Chat with Frank Coyle - NFL Draft '08

- Tonights guest host is Frank Coyle of the Draft Insiders Digest. Frank is a nationally known pro football scout who publishes Draft Insiders' Digest and www.draftinsiders.com. In it's 17th season, Draft Insiders' Digest is dedicated to 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 information on players and team potential in the coming seasons. Draft Insiders.com is an extensive web site and on line publication that produces over 15 issues throughout the year beginning with an Online Pro Prospects Preview in August and monthly Newsletters thru May. Draft Insiders publishes over 450 in-depth Scouting Reports on Pro Prospects for the NFL Draft annually, in addition to an Updated Draft Report just prior to the draft process.

PackerChatters Staff - We are ready to take you draft questions for Frank.

Photo - CB Antoine Cason - Arizona

Frank's Packer pick at #30 is CB Antoine Cason from Arizona. Maybe the senior prospect with the most to prove at this event after questions about his speed. He answered the call with a strong overall workout including a 4.49 sprint time, 20 reps, 35.5” VL and a 10'8" BJ. That effort probably guarantees him a first round grade.

Frank welcome back to the 2008 PackerChatters Draft Chats. Tonight’s Chat as usual will run approximately 1 hour and we will try and get to all your questions in this short time frame

From bvbage
I was wondering about Danny Amendola. WR from Texas Tech. He was Tech's replacement for Wes Welker (they are exactly the same, but Danny is a few inches taller), could he succeed at the next level?

From Frank Coyle
Danny is a small sure handed receiver but not as strong or quick as Welker. He probably goes in the late rounds or FA

From Tom
There are repots that the Packers had reps at Malcolm Kelly's latest workout. If he is there at 30th overall pick, would they consider him considering our apparent depth? Also what is Koren Robinson's contract situation?

From Frank Coyle
Malcolm Kelly probably falls to the mid to late 2nd round off 4.65 times. Packers probably address the cornerback spot at the 30th overall pick.

From Zingo
If Atlanta approaches the Pack to get back into the 1st round, would we be able to get two of their three 2nd round picks in return? That would give us 4 picks in round 2, all of which could have an impact this upcoming season.

From Frank Coyle
Atlanta is holding those picks to move up for Matt Ryan. If GB traded #30 back they probably could get two of those 3 picks on the 2nd round. Players on the clock will dictate trades.

From GBP4EVER
What tight ends would be there for the Packers in the third or would they have address this area in the second?

From Frank Coyle
TE Brad Cottam of Tennessee could be on the board in the 3rd round, though I think from the mid 2nd round thru 4th rounds we will see 6 to 8 TE probably come off the board. Cottam may not be there for GB at the end of the 3rd round.

From Vinnie
Hello Frank, It has been reported that GB has attended workout of the following players: Washburn CB Cary Williams, Mount Union WR Pierre Garcon, Kansas State LB Justin Rolland, Wisconsin-Whitewater RB Justin Beaver to name a few. Beaver is a hometown Div II guy. Is there any standouts in this group or is it just smoke and mirrors? ( I left out Otah, Kelly and Swan)

From Frank Coyle
WR Garcon is an interesting prospect if given time to develop for 1 to 2 years. He has the upside to help in multiple sets and as a KOR. Late pick only.

From Jason
Ted Thompson has shown to take the best available player on his draft board when their pick comes up in his first 3 drafts with the Packers. What are a few players that are Thompson guys that he could possibly choose at the 30th where fans may have similar reactions to like last years pick of Justin Harrell?

From Frank Coyle
I think corners Cason and Flowers fit nicely at end of 1st. They can address TE, OT and WR in the 2nd and 3rd with three picks.

From majikmanseven
Do you see the Packers trading a draft pick to Tampa bay for Chris Simms to be the vet back up? If so, what pick. And, would that affect the packers drafting a QB. I still like Josh Johnson as a 3 year project.

