Burner's Burning Questions: The Mock Drafts, 2014 (Continual Updates)

Burner’s Burning Questions – The Mock Drafts, 2014 (Continual Updates)​

The BBQ mocks continue as we get a closer look at the prospects. Rounds one though three of the NFL draft is history and today’s final rounds are upon us.

Round Two: Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford
A surprise pick by the Redskins. Murphy has a high motor and is a tackling/sacking machine. He quickly puts Brian Orakpo on notice and could see plenty of playing time in 2014.

Round Three: Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia
Moses is the latest Virginia product to continue a tradition of quality tackle prospects from President Jefferson’s university. He is a talented player who should fit in at the right tackle position.

Round Three: Spencer Long, OG, Nebraska
Long could start sooner than expected at the right guard position. He is a big bodied Husker who opened holes in the running game and provided good pass protection. As an underrated prospect, Long could surprise.

Round Four:
The Redskins trade down and receive a fourth and fifth rounder.

Round Four: Keith McGill, CB, Utah
The Redskins have met with McGill and they are impressed with his size, speed, and ball hawking skills. He had an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl and continued to showcase his talent at the combine.

Other Possibilities:
Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee
Jared Abbrederis, WR, Wisconsin
Brent Urban, DE, Virginia
Cyril Richardson, G, Baylor

Round Five: Justin Ellis, DT, Louisiana Tech
In other years, Ellis would grade out as a second rounder. The deepest draft ever has him dropping to the fifth round and the Redskins get a steal at a vital position.

Round Five: Max Bullough, ILB, Michigan State
Bullough grades much higher, but a deep draft and a couple of issues drops him to the fifth round. The issues are behind him and the Spartan looks to replace London Fletcher.

Other Possibilities:
Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon
Jeoffrey Pagan, DE/DT, Alabama
James Hurst, OT, North Carolina
Jordan Zumwalt, ILB/OLB, UCLA

Round Six:
The Redskins trade down and receive a sixth and seventh rounder.

Round Six: Tyler Larsen, C, Utah State
One of the higher rated centers in the 2014 draft, Larsen has a nasty streak to him and provides a superb blocking in the running game. Good size, but needs a year to learn the rigors of the NFL and could be an eight to ten year starter on the line thereafter.

Other Possibilities:
Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn
Beau Allen, DT, Wisconsin
Shaquil Barrett, OLB, Colorado State
Charles Leno, Jr., OT, Boise State

Round Seven: DeAndre Coleman, DE/DT, California
Coleman is a great fit at defensive end in a 3-4 scheme and has the ability to play some defensive tackle when needed. He would be a depth addition, but could become a starter within a year or two.

Round Seven: Jordan Najvar, TE, Baylor
He rarely got targeted by the Bears as they rarely feature tight ends in the pass happy offense. When Najvar was targeted, he produced and put up good numbers. An excellent blocker and a superior special teamer is hard to pass up in the seventh round.

Other Possibilities:
Quandon Christian, OLB, Clemson
Dontae Johnson, FS, N.C. State
Tim Flanders, RB, Sam Houston State
Glenn Carson, ILB, Penn State

UDFAs:
Shaquille Richardson, CB, Arizona
Keith Price, QB, Washington
Zack Kerr, DT, Delaware
Andrew Rodriguez, OG, Nebraska
Ricky Havili-Heimuli, DE/DT, Oregon
Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
Steele Divitto, ILB, Boston College
Jerome Smith, RB, Syracuse
Chris Whaley, DE, Texas
Zac Kerin, C, Toledo
Jonathan Dowling, FS, Western Kentucky
Alfred Blue, RB, LSU
Matt Hall, OT, Belhaven

Here are the college prospects that the Redskins have met with individually at the East-West Shrine game, the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine, College/University Pro Days, and privately.

