2012 NFL Draft Grades: Bucs take the cake in NFC South

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Hey guys,

Welcome back. What a fun NFL Draft 2012 eh?

I'm hear to deliver the draft grades for each team, so why wait? Let's get started!

Atlanta Falcons

Best Pick: Peter Konz OC, Wisconsin -- The big man can play any position along the offensive line and was a nice grab by Atlanta in the second round. He should be a solid player for them for the next decade. 

Questionable pick: Trading everything they did last season for Julio Jones. It was way, way too much. 

Steal: Konz

Analysis: They were able to nab a nice player in Konz and Lamar Holmes, who could push for time. Solid, but not spectacular. 

Grade: C+ 

Carolina Panthers

Best Pick: Luke Kuechly LB, Boston College -- An amazing player, he can do it all as a defender and should help right away in Carolina. 

Questionable pick: None

Steal: Amini Silatolu, OG Midwestern State -- A powerful presence, the lineman has quick feet and just so much strength. Solid pick. 

Analysis: Landed some really good players to continue adding to an already nice pool of talent. 

Grade: B

 New Orleans Saints

Best Pick: Nick Toon WR, Wisconsin -- A fast receiver, he is just another weapon for Drew Brees. He should have a nice rookie campaign. 

Questionable pick: Bounty Scandal, of course. 

Steal: None. 

Analysis: The scandal cost big, losing a second-round pick. 

Grade: D- 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Best Pick: Lavonte David LB, Nebraska -- This kid will be a star. He is so versatile and will start from Day 1 at outside linebacker. Another great Buc linebacker. The next Derrick Brooks. 

Questionable pick: None, addressed needs. 

Steal: Doug Martin RB, Boise State -- Martin, the Muscle Hamster, can do it all. He is the most complete back in the draft and will start. 

Analysis: Starting off with Mark Barron at safety, the Bucs struck gold in this one, picking up potentially four starters. 

Grade: A

NFL Draft Rumblings

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Have a source in the NFL who works for a franchise that made the playoffs last season. Spoke to him a bit on the phone today to hear about any rumors going on leading up to the draft, and picked up on a couple golden ones on the NFC South.

The source told me that it appears that the Panthers are looking at linebacker at the 9th pick and would be pleased to see Melvin Ingram there, but it looks like they surely like Luke Kuechly out of Boston College. In the event that both are gone, which isn't likely, I was told not to be surprised if they end up going with a wideout, most likely Malcolm Floyd of Notre Dame, with the goal being to get more weapons for Cam Newton.

As for Tampa, there is no doubt that their top two targets are RB Trent Richardson out of Alabama and CB Morris Claiborne of LSU. But, it looks as if the Bucs fear that both could be gone when they pick at five, with Richardson likely going to the Browns and four, with Minnesota aiming for Claiborne at three. It would surely make things interesting, but where Tampa would go from there is tough. My source tells me that they may end up looking to trade down, which makes sense, but if they can't find a trade partner, Kuechly or Ryan Kalil would likely be the pick.

 

Checking around the NFC South: ATL adds major piece

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We are just a day away from the beginning of the NFL Draft. For many, it's like a holiday, one where you get to open presents and just get excited about what is to come.

For some, it is anything but. The recent story going on with the Saints is a big one and may prove just as costly as the Bountygate scandal. But as we wait for that to play out, which commish Roger Goodell said would could expect in the coming days, today's big story goes to the Atlanta Falcons. 

Here is the official release by NFL.com:

The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade cornerback Asante Samuel to the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

As part of the trade, Samuel and the Falcons have agreed to terms on a three-year, $18.5 million deal.

It's not yet known what the Falcons will send the Eagles in return for the nine-year veteran.

Samuel had to rework the final two years of his existing contract -- which were not guaranteed in the first place -- before the deal could be agreed upon. Samuel was set to make $21.5 million over the next two seasons, and he would count for more than $8 million against the salary cap.

The Falcons emerged as one of the team's interested in Samuel on Tuesday, a league source told NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, and quarterback Matt Ryan spoke glowingly of the cornerback.

