ESPN Early Mock Draft (1 Viewer)

[Jeremy]

10. New Orleans Saints
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: CB, DT, MLB, TE, OLB
Projected pick: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
This is admittedly a bit of a reach, but unfortunately for the Saints this appears to be the area where the elite talent pool runs dry. Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins returning to Ohio State could end up affecting the Saints more than any other team in the draft. Cornerback and defensive tackle are New Orleans' biggest need areas and Balmer is the best available prospect at either position. Although Balmer flashes top-10 potential at times, he also could turn out to be another bust in the mold of Jonathan Sullivan, who New Orleans selected sixth overall in 2003 but traded away in 2006 after he failed to live up to his potential.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draf...olumns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3197734

Never heard of him, but I got a cold chill when he said he could be another Jonny Buffet!!

 

[Saints382]

Ummmm, no thanks.

 

[NCSaint]

never heard of him. Mock drafts are ridiculous. Actually most anything from ESPN is ridiculous. So per their logic we draft this reach of a pick because we need a DT? Nah I don't think so.

 

[longtime lurker]

Gholston all the way up to #6?! I like the guy but that's a bit to high, IMHO.

 

[DownWithDisease]

That stinks. Keith Rivers falls all the way to the Giants at 26? No way.

 

[obwhiteo]

i really hope we don't draft Willie McCrackin from University of Maine-Eastern Fellowship Academy in the 1st round this year....We need another solid 1st pick like we had with Will Smith....We need that kinda talent out of our 1st!!!

ugh!!!!

 

[jaxmc1023]

I'm starting to sweeten up to Talib ... or Keith Rivers.

 

[DownWithDisease]

i really hope we don't draft Willie McCrackin from University of Maine-Eastern Fellowship Academy in the 1st round this year....We need another solid 1st pick like we had with Will Smith....We need that kinda talent out of our 1st!!!

ugh!!!!

I know right!

We reach and grab a DT that has an inconsistent motor and a questionable work ethic, who draws a comparison to Johnathon Sullivan!

 

[LSSpam]

Scouts Inc. is consistently horrible for ESPN. Trust Kiper well before you pay attention to anything Scouts Inc, puts out.

 

[REALCHRISM]

Gholston all the way up to #6?! I like the guy but that's a bit to high, IMHO.

That's not to high. In fact, with a great showing at his personal day, Gholston could get as high as the #1 pick. Of course, it gets no higher than that.

Balmer is a solid, not spectacular DT. He is more of a second round value but will likely shoot up a lot of draft boards because of his enormous size and ability to play an increasingly valuable position. Teams like big men that can run and get up field. Of course, it goes without saying that this would be a TERRIBLE reach for the Saints. This is why I think it might be wise to either trade up if the right player is in range or trade back if we do not have a player on the board worthy of the #10 pick. Of course, the reality is that you have to have willing trade partners either way. The team that I would concentrate on is Baltimore since their need for a QB would not be compromised by trading down to #10.

 

[Mr. Sparkle]

That's not to high. In fact, with a great showing at his personal day, Gholston could get as high as the #1 pick. Of course, it gets no higher than that.

Hey there John Madden!

 

[rlemieux]

NFLDraftBlitz has him ranked at the #7 DT spot.

6'5 295lbs here is his BIO from NC http://tarheelblue.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/balmer_kentwan00.html

Still much too early for anyone to start predicting who will go to what team.

 

[kevison]

Balmer is a solid, not spectacular DT. He is more of a second round value but will likely shoot up a lot of draft boards because of his enormous size and ability to play an increasingly valuable position. Teams like big men that can run and get up field. Of course, it goes without saying that this would be a TERRIBLE reach for the Saints. This is why I think it might be wise to either trade up if the right player is in range or trade back if we do not have a player on the board worthy of the #10 pick. Of course, the reality is that you have to have willing trade partners either way. The team that I would concentrate on is Baltimore since their need for a QB would not be compromised by trading down to #10.[/quote]


Maybe we can trade back with Detroit and get a better value for a DB or LB. I am sure that they are drooling over DeSean Jackson! Their fans would not be happy with another WR.

 

[Trey W.]

if no one is there that can help this team dramatically this year i'd say we trade down a little and pick either Dan Connor or Casion from Arizona

 

[CargoJon]

14. Chicago Bears
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: QB, OT, DT, G, RB
Projected pick: Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Teams will be concerned about Woodson's occasional lapses in decision-making and lack of mobility, but he possesses the size, arm strength and accuracy as a passer to develop into a good starter in the NFL. The Bears will likely consider themselves fortunate if Woodson falls to them at pick No. 14 overall, given the quarterback issues that have plagued the team in recent seasons.

Looks like the Bears are slated to draft another Grossman LOL