need some late round RB help.

I love the idea of picking up Renfree late.  I think he has as much talent as some of the guys in the top 10 QBs.  He can sit and learn and heal behind CP and DS.

Riddick doesn’t quite fit the O, but as at #219 who cares.  He’s talented and maybe BA can find a fit for him.  I see him as a steal if he goes to the right scheme.  Like the  Houston Texans.

-         In this scenario we fill the #1, #2, and #3 needs on O.  And we fill the #1 and #3 needs on D.  Each player fits BPA and is selected at the appropriate position for optimum draft value.  I’m not saying we’ll land these guys there, but I was stunned to watch Massie inexplicably slide to the 4^th last year so I’ll be watching with bated breath.

Scenario 2:

#7        Star Lotulelei

#38      EJ Manuel

#69      Kyle Long

#103    Dallas Thomas

#140    Dion Sims

#174    Lerentee McCray

#219    Brandon Magee

Star is probably the best player in the draft.  He is an absolute freak on the Dline.  I’d press hard to trade Dockett for a 3^rd rounder in this scenario.  Star doesn’t fill a need, but he is a guy you’ll be happy with taking.

EJ Manuel is a very good QB.  He isn’t ready to play just yet, but with CP and DS he doesn’t need to be.  Maybe this is a bit early to pick a guy that will be #3 on your depth chart, but he is a remarkable talent.

Kyle Long is a project.  But he has good genes.  At the very worst you get a pretty good G.  If he can develop into a T, all the better.

Dallas Thomas is slipping because of a dumb injury scare.  I love his talent.  A total steal in Round 4.  To be clear, he’s not a T.  Not even close.  He’ll be a start G though.

Dion Sims has tremendous hands and immense size.  I’d love to see them land him as a blocking TE that can pick up 1^st downs through the air.

McCray always caught my eye when I scouted Bostic and Elam.  He seemed to be in the right place often.  I don’t see him as an elite OLB, but he could develop into a very good one.  Plus, he’ll be a welcome addition to the ST.

Magee just can’t catch a break.  Amazing talent unrealized.  I think he’ll find a niche for someone and be a special player.  People worry about his size.  In the 7^th round, who cares about size anymore?

- This scenario is less exciting to me, but would fill some much need holes with great talent at their given draft value.