UCF's Kevin Smith [Archive] - Broncos Country Message Boards

HurricaneDovs

01-06-2008, 06:40 PM

He changed his mind and is deciding to go pro.

MindField

01-06-2008, 06:43 PM

He changed his mind and is deciding to go pro.

That is good news to the Broncos. Now if Jonathan Stewart declares, the broncos will have Stewart, Mendenhall and now Kevin Smith to choose from
if they want to go RB.

BroncosTX77

01-06-2008, 06:49 PM

OMFG! :rockon::rockon::rockon::rockon:

Link please!

I just creamed all over myself for real.

Where's Baileysbest at btw?!!!! ;)

Sig Change time, if it's true.

igoe4broncos

01-06-2008, 07:12 PM

ECU's Chris Johnson is better, led the nation in all purpose yards and one of the fastest players in the country.

RunYouOver

01-06-2008, 07:16 PM

That is good news to the Broncos. Now if Jonathan Stewart declares, the broncos will have Stewart, Mendenhall and now Kevin Smith to choose from
if they want to go RB.

...And Ray Rice.

BroncosTX77

01-06-2008, 07:28 PM

Confirmed!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22530828/#storyContinued

UCF star changes mind, will head to NFL
Smith rushed for nearly 2,600 yards in challenging season rushing record

updated 49 minutes ago

ORLANDO, Fla. - Central Florida’s Kevin Smith, the nation’s leading rusher this season, changed his mind and will turn pro, he confirmed Sunday night.

Smith challenged Barry Sanders’ NCAA record of 2,628 rushing yards in a season, but finished 61 yards short. The running back was hailed as a hero three weeks ago for deciding to stay in school to earn a degree and help build UCF’s burgeoning program.

Another season would have put Smith well within reach of former Wisconsin back Ron Dayne’s NCAA career record.

Smith said it had nothing to do with records. He said he made the previous announcement to deflect attention leading up to UCF’s Liberty Bowl matchup against Mississippi State. Smith also said the 10-3 loss in that game was no factor.

“Me coming back had nothing to do with records. I was here a lot of years — that’s not a reason,” Smith told The Associated Press.

Smith, a high school honor roll student, said he wanted to come back and get his degree — partly on the advice of his mother. But he returned to hometown Miami after the bowl game, and they had a long talk about his future.

“She basically told me, ’Do what makes you happy,”’ Smith said.

Smith’s decision was first reported by WFTV, Orlando’s ABC affiliate. Smith said at a press conference Dec. 18 he would return to school, defying analysts who said he had nothing left to prove, and would be risking injury with more time in college.

“Kevin had a great career at UCF,” coach George O’Leary said in a written statement. “We thank him for his contributions over the past three years and wish him nothing but the best.”

The biggest knock on Smith was that he accomplished those feats in Conference USA, though he also rushed for 149 yards and two TDs against Texas this season.

Smith isn’t known a big-time speedster, though he is fast. His greatest asset is patience and vision — knowing where to make cuts to break long runs. He actually hasn’t been timed in a 40-yard dash since high school, and said he’s eager to prove he can run with the big guys.

“This is what people want to see: ’Is he fast,”’ Smith said. “They want to know how fast I’m going to be. They don’t have to see if I’m a three-down back, because I played three downs.”

FinNasty

01-06-2008, 07:32 PM

BroncosTX77

01-06-2008, 07:40 PM

Kevin is the PERFECT fit for your offense...

Great vision, patience, and burst through the hole. Thats the definition of what you need in your RBs...

Make him a Bronco!!! Reunite him with Marshall! Your offense would be set for years!!!

Absolutely right. He makes more sense than Mendenhall. He is a perfect fit for Denver offense and he is an every down back. I hyped him up then he had to say his momma said he needed to stay an di held out hope until this weekend after reading all of the articles regarding his staying. I am elated to see him declare and can only pray that Denver or Houston grabs him in the first or second round.

str8jacket

01-06-2008, 07:46 PM

Just looked him up on Youtube and he doesnt look bad at all

JoRo

01-06-2008, 07:46 PM

Anyone know where he prolly fits roundwise?

HurricaneDovs

01-06-2008, 07:53 PM

I would love to have 24k on the Broncos. I can see him being the franchise back that some on here are saying we need.

