2014 NFL Draft -- too early for a thread?

[MarkGrace]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...gs/TSX/2014_QB
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...kings/TSX/2014

[Color Me Badd Fan]

Check out what's going on with the Redskins' pick that was traded to the Rams in the RG3 trade. Currently it stands at #2 in a draft where there's a big premium on the top 2 picks. It's fairly unlikely that the Texans, who are #1 right now, will pick Clowney because of the 3-4 they run and the fact that they really need a QB. Bridgewater is a legit prospect and the Texans will probably just pick him. So then you have the Rams sitting there at #2 again, just like 2011, with half the league wanting Clowney and the Rams not one of them since they have Chris Long and Robert Quinn -- they're the last team in the league that actually needs a defensive end.

A very possible trade partner are the Vikings. First, the Rams wouldn't trade very far back in the first round but they could still get additional picks -- possibly Minnesota's 2015 first rounder. Minnesota might decide to stay put and pick another QB. With Jared Allen leaving however, DE is also a need. Atlanta is currently sitting at #3 overall and they probably need a DE even more.

[smokymountainrain]

It's never too early for a draft thread.

[Sizzle]

Kyle Van Noy goes in round 3. Cody Hoffman in round 5. Calling my (way too early) shot.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

Kelvin Benjamin is a redshirt sophomore yet is 23 years old?

[cougjunkie]

Kelvin Benjamin is a redshirt sophomore yet is 23 years old?

Probably went on a mission

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

[Color Me Badd Fan]

I hope Benjamin runs a 4.7 40 so the Niners can pick him in the 2nd round.

[Sizzle]

I hope Benjamin runs a 4.7 40 so the Niners can pick him in the 2nd round.

With 13 picks and hardly any major holes, the 49ers are going to be active moving, either up or out of the draft. They have their first, which will be late in the first round, but two numbers twos (theirs and the Chiefs) and two number threes (theirs and the Titans from trading down last year) and I believe they may receive a third as a compensatory pick for losing Dashon Goldson to Tampa. That is six picks in the first three rounds for a team who probably won't have six roster spots that they'll want to fill, especially with Chris Culliver, Tank Carradine and Marcus Lattimore essentially being three guys they'll look to add to the active roster next year.

With that, I think there are four areas they will/should look to address in the first three rounds. Wide receiver is one, corner is another, DL depth is a third, and backup QB is a 4th. Since they'll be picking later in the 3rd with their compensatory pick, that makes a lot of sense to target a backup QB, unless they can get a guy who slides in round 1.

I wouldn't be surprised to see some movement up to land a WR. Sammy Watkins is probably out of their range, but Marquis Lee (whom I really like) and Mike Evans (who I'm more lukewarm about) are all realistic targets should they move up. Kiper had them taking Odell Beckham in round 1, which I don't hate since I think he can make an impact at WR as well as returner, assuming they stay put. If they decide to go corner, Justin Gilbert and Darqueze Dennard are both options. Along the DL, either Tuitt or Nix from Notre Dame could be options. I like Nix better of the two as I think he can be a disruptive force at the nose.

Also, I think it's sickeningly crazy that the Rams have the #2 overall pick, and are likely going to be able to move back and still add a good player, and more draft capital to a team that is already on the rise. The NFC is crazy talented right now.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

With 13 picks and hardly any major holes, the 49ers are going to be active moving, either up or out of the draft. They have their first, which will be late in the first round, but two numbers twos (theirs and the Chiefs) and two number threes (theirs and the Titans from trading down last year) and I believe they may receive a third as a compensatory pick for losing Dashon Goldson to Tampa. That is six picks in the first three rounds for a team who probably won't have six roster spots that they'll want to fill, especially with Chris Culliver, Tank Carradine and Marcus Lattimore essentially being three guys they'll look to add to the active roster next year.

With that, I think there are four areas they will/should look to address in the first three rounds. Wide receiver is one, corner is another, DL depth is a third, and backup QB is a 4th. Since they'll be picking later in the 3rd with their compensatory pick, that makes a lot of sense to target a backup QB, unless they can get a guy who slides in round 1.

I wouldn't be surprised to see some movement up to land a WR. Sammy Watkins is probably out of their range, but Marquis Lee (whom I really like) and Mike Evans (who I'm more lukewarm about) are all realistic targets should they move up. Kiper had them taking Odell Beckham in round 1, which I don't hate since I think he can make an impact at WR as well as returner, assuming they stay put. If they decide to go corner, Justin Gilbert and Darqueze Dennard are both options. Along the DL, either Tuitt or Nix from Notre Dame could be options. I like Nix better of the two as I think he can be a disruptive force at the nose.

Also, I think it's sickeningly crazy that the Rams have the #2 overall pick, and are likely going to be able to move back and still add a good player, and more draft capital to a team that is already on the rise. The NFC is crazy talented right now.

