[ThePassionOfTheChryst]

That's the first mock I've seen with Mahomes going in the first.

[ThePassionOfTheChryst]

That's the first mock I've seen with Mahomes going in the first.

[gocard14]

http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/02/08/nfl-moc...rojections

SI with their mock draft.  Thomas at #8 to the Panthers; McCaffrey in the second round to the Saints.

BC

If this mock is right and the miners take Deshaun Watson at #2 I'm going to have a bone to pick with a certain former Stanford star.

The NFL is set up to make it hard to be consistently bad for long periods. Taking mediocre NFL prospect QBs with high draft picks is one way to do it.

[gocard14]

http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/02/08/nfl-moc...rojections

SI with their mock draft.  Thomas at #8 to the Panthers; McCaffrey in the second round to the Saints.

BC

If this mock is right and the miners take Deshaun Watson at #2 I'm going to have a bone to pick with a certain former Stanford star.

The NFL is set up to make it hard to be consistently bad for long periods. Taking mediocre NFL prospect QBs with high draft picks is one way to do it.

[OutsiderFan]

I've already said I believe it would be foolish for the Niners to do anything but trade the #2 pick, and it would be bad judgment to pick a QB #2 if they kept it.  But one thing I do like is that Lynch knows the importance of keeping his intentions under wraps, so there will be no leaking or telegraphed moves in terms of his intentions with the #2 pick.

[OutsiderFan]

I've already said I believe it would be foolish for the Niners to do anything but trade the #2 pick, and it would be bad judgment to pick a QB #2 if they kept it.  But one thing I do like is that Lynch knows the importance of keeping his intentions under wraps, so there will be no leaking or telegraphed moves in terms of his intentions with the #2 pick.

[Phogge]

they can't win until they can drop the opponent QB. Shanalynch needs to do proper study and pick the right guy in the trinity of Garret/Allen/Foster. The pick cannot miss. Build with Buckner, Tartt, Robinson and whatever DB they can get in the third round. Sign a journeyman QB and maybe a Mahomes-type in Round two and wait for your franchise guy next year. The pick will be a good one. In year three you can adopt the slogan, "Roaring back.", but what do I know.

[Phogge]

they can't win until they can drop the opponent QB. Shanalynch needs to do proper study and pick the right guy in the trinity of Garret/Allen/Foster. The pick cannot miss. Build with Buckner, Tartt, Robinson and whatever DB they can get in the third round. Sign a journeyman QB and maybe a Mahomes-type in Round two and wait for your franchise guy next year. The pick will be a good one. In year three you can adopt the slogan, "Roaring back.", but what do I know.

[BigEasyCard]

http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/02/08/nfl-moc...rojections

SI with their mock draft.  Thomas at #8 to the Panthers; McCaffrey in the second round to the Saints.

BC

Well I'd sure be glad to see McCaffrey in black and gold.  He and Thomas would get to square off against each other at least twice a year if the above mock draft proves true.

Geaux Cardinal!

[BigEasyCard]

http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/02/08/nfl-moc...rojections

SI with their mock draft.  Thomas at #8 to the Panthers; McCaffrey in the second round to the Saints.

BC

Well I'd sure be glad to see McCaffrey in black and gold.  He and Thomas would get to square off against each other at least twice a year if the above mock draft proves true.

Geaux Cardinal!

[BostonCard]

Here's an NFL projection of McCaffrey:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...arizing-rb

As a versatile playmaker with a dynamic game and a sterling career resume, McCaffrey is revered by some coaches and scouts. In their minds, he's a game changer with the kind of big-play ability that energizes the offense whenever he steps onto the field. Although they might have some concerns about his ability to carry the load as a full-time starter, they point to his 731 career touches (rushing attempts/receptions) over a three-year career (25 starts) as a testament to his durability, toughness and stamina as an RB1. They also suggest that his 19 career games with 20-plus rushing attempts suggest that he is more than capable of toting the rock as a feature back at the next level.

On the other hand, McCaffrey's critics question whether the 6-foot, 205-pound playmaker is anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level. They view him as a third-down weapon capable of making his impact as a receiver/returner in certain systems. Although those skeptics appreciate his versatility and playmaking potential, they see him as a niche player who needs to be in the right system to be a difference maker as a pro. While most players are viewed in that light, the devaluation of the running back position makes it hard for some evaluators to slap a big grade on a prospect who's viewed as a rotational player in most backfields.

