Huddle Report's new 7 rd mock 20/02/08

[eddie mac]

Denver's picks

12 RB *Darren McFadden Arkansas (Clady taken at 13)
42 LB Xavier Adibi Virginia Tech (Manningham/Henderson/Merling taken after this)
104 CB Jack Ikegwuonu Wisconsin (
115 WR DJ Hall Alabama
130 S Thomas DeCoud California
140 DT Ahtyba Rubin Iowa St
202 OT Brandon Keith Northern Iowa

[rugbythug]

wow ok.
Didn't jack just blow out his whole knee.

If this happened Shanahan would be called Sir Shanydraftkiller

[SpringStein]

wow ok.
Didn't jack just blow out his whole knee.

If this happened Shanahan would be called Sir Shanydraftkiller

Yes, he did - some team may take a flyer on him in the 7th.

Merlin after 42? lol

OT and DT the last 2 picks? Niiiiice.

[oubronco]

Dypshiit

[LonghornBronco]

If McFadden slips this far I would not be dissipointed if shanny drafted him

[Bronco LB 59]

Somebody has been hitting the pickle.

[-Slap-]

wow ok.

Didn't jack just blow out his whole knee.


He and his idiot twin brother tried to break into a dorm room and steal an XBox when he was a sophomore. With the injury history and the character concerns, there's no question this knucklehead is on our short list.

[PRBronco]

Well...Decoud in the 5th is kind of a nice pick up at least, haha.

[yerner]

Not to break balls, but i don't like any of those picks. try again please.

[mattob14]

I may be the only one, but I really don't mind some of this. If McFadden is there at 12, he'd likely be BPA, and it's not like we're set at RB at the moment. 2 months ago, we had people tripping over themselves to trade Champ and draft McFadden in the top-5, now he can't get any love at #12? The Adibi pick is a reach, but at least it's a position of need. Guys like Mayo, Lofton or Wheeler make a lot more sense there. Ikegwonu is a horrible pick. Hall, DeCoud, and Rubin bring good value late. I've heard some people who feel Rubin could be a late-2nd or 3rd rounder based on his ability to play NT. We have to address OL before round 7 (actually, we really can't afford to not address it on day 1). Not great, but there's decent value in places and at least it seems to address the right positions.

[Paladin]

These damm mocks just cause no end of aggravation. They rarely come out near the reality of what will go down.

[That One Guy]

I may be the only one, but I really don't mind some of this. If McFadden is there at 12, he'd likely be BPA, and it's not like we're set at RB at the moment. 2 months ago, we had people tripping over themselves to trade Champ and draft McFadden in the top-5, now he can't get any love at #12? The Adibi pick is a reach, but at least it's a position of need. Guys like Mayo, Lofton or Wheeler make a lot more sense there. Ikegwonu is a horrible pick. Hall, DeCoud, and Rubin bring good value late. I've heard some people who feel Rubin could be a late-2nd or 3rd rounder based on his ability to play NT. We have to address OL before round 7 (actually, we really can't afford to not address it on day 1). Not great, but there's decent value in places and at least it seems to address the right positions.

Just for the record, "people tripping over themselves"= a couple of dunces, not the majority.

As for the rest, I could live with Mcfadden if he's substantially BPA though I'd prefer to go elsewhere. The rest of the picks are... ehh. The picks aren't the worst but there seems better players at each position. I also think that before the 3rd round, they must have at least an OT and a DT or the draft will basically be a failure. If the only option is one of the 4th round DTs then so be it... but they better make sure they get one. Going into next season with our current DT squad is basically a sacrificed season.

[ohiobronco2]

If McFadden falls to us, I would consider picking him. But I would hope somebody would swoop in and give us an offer we couldn't refuse for our pick. Frankly, I think he is decent, but nowhere near as talented as Peterson. Every year we hear about this once in a lifetime RB, Reggie Bush anyone. I actually think Mendenhall is a better back. Stewart is a push.

[lex]

If McFadden falls to us, I would consider picking him. But I would hope somebody would swoop in and give us an offer we couldn't refuse for our pick. Frankly, I think he is decent, but nowhere near as talented as Peterson. Every year we hear about this once in a lifetime RB, Reggie Bush anyone. I actually think Mendenhall is a better back. Stewart is a push.

