On Monday, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock held a conference call covering just about every aspect of the 2013 NFL Draft.
For more than two-and-a-half hours, the draft expert discussed a variety of topics ranging from what the Kansas City Chiefs should do with the No. 1 overall pick to his thoughts on how Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o should approach the combine.
One aspect of the call that stood out was Mayock’s take on the draft class as a whole.
“The top end of the draft, the top 10 picks, I don’t see the difference-makers like we’ve had the last several years,” Mayock said, noting that players like Von Miller aren’t available. “I think the quick snapshot of this draft is more depth.”
As far as where that depth is located, Mayock said it starts along the offensive line — center, guard and tackle.
“I’ve never seen two guards at the top end this good that could be top 10 picks,” he said. “Love them. I’ve got six tackles that I’ve given first round grades to. So the offensive line depth is really good.
To that point, Mayock said he considers four players worthy of the No. 1 overall pick, and they’re all on the offensive line — Alabama guard Chance Warmack, North Carolina guard Jonathan Cooper, Texas A&M tackle Luke Joeckel and Central Michigan tackle Eric Fisher.
In addition, he called the depth at defensive tackle and safety “outstanding.”
Where the draft gets a little thinner, Mayock said, is at positions like cornerback, where it’s anyone’s guess who the second corner off the board will be after Alabama’s Dee Milliner.
Same with running back, where Mayock has an Alabama player listed as the top option.
“At the running back position I only have one guy in the first round, and that is (Alabama’s) Eddie Lacy,” he said. “I think can you get running backs in the second, third and fourth round. I really do.”
He said he’s also “concerned” about the quarterback position as well as the tight end group after a solid top three.
Still, Mayock’s overarching point was that there is talent spread throughout the draft, not just at the top of the first round.
“I think we probably have better depth than we’ve had in the last 10 years,” he said.
Tags: Mike Mayock, NFL Draft
Brock Osweiler might have been the first QB off the board this year, had he gone back for his senior season. Kudos Elway.
Possibly, but that still wouldn’t mean he was a first round caliber QB … but I see your point.
Its funny, its week “depth” drafts like this that will probably yield quality players. I like the fact that depth lies in OL as we have great starters but need depth. Also like the depth at RB … no Trent Richardsons this year but a bunch of talented potential role players in the mid rounds that could potentially blossom to stars. And we need a role RB, like the big body RB we are said to be looking for (LeVeon Bell please).
DL is decent enough. There are a few decent pass rushers and big bodies. They say this is a strong Safety class. I think we should address that position at some point in the draft. I love Kenny Vacarro but he will likely be long gone by the time it comes to us. I must say, couldn’t pick a better draft to be low on the draft board. I believe the sweet spot for this draft is in the teens. If you are seated within 10-20 you are made in the shade. Got many possible ways you can go without much of a talent drop off.
TRB
I’m looking forward to watching the NFL Combine in the next few days. This will be an interesting year for the draft.
Jets have just released Bart Scott. More cuts coming soon. HaHa!
Who has said we are looking for a RB? Fans? ESPN “analysts”?
I will admit to being wrong if we take a RB before the 6th round. I honestly don’t think we will get (or need) one at all.
A guard would be nice with Kuper having surgery again. A MLB would be nice, I like Minter but wonder if we would choose a smaller and faster guy. I can see them lettering Bannan go and getting a DT but I am not sold on the beef aspect as some are. I do want a guy over 310 though who can play a 3-4 NT as well as a 4-3 DT.
I can see some Safety depth to replace a guy like Leonard or a large CB who tackles and covers well to move to Safety and cover TEs. I am talking about a guy who is 6′ to 6′ 2″ and roughly 205-220 lbs. A guy who tackles really well but may have dropped because he doesn’t have the best coverage skills for a CB but would have great coverage skills for a Safety (Since even a top receiving TE like Aaron Hernandez can’t run routes like AJ Green).
A WR who will eventually replace Stokley in 2014 would also be nice.
I just now looked at the new Walterfootball 2013 mock draft that is re-done every week with players climbing or declining on the charts. On this mock which is my favorite has us drafting Eddie Lacy RB Alabama. Just a taste of things to come.