This draft is loaded with WRs. One intriguing prospect is Jordan Mathews who happens to be Jerry Rice's first cousin once removed. He was really productive in the SEC and was a first team all-american. His size is great -- 6'3 and 205 lbs. He's projected as a mid-second round pick. I'm not sure if there's a ton of boom potential there, but I think there's much less bust potential than with most WR prospects. He had over 100 receptions and 1,400 yards against the best competition in college football this year. 106 yards against South Carolina, 123 yards against Missouri, 89 yards against Georgia, 92 yards against aTm.

I think they're going CB in the first round. Like last year, they have the ammo to move up and get one of the top 2-3 CB prospects. Love Dennard out Michigan State, don't know a whole lot about the other CB prospects. I think the Niners are going to try to keep Whitner around. Carlos Rodgers is going to be a cap casualty and they may not be able to resign Brown. They have Brock and Reid coming back, but I don't think they want to have to replace both one of the safety positions, a CB and nickelback. Culliver is coming back, so I suppose they count him as a returning starter. I think they're going CB and not S in the first round.

I'm assuming they'd move one of their 3rds to move up in the first. They already have two 3rds and may have another one depending on the compensatory pick for Dashon Goldson. Perhaps they spend another to move up and get whoever is left between Beckham or Matthews by the mid second. They then have their second 2nd round pick and I think they need to select a guy who can play G or C. Goodwin might retire and he's not signed for 2014 anyway. Kilgore has been on the roster the past couple years, but I don't see him in a ton in the games. He may step in like Boone and play extremely well. But aside from that, Mike Iupati is only signed through 2014 and I think when they're having to extend Crabtree, Kaepernick and Aldon Smith, Iupati will be the odd man out. Bowman and Anthony Davis, who were also 2010 draft picks, have both already been extended.

They're going to want to see what Carradine can do before they expend a 2nd round pick on another d-lineman. I can see them spending a 3rd on a d-lineman and they may also pick another safety because Craig Dahl is really, really awful.

[Sizzle]

This draft is loaded with WRs. One intriguing prospect is Jordan Mathews who happens to be Jerry Rice's first cousin once removed. He was really productive in the SEC and was a first team all-american. His size is great -- 6'3 and 205 lbs. He's projected as a mid-second round pick. I'm not sure if there's a ton of boom potential there, but I think there's much less bust potential than with most WR prospects. He had over 100 receptions and 1,400 yards against the best competition in college football this year. 106 yards against South Carolina, 123 yards against Missouri, 89 yards against Georgia, 92 yards against aTm.

I think they're going CB in the first round. Like last year, they have the ammo to move up and get one of the top 2-3 CB prospects. Love Dennard out Michigan State, don't know a whole lot about the other CB prospects. I think the Niners are going to try to keep Whitner around. Carlos Rodgers is going to be a cap casualty and they may not be able to resign Brown. They have Brock and Reid coming back, but I don't think they want to have to replace both one of the safety positions, a CB and nickelback. Culliver is coming back, so I suppose they count him as a returning starter. I think they're going CB and not S in the first round.

I'm assuming they'd move one of their 3rds to move up in the first. They already have two 3rds and may have another one depending on the compensatory pick for Dashon Goldson. Perhaps they spend another to move up and get whoever is left between Beckham or Matthews by the mid second. They then have their second 2nd round pick and I think they need to select a guy who can play G or C. Goodwin might retire and he's not signed for 2014 anyway. Kilgore has been on the roster the past couple years, but I don't see him in a ton in the games. He may step in like Boone and play extremely well. But aside from that, Mike Iupati is only signed through 2014 and I think when they're having to extend Crabtree, Kaepernick and Aldon Smith, Iupati will be the odd man out. Bowman and Anthony Davis, who were also 2010 draft picks, have both already been extended.

They're going to want to see what Carradine can do before they expend a 2nd round pick on another d-lineman. I can see them spending a 3rd on a d-lineman and they may also pick another safety because Craig Dahl is really, really awful.

I like Dennard from Michigan State, as he seems to be a physical corner but has a pretty good feel for the ball. Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State I think is more dangerous with the ball in his hands than Dennard, and would come in and contribute as a punt returner/kick returner. I'd probably lean towards Dennard, but I wouldn't be upset if they wind up with Gilbert. t don't think either one is a bad pick similar to how I felt last year with Vaccaro and Reid (although I probably would have preferred slightly Vaccaro). They'll probably have to move up to land either player.

Jordan Matthews is someone I could see them taking in round 2, and would be totally fine with that as well. He or Beckham are both guys that I think can stretch the field vertically, something that I think the WR group is lacking. Boldin is a physical receiver. Crabtree isn't exactly a vertical threat, but does a good job getting open and catching what is thrown his way. But as for a receiver that can line up in the slot and get on top of a safety, they don't have that. That's why I don't think Mike Evans or Benjamin from FSU are going to be targets.

