[paradigmnParticipant]

 NBAdraft.net is the only place I converse on the internet.  There’s no other place I’d like to talk sports because I really value the majority of all ya’ll input.  I have a deep passion for sports and basketball in particular.  But I also love football and even though this is a B-ball sight, I feel the need to show ya’ll this kid, because baring any life changing altercations, this kid will be an NFL star someday.

 SONY MITCHEL: 5’10” 195lbs(now)…runs a 4.47 40 yard dash and a 10.7(Flordia freshamn record) 100 meter sprint…played varsity football as an 8th grader in Flordia which along with Texas has the best High School football in the nation.  Had 1,825 yds and 21 TD.  Averaged 7.36 yds a carry.  Remember this is an 8th grader playing HS football in Flordia…LOL…Allready has scholarship offers from major D1 football schools including: Alabama, Flordia, Flordia State, LSU, Texas Notre Damn, Miami (Fl), and the national champion Auburn Tigers.  He has size and speed that you normally don’t see from a running back and that you NEVER see from a 14 year old running back.  All I can say is I hope my Lions can draft this kid somewhere around the year 2017…LOL

 

[Cardinal_FanParticipant]

 He has great speed which jumps out at u instantly because he always bounces his runs to the outside, and to constantly beat older more matured physically players is pretty impressive. Looks somewhat like Reggie Bush did at USC…..hope his pro career turns out better tho lol. Even tho he’s gotta ring he’s pretty much been a bust.

[Cardinal_FanParticipant]

 He has great speed which jumps out at u instantly because he always bounces his runs to the outside, and to constantly beat older more matured physically players is pretty impressive. Looks somewhat like Reggie Bush did at USC…..hope his pro career turns out better tho lol. Even tho he’s gotta ring he’s pretty much been a bust.

[paradigmnParticipant]

…but this kid is way faster allready, running a mind boggiling 4.47 40 yard dash and only 14 years old….Reggie Bush was CRAZY SICK in High School and College though.  He really excels at catching balls out of the backfield and he did bang a Kardashian which I don’t think Sony has done…lol…this is a pretty NASTY mix of Reggie in High School…

 

[paradigmnParticipant]

…but this kid is way faster allready, running a mind boggiling 4.47 40 yard dash and only 14 years old….Reggie Bush was CRAZY SICK in High School and College though.  He really excels at catching balls out of the backfield and he did bang a Kardashian which I don’t think Sony has done…lol…this is a pretty NASTY mix of Reggie in High School…

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Those were from 2010? Just wondering, as it said they were from an 8th grader, but it also says he is class of 2014, which I am guessing meant he was a freshman this year. Nonetheless, he has impressive size at such an early age, and great break away speed. Reggie Bush was amazing in college, I saw it up close and personal on a couple occasions. That being said, he never broke the Pac-10 rushing records for a freshman and for a sophomore. This guy did:

 

 

LaMichael James was BAR NONE the best RB in College Football last year, and I see little reason he should not be this year, unless of course the NCAA prevents him from doing so. Freshman year: 230 carries for 1546 yards and 13 TD’s (with only 11 carries in his first two games, for 78 yards). Last year: 294 for 1731 (Lead the nation) 24 TD’s (21 rushing, 3 receiving). Every time you think he can do no better, he does. Proof? As a freshman, ran for 183 yards and a TD in a 47-20 win over USC. I get the privilege of going to the game this past year thinking too myself, "How can he top that?". How about 239 yards and 3 TD’s in a 53-32 victory? His spin move is absolutely incredible, and I know this may be sacrelige, but I think that at least from a college football stand point, the name Barry Sanders comes too mind (his son, by the way, is also awesome). I will not give him the pressure of being Barry Sanders in the NFL, that is far too much, but I expect him too be VERY successful. I warn people that sleep on him, he is tough as nails and he just keeps getting better. Now, as far as RB’s of the future, I have a couple in mind for the Ducks. One is coming in for our freshman class, the other hopefully will be on campus in 2013:

 

DeAnthony Thomas, The (First) Black Mamba:

Thomas Tyner, Class of 2013 RB:

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Those were from 2010? Just wondering, as it said they were from an 8th grader, but it also says he is class of 2014, which I am guessing meant he was a freshman this year. Nonetheless, he has impressive size at such an early age, and great break away speed. Reggie Bush was amazing in college, I saw it up close and personal on a couple occasions. That being said, he never broke the Pac-10 rushing records for a freshman and for a sophomore. This guy did:

 

 

LaMichael James was BAR NONE the best RB in College Football last year, and I see little reason he should not be this year, unless of course the NCAA prevents him from doing so. Freshman year: 230 carries for 1546 yards and 13 TD’s (with only 11 carries in his first two games, for 78 yards). Last year: 294 for 1731 (Lead the nation) 24 TD’s (21 rushing, 3 receiving). Every time you think he can do no better, he does. Proof? As a freshman, ran for 183 yards and a TD in a 47-20 win over USC. I get the privilege of going to the game this past year thinking too myself, "How can he top that?". How about 239 yards and 3 TD’s in a 53-32 victory? His spin move is absolutely incredible, and I know this may be sacrelige, but I think that at least from a college football stand point, the name Barry Sanders comes too mind (his son, by the way, is also awesome). I will not give him the pressure of being Barry Sanders in the NFL, that is far too much, but I expect him too be VERY successful. I warn people that sleep on him, he is tough as nails and he just keeps getting better. Now, as far as RB’s of the future, I have a couple in mind for the Ducks. One is coming in for our freshman class, the other hopefully will be on campus in 2013:

