When the King (of the draft) Speaks You Listen: Mayock’s Position Rankings
Mike Mayock is every amateur mockers man-crush because we are all jealous of his ability to dissect film. Mayock is easily one of the top analysts in the business (if not the top) and is often ahead of the curve as far as rankings go (watch how soon Todd McShay adjusts his board after Mayock does…I’m not saying…I’m just saying….but I digress)
Here are Mike Mayocks’ upgraded top five for each position:
Quarterbacks
1. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
2. Jake Locker, Washington
3. Cam Newton, Auburn
4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas
5. Andy Dalton, TCU
Mallett is supermely talented, but without getting a chance to talk to the guy to get a feel for his aura…I’m just not willing to go out on a limb for him.
Running Backs
1. Mark Ingram, Alabama
2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois
3. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State
4. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech
5. Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State
It’s refreshing to see Rodgers high. I’m rooting for the guy. Daniel Thomas doesn’t do it for me. He runs so high and I don’t think his game translates exceptionally well to the N.F.L. Kendall Hunter (as mentioned by rotoworld) was all the rage and Mayock was his personal fan boy during the Senior bowl so it’s interesting he’s not in his top 5.
Wide Receivers
1. A.J. Green, Georgia
2. Julio Jones, Alabama
3. Titus Young, Boise State
4. Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh
5. Torrey Smith, Maryland
Baldwin is super talented, will he impress in the interview process? Titus Young is rising. (our scouting report of Young here)
Tight Ends
1. Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame
2. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin
3. Luke Stocker, Tennessee
4. D.J. Williams, Arkansas
5. Virgil Green, Nevada
There’s not much after the first few TE in this draft class.
Interior Offensive Line
1. Mike Pouncey, Florida
2. Danny Watkins, Baylor
3. Clint Boling, Georgia
4. John Moffitt, Wisconsin
5. Rodney Hudson, Florida State
Comments: The old list: 1) Pouncey, 2) Stefen Wisniewski, 3) Watkins, 4) Moffitt, 5) Hudson/Will Rackley. (that tidbit is taken from rotoworld.com where I saw the list)…
I think Jason Pinkton is a guard at the N.F.L. level and better than Boling, or Hudson. Watkins is good but he’s already 26 years old I think that has to make a difference. That’s potentially 4-5 years less of prime…if you’re drafting Watkins in 2nd round you better hope there’s no typical rookie adjustment period.
Offensive Tackles
1. Anthony Castonzo, Boston College
2. Nate Solder, Colorado
3. Tyron Smith, USC
4. Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin
5 (tie). Ben Ijalana, Villanova; Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State
After hearing Mayock compare Solder to Tony Boselli during the Senior Bowl I assumed that Solder would be #1 here. It’s interesting that Castanzo’s first. When we release our big board you’ll see we’re very far away from Mayock on this one.
Defensive Ends
1. Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson
2. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin
3. Adrian Clayborn, Iowa
4. Cameron Jordan, California
5. Robert Quinn, North Carolina
I think the surprise in this group is easily Robert Quinn as the #5 defensive end. I’m not sure what I’m missing. When I watch Quinn play I see potential for domination at the N.F.L. level. I can’t say the same thing for J.J. Watt who is a good solid player with hustle, but I don’t think he’s the next Jared Allen or anything.
Defensive Tackle
1. Marcell Dareus, Alabama
2. Nick Fairley, Auburn
3. Corey Liuget, Illinois
4. Stephen Paea, Oregon State
5. Jurrell C
Not to gloat or anything, but we have had Dareus ahead of Fairley since we brought in the new blood here at N.F.L. mocks. Fairley good prospect, but a touch over-rated.
Outside Linebacker
1. Von Miller, Texas A&M
2. Akeem Ayers, UCLA
3. Justin Houston, Georgia
4. Bruce Carter, North Carolina
5. Chris Carter, Fresno State
I think this should be separated into 4-3 and 3-4 OLB they are really completely different positions. I’m going to try and find what Mayock has said about Miller being able to play in a 4-3.
Inside Linebackers
1. Martez Wilson, Illinois
2. Colin McCarthy, Miami (FL)
3. Quan Sturdivant, North Carolina
4. Casey Matthews, Oregon
5. Kelvin Sheppard, LSU
I’ve think Wilson is a better fit as a SAM in a 4-3 system like the Giants or the Rams, but he might get drafted as an ILB.
Cornerbacks
1. Patrick Peterson, LSU
2. Prince Amukamara, Nebraska
3. Aaron Williams, Texas
4. Jimmy Smith, Colorado
5. Brandon Harris, Miami (FL)
I’m going to have to watch more Aaron Williams to make sure it’s not me punishing Williams for Aaron Ross flop-job lately with the Giants. Williams just doesn’t seem consistent to me.
Safeties
1. Rahim Moore, UCLA
2. Ahmad Black, Florida
3. Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson
4. Quinton Carter, Oklahoma
5. Deunta Williams, North Carolina
I also like Black. Plays like Earl Thomas, though Thomas has superior instincts. This is the highest I’ve seen Gilchrist before.
What’s your thoughts about Mike Mayock’s bit board.
Poll question: