Kiper has Skins taking Morris Claiborne in his first mock

[ArlingtonSkinsFan]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7467078/mel-kiper-first-mock-draft-year

[tribeofjudah]

Bleacher Report has Skins picking Michael Floyd.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Redskins will definitely look to trade up with the Rams to acquire the services of Robert Griffin III, but short of that they are in a sticky spot here. They can't logically justify spending the sixth overall pick on a quarterback like Nick Foles or Ryan Tannehill. Additionally, Trent Richardson is off the board.

I also don't see the Redskins going defense with their first-round pick when there are so many holes on the other side of the ball. This leads me to believe they will take the next-best skill position player in Michael Floyd.

The Notre Dame standout makes grown men look like little children on the outside. His physical ability is awe-inspiring and reminds me a great deal of Calvin Johnson. He can climb the ladder and has soft hands. One of the best parts of Floyd's game is that he already runs pro-ready routes, which will limit his transition to the next level.

If the first five picks play out like I suspect, there is no reason why the Redskins should pass up on Floyd unless they can find a trade partner lower in the first round or trade up for Griffin III.

[Deadskins]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7467078/mel-kiper-first-mock-draft-year

http://thehogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=565319#565319

[Irn-Bru]

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7467078/mel-kiper-first-mock-draft-year

http://thehogs.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=565319#565319

Yes, the General Manager Forum is the place to talk about mock drafts. Please keep the discussion there, everyone.

Thank you.

[aswas71788]

Don't get to worked up abpit Mel Kipers Mock draft. He got only about 10% right last year.

[skinsfan#33]

I wouldn't crush that pick, but we need starters at SS and FS more on D, but that is too early to take one of those. And of course on offense we need a WR (too early to take one at #6 - especially if Blackmon is gone), QB (too early to take a QB not named Luck or RG3), RT (or LT if we move TW to RT), LG ( a little early for OG, but I would be OK with it) and C (too early – and we have an adequate starter).

So it looks like the pick should be the best available OL, but the best defensive player (supposedly) wouldn’t be too bad.

[PAPDOG67]

I'm sorry I don't know what people see in Mongomery at the C position. I've heard a lot of people on hear say they're happy with his play and that he's above average. The guy, to me is a career back up and we better be looking to upgrade the C position this off season either in the draft or via FA.

[skinsfan#33]

I'm sorry I don't know what people see in Mongomery at the C position. I've heard a lot of people on hear say they're happy with his play and that he's above average. The guy, to me is a career back up and we better be looking to upgrade the C position this off season either in the draft or via FA.

I think he is adequate. We definitely could do better and we definitely could do worse.

[skinsfan#33]

Bleacher Report has Skins picking Michael Floyd.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Redskins will definitely look to trade up with the Rams to acquire the services of Robert Griffin III, but short of that they are in a sticky spot here. They can't logically justify spending the sixth overall pick on a quarterback like Nick Foles or Ryan Tannehill. Additionally, Trent Richardson is off the board.

I also don't see the Redskins going defense with their first-round pick when there are so many holes on the other side of the ball. This leads me to believe they will take the next-best skill position player in Michael Floyd.

The Notre Dame standout makes grown men look like little children on the outside. His physical ability is awe-inspiring and reminds me a great deal of Calvin Johnson. He can climb the ladder and has soft hands. One of the best parts of Floyd's game is that he already runs pro-ready routes, which will limit his transition to the next level.

If the first five picks play out like I suspect, there is no reason why the Redskins should pass up on Floyd unless they can find a trade partner lower in the first round or trade up for Griffin III.

WAY too early to take a WR! Especially one not named Blackmon (too early for him too, but he will probably be gone).

AND it is definitely too early to take a WR with an alcohol abuse problem! A DUI and two under age drinking citations... WOW!

[die cowboys die]

if we take a CB with the #6 or 7 pick or whatever it is, i'm done with the Redskins after 32 years of being a fan. give me a break.

[brad7686]

Bleacher Report has Skins picking Michael Floyd.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Redskins will definitely look to trade up with the Rams to acquire the services of Robert Griffin III, but short of that they are in a sticky spot here. They can't logically justify spending the sixth overall pick on a quarterback like Nick Foles or Ryan Tannehill. Additionally, Trent Richardson is off the board.