 

DeAnthony Thomas, The (First) Black Mamba:

Thomas Tyner, Class of 2013 RB:

[paradigmnParticipant]

 Good videos mikey…I like LaMichael James.  He vary well could lead the nation in rushing again this year.  He should be a late first round pick or an early second rounder in the 2012 NFL draft.  People say Trent Richardson out of Alabama is the best back in the nation.  He is projected to go some where between 10-15 in the draft.  My favorite back in college however is MARCUS LATTIMORE… http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/501517/marcus-lattimore…He had an outstanding freshman season, all while playing in the toughest conference in college football, the SEC.  Was selected to first team All-SEC and was named SEC freshman of the year.  Since he is not draft eligble untill 2013, he still has 2 more years to tear up college football.  He is projected to be a top 3 pick in the 2013 draft….

 

[paradigmnParticipant]

 Good videos mikey…I like LaMichael James.  He vary well could lead the nation in rushing again this year.  He should be a late first round pick or an early second rounder in the 2012 NFL draft.  People say Trent Richardson out of Alabama is the best back in the nation.  He is projected to go some where between 10-15 in the draft.  My favorite back in college however is MARCUS LATTIMORE… http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/501517/marcus-lattimore…He had an outstanding freshman season, all while playing in the toughest conference in college football, the SEC.  Was selected to first team All-SEC and was named SEC freshman of the year.  Since he is not draft eligble untill 2013, he still has 2 more years to tear up college football.  He is projected to be a top 3 pick in the 2013 draft….

 

[cward23Participant]

Nice. Question about another player, has anyone on here watch the 30 for 30 thing on former runningback Marcus Dupree???. That guy was a straight BEAST

[cward23Participant]

Nice. Question about another player, has anyone on here watch the 30 for 30 thing on former runningback Marcus Dupree???. That guy was a straight BEAST

[HaleParticipant]

Very impressed by Mitchell though.

[HaleParticipant]

Very impressed by Mitchell though.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Great movie, "The Best That Never Was". That guy was incredible, a lot of things got in the way, such as people trying too make a profit of off him and injuries. Really sad, but he did incredible things in his young career.

As far as Trent Richardson goes, the kid is built like a damn tank and I think it is justifiable that he may possibly go ahead of LaMichael in the draft. Now, I am not saying he is a better running back, but he is a complete beast and definitely has the body too take more punishment. That is the key for RB’s, a position that probably has the shortest life span as far as the physical toll it takes on your body. You really have no idea how long a player will last at the position, and those that do last a long time, not too mention last a long time playing at a high level, are incredible. But, man, do you get hit! Knile Davis is another player mentioned too possibly be one of the first RB’s taken, though he is more of a power back.

I know all about Marcus Lattimore, he had a great freshman year, and we were indeed looking at him for quite a while, though I knew he was always a long shot. Well, one thing I will say, is Spurrier ran the HELL out of that kid. I do not know if he has the top flight speed too be drafted that high in 2013, so much can happen in the mean time. As the season wore on, he crumbled. He had two big games, but Spurrier ran him 37 and 40 times in them! Honestly, that is the thing I worry about with LaMike. Kenjon Barner, for those who do not know, is our back-up RB. He is fantastic. Well, Kenjon went down after WSU, and missed about 4 games, in which LaMichael ran WAY more than he normally would have. Luckily, we should be deeper at RB this year, but you need a good back-up nowadays.

What people do not seem to remember about Reggie Bush, is he had LenDale White. Now, Reggie Bush was the man those last two years at USC, but LenDale took off A LOT of pressure. In fact, during Reggie’s Heisman year, LenDale had 24 rushing TD’s! In 2004 and 2005, LenDale actually outscored Reggie on the ground 39-22. Don’t get me wrong, Reggie was the money player due too his speed and incredible versatility as a receiver, but LenDale helped out a nice bit (not too mention a fantastic line and a Heisman winner under Center).

I thought Reggie was going to be a star due too his speed, almost like what Chris Johnson turned out to be (though I never thought Reg would run for 2k yards, and CJ doing it is just incredibly impressive), but he just was not built that way. He was too much east-west and not enough north-south, which is what you have too do in the NFL too be successful for the most part. Either way, Barry Sanders in one of the only RB’s who had prolonged success as an East-West runner, and Reggie Bush is no Barry Sanders (obviously). Reggie definitely has not been worth his contract or pick, and his credit for the Saints success is a couple grains of sand on a beach, but it has too be sweet to win a Super Bowl. Nonetheless, I admit I was wrong about Reggie and that the Texans made a great pick in Mario Williams.