FinNasty

01-06-2008, 07:56 PM

Anyone know where he prolly fits roundwise?

2nd round...

He could shoot up into the first though if he times well at the combine...

Dream

01-06-2008, 08:00 PM

Awesome. As much as I don't think we'll go RB unless we dump THC; this kid would be great here.

Dump THC, go for a RB.

Honestly.

mx_stiles13

01-06-2008, 08:18 PM

BroncosTX77

01-06-2008, 08:18 PM

Awesome. As much as I don't think we'll go RB unless we dump THC; this kid would be great here.

Dump THC, go for a RB.

Honestly.

Instead of dumping TH, wouldn't it be more prudent to let him go to some other team for say a 6th or 7th round pick?

For now Kevin Smith can be had in 2nd Round. The publicity Mendenhall and Johnson got from their bowl games superceded anything Kevin Smith has done because he announced he was returning to school. Plus McFadden and Stewart will most likely announce this week and if Felix Jones does, thats just too many 1st round talented backs to consider.

2nd round would definitely be a good spot for Denver to take him. Most likely they wouldnt have to trade up to grab him. That leaves the first round for a reall need that isnt addressed during FA>

Even so, if Denver doesn't draft him maybe, Kubes will and instead of rooting for 24K on radio and TVU, I can go to the games and watch him dominate live in Houston. :smug:

Mat'hir Uth Gan

01-06-2008, 08:46 PM

Awesome. As much as I don't think we'll go RB unless we dump THC; this kid would be great here.

Dump THC, go for a RB.

Honestly.

I think you've said every prospect on the planet will be good here so far. What happened to the set stances and going out on a limb. I'm disappointed in the eternal optimisim. Waiting to take a stand until after the Combine is ghey.

theshiverman

01-06-2008, 08:49 PM

He changed his mind and is deciding to go pro.

Sniff..sniff..sniff I smell a possible RB pick in the second round for the Broncos, and it smells good!

Dream

01-06-2008, 08:57 PM

I think you've said every prospect on the planet will be good here so far. What happened to the set stances and going out on a limb. I'm disappointed in the eternal optimisim. Waiting to take a stand until after the Combine is ghey.

I'm a fan of a lot of these underclassmen running backs and feel that most all of them would do well here. That's not necessarily eternal optimism, but my way of not getting into pissing matches with people dead set in their views on certain prospects. You know, those "Frank Okam or Bust!" people or the "Rashard Mendenhall or Bust!" Leute; those crowds are enough to drive a sober man to drink. My thoughts on players are always up for the offering, a better idea of who and where we'll go in the draft direction will wait until after the combine. The combine isn't going to change my thoughts on the players I like and dislike now. There's a difference. You lawyers and your semantic games. I'm starting to feel about about wanting to take the LSAT now!

How about that Ian Gold? (Joke!)

FinNasty

01-06-2008, 08:58 PM

Idk check out this video...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2187290589906251809&q=kevin+smith+UCF&total=73&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0

Looks like he has some nice runs but gets tripped up pretty easily.

Dont worry, he doesnt get tripped that easily... he has very good balance. Check out these highlights of him in the conference championship game...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE8zah4Qano&feature=related

Look at the leg drive on the 74 yard TD that he broke. He keeps churning and finally broke free. Even a guy with the proper angle and a facemask towards the end couldnt stop him...

theshiverman

01-06-2008, 09:03 PM

Dont worry, he doesnt get tripped that easily... he has very good balance. Check out these highlights of him in the conference championship game...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE8zah4Qano&feature=related

Look at the leg drive on the 74 yard TD that he broke. He keeps churning and finally broke free. Even a guy with the proper angle and a facemask towards the end couldnt stop him...

Yeah, iv seen the guy play, he is a good player

Mat'hir Uth Gan

01-06-2008, 10:12 PM

I'm a fan of a lot of these underclassmen running backs and feel that most all of them would do well here. That's not necessarily eternal optimism, but my way of not getting into pissing matches with people dead set in their views on certain prospects. You know, those "Frank Okam or Bust!" people or the "Rashard Mendenhall or Bust!" Leute; those crowds are enough to drive a sober man to drink. My thoughts on players are always up for the offering, a better idea of who and where we'll go in the draft direction will wait until after the combine. The combine isn't going to change my thoughts on the players I like and dislike now. There's a difference. You lawyers and your semantic games. I'm starting to feel about about wanting to take the LSAT now!

