Mike Mayock Says’ (4/20/11)

NFL Draft conference calls, live chats, radio spots are picking up as we approach next Thursday. Today, NFL Networks draft analyst, Mike Mayock spent time with various members of the media, answering their questions via a conference call. You guys know by now how I feel about Mayock’s word. He had more good stuff for us this morning, and Doug Farrar of Football Outsiders and Yahoo! Sports updated us with his comments, via Twitter. Below are paraphrased quotes of what Mike Mayock Says.

• Mayock Says’: Feeding frenzy for QBs. Not since 1950 have 8 QBs been taken in first 3 rounds. Could happen this time.
• Mayock Says’: PIT could be the landing point for teams looking to trade for late 1 QB spots.
• Mayock Says’: Locker fits Washington better than most. Combo of Cutler and Plummer, both of whom Shanny picked.
• Mayock Says’: Not surprised if Locker goes 10 or 12.
• Mayock Says’: Teams need to meet spread QBs halfway — give him plays he can win with while he’s developing.

• Mayock Says’: New England, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, don’t waste first-round picks. Keep missing in the top 10, you’ll keep picking there.
• Mayock Says’: Peterson and Amukamara gone in first 11. Jimmy Smith right there athletically, but character dictates how far he’ll fall.
• Mayock Says’: Brandon Harris is a good nickel guy. Ras-I Dowling is potential starter with injury issues.
• Mayock Says’: Pouncey’s value could start as early as 14 with St. Louis. 15 Miami. Probably 19-22.
• Mayock Says’: Pioli has a mold informed by Belichick — will work on the side of caution. Depends on locker room to control questionable guys.
• Mayock Says’: Last time we saw Quinn on tape, he was 19 years old. Not a man yet physically. Can play w/leverage and toughness.
• Mayock Says’: Last year’s offensive tackles were better, but Tyron Smith can be as good or better than any of them. Phenomenal upside.
• Mayock Says’: Other guys, you can pick apart their games. Castanzo is the next guy in line.
• Mayock Says’: Small-school guys to mention: Ijalana. Taiwan Jones, Edmund Gates, Rackley.
• Mayock Says’: Taiwan Jones could be the fastest kid in the draft. Don’t think he’ll get out of the second round.