1st Rd Pick – OT Lane Johnson

Posted: April 25th, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: Philadelphia Eagles | 172 Comments »

Good pick. I was hoping for a defensive playmaker (Jordan or Ansah), but Lane Johnson was my #3 choice. He is an outstanding player and is a great fit for the Eagles and Chip Kelly.

When I did my final mock draft for PE.com, I had Johnson as the pick.  Here’s what I wrote:

“The Eagles are excited about the return of Jason Peters at left tackle. That solidifies the left side of the line. The right side is a mystery. Everyone is hoping that Danny Watkins can bounce back under the new coaching staff, but you can’t count on that. Todd Herremans could be the right tackle, but he could also slide back to guard. Taking Johnson at No. 4 would add a big, talented player to the mix.

Johnson played right tackle for the Sooners in 2011 so starting out there for the Eagles would be a smooth transition for him. If anything happened to Peters on the left side, Johnson could move over there with Herremans stepping in at right tackle. Down the road, Johnson could move to the left side to replace Peters, but hopefully that wouldn’t be for several years.

Johnson is a great athlete. His Combine workout would have been solid for a running back or linebacker, but it was phenomenal for an offensive tackle. He ran faster in the 40-yard dash than Anquan Boldin did at the Combine. Johnson is also strong, agile and explosive. His arms are 35 inches long, giving him an ideal frame for the offensive tackle position. Don’t think of Johnson as a finesse athlete. He has a big-time mean streak. He loves to run block and wants to bury his opponent in the ground. Johnson has excellent potential and could develop into a Pro Bowl player. ”

I can’t stress enough how important that final point is. Lane Johnson has some Jon Runyan to his game. He likes to knock the crap out of guys. He wants to block you and make you pay. I think Kelly will love the fact that he got a freaky athlete that has a killer instinct.  Usually the guys with the nasty streak are less-talented, overachiever types.

The OL has quickly moved from a question mark to a strength with the return of Jason Peters and the addition of Lane Johnson.

Great start to the 2013 draft.


172 Comments on “1st Rd Pick – OT Lane Johnson”

  1. 1 James said at 8:53 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    YAY!

  2. 2 shah8 said at 8:55 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    There is no excuse for being pathetic about short yardage now. Should be *muscle* on one side of that line, whereever Herreman lines up as guard. Won’t matter if Kelce is a weakling…

  3. 3 Ark87 said at 9:14 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Reportedly, likes H-backs and TE’s, could see one taken at 35. We should have a pretty nasty group in short yardage situations.

  4. 4 Mac said at 8:58 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    This was my top pick. I am so pumped about this kid. Hope he brings some grit to our oline. Instant upgrade, possibly best pick of this draft. Time will tell.

  5. 5 Tumtum said at 11:15 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I was really not all that excited for the top of the draft. I really didn’t want Jordan even though he intriuged me as well as Ansah (btw never seen a guy look so diappointed to go in the top 5). Though of the pickings available this was my top guy too. The top 3 Ts are probably the safest bets to hit in the draft and Tommy told us this was the best fit so he was my guy!

  6. 6 Sb2bowl said at 11:58 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Dunno about “best pick of the draft” but kid has serious potential and upside. Add in the fact that he’s an athletic marvel, is still new to the position, and moves like a LB, I’m pretty happy.

    Plus, he starts at RT, and has LT in his future as we go forward. This makes Kelly our backup RT (swing as well? or do we move Johnson to LT if Peters gets hurt, and Kelly to RT?) and gives him more time to develop. I like the way our line shaped up tonight.

    Here’s hoping to a good Safety, CB or NT/DE tomorrow early. Maybe a small trade back (from pick #3 tomorrow to say 9-12 range) with an additional 3rd and 5th thrown in as compensation.

  7. 7 Mac said at 12:27 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Here here cyprien and tank on board i am ready for more 2013 draft!

  8. 8 Sb2bowl said at 12:32 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    who would you pick? I’d go with Cyprien

  9. 9 Mac said at 8:27 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Probably Cyprien, just because we already have a pass rusher with a knee injury. My guess is that tank might be a big risk.

  10. 10 Sb2bowl said at 9:11 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Same. If not a trade down, go for a rookie safety. Good insurance for injuries, one year deals, and the future

  11. 11 deg0ey said at 12:34 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    I feel like Cyprien is probably slipping for a reason, so I’m not sure he’ll be the pick. Carradine doesn’t look like a 5-tech to me, probably best as a 4-3 DE.