I also don't see the Redskins going defense with their first-round pick when there are so many holes on the other side of the ball. This leads me to believe they will take the next-best skill position player in Michael Floyd.

The Notre Dame standout makes grown men look like little children on the outside. His physical ability is awe-inspiring and reminds me a great deal of Calvin Johnson. He can climb the ladder and has soft hands. One of the best parts of Floyd's game is that he already runs pro-ready routes, which will limit his transition to the next level.

If the first five picks play out like I suspect, there is no reason why the Redskins should pass up on Floyd unless they can find a trade partner lower in the first round or trade up for Griffin III.

I could see Floyd jumping if he runs well at the combine. He's a huge target he just needs to prove he can separate. Even if he can't, he could have success just making plays on the ball and running good routes, i.e. Hakeem Nicks. Hopefully he can curtail the drinking.

That situation could get really interesting with people rising and falling, who we end up with if we stay at six. If Floyds in the equation, you have to weigh him against Riley Reiff, who looks like a pretty solid OT, and Claiborne. I'm sure others will sneak into the equation as well. I wouldn't be surprised if WR is addressed in FA just because it's a good year for them. And this draft seems to have some line depth.

[skinsfan#33]

Bleacher Report has Skins picking Michael Floyd.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Redskins will definitely look to trade up with the Rams to acquire the services of Robert Griffin III, but short of that they are in a sticky spot here. They can't logically justify spending the sixth overall pick on a quarterback like Nick Foles or Ryan Tannehill. Additionally, Trent Richardson is off the board.

I also don't see the Redskins going defense with their first-round pick when there are so many holes on the other side of the ball. This leads me to believe they will take the next-best skill position player in Michael Floyd.

The Notre Dame standout makes grown men look like little children on the outside. His physical ability is awe-inspiring and reminds me a great deal of Calvin Johnson. He can climb the ladder and has soft hands. One of the best parts of Floyd's game is that he already runs pro-ready routes, which will limit his transition to the next level.

If the first five picks play out like I suspect, there is no reason why the Redskins should pass up on Floyd unless they can find a trade partner lower in the first round or trade up for Griffin III.

I could see Floyd jumping if he runs well at the combine. He's a huge target he just needs to prove he can separate. Even if he can't, he could have success just making plays on the ball and running good routes, i.e. Hakeem Nicks. Hopefully he can curtail the drinking.

That situation could get really interesting with people rising and falling, who we end up with if we stay at six. If Floyds in the equation, you have to weigh him against Riley Reiff, who looks like a pretty solid OT, and Claiborne. I'm sure others will sneak into the equation as well. I wouldn't be surprised if WR is addressed in FA just because it's a good year for them. And this draft seems to have some line depth.

To me it is just too high for a WR, especially a WR that shows signs of being an alcoholic!

[brad7686]

Bleacher Report has Skins picking Michael Floyd.

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

The Redskins will definitely look to trade up with the Rams to acquire the services of Robert Griffin III, but short of that they are in a sticky spot here. They can't logically justify spending the sixth overall pick on a quarterback like Nick Foles or Ryan Tannehill. Additionally, Trent Richardson is off the board.

I also don't see the Redskins going defense with their first-round pick when there are so many holes on the other side of the ball. This leads me to believe they will take the next-best skill position player in Michael Floyd.

The Notre Dame standout makes grown men look like little children on the outside. His physical ability is awe-inspiring and reminds me a great deal of Calvin Johnson. He can climb the ladder and has soft hands. One of the best parts of Floyd's game is that he already runs pro-ready routes, which will limit his transition to the next level.

If the first five picks play out like I suspect, there is no reason why the Redskins should pass up on Floyd unless they can find a trade partner lower in the first round or trade up for Griffin III.

I could see Floyd jumping if he runs well at the combine. He's a huge target he just needs to prove he can separate. Even if he can't, he could have success just making plays on the ball and running good routes, i.e. Hakeem Nicks. Hopefully he can curtail the drinking.

That situation could get really interesting with people rising and falling, who we end up with if we stay at six. If Floyds in the equation, you have to weigh him against Riley Reiff, who looks like a pretty solid OT, and Claiborne. I'm sure others will sneak into the equation as well. I wouldn't be surprised if WR is addressed in FA just because it's a good year for them. And this draft seems to have some line depth.

