Path to the draft, 3/2/2009: Crabtree, LB talk

Notes from the March 2nd show on NFL Network:

Andre Smith – per Adam Schefter, needs an impressive pro day but should still expect to be drafted in the top half of the first round.

Detroit is supposedly deciding between Stafford, Sanchez and Aaron Curry with the first pick overall.

Michael Crabtree – Seattle’s signing of T.J. Houshmandzadeh seems to mean they’re not planning to draft Crabtree. Despite missing the combine with a Jones fracture, Mike Mayock and Charles Davis both still consider him a top draft pick based on his productivity and toughness. Teams will want to see his doctors’ report but should put concerns about his potential 40 times aside.

Mayock’s Top 10 overall, post-combine:

1. Aaron Curry – tremendous quickness, footwork, technique in LB drills
2. Crabtree
3. Jason Smith
4. Brian Orakpo
5. Eugene Monroe
6. Matthew Stafford
7. Knowshon Moreno
8. Brandon Pettigrew. Despite a 4.85 40, Mayock likes his hands, blocking and route-running.
9. Jeremy Maclin
10. Mark Sanchez

Davis’ Top 10:

1. Crabtree (!)
2. Curry
3. Orakpo
4. Stafford
5. Jason Smith
6. Sanchez
7. Monroe
8. Pettigrew
9. Maclin
10. Donald Brown (RB, UConn)

Davis was most impressed with tackles Jason Smith, Monroe and Michael Oher because they showed up for the combine and didn’t mind competing.

Steelers draft needs: They’ll put each team “on the clock” with a local beat writer. The Steelers should look to fill out their offensive line and aging defensive line, especially guards and defensive tackles. Fili Moala and Duke Robinson were mentioned as players they could target. With Bryant McFadden still unsigned, cornerbacks also come into play, such as Sean Smith or Darius Butler.

Linebacker talk:

Mayock’s top 5:

1. Curry: passionate, relentless player
2. Orakpo
3. Brian Cushing: prototype Sam, 6’3”, 243, four-year starter
4. Larry English (3-4 rush end)
5. Clay Matthews (4-3 Will, or 3-4 rush end)

Disappointment of the combine: Aaron Maybin, came in 15 pounds heavy, showed poor speed and was poor in the cone drills.

Under the radar:

John Parker Wilson, QB, Alabama: has improved into a 2^nd-day pick. Adaptable player who’s already had several offensive coordinator and has good prospects as a “system” QB.

All till next time.