Mock Talk

Posted by: PennSkinsFan on Thursday, February 21st, 2008

The hR Mock Draft Database has seen some extensive updates over the past two to three days. Of course, we will have it covered. We have the largest, most extensive mock draft database on the Internet, 7 years running. At this point, we will be updating that behemoth of a thing a few times per week, so bookmark it!

The Database now lists 188 mock drafts, most of which have up mock drafts. Some of the national media ones do not as of yet. You will see some have bigger font and are highlighted in gold. Those Mocks are singled out because of the respect they have within the draft network or the fact they are professional draft scouting firms.

This year we also added the Redskins third round draft selection to the Database. Here are some stats:

Total mocks listed: 188
Updated Partner Mocks: 116
Mocks Updated in last 10 days: 56
Mocks with Second round picks: 37
Mocks with third round picks: 11

There you go, the Database statistics. Now, on to the Redskins and what the Mocks are saying.

Positionally speaking:

Most mocks have the Redskins going defensive line. That is natural, that is what we think, that is what many in Redskins blog land and media believe. BUT, we have also been saying this for two straight years. Fortunately for the Redskins, they do have a full first day compliment of picks and you would suspect that at least one of the three first day picks will go to the defensive line. Vinny Cerrato talked in depth about the need for new, younger blood on the defensive line, but he also mentioned both spots, DE opposite Andre Carter, and the need for a faster DT that can get in the backfield and apply pass pressure. Most mocks indeed do have the Redskins going defensive line and the majority of those mocks have them nabbing a defensive end.

Second would be a close call between wide receiver and offensive line. The Redskins do realize a need for offensive line depth and some aging issues on the offensive line. Vinny Cerrato has also made clear that the Redskins need to get bigger at wide receiver.
The most picked player for the Redskins at #21 is Miami DE Calais Campbell. The Redskins have not been shy about the need to upgrade the defensive line. Vinny Cerrato said via interview, Greg Blache has talked about and Jim Zorn has mentioned it as well. Campbell is a popular choice because he is slated to go around the 20’s and particularly with the latest hiring of the Redskins defensive coaching staff, DL Coach John Palermo, who has previous connections with Campbell. Campbell is a super tall huge defensive end that has shown tremendous ability to get to the quarterback. In 2007, Campbell finished the 2007 season with 78 tackles and sacks. Campbell really dominates the mocks right now for the Redskins.

Check out the Mock Database’s link partner Football Future’s profile of Campbell for more info.

Florida’s Derrick Harvey and Auburn’s Quentin Groves are listed by some mocks but have seemed to fallen in stature as a Redskins pick. One defensive end picking up some serious steam in the mock drafts for the Redskins is Clemson DE Phillip Merling. Merling compiled 78 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks. Merling has a quick, explosive nature that could be an attractive asset. About two weeks ago, Merling was listed by either 1 or 2 mocks at most. Now the Database has 10 mocks listing Merling as a choice for the Redskins. Keep an eye on Merling. Check out Draft.com for profile information on Merling. USC’s Lawrence Jackson has been a choice of some mocks and could be a close watch as well.

Defensive Tackle is a position of interest for the Redskins as well. Some mocks have the Redskins taking North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer. Balmer is a prototypical DT that Greg Blache is looking for. He is big, strong, but quick. He has an ability to collapse the pocket and get pressure on the quarterback from the middle. Balmer finished 2008 with 59 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. For more info on Balmer, check out Database link partner Scott Wright’s Draft Countdown.

Outside of the defensive line, wide receiver is a semi-popular choice for Mocks for the Redskins as well. Most mocks center around three or four receivers. The more popular choices are Malcolm Kelly, Limus Sweed, and James Hardy. Hardy has actually been gaining ground lately with mocks at #21. Malcolm Kelly is a big receiver the Redskins are missing. At 6′4″, Kelly caught 49 passes for 891 yards and 9 TD receptions. Kelly can also be an intimidating leaper, something the small receiver in Washington simply can not provide. Limas Sweed is an inch taller at 6′5″ and has the ability to be the very best receiver int he 2008 draft. Sweed needs to stay healthy. James Hardy is 6′6″ big possession receiver. Hardy is seen as raw at times, but he is also seen as impressive and un-coverable in the corners of the end zone. Hardy has 79 receptions for 1,125 yards and 16 Tds, a pretty darn impressive year for being called raw.

Keep an eye out on the Mock Draft Database. Particularly March cuts and free agency. Things change. Trades, signings, releases, all can change the Redskins draft priorities. For NFL fans outside our Redskins nation, the Mock Database will provide you the largest database of any Mock draft you want. Hey, were not perfect. You know of a mock out there that we don’t list, simply let us know.

Now, if you are an NBA FAN, then check out the DC Pro Sports Report Mock Draft Database, our other Huge Mock database. Go ahead and link over to DC Pro Sports Report and click the NBA Mock Draft links at the top. Same goes for you hockey fans out there, check out our Hockey Mock Draft database.