NFL Draft 6 through 10

6 Dallas Cowboys (From the Washington Redskins via Saint Louis Rams)

Need: Cornerback

Pick: Morris Claiborne; CB LSU (6’0’’, 185, 40 Time 4.45) In 2010, Claiborne played opposite Patrick Peterson, a LSU cornerback that was a  first round draft pick in that season & yet Morris’ skill did not go unrecognized.  In fact, many SEC observers thought Claiborne’s coverage skills were superior to Paterson’s. He is gifted with quick feet, a long reach, and fluid hips that allow him to effectively engage receivers in press, press-bail, or off coverage. While he was used primarily in man, he has demonstrated the skill, discipline, and hitting power to be feared in zone coverage. Claiborne began his career as a wide receiver, so his ball skills are top shelf. He is very comfortable breaking on a ball, securing the interception and advancing the ball back up the field. Like other gifted athletes, he needs to continue to develop his technique as often his pure athleticism is more than enough to get the job done. For Claiborne to enjoy the success he has experienced in the SEC, his continue emphasis on skill development will be critical. In the NFL, you cannot simply rely on your talent, skill acquisition coupled with talent will determine your success. By all accounts, Claiborne is a willing student of the position and is committed to his continued growth in this area. His only physical drawback is his lack of upper body strength. The Cowboys can easily address this in the weight room. This is a very good pick for the”Boys” as Claiborne should provide needed help and do so quickly!

7 Tampa Bay (From the Jacksonville Jaguars)

Need: Cornerback

            Pick: Mark Barron, Safety Alabama; (6’2’’, 218, 40 Time  4.56) Barron is the number one rated safety in this draft. He possesses the size, strength, and instincts to make him a good to great player in the NFL. However, there are mild concerns about his straight line speed and serious questions about his tackling. Further, he has little experience in man coverage. Barron did play some man in Bama’s 3-4 scheme, lining up opposite the slot, but not very often. He is terrific in zone coverage and demonstrated superior ball-hawking skills. His ability to read the QB allowed him to lead the SEC with 7 interceptions in 2010. He is effective in run support and likes to go for the big hit. Much more effective in playing down hill (straight line) than on angles. Barron understands the safety position and subsequently does do a good job of keeping things in front of him. That said, he has have some off field issues, he was arrested in March of 2011 for hindering prosecution as police thought he was not telling the truth about a one car accident. He has also had injury issues, tore his right Pectoral muscle and missed the Capital One Bowl against Michigan State in January of 2011. Barren is currently recovering from hernia surgery. The Buccaneers need help on defense and Barron should be able to assist them, how quickly is the real question? This is a solid pick!

8 Miami Dolphins

Need: Quarterback

            Pick: Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M; (6’4’’, 222, 40 Time 4.65) News flash: A converted wide receiver, Ryan Tannehill, has become the Miami Dolphins first round selection at QB. He is the first QB taken by the Dalphins in the first round since Dan Marino was selected in 1983! Go figure, a former wide receiver, Ryan Tannehill and all Pro Quarterback, Danny Marino placed in the same category. This comparison will not make Tannehill’s job any easier. To be clear, Tannehill showed up at College Station as a highly ranked duel-threat QB and was asked to make the switch to wide-out. He showed great maturity in doing what the coaches thought would be best for the team. He is described as having an NFL arm, able to make every throw expected of QB’s in the league. He has size, arm strength, mobility, and intelligence to have a very successful NFL career. That said, he is really raw! His set up and release are described as inconsistent and his reading of the defense coverage is thought of as emerging, a term used to define kindergarten readers! Tannehill struggled with recognizing Big 12 double coverage schemes and blitzes packages, what he will face now is a far greater challenge. He will need time to develop, learn from mistakes and then, given what is said about his character, may become a good to very good NFL QB! This is a work in-progress pick!

9 Carolina Panthers

Need: Defensive Tackle

            Pick: Luke Kuechly; ILB Boston College; (6’2’’, 237, 40 Time 4.80) This guy likes to hit! Kuechly is one of the most productive tacklers in college football history. Ole Luke was involved in over 500 tackles (2009 158, 2010 183, & 2011 191) in the past three years. He has demonstrated great instincts and anticipation in finding the ball as he always seems to be in position to make the play. He reads well and as a result, he  gets to his drop points in pass coverage even though he does not possess elite speed. The fact that Kuechly rarely missed a tackle, coupled with his lack of down hill speed, led BC to wisely used him more as a scraper along the LOS then as blitzer. It simply did not make sense to waste his skill set blitzing when he does not possess the speed required to get to the QB! This strategy made perfect sense, as it allowed Kuechly to clean things up and explains why he made few tackles behind the line-of-scrimmage. Kuechly is an extremely hard worker in weight room and has a good off the field record. This pick can best be described as a player who makes plays but is not thought of as a play-maker. A good pick for the Panthers.

10 Buffalo Bills

Need: Defensive End / Outside Linebacker

            Pick: Stephon Gilmore; CB South Carolina; (6’1’’, 193, 40 Time 4.52) Many scouts thought that Gilmore, while not as talented as a Morris Claiborne, did possess as much or more skill at the cornerback position. A smart player who would live in the film room if his coaches would have let him. He has an aggressive attitude on the field and a great work ethic in the weight room. Gilmore played mostly press-bail or off coverage at South Carolina. That said, he can preform in a  press scheme because of his aggressive style of play. To continue his success with press coverage on the next level, he will need to will need to get stronger to deal with the power and burst NFL receivers. Gilmore has excellent ball skills, he is good in the run support game, and is experienced, as he started 40 games for South Carolina. Gilmore is not blessed with elite speed but his other strengths should allow him to be an excellent player for Bills. A very good pick!