Posts Tagged ‘Robert Ayers’
24. Atlanta Falcons
-Brandon Pettigrew (TE/Oklahoma St)
- Brandon Pettigrew (NFL.com)
The Atlanta Falcons have been searching for a massive run-plugging defensive tackle to go alongside Jonathan Babineaux. But the only first round quality tackle is B.J. Raji. So, the Falcons probably will look to upgrade another serious hole on the other side of the ball. With no serious starter on the roster, GM Thomas Dimitroff wants to find a quality TE to help Matt Ryan’s progression. Although Oklahoma State’s Brandon Pettigrew isn’t incredibly fast, he fits well in Atlanta’s short-intermediate passing game. Besides Michael Clayton (6′4 215 lbs), Matt Ryan has no big targets. Pettigrew has ideal size (6′5 255 lbs) and excels in the short passing game. For this reason, I doubt the Falcons will pursue the likes of Jared Cook, who is used to lining up in the slot and is best suited for a vertical passing attack. As an added bonus, Pettigrew’s blocking ability would only bolster an already stellar run game featuring Michael Turner.
-Darius Butler (CB/Connecticut)
- Darius Butler (NFL.com)
Losing #1 CB Dominque Foxsworth in free agency hurt the Falcons secondary. Chris Houston is a decent #2, but they still need to find another starting corner in this draft. If Atlanta either passes on Pettigrew or he is already taken, then the next best value is to draft a cornerback.
The best cornerback available is Connecticut’s coverage specialist Darius Butler. At the combine, he posted a 43 inch vertical leap, ran the fastest 40 yard dash (4.46 sec) of any defensive back, and showed by far the best footwork of any corner in the draft. He possesses adequate height and weight (5′10 183 lbs), but has good enough instincts to play in either man or zone coverage schemes. In his final season of college, teams stopped throwing to him because of his shutdown coverage ability.
-Robert Ayers (DE/Tennessee)
- Robert Ayers (NFL.com)
LE Jamaal Anderson has been disappointing for a 1st round selection after producing a measly 2 sacks over his two seasons in the NFL. Some people have proposed drafting Larry English as a viable alternative. Yet, that would require him to play LE, a position he is ill-suited to play at 255 lbs. The only possibility I can think of for the Falcons if they want to upgrade their edge pass rush in round 1 is Robert Ayers. The Lions might pass on him, in which case Atlanta would have the chance to select him. Ayers is an up-and-coming defensive end, who has loads of upside. However, his 1 year of starting experience makes him a risky pick in the first round. Nevertheless, he is the most formidable end prospect available to the Falcons in round 1 (I’m not a fan of workout warrior Michael Johnson).
John Abraham is perfect at RE, so I don’t see him moving anywhere. Paul Kruger might be an option in round 2 or 3 as a LE candidate.
Next on the clock: Miami Dolphins
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.20. Detroit Lions
-Robert Ayers (DE/Tennessee)
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- Robert Ayers (NFL.com)
I expect to see Detroit use this draft to build the trenches just like Bill Parcells did last year. This assumption may not be as far off base as you might expect. So, how about we look at the similarities between Mayhew and Parcells’ situations.
Last season the Dolphins had 3 of the first 33 draft choices. Parcells emphasized the need to draft their first player prior to the draft. This led to LT Jake Long being selected. With their other 1st round selection they chose a defensive end. With their first pick of the 2nd round, they selected the 3rd best quarterback available, then proceeded to use the rest of the draft to build the offensive and defensive lines. Sounding familiar?
Now, the Lions have 3 of the top 33 picks. Their GM made it clear as day that he wants to sign the #1 pick prior to the draft. He also emphasized building the trenches in the draft. Finally, Detroit has shown great interest in the top offensive tackles, and they were also one of about 5 teams in attendance at #3 QB candidate Josh Freeman’s pro day workout. So, what does this all mean?
If my hypothesis is correct, then you might see an offensive tackle selected #1, then a defensive lineman with the #20 pick. Finally, Josh Freeman would be targeted with their 33rd pick, if he is still available.
Mayhew is a smart guy, and it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see him imitate the master franchise builder, Bil Parcells.
Assuming Detroit follows the Parcells plan, they will look for another pass rusher to challenge Cliff Avril for playing time at RE. Detroit’s sack totals were a respectable 16th in the league (30 sacks). But by no means should this make them content. New defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham loves pressuring the quarterback, so adding another pass rusher makes sense, especially one coming from Tennessee’s illustrious program.
Robert Ayers is a great pass rusher who possesses the frame to get bigger. He had a tremendous Senior Bowl, but he carries some level of uncertainty. Ayers did a great job this season, absolutely dominating Andre Smith, but only broke into the starting line up this season. If he continues to blossom, he might become one of the best ends in this class.
-Brandon Pettigrew (TE/Oklahoma St)
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- Brandon Pettigrew (NFL.com)
If the Lions draft Matthew Stafford first, or if they want to address the offense in round 1, then there is no better player available than Brandon Pettigrew. Former Lions TE Dan Campbell couldn’t manage to stay healthy, which left the Lions without a big target on underneath routes.
Make no mistake about it, Pettigrew would immediately impact the Lions offense in a handful of ways. He isn’t quite the flashy player that Jared Cook or Chase Coffman will be. However, he is a blocking extraordinaire, who became just about the only player to shut down Brian Orakpo this season. What Detroit gets from Pettigrew is a huge red zone target with massive hands, and an extra offensive tackle (he blocks about as well as some tackles). If you are looking for a comparison, think Jason Witten.
Coach Schwartz learned the importance of a solid tight end in Tennessee. Bo Scaife was able to contribute to the run game, and he was one of Kerry Collins’ favorite targets.
Final note: I am assuming Michael Oher will have been chosen already. James Laurinaitis is a possibility here.
Next on the clock: Philadelphia Eagles
See the rest of this Hybrid Mock Draft here
If you voted “other,” please name the player in the comments section