To me it is just too high for a WR, especially a WR that shows signs of being an alcoholic!

I know what you're saying, historically there's a pattern of busting, however lately it seems you can't get a good receiver unless they're a top ten pick. I'm not really sure Floyd will be worth a top ten pick, he'll have to impress to get to that point.

[Countertrey]

I'm sorry I don't know what people see in Mongomery at the C position. I've heard a lot of people on hear say they're happy with his play and that he's above average. The guy, to me is a career back up and we better be looking to upgrade the C position this off season either in the draft or via FA.

I think he is adequate. We definitely could do better and we definitely could do worse.

Yup. While an upgrade would be nice, it's certainly far from being a priority. Montgomery is doing an adequate job, and has certainly exceeded expectations.

Sometimes, good enough is just good enough... (see Jeff Bostic)

[SkinsJock]

I just don't see this FO taking a WR or RB with a top 10 pick
We are not exactly a player or two away from having the luxury of fine tuning - which is what those positions are


I really think that we'll see these guys trade down - there are teams that will want a player badly enough at the #6 spot

[KazooSkinsFan]

I just don't see this FO taking a WR or RB with a top 10 pick
We are not exactly a player or two away from having the luxury of fine tuning - which is what those positions are


I really think that we'll see these guys trade down - there are teams that will want a player badly enough at the #6 spot

You win by drafting talent, not for need

[SkinsJock]

I'd agree with that Kaz - my point was more that we need a lot of talented players - there are many franchises that just need a few

Most of the top 100 players taken are talented - we need as many as we can get

[brad7686]

I just don't see this FO taking a WR or RB with a top 10 pick
We are not exactly a player or two away from having the luxury of fine tuning - which is what those positions are


I really think that we'll see these guys trade down - there are teams that will want a player badly enough at the #6 spot

I disagree that WR is fine tuning. There are some good teams that would be crap without their WR's. Detroit, GB, Pittsburgh, NYG, for example.

I recognize immediately that this is going to turn into a qb discussion, so let me just say that Big Ben and Eli have a history of mediocrity without their current receivers. Calvin Johnson is the only person Stafford throws to. And well, Rogers would make due without really good receivers but that group makes them explosive.

[KazooSkinsFan]

I just don't see this FO taking a WR or RB with a top 10 pick
We are not exactly a player or two away from having the luxury of fine tuning - which is what those positions are


I really think that we'll see these guys trade down - there are teams that will want a player badly enough at the #6 spot

I disagree that WR is fine tuning. There are some good teams that would be crap without their WR's. Detroit, GB, Pittsburgh, NYG, for example.

I recognize immediately that this is going to turn into a qb discussion, so let me just say that Big Ben and Eli have a history of mediocrity without their current receivers. Calvin Johnson is the only person Stafford throws to. And well, Rogers would make due without really good receivers but that group makes them explosive.

I agree. I could totally see us taking a receiver with our top pick if that was the best player available.

[SkinsJock]

Sorry guys - can not agree with you

good teams are not good teams because of a few good players - good teams need good play from players playing together

The Giants are not a good team because of their receivers - their defense is finally playing together
We beat the Giants twice because they did not have the type of play from their defense that they got last week - can u imagine Rex against that group - hell loook at what they did to A Rogers and that offense

Detroit would be a good team without Calvin - maybe not as good but they would still be a good team

this applies to all good teams



we are close, no question but drafting a great WR will help this team down the road - we need to continue to build on what has been started

WR and RB are luxuries - we will not be doing that

I have nothing against taking Blackmon - we're just not taking a WR or RB at the #6 spot IF we have to take a player at this spot

[brad7686]

Sorry guys - can not agree with you

good teams are not good teams because of a few good players - good teams need good play from players playing together

The Giants are not a good team because of their receivers - their defense is finally playing together
We beat the Giants twice because they did not have the type of play from their defense that they got last week - can u imagine Rex against that group - hell loook at what they did to A Rogers and that offense

Detroit would be a good team without Calvin - maybe not as good but they would still be a good team

this applies to all good teams



we are close, no question but drafting a great WR will help this team down the road - we need to continue to build on what has been started

WR and RB are luxuries - we will not be doing that

I have nothing against taking Blackmon - we're just not taking a WR or RB at the #6 spot IF we have to take a player at this spot

I can agree with not going WR early if there's a better or equal player. I find it highly doubtful that there will be an equal player to Blackmon if he is there at 6. Maybe a defensive player, but at some point they have to go offense.