BC

[BostonCard]

Here's an NFL projection of McCaffrey:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000...arizing-rb

As a versatile playmaker with a dynamic game and a sterling career resume, McCaffrey is revered by some coaches and scouts. In their minds, he's a game changer with the kind of big-play ability that energizes the offense whenever he steps onto the field. Although they might have some concerns about his ability to carry the load as a full-time starter, they point to his 731 career touches (rushing attempts/receptions) over a three-year career (25 starts) as a testament to his durability, toughness and stamina as an RB1. They also suggest that his 19 career games with 20-plus rushing attempts suggest that he is more than capable of toting the rock as a feature back at the next level.

On the other hand, McCaffrey's critics question whether the 6-foot, 205-pound playmaker is anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level. They view him as a third-down weapon capable of making his impact as a receiver/returner in certain systems. Although those skeptics appreciate his versatility and playmaking potential, they see him as a niche player who needs to be in the right system to be a difference maker as a pro. While most players are viewed in that light, the devaluation of the running back position makes it hard for some evaluators to slap a big grade on a prospect who's viewed as a rotational player in most backfields.

BC

[BostonCard]

An add to the NFL.com piece...

There is no mention of his decision to sit out of the UNC game.  But the author does write:

Finally, I worry about his explosiveness after seeing his production dip a bit during his final collegiate season. While I know he fought through some nagging injuries during the season, he didn't look nearly as explosive or electric compared to his sensational 2015 season. Thus, I need to see him work out well at the NFL Scouting Combine (March 3-6 on NFL Network) or his pro day to alleviate the concerns about his speed.

It does make me wonder whether a very big day against UNC would have alleviated some of those concerns.

BC

[BostonCard]

An add to the NFL.com piece...

There is no mention of his decision to sit out of the UNC game.  But the author does write:

Finally, I worry about his explosiveness after seeing his production dip a bit during his final collegiate season. While I know he fought through some nagging injuries during the season, he didn't look nearly as explosive or electric compared to his sensational 2015 season. Thus, I need to see him work out well at the NFL Scouting Combine (March 3-6 on NFL Network) or his pro day to alleviate the concerns about his speed.

It does make me wonder whether a very big day against UNC would have alleviated some of those concerns.

BC

[fullmetal]

Perhaps there were concerns that CMac would not be at 100% even after the weeks leading up to the Sun Bowl.  We would never hear of such details, but that is still reason enough to withhold criticism.

[fullmetal]

Perhaps there were concerns that CMac would not be at 100% even after the weeks leading up to the Sun Bowl.  We would never hear of such details, but that is still reason enough to withhold criticism.

[VFRing98]

An add to the NFL.com piece...

There is no mention of his decision to sit out of the UNC game.  But the author does write:

Finally, I worry about his explosiveness after seeing his production dip a bit during his final collegiate season. While I know he fought through some nagging injuries during the season, he didn't look nearly as explosive or electric compared to his sensational 2015 season. Thus, I need to see him work out well at the NFL Scouting Combine (March 3-6 on NFL Network) or his pro day to alleviate the concerns about his speed.

It does make me wonder whether a very big day against UNC would have alleviated some of those concerns.

BC

If speed and explosiveness are the questions, a big day at the NFL combine/pro day would address them more directly than the UNC game, I would think.

[VFRing98]

An add to the NFL.com piece...

There is no mention of his decision to sit out of the UNC game.  But the author does write:

Finally, I worry about his explosiveness after seeing his production dip a bit during his final collegiate season. While I know he fought through some nagging injuries during the season, he didn't look nearly as explosive or electric compared to his sensational 2015 season. Thus, I need to see him work out well at the NFL Scouting Combine (March 3-6 on NFL Network) or his pro day to alleviate the concerns about his speed.

It does make me wonder whether a very big day against UNC would have alleviated some of those concerns.

BC

If speed and explosiveness are the questions, a big day at the NFL combine/pro day would address them more directly than the UNC game, I would think.

[Farm93]

If speed and explosiveness are the questions, a big day at the NFL combine/pro day would address them more directly than the UNC game, I would think.

No doubt combine trumps bowl games now.  CMac could have run for 300 yards against UNC and then these rating experts would just question UNC's abilities or commitment to the bowl game.  If CMac runs a 4.49 then all will be fine.  If he runs a 4.65 then it is all over.

The NFL has done such a good job at marketing the combine that it really is all about the combine now.  I remember watching Julio Jones in the combine.  He was amazing.  I had no idea what he had done in college, but you could tell at the combine that he was going to be a future NFL star.  It seemed like in every drill he was the top performer.

If CMac is the fastest RB in the 40 and does a decent job in the various skill drills then he will move up the board.    I remain convinced that he will be able to point to various ailments for his missing the bowl game.  He could even get credit for playing through whatever the problem was for most of the season and staying quiet about it for the good of the program even though he took heat from media and fans. 