How about that Ian Gold? (Joke!)

List some of the guys you like. Or guys you don't. Last year you were on a roll with Adam Carriker, Daryn Colledge, and others. I remember you pegging Marion Barber before anyone knew who he was a few years back. But this offseason, I can't really associate you with any prospect (or disassociate you with a prospect). The best I can come up with is you felt we needed an OT before Lepsis retired along with Lancane. And you like anyone Denver could possibly draft in the first 2 Rounds.

Part of the fun of doing draft stuff is debating with other draftniks. And the talent and intelligence (and luck) comes BEFORE the Combine because after that and the Pro Days, projecting the draft becomes insanely easier and predictions are much less risky. It's safe to wait, while putting up strong stances and predictions now is risky as people will call you on them if you're wrong (though fail to acknowledge if you were right). I loved watching the Alan Branch lovers crash and burn last season.

I find dancing the dance without a safety net to be much more enjoyable. But, this site has lost several of the long time draftniks guys, or they aren't just getting too involved this year for whatever reason, and I'm missing all the draft talk. Lancane, BroncosTX, and myself can only debate the same guys back and forth for so long. We need some fresh blood and opinions.

This was a plea/rant to anyone wanting to jump into the prediction game. Make some, sell them, stand by them win or lose. Pick 2-5 guys and champion the hell out of them. Just make sure to back up why you're championing them with stats, numbers, background research or the like.

Anywho, Dream, if Ian Gold hadn't suffered an injury, I'd be enjoying a certain thread right about now, but as it stands, I hold up my end of the deal. He didn't reach the stats I said he would, so I suck for supporting him. But I still believe in him and believe he had a very good year. I just don't want to put that in my sig and have others feel I'm wussing out on my bet.

lancane

01-06-2008, 10:17 PM

Instead of dumping TH, wouldn't it be more prudent to let him go to some other team for say a 6th or 7th round pick?

For now Kevin Smith can be had in 2nd Round. The publicity Mendenhall and Johnson got from their bowl games superceded anything Kevin Smith has done because he announced he was returning to school. Plus McFadden and Stewart will most likely announce this week and if Felix Jones does, thats just too many 1st round talented backs to consider.

2nd round would definitely be a good spot for Denver to take him. Most likely they wouldnt have to trade up to grab him. That leaves the first round for a reall need that isnt addressed during FA>

Even so, if Denver doesn't draft him maybe, Kubes will and instead of rooting for 24K on radio and TVU, I can go to the games and watch him dominate live in Houston. :smug:

Kevin Smith is a sure-fire 1st Round pick! The first round backs this year will be McFadden, Mendenhall, Stewart, Smith and maybe Jones, this will make a major shift because teams will be taking a chance to try an nab one of the top five backs in the country.

BaileyTheBest

01-06-2008, 10:20 PM

BroncosTX77

01-06-2008, 10:25 PM

Kevin Smith is a sure-fire 1st Round pick! The first round backs this year will be McFadden, Mendenhall, Stewart, Smith and maybe Jones, this will make a major shift because teams will be taking a chance to try an nab one of the top five backs in the country.

That's why I said for now ;)

Reason is of all the documented 40 times, Smith does have the slowest time of those backs you mentioned. NFL seems to be enamored with speed backs right now. When the combines come around and if Smith gets in the 4.4 range then yes he will be a surefire 1st round pick. Is he top 12 material? no. I don't believe so. This is when I beg Shanny to get on the horn with Jerry Jones and make a plea for Dallas' 2 #1. If that happens then 24K in a Broncos uniform next year is a very real possibility.

evendelae

01-06-2008, 10:30 PM

He honestly looks kind of slow to me. He takes long strides and that seems to be the source of his speed. In bad weather conditions in the NFL, I think he'll have trouble.

He has great vision, from the few highlights I've seen. However, it seems to me that most of his big plays come from great blocking up front as opposed to him creating something. IMO, that is the only type of first round RB worth taking, or else you end up with Shaun Alexander on your team when your O Line goes through a rough spot.

