The Jets fans may have been barking their approval of this pick, but Gholston is one of those workout warriors who look impressive in a uniform – which isn’t always reflected in his on-field play.
We’re not saying that Gholston can’t play, but he is not going to be an every-down defensive end who dominates. Instead, he will start off as a 3rd down pass rusher who struggles to make the NFL adjustment.
Click here for more on Gholston.";
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Harvey is an impressive physical specimen, but, like the Jets’ Vernon Gholston, it isn’t always reflected in his play. Harvey has excellent speed, accelerates well and can close on the quarterback. But there are serious questions about his run defense. Can he hold his ground against bigger and nastier blockers than he saw in college?
The defensive end has a tough time getting away from offensive linemen once they get their hands on him. He’s so athletic that he has not had to prove himself at the game’s finer aspects. If the Jaguars can't teach him all that, he'll be a waste of a first-round pick.
We’re not saying that Gholston can’t play, but he is not going to be an every-down guys who dominates. Instead, he will start off as a 3rd down pass rusher who struggles to make the NFL adjustment.
Click here for more on Harvey.";
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Talib’s another brilliant athlete who dominated in college because of athleticism instead of his football savvy. Tampa Bay's new cornerback is fast, but doesn’t thrive at that speed and tends to tune out coaches on the finer points of defense.
Freelancing in the NFL will get him in major trouble, especially when facing NFC South division foe New Orleans. He tends to fall for play-action fakes and could be a much more physical tackler.
Click here for more on Talib.";
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Baker has the size to block out the sun, but he is not a sophisticated blocker. Athletic defensive ends will give Atlanta's new offensive tackle trouble because Baker’s top attributes are strength and power -- not quickness or instincts. His size and girth does not necessarily mean he plays with legitimate explosiveness.
Click here for more on Baker.";
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The Bengals wanted an aggressive, go-for-the-throat type of linebackers and they did not miss. However, Rivers only knows how to be physical – and loses the mental game. He can be easily set up for counter moves and traps.
He plays hard, but will overrun plays and leave big running lanes. His biggest impacts don’t often result in seeing the ball rolling around on the ground.
Click here for more on Rivers.";
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If the Ravens wanted a quarterback who can sit in the pocket and throw the ball 75 yards downfield, they got their man. However, if they want a quarterback who has a history of making good decisions and keeping his cool under the pressure, they better keep looking. Flacco has been easily flustered when subjected to pressure. Who knew that was possible with a 6-7, 235-pound quarterback?
Click here for more on Flacco.";
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He has physical gifts to be a star, but doesn’t always use ’em. He doesn’t use his long arms to get proper leverage and can get engulfed by bigger blockers. The Cardinals' new defensive end also tends to play down to the competition and you have to wonder how much he wants it once he has been punished a little bit. He has to show more mental toughness.
Click here for more on Campbell.";
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The Bears need a replacement for running back Cedric Benson, but Forte was a reach when Central Florida’s Kevin Smith was still on the board. Smith is very competitive and productive and knows how to cut it back and get maximum yardage. Passing on Smith will turn out to be a move that the Bears regret for quite a while.
Click here for more on Forte.";
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Mayo doesn’t seem like a typical Patriots pick. He can get through blockers and harass the quarterback, but lacks the lower-body strength to stop the run. He also struggles covering receivers out of the backfield. Also, Mayo often gets faked out of position and fails to wrap up his tackles. Bottom line: New England linebackers are savvy. Mayo doesn’t seem to fit that bill.
Click here for more on Mayo.";
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This was a panic pick by the Texans. They desperately wanted an offensive tackle and didn’t think top blockers like Chris Williams, Gosder Cherilus and Branden Albert would be gone. Rather than going for the best player available -- such as Miami safety Kenny Phillips or Michigan State wideout Devin Thomas -- the Texans chose a tackle they could have selected in Round 2.
Click here for more on Brown.";
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// END editorial data