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| ESPN.com |
Finally, I think, a mock pick I don't have to think that much about. Having acquired Rashard Mendenhall as a free agent and traded for Carson Palmer, the Big Dead's offensive success now hinges on being able to get it done up front. Especially considering Palmer is less mobile than Kevin Kolb or any other QB Arizona attempted to field last season when they finished dead last in the league in sacks allowed with 58, including that legendary 9-sack night right here in St. Louis. Their offensive line did get settled down a little later in the season, but Bobby Massie was still a RT trying to play LT. New head coach Bruce Arians claims that Levi Brown, who's 29 and coming off a triceps injury that cost him all of last season, is an elite tackle, but Pro Football Focus points out that's a pretty silly argument, having ranked him the worst tackle in the league three years ago and only 57th two years ago. (Hey, he's improving!)
Though left in Eric Fisher's and Luke Joeckel's wake a lot in draft discussions, Lane Johnson had a bang-up Senior Bowl week of his own, and taking level of competition into account, can probably claim he's every bit as good as either of those top two guys. Like Fisher, he dominated in the Senior Bowl game, with a flawless pass protection game and mauling run-blocking. He's not quite as strong or quick-footed as Fisher but makes up for it by playing with excellent leverage, and having the smarts and patience not to bite on moves, so he's effective against spin moves and quick inside bursts. And he's still got more than enough strength and quickness to excel in the pros. Don't ever doubt Johnson's athleticism, when he was a TE in college and a QB and free safety in high school.
Gonna have to root against him if he joins the Big Dead, but you have to love Lane Johnson's pro prospects; he's a heck of a player.
The Bills are on the clock!
-$-
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