    If I could talk to Howie now I’d be telling him to get me Hankins.

  12. 12 Mac said at 12:19 PM on April 26th, 2013:

    I’d be ok with Hankins if they think he’s BPA. There are so many good guys on board right now, hope we can wiggle back a little still get some talent and maybe an extra 4th.

  13. 13 deg0ey said at 12:25 PM on April 26th, 2013:

    Yeah, I guess I’d live with that. I just think Hankins is absolutely perfect as a 3-4 DE and that nobody else in the draft even comes close. All of the other positions can be addressed later, but he seems like he has to be the pick if SF don’t take him.

  14. 14 ceedubya9 said at 8:58 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Good pick. Not the sexy pick I would have wanted, but O-Line never is! But, solidifies the line and anything that helps keep the QB clean is a plus in my book. Definitely seems like the perfect player for the type of offense that it would seem that Chip would want to run. Very happy with this.

  15. 15 Steag209 said at 9:00 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    It’s a good pick but I can’t shake the feeling that Miami got the jump on us. This is the first time in a while I feel like another team outmoved us.

  16. 16 ceedubya9 said at 9:04 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Yeah, They obviously really liked Dion, and they didn’t want to take a chance on the Eagles snagging him at 4. Well, I’m sure that Shady isn’t dissapointed with this pick 🙂

  17. 17 Cafone said at 9:08 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Yeah, I felt for sure they were trading up past us to grab Johnson though. I was shocked when they went for Jordan.

  18. 18 D3FB said at 9:31 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    That was a bigtime wait what?…. insert expletives moment

  19. 19 Sb2bowl said at 11:55 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Yup, I was shocked. Thought it was for Johnson as well. Couldn’t believe it when they said Dion

  20. 20 RC5000 said at 12:06 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    They didn’t out move us. Glad we didn’t panic. Would have been a huge mistake.

  21. 21 Matthew Verhoog said at 9:01 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    We couldn’t have gotten a better player with the 1st pick overall.

  22. 22 Mac said at 9:03 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    100% agree

  23. 23 EaglesHero87 said at 9:02 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Even though I wanted Dion Jordan, I like the pick. It may not be a sexy one, but it’s definitely a really solid and smart one. With the offensive line turning from a question mark into a strength, there should be no reason for our 1-2 RB combo to wreck havoc.

  24. 24 Bob Brewer said at 9:03 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    How much does that Tampa win now matter? The Eagles would have drafted third. Would they have moved down with Miami or have taken Jordan? I guess it doesn’t matter.

  25. 25 TommyLawlor said at 9:11 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I don’t know what they’ve have done at 3rd. Chip said he won’t answer hypotheticals.

  26. 26 Arby1 said at 10:09 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I wouldn’t move down for just 1 pick. Miami picked Oakland’s pocket.

  27. 27 Sb2bowl said at 11:55 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    that’s a big drop just for a 2nd. Although, I’ve toyed with the idea that if Miami had offered it to us, the Eagles should have done it.

  28. 28 Raul Estrada said at 9:03 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I would like to see them trade up to get Sharif Floyd for the defense.

  29. 29 D3FB said at 9:34 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    you mean the guy who is still on the board?

  30. 30 BobSmith77 said at 9:06 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Normally I would be completely non-excited by a OT this high but the Eagles desperately needed a RT (Herremans stunk there last year and I would much prefer to see him shifted back inside to LG/RG) and this team will still be rebuilding next year.

  31. 31 shah8 said at 9:06 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Eric Fisher over Luke Joekel, Jonathan Cooper over Chance Warmack, Ziggy Ansah, Dion Jordan, Barkevious Mingo, over anyone with more actual production…We’re seeing athleticism valued a bit more than production so far in this draft.

  32. 32 Paul Costello said at 8:43 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Yes, and that’s a direct result of the new rookie wage scale; since these unproven rookies are no longer receiving zillion dollar contracts before ever playing an NFL down, teams can ‘afford’ to take a flyer on guys they think have more ‘upside’ than in previous years. When you’re doling out tens of millions to a rookie, you want to make darned sure you’re getting the best player.

  33. 33 dislikedisqus said at 9:09 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Sounds great. Hope for the best. Thx again for your great work.