[Farm93]

If speed and explosiveness are the questions, a big day at the NFL combine/pro day would address them more directly than the UNC game, I would think.

No doubt combine trumps bowl games now.  CMac could have run for 300 yards against UNC and then these rating experts would just question UNC's abilities or commitment to the bowl game.  If CMac runs a 4.49 then all will be fine.  If he runs a 4.65 then it is all over.

The NFL has done such a good job at marketing the combine that it really is all about the combine now.  I remember watching Julio Jones in the combine.  He was amazing.  I had no idea what he had done in college, but you could tell at the combine that he was going to be a future NFL star.  It seemed like in every drill he was the top performer.

If CMac is the fastest RB in the 40 and does a decent job in the various skill drills then he will move up the board.    I remain convinced that he will be able to point to various ailments for his missing the bowl game.  He could even get credit for playing through whatever the problem was for most of the season and staying quiet about it for the good of the program even though he took heat from media and fans. 

[BostonCard]

On the other hand, there was Jerry Rice and his 4.59 speed 40.

http://www.sportsxchange.com/DS97/walsh/walsh3.htm

There were three or four teams -- including the Jets and the Cowboys along with the 49ers -- who rated him very highly. Other than that, I'm not sure anybody did, simply because of a 4.59 time.

BC

[BostonCard]

On the other hand, there was Jerry Rice and his 4.59 speed 40.

http://www.sportsxchange.com/DS97/walsh/walsh3.htm

There were three or four teams -- including the Jets and the Cowboys along with the 49ers -- who rated him very highly. Other than that, I'm not sure anybody did, simply because of a 4.59 time.

BC

[washingtonismoney]

I've always thought the Jerry Rice thing is a bit ... bogus is maybe putting it strongly, but misleading. It's not as if Rice was some sixth-round prospect. He got selected with the 16th pick in the draft; it's hard to claim he was overlooked.

OT, and EDIT: I was trying to find contemporaneous evidence of the Rice pick and came up short. instead, I found this Paul Zimmerman profile of Joe Montana: http://www.si.com/vault/1990/08/13/12244...-two-parts

Man, Bill Walsh gives some great quote. Reporters dream of interviewees like him.

[washingtonismoney]

I've always thought the Jerry Rice thing is a bit ... bogus is maybe putting it strongly, but misleading. It's not as if Rice was some sixth-round prospect. He got selected with the 16th pick in the draft; it's hard to claim he was overlooked.

OT, and EDIT: I was trying to find contemporaneous evidence of the Rice pick and came up short. instead, I found this Paul Zimmerman profile of Joe Montana: http://www.si.com/vault/1990/08/13/12244...-two-parts

Man, Bill Walsh gives some great quote. Reporters dream of interviewees like him.

[BostonCard]

I wasn't suggesting that Jerry Rice was an underrated prospect (Tom Brady, a sixth(?) round pick, might be a better example).  My point was that the draft combine isn't the be all and end all of where a player will be drafted, or how good his career will be.

BC

[BostonCard]

I wasn't suggesting that Jerry Rice was an underrated prospect (Tom Brady, a sixth(?) round pick, might be a better example).  My point was that the draft combine isn't the be all and end all of where a player will be drafted, or how good his career will be.

BC

[washingtonismoney]

I wasn't suggesting that Jerry Rice was an underrated prospect (Tom Brady, a sixth(?) round pick, might be a better example).  My point was that the draft combine isn't the be all and end all of where a player will be drafted, or how good his career will be.

Right -- didn't mean to imply that. But people often do when discussing Rice.

[washingtonismoney]

I wasn't suggesting that Jerry Rice was an underrated prospect (Tom Brady, a sixth(?) round pick, might be a better example).  My point was that the draft combine isn't the be all and end all of where a player will be drafted, or how good his career will be.

Right -- didn't mean to imply that. But people often do when discussing Rice.

[CornFed]

WIM, I very much enjoyed that article on Joe Montana.  I love his persona and that was one of the best pieces I've seen in describing his magic.

[CornFed]

WIM, I very much enjoyed that article on Joe Montana.  I love his persona and that was one of the best pieces I've seen in describing his magic.

[OutsiderFan]

McCaffrey's entire draft position is going to be determined by his 40 time.  If he runs 4.4 or lower, he's a first rounder.  If he runs 4.5+, he's a second round pick.

He can play four positions: RB, slot WR, KR and PR.  That gives him a lot of position flexibility, which is really valuable for any player to have.

But let's be honest, McCaffrey is the victim of racial prejudice. If he was black, we wouldn't hear questions about his speed and explosiveness.  You would have thought seeing him play would have put those prejudices to bed, but apparently not.