Still, getting back too Lattimore here, I do not know if you can say he is a top 3 guy in 2013. I realize that what he did, for a freshman in the SEC, was fantastic. But, I am wondering if Spurrier is not going too kill this kid. Two examples I will give are Ryan Williams and Dion Lewis, both seen as freshman who were possibly better than LaMichael in 2009. Well, they got killed this past year, both entered the draft and were REALLY late picks (as compared too where they were originally being projected). Granted, Marcus took fewer carries, in a better conference, but everyone thought Ryan Williams, who had decent size, was a can’t miss guy. Add into the equation as well that RB’s going that high are INCREDIBLY rare. The last highest was Reggie in 2005 at 2, and than you have had a couple of top 10 guys, but teams are finding you can wait too get a good RB.

The last RB I felt deserved to be the top pick was someone who I was always high on (and who we got to play against every one of his 3 years in college), and that was "AD" Adrian Peterson. Adrian is basically the LeBron James of RB’s, he has size, speed and strength that are unparralled at the position. His freshman year, I personally believed he should have won the Heisman trophy, but this guy Leinart won it instead. Well, Adrian even had injury concerns, which along with the shaky season Reggie Bush had the year before probably caused his slip to 7th. Still, I do not see any backs like AD out there, and while that does not mean Lattimore will still not be picked higher (after all, Darren McFadden was that next year), top 3 seems like a major push.

I would be concerned about Lattimore’s durability though, and I really hope he does not get bogged down with too many carries. His 4.8 ypc was good, especially for a freshman with his amount of carries in the SEC, but he should be doing better, which would probably help with a change of pace back once in a while. Spurrier needs too save this kids butt, or else his chances of injury will be sky high. Michael Dyer, who I saw up close and personal torch my Ducks (though that one play was confusing as hell, but the kid has game), had only 104 fewers yards on 67 fewer carries! Now, Dyer was a non-factor in the passing game, and does not have the strength or versatility of Lattimore, but those carries matter as far as keeping durable. Not too mention, Auburn’s line already gives you much more of a cushion than South Carolina’s.

Just something too think about before saying Lattimore is a top 3 pick. Great player, absolutely, but the NFL draft is a mysterious beast, and you have too be an incredibly rare talent too go that high as an RB. Not sure whether Lattimore is that, and I hope Steve Spurrier keeps him spry and does not burn him out. Spurrier gets big names and all, but big names being high draft picks are never a guarantee. I am sure Jadeveon Clowney will be special, but I would not mark him down as being the first pick in the 2014 draft just yet. We just saw what happened too Da’Quan Bowers this year? Struggles for a couple years, leads the nation in sacks, gets dropped too the second round due to injury concerns. Terrelle Pryor was thought too be a sure thing too, especially after his strong freshman year. Football has so much more uncertainty than basketball as far as the draft is concerned. Being a first day pick (which used too mean top 3 rounds) is a huge deal.

 ^Good post by yupyup, one of the more famous HS videos of Noel Devine. He had a solid career at West Virginia, nothing spectacular, and just went undrafted. I am sure Mitchel has a bright future, but their is way more uncertainty in scouting young football talent than basketball.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Great movie, "The Best That Never Was". That guy was incredible, a lot of things got in the way, such as people trying too make a profit of off him and injuries. Really sad, but he did incredible things in his young career.

As far as Trent Richardson goes, the kid is built like a damn tank and I think it is justifiable that he may possibly go ahead of LaMichael in the draft. Now, I am not saying he is a better running back, but he is a complete beast and definitely has the body too take more punishment. That is the key for RB’s, a position that probably has the shortest life span as far as the physical toll it takes on your body. You really have no idea how long a player will last at the position, and those that do last a long time, not too mention last a long time playing at a high level, are incredible. But, man, do you get hit! Knile Davis is another player mentioned too possibly be one of the first RB’s taken, though he is more of a power back.

I know all about Marcus Lattimore, he had a great freshman year, and we were indeed looking at him for quite a while, though I knew he was always a long shot. Well, one thing I will say, is Spurrier ran the HELL out of that kid. I do not know if he has the top flight speed too be drafted that high in 2013, so much can happen in the mean time. As the season wore on, he crumbled. He had two big games, but Spurrier ran him 37 and 40 times in them! Honestly, that is the thing I worry about with LaMike. Kenjon Barner, for those who do not know, is our back-up RB. He is fantastic. Well, Kenjon went down after WSU, and missed about 4 games, in which LaMichael ran WAY more than he normally would have. Luckily, we should be deeper at RB this year, but you need a good back-up nowadays.

What people do not seem to remember about Reggie Bush, is he had LenDale White. Now, Reggie Bush was the man those last two years at USC, but LenDale took off A LOT of pressure. In fact, during Reggie’s Heisman year, LenDale had 24 rushing TD’s! In 2004 and 2005, LenDale actually outscored Reggie on the ground 39-22. Don’t get me wrong, Reggie was the money player due too his speed and incredible versatility as a receiver, but LenDale helped out a nice bit (not too mention a fantastic line and a Heisman winner under Center).

I thought Reggie was going to be a star due too his speed, almost like what Chris Johnson turned out to be (though I never thought Reg would run for 2k yards, and CJ doing it is just incredibly impressive), but he just was not built that way. He was too much east-west and not enough north-south, which is what you have too do in the NFL too be successful for the most part. Either way, Barry Sanders in one of the only RB’s who had prolonged success as an East-West runner, and Reggie Bush is no Barry Sanders (obviously). Reggie definitely has not been worth his contract or pick, and his credit for the Saints success is a couple grains of sand on a beach, but it has too be sweet to win a Super Bowl. Nonetheless, I admit I was wrong about Reggie and that the Texans made a great pick in Mario Williams.