EW = East-West game
SR = Senior Bowl
COM = Combine
PRO = College/University Pro Day
PRI = Private Meeting
1 = More than one meeting

Max Bullough, ILB - Michigan State (EW) (COM) (1)
Justin Ellis, DT/NT - Louisiana Tech (EW)
Timothy Flanders, RB - Sam Houston State (EW)
Charles Leno, Jr., OT - Boise State (SR) (EW) (1)
Keith McGill, CB, Utah - (SR) (EW)
Shaquille Richardson, CB - Arizona (EW)
Cyril Richardson, OG, - Baylor (SR) (COM) (1)
Michael Campanaro, WR - Wake Forest (COM)
Jon Halapio, OG, - Florida (COM)
Brandon Coleman, WR - Rutgers (COM) (PRI) (1)
Antone Exum, CB - Virginia Tech (COM)
Ahmad Dixon, SS, - Baylor (SR) (COM) (1)
Quandon Christian, ILB - Clemson (PRO)
Marion Grice, RB - Arizona Sate (PRI)
Cameron Fleming, OT - Stanford (PRI)
Antonio Richardson, OT - Tennessee (PRI)
Tre Boston, S - North Carolina (PRI)
Jaylen Watkins, CB - Florida (PRI)
Jalen Saunders, WR - Oklahoma (PRI)
Kofi Hughes, WR - Indiana (PRO)

Once again, feel free to add your own mocks, ideas, and suggestions. In the coming days, we will have draft grades and BBQ self evaluations.
 
Great call on Moses, BB.

And I'm happy to see you up early this am. I was worried that I'd have to get in the car and drive over to wake you up.

Great analysis. I will go crazy if we can steal your two players in the fifth round.
 
Great job on this year's thread BB.

I know how much time and effort you put into this, and I am thankful.

You opened my eyes up to a lot of prospects that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. This was a great read from start to finish.

A+
 
Yeah, Burgundy Burner draft grade is A++++

Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
 
Agreed - we appreciate all of your hard work Ken :cheers:
 
Appreciate all of the nice words. Two more updates coming in this thread - grading the draft and a self evaluation (along with a 2015 mock - a tradition that was started last year).
 
BB....thanks for taking a personal interest and sharing it with the rest of us!! lotta work went into this. much appreciated.
 
Epic work, BB. We appreciate the contributions more than you know.

Now, enough back-slappin'.

Who are the Skins taking with very late first rounder next year?

:munching_out:
 
Burner’s Burning Questions – Draft Evaluations, Minicamp Observations, Self-Analysis, 1st 2015 Mock​

Part One – The Draft Picks

The 2014 NFL draft is history and the Redskins have held their minicamp for rookies and unsigned hopefuls. In this final BBQ blog that centers on the 2014 draft, we will take a look at the eight draft choices, the UDFAs, minicamp, provide a self-analysis of the 2014 mocks, and toss in a 2015 mock (just for the fun of it!). Part One takes a look at the draft choices.

Round 2:
Trent Murphy – The Redskins surprised everyone with a pick that never was imagined by any draft guru or fan. After one week, it has become obvious as to why this selection was made. With a draft that was deep in talent, Murphy is a steal in the second round. He will have a long career in DC and quickly become a fan favorite.
Grade: A

Round 3:
Morgan Moses – After the Redskins traded down in the second round and selecting Murphy, Moses was not expected to be there in the third round. He was graded as a late first round/early second round talent. The team was able to score a big coup with a player that is arguably the best right tackle in the draft.
Grade: A+

Round 3:
Spencer Long – As a gifted and massively sized offensive lineman, Long was well on his way to being the top rated guard in the 2014 draft. Minor injuries in his senior season dropped his stock a bit. The Redskins did their homework and got another steal in the third round. It would not be surprising to see two rookies starting on the right side of the offensive line on opening day.
Grade: B+

Round 4:
Bashaud Breeland – Heading into the draft the Redskins had a need at cornerback, but there were other glaring needs that needed attention. Looking to find more hidden gems and hoping to seize on their early position in each round, the Redskins were able to find another steal. Breeland graded out as a second rounder, but a few off field issues caused him to slip a bit. He has the talent and intangibles to be successful and spending time behind DeAngelo Hall for a year or two can only help him progress in the right direction.
Grade: B+

Round 5:
Ryan Grant – Grant is another player that graded higher in the draft and comes with glue-like hands. In each draft, there are players who are hard to pass up and Grant figures into that equation. BBQ believes that a good center (several were available) would’ve been a better choice. Grant will make the team and will likely have a role coming off the bench when needed.
Grade: B-

Round 6:
Lache Seastrunk – The running back position has taken a back seat in recent drafts and this is a very curious phenomenon. Ten or twenty years ago, running backs like Alfred Morris and Seastrunk would’ve never made it past the second round. Seastrunk is a rare talent that figured to go in the middle rounds and he was the biggest steal of the Redskins draft for 2014. He will see time on the playing field early and often.
Grade: A+