  34. 34 TommyLawlor said at 9:10 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Not good, but maybe Danny becomes a good backup OG. There is value in that, although clearly he’s a major disappointment.

  35. 35 Anders said at 9:16 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    or Danny could beat out Herremans?

  36. 36 Arby1 said at 10:03 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I really think Todd is on his way out after this year. Just a hunch.

  37. 37 Rohan Erm said at 9:10 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    G’day from Australia, gotta lead in with a lame, token hello. I love the pick too, we will get serious value from Lane, there was too much uncertainty for me to be comfortable with Dion, didn’t like having memories of Vernon Gholston, ha ha.

  38. 38 Ark87 said at 9:11 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    too early to tell. This line is aging with a lot of people coming back from serious injuries. Watkins may be out of the picture this year, but only time will tell if he bounces back and if we will need him or not

  39. 39 Thomas O'Leary said at 9:12 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    How is Lane Johnson not sexy? Did you guys see that sneak in his highlight reel?

  40. 40 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 9:13 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    But that wasn’t Howie’s fault!

  41. 41 Dan Mats said at 9:14 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Like the Johnson pick perfect for Chip and I think Chip knows what he wants with offense more than defense, side note can someone check on GGeagle to see if he is ok

  42. 42 Kristopher Cebula said at 9:16 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    so i was arguing the draft with an offensive lineman obsessed friend of mine today who said if we don’t get joekel or fisher, that our draft was a disappointment. i told him we were more likely to take johnson regardless. he was not happy, told me how much johnson sucked. he won’t answer my calls now. hahaha!!

  43. 43 BreakinAnklez said at 9:17 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Cue how our franchise has just been set back 5 years in 3….2….1….

  44. 44 Kristopher Cebula said at 9:19 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    don’t worry, milton hasn’t been seen in a long time

  45. 45 BreakinAnklez said at 9:23 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    He was back a couple posts ago!!!! Oh how I’ve missed the revisionist history and obsessive, mind boggling stat usage

  46. 46 Kristopher Cebula said at 9:28 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    aww, i missed it? the return of milton? i’m sure wherever he is, he is furious with this pick

  47. 47 ceedubya9 said at 9:19 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    In other news, Still no QB off the board yet.

  48. 48 Kristopher Cebula said at 9:22 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    i was about to say the same thing. how far will geno slide?

  49. 49 shah8 said at 9:27 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    five out of ten picks being linemen will do that

  50. 50 shah8 said at 9:27 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    San Diego must be crying in their soup, right now…

  51. 51 D3FB said at 9:28 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Phillip Rivers has to be cussing someone in that front office out right now

  52. 52 shah8 said at 9:31 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    LEAD LEGS!

  53. 53 ceedubya9 said at 9:30 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    True. Definitely getting interesting though. Not many teams left that you might consider QB “needy.”

  54. 54 Jeppe Elmelund van Ee said at 9:26 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Dion Jordan will play DE in a 4-3. How will that go?

  55. 55 ceedubya9 said at 9:32 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Doesn’t seem like the best fit, but we will see. Speaking of Jordan, did anyone else feel like he didn’t look too thrilled to be heading to Miami?

  56. 56 the midatlantic said at 9:34 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    His radio interview just now was very interesting. They asked him if thought Chip Kelly would take him, and he kinda stumbled around being in touch with Kelly then sighed and muttered something about being in the lord’s hands. They tried to cheer him up by saying Miami is a nice town for a young man.

  57. 57 TommyLawlor said at 11:08 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Interesting.

  58. 58 GvilleEagleFan said at 9:51 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Just got back home from a long drive, and I have two things to say about the whole first round: FUCK Miami, and obviously having the league’s biggest Johnson is necessary to win a Super Bowl.

  59. 59 Arby1 said at 10:01 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Miami fucked Oakland. Just a 2nd rounder???

  60. 60 Neil said at 1:02 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Does Miami line up the SAM on the line of scrimmage? If so, they will either play Jordan at that SAM position or as the weakside end. In both cases, he will be lining up in a wide 9 most if not all the time, and that’s the only way to use him that makes sense. To have him playing closer to the tackle in the kind of 4-3 where all three linebackers are off the line of scrimmage wouldn’t make any sense. But even if that is how Miami rolls, as long as Jordan plays mostly from a 9 alignment I think he won’t be sabotaged by the scheme.