I'd love to have another UCF player because it would be fun, but he just didn't impress me overly much. But to be fair, I only saw the posted highlights and a bit of their bowl game.

BroncosTX77

01-06-2008, 10:33 PM

lancane

01-06-2008, 10:42 PM

That's why I said for now ;)

Reason is of all the documented 40 times, Smith does have the slowest time of those backs you mentioned. NFL seems to be enamored with speed backs right now. When the combines come around and if Smith gets in the 4.4 range then yes he will be a surefire 1st round pick. Is he top 12 material? no. I don't believe so. This is when I beg Shanny to get on the horn with Jerry Jones and make a plea for Dallas' 2 #1. If that happens then 24K in a Broncos uniform next year is a very real possibility.

It will not matter, Stewart is the slowest halfback of the first round with a forty clocked at 4.49, Kevin Smith's is 4.47, not bounds better, but teams will also look at production, I personally think both of them will shoot Mendenhall to be the second back of the draft, neither have the sure hands of Mendenhall nor his speed which is equal to that of McFadden. Seriously I would not be surprised to see the boards look thus -

1. McFadden - Arkansas (Top 5)
2. Mendenhall - Illinois (Top 15)
3. Stewart* - Oregon (Top 20)
4. Smith - Central Florida (Top 20)
5. Jones - Arkansas (1st Round)
-----------------------------------------------
6. Charles - Texas (Top 10 - 2nd Round)
7. Johnson - E. Carolina (Top 10 - 2nd Round)
8. Slaton* - West Virginia (Top 20 - 2nd Round)
9. Rice* - Rutgers (Top 20 - 2nd Round)
10. Choice - Georgia Tech (2nd Round)

If Stewart even declares...I am still for Mendenhall! He is still in my mind the best halfback only behind McFadden!

;)

elevation INC

01-07-2008, 05:23 AM

no rb could perform with the state of our current o-line, regardless of how great they are!

FinNasty

01-07-2008, 05:40 AM

Honestly, I wasn't impressed with him at all when I saw him in person against Mississippi State. Yeah he had 119 yards but he had a bunch of carries. And MSU only has a middle of the pack defense in the SEC. I think Smith will be ok in the NFL but I don't see him being a perennial pro bowler. But I guess if he fits our system I wouldn't mind having him.

I'm sorry that was the first game you saw him play. Did you see how bad the QB is for UCF? There was ZERO passing threat. He only had 3 completions in the first half... and 2 of them were to KSmith! LOL! He had 1 completion for 4 yards otherwise... meanwhile Smith had 77 yards at that point. Miss State stacked the box from the first play, and never gave him too much room to run.

But thats how Miss State's defense is against one dimensional offenses.

Earlier this season, Arkansas played Miss State. McFadden only had 88 rushing yards and a 3.1 ypc.

Smith had more yards and a better ypc than McFadden against Miss State...

And - SEC OLine >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CUSA OLine

Not saying Smith > McFadden. Just pointing out that Miss State is very good at defending one dimensional running offenses... and McFadden struggled as well...

FinNasty

01-07-2008, 05:46 AM

It will not matter, Stewart is the slowest halfback of the first round with a forty clocked at 4.49, Kevin Smith's is 4.47, not bounds better, but teams will also look at production, I personally think both of them will shoot Mendenhall to be the second back of the draft, neither have the sure hands of Mendenhall nor his speed which is equal to that of McFadden. Seriously I would not be surprised to see the boards look thus -

1. McFadden - Arkansas (Top 5)
2. Mendenhall - Illinois (Top 15)
3. Stewart* - Oregon (Top 20)
4. Smith - Central Florida (Top 20)
5. Jones - Arkansas (1st Round)
-----------------------------------------------
6. Charles - Texas (Top 10 - 2nd Round)
7. Johnson - E. Carolina (Top 10 - 2nd Round)
8. Slaton* - West Virginia (Top 20 - 2nd Round)
9. Rice* - Rutgers (Top 20 - 2nd Round)
10. Choice - Georgia Tech (2nd Round)

If Stewart even declares...I am still for Mendenhall! He is still in my mind the best halfback only behind McFadden!

