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2014 NFL Draft Preview

Apr 11, 2014

MM
Stage· 143 messages
Apr 11, 2014

Adam Lefkoe and Matt Miller of Bleacher Report preview the 2014 NFL Draft. They'll break down Miller's newest Scouting Notebook and examine the top QBs.

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:00 PM

Hello and welcome Tawkers to the first 2014 NFL Draft Preview! Matt and I both work for Bleacher Report. Matt is B/R's NFL Draft Lead Writer and I am the Host of Team Stream Now.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:00 PM

A little breakdown of what today’s Tawk will be: We’ll start off discussing Matt’s newest Scouting Notebook: http://bit.ly/Qdv0vs
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:01 PM

Then, we were hoping to have a conversation about the QB’s in this years draft. The best part about Tawkers, join in on the conversation! We’ll do our best to answer any question you have.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:02 PM

Matt, let's start off with one of your risers in the draft...Ra’Shede Hageman. What are you hearing about this kid...which teams would be a good fit for him?
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Matt Miller · 4:04 PM

Adam I'm definitely hearing his name a lot as we get closer to the draft. Hageman is a big, massive player with burst, strength and upside. As far as team's go, I've heard the Raiders really like him, but think he'd be a great fit in Pittsburgh.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:05 PM

What do you think Matt, Robinson is an interesting prospect...lacks elite speed though. Which teams would be interested?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:05 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tom Lorenzo

“Can Allen Robinson sneak into the first round?”

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Matt Miller · 4:05 PM

Robinson could definitely sneak into that late Rd1 area. And I think a team like the 49ers or Seahawks would be a good fit. He's not super fast, but strong and helped himself with the pro day time.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:06 PM

So, the redskins picked up DeSean, they mortgaged their future with RGIII...is it worth it?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:07 PM

★ Spotlighted from Colum Taylor

“Can you see the Redskins moving up to the first round? If so, for whom?”

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Matt Miller · 4:07 PM

I don't think so, guys. They've tried moving up in the past and the amount of picks it would take isn't worth it when you have a roster in need of a lot of help still.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:08 PM

Alright, I got a question. You still have Teddy Bridgewater atop your Big Board...ahead of Clowney. Why? There's a ton of questions about Teddy right now.
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Matt Miller · 4:09 PM

There are questions, but I don't think they're valid. He had a bad pro day? Awesome. Since when did that matter? Before & after the snap, no QB in this class shows better vision, awareness or touch than Bridgewater. And he's mobile! Day 1 starting QB
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Matt Miller · 4:09 PM

I should add that Bridgewater and Clowney have identical grades from me, but I do value the QB over the DE.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:10 PM

I covered Teddy for 3 years at Louisville. I agree with you. The kid commands respect from his teammates, he's unbelievably accurate, can make NFL throws. I just wish he wore the glove at his Pro Day!!!
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:10 PM

Alright, now to possibly my favorite WR outside of Watkins in this draft:
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:11 PM

Ethan, we JUST did a video about this exact situation. Should be coming out soon.
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Matt Miller · 4:11 PM

I LOVE Brandin Cooks. He's a poor man's Tavon Austin. If the price is good, yes, the 49ers should go get him. He's a unique talent unlike anything they have offensively.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:11 PM

★ Spotlighted from Ethan Wendler

“Do you think that the Niners should trade up for Brandin Cooks because I think he would be a great fit in San Fran especially after watching him in Corvallis”

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:12 PM

Connor, I think they'd be CRAZY to pass on Clowney. With that being said, Miller, who could they groom in the later rounds?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:12 PM

★ Spotlighted from Connor McElhenney

“If the Texans choose to go with defense for the first pick, could they target a QB in the 2nd-3rd rounds? If so, who?”

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Matt Miller · 4:13 PM

Zach Mettenberger in Rd2 is a phenomenal fit for Bill O'Brien. And while I'm not a huge AJ McCarron fan, I do think he's an intriguing prospect for them in Rd3.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:13 PM

Would either Mettenberger or McCarron be a long term answer at Starter?
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Matt Miller · 4:14 PM

I would say yes, definitively, on Mettenberger. McCarron, eh...maybe. He's a game manager, but you can win with those with the right supporting cast.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:14 PM

TAWKER TIP: This is extremely enjoyable while listening to Eric Clapton.
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Matt Miller · 4:15 PM

Odd...I have Eric Church going.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:15 PM

Speaking of Church, the Falcons seem to be praying for some pass rushers to fall to them at 6...what do you think about Jeff's question?
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Matt Miller · 4:16 PM

Now that's a segway! I think they're going to try like crazy to move up to get Clowney or Mack. Standing pat at No. 6, Jake Matthews is the most likely option and then a Jeremiah Attaochu-type guy in Rd2 to play OLB/DE.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:16 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jeff Terry

“Do you see the Falcons standing pat at 6 and picking the guy that falls to them most likely Jake Matthews from A&M?”

