The Official 2014 NFL Draft Thread

[Danny]

Originally Posted by CU Tiger

Watkins and Nuk Hopkins taken last year by the Texans are two good stories. Both came from really really bad places. And it looks very good for both to change their life.

I remember interviewing Watkins before he ever played a college snap and asking why he came to Clemson when all the suitors in FL were calling and he was a South Florida boy. His response gives me chills to this day.

"Ive buried 3 close friends and before I am done at Clemson will probably bury 1 or 2 more. Shit was everywhere back home. If I want to not only change my life, but my kids lives and my grand kids lives...you know make the Watkins family proud society figures for generations I had to get away from that trash. It feels like just being here I have accomplished my dreams, but I ahve done jack yet. But I will. Watch and tell everyone I told you.

I reminded him of that last time we spoke. He smiled and said, "Man I still aint done jack...you gonna interview me on media day of the Super Bowl when I make it?"

I'm a big Sammy fan and not because he came from Clemson. I am a fan of the man and the person he has become. He will make some team proud.

Watkins is the guy I want at #5 before reading this.

[Matthean]

Interesting of the players mentioned they all went to LSU or FSU. That's 5 of the 10.

2014 NFL draft -- Zach Mettenberger's combine urine sample diluted - ESPN

[Julio Riddols]

Man, it's not hard to stop smoking weed. These players are retarded.

[molson]

I'd kind of like an IQ test that's maybe more valuable than the wonderlic. If you just can't stop smoking marijuana even though you know it could damage your career (the only career you have any qualifications for), you are probably barely operating at an adult level mentally and are prone to all kinds of bad judgment calls.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

If Bridgewater's there, I'm not sure the Patriots are interested in trading down. Now I'd still prefer a Hageman, Nix or Shazier, but if we're picking Bridgewater as a future QB and not just some random QB like Savage or Garoppollo I'd take it.

Having watched Hageman the last few years I don't like him in round one. He's amazing physically but he disappeared way to frequently during games and didn't have the production to match his size and strength.

[Lathum]

Giants projected to grab Eric Ebron. He would be a nice safety valve for Eli in the passanig game but there is something weird to me about taking a TE with an early first round pick.

I still think Austin Seferian-Jenkins is going to be the better player of the 2.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Matthean

Interesting of the players mentioned they all went to LSU or FSU. That's 5 of the 10.

2014 NFL draft -- Zach Mettenberger's combine urine sample diluted - ESPN

Good judgment ain't never been Mettenberger's trademark, this would not be a huge surprise to me.

[SteveMax58]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Giants projected to grab Eric Ebron. He would be a nice safety valve for Eli in the passanig game but there is something weird to me about taking a TE with an early first round pick.

I still think Austin Seferian-Jenkins is going to be the better player of the 2.

I've seen some mocks with them going Zack Martin. Not the most interesting of picks but I can't say I'd be disappointed by it.

As much as Ebron would be nice to have, I think keeping Eli upright and getting back to winning the LoS should be the priority (followed by getting pressure on opposing QBs). And guys like Ebron (famous last words) always seem nice & explosive coming out, only to kinda sink into being "just ok" or mediocre.

I know I'll probably get the "this guy is different" line, and thats fine if he is, but the safest & biggest need to me is winning the LoS again...which is what we've always done when we've been most successful.

[Logan]

Giants need to invest in the OL and LBs.

[Travis]

Very Seahawk draft centric article, but I love the information and the way it's presented.

NFL Draft 2014: Seahawks Horizonal Draft Matrix

If you're not overly interested in their explanation behind the project/how it applies to the Seahawks and just want to see how they're grading guys in the draft, just scroll down and click on the link for the matrix just over halfway down the page.

[sabotai]

As far as Eric Ebron goes, he can't block for shit and what I'm hearing, at least from the talking heads on the TV, is that he's immature and high maintenance. I'd be weary about having another Jeremy Shockey.

