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NFL Draft Chat with Frank Coyle
This is a transcript of an NFL Draft Chat with Frank Coyle on PackerChatters this week.
PackerChatters Staff:
Our guest host tonight is Frank Coyle. Frank is a nationally known pro football scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest. In it's 20th season, DraftInsiders.com is a website and publication dedicated to the year round coverage of NFL and NCAA Football. Frank covers the NFL Draft and Free agency extensively with a veteran scouting staff that provides insightful scouting information on players and team potential in the coming seasons.
Photo - WR Jonathan Baldwin - Pittsburgh
PackerChatters Staff:
Frank answered submitted Draft questions not only about how the Packers but for all NFL Teams. Welcome all! Welcome back Frank to PackerChatters Live Draft Chat. Tonight's Chat as usual will run approximately 1 hour. We will try and get to all the questions in this short time frame.
Frank Coyle:
Great to be with Packer Chat again. NFL Draft clock is ticking.
Comment From packerboypackerboy:
Good evening Frank,Three Questions? 1.Would Brooks Reed be a good selection at 32 for the Packers ? 2.At 248 lbs can Dontay Moch play OLB in Capers D? 3.Thoughts on Willi Smith (OT).Looked pretty good at the combine. Could he be a steal in round 4-5? THANKS
Frank Coyle:
Best available is always the right move. A lot happens in top 31 picks. Packers GM Ted Thompson has been great at staying with value board and I expect him to do it again. It might be players like M Pouncey, LB Ayers, WR Baldwin.
Frank Coyle:
Brooks Reed is a player I rank in the Top 125 prospects only. Maybe plays up in the 3-4 but a project there. He is on the board in day three. Great motor with average AA
LB Moch is on the come. Great NFL Combine effort at almost 250 lbs. and probably moved into 2nd round. Great fit for Packers but probably not available at #64
OT Will Smith is a rising prospect with the feet you want on a pass protector. He moved into middle rounds and a kid with a big upside.
Comment From 12851285:
If you had to start an offensive line of all rookies from this draft class what would it look like ? THANKS
Frank Coyle:
LOT Castanzo, ROT Solder, center Pouncey OG Watkins and Moffitt or maybe Hudson You would need three #1 picks and a couple of other top 100 picks for that group.
Comment From hbuffhbuff:
WR's Richardo Lockette and Cecil Shorts, what are your thoughts on them, who is better, who fits the Packers scheme better, and when will they be drafted?
Frank Coyle:
WR Shorts is more developed than people think. I like him a lot and he is probably available on the 4-5th rounds Short has fine hands and runs good routes. WR Lockette is a cut athlete with excellent speed, though a straight line sprinter. He needs a lot of work on his routes and hands. He had marginal production at a very low level. Short is the much better fit here
Comment From Tommy Tommy :
Any surprises for you at the Combine?
Frank Coyle:
I thought a few players disappointed like CB Johnny Patrick, RB Rodgers, RB Powell WR Vincent Brown
Comment From kennykenny:
Hi Frank thanks for coming. I like the Packers to take WR at pick 32. Tell us about Jon Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson, and Torrey Smith as the best potential, skills, head, etc. Any later round WR that would fit well with the Packers?
Frank Coyle:
I will a lot of receivers. My #3 receiver overall is Jonathan Baldwin. He has a big upside as a pro. He struggled with a weak QB in 2010. He is a Brandon Marshall type playmaker. Torrey Smith has an explosive burst but very underdeveloped as a route runner. Probably goes in mid 2nd. Hankerson is a tough sure handed kid with size and deceptive speed. Well developed and probably does not get out of the 2nd round. I like Titus Young as a deep threat and playmaker. WR Greg Little had a great Combine and is a kid with huge potential if the light comes on. WR Edmund Gates had an impressive workout. He is a Small college burner with sure hands and RAC
Comment From gbtraditionsgbtraditions:
Where do you rate Brooks Reed? Very high on the kid myself, problem is I don't think he will be there at pick #64 and I think pick #32 is a little too early for him.
Frank Coyle:
Like I said Brooks Reed is not a Top 100 prospect on my board and a project for playing up in a 3-4. The only things similar to Clay Matthews is that they both have long hair and great motors.