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:17 PM

In just year one, would you rather have Jake Matthews or Greg Robinson?
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Matt Miller · 4:18 PM

Matthews is much more NFL-ready at left tackle. But damn, Robinson is unlike anything I've seen at the LT position in years. For one year, Matthews > Robinson.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:18 PM

Well played.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:19 PM

Matt, you know, after i saw Stryker completely dismantly Cyrus in the bowl game...I'm lacking confidence in this kid.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:19 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tom Lorenzo

“To recap: Listen to Erics to make Tawkers extremely enjoyable? Thanks!”

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:19 PM

I know Chris Simms thinks he'd be a great RT.
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Matt Miller · 4:19 PM

Kouandjio is tough to eval because I don't know how serious the knee issue is. I talked to 3 teams and none had failed him. If he's healthy, should be a late first-rounder. But yes, Stryker ruined his weekend in the bowl game.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:19 PM

★ Spotlighted from Connor McElhenney

“How far will Cyrus Kouandjio fall? Which prospects will benefit from this?”

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Matt Miller · 4:20 PM

Definitely agree that he's an ideal right tackle, and could really be very similar to D.J. Fluker in his physical dominance of people at the point of attack.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:21 PM

There are always draft picks that carry a national news interest beyond being simply a scheme or talent evaluation. Tim Tebow, Manti Te'o...this year all eyes will be focused on Michael Sam.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:21 PM

Even beyond the combine Miller, what's your prediction?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:21 PM

★ Spotlighted from Ryan Wilson

“Now that the drama has died down from the Michael Sam announcement, what round are you thinking, based solely on performance at the combine?”

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Matt Miller · 4:22 PM

Well, taking into account his entire career and post-season performances, I think he's a fifth-round talent. Small frame but lacks a linebacker's agility. Just not a lot of wow factor there outside of the numbers.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:22 PM

It will be interesting to watch the story develop upon being drafted. Every national broadcast will shift into "Sam Mode" going wall-to-wall with feature stories and sit-down interviews.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:23 PM

The reporters in those cities will suddenly be focusing more on their team's 5th/6th/7th round pick instead of their 1st. Feels like Manti.
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Matt Miller · 4:24 PM

The bad news? Major networks will ONLY talk about Michael Sam once he's picked and ignore the other players coming off the board.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:24 PM

Well, that's why we'll be breaking down every pick on Bleacher Report (Wink, Wink)
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:25 PM

Jerod, we actually broke this down yesterday. Check it out: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2024466-lions-shouldnt-chase-watkins-prefer-scoring-points-to-winning-championships
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:25 PM

But Matt, could Watkins be an eventual replacement for Calvin Johnson?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:25 PM

Would it be worth it to trade up to get him?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:25 PM

★ Spotlighted from Jerod Gigger

“How serious are the lions in moving up to get Sammy?and if so what must happen?And how good will they be with 1-2-3 punch at wr”

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Matt Miller · 4:26 PM

I'm the President of the Sammy Watkins Fan Club, but the Lions have so many other needs. I don't think you trade up from 10 to 2 for a wide receiver. Even a great one.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:26 PM

Who would be their best fit/need at 10?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:26 PM

(By the way, The Rolling Stones add a nice touch as well)
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Matt Miller · 4:27 PM

Justin Gilbert at CB, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at FS. Those are their two biggest needs to me. You can get a WR2/WR3 in the second.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:27 PM

Before I highlight a Clowney question...let us all enjoy for one more time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENuZHnQlqX0
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:28 PM

So. Nasty.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:28 PM

(Clean drool off chin)
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:28 PM

Not putting that play on Lewan...just wanted to watch.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:28 PM

Thoughts on Lewan Matt?
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Matt Miller · 4:29 PM

Well, Lewan has some off-field issues he's dealing with first of all. Secondly, he's a lunger and plays dirty at times. He looks mean and powerful, but really isn't at the point of attack.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:29 PM

★ Spotlighted from Ethan Wendler

“Why isnt Taylor Lewan higher on the board considering the way he controlled Clowney during the outback bowl and no the BIG Clowney hit was not his fault in my opinion that was a messed up blocking scheme”

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Matt Miller · 4:29 PM

I do think he could be a long-time starter at left tackle, but he's not as dominant as people want him to be. Probably a good, solid mid-line tackle in the NFL.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:30 PM

WITH THE FIFTH OVERALL PICK, THE OAKLAND RAIDERS SELECT...
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Matt Miller · 4:30 PM

And yes, I do think he's still a 1st rounder. Too many teams need tackles.
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Matt Miller · 4:31 PM

Oh, the Raiders. Khalil Mack was my pick for them. I don't think they go QB early. Watkins, if he's somehow there, would be their guy though. So, Watkins - Mack - Hageman is how I see their board.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:31 PM

★ Spotlighted from Paul Criado

“Should the Raiders target Watkins, Mack, or a QB with their first pick?”

