Early Look at NFL Draft '08 Pro Prospects

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Early Look at NFL Draft '08 Pro Prospects
Frank Coyle - Head Scout of DraftInsiders.com

Photo - CB/RS Leodis McKelvin - Troy University

Moderator - Welcome back Frank to the 2008 PackerChatters Draft Chats...we thank you for taking the time to come in this evening. Frank when you are ready we will start asking for questions from our list of fans with us tonight.

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders.com - I am ready

JM. - This is not so relevant for the Packers, as I donâ€™t think there is any chance he will become a Packers. But being an Ohio St. fan, I have been wondering about something. It seems to me that James Laurinaitis does most things pretty well, but I just can't see him as an elite prospect in the same mold as AJ Hawk was for a couple of reasons. What is your take on Laurinaitis? Is he a bit overrated?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Launinaitis is an explosive player but still developing. He probably enters the draft and could be a top 10 selection with a strong workout. I love him but he is still raw in some key areas.

Moderator - LeRoy36 you are up.

LeRoy36 - Thanks for taking our questions Frank. With reports of Favre probably returning in 08 what is the value of Aaron Rodgers when looking at this yearsâ€™ QB class in the draft. Could GB get Matt Schaub value for him (two 2nd rounders) more? And would teams like the Falcons, Baltimore, etc be looking to maybe trade for him?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Rodgers would have at least Matt Schaub value. He looked great in limited time this season and I think a player worth keeping as the heir apparent for Brett unless someone offers a truckload of picks/players. There are at least 5 teams that HAVE TO GET A QB.

Moderator - Packerboy is next.

Packerboy - Welcome Frank!! Top three COVER CB in this draft and would Rashard Mendenhall be a good fit in Green Bay?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Mendenhall would be a great fit for GB but probably they would have to move up from late first round. Top cover men are Mike Jenkins, Malcolm Jenkins and Brandon Flowers if they are all in draft.

Moderator - Tex....your question for Frank Coyle of DraftInsiders

Tex - Welcome Frank! 2008 WR rankings- compared to where Calvin Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Greg Jennings were in their draft classes- where would you rank the top WR in this yearsâ€™ class in comparison to those 3 guys?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - There is no Calvin Johnson. Juniors are entering today Malcolm Kelly, Earl Bennett with James Hardy in. Add Early Doucet and probably junior DeSean Jackson. Good but not great group.

Moderator - The Dude is up next.

The Dude - What are your thoughts on Ezra Butler. He appears to have the physical tools to be a stud and the packers need depth at OLB. What round do you think he would fit in?? Thanks.

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Butler had a big year as WAC defensive PY. He has real playmaking ability and probably goes in the top 100 picks.

Moderator - Apollo your question for Frank please.
Apollo - Thanks for chatting tonight Frank, It seems like lots of rookies start in special teams, do you see the Pack drafting for specifically for ST aka Hester types? Special teams seems to need a boost, do you see the Pack looking for a gunner? Another kick returner?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Returners have become more valuable with kickoffs back 5 yards in recent years. WRs Jackson, Avery and Bryant will be in demand. Special teams play a major role in games and that becomes vital for rookies to contribute in those roles.

Moderator - Firepack84...have a question ready?

Firepack84 - What do you think of Omar Cuff?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Cuff is a tough son of a gun. I scouted him a lot at Delaware. He is a great goal line runner but has only marginal size. He will have to compete for like a 3rd down back role and maybe as a KOR.

Moderator - Fudding you are next.

Fudding - How does Jonathan Stewart compare to some of the other backs going in the 1st or 2nd round

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Stewart is a 225 lbs+ back with explosive speed. He ranks very high and will impress in workouts. Expect him to declare on Friday or Monday.

Moderator - JM your question

JM. - Are there any guys that impressed you much in the bowl games, but do not get the credit you think they deserves?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Thomas Brown of Georgia looked great in bowl victory. Marcus Monk of Arkansas came on late in the season. Marcus Smith of New Mexico is sharp and has fine triangle numbers. I recommended him for the Senior Bowl and he will be in Mobile for the week.

Moderator - LeRoy36 is up now.

LeRoy36 - Who do you have Green Bay taking in the 1st round of the 2008 draft (at this point in time)?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - I think the Packers will look at OT, RB and CB

Moderator - Draft Insiders' Digest - 17th Season http://www.draftinsiders.com "The Publication NFL Scouts Buy" Get Inside NFL & NCAA Football for the post season and the NFL Draft '08 With The Most Accurate and In-Depth NFL Draft & Free Agency Publication & Online Publications Available! Call 1-800-776-1949 "The Leader in NFL and College Scouting" 20 issues annually - Draft '08 Yearbook Monthly Newsletters Published by NFL scout Frank Coyle and staff @ Draft Insiders.com Over 100 years experience scouting Pro Prospects Subscribers call: 1-800- 776- 1949 "The Publication NFL Scouts Buy" Get These FREE Year-round NFL Reports! http://www.draftinsiders.com/node/173

Moderator - KJH question?

