2012 Top 5 Draft by Postion

Submitted by JeepinBen on

Some way-too-early 2012 Draft Analysis from Mel Kiper on ESPN's Insider

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft2011/insider/columns/story?columnist=kiper_jr_mel&id=6124876

Just 2 Michigan players make the top-5 at their position, Molk and Martin. Mel ranks both of them at #3 in their respective positions.

Seems about right to me, and it's way too early to think NFL talent. But I'm bored at work on a wednesday. Who else ya got getting drafted from Michigan?

Edit: Charts formatted terribly once I hit  "post", here's just Mel's Analysis

Centers Analysis: This is the same list that ended the year, too. Most people expected to see Pryor and the Ohio State passing game develop this season, but the offense under coach Jim Tressel always will be about pounding the football, and Brewster has been a key to that. Ask Michigan. Keep an eye on Molk out of UM. He has decent athleticism and has been a big part of the improvement in that running game. Brady Hoke will probably power it ahead more to some extent, and Molk could catch more eyes that way.

DT Analysis: The biggest name here last year was Nick Fairley, and he's off to the NFL (possibly as a top-three pick). Crick had a good year without Ndamukong Suh next to him and will likely have another one. A name to look out for here is Mike Martin; people dissed Michigan's defense all year, and for good reason, but Martin is a stud and has a chance to impress in a newer system

.

JimLahey

February 16th, 2011 at 2:27 PM ^

It's going to be extremely annoying listening to experts talk about how fairley can help the panthers d just like Suh helped the lions. Suh is a once in decade talent. He's better at football and a better person character-wise.

justingoblue

February 16th, 2011 at 2:53 PM ^

Not to try to hang anything on the prior administration, but Hoke and Mattison both come from D line coaching. MM should have a huge year and, especially with Mattison's backing, he should get a lot of love from NFL scouts.

FreddieMercuryHayes

February 16th, 2011 at 3:04 PM ^

If the new D staff works wonders on the line and can end up with that Campbell/QW/Talbott as the nose, the thought of moving Martin over to not eating doubles every play seriously gives me wet dreams. If that could ever be the case, he would destroy all that is holy. Top 10 pick easily. Even without that, I can still see him being 1st round easily.

The Baughz

February 16th, 2011 at 2:53 PM ^

Martin could be #1 at his position by this time next year. A year under Mattison as DC could be very helpful. Switching to a 4 man front could maybe limit some double teams. Who knows, Martin could have a Nick Fairley type season. Either way, Martin is a beast and I cant wait to see how the defesne looks. The spring game will be a nice preview.

Jasper

February 16th, 2011 at 3:49 PM ^

Does he have Obi Ezeh in the Top 5 linebackers?  (Sorry ... couldn't resist.)

Other comments:

* "... but the offense under coach Jim Tressel always will be about pounding the football, and Brewster has been a key to that. Ask Michigan."  Criminy.  Was that really necessary?  Why did he single out Michigan there?

* "Keep an eye on Molk out of UM. He has decent athleticism and has been a big part of the improvement in that running game. Brady Hoke will probably power it ahead more to some extent, and Molk could catch more eyes that way."  Pure idiocy.  I expect Molk to do well with the new system (hard worker, smart guy, all that), but does Kiper think Molk would _not_ catch any eyes when "reach" blocking?

Space Coyote

February 16th, 2011 at 6:17 PM ^

But scouts will question his ability for drive blocking, double team blocking, etc.  It isn't pure idiocy, the change to a power run game may allow for NFL scouts to view more things they find important, particularly on moving DTs rather than just sealing them.  Also, just as there are questions of QBs taking snaps from under center, there are questions of centers making snaps with a QB under center.  The move could confirm how good Molk is.

yostlovesme

February 16th, 2011 at 6:21 PM ^

My cool story brah, but met Mel once and he was an awesome guy.  Actually got his number somehow, no idea if he gave me a fake one or not but im assuming it is, but never called it.  It just hangs next to the thing he signed for me.  Anyway I can't wait to see Martin and Molk go this year.  You have to think they love going against each other in practice, knowing how good they are respecitvely at their positions.