[KazooSkinsFan]

Sorry guys - can not agree with you

You don't know what you're talking about. A good receiver is actually a glaring need that we have. There's no way we pass taking Blackmon because he's a receiver. If we can't get Luck or Griffin and he's there, he'd be an excellent choice. With that high a pick, you have to take a player with talent. We can address needs later in the draft and with free agency and it makes a lot more sense then drafting to fill a need with that high a pick. You pass on the best players and you end up with wash outs who don't fill the need at all.

[DarthMonk]

Sorry guys - can not agree with you

You don't know what you're talking about. A good receiver is actually a glaring need that we have. There's no way we pass taking Blackmon because he's a receiver. If we can't get Luck or Griffin and he's there, he'd be an excellent choice. With that high a pick, you have to take a player with talent. We can address needs later in the draft and with free agency and it makes a lot more sense then drafting to fill a need with that high a pick. You pass on the best players and you end up with wash outs who don't fill the need at all.

I'll go overboard:

Suppose your philosophy is "Best availible player"... If best availible grades out at 2 selections better than the best player at a position of severe need, what do you do? Ignore your need?

Yes. Either that or you trade down.

Suppose you are intent on picking only players of need...

Generally a bad idea but trade down. Grab the best player but if you have greats already at that position and don't want another trade down. Don't waste the pick on an inferior player just because you "need" that position.

I've said it once and I'll say it again:

Here's the best example I ever heard - from the book America's Game - Page 337:

The 1979 draft found the Dallas Cowboys preparing for the beginning of a new era, with Roger Staubach nearing the end of his career. His understudy Danny White, who'd come over after the demise of the WFL, was the heir apparent, and the young Glenn Carano, an unpolished but physically gifted thrower form the University of Nevada-Las Vegas was seen as a potential diamond in the rough. In the 3rd round, as the Cowboys' selection came up, Tom Landry looked at the Cowboys' master list, and did something he had rarely done in his 19 years of drafting. Instead of taking the top player on the Cowboys' chart, he went "against the board" and selected not the highest-rated player but the next-highest-ranked one, a rangy tight end named Doug Cosbie, who would go on to enjoy a productive career and provide further evidence that the Cowboys were able to find a diamond in the rough.

On the next selection, the 82nd, San Francisco chose the very player who had been on the top of the Cowboys' board, the player Dallas had passed on because, in Landry's words, "We don't really need another quarterback."

His name was Joe Montana.

Thank God they blew that one!

I'll go so far as to say ALWAYS TAKE TALENT OVER NEED IN THE DRAFT. AMASS ALL THE YOUNG TALENT YOU CAN. YOUR SO-CALLED NEEDS CAN BE FILLED BY GUYS WHO WANT TO COME PLAY WITH YOUR TALENT.

This is especially true for the 'Skins since we have SO MANY HOLES TO FILL.

DarthMonk (call me Vinny if you want - good philosophy horribly implemented by him)

Now this is a year or two old and the man I was going back-and-forth with was Countertrey and he made a good point I left out about how "rigidly adhering to any philosophy is stupid" and it is hard to disagree with that but as a rule I strongly feel talent is the way to go. Yet I am saying we need a QB. So what I have to ask myself is how big a talent is RGIII and with regards to this #6, how talented is Blackmon in relation to the other guys who will be available? (regardless of position) If we end up on the clock at #6 I hope we will have already signed a guy like Bowe and then trade down. We showed last year that this is not as difficult to do as some might think.

[KazooSkinsFan]

If we end up on the clock at #6 I hope we will have already signed a guy like Bowe and then trade down. We showed last year that this is not as difficult to do as some might think.

It's not easy or difficult, it's opportunistic. Someone has to WANT your pick enough to give you value for it. You should always be open to it, you should never count on it.

[SkinsJock]

I'd love to be able to take the best available player at #6 even if that happens to be a WR or a player at a position of need - we have many

IF I'm the FO, I'd do anything possible to trade out of this pick

This FO WILL find a way to trade down from this pick - unless it's for Luck or RGIII