;)

And THATS the crazy thing about this draft class!!! 10 RBs worth taken in the top 2 rounds!!! No way 5 RBs go in the first round, or 10 in the first 2 rounds... so there is going to be some SERIOUS talent at the RB position dropping later than they should just due to supply and demand.

Plus, there are some other very talented RBs that will go a little later like Forte from Tulane and James Davis from Clemson...

This is the best RB class... ever...

lancane

01-07-2008, 07:38 AM

And THATS the crazy thing about this draft class!!! 10 RBs worth taken in the top 2 rounds!!! No way 5 RBs go in the first round, or 10 in the first 2 rounds... so there is going to be some SERIOUS talent at the RB position dropping later than they should just due to supply and demand.

Plus, there are some other very talented RBs that will go a little later like Forte from Tulane and James Davis from Clemson...

This is the best RB class... ever...

That is if some declare or not...there are still some that have not. And I know you like Smith, I just do not see him as a Bronco, and really next to McFadden, Mendenhall is the best back in the draft. But I see other backs fitting into Denver over Smith, such as Choice from Georgia Tech, Davis from Clemson and possibly a couple other backs.

If we do not get Mendenhall, though as I have said I will be a tad upset...there are a couple I would not mind in latter rounds, but the one thing I can say is that if Shanahan does not even risk a first for a back with how thin other positions will be in the first, I sure do not see him using a 2nd Round pick on a back in that case. But if Davis from Clemson is still available in the 4th I would not mind or Dawson from Louisiana-Monroe in the 5th.

ChrisSimpy

01-07-2008, 07:42 AM

Dream

01-07-2008, 08:34 AM

List some of the guys you like. Or guys you don't. Last year you were on a roll with Adam Carriker, Daryn Colledge, and others. I remember you pegging Marion Barber before anyone knew who he was a few years back. But this offseason, I can't really associate you with any prospect (or disassociate you with a prospect). The best I can come up with is you felt we needed an OT before Lepsis retired along with Lancane. And you like anyone Denver could possibly draft in the first 2 Rounds.

I'd be more than happy to list the guys I like. In fact, I was talking about Chris Johnson on both this site and Orange Mane before he even exploded after the bowl game. Johnson is a guy I really like for the Broncos and I think he'll have a good career in the NFL. He can return kicks, catch the ball and run the ball. Like Scott Wright said, he's a EXTREMELY poor man's Reggie Bush, but the kid can flat out play.

Truth be told, I've been without internet access (limited) over my whole break and have maybe done about 100 posts or so. Maybe a little more. I've been busy working on some college things, getting some internship possibilities lined up and I completely thrashed a whole week away in Minneapolis partying and working on an album. I haven't had a whole lot of time to talk draft, and when I have on here, it's pretty much just questioning others.

Part of the fun of doing draft stuff is debating with other draftniks. And the talent and intelligence (and luck) comes BEFORE the Combine because after that and the Pro Days, projecting the draft becomes insanely easier and predictions are much less risky. It's safe to wait, while putting up strong stances and predictions now is risky as people will call you on them if you're wrong (though fail to acknowledge if you were right). I loved watching the Alan Branch lovers crash and burn last season.

Yeah, I haven't done any Ryan Harris or Tim Crowder throw 'em outs like I had in November of 06, but there have been several players I've been pimping. I talked about Mendenhall before Lancane came back, I was mentioning Ryan Clady over two months ago as well as Chris Johnson. Those are just a few.

I find dancing the dance without a safety net to be much more enjoyable. But, this site has lost several of the long time draftniks guys, or they aren't just getting too involved this year for whatever reason, and I'm missing all the draft talk. Lancane, BroncosTX, and myself can only debate the same guys back and forth for so long. We need some fresh blood and opinions.

I'll have more time because I'm taking less credits this semester and have it pretty easy on some nights to be doing some major draft talk. I have a class in the evening that's over two hours and I'll be sure to bring my laptop to keep me occupied. I've just been extremely busy, believe me. My thoughts are on the way.

This was a plea/rant to anyone wanting to jump into the prediction game. Make some, sell them, stand by them win or lose. Pick 2-5 guys and champion the hell out of them. Just make sure to back up why you're championing them with stats, numbers, background research or the like.

