2010 NFL Draft: First Day

[RogueHominid]

While we're waiting to finish the draft, I thought it might be fun to discuss our views on our first-day selections.

The Jaguars spent their first three draft picks on SEC thoroughbreds, one from Auburn University and two from the University of Georgia.

A.J. Cross left Auburn as its most highly decorated linebacker since Karlos Dansby matriculated to the NFL in 2004. Scouts have raved about Cross's polish for his age. A film-room regular, Cross routinely looked one step ahead of the opponent's offense during his collegiate career. His work as a martial artist gave Cross exceptional hand technique and a strong base. His hand technique is evidenced by the fact that even the SEC's top-tier maulers rarely got into Cross's body. He has a reputation as an exceptional tackler, despite his moderate size. Scouts also rave about Cross's rush moves for a 43 backer at such an early stage. The Jaguars' coaching staff have hinted that Cross could start the season as the team's strong-side backer. "Clint has been a great player for us," Coach Del Rio told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. "He's still a key part of our plans. We really like what AJ brings to the table, and we're going to allow him to compete from day one."

Georgia Bulldog Mike Allmond fell to the Jaguars with the 52nd overall pick. "We had Mike rated very highly," said Del Rio. "We were lucky to get him at that spot." Allmond was a two-time All American and three-time All-SEC offensive lineman. He excels in-line, displaying excellent movement at the point and a solid punch in his drops. Scouts say that Allmond is still growing into his massive 6'5", 320 lb. frame and that a full season with NFL trainers and dietitians should elevate his already impressive power game to a higher level.

The Jaguars took Allmond's teammate, safety Brock Williams with the 53rd selection in the draft. Pundits have criticized the pick, but the Jaguars' scouting department has had nothing but positive things to say about Williams's game. "We know Brock had some issues with the Wonderlic and that his performance in the combine interviews was not the most accurate reflection of what he brings to the table," said Del Rio, "but we really love what he brings to the table as an athlete. He has the attitude that we want here. He has the heart of a Jaguar." Del Rio's effusive praise stems from the series of highlight-reel hits that Williams dished out during career at Georgia. He once hit Auburn HB Markus Brooks so hard that Brooks's helmet split in two. Brooks also suffered a separated shoulder and a second-grade concussion on the play. A familiar site at Georgia games was a Chuck-Cecil-esque bloodline on the bridge of Williams's nose--a frequent casualty of his infamous collisions.

With its third round selection, Jacksonville selected CB Wilson Miles out of Holy Cross. Though the school is not exactly known for churning out NFL ready prospects, Miles's tape was so good that it earned him an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl. The Jaguars' scouting department was impressed with Miles's physicality. Miles excels in press coverage, and plays as a true collision corner in the running game. The Jaguars view Miles as an immediate upgrade to their coverage units, and as a potential role player in the team's dime packages next year.

[bigfnjoe96]

I drafted a BIG-FAT DT to clog-up the middle & bust-up some running plays...

[TheShizNo1]

Reached on the 1st rounder knowing people would covet his speed, while letting the better WR fall to me in the 2nd.

[CreatineKasey]

Pittsburgh is attempting to restructure its offensive line with 2 guards drafted in the first 3 rounds. Footwork is sorely lacking on the OL despite exceptional power rankings. Awareness leading to failed blitz pickups has also been an issue.

They also found a replacement for slowing FS Ryan Clark who was cut in the offseason. Hopes are high and patience is short for the first round FS Davion because the Steelers burned their second round pick on a FS last season (Jye Martin) who has underperformed.

Finally, the Steelers nabbed a unique DE in the 2nd round who has the rare strength required to play LE in the Pittsburgh defensive scheme. Aaron Smith's replacement is hopefully found.

[Pappy Knuckles]

Cincinatti didn't do much in the draft. We picked up a kicker named Oscar Arajuo who has very good kicking power. I've seen Shane Graham leave too many kick short in the first two seasons, it was time to bring in some new blood.

We also picked up a center whose name escapes me. He was the second best player at that position, and he seems to have a lot of upside. I have an aging center on my roster, so hopefully he'll be ready to go in the future.

[teambayern]

CAR got one player and one player only, but he fills several roles. Dion Grimes is the quintessential #2 threat that will rack up numbers while the shutdown corners are busy minding Steve Smith. He's the speed demon that will outrun DB's on the crossing routes and out jump them on the deep routes He's also a special teams monster.

Should be a fun year.

[TheKingOfVa]

Chiefs grabbed another Safety in the 1st round to pair with superstar SS Will Barkley. J'Neddy Timmons will play FS for Kansas City even though he was a stud SS in college at Syracuse. He is a hard hitter, very fast (91 speed), and has the hands of a WR (71 catch). The Chiefs now have one of the most dynamic secondaries with Will Barkley at SS (89 rating 99 hit power), J'Neddy Timmons (81 rating), CB's Brandon Flowers (86 Rating), Dunta Robinson (84 rating), Brandon Carr (80 rating), Nathan Vasher (69 rating 79 catch)



Also in the first round the Chiefs grabbed a pass rushing specialist DE Lawerence Cross from Mississippi St. He was by far the best DE prospect in the entire draft (83 rating). Lawrence will start in the 4-6 formation, nickel, and dime as a DE along with Joe Breyley. In the 1-5-5 formation he will stand up as an OLB. His 81 speed, 87 FMV, 78 PMV, and 78 Block Shed will come in handy on 3rd and long passing situations. Him playing only in certain formations will keep him fresh and add a pass rushing element that the Chiefs lacked last season. These two picks should help push the Chiefs Defense from 9th best in the league (was 5th best before the last 3 games of the season) into the top 5.



With no second round picks (sent in a trade to the Pappies) the Chiefs looked forward to the 3rd round. Lacking a solid second or third WR (due to trading Steve Breaston to the Dolphins for MLB Lofa) they grabbed WR Rashard Riles from NC State. Riles was upset that he slipped to the 3rd round while faster but less talented WR's cashed in on their combine 40 times. Rashard Riles aka Double R is arguably the 2nd best WR in the entire draft class only behind speed demon Grimes. Bolstering a 75 rating and a strong 6'1 196 frame, Double R is deceptively quick (87 speed, 88 agility). He fights for jump balls (91 jump, 81 catch). Also he can get off the line unlike those work out warrior WR's who were drafted before him (78 release) and run his routes (74 route running).


Double R will compete with nearly acquired WR Domenik Hixon for the second WR spot. More than likely Double R will have the number 3 spot because Hixon is on fire this pre season. All in all the Chiefs feel they had a solid draft so far. Now the Chiefs will plug a few holes with their 4 4th round picks and add a little youth on the depth chart.

[TheShizNo1]

Damn, the chiefs are gonna be nice.