Draft in April

[Texas Vike]

I totally agree with you, which is why I really hope they sign Jennings. It will free them up in the draft to really make good use of picks 23 and 25. Give me Jennings, Boyce (3rd or 4th rd) and Wright and I think we´re significantly better than last year.

That would allow us to draft a LB, DT, CB or Safety in rounds 1 and 2.

[dead_poet]

Matt Elam - DB - Gators

National Football Post's Russ Lande writes that Florida S Matt Elam was tight in the hips at his pro day.

"During his workout at the Pro Day, Elam displayed a little tightness in his hips and was not as quick or smooth flipping hips and changing directions as elite safeties usually are," Lande said. "Obviously, Elam’s lack of ideal size is an issue for NFL teams and the hip tightness he showed in his workout raises concerns about if he has the top level athleticism to make up for that lack of size. Teams definitely are impressed with his competitiveness, football intelligence and aggressive playing style, which should keep him from sliding out of the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft."
Source: National Football Post

[dead_poet]

Xavier Rhodes - DB - Seminoles

Scouts Inc. ranked Florida State CB Xavier Rhodes as the 40th overall prospect for April's draft.

Rhodes, who many think is a top 20 talent, ranks behind Dee Milliner, Desmond Trufant, and Blidi Wreh-Wilson. The FSU product might not fit every defensive scheme, but he thrives when able to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and ride their hip pocket downfield.
Source: ESPN

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D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars

Scouts Inc.'s Kevin Weidl believes Houston CB D.J. Hayden is "one the best kept secrets in this draft."

Hayden has been unable to work out during the pre-draft process due to a freak heart injury that took place during the latter parts of the 2012 season, but "he's a playmaker that will end up starting," according to Weidl. We agree, since Hayden is very fluid in his back pedal with excellent quickness to close on targets and locate the football.
Source: Kevin Weidl on Twitter

[dead_poet]

Houston CB Hayden runs 4.34, 4.37 forties

Houston CB D.J. Hayden ran forty times of 4.34 and 4.37 seconds at the school's pro day on Monday.

If this is your first introduction to Hayden, be sure to check out some of his games. The Houston corner's closing burst is excellent and he consistently finds the football to disrupt at the catch point. Sure, there was a freak heart issue that nearly ended Hayden's life, but we hope he earns a clean bill of health.
Source: Plex Performance on Twitter Mar 18 - 10:52 AM

[dead_poet]

McShay: CB Trufant is a plug and play starter

Scouts Inc.'s Todd McShay believes Washington CB Desmond Trufant is a plug and play starter.

"Trufant's cover skills, instincts (are) impressive," McShay tweeted. "Not allergic to run support but takes "buffet" approach." By Buffet, McShay means that he picks and chooses when he wants to get physical against ball carriers. We like Trufant's foot quickness to mirror receivers' routes.
Source: Todd McShay on Twitter Mar 18 - 11:40 AM

[dead_poet]

Houston CB Hayden runs 4.34, 4.37 forties

Houston CB D.J. Hayden ran forty times of 4.34 and 4.37 seconds at the school's pro day on Monday.

If this is your first introduction to Hayden, be sure to check out some of his games. The Houston corner's closing burst is excellent and he consistently finds the football to disrupt at the catch point. Sure, there was a freak heart issue that nearly ended Hayden's life, but we hope he earns a clean bill of health.
Source: Plex Performance on Twitter Mar 18 - 10:52 AM

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D.J. Hayden - DB - Cougars

Houston CB D.J. Hayden's agent, Jeff Nalley, said NFL teams are looking past the corner's heart issue.

Nalley came to this conclusion after meeting with NFL General Managers at the Combine and apparently the medicals were clear and "they're treating it like it didn't happen." This kind of statement is expected from agents, but if true there is a great chance Hayden is a top-100 selection.
Source: Adam Wexler on Twitter Mar 18 - 12:34 PM

[dead_poet]

@StribDW: I asked Frazier if Cassel signing revived temptation of Webb to WR: "I'm not thinking that way. Things could change. But I see him as a QB."

[dead_poet]

Norris' latest Mock: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/4 ... mock-draft

Allen at 23, "''''T''""'''''e''''o" at 25.

[VikingLord]

Norris' latest Mock: http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/4 ... mock-draft

Allen at 23, "''''T''""'''''e''''o" at 25.

I have a hard time taking seriously any mock that doesn't have Ogletree as a 1st rounder.

Teo will *not* come off the board before Ogletree even with his baggage.

[VikingLord]

Make Joe Webb the returner and maybe a situational back/flanker. Get him reps as a receiver and if he looks the part try to get him in games as one.

[Pepper2Moss]

Fingers crossed for Keenan Allen & Arthur Brown / Alec Ogletree.

[Eli]

Make Joe Webb the returner and maybe a situational back/flanker. Get him reps as a receiver and if he looks the part try to get him in games as one.

Waste of time and resources. Maybe in one or two preseason games, if you can afford the snaps that will be taken away from evaluating players will real potential. Then cut him. Or just cut him now under the guise of letting him look for a new team.

[PurpleMustReign]

Waste of time and resources. Maybe in one or two preseason games, if you can afford the snaps that will be taken away from evaluating players will real potential. Then cut him. Or just cut him now under the guise of letting him look for a new team.

I agree. He is not worth a roster spot right now. Maybe he could be a 3rd string QB and come in on some "Wildcat" downs, but not for the Vikings.

[dead_poet]

Curious. I wonder what round. Many are calling him a big "sleeper."

Mike Catapano - DL - Tigers

The Vikings, Bucs, and Eagles have shown "a ton" of interest in Princeton DE Mike Catapano, according to draft insider Tony Pauline.

Catapano would likely play left or strong side defensive end due to his powerful upper body and lack of quickness around the edge. He was a productive collegiate player with an NFL frame, but Catapano struggles with leverage and bend.
Source: TFY Draft Insider

[dead_poet]

Kyle Long - G - Player

Oregon OG Kyle Long has "generated a lot of buzz over the last few weeks."

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah "(keeps) hearing his name from personnel buddies." Howie's son and Chris' brother, Long is already 24 thanks to a failed baseball stint, but generated buzz with a strong Combine. He checks in at a mountainous 6-foot-6, 304 pounds. He's unlikely to slip into the latter part of the first round, but should come off the board early on day two.
Source: Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter