You’re likely to see a lot of mock drafts, scouting reports, and draft analysis of Ohio State’s senior class and eligible underclassmen prospects. However, one recently surfaced that was a little bit different.
Recently launched website The National Football Post aims to give avid football fans perspective, commentary, and analysis directly from NFL insiders. Included on their staff are former players, current agents, and front office personnel ranging from scouting directors to front office executives.
Draft guru Wes Bunting and NFL scouting veteran Michael Lombardi (formerly of the of the 49ers, Raiders, Broncos, Eagles, and Browns) recently got together to take a look at Ohio State’s pro prospects found at the link below.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2008/10/nfl-draft-prospects-ohio-state/
With such extensive analysis on the Buckeyes draft prospects, I took the opportunity to follow up with the Bunting and Lombardi to learn more about how they envision this April’s draft to play out. Below is a transcript.
BK: There have been many mock drafts that have Alex Boone, James Laurinaitis, Malcom Jenkins and potentially Chris Wells going in the round one, and even some with them going in the top half of round one.
With things underway in both NFL and in NCAA, what do you think the order would be of those four if they were all in the draft?
NFP: 1. James Laurinaitis 2. Malcolm Jenkins 3. Chris Wells 4. Alex Boone
BK: Out of those four first-round guys, do you see any logical fits for them team-wise in the NFL in relation to what the draft order may be and where the project in the draft?
NFP: Laurinaitis to the Lions or Texans, Jenkins to Falcons or Dolphins. Wells to the Bengals or Eagles, and Boone to Cowboys or Redskins.
BK: Marcus Freeman is kind of a hard player to gauge for Buckeye fans, however you have labeled as a very safe and good value pick. Can you compare him to someone in the NFL so we have a better feel what we might see?
NFP: He reminds me a lot of Jaguars OLB Daryl Smith, who went 39th overall from Georgia Tech.
BK: Robiskie seems like a polished receiver who lacks some physical tools. However Santonio Holmes also was knocked for some similar stuff and seems to be really flourishing in the NFL. A lot of that fit stems from the system he is in Pittsburgh. What are some teams that could really help Robiskie at the pro level?
NFP: West Coast offense teams that will ask him to use his route running ability to separate underneath and not ask him to stretch the field. He fits in more as a number two possession-type but needs to be paired with a burner next to him that will open up the filed underneath. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers & Seattle Seahawks)
BK: About a year ago, Todd Boeckman was climbing the draft boards for 2009. You have him listed as 7th round pick. Will Todd get drafted in your opinion and will he be on an NFL roster?
NFP: Boeckman definitely has seen his stock fall a bit in the last couple weeks. But he is a big QB that makes smart decisions and uses his smarts and accuracy to move the chains. Remember even though he is older than most prospects, he doesn’t have much playing time under his belt. He still needs to develop as a quicker decision maker and do a better job reading defenses and going though his progressions. Boeckman will need to perform well in the College All-Star games and at the combine to have a chance. He may sneak in as a 7th round pick but I guarantee he will be at an NFL training camp as a rookie free agent either competing for a spot as a team’s number three QB or for a year on the practice squad.
BK: You have three players listed as fringe prospects. Which guy has the best chance of catching on in the NFL? Who really has some work to do, out of those three, to get a solid look from the NFL?
NFP: Best Chance: Maurice Wells- He is a 3rd down type back with good hands out of the backfield and can make a living in the return game. His explosion and quickness in space make him very intriguing to NFL teams and he can make something happen if teams get him in the open field. Prospects with his combination of speed and hands always have a chance.
Work Needed: Steve Rehring- He is blessed with great size and looks more like a tackle the guard. But he is so slow-footed and struggled playing with bend and leverage. His inability to block the speed and quickness of the SEC is a huge issue. He needs to play in a power run scheme that allows him to play concisely in tight spaces.
BK: Complete this sentence. Chris Wells reminds me of ______and will be the ________ running back off the board going around pick number _______ if he goes pro.
NFP: Wells reminds me of Corey Dillon, and will be the third running back off the board (behind Moreno and McCoy) and will go between 12th and 15th overall.
BK: What team would you see him becoming an elite back for right away?
NFP: Cincinnati Bengals
BK: Is there any reason he should stay in terms of increasing his stock?
NFP: No! He is too injury-prone, and running backs have a short enough running span in the NFL. He takes too many between the tackles with his physical running style. He needs to go pro as soon as possible!
BK: You have Lawrence Wilson as a mid first day pick. Do you think his projection would dictate staying at OSU or going pro?
NFP: Yes, having only one year of true playing experience, Wilson is still very raw from a technique standpoint. With his athletic gifts, he could come back and really be a huge factor off the edge as one of the nation’s top senior defensive ends. Wilson has all the physical tools NFL teams look for; he just needs some more coaching and to pay more attention to details. I expect him to return.
BK: Jim Cordle has started the last couple of games at left guard due to an injury at that position and has looked pretty good. What do you think is a better position for him? Also you say he might be 2010’s best center prospect. Who else could be there with him and does he have a good shot to maybe sneak into first round if he stays?
NFP: I think Cordle’s best position is at center, but it doesn’t hurt to have the versatility to play guard. It can only help his stock. But he has the technique and talent to be next year’s top center. He will be competing with Josh McNeil (Tennessee) Thomas Austin (Clemson) and Rafael Eubanks (Iowa). As for being a first round pick, centers typically struggle going in the first round unless they have the talent of a really special center prospect. Cordle is not in the same class as former Buckeye Nick Mangold, who barely snuck into the first round in 2006. I see Cordle as a mid/late second rounder worst case, early third.
BK: What is the NFL’s take on Jim Tressel coached Buckeyes? Has the opinion of a lack of speed or underperforming in big games come into mind of NFL personnel?
NFP: No, not at all. Ohio State has had 20 players selected in the NFL draft during the past three seasons. Obviously it may affect some players’ draft stock, but Tressel has sent some of the best prospects into the NFL during his time as the head coach. His players are well-prepared from a technical standpoint and NFL executives have a real appreciation of that.