Last week they had us taking Marcus Trufant CB.
I think both those Mocks shows WalterFootball’s serious lack of knowledge about our (or any) team.
Hmmmm… I bet the fans in Philly are getting pretty excited about what’s going on there! Dennis Dixon will be the starter of that team before the season is over in an offense that was custom made for him in College…
Shady McCoy, and DeSean… That team will be putting up 30 points a game, if they get help on the O-Line… Philly wins the AFC East going away next season…
You gotta think that Kelly is familiar with Foles after seeing him first hand in College…
There only mocks RH. Just one mans perspective. Do you have to be so serious? You don’t like it but there are those who do. Stop being a kill joy!
And the Eagles come to Denver this year. That don’t have a chance!
and… if the League eliminates Zone Blocking/hitting below the waste, what are teams like WSH, HOU etc… going to do… WSH is fully leveraged after the RGIII trade that may or may not prove to be a wise move, and if they have to change the way they block they will be in a hole that could swallow them whole… couple that with their cap issues and I don’t see them being a factor for many years to come now
agreed Strand… Denver should swallow them up, but they will be a factor in their division
Kelly will have them NFL ready. LOL
I am just “that guy” I guess. There is always one at every party.
So thats means its all about you! No thanks! I won’t give you the time of day then. Arrogance leads to drama. So your a drama queen then.
If you think that way, I don’t give a rats arse what ya think or say. Many bloggers have their own thoughts and wishes and ideas. Just saying mr. its all about me.
I’m vying for drafting Lacy at #28. Just my perspective on what we I believe we need to address at that pick. See how that works.
Turtle’s Denver Bronco Mock Draft 2013 Updated Feb 19, 2013 (Pre-Combine)
Rd 1 (28)
A. John Jenkins DT Georgia
B. Johnathan Hankins DT OSU
C. Kawann Short DT PUR
Rd 2 (56)
A. Larry Warford OG Kentucky
B. Travis Frederick C Wisconsin (Played Guard as a Junior)
C. Menelik Watson OT Florida State (This guy is RAW, and could move to NFL guard easily)
Rd 3 (84)
A. Margus Hunt DE SMU
B. Brandon Williams DT Missouri Southern State
C. Stepfan Taylor RB Stanford
D. David Amerson CB N. Carolina State
Rd 4 (112ish) Compensatory picks start in the third round I believe
A. David Amerson CB N. Carolina State
B. Aaron Mellete WR Elon
C. Chris Harper WR Kansas State
D. Christine Michael RB Texas A&M
Rd 5 (140ish)
A. Aaron Mellete WR Elon
B. Le’Veon Belle RB Michigan State
C. Kevin Reddick ILB N. Carolina
D. Tharold Simon CB LSU
Rd 6 (168ish)
A. Robert Lester SS Alabama
B. Tyrann Mathieu CB LSU
C. A.J. Klein ILB Iowa State
Rd 7 (196ish)
A. Vince Williams ILB Florida State
B. Michael Williams TE Alabama
C. Denard Robinson WR/QB Michigan (my man Shoelace!)
Plus… In Free Agency I would target
A. Ed Reed
B. Glenn Dorsey
C. Brandon Jacobs
D. Dwight Freeney
I fully expect the 49ers to own this years draft, and next years for that matter… They have 11 picks as it stands, and the experts are projecting that they recieve 3 compensatory picks giving them 14 total… they have pick number 31, and a stacked OLine after several prudent years of Drafting BEEF!
They can slide down a few spots out of the first round and add another second rounder next year, trade A. Smith for a 1st to a quarterback needy team, and there are several in the league… and then Whabam… they have all the ammo they need to land JClown… I guess this puts them in the Drivers seat for Operation JClown… hear that FO… Please start shopping PDog to the highest bidder, I mean like OT said, we got the best QB from this year’s class, only we craftily got him last year!!
DO IT!!!
VON CLOWNEY FOOTBALL 2014!!! UNSTOPPABLE!!!