  61. 61 Neil said at 2:16 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    I found a clip of Miami’s defense on youtube. They use a 4-3 over against the vast majority of running formations. Against formations with with three receivers and/or tight ends stacked to one side, they play an under with LBs, CBs and safeties coming up to the line of scrimmage over the offensive skill players. Very rarely was any player in a wide alignment. I have to imagine Dion Jordan would either play a true 4-3 LB position in these packages or the scheme will be tweaked to place him further wide to take advantage of his speed. Asking him to line up close to the offensive formation and hold up against the run would not be a productive use of him if you ask me.

  62. 62 Kristopher Cebula said at 9:27 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    if oakland drops 9 picks and still lands shariff floyd, it will be a great day for the raiders

  63. 63 Gary said at 9:29 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    My favorite thing about our pick is we probably upgraded 2 positions: RT and RG.

  64. 64 CalSFro said at 9:29 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I think this is a really important point. So true.

  65. 65 shah8 said at 9:30 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Kalil did the same thing in Minnesota–though Johnson was still a liability at guard.

  66. 66 Arby1 said at 9:59 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Let’s not forget his QB background. Read option at 303 lbs. anyone?

  67. 67 shah8 said at 9:32 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    The strong teams must be salivating right now, because there’s a ton of talent drifting down, man…

  68. 68 ceedubya9 said at 9:37 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Rich get richer.

  69. 69 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 9:33 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Eisenhower makes a good point. Raiders made out like bandits if they wanted Floyd!

  70. 70 Rogersnh4 said at 9:38 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Wang. Chung. Cox. Johnson. This team is gonna be fun.

  71. 71 Sb2bowl said at 11:50 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    as long as our lines penetrate their opponents, I’m all for it.

  72. 72 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 9:39 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Floyd and Star continue to fall. I think someone is getting a couple of very nice players very soon

  73. 73 Anders said at 9:43 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I would argue the top 12 teams also got some very good players. Cooper might be the only “reach” but I can understand the pick.

  74. 74 shah8 said at 9:52 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Carolina gets to be one the lucky ones…

  75. 75 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 9:47 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Rex still thinks he can win games 10-6!!!

  76. 76 Kristopher Cebula said at 9:49 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    there are not that many explosive offensive players to be had at the moment

  77. 77 Anders said at 9:49 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    More like it needs to be 5-4 (Jets score 1 FG and 1 safety every game)

  78. 78 ceedubya9 said at 9:51 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    If Nassib ends up being the pick for the Bills (as rumors seem to indicate) it could be possible that Geno falls out of the 1st round. Still some quality players left that were considered top 10 players that have yet to be picked, but I doubt they last too much longer. Going to be some good players there for the Eagles to chose from at the top of the 2nd.

  79. 79 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 9:52 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Perfect pick for them

  80. 80 Kristopher Cebula said at 9:57 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    if geno hits mid twenties, do we go up and get him? it’s not a good sign that he has fallen this far, but he WAS the consensus number one qb. heard he has small hands. maybe chip doesn’t like him

  81. 81 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 10:01 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Does this mean the rams select a different S???.

  82. 82 Kristopher Cebula said at 10:05 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    wow…ej manuel is first qb off the board

  83. 83 shah8 said at 10:05 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    EJ Manuel, Tommy, toldya.

    I’m still surprised that Geno Smith is dropping.

  84. 84 shah8 said at 10:06 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Think it’s about pure athleticism all the way through…

  85. 85 GvilleEagleFan said at 10:13 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Have to say it, GATOR BAIT! But then again, so was Peyton Manning…

  86. 86 ceedubya9 said at 10:05 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Rams go EJ over Nassib and Geno. EJ the first QB off the board! WOW.

  87. 87 SteveH said at 10:07 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I was really hoping for Ziggy Ansah, but Johnson isn’t a disappointment. Now we just need to secure the best overall player in the draft, Jonathon Cyprien…

  88. 88 Arby1 said at 10:13 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    A big part of me wanted Ziggy too but he is more of a gamble. I’ll be really interested to follow his career though.

  89. 89 GvilleEagleFan said at 10:10 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    As the resident Gator, I can confirm that EJ Manuel does in fact suck. As a prospect poisoned by his exposure to the lethal toxins of Tallanasty, expect him never to be quite as good as you thought it would be (much like the co-eds at FSU).

