Nice write up Mitch and for the most part I agree with everything you said. I'm not trying to hijack the thread, but instead of responding to every section of your post I through together my thoughts:
I was very happy about the draft. The fact that Everette Brown, a guy that a lot of people thought was a LOCK for the top 15, dropped to #43 overall has got to raise a few red flags. A few teams passed on him, not once, but twice which tells me that they really don't feel good about his size or some other aspect of his game. He relies mainly on his speed and spin move to get to the QB, so once tackles adjust to that he is going to have major issues rushing the QB until he works on other techniques. I would have been very aggravated if the team traded away 2010's 1st rounder to trade up for him in the 2nd. Cody Brown has a lot of potential and like most pass rushers will take some time to develop, so I'm fine with what we did there. My thoughts on the rest of the draft..
Beanie Wells - Hated this pick initially, not because I questioned his skill level but because I'm worried about how he will hold up in the NFL. Obviously our medical staff and coach Whiz were not worried by his foot, so I will trust their decision and look forward to what he can do for us. He is the perfect back for Whiz because not only is he a 235 pound bruiser, but a legitimate threat to break a big run on you as well. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of vicious stiff arms next season!
Cody Brown - Already touched on this guy in my first paragraph
Rashad Johnson - He was an absolute STEAL in the 3rd round, Saban said he is the smartest player he has ever coached and he is also a complete ball hawk. He is a great backup for Rolle if he were to get hurt and also for the future if we can't work out a deal with him. Also, I think he will be able to step in at FS this year from the get go and I believe that in nickel formations we will have Rolle playing the nickel corner/safety slot and we will have RJ move to FS. Then, in dime Toler or Brown will fight to be the #4 corner on the field.
Gregory Toler - I had never heard of him until the draft, but from what I've read after the selection I like the pick. He's got all of the athletic abilities and while I definitely do not expect this small school corner to come around as quickly as DRC did (he is a freak) I think he will definitely be able to start as our #4 corner sometime this season (possibly #3) and eventually we will groom him to be the #3 and #2 guy if McFadden isn't resigned in 2 seasons.
Herman "House" Johnson - Just a complete mammoth of a man, I think there is an outside chance he starts this year but if not I look forward to seeing him opening up holes for Wells, THT, and hopefully LaRod. Like Grimm said, you can't teach size, and this guy was projected as a 2nd or 3rd rounder, so we got great value.
Will Davis - Don't know much about him and heard he had an injury and a crummy year, hopefully he can turn that around and eventually make an impact for us in another season or two.
Trevor Canfield - Another inside lineman with superb value in the 7th round, he was projected to go much higher and I really like the depth and competition we now have at guard with Johnson, Canfield, and possibly Keith (if we move him inside like I believe we will) lighting a fire under Deuce's rear. I'm not a fan of Deuce, so I'm glad we've got three suitable players to take his starting position.
LaRod Stephens-Howling - I loved this guy after I listened to his conference call, he obviously has his heart set on playing in the NFL and I hope we found ourselves a Darren Sproles clone. I'm pulling for him to make the team and I think this guy will quickly be a fan favorite if he does. We needed a change of pace back after JJ departed and I think eventually LSH will fill into that role.
I'm definitely looking forward to this upcoming season! September can't come soon enough!!
