Here are five things I think about the 2011 draft:
Where's the tape speed?
I think I wish I could see Julio Jones play as fast on tape as he worked out in Indy at the combine. I just can't find that speed on tape (maybe he was injured) but his incredible speed at the combine does not carry over when he puts the pads on.
Smith's off-field issues
I think CB Jimmy Smith of Colorado is a great talent and might be the second best corner in the draft, but his off-field problems concern me. He seems to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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Thomas better value than Ingram
I think Alabama's Mark Ingram is a good back, not a great back, and Daniel Thomas of Kansas State might be a better value in the draft. If a team in the first round picks Ingram, it better be sold on his ability to pass protect and stay durable.
Can 3-4 D-linemen play in space?
I think when teams draft one of these linemen for their 3-4 defense they better make sure the player can play in space. 'Backers in the 3-4 must drop, must play in space and must tackle in the open field. If they can only rush, then the defense is not a 3-4, but a high school 5-2, which does not work in the NFL.
A lying shame
I think the next few weeks I am not going to believe a word coming from teams about who they like and who they are interested in drafting. We are now entering the lying stage of the draft process.
Follow Michael Lombardi on Twitter @michaelombardi.