  90. 90 GvilleEagleFan said at 10:11 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    But in all seriousness, this guy got the yips against us like no one I’ve ever seen (except for EJ Manuel the previous three years against UF).

  91. 91 ceedubya9 said at 10:14 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Steelers make a Steelers type pick

  92. 92 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 10:19 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Always thought people who dropped Jone out of the first were going to be wrong. Someone will always take a chance on that sort of production. Same with Moore.

  93. 93 Kristopher Cebula said at 10:14 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    san fran has to go floyd

  94. 94 Kristopher Cebula said at 10:14 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    or not

  95. 95 GvilleEagleFan said at 10:15 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Cyprien still on the board after a 49ers trade up, good sign for us?

  96. 96 ceedubya9 said at 10:16 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Wouldn’t be shocked to see the Giants take Floyd.

  97. 97 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 10:17 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Damn, I wanted Reed. I had a sneaky suspicion that Reid was going ahead of both Cyprien and Elam.

  98. 98 Bob Brewer said at 10:28 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Kyle Long to CHI. Wow.

  99. 99 GvilleEagleFan said at 10:30 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Waaaaaaay higher than I thought he’d go. I’m thinking more and more that there’s no chance (or really any reason with LJ on the team) to pick up Barrett Jones

  100. 100 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 10:33 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    So Shea Mc Clellean and Kyle Long as over-reaching in consecutive years for the Bears. Good stuff….

  101. 101 ceedubya9 said at 10:42 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    At what point do they consider a trade up for Floyd if he keeps falling?

  102. 102 D3FB said at 10:43 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Never Floyd is no good. He penetrates well but does not redirect. You can find that kind of skill on the third day.

  103. 103 ceedubya9 said at 10:46 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Well, guess it doesn’t matter now, he’s a Viking.

  104. 104 Bob Brewer said at 10:46 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Floyd to Minnesota

  105. 105 TommyLawlor said at 10:55 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I just got off the phone with Iggles Blitz West. Baloophi and LA Eagle are hanging out at a bar in Los Feliz, drinking beers, and worshiping future HOF’er Lane Johnson.

    I’m very jealous that I’m not there with them.

    One of the things I love about this site is that so many great people are part of the community. I’ve been lucky enough to meet a few in person and I have yet to have a bad experience.

    You guys are the best.

  106. 106 GvilleEagleFan said at 10:58 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Know I’ve said this before, but I’d be happy to treat you to a PBR if you ever come to a road game in Tampa. And thanks for creating a place where we can all congregate to manage our long distance fandom-withdrawal.

  107. 107 Ian Patrick said at 10:55 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    @ tommy lawlor is there any real possibility that we could be interested in Mike Golic Jr? i heard on mike n mike in the morning that he is a 7th round or priority or UDFA. i happen to think he has some of that nasty that Johnson does too. i would love to snatch him up and either dump or trade Watkins.

  108. 108 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 10:55 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Really like the Vikes 2 picks

  109. 109 shah8 said at 10:57 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Happy, too…

  110. 110 Sb2bowl said at 11:50 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    you mean 3 🙂

  111. 111 A_T_G said at 10:57 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Is Geno going to get to study under Manning or Brady?

  112. 112 A_T_G said at 10:58 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I’d like to see Cyprien next. Are the Jags the biggest concern?

  113. 113 GvilleEagleFan said at 10:59 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Or maybe Miami will just trade right in front of us again. B@stards.

  114. 114 A_T_G said at 10:59 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Yeah, really.

  115. 115 TommyLawlor said at 11:07 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Dallas could desperately use an impact Safety.

  116. 116 A_T_G said at 11:35 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    That would hurt. I’m hoping they go Oline.

  117. 117 GvilleEagleFan said at 11:45 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    A_T_G wishes, the universe delivers

  118. 118 shah8 said at 11:46 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I just went whuh?

    who?

    Oh, a Badger OLine…

  119. 119 Jay Ernst said at 11:01 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Things I’ve learned so far:

    Cordarrelle Patterson looks like the Predator if he was dressed up like a back up musician in a 1950’s doo wop band.

    3-D glasses are apparently the new 5 button suit for the NFL draft

    At least Ansah is from Ghana…it should make the transition to Detroit a bit easier

    The phrase: Big money, No Genos, No Genos, No Genos – does, in fact, work.

    Oline picks always take time for me to get excited about, but at
    least our OT had skill position highlights put up when he was drafted,
    so there’s that bonus.