KJH - Who are the best cover corners who would be still on the board when the Packers pick in round 1? Round 2?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Best cover men late in the first round would be Aquib Talib, Brandon Flowers and maybe Justin King if he declares.

Moderator - Tex is up now.

Tex - Any DE's have potential to be as productive in their future as Mario Williams has been in his 2nd season?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Mario Williams is an awesome specimen. Good year for DE but no Williams available.

Moderator - Apollo how about you

Apollo - Seems like you are not that impressed with the receivers this year, what's your take on DJ Hall?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - DJ Hall is a fine prospect. He will be at the Senior Bowl also. A big week could push him to the top 50. He did not play in a sophisticated passing game and that sets him back a little compared to other prospects.

Moderator - ok...Kjh

KJH - The Packers seem to like offensive linemen who are athletic. Who are the most athletic OT's that would be available when the Packers pick in Round? Round 2

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - We are still waiting on a few juniors OT Oher, Boone. Loadholt That would change first round significantly. All would be great additions but maybe only 1 entering the draft or possibly available in first round.

Moderator - Leroy36 is up.

LeRoy36 - Harrell selection shocked every Packer fan. Is there any player like that that Ted may draft? Someone no one talks about being selected by GB and may not be a need but maybe too good of a value for Ted to pass on.

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - That is always possible. Dan Marino went 28th. Roetlisberger went 11th. They are almost as many Pro Bowl performers from the 2nd round as from the first round. Sometimes waiting for the best value works great.

Moderator - Packerboy has a question.

Packerboy - How far will Colt Brennan fall ?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Colt needs a big week at the Senior Bowl with NFL coaches. He set a ton of records but must dispel the â€œSystem QBâ€? label. He has a fine arm and could be as high as the #3 or #4 QB in the class. A bad week and he might fall to the #6 or 7 QB prospect.

Moderator - Tex you are up now.

Tex - Can you rank this years LB's at this point in time? Who are top 3 -either ILB or OLB?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Laurinaitis, Connor, Wheeler and Goff for inside.

Moderator - Great Q's & A's tonight. 
   Apollo - question for Frank?

Apollo - You kind of touched on what I was going to ask, Do you think there is a reasonable chance Oher will be on the board @ 29? So I changed it up, what are your thoughts on Mountaineers DB- Eric Wicks.

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Oher is probably going to stay in school. Boone of Ohio St will probably come out and he would be a fine addition. Wicks of WV really makes plays. He is a middle to late round guy who should excel on special teams.

Moderator - Fudding.-.question?

Fudding - What do you think of Jack Ikegwuonu from Wisconsin? What kind of scheme will he fit into best? What round do you see him going in the draft?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Jake is a player who had an up and down season. He is in the 2nd tier of corners and probably fits a zone scheme best at this point of his development. I think he has a big upside with some corner technique development and could be a gem with further work.

Moderator - JM your question for Frank.

JM. - Do you think 'Beanie' Wells will become a top 5-10 selection when he declares in either 2009 or 2010? Will the injuries be a big concern even if he does not have any injury problems next season?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Wells is a monster runner but those Draft classes are light years away. Injuries must be dealt with at that position.

Moderator - KJH is up now.

KJH - What are the three deepest positions in this yearsâ€™ NFL Draft?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Right now with juniors entering. I like RB back class with McFadden, Slaton and Stewart expected to enter. I also like the DE and CB groups. Next week will shake out positions related to juniors. Senior Bowl will confirm older players and level of development.

Moderator - Packerboy...another question please.

Packerboy - Third round TE that would fit Packersâ€™ system?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Maybe a guy like ND John Carlton or Purdueâ€™s Dustin Keller. Both are fine pass catchers with good speed.

Moderator - Tex back to you.

Tex - We read a lot about the top 4 or 5 QBs that get all the press, but is there an under-the-radar guy who might just have a better NFL career than those top guys?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Joe Flacco of Delaware is a guy I have scouted extensively. He has a great arm and size to start in the NFL. I will have an extended scouting report on him in my Draft Yearbook.

Moderator - My turn. What do you consider the Packers biggest position of need?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - I thought it was running back until Ryan Grant had a huge season. I think OL needs to be addressed along with secondary. They are areas that demand quality and depth.

