2014 Official Draft Thread

[Mister Hoarse]

Good God.
Like being kicked by a Hoarse?

Waiter, check please!

[Yubaking]

I don't disagree with the "all things being equal they will pick the bigger guys", but how much of it will end up being teams projecting the bigger guys to go higher, then a large # of them being busts, because they picked the larger, less skillful player, who couldn't adjust. Good example, Buffalo drafting James Hardy 6'5" WR from Indiana in 2nd round in 2008. Career 10 catches for 96 yards, 2TD in 2 seasons. Only big WR in the AFC East at the time.

Regardless of how teams draft this year, the proof will be in how successful these guys are as players down the road. Let other teams guess that an inch makes a difference. As long as we pick the best players, let the rest of the NFL go off into the chasing their tails for the next 5 or 6 years.

I am sure that Buffalo did think that it picked the best player available at the time in Hardy, who was 6'5+", had scored 36 TDs in 3 seasons for Indiana, including coming off of a monster 1125 yard, 16 TD season in 2007, the year before he was drafted, and ran a 4.45 40 yard dash at the combine.

The only two numbers that I saw that could possibly have raised red flags were his Wonderlic score of 14 and his comparatively low vertical leap of only 31.5". Later on, Hardy himself was critical of IU's offense for not preparing him as well as other WRs were prepared in college for the NFL.

Hardy had chronic hamstring issues in the NFL, which derailed his career. I will leave it to people with better medical backgrounds than I have to comment on whether or not Hardy's vertical leap could have tipped off the team about his potential hamstring issues.

In any event, I would also note that the 2008 draft was very different than this year's draft in terms of WRs. There were zero WRs taken in the first round and most of the WRs taken in the several rounds thereafter have done very little with their careers. The WRs taken in the second round in 2008 were 33-Donnie Avery, 34-Devin Thomas, 36-Jordy Nelson, 41-James Hardy, 42-Eddie Royal, 46-Jerome Simpson, 49-DeSean Jackson, 51-Malcolm Kelly, 53-Limas Sweed, and 58-Dexter Jackson. Would it be fair to say that the Bills were not the only ones to miss in terms of getting second round value out of their 2008 second round WR draft pick?

Based upon the information then available, taking James Hardy when the Bills did makes sense, so I think your example is a case that proves the rule that there are no guarantees no matter how much a player looks like a good pick at the time he is drafted. I do not think it is an example of poor draft strategy at all.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

2014 NFL Draft: Greg Robinson atop class rich in offensive line talent Frank Cooney NFLDraftScout.com

April 22, 2014 10:11 AM

More NFL offseason: Mock Drafts | Prospect Rankings | Pro Days | Top free agents

For any team seeking to rebuild its offensive front to better protect that precious franchise quarterback or to sustain silently successful drives, this year's NFL Draft is the place to shop.

According to projections by NFLDraftScout.com, there could be as many as seven offensive linemen taken in the first round on May 8, beginning with three massive offensive tackles who could all go in the top 10 -- Auburn's uber-talented Greg Robinson, Texas A&M's most recent Matthews, as in Jake, and Michigan mean guy Taylor Lewan.

Quarterbacks around the league may be privately conflicted to know that all these rookies, and more, are expected to step right into starting NFL jobs next year.

At guard there are at least two more prospective starters, and first-round candidates, in Notre Dame's Zack Martin and UCLA's Xavier Su'a-Filo.

Here is a closer look at the offensive linemen projected to be selected among the top 100 as rated by NFLDrafScout.com.

Pos. Rank/Overall Rank/Player/Position/School/Height/Weight/40 time/Proj. Round

TACKLES

1/2. *Greg Robinson, Auburn, 6-5, 332, 4.92, 1 Robinson is already an incredible force as a run blocker, but was not challenged to learn pro-type techniques in simplified Auburn offense. Still, raw ability was obvious in this quiet, respected team leader. Far from a finished product, but Robinson has the physical, mental and emotional ability to be one of the NFL's best. Pass protection may not be NFL-ready, so maybe he plays somewhere other than left tackle at first. Overcame rough, financially-challenged upbringing in family disrupted by Hurricane Katrina. Father died in 2012, grandmother remains dominant figure. Frankly: This kid has the OMG factor. He is just learning, but already can humiliate talented defenders with his raw ability. His humble, hard-working approach should lead to huge success.

2/5. Jake Matthews, Texas A&M, 6-6, 308, 5.07, 1 Matthews doesn't have the quick-footed agility of former teammate Luke Joeckel, the No. 2 overall pick last year (Jacksonville), and is more of an enforcer who can consume defenders. He moved from right to left tackle last season to protect QB Johnny Manziel's blind side and proved he is NFL ready. The latest NFL prospect from the famous Matthews gene pool, Jake is the son of 19-year veteran Hall of Famer Bruce (Houston, Tennessee) and looks it. Frankly: Matthews is ready to step in and be reliable at any offensive line position, but left tackles are a premium, so let's start there.

3/8. Taylor Lewan, Michigan, 6-7, 309, 4.87, 1 Lewan is a mean-spirited, tenacious run blocker who is still learning about being a pass blocker. A defensive lineman until his senior year in high school, Lewan played 50 games at left tackle (48 as starter) for Michigan, but is just beginning to blossom. He admits he had too many drive-killing personal fouls and needs to clean up off-field act that led to arrest, but no charge, when a fan claimed to be assaulted outside an Ann Arbor restaurant last November. Frankly: Good enough to step in at left tackle, but Lewan will learn that everybody is tough in the NFL and to be good he will need more technique.

4/34. *Cyrus Kouandjio, Alabama, 6-7, 322, 5.59, 1-2 It is unclear if Kouandjio's durability is more of a concern than his ability, but it became a topic at the combine after several teams mentioned he was not given a clean bill of health due to a residual, arthritic condition in his knee. He underwent surgery after a season-ending injury in 2011. The player and his coach, Nick Saban, dismissed such concerns, saying he played well in all 27 games through the last two seasons. Furthermore, Alabama coaches believe he can be better than former linemate D. J. Fluker (No. 11 overall in 2013, San Diego Chargers). Frankly: There are no guarantees on anybody and Kouandjio showed plenty of raw ability after his 2011 surgery. Still, don't let that discussion obfuscate the fact that Kouandjio still has more promise than polish and although he has NFL strength, those tree trunk legs may not be quick enough for left tackle.

5/37. Morgan Moses, Virginia, 6-6, 314, 5.35, 1-2 Pass rushers need to reset their GPS to account for the long trip around those 35 3/8-inch arms of Moses. He is a naturally large man -- sometimes too much so. He enrolled at 350 pounds, began last year at 323, then impressively shed weight for combine. Moses looked adept playing either side, starting 43 games, including his final 12 at left tackle. Plays with awareness and earned a tough-guy reputation. Frankly: Based on hard work since season's end, Moses appears ready to take strength and conditioning seriously, which may be his most important challenge because he appears to have all the natural tools to get the job done at the next level.

6/46. JaWuan James, Tennessee, 6-6, 311, 5.34, 2 James' get-it-done attitude is reflected by a career that began as a starter when he arrived in 2010. Forty-nine games, 49 starts and one Bachelor's Degree later (December 2013), he is ready to take his study on the Arts and Sciences to the NFL. But it will be his size, strength and lateral quickness that serve him well at the next level. Seems to make pre-snap reads well but sometimes misses stunts. Frankly: James has the mentality and physicality to step in and perform immediately in the NFL. He was impressive at Senior Bowl before spraining knee, but was fine at his April Pro Day.

7/53. *Cameron Fleming, Stanford, 6-5, 323, 5.28, 2 There is something to be said for starting in an excellent, pro-style offense against Pac-12 competition for 38 games. And what Fleming said is that's enough, especially since he already earned a degree in aeronautics and astronautics. Might as well get paid to play more football, right? Despite his experience and smarts, Fleming may not fit right into the faster NFL game as a tackle asked to pass protect all the time and he will need to show more raw strength and agility to play guard. Frankly: He's big, strong, smart, experienced and certainly could improve some team's front wall, as long as he is not the key to protecting a franchise quarterback on an open side.

8/68. Billy Turner, North Dakota State, 6-5, 315, 5.16, 2-3 While Turner's college experience may be devalued due to the level of play, his performance was first class. Turner played 57 games and started his final 56, including 44 straight when N.D. State won back-to-back-to-back FCS national championships. Although he needs to step up to prove himself, Turner has NFL lineage with a father (Maurice) who was a running back for Minnesota, Green Bay and the New York Jets and a brother, Brian Kehl, drafted in the fourth round (2008) by the New York Giants. Frankly: Not one FBS scholarship offer? Seriously? His size, athleticism and strong hands are a good start, but Turner certainly will be a project in the NFL.

9/91. Jack Mewhort, Ohio State, 6-6, 309, 5.37, 3 Mewhort utilizes every inch of his tall, stout frame and large wingspan (80 1/4 inches) to engulf and control rushers. Versatile offensive line prospect who played at every spot except center, and projects as a right tackle. Mewhort looked strong during drills at the Senior Bowl. Lack of elite athleticism may dictate use at right guard. Frankly: Hard to go wrong with a guy who played four offensive line positions, started his final 39 consecutive games, was voted captain by his teammates and was hailed for his leadership by coach Urban Meyer. OK, Meyer's remark should be expected. PTI.

GUARDS

1/16. Zack Martin, Notre Dame, 6-4, 308, 5.22, 1 Although all 39 of his college starts were at tackle, teams are looking at Martin mostly as a guard. He is short for a left tackle and perhaps not powerful enough for a right tackle. Regardless, he is a team leader who made a case for himself at tackle with a good showing in the Senior Bowl workouts. Frankly: Picking a position for him to play is somewhat semantic, to stretch a meaning. This smart, aware, two-time team captain with the most career games in Notre Dame history (52) can certainly play somewhere.

2/36. *Xavier Su'a-Filo, UCLA, 6-4, 307, 5.04, 1-2

As a veteran of 40 career starts, Su'a is the most pro-ready player on UCLA's talented offensive line. He is powerfully-built to handle bull rushes but has lateral agility and balance as a pass blocker. His mad work ethic was obvious early in life when he became an Eagle Scout and he has already completed his two-year Mormon missionary work. Frankly: Let's see what you want in an offensive lineman. Size? Check. Athleticism? Check. Reliable character? Double check. Draft him, suit him, play him. Take credit for making an easy decision.

3/42. Joel Bitonio, NevadaJ, 6-4, 302, 4.97, 2

Bitonio proved his versatility while playing in 51 games at Nevada, starting his last 38, including 26 at right tackle and 12 at left tackle. According to one scouting service, since the beginning of the 2012 season, he gave up only one quarterback pressure and two sacks and was penalized only five times through a span of 2,054 snaps. Often overworks to needlessly bury a defender. From left tackle last season, Bitonio manhandled UCLA's top ten prospect, OLB Anthony Barr. Frankly: An undersized college tackle, Bitonio can capitalize on his beastly mannerism as a guard who has a full array of tricks to get the job done.

4/73. Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, 6-3, 336, 5.51, 2-3 Three-year starter and the son of a high school coach has more than enough size, strength, ability to be a top notch player. The concern is that he doesn't perform at that high level consistently. Has tantalizing balance of overall power, agility and great feet, but sometimes misses things he should pick up, which could be dangerous for NFL QBs. Frankly: Jackson is an interesting combination of physical ingredients, but sometimes seems to lose focus or his technique gets sloppy. Tell him his dad is watching the game tapes and see if that gets his attention.

5/83. Dakota Dozier, Furman, 6-4, 313, 5.42, 2-3 After spending four college years as a left tackle, Dozier's abilities still appear based in his high school success as a tough-guy wrestler. Although he has quick feet and athleticism, he seems to be too aggressive to be an outside pass blocker, but could be a gem as a guard. Frankly: Dozier has a compelling combination of nimble athleticism and nasty disposition that should serve him well at any level of football if he works at the tricks of the trade.

CENTERS

1/59. Weston Richburg, Colorado State, 6-3, 298, 5.10, 2 Richburg couldn't have done much more so far. He started all 50 games of his college career (45 at center, three at guard, two at tackle), made the line calls, and blew up defenders while blocking in an offense that asked him to pull outside on screens and sweeps. His deeds were devalued by his level of competition until he showed scouts at the Senior Bowl he could hold his own against bull rushers from bigger schools. That's when he became the No. 1 center prospect on many lists for this draft. Frankly: Richburg may not be the wide body behemoth some teams want at center, but he is a monster in terms of being game-ready mentally, physically and emotionally. He will absorb the front line assignments and keep everybody alert.

2/76. *Marcus Martin, Southern Cal, 6-3, 320, 5.28, 2-3 Thick plugger who has plenty of strength but doesn't seem to be the brute you expect. Does not necessarily fire out and consume defenders, but uses his girth to effectively wall them off or barge through to create a wide running lane. Tweaked his knee in November, didn't run at the combine, then ran 40 yards at pro day with a disappointing best of 5.52 seconds. Frankly: Until he punches up the urgency and physicality of his game, versatility may be the calling card that Martin leverages into the beginning of an NFL career.

--Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, covered the NFL and the draft since the 1960s and is a selector for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

[Millionaire Wussy]

Andrew Luck logo:

Meaning what exactly?

If you are maintaining that Luck's presence is the reason for Brown's lack of carries then to what do you attribute Brown's 2011 season totals? The QB triumvirate of Painter/Orlovsky/Collins was not productive and yet Brown still only had 134 carries. That was a bump of five carries over his previous season with manning as QB. He did have his best ypc average that year (2011) but still only 645 yards over 16 games played. That was with three QB's that wouldn't take carries away from anyone.

And does it ring any alarm bells with anyone that the Colts did make that desperate trade for Richardson last season? They gave Cleveland a first round pick while they still had Brown. Why would they do that if they were fine with Brown's work (quantity and quality) or expectations thereof?

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

Rumor Alert!!! The Value of the 2nd Overall Pick May Radically Improve

By C_Daniel @C_Dizzle48 on Apr 22 2014, 10:00a

Rumor has it that the Houston Texans may take a player at number one, not named Jadeveon Clowney! This better not be a smokescreen.

he latest draft rumor regarding the Houston Texans may be very favorable for the St. Louis Rams. According to Peter King, the Texans are considering drafting University of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack.

"Houston, at No. 1, isn’t set on Jadeveon Clowney. In fact, one FORS (Friend of Rick Smith) told me the Texans general manager likes Khalil Mack over Clowney, and we still don’t know which quarterback Houston would choose if it chooses one first overall. I still think the Texans would go with a more sure thing with the first overall pick than a quarterback—and that sure thing could also be tackle Greg Robinson. But imagine Mack, the outside linebacker from the University of Buffalo, being the first pick in a stacked draft. Wouldn’t that be something—a second straight Mid-American Conference player (Eric Fisher, Central Michigan, by Kansas City) as the top pick in the NFL draft?"

As with most things in life, there are two ways of looking at this news. Let’s look at the positives of this scenario first (the way the Rams benefit the most).

If the Texans do draft Mack at number one overall, Jadeveon Clowney, Johnny Manziel, and Sammy Watkins would all be available! This would be the absolute best draft day situation for the Rams, in terms of their 2nd overall pick. The phones would ring like a telethon in the Rams’ war room.

Clowney is likely to draw trade interest from several teams in the top ten. The Lions,Bucs, and Browns have all been rumored to possibly want to trade up for Watkins. The bounty of picks needed for a team trading up to the number two spot will increase ten-fold if Watkins and Clowney are still on the board when the Rams are on the clock. Imagine the possibilities.

In reality, Mack going number one overall would be an extremely rare selection. In the 84 NFL Drafts that have taken place since 1936, only three linebackers have ever been drafted 1st overall. The last linebacker to accomplish this feat was Aundray Bruce of Auburn, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1988.

On the flip side, if the Texans are dead set on drafting Mack, they may trade back a few spots in order to increase the value of that selection, while accumulating more picks in the process. Whoever pulls the trigger to move up to the top of the draft will more than likely select Clowney. If this unfortunate circumstance comes to pass, the value of our 2nd overall pick lessens tremendously. St. Louis would still be able to select a top tier player or even trade back if they desired, but it would be semi-deflating.

I blame the San Diego Chargers for placing us in this situation. The Washington Redskins stuffed the Chargers on four attempts from the one yard line in their week nine meeting. Had the Chargers won that game, the Rams would be sitting in ideal positioning with the 1st overall pick.

Again, imagine the possibilities

[Panama]

I don't see D. Brown as a Mathews clone but if he proves to be one while a Charger then I'd be ecstatic with that.

...

I don't see it. And Brown is smaller than Mathews (5-10/207 vs. 6/220). I don't see a clone...I see a mini-me. I'm sorry Panama. I know you know your stuff but the numbers aren't backing it up.

Fine, call it mini-me if you'd rather. This has nothing to do with numbers. They have a similar size-speed combo and style of play. Mathews is clearly the better player, IMO, but Brown is someone we can sub in as necessary (in a rotation or because of injury) and not suffer too big a setback. This is something we sorely lacked last season.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

Some of the most successfull RBs have been between 5'10" and 6' 205# up to 215#'s iirc from a studdy of probowl RBs.