    Mel Kiper’s hair is magnificent…but we already knew that

    Every time Rex Ryan and the Jets draft someone and Kiper says they have nice feet/footwork…I giggle

  120. 120 TommyLawlor said at 11:02 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Loved the “no Genos” line. For the old school game show fans.

  121. 121 Jay Ernst said at 11:03 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Speaking of Geno…if you show up to the NFL Draft and don’t go in the first round, boy do you look like an a$$hole

  122. 122 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 11:02 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Hoping he’d slide to the 2nd round as well…

  123. 123 Kristopher Cebula said at 11:10 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    tommy, when can we expect a “best leftovers” post?

  124. 124 Arby1 said at 11:22 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    The pats at it again. 4 picks for 1. That’s how to do it.

  125. 125 Bob Brewer said at 11:25 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I’m not so sure. I think the Patriots are getting too cute. They need some more playmakers. Sometimes organizations (like the Eagles did) think they’re smarter than everyone. This feels like it.

  126. 126 Sb2bowl said at 11:53 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I sort of agree with you; yes, they probably could have added someone of better value now, but they were hamstrung with picks over the next few days. They usually have double digits. Before this draft trade they had 5. I see the value in what they did; 2, 3, 4, and 7 is great value for them for their 29th overall

  127. 127 Arby1 said at 9:44 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Yeah, what Sb2 said: there’s a lot of value in the 2nd thru 4th rounds this year. It’s a trade-off I’d take. But I know what you mean about out-smarting yourself. I think Andy did that too much.

  128. 128 Anders said at 11:30 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Well the old draft trade chart says the Vikes paid a fair price and a recent analyze seems to say the chart is actually pretty accurate after the first 20 picks

    http://bloggingthebeast.com/2013/04/25/concocting-a-draft-value-chart-based-on-actual-draft-pick-trade-history/

  129. 129 Arby1 said at 9:47 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    I just like the idea of adding picks in those rounds 2 – 4 where there is depth and value. I don’t think the Cowboys and Raiders got good value in trading down. Should have had more or better picks.

  130. 130 Sb2bowl said at 11:52 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    they only had 5 picks in this draft before the trade. They needed ammo to move around. I expect them to trade a 2nd this year for a 1st next year and extra ammo now

  131. 131 Joe Capotrio said at 11:24 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Would Chip use Johnson as a 6th O lineman / TE in some sets?

  132. 132 deg0ey said at 12:27 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Jumbo package:

    Peters Kelly Mathis Kelce Watkins Herremans Johnson

    Peters and Johnson both declare as eligible receivers. Casey and Shady in the backfield, Benn in the slot.

  133. 133 BlindChow said at 9:20 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Lateral to Johnson, he tosses to Benn in the end zone.

  134. 134 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 11:35 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I can see a couple of safeties coming off the board next

  135. 135 Arby1 said at 11:39 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    will cowboys choose cyp?

  136. 136 Arby1 said at 11:43 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    travis frederick? LOL!

  137. 137 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 11:47 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    Neither! I know everyone here likes Cyprien because Tommy does, but he was the #4 S on many people’s board. Not surprised to see the other 3 selected ahead of him.

    Extremely surprised to see the C drafted by Dall.

  138. 138 Sb2bowl said at 11:51 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    for sure; McShay said he had a 3rd round grade on him. That makes me happy

  139. 139 Arby1 said at 12:17 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    actually, I’ve liked Elam.

  140. 140 Kristopher Cebula said at 11:42 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    come on jerruh, do something stupid

  141. 141 Kristopher Cebula said at 11:43 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    who is that guy? did my jinx work? tommy, we need your help. who is travis frederick?

  142. 142 Neill Stark said at 11:47 PM on April 25th, 2013:

    I love the fact that the Cowboys have Jerry Jones as their GM.

  143. 143 Arby1 said at 6:55 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

  144. 144 TrentColeHamels said at 12:11 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Jamar Taylor at 35!?

  145. 145 GvilleEagleFan said at 12:15 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Final thoughts on my new favorite Member of the Eagles:

    The pick shows discipline to stay pat and add a stud at a position that ended up being ravaged in the rest of the first round. Also shows a recognition on Roseman’s part that Watkins was a mistake, something AR was never good at. Lastly, Chip’s first pick is a guy with a nasty personality. I miss seeing opposing players just laid out on the field, hopefully we can add a safety to help us in that department at 35.