Comment From Jimbo Jimbo :
Today at his Pro Day Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett tried to distance himself from the rumors of possible drug use that have followed him lately. Your thoughts Frank on Mallett?
Frank Coyle:
Mallett has a monster arm and the best in this class. He is very immobile and struggles when asked to move in the pocket or outside of it. He has played in a pro style offense and is more developed than most others who played in a spread offense with little time under center.
Mallett will have to win in the interview to dispel rumors. The position demands a tough mature athlete with the intangibles to overcome all the problems that occur over a season. Mallett is a big time talent who has to grow up. He is not alone in that area.
Comment From RhinoRhino:
Good Evening Frank,
I feel the needs for this years draft for the Packers are in this order. (OL,CB,WR,OLB,RB,DE/DT). Do you see the same needs in this order?
Frank Coyle:
I see GB needs
OT, CB, LB, DL, WR, RB
Value will dictate direction Ted goes. He never loses sight of value. I like OT Solder if available, CB Harris or Jim Smith. LB Ayers is a possibility WR Baldwin would be top value and set up the receiving corps for a while.
Comment From TimTim:
Hey Frank, will Jernigan be available at 64 and if will would he fill the slot/return position we need especially if James Jones leaving? Jennings, Driver, Nelson, Jernigan seems like quite a force.
Frank Coyle:
Jernigan brings a lot to the table - wideout with top RAC and a top punt and KO returner. He is hot after a strong workout. Speed rises in the draft over the final weeks and Jernigan has probably moved into 2nd round and most likely gone by the 64th overall selection.
Comment From packerboypackerboy:
TT selects BPA .What player (or players) do you see falling to the Packers at 32?
Frank Coyle:
WR Baldwin, OC Pouncey, LB Ayers, CB Aaron Williams or Jimmy Smith,
Maybe WR Torrey Smith OT Gabe Carimi
You want a few shocks How about Mark Ingram or Kyle Rudolph at 32. Backs traditionally fall and Ingram would be excellent value and a fine fit here.
Rudolph would be available later on 2nd round with a possible trade out of the first round.
Comment From hbuffhbuff:
Denver is moving back to the 4-3 defense, Elvis Dumerville struggled as a DE but lead the league in sacks the first year he was moved to OLB in their 3-4 defense. He is only 27, any chances the Packers make a move to get him? What would it take?
Frank Coyle:
HC John Fox loves the 4-3 and Dumervil might be expendable. No trades until the CBA is signed. It could eliminate deals until after the NFL Draft. A good veteran tweener might be the perfect compliment for Matthews. He would command a top 50-75 pick currently.
Comment From 12851285:
What do you think of Curtis Marsh as the Packer selection at #64.THANKS,FRANK
Frank Coyle:
Curtis Marsh is moving up my board. Only 2 years at corner and he is showing natural skills. Nice Combine effort. Teams are viewing film of him. I had him a top 150 prospect in December. Maybe a top 100 now Corners are always in demand so expect a top 100 run - maybe he shoots up charts even further. Good prospect with fine skills. I love kids that improve. They usually hit the ground running in the NFL.
Comment From SkipSkip:
How good a prospect is Vai Taua from Nevada?
Frank Coyle:
Vai Taua is a versatile back who can fill both backfield spots. He is well developed and shows fine hands in addition to inside running. Looks like a 3rd day kid with a nice LOD to give a team a swingback with the talent to fill a few roles. Good later pick.
Comment From jdmskisjdmskis:
Would Titus Young be a good pick at 32 - both as a a WR and kick returner, especially since returning kicks has been a long time weakness.
Frank Coyle:
Titus Young is an explosive playmaker. He had a good week at the Senior Bowl. He is only around 175 lbs. but he has a burst to separate in the deep game and is dangerous after the catch. Speed kills in the NFL He has the talent that reminds me of Santana Moss /Dexter McCluster / DeSean Jackson as playmakers as receivers and returners.
Click on Next Page for Complete Chat Transcript
Comment From Packer PadrePacker Padre:
What is your comment on the very tall OT's in this years crop? seems like they are TOO tall? Would the Packers do well with a Solder who is plus 6' 7"'?
Frank Coyle:
Solder came in over 6'8" I believe. He is very athletic and looks lean at around 310 lbs. Football is still a game of leverage and size is negated if not coupled with good technique. The kid OT Tyron Smith of USC is flying up boards and looks like a top 20 pick Tackle class falls off after the top 5-8 prospects. A lot of ROT and many project inside to guard.
