Posts Tagged ‘Evander Hood’

Don’t forget to take a peek at my entire mock draft. It is fully updated from picks 1-27!

27. Indianapolis Colts

-Brian Robiskie (WR/Ohio St)

Brian Robiskie (NFL.com)

The delightful Colts’ GM Bill Polian will most likely choose the best player available with the 27th pick. For this reason, I am struggling to find any particular draft patterns that he follows to help me predict this pick. Even so, I think that Indianapolis has two great needs that should be addressed in day 1: defensive tackle and wide receiver.

Marvin Harrison served this organization well for many years, but lost a few steps after a (knee?) injury. Peyton Manning needs another receiver to look for in the Colts’ passing attack.

There is no more polished receiver in this draft than Brian Robiskie, the son of Atlanta Falcons WR coach Terry Robiskie. Having been coached by a professional since childhood, the sure-handed Robiskie should be able to quickly grasp the Colts complex offense, hopefully making a significant impact his rookie year.

-Evander Hood (DT/Missouri)

Evander Hood (NFL.com)

If no trade down is possible, the Colts need a great deal of help plugging the middle of the 24th ranked rush defense. Their current starters are both under 270 lbs, so look for a space eater to come in to stop the run game.

The Missouri tackle, Evander Hood is an extremely athletic guy who carries his weight very well. Indianapolis likes slashing linemen just like him to keep the pressure on quarterbacks.

In the off-chance that Bill Polian swings a trade down, Fili Moala from USC is an intriguing player in round 2.

-Also keep an eye on HB Donald Brown from UConn. His speed and great hands would give the Colts run game the 1-2 punch that seems very popular these days.

Next on the clock: Philadelphia Eagles

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19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

-Jeremy Maclin (WR/Missouri)

Jeremy Maclin (NFL.com)

Lacking an offensive play-maker, Tampa looks for an explosive athlete on the outside to take some heat off of Antonio Bryant. The rest of the offense took considerable strides by signing Derrick Ward and Kellen Winslow. However, the ability to stretch the field still evades the Bucs. Releasing their aged vertical threat, Joey Galloway, was a sound move. Now, they should try to replace him with a youthful receiver like Jeremy Maclin.

What Maclin offers Tampa is more than simply a home-run hitter. The Missouri receiver adds a dangerous kick returner as insurance for Dexter Jackson (if he fails). In two years at Missouri, Maclin returned 5 punt/kicks for touchdowns. For this reason, I believe Maclin can make a noticeable impact during his rookie season. While he is busy polishing his receiving skills, Jeremy can help on special teams.

-Trade Up* (For Mark Sanchez or Peria Jerry)

In the event that Tampa falls in love with one of the quarterbacks (Mark Sanchez  or Matt Stafford) or one of the elite DT’s (Jerry and Raji), they become a prime candidate for trading up with a team like Washington or Green Bay. Think about it for a moment….Tampa doesn’t have many huge holes to fill, so the new regime might want to grab a potential cornerstone for the organization by trading up for a DT or QB.

-Evander Hood (DT/Missouri)

Evander Hood (NFL.com)

Worst case scenario, the Bucs replace Jovan Haye at defensive tackle.  Their Tampa 2 defense requires a solid pass rush out of their front 4 linemen. Who better than Evander Hood, a relentless pass rusher to help them out? One of my favorite players in this draft, Hood wows teams with his good “motor” (here’s to my buddy Andrew, isn’t that the most over-used term?), great strength (34 bench press reps), and excellent speed (4.91 sec 40-yard dash).

Next on the clock: Detroit Lions (from Dallas)

See the full hybrid mock draft here

I’d like to hear what you have to say about Jeremy Maclin. Do you think he deserves to fall this far? I’ve said my piece, now it’s your turn to make the call.

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(Part 5)

Defensive Tackles

A dominant defensive tackle is the foundation of any elite defense. To be great, defenses must possess a man who can control the line of scrimmage. They are not glamorous picks, but they free up their teammates to do their jobs successfully. Of the five top defenses (in yards allowed per game), four have an elite defensive tackle. Here’s how the future prospects measure up in comparison:

B.J. Raji (Boston College) offers the most scheme versatility. On film, he is an absolute animal against his competition. I pity  lineman who try to single or double team him. When he tries, there are no questions about his strength and ability to plug the middle. Mark my words, he should be gone in the first five picks.

After Raji, I absolutely  love Peria Jerry’s (Ole Miss) great intensity and lower body strength. On numerous occasions, I have seen him drive blockers backwards as if there was nobody there. It’s only for nagging injuries that he may find his stock drop on draft day.

Another immense talent is Missouri’s Evander Hood. It would be a  rare thing indeed to find a guy who plays with more intensity and drive than him. He gives his all on each and every down, which is why I think he will succeed in the pros as a pass rusher. He is a bit undersized, but  so is Darnell Dockett on the the Arizona Cardinals. Hood’s play reminds me of Dockett’s disruptive playing style.

Mid-round steals could be Terrance Taylor (Michigan) and Ron Brace (Boston College). Taylor is a former state champion wrestler with tree trunks for legs. He only lacks height, measuring in at just under 6 feet.

Brace looks the part at 6′ 3 and 320 lbs, but is rather sluggish and isn’t close to the athlete that his teammate Raji is. But any coach with patience and time to tutor these guys may get solid football players.

Special article coming up: Quarterback Controversy