The NFL has taken a huge step. In 2011 the NFL brought in regional combines. Then in 2012 women became eligible to play in the NFL. In 2013 the first female football player will be participating in the regional combine that takes place in New Jersey. Lauren Silberman is a 28 year old kicker out of Wisconsin. She may end up the first female to ever be drafted/signed in the NFL.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000140423/article/female-will-compete-at-regional-combine-for-first-time
BT Not to bad of a mock. I like the David Amerson pick. Because he is more of a DB instead of a set CB/S. He played both in college nd feels more comfortable playing safety. Most likely he will ask or be asked to play safety in the NFL.
If we go O-line in the 2nd round, I’m hoping we draft Barret Jones who is versatile and can be plug in anywhere along the line. Now thats value.
Jones would be good Strand… any one of those three guys are animals that are on my board, the guy from Wisconsin is 338 lbs, and was the only returning Offensive lineman from Montea Ball Record Breaking season… he moved from Gaurd to Center, and he’s got great feet and hands… I’m kind of hoping he’s at least on the Radar for us! Can never have enough Prime BEEF!!!
I was being tongue-in-cheek Strand but ok. It’s hardly about me, it’s about the team. It seems the Walterfootball people do a lot of work to scout college talent but rely on the ESPN talking heads about NFL team needs. I think the ESPN crowd loves to promote the flashy players.
I think our issues at gaining running yards in the playoff lose had more to do with Kuper playing in extreme pain and not getting a push than our RB situation. We will have 4 RBs next year and all have talent. We may even see Super Mario, so we can make an assessment on him. I understand some of these guys like Lacy or Belle are good and very intriguing but I think we have other more important needs.
BT, I like the Amerson pick cause I think he could add 10 lbs and be the Safety I was discussing above. I like our current safeties but would drop Leonard and get a guy like Amerson.
Not trying to offend you Strand and everyone is entitled to their opinion. We think differently and that is ok. The world would be awfully boring if we were all the same.
AB… I have Amerson in two Rounds! him and the WR from Elon… The more I watch him, the more I like him! Those would be two guys I would bring to Dove Valley for sure if i was in the War room!
RH, sorry for over-reacting. I enjoy going over that mock site is all. I had taken it too personal. I really do like Lacy, but there are a few other fine RB’s as well. Just to let ya know, I have a problem with people who think black n white mentality and are only one sided. My mentality in communication is a two way street in all facets of life. Its good to debate but not if someone has to be condescending. I did go overboard.
And RH, I do enjoy reading your posts! Lots of insight.
Amen to all being different! LOL
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000139339/article/denver-broncos-reportedly-will-add-physical-tailback
http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2013/02/19/running-backs-who-could-help-the-broncos/18513/
Not saying its a sure thing RH … just where i saw the talk of us getting a bigger back, and any Broncos fan knows it may not be our greatest need but def needs to be addressed.
TRB
I wonder if DJ is going to be cut here soon? His 7 million against the Cap will be too costly I think.
The truth is, the Broncos could grab a guy like Lacy at #28 overall (if he still exists). Totally possible. In this situation they would most likely try and trade Mcgahee or Moreno or both.
I just dont think they will. I will gladly admit to being wrong if they do though. I can also see them planning ahead and getting a later round back who is a bigger size guy to compliment Hillman because I dont see Them renewing either Moreno or Mcgahee after next year. This I see as more possible but still doubtful.
RBs are a dime a dozen (ask Shanahan lol). Ok they arent that easy to find but a Manning offense really only needs a servicable RB.
Anyway. Thats how I see it but Fox likes RBs so it could always go the other way.
No worries about the earlier stuff. Im not one to carry a grudge. I disagree with DB all the time but I got a lot of respect for that guy. Delusions and all lol
I was originally for cutting DJ but now Im on the fence. I like Mays as a person but I think he has got to go. Mays is decent downhill but not so much laterally. The NFL is less of a two back set league and more of a wide open single back league these days. Therefore, downhill guys are less important than lateral and coverage types.
I love Minter in the draft but he is getting closer to the downhill type so who knows if he is what JDR is looking for.
Thanks Strand. Im decent at Xs and Os but dont ask me to predict a score cause Im terrible.
Bay gives me grief for it and while some is deserved, I think he often misses that I predict them based on everything going right and thats hardly what happens. The play calling and matchups I do good with but then one pick six or something and it changes everything.