From Frank Coyle
I ranked Aaron Rodgers #1 passer when he came out so I think a vet like Sims probably only costs a late round pick. Rodgers will do well in my opinion

From superdave/draft expert
are you hearing anything regarding the packers trading a second to the eagle for Lito Sheppard. will a late second be enough. Is McCarthy prepared to use Al Harris as the nickel. The packers lost two games outside of the Bears (and those losses will be rectified this year no problem) in those two loses al got torched. its a bold move do you think it could play?

From Frank Coyle
Sheppard for a late 2nd round pick probably gets it done. Pac Man will cost the Cowboys a #3 pick. Sheppard would be a nice upgrade immediately.

From The GM
Where do you see Jonathan Stewart going in this draft

From Frank Coyle
Stewart goes late first. Packers may have a chance though I think Seattle will pounce on him at 25. Also Dallas at 28 if they don't trade for McFadden.

From pet brick
Does Kenny Phillips have the ability to start from day one? Nick Collins has largely been nothing more than potential and I can't see Ted pulling the 4th best cornerback off the board with his BPA mentality.

From Frank Coyle
Phillips is a fine athlete and capable of starting as a rookie. He figures in the late first early 2nd round. He is a good cover man with fine upside with some development. Looked like a top 20 prospect entering the '07 season.

From GoPackGo#4
As a developmental project at QB, who has the most upside Josh Johnson (QB-San Diego), Dennis Dixon (QB-Oregon), and Kevin O'Connell (San Diego St.)

From Frank Coyle
I like O'Connell the best. He needs a strong QB coach on his throwing fundamentals. Johnson is a David Garrard and also a potential starter. I have my doubts about Dixon

From The GM
Thanks for coming Frank, who will be the biggest reach in Rd 1 and who will surprise us at being there at #30?

From Frank Coyle
Maybe biggest reaches in the top 100 would be Carl Nicks and Beau Bell

From Vince
How about Dustin Keller as the #30? How would he be used in the Packers offense?

From Frank Coyle
Keller is similar to Dallas Clark and gives an offense a dimension in the deep seam. I feel the TE will start in the mid 2nd round area and go thru the 4th round.

From laxfootball
What lineman in the early-mid rounds do you feel best fit the zone blocking scheme?

From Frank Coyle
I love Roy Schuening a tough savvy kid with the package to have a long NFL career at guard.

From JeffinTampa
Last year Thompson got a pretty good deal with finding Mason Crosby in the late rounds...Is there any decent punters available that are worth a late round pick on or just all free agent signing?

From Frank Coyle
I like the Ga. Tech punter Durant Brooks and the ND St punter Mike Dragosavich. They both should have nice NFL careers.

From zingo
Where will Badger wideouts Hubbard and Swan end up being drafted?

From Frank Coyle
Hubbard is an interesting kid and a marginal top 150 prospect maybe later. Good late gamble with the tools to surprise. Swan had his hamstring operated on and is currently rehabbing.

From greenie
What TE and OT would be good value @ pick 56 and 60?

From Frank Coyle
TE available there could be Carlson, Davis and definitely Cottam. OT will go fast and probably 5-7 gone by those picks. Anthony Collins should be on the board, Carl Nicks and Tony Hills.

From Bill
Could Josh Barrett be a press corner?

From Frank Coyle
No, he is strictly a strong safety where his linebacker size and could speed give him a good chance to start soon in his career. Boom or bust prospect.

From GBP4EVER
Brandon Flowers is he just to short to be a effective CB?

From Frank Coyle
Flowers is a quick tough kid. I did a lot of work on him and love his upside. He ran poorly at combine that pushes him to the late first or early 2nd round but a very good value there.

From majikmanseven
Do you see Packers trading a pick for Chris Simms? And if so, would it alter their draft strategy in when to take a QB?

From Frank Coyle
No need to panic over a QB Rodgers should be fine. Several young vets are on the trading block Simms, Losman and maybe Beck.

From GoPackGo#4
The Packer backfield could use some more help. I know Grant, Jackson, and Hall are pretty well set. What fullback fits with the Packers offense? Where would he be drafted?

