Aaron Freeman's new 1st round mock

[DBroncos4life]

Aaron Freeman 3/13
1 49ERS QB Aaron Rodgers California
2 BUCCANEERS WR Braylon Edwards Michigan
Dolphins trade 1st (#2) to Bucs for 1st (#5), 2nd, and 3rd
3 BROWNS RB Ronnie Brown Auburn
4 BEARS RB Cedric Benson Texas
5 DOLPHINS QB Alex Smith Utah
6 LIONS DE Shawne Merriman Maryland
Titans trade 1st (#6) to Lions for 1st (#10) and 3rd
7 VIKINGS LB Derrick Johnson Texas
8 CARDINALS CB Adam Jones West Virginia
9 REDSKINS WR Mike Williams USC
10 TITANS CB Antrel Rolle Miami
11 TEXANS RB Carnell Williams Auburn
Cowboys trade 1st (#11) and 7th to Texans for 1st (#13) and 3rd
12 CHARGERS DE Marcus Spears LSU
13 COWBOYS OT Alex Barron Florida St
14 PANTHERS OT Khalif Barnes Washington
15 CHIEFS DE David Pollack Georgia
16 SAINTS WR Troy Williamson Louisville
17 JAGUARS TE Heath Miller Virginia
Bengals trade 1st (#17) to Jaguars for 1st (#21) and future 2nd
18 VIKINGS WR Mark Clayton Oklahoma
19 RAMS DE Erasmus James Wisconsin
20 COWBOYS DE Matt Roth Iowa
21 BENGALS S Thomas Davis Georgia
22 RAVENS DT Shaun Cody USC
23 SEAHAWKS WR Reggie Brown Georgia
24 PACKERS S Brodney Pool Oklahoma
25 STEELERS CB Carlos Rogers Auburn
Broncos trade 1st (#25) to Steelers for 1st (#30) and 3rd
26 JETS OT Jammal Brown Oklahoma
27 FALCONS DT Travis Johnson Florida St
28 CHARGERS CB Justin Miller Clemson
29 COLTS RB Ciatrick Fason Florida
30 BRONCOS DE Justin Tuck Notre Dame
31 EAGLES DE Dan Cody Oklahoma
32 PATRIOTS LB Kevin Burnett Tennessee


It would be a nice trade. I like Tucks speed but I would rather have Cody's size but I could live with it the way it is.

[Tombstone RJ]

This mock has alot of trades... Anyone have any info. on this Tuck kid? Sounds like Hayward all over again.

[BFDD]

This mock has alot of trades... Anyone have any info. on this Tuck kid? Sounds like Hayward all over again.

Tuck (http://www.nflfans.com/draft/2005/showplayer.php?key=Justin%20Tuck) has the same measurables as Hayward (6-5, 268lbs), but the dude has some wheels. Tuck is supposedly able to run a 4.5 40.

btw, the link shows him at 245lbs, but at the combine he weighed in at 268.

[DBroncos4life]

This mock has alot of trades... Anyone have any info. on this Tuck kid? Sounds like Hayward all over again.


I wouldn't say Hayward and don't say that like its a bad thing anyways. I willing to bet the farm that after watching our DE's this year you would saw off your arm to get a 10 plus sack DE again.


Strengths
Justin has very good size and strength for his position. He also has a body type that can handle getting bigger and stronger. He has nice long arms and he is one of those players that gets better and better every time I see him play. His team is starting to depend on him coming through with impact plays and he delivers.


Needs to Improve
Justin is just a pollywog. He has a lot to learn about his position for the next level. Right now, he takes extra steps when he rushes the passer and has a good burst off the line, but is inconsistent in using it. He just needs to improve in all aspects of his game.


Bottom Line
Oh man, has this kid has got a ton of upside to him! He has this natural strength, long arms and legs and just gets better and better. Don’t be afraid to draft this kid no matter what his numbers are at the combine, because this kid will improve so much in a year or two that other teams will smack themselves in the head and fire their scouts for passing on him. He should be a first day pick, and I believe if he stayed in for a 5th year, he would be a 1st round pick. Mark my words…this kid will be an impact player in the NFL. However, you will have to be patient; it will not happen right away. Remember, don’t be fooled by his combine numbers. They might not be that impressive, but his play on the field will be.


Justin Tuck

Position:
DE

College:
Notre Dame

Projected Selection:
Round2


MEASUREMENTS
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
40 TIME
6'5"
245
4.56

ATTRIBUTE SCORE
SIZE
SPEED
STRENGTH
ATHLETICISM
XFACTOR
8
10
8
9
8
out of 10
out of 10
out of 10
out of 10
out of 10

EXCHANGE VALUE
73.5

Pros: Another great speed rusher, very long arms to get good leverage. Has played against top teams at ND and still produced.
Cons: Needs to add bulk and get stronger, in addition to just refining his techniques as a whole.
Draft Exchange Analysis:
Devastating pass rushing defensive end who will push for national recognition this season … had a breakout season in 2003, shattering the Notre Dame single-season sacks record with 13.5 … led the team in sacks and tackles for loss while finishing third in total tackles in 2003 … was a relative unknown when he signed at Notre Dame in 2001 … named a third-team freshman All-American by The Sporting News in 2002 when he moved from linebacker to defensive end … extremely quick and agile player … is deceptively strong and able to take on much larger blockers … sat out spring practice while recovering from an injury but should be ready for preseason practice.