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:31 PM

HAGEMAN AT 5?!?!?!
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:31 PM

I'd do a spit-take on set.
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Matt Miller · 4:31 PM

Don't rule it out. The Raiders are said to love him. I don't like that value, but yes, it's VERY possible.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:32 PM

It's an interesting question, where would E.J. rank in this year's class?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:33 PM

Do you think the bills regret takin a QB in first round last year rather than waiting for this QB class?
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Matt Miller · 4:33 PM

I would put E.J. around No. 5-6. I didn't love him last year, and if we're going off my grade from that time, he wouldn't be ahead of the Big 4 and probably below Mettenberger.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:34 PM

What are your current QB rankings?
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Matt Miller · 4:35 PM

Bridgewater, Manziel, Bortles, Carr, Mettenberger, McCarron, Garoppolo, Murray.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:35 PM

In your Scouting Notebook (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2024123-2014-nfl-draft-matt-millers-latest-scouting-notebook-update) you said that Manziel was the toughest evaluation you've ever had to do. Why?
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Matt Miller · 4:36 PM

When scouting you look at past successes and measure against them. Manziel doesn't fit into any previous mold. His skills are so unique that there's no path for him to follow.
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Matt Miller · 4:36 PM

So with Johnny you're projecting something you've never seen before. How well that profile works is unknown. So it's really a blind projection.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:38 PM

I'm sticking my neck out there and making a prediction. (So all of you Tawkers can call me out in a few years) I don't think Manziel is successful in the NFL. I think he might have some glorious moments, but nothing sustained.
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Matt Miller · 4:38 PM

I'll screenshot that for you.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:38 PM

Thanks...I'll regret that.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:39 PM

SPEAKING OF QUARTERBACKS THAT PEOPLE WILL BE WRONG ABOUT (Segway Magic)
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Matt Miller · 4:39 PM

I could totally see that one. The 49ers were at the VaTech pro day. Thomas would be a classic Trent Baalke grab-and-stash draft pick. You know, in case Blaine Gabbert doesn't work out...
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:40 PM

★ Spotlighted from Ethan Wendler

“Logan Thomas to the niners with a little harbaugh magic”

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:40 PM

HAHA. (Fart Noise) What percentage of success rate would you give Thomas.
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Matt Miller · 4:41 PM

Pretty low. 10%? I'm terrible at odds, but he's a case study in having all the tools and none of the awareness/production and if that can be developed.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:42 PM

He's so unpredictable. I love his upside but his film is hot garbage.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:43 PM

Ah, Derek Carr. Well, apparently he's not petitioning for his brother to be his backup...but i know a lot of teams are uncertain about him.
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Matt Miller · 4:43 PM

Oh, yes. I think it's a surprise if Carr isn't drafted in the first round. Like Lefkoe said, I know there are doubters, but it only takes one. And I think it happens.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:43 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tom Lorenzo

“Think Carr could hear his name called in the first round?”

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:43 PM

Alright, interesting question from the Twittervers: n@jetKnick24nDo you think Kelvin Benjamin is worthy of a r1 pick?
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Matt Miller · 4:44 PM

I don't. Maturity issues, weight issues, drops. Yes, he's a rare physical talent, but none of that matters if he's not motivated and buying in to the program.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:44 PM

I love Benjamin's ability to catch the ball at it's highest point...I do worry he's a one-trick pony...but that's a heckuva trick.
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Matt Miller · 4:45 PM

It sure is. And he may be great in the redzone and bad everywhere else...which does have some value.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:45 PM

Like a closer in baseball. He comes on the field, you know he's running a fade. Could be a great decoy at times.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:46 PM

Alright, Pick number 8...Vikings needing a QB...or would they wait?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:46 PM

The Vikings have been been all over Metenberger recently, I even heard Norv Turner was calling out routes to be run at his pro day. Thats about him and the Vikings?
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Matt Miller · 4:46 PM