Still, getting back too Lattimore here, I do not know if you can say he is a top 3 guy in 2013. I realize that what he did, for a freshman in the SEC, was fantastic. But, I am wondering if Spurrier is not going too kill this kid. Two examples I will give are Ryan Williams and Dion Lewis, both seen as freshman who were possibly better than LaMichael in 2009. Well, they got killed this past year, both entered the draft and were REALLY late picks (as compared too where they were originally being projected). Granted, Marcus took fewer carries, in a better conference, but everyone thought Ryan Williams, who had decent size, was a can’t miss guy. Add into the equation as well that RB’s going that high are INCREDIBLY rare. The last highest was Reggie in 2005 at 2, and than you have had a couple of top 10 guys, but teams are finding you can wait too get a good RB.

The last RB I felt deserved to be the top pick was someone who I was always high on (and who we got to play against every one of his 3 years in college), and that was "AD" Adrian Peterson. Adrian is basically the LeBron James of RB’s, he has size, speed and strength that are unparralled at the position. His freshman year, I personally believed he should have won the Heisman trophy, but this guy Leinart won it instead. Well, Adrian even had injury concerns, which along with the shaky season Reggie Bush had the year before probably caused his slip to 7th. Still, I do not see any backs like AD out there, and while that does not mean Lattimore will still not be picked higher (after all, Darren McFadden was that next year), top 3 seems like a major push.

I would be concerned about Lattimore’s durability though, and I really hope he does not get bogged down with too many carries. His 4.8 ypc was good, especially for a freshman with his amount of carries in the SEC, but he should be doing better, which would probably help with a change of pace back once in a while. Spurrier needs too save this kids butt, or else his chances of injury will be sky high. Michael Dyer, who I saw up close and personal torch my Ducks (though that one play was confusing as hell, but the kid has game), had only 104 fewers yards on 67 fewer carries! Now, Dyer was a non-factor in the passing game, and does not have the strength or versatility of Lattimore, but those carries matter as far as keeping durable. Not too mention, Auburn’s line already gives you much more of a cushion than South Carolina’s.

Just something too think about before saying Lattimore is a top 3 pick. Great player, absolutely, but the NFL draft is a mysterious beast, and you have too be an incredibly rare talent too go that high as an RB. Not sure whether Lattimore is that, and I hope Steve Spurrier keeps him spry and does not burn him out. Spurrier gets big names and all, but big names being high draft picks are never a guarantee. I am sure Jadeveon Clowney will be special, but I would not mark him down as being the first pick in the 2014 draft just yet. We just saw what happened too Da’Quan Bowers this year? Struggles for a couple years, leads the nation in sacks, gets dropped too the second round due to injury concerns. Terrelle Pryor was thought too be a sure thing too, especially after his strong freshman year. Football has so much more uncertainty than basketball as far as the draft is concerned. Being a first day pick (which used too mean top 3 rounds) is a huge deal.

 ^Good post by yupyup, one of the more famous HS videos of Noel Devine. He had a solid career at West Virginia, nothing spectacular, and just went undrafted. I am sure Mitchel has a bright future, but their is way more uncertainty in scouting young football talent than basketball.

[paradigmnParticipant]

 Well….LATTIMORE really excels at catching balls out of the back field as well which I think you neglected to say but anyways…. No question its way to pre-mature to say anything about the 2013 NFL draft…he could get hurt…he could get arrested…Spurrier could make him quit football…so many variables obviously….Also if he were to come out in 2013 he would be a Junior…he could wait untill 2014 also….but lets look it like this….saying he comes out in 2013….and all the top players from 2013 i.e. Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Landry Jones, Ray Ray Armstrong, Brandon Jenkins, etc etc declare for 2012 NFL draft…then we are left with these prospects…http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2014

While there are some nice players i.e. Tyler Bay QB Tennessee, DJ Fluker OT Alabama and Dee Milliner CB Alabama…I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say Lattimore could be a top 3 pick if we had to prognosticate a 2013 NFL Mock Draft today….and to take it to the 2014 NFL Draft…If I had a gun to my head right now and was told to choose the #1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and if I was wrong my head would be blown off…You better believe I am saying the name JADEVEON CLOWNEY…This is what "we" do…"we" spectulate…..Dude hasn’t played a down of college ball yet….I’ve seen enough High School video that I am willing to "spectulate" that he is that pick….Could I be wrong???  ABSOLUTELY…but when push comes to shove and you just have to "spectulate" I am willing to make that pick.  Just like I am willing to go out on a limb and say Marcus Lattimore could be a top 3 pick in 2013.