I always thought Reggie Bush had a lot to prove entering the league. And its easy for people to look at Peterson now after his highlight filled rookie season. But entering the draft, he:
a) Barely averaged 5.0 per carry against competition that was comparable or worse than what McFadden has been facing
b) Played on a team with a better passing game than what Arkansas has had for 3 years
c) Couldnt break 100 yards against Boise St.
d) Missed significant time for two years with injuries

He actually probably did better statistically in the NFL than he did his last two years of college. And McFadden has actually produced more, remained healthy, and has had less help against competition thats at least as good as what Peterson saw. I would actually not be shocked if McFadden also did better as a pro than he did in college. But the analysis of Peterson coming out seems to have a lot of revisionism with it.

[ohiobronco2]

I always thought Reggie Bush had a lot to prove entering the league. And its easy for people to look at Peterson now after his highlight filled rookie season. But entering the draft, he:
a) Barely averaged 5.0 per carry against competition that was comparable or worse than what McFadden has been facing. I don't think you can really compare competition and conferences.
b) Played on a team with a better passing game than what Arkansas has had for 3 years I won't dispute this.
c) Couldnt break 100 yards against Boise St. McFadden only gained 61 yards vs Florida International. I doubt they have a better D than Boise St. Boise St. has produced some good teams over the years.

d) Missed significant time for two years with injuries. I agree, he had been labeled injury prone. He has an all pro line which helps him in the pro's

He actually probably did better statistically in the NFL than he did his last two years of college. And McFadden has actually produced more, remained healthy, and has had less help against competition thats at least as good as what Peterson saw. I would actually not be shocked if McFadden also did better as a pro than he did in college. But the analysis of Peterson coming out seems to have a lot of revisionism with it.

Peterson impresses me because he doesn't shy away from contact, which I believe McFadden does. I don't see McFadden being able to get the tough yards when necessary. Though I will admit Peterson will probably have a short career if he is constantly welcoming contact the way he does. Also, McFadden doesn't have a muscular lower build (looks like he has bird legs to me). Personally I think the best back coming out is Mendenhall. He's got great speed and cut back ability. He put up 155 yards against USC, we know how good their Defense happens to be. Also, I highly doubt that Illinois has that great of an O Line, which makes his stats that much more impressive. Mendenhall is a much more compact back at 5'11 224 LBS. McFadden looks awfully light at 6'2 210 LBS.

[CBF1]

I would take DMac at 12 for sure, but then go line, line line, your choice Offense or Defense

[cmhargrove]

If McFadden is still on the board at #12, our phone will be ringing off the hook, then we will be trading down with the Cowboys for their two first rounders (hopefully).

Think about O-line + DT or LB in the first round. It would be worth passing on McFadden. Although, I wouldn't be pissed if we took him. I'd still rather trade to protect Cutler and shore up our defense with good talent.

[lex]

Peterson impresses me because he doesn't shy away from contact, which I believe McFadden does. I don't see McFadden being able to get the tough yards when necessary. Though I will admit Peterson will probably have a short career if he is constantly welcoming contact the way he does. Also, McFadden doesn't have a muscular lower build (looks like he has bird legs to me). Personally I think the best back coming out is Mendenhall. He's got great speed and cut back ability. He put up 155 yards against USC, we know how good their Defense happens to be. Also, I highly doubt that Illinois has that great of an O Line, which makes his stats that much more impressive. Mendenhall is a much more compact back at 5'11 224 LBS. McFadden looks awfully light at 6'2 210 LBS.

I brought up the Boise State game because that was the last impression of him leading up to the draft. It just seems when a guy has a good last game, he is sometimes seen more favorably. And for example, you mentioned Mendenhalls game vs USC which is case in point as well as a valid observation on your part.

Though I dont agree that he's better than McFadden, I also like Mendenhall a lot. And youre right about his offensive line. Illinois was outmanned at every position in that game save RB and Mendenhall still had 155 yards. Plus, he had a screen play that went for 55 thats not included in that. But the reality is that Stewart, Mendenhall, McFadden all have bad games. I think Emmitt Smith had 17 yards in his last game, which was vs Washington. I dont think Bo Jackson broke 100 yards in his last college game against TAM either.

[chrisp]

With the news that henry has restructured, you have to say that we're probably not going to burn our #1 on an RB, at least not this year.

The Henry/Young tandem has immense potential, yet Henry can also carry the load by himself, as long as he stays healthy......and so many other needs!

I think that if your #1 goes on an RB you expect him to contribute right away.

[mhgaffney]

If McFad falls that far of course you take him.

It's a no brainer.

[ohiobronco2]

I'm still holding out hope we draft Beanie next year :wiggle: Actually I think next year will be a better year to go MLB or Safety. Oline should also be pretty strong.