From Frank Coyle
Schmitt is my pick for GB on the 4th round. He is the classic lead blocker with reliable hands and good running skills. Great fit for GB in the 4th or 5th rounds.

From Draft lover
Everyone has the Pack taking a CB in the first round because is a need pick to an extent, but TT doesn't always seem to go with need. Any idea where he might go with the pick?

From Frank Coyle
CB first, OT second TE third and RB fourth. Where players fall will dictate priority

From DavidWhitehurst
Frank...A guy I really like is Charles Godfrey. Why has he been flying under the radar the entire time and is he a good fit for the packers?

From Frank Coyle
Godfrey is an interesting corner. Good fit for cover 2 He has the talent to press and the versatility to move to safety. He probably goes on the 3rd round and a safe pick for GB.

From GBP4EVER
Who is your most overrated and who is your most underrated player in the draft?

From Frank Coyle
Overrated might be DeSean Jackson, though a playmaker as a receiver and returner. Underrated is Oklahoma LB Curtis Lofton. He has the talent to be an impact defender.

From GoPackGo#4
With regard to RB, Rice, Choice, Charles, etc. are possible selections. Which would fit best in our zone blocking scheme?

From Frank Coyle
I think Ray Rice is a tough kid great for zone blocking lines with the quickness to adjust and change directions

From bvbagel
Who's a small school prospect that's under the radar right now?

From Frank Coyle
DB Antwaun Molden is flying up charts. SS Corey Lynch will make it somehow

From GoPackGo#4
Would Mario Manningham be a good fit in our offensive scheme? Is he a good enough route runner in the middle of the field, and does he block well enough for our standards?

From Frank Coyle
He probably doesn't block well enough but most don't at this point of their careers. Manningham is falling but has playmaking ability and someone is going to get a good player cheap

From The GM
What kind of upside does Tommy Blake have, and what round do you see him going? Is he worth the gamble?

From Frank Coyle
Blake is a sad story that hopefully has a happy ending. He is in the 265 lb range after blowing up to the 280 lb. range with an anxiety disorder. How ready is he to play football remains to be seen and most likely he falls to the late rounds. Better for 3-4 teams as an attack backer.

From TitletownBrady
I'm a big fan of Jordy Nelson even if his numbers last year were inflated. Any thoughts on his pro potential and if he would be available for the Pack in the late 2nd or if he would be a good fit especially with his return skills?

From Frank Coyle
Nelson figures in the 3rd round. Big tough kid with good long speed. He must show he can separate in coverage to win a starting job. He would be a good addition for GM passing game.

From GBP4EVER
Do you see Mike Hart doing anything in the NFL?

From Frank Coyle
Hart is falling like a rock. Tough kid who run poorly in the high 4.6 area He is a tough kid who must impress in camp to make a roster. He is a marginal late pick and may be only a very good college runner who comes up short (no pun intended) in the NFL.

From majikmon
What's your opinion on Justin King? Thanks

From Frank Coyle
King is a good prospect who had a huge workout. He is not fully developed to challenge for starting time . See Indiana game vs Hardy. He is a prospect with a lot of upside on the corner but may need a season or two to play the nickel to settle into a base defense as a starter.

PackerChatters Staff - Last question for Frank tonight goes to GoPackGo#4.

Comment From GoPackGo#4
The Packers need to start developing possible replacements for Tauscher and Clifton in the next few years. What are some possible 2nd day 2 OTs available for TT?

[Comment From Frank Coyle
I like King Dunlap of Auburn and both Northern Iowa tackles Chad Rinehart and Brandon Keith. All carry starting grades with some development.

PackerChatters Staff - This concludes tonight’s Draft Chat and we thank Frank for being with us again in PackerChatters Draft Chat. Be sure to stop by www.DraftInsiders.com and check out all the great Draft and NFL information available.
Thanks to all for coming with your questions and to Frank for his great responses.