Like I said earlier this year, my goal was to watch games and get about 65-75 reports on players down. I lived up to that and am currently going over quite a few of them to put on my website. One of the reasons I haven't been championing anyone yet is because I'm sifting through these players.

What kind of championing do you want to see? People I think the Broncos WILL take or SHOULD take? Now there's a difference. MindField, in some delusional way thinks it's better to predict who will do better than in the long run, rather than who we're likely to take. I've always been the other way around. If you want me to pimp players that I think will be good in the NFL, that's easy. However I won't go out and throw random names out there like most on here do because they see a clip on YouTube or read Scott Wright's player rankings.

Oh, I thought of another guy from last year: Ahmad Bradshaw.

Anyways, if people want me to say who I like - I'll do it. In fact, I can make it a next update on The Beat, or if you want me to share here, I sure can.

Dream

01-07-2008, 08:35 AM

Oh yeah, the Hamburgler and I were talking about Earl Bennett ever since last year's draft ended. I don't think he'll come out though!

igoe4broncos

01-07-2008, 09:30 AM

I'm an ECU fan but i have never witnessed a player faster than chris johnson...

igoe4broncos

01-07-2008, 09:38 AM

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/album/525584/743859#imageID=34578290

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/album/433070/599633#imageID=27800135

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/album/472141/659343#imageID=30720507

http://bluewaterpirate.phanfare.com/album/472141/660026#imageID=30720542

FinNasty

01-07-2008, 10:02 AM

I'm an ECU fan but i have never witnessed a player faster than chris johnson...

Faster? I've seen faster...

But that doesnt take ANYTHING away from CJohnson. The kid is a flat out playmaker... and one of the most explosive players in the nation.

He needs to go to a team with a creative OC to take advantage of his abilities... and to cover up his weaknesses. He is definatly going to be fun to watch on the next level.

He was pretty much in Kevin Smith's shadow in CUSA all year long. I'm glad he is finally getting some of his own spot light... he deserves it...

Mat'hir Uth Gan

01-07-2008, 05:20 PM

I'd be more than happy to list the guys I like. you want to see? People I think the Broncos WILL take or SHOULD take? Now there's a difference. MindField, in some delusional way thinks it's better to predict who will do better than in the long run, rather than who we're likely to take. I've always been the other way around. If you want me to pimp players that I think will be good in the NFL, that's easy. However I won't go out and throw random names out there like most on here do because they see a clip on YouTube or read Scott Wright's player rankings.

.....

Anyways, if people want me to say who I like - I'll do it. In fact, I can make it a next update on The Beat, or if you want me to share here, I sure can.

Preferably both.

Predict who you think are realistic prospects for the Broncos, but I really want to see who you like and dislike. The whole underrated/overrated thing. And I like it when you argue with others too, that's always good stuff.

Obviously, if you're strapped for time, don't sweat this stuff, but as you said, if you do find more time, rock out on the draft. I'll respond wherever you post your thoughts as long as its your site or here.

And if I can request, can you do a full 3 Round mock after the Junior declare date? I've got one I'm working on and I really want to compare it to someone's with an iota of sense. In mine, I had Atlanta winning the toss, so they went 3, Oakland, 4, KC, 5th. Then in the 2nd round, they swap, but KC can never pick before Oakland due to tiebreakers, so that order went Oakland, KC, Atlanta. Then in the 3rd round, back to the 1st round order.

Dream

01-07-2008, 06:07 PM

stnzed

01-07-2008, 06:23 PM

I couldn't care less who wins the "I mentioned him first" pissing contest as long as Chris Johnson is returning kicks and punts for the Broncos next year......

Mat'hir Uth Gan

01-07-2008, 07:41 PM

I suppose I could give a three round full mock draft a chance, but I honestly do not know much about the needs of other teams besides the Packers and the Vikings; and I don't like pretending that I do. Furthermore, I don't know enough about all the schemes and personnel of other teams to try and mix and match players. I may know about 100 players coming out, but I only have notes on about 65-75 solid prospects. I don't like throwing out random darts. That's really never been me. I've always focused on Denver, and on the side the Packers.