2003 (JUNIOR): Played in all 12 games at defensive end, earning 10 starting assignments … finished the season with 73 tackles (43 solos) to rank third on the team … led the Irish with a school-record 13.5 sacks (106 yards) and 19 tackles for loss (117 yards) … ranked among the national leaders in sacks per game … tallied four tackles versus Washington State (including one sack for a loss of 12 yards), broke up a pass and forced a fumble … recorded five tackles against Michigan … saw limited action against Michigan State due to a shoulder injury, but made two tackles in 7:20 against the Spartans … posted seven tackles against Purdue, including 1.5 sacks for a total loss of 13 yards … led the team in tackles against Pittsburgh with a then career-high 10 tackles, including 3.5 tackles for a loss…had then career-high 3.5 sacks versus the Panthers for a total loss of 26 yards … also forced a fumble and broke up a pass against Pittsburgh … made eight tackles versus Southern California, including a sack for a loss of six yards … recorded two tackles against Boston College, including one tackle for a loss of five yards … helped hold BC running back Derrick Knight to a season-low 43 yards on 23 carries … Knight came into the game as the nation's leading rusher, averaging better than 133 yards per game … tallied five tackles versus Florida State, including two tackles for a total loss of three yards … led the Irish in tackles versus Navy with a career-high 14, including 1.5 sacks for a total loss of 14 yards … also forced a fumble against the Midshipmen … registered eight tackles versus Brigham Young, including one sack for nine yards … led Notre Dame against Stanford with seven tackles, including a career-high four sacks for 22 yards … the four sacks gave him 13.5 sacks for the season to set a school single-season sacks record, breaking the previous mark of 10 set by Bert Berry in 1996 and Mike Gann in 1984 (sacks have been recorded at Notre Dame since 1982) … played 225:22 and made five special appearances on the season.

2002 (SOPHOMORE): Played in all 13 games, starting one contest (Rutgers) … finished the season with 44 tackles (33 solos), 10 tackles for loss (36 yards) and five quarterback sacks (26 yards) while breaking up five passes and forcing a fumble … he finished seventh on the team in tackles, despite playing on a part-time basis … was a reserve defensive end behind starter Kyle Budinscak … served as a pass-rush specialist in nickel and dime defenses … named a freshman All-American by The Sporting News in 2002 … in his first career game, he recorded two tackles versus Maryland … had three tackles and his first career pass break-up against Michigan … registered his first career sack against Michigan State … had five tackles versus Stanford, including two tackles for a loss … posted six tackles against Pittsburgh, including two sacks for a total loss of nine yards … also had his first career forced fumble and broke up a pass against Pittsburgh … tied for second on the team with career-high nine tackles versus Navy … made his first career start against Rutgers and recorded four tackles, including one sack for a loss of eight yards … had six tackles against Southern California, including one tackle for a loss … had six tackles (four solos) against North Carolina State in the 2003 Gator Bowl … posted two tackles for loss against the Wolfpack … played 180:24 and made 71 special teams appearances on the season.

2001 (FRESHMAN): Did not see action as a rookie outside linebacker in 2001.

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Central Coosa County High School in Kellyton, Ala. … named the Alabama Class 4A player of the year as a senior in 2000 … helped his team to a 10-2 record in 2000 (after 0-10 mark his freshman season) with 167 tackles, nine sacks, eight fumble recoveries, seven caused fumbles and two interceptions at middle linebacker … also caught 19 passes at tight end for 324 yards and four touchdowns … career totals included 492 tackles, 37 sacks, 26 caused fumbles, 17 fumble receivers, 115 receptions for 2,106 yards and 17 touchdowns … first-team Alabama all-state at tight end in 1999 … captain as both a junior and senior … earned Alabama all-state honors as a senior … selected for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game … averaged 17.6 points and 11.3 rebounds as a senior in basketball on a state title team that finished 23-6 … a four-year letterman and two-time captain in basketball … two-time MVP of the Alabama 4A state championship basketball team with a 28-2 record as a junior … won three letters in baseball as a first baseman and leftfielder … a cousin, Adalius Thomas, played football at Southern Mississippi and now is with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens … name is Justin Lee Tuck … second youngest of seven children … a sister, Tiffany, played basketball at Lincoln … born March 29, 1983 … enrolled in the Mendoza College of Business, majoring in management.



He is one fast mother trucker...I see Sruggs/Freeney.