[OutsiderFan]

McCaffrey's entire draft position is going to be determined by his 40 time.  If he runs 4.4 or lower, he's a first rounder.  If he runs 4.5+, he's a second round pick.

He can play four positions: RB, slot WR, KR and PR.  That gives him a lot of position flexibility, which is really valuable for any player to have.

But let's be honest, McCaffrey is the victim of racial prejudice. If he was black, we wouldn't hear questions about his speed and explosiveness.  You would have thought seeing him play would have put those prejudices to bed, but apparently not.

[ThePassionOfTheChryst]

McCaffrey's entire draft position is going to be determined by his 40 time.  If he runs 4.4 or lower, he's a first rounder.  If he runs 4.5+, he's a second round pick.

He can play four positions: RB, slot WR, KR and PR.  That gives him a lot of position flexibility, which is really valuable for any player to have.

But let's be honest, McCaffrey is the victim of racial prejudice. If he was black, we wouldn't hear questions about his speed and explosiveness.  You would have thought seeing him play would have put those prejudices to bed, but apparently not.

He's said as much himself. In fact after he said it, I was expecting it to set off a brobdingnagian firestorm. But even Stephen A. Smith agreed.

I don't know that he's necessarily underrated due to his pigmentation, but skin color is the reason for the generic Wes Welker comparisons.

[ThePassionOfTheChryst]

McCaffrey's entire draft position is going to be determined by his 40 time.  If he runs 4.4 or lower, he's a first rounder.  If he runs 4.5+, he's a second round pick.

He can play four positions: RB, slot WR, KR and PR.  That gives him a lot of position flexibility, which is really valuable for any player to have.

But let's be honest, McCaffrey is the victim of racial prejudice. If he was black, we wouldn't hear questions about his speed and explosiveness.  You would have thought seeing him play would have put those prejudices to bed, but apparently not.

He's said as much himself. In fact after he said it, I was expecting it to set off a brobdingnagian firestorm. But even Stephen A. Smith agreed.

I don't know that he's necessarily underrated due to his pigmentation, but skin color is the reason for the generic Wes Welker comparisons.

[BostonCard]

McCaffrey's entire draft position is going to be determined by his 40 time.  If he runs 4.4 or lower, he's a first rounder.  If he runs 4.5+, he's a second round pick.

He can play four positions: RB, slot WR, KR and PR.  That gives him a lot of position flexibility, which is really valuable for any player to have.

But let's be honest, McCaffrey is the victim of racial prejudice. If he was black, we wouldn't hear questions about his speed and explosiveness.  You would have thought seeing him play would have put those prejudices to bed, but apparently not.

Except that the article highlighted that the biggest question mark for him was not speed and explosiveness (although a couple of the scouts are quoted as saying that), it is whether he has the size to be an every down back.

Read the lede again...

As a versatile playmaker with a dynamic game and a sterling career resume, McCaffrey is revered by some coaches and scouts. In their minds, he's a game changer with the kind of big-play ability that energizes the offense whenever he steps onto the field. Although they might have some concerns about his ability to carry the load as a full-time starter, they point to his 731 career touches (rushing attempts/receptions) over a three-year career (25 starts) as a testament to his durability, toughness and stamina as an RB1. They also suggest that his 19 career games with 20-plus rushing attempts suggest that he is more than capable of toting the rock as a feature back at the next level.

On the other hand, McCaffrey's critics question whether the 6-foot, 205-pound playmaker is anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level. They view him as a third-down weapon capable of making his impact as a receiver/returner in certain systems. Although those skeptics appreciate his versatility and playmaking potential, they see him as a niche player who needs to be in the right system to be a difference maker as a pro. While most players are viewed in that light, the devaluation of the running back position makes it hard for some evaluators to slap a big grade on a prospect who's viewed as a rotational player in most backfields.

The criticism of McCaffrey in those passages is not that he lacks NFL exposiveness; it's that he lacks prototypical NFL running back size.

BC

[BostonCard]

McCaffrey's entire draft position is going to be determined by his 40 time.  If he runs 4.4 or lower, he's a first rounder.  If he runs 4.5+, he's a second round pick.

He can play four positions: RB, slot WR, KR and PR.  That gives him a lot of position flexibility, which is really valuable for any player to have.

But let's be honest, McCaffrey is the victim of racial prejudice. If he was black, we wouldn't hear questions about his speed and explosiveness.  You would have thought seeing him play would have put those prejudices to bed, but apparently not.

Except that the article highlighted that the biggest question mark for him was not speed and explosiveness (although a couple of the scouts are quoted as saying that), it is whether he has the size to be an every down back.

