2009 NFL Draft Chat/Discussion

Do you think we'll draft Rashad Jennings next?

WR Marko Mitchell

National Football League: NFL Draft 2009 - Marko Mitchell (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/marko-mitchell?id=79615)

Overview
The Mesa (Ariz.) Community College transfer has developed into one of the country's most feared big-play threats. He's had similar production in his first two years, leading the Wolfpack in receptions (53 in 2007, 61 in 2008), receiving yards (1,129, 1,141) and receiving touchdowns (eight, ten). He ranked second in the nation averaging 21.3 yards per catch as a junior, but finally made first team All-WAC this season. Those outstanding numbers are boosted by Nevada's unique "pistol" offense, but his rare combination of height and straight-line speed makes him a difficult matchup for any cornerback. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/4 inches at the combine.

Junior College
Earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors at Mesa (Ariz.) Community College...Had 34 catches for 719 yards and eight touchdowns...Averaged 21.1 yards per catch.

High School
Was also a standout basketball player.

Analysis
Positives: Rare height and arm length for the position. Good straight-line speed to challenge deep. Can track the ball over either shoulder and shows good body control and field awareness to keep his feet in bounds. Soft hands to pluck the ball out of the air and can make the reception outside of his frame. Alert receiver who will work his way back when the quarterback is under pressure. Good leaping ability. Shows a bit of vision and elusiveness as a runner after the catch and has the long strides to pull away from smaller defenders. Uses his size and length to effectively run block against small corners.

Negatives: Much of his production is due to this offense. Good, not great, straight-line speed. Will be caught from behind by NFL corners. Long-strider who has to build up to it. Lacks the short burst quickness to consistently gain separation against elite cover corners. Sinewy frame that may not withstand NFL punishment. Ball security may be an issue considering his lack of upper body strength. Isn't the dominant red-zone target his size indicates, due to marginal toughness and physicality in going up for the ball in traffic. Allows too many passes to get into his pads, resulting in some drops.

That was the quickest pick possible!!!!

I guess it's a sign they are comfortable with the current group.

The current group (Dockery aside), was pretty miserable down the stretch. I know we had injuries, and those guys will be healthy, but they're still 30+ coming off surgeries. Don't get me wrong, I hope they're correct. But the organization openly said RT is a need.

As far as Tripp's assessment of "hopelessly chasing" an O-lineman... well, taking the best tackle available in the 3rd or 5th wouldn't be "hopelessly chasing." Unless we didn't have anyone graded within 20 or 30 slots of where our pick(s) where slotted, I think we goofed.

And taking that OLB from Nebraska was flat stupid IMO. The kid has only played LB in 9 games EVER! He came to school as a RB and played 3 years at that position until injuries forced a position change. Then he got suspended for ticket scalping. Plus he plays weakside. Stupid.

And now a WR??

National Football League: NFL Draft 2009 - Marko Mitchell (http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/marko-mitchell?id=79615)

Overview
The Mesa (Ariz.) Community College transfer has developed into one of the country's most feared big-play threats. He's had similar production in his first two years, leading the Wolfpack in receptions (53 in 2007, 61 in 2008), receiving yards (1,129, 1,141) and receiving touchdowns (eight, ten). He ranked second in the nation averaging 21.3 yards per catch as a junior, but finally made first team All-WAC this season. Those outstanding numbers are boosted by Nevada's unique "pistol" offense, but his rare combination of height and straight-line speed makes him a difficult matchup for any cornerback. Had an arm span of 34 1/2 inches and a hand span of 10 1/4 inches at the combine.

Junior College
Earned first-team all-conference and all-district honors at Mesa (Ariz.) Community College...Had 34 catches for 719 yards and eight touchdowns...Averaged 21.1 yards per catch.

High School
Was also a standout basketball player.

Analysis
Positives: Rare height and arm length for the position. Good straight-line speed to challenge deep. Can track the ball over either shoulder and shows good body control and field awareness to keep his feet in bounds. Soft hands to pluck the ball out of the air and can make the reception outside of his frame. Alert receiver who will work his way back when the quarterback is under pressure. Good leaping ability. Shows a bit of vision and elusiveness as a runner after the catch and has the long strides to pull away from smaller defenders. Uses his size and length to effectively run block against small corners.

Negatives: Much of his production is due to this offense. Good, not great, straight-line speed. Will be caught from behind by NFL corners. Long-strider who has to build up to it. Lacks the short burst quickness to consistently gain separation against elite cover corners. Sinewy frame that may not withstand NFL punishment. Ball security may be an issue considering his lack of upper body strength. Isn't the dominant red-zone target his size indicates, due to marginal toughness and physicality in going up for the ball in traffic. Allows too many passes to get into his pads, resulting in some drops.


Hey this kid doesn't seem all that bad. He is tall and pretty quick with a good vl to boot. I think the other 2 young WRs might have some competition!!!!!

I'm actually liking the pick. Big relatively fast guy that most importantly was actually productive. On top of that NO DURABILITY ISSUES. This is Colt's #1 reciever for the preseason.

Hey Trample,

Honestly, I think the draft filled 2 of the 3 need areas. I know we still gotta get the OL right, but remember for the first half of the year they held their own. we get better depth from FA, including Dockery, and we should be ok. I think everyone is counting on the offense to come together somewhat this year. I am sure Buges is getting his input heard.

I just don't get it, sorry? They could have gone after Troy Kropog in the third? They had Jamon Meredith, Duke Robinson, and Hermann Johnson sitting right there in the fifth round and they get a LB? Granted these guys fell for a reason but no one can tell me that they're not good depth especially in the fifth and now they go and draft another WR? No OT, no G, No C. Everyone was like, we can get Mack or Wood in the later rounds. Yeah right!
Evidently Vinnie didn't get that text message we intercepted from Buges.

:benched:

This is Colt's #1 reciever for the preseason.

For some reason I think there's a bit of sarcasm in that comment. I'm ready for the Colt and Marko show!!

For some reason I think there's a bit of sarcasm in that comment. I'm ready for the Colt and Marko show!!

None at all. I'm completely serious. He will be this preseason Maurice Mann except this time he will make the team.