[TexanBob]

With the down market, I just don't think the Bears need a 1, 2 & 3 just to move up three spaces. A 1 and 2 should do. Secondly, the Cowboys don't want to pay for two first-round choices so I don't see them trading down from #11 and yet standing pat at #20 with the end result of having to pay for one more first day choice. Steelers get a great pick, even with the trade up.

[SpringStein]

An enjoyable read - but why would Texans move up 2 spots to take a RB? Do they think Dallas or San Diego would take their guy? In this scenario they likely can get their guy without giving up a 3rd rounder.

[TexanBob]

An enjoyable read - but why would Texans move up 2 spots to take a RB? Do they think Dallas or San Diego would take their guy? In this scenario they likely can get their guy without giving up a 3rd rounder.

Only if they were worried someone would trade up ahead of them.

[Beantown Bronco]

An enjoyable read - but why would Texans move up 2 spots to take a RB? Do they think Dallas or San Diego would take their guy? In this scenario they likely can get their guy without giving up a 3rd rounder.

Not to mention they already have a good runner in Domanick Davis. This pick (and trade up to get him) really has me confused, considering they have plenty of other holes to fill.

[Darkhawk24]

I've read a few mocks that have Denver grabbing Tuck even at the #25 spot. Has there been any leaks that Denver is even looking at him? Or are the mockers just saying he is the best DL available.

[Ray Finkle]

This mock has alot of trades... Anyone have any info. on this Tuck kid? Sounds like Hayward all over again.


I like Tuck but no way the Broncos trade the pick with Travis Johnson still on the board...

War Room analysis
Against the run: Has good size and strength. Can be extremely disruptive in the open field, and is a powerful tackler. Must show better effort, use of hands and leverage at the point of attack. Must add bulk and lower-body strength. Grade: 6.7.

Pass rush: His forte. Is a good athlete with elite initial quickness and an explosive first step. Has excellent speed. Is fluid and agile when turning the corner. Has a good closing burst to the quarterback. Grade: 8.2.

Initial quickness: Is a great pass rusher because of amazing first step. Consistently gets a good jump. Explodes out of his stance with good leverage. Grade: 8.0.

Run/pass recognition: Is intelligent, and has a good feel for the game. Gets too far upfield at times and thus be out of a play. Has great passion for rushing the passer. On running plays, tries to avoid blocks and gets taken out of position too often. Grade: 6.9.

Pursuit/tackling: Has excellent athletic ability and speed. Shows closing burst. At times takes poor angles to the ball and gets out of position. Shows good initial pop and power as a tackler. Grade: 7.6.

Bottom line: Tuck missed Notre Dame's 2004 bowl game because of a knee injury, which raises concerns. He appeared hesitant at times last season. Tuck has good size potential, strength and above-average athletic ability. He is intelligent and shows good instincts as a pass rusher. He must be more aggressive and consistent against the run, though. He must add bulk to be an every-down player. He figures to be drafted in the second round.

Dan Pompei analysis
Has good body control and is explosive. Productive sack artist has the strength to play the run.

News
In an apparent effort to add bulk, Tuck showed up at the NFL Combine heavier than expected. He skipped the workouts because of a sore right knee. Look for Tuck to answer questions about his speed and strength at Notre Dame's pro day workout. At this point, he has done nothing to slip out of the second round. In fact, his work in linebacker drills should help him.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

I've read a few mocks that have Denver grabbing Tuck even at the #25 spot. Has there been any leaks that Denver is even looking at him? Or are the mockers just saying he is the best DL available.


If you get a chance, take a look at a tape of the UM/ND game this year. Tuck was a non factor. He has great numbers, but if you watch him he doesn't know how to play the game. He avoids contact and stands around when he doesn't have an opportunity to sack the QB. At the very best, he is a developmental project.

[Darkhawk24]

If you get a chance, take a look at a tape of the UM/ND game this year. Tuck was a non factor. He has great numbers, but if you watch him he doesn't know how to play the game. He avoids contact and stands around when he doesn't have an opportunity to sack the QB. At the very best, he is a developmental project.


I dont think I can stomach watching that game again. ugh!~

[DBroncos4life]

Not to mention they already have a good runner in Domanick Davis. This pick (and trade up to get him) really has me confused, considering they have plenty of other holes to fill.


Davis was banged up quite often last year. Had he been healthy they could have made a run. Im sure that rest pretty high on there mind.

[Tombstone RJ]

Tuck (http://www.nflfans.com/draft/2005/showplayer.php?key=Justin%20Tuck) has the same measurables as Hayward (6-5, 268lbs), but the dude has some wheels. Tuck is supposedly able to run a 4.5 40.

btw, the link shows him at 245lbs, but at the combine he weighed in at 268.

I guess it was Bertrand Berry who was drafted out of ND...

[Rohirrim]

David Pollack to the Chiefs... that sucks. It would be the perfect nightcap to this sucko offseason.