I have enough time coming up with players that look like scheme fits for this team, I can't really be honest with myself and put players on other teams. If you're not worried about scheme fit, and more so a comparison of value - I could give it a shot!

Definitely do value.

I'll start kicking out my MUG's Mocks thingee after the 15th, and every year the 1st installment is always wrong because it's done well before Free Agency, Senior Bowl stuff, and Combine/Pro Days. I'm pretty good with knowing all NFL team needs, mostly I just visit all the offical forums and see whom and what positions the posters are clammoring for. Pretty easy way to get a feel for a team's needs as of now.

But, what I try and do moreso than anything, is get the right players in the right round range as they'll be in April. Obviously, that goes with where I think players will be then, not necessarily now. Example, Okam in the 1st Round, or Vernon Gholston going #1 Overall.

And then, when I do a 2nd mock, usually after the All Star games, I keep track (-19) or (+2) of how those games and practices effected my projections.

And then, again, after NFL Free Agency and Pro Days, I'll do another mock and compare that to the original 1st mock.

And then I'll do one Final Mock a day or two before the actual draft and compare that one to the original 1st mock.

It would be pretty neat to have someone else do the same type of thing for fun comparison and competition purposes. It's alot of work though for sure. And as the mocks go by, obviously team needs become more and more important. But for the 1st mock, its all about valuing the prospects properly.

Warhawk

01-07-2008, 09:06 PM

And as the mocks go by, obviously team needs become more and more important. But for the 1st mock, its all about valuing the prospects properly.

Absolutely. No point worrying about team need / scheme fits until you've got the relative value established. Personally, I like the approach of doing rankings by position first and then developing a big board from that. From there the first mock is straightforward, though it ends up being pretty raw as the need / scheme fits are still unclear. The progression of the offseason helps you fine tune a lot of that stuff as well as the position rankings.

Mat'hir Uth Gan

01-08-2008, 12:48 AM

Absolutely. No point worrying about team need / scheme fits until you've got the relative value established. Personally, I like the approach of doing rankings by position first and then developing a big board from that. From there the first mock is straightforward, though it ends up being pretty raw as the need / scheme fits are still unclear. The progression of the offseason helps you fine tune a lot of that stuff as well as the position rankings.

Warhawk, feel free to partake in the 3 Round mock if you'd like!

BaileyTheBest

01-08-2008, 08:55 PM

Darren McFadden, arguably the #1 RB to come out this year only averaged 3.1 ypc against Mississippi St.

Kevin Smith outgained, had better ypc and accounted for more than 50% of the total yards gained by UCF vs. MSU.

So please don't spout off stats.

When you still break off 100+ yards and outperform the best back in the country against the same team, even when the defense knows Smith is going to get the ball every other play, that is very impressive.

:salute:

I'm not just spouting off stats. I'm basing that off watching him in person then coming home and watching the game on TV twice. I think he will be ok in the NFL, I just don't see him being a superstar.

BaileyTheBest

01-08-2008, 08:58 PM

I'm sorry that was the first game you saw him play. Did you see how bad the QB is for UCF? There was ZERO passing threat. He only had 3 completions in the first half... and 2 of them were to KSmith! LOL! He had 1 completion for 4 yards otherwise... meanwhile Smith had 77 yards at that point. Miss State stacked the box from the first play, and never gave him too much room to run.

But thats how Miss State's defense is against one dimensional offenses.

Earlier this season, Arkansas played Miss State. McFadden only had 88 rushing yards and a 3.1 ypc.

Smith had more yards and a better ypc than McFadden against Miss State...

And - SEC OLine >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> CUSA OLine

Not saying Smith > McFadden. Just pointing out that Miss State is very good at defending one dimensional running offenses... and McFadden struggled as well...

Yeah, we did shut down d-mac but their QB had about 300 yds and 4 TD in the process. They decided pretty early that they were going to beat us in the air instead of on the ground.

FinNasty

01-09-2008, 05:37 AM

Yeah, we did shut down d-mac but their QB had about 300 yds and 4 TD in the process. They decided pretty early that they were going to beat us in the air instead of on the ground.

Ya, see UCF didnt have that option... our QB BLOWS...

Our offense is Smith and only Smith. We cant make defenses pay for putting 9 in the box...