Moderator - The Dude...question?
The Dude - Where do you think Sam Baker will be drafted?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Baker would be a nice fit for Packers late in the first. That is where he probably goes if he proves over his leg injury that limited his playing time as a senior.

Moderator - Apollo is up.

Apollo - How much of Slaton's success can be attributed to his QB who teams also have to play the run against?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders â€“ West Va is a jail break offense. Pat White makes it work beautifully but Slaton is a fine playmaker He will have to prove he is durable as a pro but he is a guy with big play ability to strike from anywhere.

Moderator - Fudding your question please.

Fudding - Who is the premier TE in the draft? How do they rank compared to the previous couple drafts TEs? Would it be a significant upgrade for the Packers?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - TE is a fine class with juniors entering. I like Fred Davis of USC, Martin Rucker of Missouri and John Carlton of ND plus the juniors in a strong class. Any would be a fine addition to the Packers passing game that needs speed at that spot.

Moderator - JM...question for Frank?

JM. - Ingram has decided to stay for his senior season. Do you think Barbre can develop into a quality left guard?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - I liked Barbre last year and think he is a kid that will surprise, compete and win a starting job in time. Another fine pick by Ted Thompson.

Moderator - Packerboy is next.

Packerboy - I believe Jonathan Stewart will become a star in the NFL. What are the changes he will be on the board when the PACKERS pick in round one. THANKS FRANK

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Stewart is a gem. He probably runs a big number to be a first round pick. Once McFadden and Mendenhall are off the board, he is in the next tier of runners that will go. Stewart is probably available in the late first round for the Packers.

Moderator - Tex back to you.

Tex - Can you name a couple of guys in the Senior Bowl that we as fans should keep an eye on, perhaps guys that are not well known but have some potential to stand out in that game and improve their draft position?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Look at players like DE Clff Avril of Purdue, S Jon Hefney of Tennessee and wideout Donnie Avery of Houston

Moderator - The Dude, another question for Frank?

The Dude - What do you think of Charles Godfrey from Iowa. Is he more of a CB or a safety now after this season and when do you think he'll go??

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Godfrey is a big corner who fits best in a cover 2 scheme. He could also project to safety but will probably get a first look on the corner Heavy man coverage teams probably pass on him.

Moderator - Apollo you are up.

Apollo - I believe the Pack may seek a project QB, do you see this as plausible and if so who? Any chance someone like Flynn or Ainge?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - I think with Rodgers on board you wait at this position. He has developed nicely. Only a truckload of picks would command a trade. It is a good group of passers and some nice value with guys like Ainge available beyond the top 100 picks.

Moderator - Fudding, question for Frank?

Fudding - How many of the corners do you consider to be in the top tier. How far into the draft do you think the top tier corners last?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Top tier corners are gone by the 2nd round maybe earlier. We get about 15 drafted in the top 100 selections annually sometimes more. Teams need at least 4 good cover corners plus 3 quality safeties. You could argue that your top 6 DBs are basically starters with nickel and dime defenses on the field often.

Moderator - JM your question please.

JM. - Are there any cornerbacks around 2-3-4 round, you think could be gems in a scheme that use press coverage?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - I like the kid from BCâ€™s, DeJuan Tribble and LSUâ€™s Chevis Jackson

Moderator - Packerboy is up now.

Packerboy - Thoughts on Dan Conner and will he be a late first rounder?

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Connor is a tough defender. Lacks great size but certainly adequate. Very savvy kid with fine production He figures in the latter first round right now.

Moderator - Tex you ar up.

Tex - Is corner Antoine Cason's stock falling? If so why? He is apparently a talented good character guy....

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - Cason is a tough corner that I like much. His recovery speed has been questioned. He needs a big workout to justify a top 15 grade. He could fall somewhat but he is a quality defender with an early NFL starting grade.

Moderator - Dude...question?

LMG-Moderator - Last question for Frank from Apollo

Apollo - Thoughts on Leodis McKelvin? Is he a problem child? Also, thanks for stopping by and talking football.

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - McKelvin is a real athlete. Great returner. He was dominant in the Sun Belt. He needs basic technique work as a corner. He is a player to watch at the Senior Bowl. I recommended him as early as October '07. He must answer some questions related to his technique for the position and his past history.

Moderator - This concludes tonightâ€™s Draft Chat and we thank Frank for being with us here tonight PackerChatters Draft Chat. Be sure to stop by DraftInsiders http://www.draftinsiders.com/.html and check out Frank's great Draft information which is updated all the time.

Packerboy - Thanks you for coming !!!!!! Great time of the year for all Packer fans.

Frank Coyle - DraftInsiders - See you next month. http://www.draftinsiders.com

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