Round 7:
Ted Bolser – This selection had a lot of Redskins fans shaking their heads and many were angry and/or disappointed. Keep in mind that BBQ focused almost exclusively on tight end (albeit, another prospect) in the mocks for 2014. Bolser fills a need for depth, blocking, and special teams. The selection at this juncture in the draft is a good value.
Grade: B+

Round 7:
Zach Hocker – Taking a kicker in the seventh round is a great choice, but BBQ felt that a huge steal was there for the taking at the ILB position. Shane Skov of Stanford would’ve been a much better choice. Most draft gurus had Skov going in the second round and no lower than the third round. However, Hocker may have the inside track at kicker and could prove to be a great late round addition.
Grade: C

The Redskins had a very good draft, but it could take a few years to know the full impact. The Redskins were able to address team needs at many positions and never really reached for a player. BBQ rates the Redskins 2014 draft as an A-.

******************************

Part Two – Mini Camp Observations

The Washington Redskins are holding a three day minicamp for rookies over the weekend and coaches are now fine tuning the ninety player roster as they head toward training camp in July. Here are some reports and observations.

1. Jay Gruden is considered to be more of a hands-on coach while Mike Shanahan was usually an overseer – an observer if you will. Gruden took the time to toss some passes to receivers and still has a good arm.

2. Morgan Moses and Trent Murphy have been matched up against one another. At times, Moses will get the best of Murphy and vice-versa. Both players are having a very good mini-camp.

3. Spencer Long has been nothing short of impressive thus far. Some coaches think he could start sooner rather than later.

4. Ted Bolser is struggling so far. He has dropped a number of passes and is having difficulties with blocking.

5. Bashaud Breeland and Ryan Grant are having outstanding practices this weekend. Grant is catching everything in sight and has simply been impressive. Ditto for Breeland with the exception of a holding penalty and one interference infraction.

6. Lache Seastrunk is having a good mini-camp too, but will need to learn the nuances of receiving from the backfield and blocking.

7. Zach Hocker has been putting his leg strength on display this weekend. However, Coach Gruden emphasized that it will be a true competition that could last through most of training camp.

8. The UDFAs and tryout players are hoping to make an impression. Early reviews for Cody Hoffman are favorable.

******************************

Part Three – Self-Analysis, First 2015 Mock

Each year BBQ does a self-analysis and 2014 is no exception.

Each mock centered on offensive tackle, guard, center, tight end, defensive end, cornerback, defensive tackle, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, wide receiver (occasionally), and safety (occasionally). Morgan Moses was the one player that received the most attention and he was taken in the third round. The Redskins did take a tackle, a guard, a tight end, a cornerback, a wide receiver, and an outside linebacker. However, they did not select a center, insider linebacker, safety, defensive end, and defensive tackle. Trades figured prominently in most of the mocks and the Redskins did trade down in the second round (added a third rounder) and the sixth round (added a seventh rounder).

For 2014, BBQ earns a B. We will try to do better next year. Those who deserve the highest marks for their predictions, mocks, suggestions, and input include Lanky Livingston, Redskins Park UK, Miles Monroe, Dik Shuttle, Shi no Tenshi, Boone, SC RedskinsFan, Ax, Fear The Spear, Goaldeje, JohnssBass, TomE, Chris, CarolinaSkin43, Riggins44, Om, Tr1, Jimbo, McD5, Servuntuum, Elephant, Neophyte, Fansince62, Tshile, Bulldog’s Twin, DieselPwr44, MikeSr619, and Win4us.

Here is the first mock for 2015. Obviously, it is way too early to tell if the Redskins will be targeting these players/positions. The BBQ mocks will return late next winter.

Round 1:
Brandon Ivory, DE, Alabama
Round 2:
Cody Prewitt, FS, Mississippi
Round 3:
Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
Round 4:
Quinton Spain, OG, West Virginia
Round 5:
Dallas Lewallen, C, Wisconsin
Round 6:
Travis Raciti, DE, San Jose State
Round 7:
Jalston Fowler, FB, Alabama

BBQ would like to thank everyone who participated in the discussions (hope it will continue – so much to talk about). The compliments are many and BBQ is truly humbled and honored that you have taken a minute or two of your time to express these thoughts. More blogs are forthcoming, but BBQ will take time off in June to rest up for training camp and the upcoming season.
 