[dsmoot]

Peterson impresses me because he doesn't shy away from contact, which I believe McFadden does. I don't see McFadden being able to get the tough yards when necessary. Though I will admit Peterson will probably have a short career if he is constantly welcoming contact the way he does. Also, McFadden doesn't have a muscular lower build (looks like he has bird legs to me). Personally I think the best back coming out is Mendenhall. He's got great speed and cut back ability. He put up 155 yards against USC, we know how good their Defense happens to be. Also, I highly doubt that Illinois has that great of an O Line, which makes his stats that much more impressive. Mendenhall is a much more compact back at 5'11 224 LBS. McFadden looks awfully light at 6'2 210 LBS.

If McFadden avoids contact. Is he any better than Tatum Bell? A question. What set Terrell Davis apart physically to perform so well for us. I thought the single biggest problem with Tatum is that he went to the ground so easily. TD could break a tackle which I thought set him apart along with his ability to make the right cut.

[ohiobronco2]

If McFadden avoids contact. Is he any better than Tatum Bell? A question. What set Terrell Davis apart physically to perform so well for us. I thought the single biggest problem with Tatum is that he went to the ground so easily. TD could break a tackle which I thought set him apart along with his ability to make the right cut.

Exactly and that is why I don't think as highly of McFadden as others do. True, he's got an amazing amount of athletic ability. I just don't think he could break a tackle to save his life. Guys are faster in the NFL and you can't just run around them, you need to be able to run through them. 4.27 or whatever, speed is great, but irrelevant if you can't make it out of the backfield. Mendenall and Stewart have the size and physicality to run over and around people. I think they will be better NFL backs and McFadden will have a career similar to Reggie Bush.

[cmhargrove]

If McFadden avoids contact. Is he any better than Tatum Bell? A question. What set Terrell Davis apart physically to perform so well for us. I thought the single biggest problem with Tatum is that he went to the ground so easily. TD could break a tackle which I thought set him apart along with his ability to make the right cut.

The thing that pissed me off about Tatum is that he bounced off of our own linemen too much and went down. I never understood why, but he did. That's the thing about Selvin that I love, he has great balance, and doesn't go down on easy contact. I think Tatum was just too "tight" and nervous for the starting role. He had a hard time making the right decisions, and fought to stay on his feet.

Anyway, McFadden is now out of the question (with a 4.27 40), so this pick needs to be changed. We'll see how the LB's and Safeties test out at the combine to see if Rivers, Conner, or Phillips would be a value at 12. But right now, it looks like Clady would be our best value, or trade down and still take Williams (or Otah), and get another pick for our many needs.

[Natedog24]

If McFadden slips this far I would not be dissipointed if shanny drafted him

I wouldn't be too sad or mad if we drafted any of the big 3 RB's in this draft, although I know it would piss off the Oline or bust crowd that populates this board.

[2KBack]

I wouldn't be too sad or mad if we drafted any of the big 3 RB's in this draft, although I know it would piss off the Oline or bust crowd that populates this board.

I'm not an o-line or bust guy, but I would be a little pissed. I think there are guys later in the Draft like Choice, Forte, or Rice, that would be just as big an impact as the top 3 HB's. Therefor it would be a waste to pick one so high

[chaz]

I'm not an o-line or bust guy, but I would be a little pissed. I think there are guys later in the Draft like Choice, Forte, or Rice, that would be just as big an impact as the top 3 HB's. Therefor it would be a waste to pick one so high

This is a ridiculous statement...if Choice, Forte, and Rice were as good as Mendenhall, DMac, and JStew they would have similar draft grades. Obviously not the case and there is a reason for that...THE TOP 3 ARE BETTER.

[Dedhed]

If McFad falls that far of course you take him.

It's a no brainer.The no brainer would actually be finding the team who really needs him and get a couple of 1st rounders from them.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Anyone else out there see what a colossal waste of time a 7 round mock draft is? I hope that those guys are getting paid for their work.

[BroncoMan4ever]

If McFadden slips this far I would not be dissipointed if shanny drafted him

Then turn around and trade him to Dallas for some DL

[ayjackson]

This is a ridiculous statement...if Choice, Forte, and Rice were as good as Mendenhall, DMac, and JStew they would have similar draft grades. Obviously not the case and there is a reason for that...THE TOP 3 ARE BETTER.

Would you have said the same thing two years ago if he had said that he thinks Maroney, Addai and Jones-Drew will have as big an impact as Reggie Bush?