I'd like the Giants to take Aaron Donald if he's still there at 12. They need help at DT, but the big question mark with Donald is that he's undersized for a DT. Their OL was dreadful last year so they'll probably go there. I can also see them taking Mike Evans, but I doubt he'd still be there at 12.

[stevew]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I still think Austin Seferian-Jenkins is going to be the better player of the 2.

Supposedly has major issues with his makeup. Basically numerous teams said "fuck this guy" after his combine issues.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by stevew

Supposedly has major issues with his makeup. Basically numerous teams said "fuck this guy" after his combine issues.

Still less of a risk than Colt Lyerla! Then again, Lyerla will probably go 7th round/UDFA and ASJ in the 2nd.

[SteveMax58]

Originally Posted by sabotai

As far as Eric Ebron goes, he can't block for shit and what I'm hearing, at least from the talking heads on the TV, is that he's immature and high maintenance. I'd be weary about having another Jeremy Shockey.

I'd like the Giants to take Aaron Donald if he's still there at 12. They need help at DT, but the big question mark with Donald is that he's undersized for a DT. Their OL was dreadful last year so they'll probably go there. I can also see them taking Mike Evans, but I doubt he'd still be there at 12.

Agree on not needing a head case. The only time a head case is good is when the team is utterly terrible to the point that the head case IS the entertainment. We aren't that bad of a team.

I've been wondering about Donald myself. Are they making comparisons to somebody like Sapp? Sapp was a girthy dude but he's no giant (no pun intended) of a man either at about 6'0"-6'1". Pressure up the middle is really disruptive (see Tuck during that 2007 run) if you can find the right guy.

Gotta research that guy a bit more now.

[bhlloy]

I really like Donald as a prospect - physical freak with the stats in a decent conference to back it up (most TFL in the nation and double digit sacks). He'll be a stud in a 4-3 defence

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

Still less of a risk than Colt Lyerla! Then again, Lyerla will probably go 7th round/UDFA and ASJ in the 2nd.

Man, if Lyerla wasn't a dumbass he could be awesome.

[Julio Riddols]

Originally Posted by SteveMax58

Agree on not needing a head case. The only time a head case is good is when the team is utterly terrible to the point that the head case IS the entertainment. We aren't that bad of a team.

I've been wondering about Donald myself. Are they making comparisons to somebody like Sapp? Sapp was a girthy dude but he's no giant (no pun intended) of a man either at about 6'0"-6'1". Pressure up the middle is really disruptive (see Tuck during that 2007 run) if you can find the right guy.

Gotta research that guy a bit more now.

The comparison they're making with Donald is Geno Atkins. Almost identical build, but Donald is a bit quicker I think. That can only be a good thing.

[bhlloy]

FWIW, very few mock drafts now have Donald lasting until the Giants. I think he's a sure fire top 10 pick at this point.

[Logan]

Always love these types of articles:

Inside a war room during the NFL Draft | The MMQB with Peter King

• And my favorite story: I once told a player we would sign him for a $500 bonus. His answer was, and I quote: “Well, I only have about $100 now, but I can get you the rest in about a week.” “No,” I answered, “We pay you.”

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by SteveMax58

Agree on not needing a head case. The only time a head case is good is when the team is utterly terrible to the point that the head case IS the entertainment. We aren't that bad of a team.

I've been wondering about Donald myself. Are they making comparisons to somebody like Sapp? Sapp was a girthy dude but he's no giant (no pun intended) of a man either at about 6'0"-6'1". Pressure up the middle is really disruptive (see Tuck during that 2007 run) if you can find the right guy.

Gotta research that guy a bit more now.

Originally Posted by bhlloy

I really like Donald as a prospect - physical freak with the stats in a decent conference to back it up (most TFL in the nation and double digit sacks). He'll be a stud in a 4-3 defence

Originally Posted by Julio Riddols

The comparison they're making with Donald is Geno Atkins. Almost identical build, but Donald is a bit quicker I think. That can only be a good thing.

