Draft Update #2: Stacking the Board

Following reports from Stiller HQ that the front office is rating FA around the league, I thought I would do the same. I�m going to attempt a comprehensive chart that registers equivalent players regardless of whether those are collegians or pros. This will be updated as the off-season progresses. There will be changes; bear with me.

The columns are almost self-explanatory. "Value at the spot" is obvious; "available at a stretch" suggests that the player listed will not be available in the next round. Naturally, a player shown in this column in round 1 would be highly desirable in the 2nd. "Later round, similar type" has to do with physical characteristics; this is a sort of bookmark, some players listed here are rising on various draft lists. "Equivalent FA" completes the deal; if a player of a certain type will not be available in the draft, Stiller HQ ought to make the equivalent FA a high priority.

The rows are ordered as to "best player" at the spot, not by position. Impact potential is the emphasis. That�s it; let�s see what we�ve got.

It is highly unlikely that either Smith or Warren will be available when the Stillers draft. This suggests an FA emphasis at those positions with the premium on rush DE. I like Smith; I am concerned that Andre Carter is too small and slow to make an impact in the league. In contrast to DE, there are plenty of jumbo DT both in the draft and FA. It is likely that Seymour, Morgan or Reynolds will be available; it is possible that two of these players may be. Of the three, two are (in my book) OLB, this makes the Gildon to the Bears deal, even for a high 2nd, ever more attractive.

Middlebrooks is rising fast; several mock drafts have this man as a first round selection, often to the Giants. One guru credits Willie with a 4.38 40; if so, he jumps over the cover CB types and lands pretty close to the OLB. Again, I�m not listing by position; I am listing by impact potential.

The second day is generally potluck. There will be some players projected as 2nd or 3rd round picks who will become available in the 4th. Throughout, there should be some high caliber interior OL, S, TE, FB and MLB available. There may be a DL sleeper or two; there will be plenty of speed. The percentage play is to look to the interior line and towards acquiring speed at WR, DB and LB.

We�ll see if Stiller HQ agrees.