Read the lede again...

As a versatile playmaker with a dynamic game and a sterling career resume, McCaffrey is revered by some coaches and scouts. In their minds, he's a game changer with the kind of big-play ability that energizes the offense whenever he steps onto the field. Although they might have some concerns about his ability to carry the load as a full-time starter, they point to his 731 career touches (rushing attempts/receptions) over a three-year career (25 starts) as a testament to his durability, toughness and stamina as an RB1. They also suggest that his 19 career games with 20-plus rushing attempts suggest that he is more than capable of toting the rock as a feature back at the next level.

On the other hand, McCaffrey's critics question whether the 6-foot, 205-pound playmaker is anything more than a change-of-pace back at the next level. They view him as a third-down weapon capable of making his impact as a receiver/returner in certain systems. Although those skeptics appreciate his versatility and playmaking potential, they see him as a niche player who needs to be in the right system to be a difference maker as a pro. While most players are viewed in that light, the devaluation of the running back position makes it hard for some evaluators to slap a big grade on a prospect who's viewed as a rotational player in most backfields.

The criticism of McCaffrey in those passages is not that he lacks NFL exposiveness; it's that he lacks prototypical NFL running back size.

BC

[OutsiderFan]

It doesn't matter what the "code" is, speed, quickness, size, whatever.  There is no doubt some bias against him because he doesn't have melanin in his skin.  No he isn't big, but look at the production.  He's been more durable than Leonard Fournette.  Look at the video.  Because he isn't 10 pounds heavier, McCaffrey can't be a RB in the NFL?  Marshawn Lynch was 5'11 215 when he was drafted.  Jamal Charles checked in at 5'11 200 and Reggie Bush was 5'11 201.  Lynch and Bush were first round picks, Charles a third, Lynch and Charles were Pro Bowl caliber players.  Charles did get injured more than Lynch (though I question if that's because of his size), but Bush just wasn't that good in the NFL.  And as for size being an issue, look at Carlos Hyde.  He's 230 and is always getting hurt.  McCaffrey's college production and what he has put on video over three seasons is superior to any of the guys listed above, who all had great college careers.  Fournette's size-to-speed ratio is impressive, but he doesn't run routes and catch passes like CMac, and he hasn't been as durable either.

I happen to believe CMac is too valuable as a receiver and returner to make make him carry the ball 25+ times a game, but that has more to do with not wanting to wear him down and extending his career as a multi-threat player than it does some fear that he is too small to play RB in the NFL. 

Let's see what McCaffrey weighs in at in Indianapolis two weeks hence, and what he runs. After sitting out the Sun Bowl, I'm pretty sure NFL personnel guys are ready to see him compete, but few people engage in as much groupthink as NFL personnel types. 

[OutsiderFan]

It doesn't matter what the "code" is, speed, quickness, size, whatever.  There is no doubt some bias against him because he doesn't have melanin in his skin.  No he isn't big, but look at the production.  He's been more durable than Leonard Fournette.  Look at the video.  Because he isn't 10 pounds heavier, McCaffrey can't be a RB in the NFL?  Marshawn Lynch was 5'11 215 when he was drafted.  Jamal Charles checked in at 5'11 200 and Reggie Bush was 5'11 201.  Lynch and Bush were first round picks, Charles a third, Lynch and Charles were Pro Bowl caliber players.  Charles did get injured more than Lynch (though I question if that's because of his size), but Bush just wasn't that good in the NFL.  And as for size being an issue, look at Carlos Hyde.  He's 230 and is always getting hurt.  McCaffrey's college production and what he has put on video over three seasons is superior to any of the guys listed above, who all had great college careers.  Fournette's size-to-speed ratio is impressive, but he doesn't run routes and catch passes like CMac, and he hasn't been as durable either.

I happen to believe CMac is too valuable as a receiver and returner to make make him carry the ball 25+ times a game, but that has more to do with not wanting to wear him down and extending his career as a multi-threat player than it does some fear that he is too small to play RB in the NFL. 

Let's see what McCaffrey weighs in at in Indianapolis two weeks hence, and what he runs. After sitting out the Sun Bowl, I'm pretty sure NFL personnel guys are ready to see him compete, but few people engage in as much groupthink as NFL personnel types. 

[donkey687]

He will be a first round pick. It only takes one GM to defy conventional wisdom and racial and size stereotypes and come to the conclusion that he is a really really good football player and the best player available at the time of their first round pick.

[donkey687]

He will be a first round pick. It only takes one GM to defy conventional wisdom and racial and size stereotypes and come to the conclusion that he is a really really good football player and the best player available at the time of their first round pick.