Alright, so I have a special treat for you guys. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to do a Q&A with National Football Post writer, Wes Bunting. I asked him a few questions about the 2011 NFL Draft and about some of the players in it. Check it out and I hope you enjoy!
Q: The perception out there is that the 2011 NFL Draft is extremely weak. Is that indeed the case? Where is this draft class strong, and where is it weak?
A: No, I mean ill say the senior class is weak overall, but I think because of that we’re going to see a ton of juniors come out. I think that will really streghtnen it up. It’ll make the seniors more of the depth part of the draft. I’d say it’s deep at the wide receiver position, at the cornerback position and defensive line position. And I’d say it’s relatively weak in the fact that there’s no real blue chip guys. Tyron Smith from USC could be the one, but at offensive tackle there’s not a real blue chip guy. Linebacker, it looks pretty weak. Running back, outside of Mark Ingram and Mikel Leshour it doesn’t look like there’s too many guys that can come in and carry the load.
Q: With half of the teams in the NFL running the 3-4, who are the best prospects that fit that scheme? Particularly outside linebacker and nose tackle.
A: Oh that’s a good question. I think Robert Quinn, hes up there. Even though he hasn’t played all year I think he’s one of the best guys. Von Miller from Texas A&M and Justin Houston. I think they are the three guys that have the ability to consistently fire off the edge, flatten out around the corner and make plays on the quarterback. Those are the top three guys right now. Some nose tackles, I think Phil Taylor from Baylor, he’s a former Penn State guy. He has the potential to play inside. He just needs to learn to play with a little bit better pad level. He’s a big guy. Jerrell Powe, he has the ability to eat up blocks inside. Kendrick Ellis from Hampton could be that guy. Those are probably the three guys I would choose. Oh, and Sione Fua from Stanford, he’s another one.
Q: Who are some guys that no one is talking about? Players that once they reach the NFL, will make an impact and name for themselves.
A: Some guys I like, Steven Friday the pass rusher from Virginia Tech. Im a big fan of his game. Curtis Marsh, the cornerback from Utah State. He’s a guy I like a lot. Pat Delvin from Deleware, he’s the quarterback there, he’s a guy I like a lot. Those are the three guys that I am higher on than most id say.
Q: So here’s a good one for you. Who are your personal favorite players in this years draft, and why?
A: Personal favorites, hmmm. You hit me with a good one there. Maybe Danny Watkins from Baylor. He’s a guy that I really like. He has a great story. 26 year old comedian, former rugby and hockey player. Three years of football experience. He also was a fire fighter in Kelowna. He’s really blossomed into a really nice player. Drake Nevis from LSU. I like him a lot. Just because he plays the game with such bad intentions. He’s an angry player. And I gotta give love to the fullbacks. I love Marecic from Stanford. Im a big fan of Anthony Sherman from Connecticut. I like those two full backs.
Q: I’m a Chiefs fan, so I have to sneak in a question for Chiefs Nation. The other day I tweeted you and asked who are the best players for the Chiefs in the draft. You responded with JJ Watt, Akeem Ayers, and Marcell Dareus. Why those three? What would they bring to the Chiefs?
A: Well Watt and Dareus they’re the guys u can put at the 5 technique. They can hold the point of attack and they make everyone around them better. Akeem Ayers is a guy who gives you some versatility. He can play inside but I think he gives you the ability to rush off the edge as a pass rusher and create negative plays, so that if you’re a 3-4 defense, it’s really great to create negative plays and get into nickel situations and rush the passer. Plus Watt and Dareus have the ability to kick inside to the 3 technique in nickel situations and rush the passer.
Alright folks, there you have it. Some great answers by Mr. Bunting on the 2011 NFL Draft. Everyone, make sure to swing by Wes Bunting’s column, The Scouting Department. There is a lot of great content there. Also be sure to follow him on twitter at @WesBunting.