[paradigmnParticipant]

 Well….LATTIMORE really excels at catching balls out of the back field as well which I think you neglected to say but anyways…. No question its way to pre-mature to say anything about the 2013 NFL draft…he could get hurt…he could get arrested…Spurrier could make him quit football…so many variables obviously….Also if he were to come out in 2013 he would be a Junior…he could wait untill 2014 also….but lets look it like this….saying he comes out in 2013….and all the top players from 2013 i.e. Andrew Luck, Matt Barkley, Landry Jones, Ray Ray Armstrong, Brandon Jenkins, etc etc declare for 2012 NFL draft…then we are left with these prospects…http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/TSX/2014

While there are some nice players i.e. Tyler Bay QB Tennessee, DJ Fluker OT Alabama and Dee Milliner CB Alabama…I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say Lattimore could be a top 3 pick if we had to prognosticate a 2013 NFL Mock Draft today….and to take it to the 2014 NFL Draft…If I had a gun to my head right now and was told to choose the #1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and if I was wrong my head would be blown off…You better believe I am saying the name JADEVEON CLOWNEY…This is what "we" do…"we" spectulate…..Dude hasn’t played a down of college ball yet….I’ve seen enough High School video that I am willing to "spectulate" that he is that pick….Could I be wrong???  ABSOLUTELY…but when push comes to shove and you just have to "spectulate" I am willing to make that pick.  Just like I am willing to go out on a limb and say Marcus Lattimore could be a top 3 pick in 2013.

[HaleParticipant]

 I think Lattimore is the best pro prospect of any RB in the NCAA right now.

[HaleParticipant]

 I think Lattimore is the best pro prospect of any RB in the NCAA right now.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

But, I am speculating as well. I am speculating that those names in the 2014 pool will be RADICALLY different in two years. That is what happens in football. If you go to Scout.com, and look at top players, you will notice how many highly ranked players who never make the NFL. It is much easier too speculate on basketball, as far as the draft is concerned, than on football. Lattimore is great, I was very impressed with him, but I think if I had too speculate where he would be chosen, I would more than likely say outside of the top 10, WHICH IS STILL REALLY HIGH FOR AN RB. Could he got top 3? For sure. But, Reggie Bush is the last RB too do that, and even my man AD, who by all means, was a much better prospect than Lattimore, went 7. Darren McFadden could do EVERYTHING, and he played in the SEC. He went 4! It is a track record, man.

It is much easier too project basketball prospects in accordance too the draft. Are there top prospects that do not develop the way you thought? Absolutely! But, it is much easier too slate Harrison Barnes as a possible top 3 pick than it would be a guy like Clowney or Lattimore. Marcus Lattimore is probably the best pro prospect of any RB in college right now, he very well could be. But, does that mean he is a top 3 pick? History is not on his side. You can project all you want, but unless you think this guy will be a top NFL RB, in the class of an AD or Chris Johnson, than he will probably wait a while too hear his name. Not only do we have too worry about Spurrier killing the kid, but teams have realized they can get better value at the top of the draft at other positions as opposed to RB. Look at the best RB’s in the league:

Adrian Peterson: 7th pick in the draft

Chris Johnson: 24th pick in the draft (Which, many thought was too high at the time and was a slight surprise, even though he burned nearly the fastest 40 in combine history)

Michael Turner: 154th pick

Jamaal Charles: 73rd pick

Ray Rice: 55th pick

Maurice Jones-Drew: 60th pick

Rashard Mendenhall: 23rd pick (My man, Jonathan Stewart, who is a freak of nature, went 13th in the same draft. Jonathan ran the first ball he ever touched in Autzen stadium, which was a kick-off that somehow was kicked too have when he was on Special Teams, and not even lined up too take the kick-off, back for a TD. Durability has always been a concern though, and Rashard has had a more successful career to this point.)

Steven Jackson: 24th pick

LeSean McCoy: 53rd pick

Arian Foster (Leading rusher in the NFL last year): Undrafted

LeGarrette Blount (Leading rookie rusher in the NFL): Undrafted (Yes, of course I know LGB also punched a guy in the face on national TV while wearing the Green and Lightning Yellow. Still, I am incredibly proud of his accomplishments and he did have a legit chance of being drafted, as he played well in the Senior Bowl and after the incident.)

 

Than, you have guys like Cedric Benson and Darren McFadden, who both went 4th. They struggled mightily through there first few years, and are now coming into there own, a bit. Both were incredibly versatile backs, but if you look at their draft, they were pretty poor value picks. As was Reggie Bush. That is my point. Yes, Lattimore is a very solid pro prospect, but I have seen a lot of great RB’s have huge freshman years, than fall off. I do not see Adrian Peterson in the kid, and he definitely does not have the break away speed of AD and definitely not CJ. The NFL Draft just saw a guy who more than likely was on NO ONE’s draft board at the beginning of the year, go #1 in Cam Newton. It saw two WR’s, go 4th and 6th, and both were top rated HS players. But, durability is FAR less of an issue for Wideouts, who are usually getting hit by guys who may indeed weigh less than they do. RB’s, on the other hand, are getting hit by absolute monsters, about 3 times more. All I am saying is, maybe saying he is the best RB prospect out there right now, and a possible top-15 choice, might be better than saying top-3. Just my analysis. RB=The most difficult position too project at the next level and the draft. Such a short shelf life, and being used properly in college is a must. It may make you slip in the draft, but in the long run, it will pay huge dividends.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

But, I am speculating as well. I am speculating that those names in the 2014 pool will be RADICALLY different in two years. That is what happens in football. If you go to Scout.com, and look at top players, you will notice how many highly ranked players who never make the NFL. It is much easier too speculate on basketball, as far as the draft is concerned, than on football. Lattimore is great, I was very impressed with him, but I think if I had too speculate where he would be chosen, I would more than likely say outside of the top 10, WHICH IS STILL REALLY HIGH FOR AN RB. Could he got top 3? For sure. But, Reggie Bush is the last RB too do that, and even my man AD, who by all means, was a much better prospect than Lattimore, went 7. Darren McFadden could do EVERYTHING, and he played in the SEC. He went 4! It is a track record, man.