What were Breeland's off-field issues ?

It centers on family and financial concerns. The media has never really investigated the exact nature of what these concerns could be, but it did affect his draft stock for whatever reason.
 
It centers on family and financial concerns. The media has never really investigated the exact nature of what these concerns could be, but it did affect his draft stock for whatever reason.

Nice.
Sounds a lot like the "DeSean Jackson Case"
Where a smear campaign goes against a player, with no real evidence or substance to show for it, and we become the beneficiaries of it.
 
What were Breeland's off-field issues ?

Breeland had a few minor issues.

Against FSU, he was ejected for trying to give Jameis Winston a concussion, by launching at his head. It was pretty nasty. I personally wanted to get off the couch, run onto the field, and beat the living hell out of him.

He was also suspended for the first half of the following game.

He also has a young baby. He left college a year early as a junior. He said to support his family.

His draft stock fell further a few months later, when he was caught driving without a license. I assume that Gruden made him get a driver's license immediately, if he was still lacking one.

He's a little wild--no question about it. But he's a beast.
 
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A couple more possible reasons why Gruden took him

1 - Special Teams
He played a lot of special teams. Made plays as a gunner; also served as a blocker against the gunner. Will help right away on special teams.

2 - Safety
Also like his versatility; covered from multiple spots and perhaps could play safety in the future, whether in a full-time role or not I don't know. But certainly in some packages.

From Keim's scouting report
Scouting report: Bashaud Breeland - Washington Redskins Blog - ESPN

With speed being his big weakness, perhaps he ends up being converted to Safety.
 
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Yes Fear. He can help a secondary that needs it badly.

He has both positives and some negatives. In my opinion, his biggest positive is how physical he is. He loves to play bump and run. There won't be any lining up ten yards off the line of scrimmage on third and five, like we saw so often when Gregg Williams was here. He likes to get right into the face and chest of opposing receivers. We haven't had enough of that.

His biggest weakness is that he loves to play bump and run. He likes to get right into the face and chest of opposing receivers. And the really good ones burn him.

FSU's Rashad Greene lit him up to the tune of 146 yards and 2 touchdowns. He abused him all afternoon.

A receiver like Desean Jackson would likely destroy him, because as you noted, he lacks a little of the make up speed if someone gets behind him. He also likes to grab jerseys and draws some flags for pass interference.

He'll need to be taught that many of the WRs in the NFL are faster than he is, and he'll need to pick his spots wisely. He would also benefit from having some help over the top.

But he'll be like flypaper on any route that is 20 yards or less. Like a blanket.
 
Here are some great scouting notes on him, btw:

Scouting Notes

Clemson vs Florida State

14:23 1Q Breeland sheds a block and explodes in the box for a tackle for minimal gain.

Too many attempted arm tackles.

6:34 1Q Beat deep by Benjamin, but recovers well and breaks up an underthrown pass.

14:30 2Q Breeland with an easy interception.

7:17 2Q Breeland misses a tackle on Rashad Greene (arm tackle) that leads to a long touchdown.

5:09 2Q, Breeland beat by Greene, could’nt recover so he took Greene down. Pass interference called.

11:00 3Q Breeland ejected for targeting. Breeland showed explosiveness getting to the quarterback, but has to know better than to vault himself into Winston’s helmet.

Breeland got beat by Greene on several occasions. I would’ve like to see him on Benjamin more though.



Clemson vs Syracuse

10:10 1Q Breeland’s physicality shows up as he rips an opposing receiver to the ground.

11:28 2Q Great pass deflection as he stays on his receiver throughout the whole play.

11:23 2Q A sensational interception by Breeland. Recovers well and makes the acrobatic grab when the ball is at it’s highest point.

5:52 2Q As a gunner, Breeland gets flattened, but recovers and downs it inside the 5.

3:40 2Q In the box, involved in a tackle for loss.

9:36 3Q Breeland imposes his will on the receiver, no room at all for a reception.

8:08 3Q He is too worried about the receiver and the running back picks up a first down.

2:29 3Q Jump ball in the endzone that Breeland defends well.

2:21 3Q Breeland recognizes the trick play, sheds the block nicely, but misses badly on an arm tackle.

1:30 3Q Breeland shuts down the drive with a big stop on fourth down.

Bashaud Breeland Scouting Report | Detroit Lions Draft
 

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