  146. 146 Christopher Miller said at 12:56 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Haynesworth? Oh you said “laid” out on the field, not laying out on the field.

  147. 147 Phils Goodman said at 12:59 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Also shows a recognition on Roseman’s part that Watkins was a mistake.

    By Reid. Ha. Makes the admission a little easier to do.

  148. 148 GvilleEagleFan said at 1:03 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    But it’s admitting it nonetheless. I think it lends credence to the idea that Roseman believes what he’s saying when he goes on about how they altered their organizational philosophy in an attempt to push the team over the top, and that he’s learned from that mistake. I’m choosing to see this as him honestly admitting that he’s learning from his mistakes, not something that easy for a guy with the ego it takes to be a GM to do.

    I also like the addition of Tom Gamble as a sign of his self-confidence to handle another big ego. I’d love to be able to look back on that move as the time when a new dynasty of front office gurus got together a la Belicheck’s staff at the Browns. Wishful thinking, but then again what is April for?

  149. 149 Patrick said at 12:15 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    The Eagles get Lane Johnson, a OT that can start now and have the highest potential. The Giants get Justin Pugh who i had rated as the 3rd best OT option in the 2nd round behind Long and Armstead. The Cowboys reach for a OL and the Redskins have no picks. Cyprien and Zach Ertz is still on the board. Im feeling pretty good right about…now.

  150. 150 Jason Gross said at 12:20 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Geno @ 33 to Jags
    Ertz 34 to Niners
    Cyprien is ours at 35

  151. 151 T_S_O_P said at 2:09 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Or 35 becomes very tradable depending on what happens just before

  152. 152 Mac said at 12:21 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Cyprien or Tank…

  153. 153 NoDecaf said at 12:31 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    SOB on PFT is trying to school me on Animal House lines…the nerve. Cyprien please.

  154. 154 Iskar36 said at 12:32 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    I’m very curious to know if part of the thinking with the Lane Johnson pick was that Howie and the FO expected a crazy run on OTs at the end of the 1st round. Johnson was a good choice regardless, but with the advantage of hindsight, it seems even better since a bunch of guys we figured would last until our 2nd round pick were taken.

  155. 155 deg0ey said at 12:32 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Okay, so, what can we take from this?

    I wonder if Cyprien is going to ‘do a Floyd’. We all think he’s awesome, but I could see him going on a big slide with the depth at the position if teams have questions about him.

    I really really really want Hankins at #35. As far as I’m concerned he’s now BPA at any position, but he also plays a position that we could really use some more help. Let’s stick with the ‘building out from the trenches’ plan in round two.

  156. 156 Phils Goodman said at 12:46 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    The major take-away from the 1st round was that teams drafted heavily for need, not thinking there were many can’t-miss BPA types to steer them away from that path. Also OG continues to be an increasingly valued position (a trend that Cosell anticipated in a blog a few months ago).

  157. 157 Iskar36 said at 1:24 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Honestly though, teams drafting for need seems to imply that there were a lot of reaches in the first round. I’m not sure that’s really true. I can only think of 4 reaches in the 1st round (Cowboy picking Travis Frederick, Bears picking Kyle Long, Bills picking EJ Manuel, and the Giants picking Pugh), and even a few of those picks aren’t all that absurd of a reach. So while teams for the most part filled needs, I would argue that for the most part, there were no major surprise picks. The only major surprises from today were players who slide (Geno, Floyd, maybe Manti Te’o and Cyprien… but for those two we are talking sliding only a few spots so far).

  158. 158 Phils Goodman said at 2:10 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    I wasn’t specifically talking about reaches, but Eric Reid was a big one.

  159. 159 Iskar36 said at 2:20 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    I don’t know that Reid was a “big” reach. Most people had him rated end of the first/top of the second. That’s exactly where he went. You can certainly argue there were a couple players better than him, but not so many that it was a head scratcher of a pick.

  160. 160 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 7:29 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Reid was the best deep cover safety in this draft beside Vaccaro. Not that big of a reach.

  161. 161 Phils Goodman said at 9:25 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Reid makes big hits it he’s stiff in coverage and has one of the worst burn rates in this class.