It is much easier too project basketball prospects in accordance too the draft. Are there top prospects that do not develop the way you thought? Absolutely! But, it is much easier too slate Harrison Barnes as a possible top 3 pick than it would be a guy like Clowney or Lattimore. Marcus Lattimore is probably the best pro prospect of any RB in college right now, he very well could be. But, does that mean he is a top 3 pick? History is not on his side. You can project all you want, but unless you think this guy will be a top NFL RB, in the class of an AD or Chris Johnson, than he will probably wait a while too hear his name. Not only do we have too worry about Spurrier killing the kid, but teams have realized they can get better value at the top of the draft at other positions as opposed to RB. Look at the best RB’s in the league:

Adrian Peterson: 7th pick in the draft

Chris Johnson: 24th pick in the draft (Which, many thought was too high at the time and was a slight surprise, even though he burned nearly the fastest 40 in combine history)

Michael Turner: 154th pick

Jamaal Charles: 73rd pick

Ray Rice: 55th pick

Maurice Jones-Drew: 60th pick

Rashard Mendenhall: 23rd pick (My man, Jonathan Stewart, who is a freak of nature, went 13th in the same draft. Jonathan ran the first ball he ever touched in Autzen stadium, which was a kick-off that somehow was kicked too have when he was on Special Teams, and not even lined up too take the kick-off, back for a TD. Durability has always been a concern though, and Rashard has had a more successful career to this point.)

Steven Jackson: 24th pick

LeSean McCoy: 53rd pick

Arian Foster (Leading rusher in the NFL last year): Undrafted

LeGarrette Blount (Leading rookie rusher in the NFL): Undrafted (Yes, of course I know LGB also punched a guy in the face on national TV while wearing the Green and Lightning Yellow. Still, I am incredibly proud of his accomplishments and he did have a legit chance of being drafted, as he played well in the Senior Bowl and after the incident.)

 

Than, you have guys like Cedric Benson and Darren McFadden, who both went 4th. They struggled mightily through there first few years, and are now coming into there own, a bit. Both were incredibly versatile backs, but if you look at their draft, they were pretty poor value picks. As was Reggie Bush. That is my point. Yes, Lattimore is a very solid pro prospect, but I have seen a lot of great RB’s have huge freshman years, than fall off. I do not see Adrian Peterson in the kid, and he definitely does not have the break away speed of AD and definitely not CJ. The NFL Draft just saw a guy who more than likely was on NO ONE’s draft board at the beginning of the year, go #1 in Cam Newton. It saw two WR’s, go 4th and 6th, and both were top rated HS players. But, durability is FAR less of an issue for Wideouts, who are usually getting hit by guys who may indeed weigh less than they do. RB’s, on the other hand, are getting hit by absolute monsters, about 3 times more. All I am saying is, maybe saying he is the best RB prospect out there right now, and a possible top-15 choice, might be better than saying top-3. Just my analysis. RB=The most difficult position too project at the next level and the draft. Such a short shelf life, and being used properly in college is a must. It may make you slip in the draft, but in the long run, it will pay huge dividends.

[paradigmnParticipant]

all im saying is right now…on July 6th…2011….right this SECOND….not talking about "what can happen in the future"….RIGHT NOW….if I had to decide where Lattimore should be drafted as compared to everyone else that might be in that draft….I’m saying he’s a top 3 pick……just like "mock draft" boards….my opinion can change…and probably will change…but RIGHT NOW…he’s a top 3 pick in my book for the 2013 draft.

[paradigmnParticipant]

all im saying is right now…on July 6th…2011….right this SECOND….not talking about "what can happen in the future"….RIGHT NOW….if I had to decide where Lattimore should be drafted as compared to everyone else that might be in that draft….I’m saying he’s a top 3 pick……just like "mock draft" boards….my opinion can change…and probably will change…but RIGHT NOW…he’s a top 3 pick in my book for the 2013 draft.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I will go with the under on this one. He is a great player, but I have learned a lot about the NFL hype machine in the draft following football, and I think saying a guy is a top 3 pick right now, without making any possible projections, means very little. I am just saying, it would be easier too say that guys like LeBron James, Greg Oden and Andre Drummond are first picks in the draft two years before the draft than a guy like Marcus Lattimore? Can you not see the possible validity in such a statement, as far as the NBA and NFL draft’s are concerned? This is why, saying what yupyup said, is maybe a better route than giving a top 3 draft projection that more than likely, will not stick.

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

I will go with the under on this one. He is a great player, but I have learned a lot about the NFL hype machine in the draft following football, and I think saying a guy is a top 3 pick right now, without making any possible projections, means very little. I am just saying, it would be easier too say that guys like LeBron James, Greg Oden and Andre Drummond are first picks in the draft two years before the draft than a guy like Marcus Lattimore? Can you not see the possible validity in such a statement, as far as the NBA and NFL draft’s are concerned? This is why, saying what yupyup said, is maybe a better route than giving a top 3 draft projection that more than likely, will not stick.