Watching him at Pitt it was hard to get a read. On one hand, teams knew they had to block him, and still couldn't. But, he played most of the year at about 270, no way he'd be able to get away with that in the NFL. Plenty of guy dominated in college and could never make the transition.

He's certainly benefiting from entering the NFL at the right time. Much like Atkins went in the 4th(?) round, Donald probably gets passed by 6 or so years ago, because he wouldn't be big enough to hold up vs the run (in the scouts eyes). Now, nobody cares about stopping the run if you can pressure the QB.

[Coffee Warlord]

Originally Posted by Logan

Always love these types of articles:

Inside a war room during the NFL Draft | The MMQB with Peter King

I loved this one during the undrafted signing scramble:

In the 2003 post-draft chaos, one of our scouts yelled out, “Anyone want to sign this quarterback Romo? He’s from Wisconsin.” Crickets.

[Butter]

If you can get through Yahoo's general awfulness, this was a nice story...

NFL draft prospect Teddy Bridgewater gives cancer-surviving mom a pink Cadillac Escalade | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo Sports

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

If you can get through Yahoo's general awfulness, this was a nice story...

NFL draft prospect Teddy Bridgewater gives cancer-surviving mom a pink Cadillac Escalade | Shutdown Corner - Yahoo Sports

Maybe I am cranky, but I look at that as really irresponsible. He is far from guarenteed a huge payday and this doesnt seem like the smartest purchase to make before he has even been picked.

I get the agent fronts him the money, etc...but based off a quick search the first pick in round 2 would get a signing bonus of just over 2 million, after agents and taxes that doesnt leave him a ton left over.

Nice gesture and I like the meaning behind it, maybe just not the best time to do it.

[Butter]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Maybe I am cranky,

Maybe?

[cartman]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Maybe I am cranky, but I look at that as really irresponsible. He is far from guarenteed a huge payday and this doesnt seem like the smartest purchase to make before he has even been picked.

I get the agent fronts him the money, etc...but based off a quick search the first pick in round 2 would get a signing bonus of just over 2 million, after agents and taxes that doesnt leave him a ton left over.

Nice gesture and I like the meaning behind it, maybe just not the best time to do it.

He does have insurance that pays him an amount if he isn't drafted by a certain point in the draft, so he does have a decent payday guaranteed no matter if he goes early in the first round or not.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by cartman

He does have insurance that pays him an amount if he isn't drafted by a certain point in the draft, so he does have a decent payday guaranteed no matter if he goes early in the first round or not.

Sure, a decent payday, but decent enough to buy a $65,000 car with a custom paint job?

Just seems irresponsible, regardless of how well intentioned he is.

You see so many stories about guys who overspend and are out of the league and broke in 3 years. I just think he should have waited until he know he was in a fiscaly better situation.

Again, not being critical of the act itself, I think it is very sweet, I just think the timing of it was irresponsible.

[mckerney]

Originally Posted by cartman

He does have insurance that pays him an amount if he isn't drafted by a certain point in the draft, so he does have a decent payday guaranteed no matter if he goes early in the first round or not.

His draft insurance only pays or if he falls out of the first due to injury or illness.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Sure, a decent payday, but decent enough to buy a $65,000 car with a custom paint job?

Just seems irresponsible, regardless of how well intentioned he is.

You see so many stories about guys who overspend and are out of the league and broke in 3 years. I just think he should have waited until he know he was in a fiscaly better situation.

Again, not being critical of the act itself, I think it is very sweet, I just think the timing of it was irresponsible.

Dude. It's for his mom, who survived fucking breast cancer, as a Mother's Day gift. He promised this to her when he his in the the third grade.

The timing couldn't be better. It's Mother's Day weekend. He's about to have his lifelong dream come true - be in the NFL - and he's honoring his mother, who raised him and three other kids alone, and survived breast cancer. The timing doesn't GET any better. It's a perfect confluence of events.