[Mister Hoarse]

Meaning what exactly?

Meaning it's Luck's offense. He is the focal point in Indy, not the committee of RBs that line up behind him.

[Mister Hoarse]

Rumor Alert!!! The Value of the 2nd Overall Pick May Radically Improve

By C_Daniel @C_Dizzle48 on Apr 22 2014, 10:00a

Rumor has it that the Houston Texans may take a player at number one, not named Jadeveon Clowney! This better not be a smokescreen.

he latest draft rumor regarding the Houston Texans may be very favorable for the St. Louis Rams. According to Peter King, the Texans are considering drafting University of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack.

"Houston, at No. 1, isn’t set on Jadeveon Clowney. In fact, one FORS (Friend of Rick Smith) told me the Texans general manager likes Khalil Mack over Clowney, and we still don’t know which quarterback Houston would choose if it chooses one first overall. I still think the Texans would go with a more sure thing with the first overall pick than a quarterback—and that sure thing could also be tackle Greg Robinson. But imagine Mack, the outside linebacker from the University of Buffalo, being the first pick in a stacked draft. Wouldn’t that be something—a second straight Mid-American Conference player (Eric Fisher, Central Michigan, by Kansas City) as the top pick in the NFL draft?"

As with most things in life, there are two ways of looking at this news. Let’s look at the positives of this scenario first (the way the Rams benefit the most).

If the Texans do draft Mack at number one overall, Jadeveon Clowney, Johnny Manziel, and Sammy Watkins would all be available! This would be the absolute best draft day situation for the Rams, in terms of their 2nd overall pick. The phones would ring like a telethon in the Rams’ war room.

Clowney is likely to draw trade interest from several teams in the top ten. The Lions,Bucs, and Browns have all been rumored to possibly want to trade up for Watkins. The bounty of picks needed for a team trading up to the number two spot will increase ten-fold if Watkins and Clowney are still on the board when the Rams are on the clock. Imagine the possibilities.

In reality, Mack going number one overall would be an extremely rare selection. In the 84 NFL Drafts that have taken place since 1936, only three linebackers have ever been drafted 1st overall. The last linebacker to accomplish this feat was Aundray Bruce of Auburn, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1988.

On the flip side, if the Texans are dead set on drafting Mack, they may trade back a few spots in order to increase the value of that selection, while accumulating more picks in the process. Whoever pulls the trigger to move up to the top of the draft will more than likely select Clowney. If this unfortunate circumstance comes to pass, the value of our 2nd overall pick lessens tremendously. St. Louis would still be able to select a top tier player or even trade back if they desired, but it would be semi-deflating.

I blame the San Diego Chargers for placing us in this situation. The Washington Redskins stuffed the Chargers on four attempts from the one yard line in their week nine meeting. Had the Chargers won that game, the Rams would be sitting in ideal positioning with the 1st overall pick.

Again, imagine the possibilities

Sam Bowie logo:

[Mister Hoarse]

Rumor Alert!!! The Value of the 2nd Overall Pick May Radically Improve

By C_Daniel @C_Dizzle48 on Apr 22 2014, 10:00a

Rumor has it that the Houston Texans may take a player at number one, not named Jadeveon Clowney! This better not be a smokescreen.

he latest draft rumor regarding the Houston Texans may be very favorable for the St. Louis Rams. According to Peter King, the Texans are considering drafting University of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack.

"Houston, at No. 1, isn’t set on Jadeveon Clowney. In fact, one FORS (Friend of Rick Smith) told me the Texans general manager likes Khalil Mack over Clowney, and we still don’t know which quarterback Houston would choose if it chooses one first overall. I still think the Texans would go with a more sure thing with the first overall pick than a quarterback—and that sure thing could also be tackle Greg Robinson. But imagine Mack, the outside linebacker from the University of Buffalo, being the first pick in a stacked draft. Wouldn’t that be something—a second straight Mid-American Conference player (Eric Fisher, Central Michigan, by Kansas City) as the top pick in the NFL draft?"

As with most things in life, there are two ways of looking at this news. Let’s look at the positives of this scenario first (the way the Rams benefit the most).

If the Texans do draft Mack at number one overall, Jadeveon Clowney, Johnny Manziel, and Sammy Watkins would all be available! This would be the absolute best draft day situation for the Rams, in terms of their 2nd overall pick. The phones would ring like a telethon in the Rams’ war room.

