Please do not reach for the following players (and here is why):
1. Talyor Mays: Physical freak, yes. Play-maker in the secondary offering sideline to sideline coverage ability, no. Despite the big name reputation, Mays will not cure the infectious disease killing Giant safeties (Kenny Philips excluded), i.e., making plays on the ball in the air and not letting fast receivers run by them for huge plays. Mays will also not cure other known infectious diseases such as H1N1 (though he might have cured polio in a different era). Bottom line, am I impressed with Mays’ straight line speed and physicality, yes, do I think he solves the Giants woes, no. Give me Earl Thomas instead (Eric Berry is omitted from our discussion due to the likelihood he will not be within reach come draft day).
2. Jason Pierre-Paul: Why do I hear the screams of Jets fans everywhere, “Vernon” “Vernon” “Vernon”? To be fair to Pierre-Paul, he looks to be more than a workout wonder, but what scares me is the dreaded, “upside” and “potential” label being given to this JUCO transfer. Pierre-Paul is a fast riser on draft boards, but for my money, if we go DE in Round 1, which only makes sense if Osi is traded for multiple picks (which is unlikely but not impossible), then look at Derrick Morgan or Everson Griffin, two guys who produced on the big stage and have real experience. Of note, I think Derrick Morgan (Morgan dominated in 2009, producing 12.5 sacks, 18.5 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles) is quietly being over-looked and if he is there at pick 15, Jerry Reese will have a tough decision.
3. Bruce Campbell: I worry any time I hear of a tackle prospect blowing up at the combine. For the record, I don’t care if an offensive lineman can run a fast 40 yard dash; Campbell is the 40 yard dash star for offensive lineman at this year’s combine (on another note, I do care if they can speak multiple languages and know how to whip up a nice thick pea soup, ham-bone included of course).
As some of you have mentioned, C.J. Spiller from Clemson might just be there for the picking. I know we are all assuming that defense will be the main priority in the draft, but Spiller is a true big-play threat every time he touches the ball, think Felix Jones but durable, tough, and even more versatile. Sounds good to me. Spiller would look great in blue in 2010.
Also, I am not going to completely discount the possibility of Rolando McClain just yet; very anxious to see the results of his Pro Day on March 10 as well as Brandon Spikes (Florida Pro Day is March 17, 2010). One last note, still curious about Carlos Dunlap, though it is really hard to get past the bonehead DUI before the SEC Championship game (not a guy you reach for, but perhaps trade down a bit, secure some picks, and add his versatility to the mix on the D-line).