Are you and saldana having marital issues?

[BillJasper]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Sure, a decent payday, but decent enough to buy a $65,000 car with a custom paint job?

Just seems irresponsible, regardless of how well intentioned he is.

You see so many stories about guys who overspend and are out of the league and broke in 3 years. I just think he should have waited until he know he was in a fiscaly better situation.

Again, not being critical of the act itself, I think it is very sweet, I just think the timing of it was irresponsible.

I agree. In the age of Vince Young, this may be a huge red flag for teams wanting a QB.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Dude. It's for his mom, who survived fucking breast cancer, as a Mother's Day gift. He promised this to her when he his in the the third grade.

The timing couldn't be better. It's Mother's Day weekend. He's about to have his lifelong dream come true - be in the NFL - and he's honoring his mother, who raised him and three other kids alone, and survived breast cancer. The timing doesn't GET any better. It's a perfect confluence of events.

Are you and saldana having marital issues?

I think I was pretty clear in saying I admire the act itself, but the road to hell is paved with god intentions.

I know absolutly nothing about his mothers finances, but it seems to me that money could likely be spent in a much better way, and if he is succesful in the NFL he could buy her the car then. I know as a parent I wouldn't want my kid buying me a car when that money could be better spent on other things, given his financial uncertainty.

I am seperating the gesture itself from the financial aspect, if you cant do that then fine. I would say most broke people, NFL draftee or not, are people who can't seperate emotion from finance.

[chadritt]

Even after taxes I would think 2 MILLION dollars leaves enough for one "big" purchase. Now if he buys multiple houses as well then hes got a problem.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by chadritt

Even after taxes I would think 2 MILLION dollars leaves enough for one "big" purchase. Now if he buys multiple houses as well then hes got a problem.

but it isn't.

I will preface this by saying I am pretty much pulling number out of thin air, so feel free to argue them if you like, but I think they are probably pretty close.

Lets say he gets a 2 million bonus,

Agent takes what, 10%? So he is at 1.8.

Uncle Sam takes 40%, so he is at 1.08 mil

Take out the car for Mom and that puts him at about a million even. So he is using about 10% of his total worth at that time ( assuming he doesn't have any other income we don't know about), to buy a car for his Mom. Not smart.

I would say he would get about 500K/ year salary. Nice, but not huge, generational money.

If he is a bust and gone from the league in a few years that isn't a lot of money to build for your future.

Again, great gesture and I hope he is a starter in the league for 15 years and taken in the top 10, I like the guy and will root for him, but I stand by my statement that this isn't a great financial decision.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I am seperating the gesture itself from the financial aspect, if you cant do that then fine. I would say most broke people, NFL draftee or not, are people who can't seperate emotion from finance.

i.e. Most broke people are like you, HB!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

i.e. Most broke people are like you, HB!

Broke people must be some charming-ass motherfuckers then!

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Again, great gesture and I hope he is a starter in the league for 15 years and taken in the top 10, I like the guy and will root for him, but I stand by my statement that this isn't a great financial decision.

Buying a car, period, is not a great financial decision.

Come to think of it, having kids isn't a great financial decision either.

There are lots of things that aren't great financial decisions.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Buying a car, period, is not a great financial decision.

Come to think of it, having kids isn't a great financial decision either.

There are lots of things that aren't great financial decisions.

totally agree, and I would venture to say the majority of people who have both can't afford either, but they really want them or feel entitled to them so they have them anyway.

[NobodyHere]

So how much money does a person need to earn in order to give his mom an expensive gift? If not 1.08 million then what?

If I ever happened to earn that much I would have no problem whatsoever using 10% of a bonus to buy my parents a gift.

[molson]

Originally Posted by chadritt

Even after taxes I would think 2 MILLION dollars leaves enough for one "big" purchase. Now if he buys multiple houses as well then hes got a problem.