[HaleParticipant]

 A top 3 pick? I don’t think I’d ever want to take a RB in the top 3, especially when you can frequently get producing RB’s in the mid to late rounds.

[HaleParticipant]

 A top 3 pick? I don’t think I’d ever want to take a RB in the top 3, especially when you can frequently get producing RB’s in the mid to late rounds.

[paradigmnParticipant]

obviosuly projecting basketball is easier than projecting football….that doesnt mean you cant project football….you disagree with my top 3 projection of lattimore….thats fine…although I have heard that projection of him b4…Mel Kiper has been high on him….saying he has chance for being selected top 3-5 pick and the ginger Todd McShay skin turns even redder than normal when he talks about him(think he has a man crush on the dude).dudes a talent and will more than likely be at the very least a top 10 pick …and if he could be picked that high…its defintiely not out of the possibility that he could go even higher with good sophomore and junior seasons….LOL…wow….2 more seasons…..ANYTHING can happen…you are right….why even talk about a 2013 draft….why???….because its fun….simple…..so…that being said….I have lattimore top 3 in 2013….who do u have top 3 2013???

[paradigmnParticipant]

obviosuly projecting basketball is easier than projecting football….that doesnt mean you cant project football….you disagree with my top 3 projection of lattimore….thats fine…although I have heard that projection of him b4…Mel Kiper has been high on him….saying he has chance for being selected top 3-5 pick and the ginger Todd McShay skin turns even redder than normal when he talks about him(think he has a man crush on the dude).dudes a talent and will more than likely be at the very least a top 10 pick …and if he could be picked that high…its defintiely not out of the possibility that he could go even higher with good sophomore and junior seasons….LOL…wow….2 more seasons…..ANYTHING can happen…you are right….why even talk about a 2013 draft….why???….because its fun….simple…..so…that being said….I have lattimore top 3 in 2013….who do u have top 3 2013???

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

QB Aaron Murray, Georgia (RS-So., so he could technially enter this upcoming year. Factor in that QB’s have gone #1 in 9 out of the last 11 drafts, and Murray appears to be more than likely one of the top few who has a chance of staying until 2013, than I would guess he has a very solid crack at a top 3 pick)

QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee (Bigger, more of a pocket passer, but he is seen as maybe the best QB in regards to the 2013 draft, hence he will have a really good shot at a top spot)

OT DJ Fluker, Alabama (Another Soph RS, but he is huge and has great feet, projected as fantastic blindside protector)

OT Seantrel Henderson, Miami (Think this guy could be a bonafide stud LT, and teams love that)

ILB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State (Might enter this year, but this guy is a beast all over the field)

WR Robert Woods, USC (Guy is a total beast, had a huge freshman year, and while George Farmer might be even better, my guess is Woods has a much better chance at being a top 10 pick)

OT Matt Kalil, USC (Again, might enter this year, but he is viewed as a really solid tackle and a very high draft pick whenever he enters. Does he stay for his senior year for a shot at a bowl? Possibly)

DT Sharif Floyd, Florida

DE Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

DE Ronald Powell, Florida

CB Dee Millner, Alabama

 

All people I think could go higher in the draft than Marcus Lattimore. Does that mean they are better players? Probably not, more than likely not right now. But, forgive me for having a hard time believing that an RB, no matter how good he is, might not be "a projected top 3 pick in the 2013 draft". Say he is a great prospect, but calling any football player a draft range this early is just not something I do not advise even Mel Kiper and Todd McLame doing. Which is why, they tend to focus on the current draft and give very little info about the following draft.

Also, as much as I think they love a prospect, they usually do not lable him a top anything pick, unless it is a QB, a la Andrew Luck. We have learned so much about the draft worth of RB’s as of late, it is hard to consider most of them top 5 picks. If the new NFL CBA does something to the rookie payment structure, things indeed could change. But, as special as Lattimore is, my man AD went #7. I did not think he should go after 1, but I still said "He is a fantastic NFL prospect" rather than "A top 3 pick". If he is projected in your top 3, fine, but than state that. If you just say "projected", than it makes it seems like it is a consensus opinion, and I do not think it is. All I am trying to do, is show you that by saying someone, who could be a fantastic football player, may not necessarily also be a top 3 draft pick, even if they are a REALLY strong RB. Believe me, I would say it too anyone, and I am just giving evidence and possible suggestions too back-up why calling a freshman RB "a projected top 3 pick", might raise expectations TREMENDOUSLY. You did at least say "projected" rather than "lock", but nonetheless, saying that he was a projected top 3 pick just does not sound right to me. May be my thing, you can ignore me, but I maybe hoped you could possibly see a view point into how this may be misleading too a person that has never seen him play, raising expectations incredibly high.

