Path to the Draft, 3/30

Appearing: Paul Burmeister, Michael Lombardi, Charlie Casserly, Brian Baldinger, Tony Softli, Ted Sundquist, Mike Mayock, Bucky Brooks, Michelle Beisner

* Team news:
Eagles at 15: This aired before the Eagles signed Demetress Bell, so tackle was identified as their primary need. After that, Lombardi's opinion was that they need to improve their linebacking group, even after acquiring DeMeco Ryans. Mark Barron would be a huge improvement to their talent, range and hitting at safety. Really need to improve their tackling back there. Barron's physical, instinctive, moves well, can play everywhere and will be a ten-year player.

Cincinnati at 17/21:  beat writer says their main needs are guard and cornerback, so they're targeting David DeCastro with the first pick and Stephon Gilmore or Janoris Jenkins with the second. Dark horse, a receiver like Kendall Wright to pair with A.J. Green.

Jets at 16: have a lot of holes on defense. With OLB as their top need, their correspondent targets Courtney Upshaw.

Broncos at 25: beat writer said they definitely have to take a DT in the first two rounds. Could be Jerel Worthy in the first or Billy Winn in the 2nd.

Vikings at 3: LT is a serious need. Sure, they could use Justin Blackmon; sure, their secondary is atrocious and they could use Morris Claiborne. But you can get WRs and CBs later in the draft; what you can't get is a franchise LT. If they do pass on Kalil, he'll become a Ram at #6, Rodger Saffold will become a RT and Jason Smith will be asked to take a big pay cut.

* Player news:
The latter part of the show turned into Hate On Justin Blackmon Day. Pete Fiutak of CollegeFootballNews.com could see Michael Floyd as the first WR drafted. He's bigger, more physical, and a better blocker. Has a skill set that Blackmon doesn't quite have. Floyd is the Larry Fitzgerald to Blackmon's Anquan Boldin. He insisted Floyd's DUI issues were a maturity problem that's in the past but noted he's had durability issues, always nicked up at Notre Dame. Can see the Rams taking Floyd at 6, should Blackmon go to Cleveland at 4.

Scott Wright (NFLDraftCountoown) also thinks Blackmon could be overrated. Certainly not the freakish physical specimen Calvin Johnson is, and a notch below A.J. Green or Julio Jones. There's a question whether he can separate from DBs at the next level. Projects his long-term potential as that of a late first-round pick, like Anquan Boldin (again). Which is fine, but if you're expecting Blackmon to turn into a top-5 wide receiver in the NFL, you'll be disappointed.

Lombardi argues that Blackmon is better than Floyd on the strength of his ability after the catch. Seems to incorrectly say Blackmon had no off-field issues, then adds that Floyd interviewed poorly at the Combine and didn't really reassure teams about his.

Casserly compared some of the top corners and said that Dre Kirkpatrick and Janoris Jenkins are both better cover men than Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore has great speed, change of direction and raw talent, but isn't a top ten pick. Doesn't always seem to trust what he sees.

Softli and Sundquist discuss Quinton Coples and Dontari Poe, neither of whom they think should be a top-ten pick. Sundquist agrees with RamView that Coples' Combine workout wasn't really impressive. And his tape is average at best. With players like these, teams go into risk-avoidance mode, knowing they can't miss on their high picks. Softli adds that the two have excellent measurables but are too inconsistent. Poe has too many holes in his game. Softli said Coples has the higher upside of the two, which surprised me. I'd have said Poe.

Casserly wouldn't take Coples in the top ten, either, but says the problem was that North Carolina used him wrong last year. Lined up out wide a lot, he was a poor schematic fit. Keep him tight on the line, let him get off the ball quick and get upfield.

Sundquist called David DeCastro a special talent who should be drafted in the top 15. Sure, guard isn't a popular draft position, but the new CBA helps players less-popular positions like DeCastro or Luke Kuechly get drafted higher because they don't cost as much now.
 

* Pro days:
Arizona State: Gil Brandt thought Brock Osweiler's workout was so strong that he now merits first-round consideration. Big arm, great size, exceptional athlete. Casserly countered that report by questioning Osweiler's decision-making, accuracy and instincts. He takes too many sacks, and like Tannehill, is a one-year starter without a lot of career starts. Also questioned his footwork and added that by often dropping down into a sidearm motion, he doesn't even take advantage of his 6'7" height well. Of nine teams he asked, one ranked him in the 2nd round, the rest in the 4th.

Lombardi noted that Vontaze Burfict got into much better shape for his pro day and ran a 4.85 without mentioning that is still a glacial time.

South Carolina: Mayock offered some more details on the Gamecocks' pro day earlier in the week. Melvin Ingram's a rare prospect who raised his status with his pro day. Showed he could line up at OLB, DE or even DT. He was eye-popping good in pass pro drills, dropping back smoothly in coverage and showing hands as good as a tight end's. Superior athlete.

Mayock thought Gilmore was holding back a little in his workout, which he called good but not great. Did everything well, but didn't show that explosive burst.

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