2007 AMATEUR DRAFT DISCUSSION

[Guest]

I was going to say nice choice on Samuels.. A guy like that isn't typically available in an FOf draft, but I think this is one of the deepest drafts I have ever seen.

[Jistic]

At pick #31 Boston nabs Defensive Tackle Justin Doucette out of Penn State. Doucette was a three year starter for Joe Paterno and the anchor of a very under rated defense. When you talk about Doucette you're getting a player that has that high basement. He doesn't give you that boom or bust player, but a player that will be a sure fire solid contributor to your defense for 8-10 years. He has the prototypical ahtleticism for the position, excellent quickness and agility with the ability to handle double teams effectively.

Doucette does have a tendency to look lost at times and was able to be misdirected a little too easily on film. He was much more effective when teams ran right at him. Scouts would like to see him get a little more physical and work on his pass rush technique. I don't see him as getting more than a few sacks in a season, but with Justin, you know you can plug him in and his position won't be a concern for years to come.

[HWessinmouse]

bunch of animals!

I noticed that some of you are looking to move up in the second round. PM me regarding 2.5 (38) if you're still looking.

[Jistic]

Our final pick of the 1st round and Phoenix snags the second guard of the draft with Southern Miss' Ronnie Browning. When you look at a Ronnie Browning you see a kid with great strength and explosion. He's a fighter type that will bring his all and keep bringing it til the final gun. What's impressed scouts is the way he handled his position change from Defensive Tackle. He's a bit of a late bloomer physically adding 20 lbs to his frame his Senior season.

Browning is a bit unpolished with his technique, although he improved dramatically his Senior year and most scouts believe that will continue at the next level. He's a quick study that most believe has found his proper position. You'd like to see him regain some quickness that he lost by putting on the weight while still keeping his strength. If he can continue to develop like he has been, he'll be a solid starter for the Riders.

[Jistic]

Mel will not be profiling every pick from now on however he will be commenting from time to time. Mel hopes you've enjoyed his "expert" opinion on the first round.

[Jistic]

At pick #30 Columbus looks to shore up Corey Lincoln's blindside by nabbing hit or miss LT prospect Arnold Samuels of Iowa State. Samuels is a bit of a mix bag. His being unable to attend the combine due to injury problems makes him all the more the mystery. When healthy Samuels looks the part. A bit undersized, he more than makes up for that with near flawless technique. Coming into his senior year people were calling him a top 5 talent.

What does concern some is his lack of ideal size and he's been known to play a little soft. Although he shows excellent footwork, and balance he does't explode out of his stance sometimes and plays on his heels a bit too much. He's a smart kid that's one of the best from the neck up, however it remains to be seen if that's enough for the next level when he faces the Brian Roset's of the league.

I figured that this late in the first round, it was worth taking a rick on a guy that could potentially play four different positions on the o-line.

I agree.

[Guest]

Our final pick of the 1st round and Phoenix snags the second guard of the draft with Southern Miss' Ronnie Browning. When you look at a Ronnie Browning you see a kid with great strength and explosion. He's a fighter type that will bring his all and keep bringing it til the final gun. What's impressed scouts is the way he handled his position change from Defensive Tackle. He's a bit of a late bloomer physically adding 20 lbs to his frame his Senior season.

Browning is a bit unpolished with his technique, although he improved dramatically his Senior year and most scouts believe that will continue at the next level. He's a quick study that most believe has found his proper position. You'd like to see him regain some quickness that he lost by putting on the weight while still keeping his strength. If he can continue to develop like he has been, he'll be a solid starter for the Riders.

Thanks Mel. . . Phoenix has an aging Lance Tokunuga entering his twelfth year at LG and fifth year backup Steven Meier will never be anything more than a spot reliever, so it was important for the Riders to nab a few good men for the trenches. Browning was the obvious first choice and we figured he'd drop since most of the other teams were screaming for the glamour skill positions. He's an intelligent player and stable, gets along well with our O-Line leader. Look for more from the Riders in the second round.

Dead on Mel, you're the man!

[Cotton]

Yeah... welll... well.... next year maybe I won't wet my pants after the third pick like I did this year and I can get more air time!

[Guest]

The reason I like Skerik is he makes the tough decisions. :)

[Acid]

The reason I like Skerik is he makes the tough decisions. :)

Hmm, I like him for his looks. 8O

[Jistic]

The reason I like Skerik is he makes the tough decisions. :)

I agree. That's leadership.

We're moving along.

[Whale]

I picked, er, Skerik picked for me already, so you guys can move along all day! That's what you all get for being crazy draft hounds and getting to my pick before I even got up for the day! Save the pitchforks and torches for another day! 8-[

And I'll be using the draft util in case you guys get to my 3rd round pick while I'm gone. Thanks for the understanding though!

[robster1225]

Man, am I nervous about the Ogden pick. I had him high on my board for a while, he's still there, I took him, and now I'm having doubts :).

[Acid]

I picked, er, Skerik picked for me already, so you guys can move along all day! That's what you all get for being crazy draft hounds and getting to my pick before I even got up for the day! Save the pitchforks and torches for another day! 8-[

And I'll be using the draft util in case you guys get to my 3rd round pick while I'm gone. Thanks for the understanding though!

Awesome, I wonder how deep we'll get into the third round.

[Jistic]

Like the Dennis pick Julio. Great value here.