The fun part is that it is completely unpredictable and thats why they say any given Sunday.
I truely believe we were the best team in the league this year but since the NFL plays 16+ games and not 1000, the results often dont reflect who is truely the best and are easily scewed by one outlier. Oh well.
I’ve had a bad day. Yikes! And Turtle is a head trip but I get a big kick outta some of his ideas. Turtle should write movie, he could be a millionaire with that mind of his. HaHa!
One bad game in the playoffs and all is over. It is what it is.
Ryan Clady is being dramatic. He will not sign the franchise tag.
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/02/19/ryan-clady-says-hed-sign-tender-eventually-but-not-right-now/
Say this all year long…………..
PUM PUM PUM PUM PUM PUM PUM PUM PUM PUM PUM!!!!!!
B-R-O-N-C-O-S BRONCOS BRONCOS BRONCOS!!!
VON MANNING FOOTBALL 2013!!!
then this……………
I had a thought… how many Picks do you think Ol Man’ing is worth this year? Maybe we should trade him for Trade him for two Seconds and a first… I bet the Cardinals would give a Second this year, and a First and Second Next year (hold on before you yell, I’m going some where with this)
Then, if we Get Hunt and Jenkins, Trade DOOM, and Moreno to NYJ for Revis and a 3rd rounder next year… (wait for it, still going somewhere)
Now, since PDog has hit the Dusty Trail, The Wizard gets to start from day one, and thanks to our D we win 6 games tops which (HOLD ON, Still Going Somewher with this) Means we will have a top 10 pick plus Arizona’s late round pick and an extra Second and Third to throw at whoever Has the Number 1… SEE Where I went… IT WAS ALL A MASTER PLAN TO DRAFT JADEVEON CLOWNEY…
Miller, Clowney, Jenkins, Wolfe and Hunt… Sounds like a Pass Rush Dream Team to me…
Count me as Vote Number one for Operation JClown 2014
makes sense to me. Just saying………….
Tap your cleats 3 times! BRONCOS 2013!!
Cat that isnt really being dramatic. Very rare a player getting tagged signs it immediately. They always hold off as long as they can because they all want that long term deal. If Denver and Clady cant get a deal done he will sign it highly doubt he holds out.
Clady has come out and said he doesn’t have a problem with the Tag. He also said he knows that a long term deal will eventually happen and isn’t concerned. He’ll be A Bronco for years to come.
i sure hope clady will be a bronco for years to come strand. thats quite a luxury, the stud left tackle. they can be hard to find and thanks to shanny for giving him to us. i dont blame clady for waiting either ab you are right they will try to get a deal done up to the minute he’s forced to sign his deal. thats the way it always goes. heck if he does sign a multiyear deal it would be great for both parties. i like the draft you put in there turtle and i agree with it for the most part. would be great if stefan taylor was available at pick 84 and he would be a steal there to me. the combine will rise his stock imo. laveon bell and mattheiu both are right where we should grab em if available. matheiu may also move up draft boards with the right combine but not sure about him. if he bombed it wouldnt suprise me, some just will never get it. now the free agency list i only like dorsey and freeney. great for d line rotation and freeney has a good year in him still. he’ll be motivated too. man its getting soooo close to the draft and its brain storming time. i really do like this time of year. if it wasnt for the draft and the pre draft ‘speculation months’ i dont think i could make it the entire offseason without football.
LBF glad to see you around more!
I have no doubt Clady will come back and Strand he has said he doesnt have a problem with it which is why im not worried. He just is waiting to sign it and still hold hope for that long term deal which no matter what hes going to get it.
Right on Alaska!
Nice to see ya post LBF! And glad your home is coming along fine. ROCK ON!!
So we get to see some College players strut their stuff on Saturday. I can hardly wait.
Colorado is going to get pounded with snow tomorrow, a 90% chance at that. She is coming!
Strand I know! It sucks because the live stuff is at 5 am here in Alaska. Id rather watch that than the replay (even though its all the same thing) because then I can talk about it earlier lol
Chiefs just made some cuts. Steve Breaston is one of them.