Clowney is likely to draw trade interest from several teams in the top ten. The Lions,Bucs, and Browns have all been rumored to possibly want to trade up for Watkins. The bounty of picks needed for a team trading up to the number two spot will increase ten-fold if Watkins and Clowney are still on the board when the Rams are on the clock. Imagine the possibilities.

In reality, Mack going number one overall would be an extremely rare selection. In the 84 NFL Drafts that have taken place since 1936, only three linebackers have ever been drafted 1st overall. The last linebacker to accomplish this feat was Aundray Bruce of Auburn, who was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 1988.

On the flip side, if the Texans are dead set on drafting Mack, they may trade back a few spots in order to increase the value of that selection, while accumulating more picks in the process. Whoever pulls the trigger to move up to the top of the draft will more than likely select Clowney. If this unfortunate circumstance comes to pass, the value of our 2nd overall pick lessens tremendously. St. Louis would still be able to select a top tier player or even trade back if they desired, but it would be semi-deflating.

I blame the San Diego Chargers for placing us in this situation. The Washington Redskins stuffed the Chargers on four attempts from the one yard line in their week nine meeting. Had the Chargers won that game, the Rams would be sitting in ideal positioning with the 1st overall pick.

Again, imagine the possibilities

semi-deflating logo:

[Millionaire Wussy]

Meaning it's Luck's offense. He is the focal point in Indy, not the committee of RBs that line up behind him.

If you are maintaining that Luck's presence is the reason for Brown's lack of carries then to what do you attribute Brown's 2011 season totals? The QB triumvirate of Painter/Orlovsky/Collins was not productive and yet Brown still only had 134 carries. That was a bump of five carries over his previous season with manning as QB. He did have his best ypc average that year (2011) but still only 645 yards over 16 games played. That was with three QB's that wouldn't take carries away from anyone.

And does it ring any alarm bells with anyone that the Colts did make that desperate trade for Richardson last season? They gave Cleveland a first round pick while they still had Brown. Why would they do that if they were fine with Brown's work (quantity and quality) or expectations thereof?

[Yubaking]

(1) We don't run a power blocking scheme, so a banger RB wouldn't necessarily be effective. Look how McFadden declined when the Raiders switched to a zone scheme. I don't know anything about West, but if he's a power runner I can't imagine he'd be too successful in our zone blocking scheme. (And before you suggest a switch to a power blocking scheme, let me remind you that we simply do not have the personnel on the OL for that.)

(2) We've got a deep stable of RBs who are very effective running out of a zone blocking scheme. And Mathews, though he is best suited to this scheme, does run with power. Donald Brown is essentially a clone of Mathews, so we are set there.

(3) The key to wearing out an opposing defense is running the ball effectively and controlling the clock. It doesn't have to be a power run game, just an effective run game. Remember the playoff game against Cincinnati: We wore down a top defense with an effective zone running game, to the point where they were so run down they gave up a 58-yard TD run to Ronnie Brown, of all people.

A 2014 pick on a RB would be a wasted pick.

I agree with what you have said.

When you indicated that Brown was a clone, I understood you to mean in terms of function and strong running skill, not in terms of the two being literally the same size or anything like that.

Going into this offseason, I was thinking of upgrading our power runner and keeping one on the roster for short yardage situations and to rest Mathews, but I think Telesco had a better idea with the addition of Brown, a guy who can be the #1 RB if Mathews gets injured.

Later in the season we started to create problems with teams with our 2 TE sets with Gates and Green. If they brought 8 into the box, we threw. If they went nickel, we ran. I hope we continue that approach in 2014.

In short yardage situations, in the absence of a power back running back, I think we can use play action at times if teams cheat against the run and run the ball if teams are tentative because we have proven that we will throw in that down/distance situation.

I agree that with a zone blocking scheme, a pure power runner is not a necessity. In fact, assuming limited cut back ability and burst, traits commonly associated with a pure power runner, using a pure power runner might be contraindicated in a zone blocking scheme.

I agree that using a 2014 draft pick on a RB would likely be waste. We have 3 RBs that we will carry and we will probably not carry 4 active RBs. We have other needs that should prevent us from going anywhere near a RB early in the draft and other depth needs that should be filled later (OL, DL, possibly a second WR in case Floyd is not cleared) in the draft before we consider taking a RB.