The biggest problem would be co-signing dozens of loans for friends and family members to finance risky business schemes. The "Antoine Walker problem".

Buying a car for his mom, that's pretty awesome.

[JPhillips]

Originally Posted by Lathum

the road to hell is paved with god intentions.

HERETIC!!!!

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by NobodyHere

So how much money does a person need to earn in order to give his mom an expensive gift? If not 1.08 million then what?

If I ever happened to earn that much I would have no problem whatsoever using 10% of a bonus to buy my parents a gift.

The problem is you don't know your future earning potential, you could be out of the league in 3 years.

The problem is you can't look at it as a bonus, you have to look at it as money you need to live off of the rest of your life, because the big NFL payday is far from an assurance.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

Buying a car, period, is not a great financial decision.

Come to think of it, having kids isn't a great financial decision either.

There are lots of things that aren't great financial decisions.

Oh shi... I have two cars and two kids on the way.

I am like most broke people!

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Oh shi... I have two cars and two kids on the way.

I am like most broke people!

I think you'll be okay, since you're a lawyer, and presumeably well-paid. Only occupation more likely to be able to handle that would be, I don't know, maybe a professional athlete or sumfin like that.

[JAG]

Originally Posted by Lathum

he is at 1.08 mil

Take out the car for Mom and that puts him at about a million even. So he is using about 10% of his total worth at that time ( assuming he doesn't have any other income we don't know about), to buy a car for his Mom. Not smart.

I would say he would get about 500K/ year salary. Nice, but not huge, generational money.

If he is a bust and gone from the league in a few years that isn't a lot of money to build for your future.

I think if you gave any reasonable person 2-2.5M by age 26 (approximate age of busting and being out of the league), they could easily build for their future even with a 100k car purchase in there. It's not like he'll never get a job outside of QB in his life. I don't think you can make that leap with one purchase. Yes if he goes and buys another 10 cars sure.

[Dutch]

Originally Posted by Julio Riddols

I don't necessarily have draft fatigue, but I do hope they stop messing with things that aren't broken in an effort to somehow improve their revenue. There is only a certain amount of change something you love can undertake before you begin to have trouble recognizing it. The things Goodell keeps talking about changing and actually changing are things that have been fine as-is for a long long time. They are part of what made the game what it was and they didn't need changing.

It reminds me in a way of women and men with body image issues who get plastic surgery on top of plastic surgery until they are so different from their original form that they become a whole other entity.

It also reminds me of our government, changing things that are unnecessary and leaving actual problems untouched.

I can't wait for Thursday night, but that is because I like the draft and I love football. I would have preferred to see it in April, however. On Saturday and Sunday. I like spending my weekend with the sport, not cramming the good parts in on a work night and leaving the boring stuff for when people actually have spare time to really enjoy it.

Agree with this whole post, Julio.

[stevew]

He should probably buy his mom a lightly used Chevy Cruz and then bid her adieu.

I'm sure he's getting some smaller checks from like underarmor. Or if not paying off 65k over 4-5 years is minor.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by stevew

He should probably buy his mom a lightly used Chevy Cruz and then bid her adieu.

I'm sure he's getting some smaller checks from like underarmor. Or if not paying off 65k over 4-5 years is minor.

Maybe I could reach out to Teddy and offer him one of my "friends and family" discounts to help alleviate the financial burden. We'll get him into a GM car one way or another.

[Butter]

Chevy Cruz? Was he on Sabado Noche en Vivo?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Butter_of_69

Chevy Cruz? Was he on Sabado Noche en Vivo?

I thought he was a marginal outfield prospect with some AL team.

[stevew]

The Chevy Cruz is made in Canada with Cuban parts but is 100% unequivocally 'merican.

(I should probably know it's the Cruze since I live so close to lordstown)

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

I thought he was a marginal outfield prospect with some AL team.

The Angels drafted that kid. I have no idea if he is still in the system, though. Nice pull.