  162. 162 Iskar36 said at 11:12 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    You may not like him as a prospect, and that’s entirely reasonable. The point is, reach implies that a player is taken ahead of where he otherwise would have been selected. There is a bit of speculation involved in making that assessment, but most people had Reid rated as a late 1st-early 2nd round pick and that’s exactly where he went. Your point seems to be a bit different. Your point is that he is an overrated prospect and a bad pick. That maybe 100% true without making the pick a reach.

  163. 163 Phils Goodman said at 1:32 PM on April 26th, 2013:

    The truth is that we really don’t know what team boards look like, but we know that the 49ers paid the price to move up and stake that Eric Reid is better than Elam, Cyprien, Swearinger, etc. who can all be had later. I doubt you would find much certainty in the scouting community to support this hunch, so I see it as a reach. Baltimore stayed put and had a choice of two safeties who are considered just as good or better.

  164. 164 Iskar36 said at 2:32 PM on April 26th, 2013:

    I guess you and I are defining things fairly differently. I’m not disagreeing with anything other than your comment about it being a “reach”. You’re absolutely right that we have no idea whether or not Reid is better than Elam, Cyprien, Swearinger, etc, as well as we don’t know where other teams had these players rated. The closest thing we have available to make that assessment is reports of where other teams grade certain players (which will be both very much incomplete and even when we do get a report, you don’t know how much is true vs. how much is rumor), or estimated value based on the general consensus from scouts who spend a lot of time studying all these prospects (and again, this is highly imperfect because their boards may not match up at all with teams’ boards).

    The one thing we know for sure is that the 49ers valued Reid higher than the guys you mentioned (as you stated). I’m willing to bet that they disagree with you that Baltimore got a guy that the 49ers feel is better. In addition, we have no idea if Baltimore may have preferred Reid or not (or any other team for that matter). Still, for me, I define a “reach” to mean picking a player way ahead of where he otherwise would have been selected. Since we don’t know the team’s boards, you have to use the admittedly imperfect information we have to make that assessment. Based on that imperfect information, Reid wasn’t selected significantly ahead of were most projected him to be selected, so to me, I wouldn’t label him a reach. I get the sense that your definition differs from that though.

  165. 165 Phils Goodman said at 2:46 PM on April 26th, 2013:

    My recollection is that Reid started to slide down public mocks later in the process (as the media starts to play catch-up with the team evaluators). It’s even possible that the 49ers own scouts were overruled on this one, and you can’t necessarily see teams as monolithic entities (see Jason Garrett’s reported dismay at the latest Cowboys draft debacle). Eric Reid was a late 1st guy early on, but I have seen him slip to rounds 2/3 more lately. Obviously someone in the 49ers honed it on Reid and took him ahead of the slot I was expecting, at least.

  166. 166 Iskar36 said at 3:03 PM on April 26th, 2013:

    That’s fair. I guess most of the places I looked had him in that earlier range.

    Ratings by a few websites:

    Draft ace: 49th
    Draftcountdown: 27th
    Scoutsnotebook: 27th
    NFL Draft Scouts: 32nd
    Draftboard Guru: 32nd

    He got selected at 18th overall, so slightly ahead those numbers, but like I said earlier, not so much earlier that completely surprised by the pick. Certainly nothing like Dallas’s pick for example.

  167. 167 ceteris_paribus1776 said at 7:28 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Cyprien was routinely rated the 3rd or 4th best S with a low first high second grade. All 4 safeties weren’t going to be drafted in the first. He hasn’t slid a bit in my eye.

  168. 168 Christopher Miller said at 1:02 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Wish we had more picks tomorrow. Would love Hunt, Jenkins, and Cyprien.

  169. 169 Sifter said at 2:17 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Pretty satisfied. Glad we went Offense instead of a defensive ‘playmaker’. Comments about how this is the end of Watkins? Not 100% convinced. Peters, Herremans and Mathis are past 30 now – if one of them didn’t impress the coaches last week at camp then it could be insuring one of them – not Watkins. Or it could be that old Chip Kelly, ‘competition’ mantra where he wants the best 5 linemen to win, even if a 6th competent one is on the bench.

  170. 170 nickross23 said at 2:45 AM on April 26th, 2013:

    Luv the pick of LJ at 4 and with so much talent on board in the round 2 i think im a little more excited for whats still to come then what happened in round 1. Now with that being said Geno if there at 35 would be great in my opinion his value would be to good to pass up. But with Ertz and hell Teo along with a number of good players if the pass on Geno again that tells me Matt Scott all the way in rd 3 or 4

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