I also wouldn't be shocked to see them use a pick like the compensatory pick in the 3rd on a back-up QB with some upside, like a Mettenberger or Aaron Murray. Someone that they don't need this next year, can afford to "redshirt" like they did with Lattimore this year. Logan Thomas or Tajh Boyd would be late round possibilities, but I am almost certain they address this with one of their picks.

I would imagine a list of their targets in round one looking something like this:

Sammy Watkins
Dennard Robinson
Justin Gilbert
Marquis Lee
Louis Nix
Stephen Tuitt
Odell Beckham
Jordan Matthews
Loucheiz Purifoy

I think those 9 guys are probably on the radar. The first 5 or 6, I could see them moving up for. The last three potential targets if they can't move up. I think they'll move up.

I also agree on the OL. I think they'll look to draft someone to plug in early, almost certainly at C. I'd like to see them keep Iupati, but I'm not optimistic that they'll be able to do so with Kaep and Aldon both up for extensions. Although Aldon, who knows what they'll want to do.

[Color Me Badd Fan]

I like Dennard from Michigan State, as he seems to be a physical corner but has a pretty good feel for the ball. Justin Gilbert from Oklahoma State I think is more dangerous with the ball in his hands than Dennard, and would come in and contribute as a punt returner/kick returner. I'd probably lean towards Dennard, but I wouldn't be upset if they wind up with Gilbert. t don't think either one is a bad pick similar to how I felt last year with Vaccaro and Reid (although I probably would have preferred slightly Vaccaro). They'll probably have to move up to land either player.

Jordan Matthews is someone I could see them taking in round 2, and would be totally fine with that as well. He or Beckham are both guys that I think can stretch the field vertically, something that I think the WR group is lacking. Boldin is a physical receiver. Crabtree isn't exactly a vertical threat, but does a good job getting open and catching what is thrown his way. But as for a receiver that can line up in the slot and get on top of a safety, they don't have that. That's why I don't think Mike Evans or Benjamin from FSU are going to be targets.

I also wouldn't be shocked to see them use a pick like the compensatory pick in the 3rd on a back-up QB with some upside, like a Mettenberger or Aaron Murray. Someone that they don't need this next year, can afford to "redshirt" like they did with Lattimore this year. Logan Thomas or Tajh Boyd would be late round possibilities, but I am almost certain they address this with one of their picks.

I would imagine a list of their targets in round one looking something like this:

Sammy Watkins
Dennard Robinson
Justin Gilbert
Marquis Lee
Louis Nix
Stephen Tuitt
Odell Beckham
Jordan Matthews
Loucheiz Purifoy

I think those 9 guys are probably on the radar. The first 5 or 6, I could see them moving up for. The last three potential targets if they can't move up. I think they'll move up.

I also agree on the OL. I think they'll look to draft someone to plug in early, almost certainly at C. I'd like to see them keep Iupati, but I'm not optimistic that they'll be able to do so with Kaep and Aldon both up for extensions. Although Aldon, who knows what they'll want to do.

Boldin played the slot quite a bit prior to this year. I don't think they really need to focus on a slot guy -- and wouldn't they move ahead with Patton in that role anyway regardless of what happens to Boldin? Leeroy Jenkins was supposed to be that guy that stretched the field and that didn't work out, but I can see them trying for someone like that again.

One of those receivers are going to slip and be available in the second round. That's why I'm hoping they move up and grab one of the premium CBs that falls to around #20 or so.

[Sizzle]

http://mweb.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on...2014-nfl-draft

Missouri DE Michael Sam, a likely mid-round pick this year, comes out ahead of the draft.

[USUC]

My Twitter has been blowing up over this. Good for him. I'm glad this came from the SEC and not from part of the more liberal areas in college football.

[cougjunkie]

The NFL has a new rule about forcing teams to be on Hard Knocks.

•Have a new head coach
•Have made the playoffs in the last two seasons
•Or, have been featured on "Hard Knocks" already within the last 10 years.

If you do not meet this criteria they can force you to participate.

If one of those teams 8 teams: (Steelers, Giants, Bills, Cardinals, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams, and Bears) drafts Michael Sam, I guarantee HBO picks them. It would do a lot of good for a team like Jacksonville or Oakland to get some publicity)

[DrumNFeather]

The NFL has a new rule about forcing teams to be on Hard Knocks.

•Have a new head coach
•Have made the playoffs in the last two seasons
•Or, have been featured on "Hard Knocks" already within the last 10 years.

If you do not meet this criteria they can force you to participate.

If one of those teams 8 teams: (Steelers, Giants, Bills, Cardinals, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams, and Bears) drafts Michael Sam, I guarantee HBO picks them. It would do a lot of good for a team like Jacksonville or Oakland to get some publicity)

HBO is probably pulling for whichever team drafts Michael Sam.