"Bay-Bay"

The draft is approaching very quickly and the latest mock drafts have been shaken up by the recent trade of Donavan McNabb to Washington. Jimmy Clausen has plummeted down to the late first round according to most "experts" and some other players have been steadily moving up.

Odrick, Hughes, Mays and Kindle have all moved up and are starting to look unattainable with the #29 pick. Everson Griffin the 6'3", 280lb DE from USC will probably be available in our spot, but his work ethic is a major concern. I would be more comfortable taking him in the late second or early third. He is a project player, so why pay him big bucks with little return for the first few years?

Another very very interesting prospect is Demaryius "Bay-Bay" Thomas, WR out of Georgia Tech. He's nearly 6'4" tall and 224lbs.

He played his entire college career in a run first offense. He has physical skills comparable to Calvin Johnson of the Lions. Same body frame, height, massive hands and football speed. He missed the combine because of a freak foot fracture. He was very durable while at GT and the foot shouldn't prevent him from working out in OTA's and training camp. I think it's a non-issue.

This minor injury could end up being a "lucky break" (hardy har har) for the NYJ. If he had made a big splash at the combine he may have very well moved up to the top 10. But, now he will almost surely be waiting for us at #29. His strengths are the afore mentioned speed, size, strength and huge hands. His weaknesses are his route running and his overall concentration. He makes some real circus catches, but will drop easy balls when he has separation (remind you of another tall receiver who wears #17?)

He is also an amazing blocker, which is hard to find in a WR fresh out of college. Our overall offensive philosophy would fit him well. We are a run first team just like GT. He is used to limited touches and knows how to make them count. He just needs more experience learning a complete route tree, and that can be said of almost any rookie WR. Cotchery and Edwards are excellent route runners, so I think he would benefit from their tutelage.

This player is a real gamble, however he fits my personal mold for what a first round pick should be. His upside is unlimited. Thomas, Sanchez and Greene could become our version of the 'triplets' in the next few years. However, we have some serious holes to fill regarding our pass rush. It's hard to ignore them and chase a young player with the type of upside that would make any NFL GM drool.

Alex Brown was released by the Chicago Bears. He is 6'3" and 260 lbs. He has a real knack for getting to the QB. He is a bit small for a 3-4 DE but he may fit in well as a ROLB for us. Brown, Pace, Harris and Scott could cause some real match up problems for offensive lines around the league. However, they are all a bit slow and would really struggle in coverage.

I think if Odrick falls to us we will snatch him up. I don't like his value at #29, but there is a hole to fill. I would not be shocked if MR.T makes a move and tries to land a guy like Ndamukong Suh in the top 5. Detroit has made it clear that the #2 overall pick is up for grabs. We would probably have to give up a bunch of picks to land that spot and that player, most likely our 1st and second this year and another high pick from 2011. Suh would play DT and DE for us and have a very similar role to Haloti Ngata from the Ravens (who Rex got tremendous production out of). Suh, Jenkins and Ellis would make most O-lines quake in their boots.

I don't like the idea of trading up this year because this draft is so very deep. Picks are like gold, and I would hate to bust our whole nut on one draft pick. I'm so glad I don't have to make these choices, Tannenbaum and our brain trust have some big decisions to make later this month. The wrong move could really hurt us badly. On the other hand, the perfect draft class could put us over the top and win us a championship. Thats how important the draft is.