Comment From hbuffhbuff:
Jacquizz Rodgers, I love this kid and think he will be a dynamic KR and 3rd down back, What are your thoughts? Can he pick up a blitz? Can the packers get him in the 3rd round?
Frank Coyle:
Rodgers ran poorly at combine over 4.65 on all watches. He is a playmaker though who is very tough and durable. He catches the ball well and makes plays in the return game. HE is all over the map. I had him out of the top 100 prospects
He is a marginal middle round kid who is a good role player but not worthy of a prime pick. He must prove he can handle backers. He will sit until he does that consistently.
Comment From Steve O.Steve O.:
I'm a real Austin Pettis fan. Would he be someone the Packers look at and what round potentially should he go?
Frank Coyle:
Pettis is a very tough kid with sure hands and body control. He has only average speed and I question his separation speed vs NFL cover men. Despite fine production, I think he has to do everything right to fight to get into 3-4 wideout sets. He has the intangibles you love but average AA
Comment From Bob C.Bob C.:
Thoughts on QB Kaepernick? What team would he be a good fit for his style? Thanks Frank.
Frank Coyle:
QB Kaepernick is a rising prospect. He has a big arm and is a top athlete.
He moves well and can beat a defense with his arm or feet.
He can make all the throws but is another passer from the spread offense that demands reps and time in a Pro offense. He is really moving up and could surprise in the early 2nd round to the weak clubs that pass on a QB at the top of the draft like Panthers, Bills, Cardinals. Kaep needs time but has a huge upside if a team is patient and lets him refine his skills. Most teams show little patience to let a kid mature in their offense.
Comment From jdmskisjdmskis:
Are there any late round QBs worth a look especially if the Pack trades Flynn
Frank Coyle:
Actually QB class is weak after top two tiers.
QBs like Stanzi Dalton Devlin figure in the 4th thru 6th rounds.
Maybe they are never better than career backups.
Comment From StanStan:
J.J. Watt...available when the Packers pick at #32? Good fit for the Pack?
Frank Coyle:
JJ Watt is a great fit for the Packers. Unfortunately, he may be the hottest defender in this incredible DL class. Teams have jumped on his film since he declared in January. I am not sure he gets out of the top 20 selections. Great fit for 3-4 teams as a five technique end. Dolphins, Patriots, Chiefs Chargers are all over him. I expect half the first round will be DL. In fact, I think the top 100 selections should consist of half of the picks from DL and WR classes.
Comment From TimTim:
Is Marvin Austin worth the chance at #32? Can he play all three spots on the line of the 3-4?
Frank Coyle:
DT Marvin Austin had a big EW week and NFL Combine effort.
He is an explosive kid that carried a top 20 grade before the suspension nonsense started. He is a better fit for 4-3 scheme than 3-4 set. He is an immature kid that needs strong coaching.
He does not go in the top 40-50 picks. Risky anywhere but maybe some club gets a steal in the late 2nd or 3rd rounds. The biggest boom or bust prospect in this fine overall draft class.
PackerChatters Staff:
Last question for Frank tonight goes to Jon.
Comment From JonJon:
Frank who will be the biggest surprise pick in the first round this year....maybe someone under the fans radar? Thanks.
Frank Coyle:
I think a DT Muhammad Wilkerson could be a surprise #1 pick. Big young athlete who gets after the QB and makes plays. I scouted him a lot and he is a fast improving kid with a big upside.
Maybe QB Kaepernick could be a surprise in late first if there are trades up from the early 2nd round by a few clubs.
PackerChatters Staff:
This concludes tonight's Draft Chat and we thank Frank for taking the time to be with us again this year. Be sure to stop by DraftInsiders.com and check out the great NFL/Draft information offered. Frank will be back in Live Draft Chat Tuesday April 19th, 2011 at 8:00pm ET.
PackerChatters Staff:
Thanks to all for coming with your Draft questions and to Frank for his great responses. Be sure to stop by the DraftInsiders.com to check out all the NFL/Draft information provided all year long.
PackerChatters Staff:
Thanks Frank.
Frank Coyle:
Nice being with Packer Chatters again.
Pro Days are heating up. It should be a great two months.
Best Frank Coyle
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