 

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

QB Aaron Murray, Georgia (RS-So., so he could technially enter this upcoming year. Factor in that QB’s have gone #1 in 9 out of the last 11 drafts, and Murray appears to be more than likely one of the top few who has a chance of staying until 2013, than I would guess he has a very solid crack at a top 3 pick)

QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee (Bigger, more of a pocket passer, but he is seen as maybe the best QB in regards to the 2013 draft, hence he will have a really good shot at a top spot)

OT DJ Fluker, Alabama (Another Soph RS, but he is huge and has great feet, projected as fantastic blindside protector)

OT Seantrel Henderson, Miami (Think this guy could be a bonafide stud LT, and teams love that)

ILB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State (Might enter this year, but this guy is a beast all over the field)

WR Robert Woods, USC (Guy is a total beast, had a huge freshman year, and while George Farmer might be even better, my guess is Woods has a much better chance at being a top 10 pick)

OT Matt Kalil, USC (Again, might enter this year, but he is viewed as a really solid tackle and a very high draft pick whenever he enters. Does he stay for his senior year for a shot at a bowl? Possibly)

DT Sharif Floyd, Florida

DE Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

DE Ronald Powell, Florida

CB Dee Millner, Alabama

 

All people I think could go higher in the draft than Marcus Lattimore. Does that mean they are better players? Probably not, more than likely not right now. But, forgive me for having a hard time believing that an RB, no matter how good he is, might not be "a projected top 3 pick in the 2013 draft". Say he is a great prospect, but calling any football player a draft range this early is just not something I do not advise even Mel Kiper and Todd McLame doing. Which is why, they tend to focus on the current draft and give very little info about the following draft.

Also, as much as I think they love a prospect, they usually do not lable him a top anything pick, unless it is a QB, a la Andrew Luck. We have learned so much about the draft worth of RB’s as of late, it is hard to consider most of them top 5 picks. If the new NFL CBA does something to the rookie payment structure, things indeed could change. But, as special as Lattimore is, my man AD went #7. I did not think he should go after 1, but I still said "He is a fantastic NFL prospect" rather than "A top 3 pick". If he is projected in your top 3, fine, but than state that. If you just say "projected", than it makes it seems like it is a consensus opinion, and I do not think it is. All I am trying to do, is show you that by saying someone, who could be a fantastic football player, may not necessarily also be a top 3 draft pick, even if they are a REALLY strong RB. Believe me, I would say it too anyone, and I am just giving evidence and possible suggestions too back-up why calling a freshman RB "a projected top 3 pick", might raise expectations TREMENDOUSLY. You did at least say "projected" rather than "lock", but nonetheless, saying that he was a projected top 3 pick just does not sound right to me. May be my thing, you can ignore me, but I maybe hoped you could possibly see a view point into how this may be misleading too a person that has never seen him play, raising expectations incredibly high.

 

[paradigmnParticipant]

 Just wanted your MAIN pick for possible top 3…plus Matt Kalil will be a top 5 pick in the 2012 draft….and Vontaze Burfict will be a top 10-20 pick in the 2012 draft…we are talking 2013…I would NOT draft Robert Wood b4 Lattimore(not right now anyways)He is not a game changing wide out…only those are drafted top 5….and wideouts in my mind…shouldnt go in top 3, unless they are a TRUE beast i.e CLAVIN JOHNSON..as I mentioned b4 the names like DJ Fluker…Dee Millner are possiblities…but in my mind…at this moment…NO…the thing about FLUKER, he is a great, athletic OT, and those are always hot commodities so if an OT can put 2 huge seasons together they always have a chance to be drafted high…all the QB’s you mentioned have "possibilties" but No gm would draft them ahead of Lattimore right NOW….who knows in 2 years….remember…we are talking about right NOW.

[paradigmnParticipant]

 Just wanted your MAIN pick for possible top 3…plus Matt Kalil will be a top 5 pick in the 2012 draft….and Vontaze Burfict will be a top 10-20 pick in the 2012 draft…we are talking 2013…I would NOT draft Robert Wood b4 Lattimore(not right now anyways)He is not a game changing wide out…only those are drafted top 5….and wideouts in my mind…shouldnt go in top 3, unless they are a TRUE beast i.e CLAVIN JOHNSON..as I mentioned b4 the names like DJ Fluker…Dee Millner are possiblities…but in my mind…at this moment…NO…the thing about FLUKER, he is a great, athletic OT, and those are always hot commodities so if an OT can put 2 huge seasons together they always have a chance to be drafted high…all the QB’s you mentioned have "possibilties" but No gm would draft them ahead of Lattimore right NOW….who knows in 2 years….remember…we are talking about right NOW.

[HaleParticipant]

Unless it truly is an elite talent the only positions I would take top 3 are QB, OT and DL, possibly CB.

[HaleParticipant]

Unless it truly is an elite talent the only positions I would take top 3 are QB, OT and DL, possibly CB.

[Knicksboy3Participant]

 QB’s always get bumped up. Was Matt Stafford really the best QB in the draft 2 seasons ago? No, but Detroit needed a QB. 

Just me, I agree about Lattimore, but UNC has a boatload of offensive and defensive line prospects who could be in that top 10 range in the next couple years.

Ashlon Jeffery is a stud too from South Carolina

 

[Knicksboy3Participant]

 QB’s always get bumped up. Was Matt Stafford really the best QB in the draft 2 seasons ago? No, but Detroit needed a QB. 

Just me, I agree about Lattimore, but UNC has a boatload of offensive and defensive line prospects who could be in that top 10 range in the next couple years.

Ashlon Jeffery is a stud too from South Carolina

 

[HaleParticipant]

 I’m really high on Alshon as well.

[HaleParticipant]

 I’m really high on Alshon as well.

[Author]

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