I think they need to go QB at 8. Yes, they could wait, but the talent drop-off is pretty big. So going QB in Rd1 and maybe CB or OLB in Rd2 is a better max value.
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Matt Miller · 4:47 PM

And as for Mettenberger, I do think he's an ideal fit for Norv Turner's offense.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:47 PM

That's why I think Manziel at 8 would be the absolute wrong choice.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:48 PM

I know they like to compare him to Fran Tarkenton...well I don't think Norv Turner would even like coaching Fran.
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Matt Miller · 4:48 PM

Manziel at 8 is intriguing, but I don't know if Zimmer wants a gambler there.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:49 PM

Zimmer is trying to drive the car across the country, not risk it just months after getting the keys.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:49 PM

Let's do car comparisons..
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:49 PM

Teddy Bridgewater = Volvo
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:49 PM

Blake Bortles = Hummer
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Matt Miller · 4:49 PM

Zach Mettenberger = Ford F150
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Matt Miller · 4:49 PM

Johnny Manziel = Stolen Porsche
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:50 PM

Johnny Manziel = The new Tesla that hasn't been released yet and could implode or be the coolest car ever
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Matt Miller · 4:50 PM

Does that make AJ McCarron a Ford Focus?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:50 PM

BWAHA, I was thinking a Mini Cooper
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Matt Miller · 4:51 PM

Aaron Murray is the Mini Cooper
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:51 PM

Great point
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:51 PM

Derek Carr is a Grand Prix passed down from your older brother
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:52 PM

Logan Thomas is a Mustang...with 4 different tires, a shredded transmission and a cracked windshield.
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Matt Miller · 4:53 PM

That's perfect. With just a little work, could be great. But the investment may not be worth it.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:53 PM

(Takes Slow Bow)
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:53 PM

Alright, tangent completed.
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Matt Miller · 4:53 PM

Next time, we should do TV character comparisons. That's my true strenght.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:53 PM

Noted. Alright, back to Twitter: @NedeljkoKraj npro and cons of ATL trading up for clowney
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Matt Miller · 4:54 PM

Pros: Get a generational talent at their biggest need. Cons: Mortgaging the future (again) and missing on building a better top-to-bottom roster through depth.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:55 PM

If they made that trade, Dmitroff would be mirroring how I run a Madden franchise.
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Matt Miller · 4:55 PM

Sell out, baby.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:55 PM

Alright, another Twitter Q: @nyknicks08 n which wide receiver other than Sammy Watkins and mike Evans can contribute right away?
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Matt Miller · 4:56 PM

A lot of them. Odell Beckham, Brandin Cooks, Cody Latimer, Davante Adams... there are like 15 really good WRs in my top 100 right now.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:57 PM

I LOVE FLAME-OUTS!
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:57 PM

The Johnny Manziel 30-For-30 is going to be epic. "What If I told you..."
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Matt Miller · 4:57 PM

Blake Bortles. I've said before, no player in this draft scares me like he does. If there's no development there, he could be in and out of a starting job very soon.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:57 PM

★ Spotlighted from Dave Benson

“Can you see any of these guys being the next Ryan Leaf? Like, a total overhyped flame-out?”

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Adam Lefkoe · 4:58 PM

James, I'd kick Miller in the shin.
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Matt Miller · 4:58 PM

It will make for an interesting draft night conversation. I would disagree with the pick, obviously. With colorful off-camera language.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:58 PM

What would you guys do if for a strange cosmical reason Evans gets drafted before Watkins?
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:58 PM

Alright Miller, our first Tawkers session in the books...thoughts?
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Matt Miller · 4:59 PM

Loved it. We may have to go longer next time!
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:59 PM

I really like the flow of the conversation.
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Matt Miller · 4:59 PM

Much easier to follow than the AMAs I've done.
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Adam Lefkoe · 4:59 PM

Alright, I'm being ushered to do a video for the Buffalo Bills Draft...
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Matt Miller · 5:00 PM

Oh...enjoy that.
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Adam Lefkoe · 5:00 PM

(I think they should take Beckham Jr. over Evans)
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Adam Lefkoe · 5:00 PM

Thanks so much guys! Until next time.
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Matt Miller · 5:00 PM

Thanks for all the great questions and for all who read along with us. We'll do this again soon.
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Adam Lefkoe · 5:01 PM

This was cool guys thanks for answering haha
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Adam Lefkoe · 5:01 PM

★ Spotlighted from Dave Benson

“PS You guys are both awesome on Twitter and Bleacher Report!!”

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Adam Lefkoe · 5:01 PM

★ Spotlighted from Tom Lorenzo

“This was great! You guys are great! Those are my thoughts on it.”