"As far as Asante Samuel, I can only speak for having played against him a number of times and I know that's he's been extremely difficult to play against and has done a great job against us when we've played him in the past," Ryan said.

Samuel, 31, had three interceptions for the Eagles last season. He has made four Pro Bowls in his nine-year career, and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2007.

 

Now, this is a deal that I like for Atlanta, though Samuel hasn't been the same as of late. There was no need for him in the NFC East after the Eagles made a bunch of moves to bring in some CBs, he was worth getting rid of. My guess is a fifth round pick for the former Patriots star. 

 

Do you like the move?

 

 

NFL.com's Mock Draft: Bucs score big

Taking a look at Charles Casserly's mock draft on NFL.com, he has every NFC South team addressing a crucial need with a perfect fit. 

Here is who he predicts, followed by my letter grade on the pick and commentary.

At 5th overall, the writer has Tampa Bay taking stud corner Morris Claiborne out of LSU.

A : Stud player, huge play-maker. With Ronde Barber getting up there and Aqib Talib's legal situation iffy, this pick is a must. 

At nine, the Carolina Panthers select Fletcher Cox, the DT out of Miss. State.

B+: Powerful player that has what it takes to make an impact right away. Stick him in the dline for 10 years and forget it. All-pro player. 

At 36th, the Bucs take Virginia Tech RB David Wilson.

B+: Another position of need addressed. Needs to work on ball security but should be a good one. 

At 40th, Panthers take Cal LB Mychal Kendricks.

B: A versatile player that will provide depth. 

Lastly, at 55, the Falcons grab Zebrie Sanders, the OT out of Florida State.

B: You can never have too many tackles. Sanders has the size and tenacity to be a starter this season. 

Click here to see the entire mock draft. 

Bucs eyeing former Virginia Tech star in second round

So, we know there is a big need at running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

LeGarrette Blount has shown flashes, but he doesn't seem to have what it takes to be an every-down back in this league.

So, in which direction will TB go? Many experts expect the team to take a corner in the first round, with Trent Richardson possibly going fourth to Cleveland. If that happens, Tampa won't reach for a RB at the fifth spot. So, then, what are the options?

Former Virginia Tech star David Wilson is the option. A star who started one season but ran for over 1,700 yards, setting the school's record, he can do it all. He is dangerous as a returner, pass-catcher and a runner, though sometimes he tries to do too much. He will certainly be available early in the second round and is worth a look. Considering Blount is a power back, Wilson can do it all and would make a nice combination. 

What do you think? Does that sound like a decent pick for the Bucs in the second round? If not, who would you aim for?

NFL Mock Drafts: Who is going where?

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With each team looking to decide what to do with their first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the NFL.com has put together a neat page that shows predictions of each analyst. 

I've taken the liberty of sorting out these picks by numbers, so you can see what tehey are hearing from sources as to who the Bucs and Panthers may take, as they are the only NFC South teams with first round picks. 

FIFTH PICK

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Morris Claiborne, CB LSU  (8)

Trent Richardson, RB Alabama (2)

Dontari Poe, DT Memphis (1)

Analysis: Claiborne is obviously the pick here and make sense as Aqib Talib is having his issues and Ronde Barber is pushing 40. This stud CB could be a big-time player and does fill a need, especially in this pass-happy league. Richardson could be the pick if the CB is off the board. The Bucs WILL NOT pick Dontari Poe, from what I'm hearing. 

NINTH PICK

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Dontari Poe, DT Memphis 5

Quinton Coples, DE North Carolina 3

Melvin Ingram, DE South Carolina

Devon Still, DT Penn State

Morris Claiborne, CB LSU

Analysis: Do you see the trend here? All but one go with a DL. Makes sense, as the team's defense has to improve to go with the talented offense, led by Cam Newton. I would expect it to be Coples, the home-state kid from UNC. Any of these players would be good gets at No. 9, but may be a bit of a reach for Still and Ingram. 

 

What do you think? Who would you predict in being picked?