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SIs Overrated/Underrated

this is a discussion within the Saints Community Forum; http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...errated/1.html Just a few tidbits that caught my attention as we think about day 1 and then even more intriguing ideas for day 2. Overrated: Winston Justice, USC The former Long Beach Poly standout has had a massive rep from ...

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Old 04-26-2006, 11:25 AM   #1
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SIs Overrated/Underrated

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...errated/1.html

Just a few tidbits that caught my attention as we think about day 1 and then even more intriguing ideas for day 2.

Overrated: Winston Justice, USC
The former Long Beach Poly standout has had a massive rep from the day he walked on campus, drawing comparisons to Trojan legend Anthony Munoz when he started at left tackle. But then he missed an entire season when he was suspended for pointing a plastic gun at a student. When he returned last year, he wasn't all that dominating, and in fact the dirty little secret at Heritage Hall was that Justice, easily the most hyped of USC's lineman, was actually the unit's weak link (relatively speaking). Scouts are enamored with his physical capabilities (6-6, 320 pounds) and athleticism, but in truth he's an extremely risky pick who could easily wind up a bust.
Underrated: Marcus McNeill, Auburn
It's absolutely flabbergasting that this guy is expected to slip to the second round. For one thing, he's a towering 6-7, 336 pounds. He started four consecutive years in the SEC, facing some of the most menacing pass-rushers in the country, and didn't allow a single sack the past three seasons. He was the anchor of a powerful Tigers O-line that helped produce the conference's top offense last season and a powerful running game throughout his career. Apparently there are concerns about his back (he's had chronic problems), but I'd be more concerned for the backs of the defenders he pancakes.
If McNeill by some fluke slid into round 3 or 4, I'd snap him up quick. (Note to Loomis, get 3rd round pick somehow).

Underrated: Spencer Havner, UCLA
By all accounts, Havner is considered a second-day guy, which is odd. All he does is make tackles. Lots of them. All over the field. He had 96 as a freshman, 82 as a sophomore, 125 as a junior and 99 as a senior. Last year he also added 15 tackles for loss, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. I realize he's more instinctual than athletic, and that he was often the lone bright spot on a really bad defense, but it's hard to believe scouts aren't willing to put more stock in four years of solid, consistent production.
Underrated: Will Blackmon, Boston College
Geez, you move to receiver for a year and they forget all about you. Blackmon is buried far down most cornerbacks lists, which is puzzling, considering a year ago this time he was widely regarded as one of the top college corners. He's a smooth, fast (4.47) playmaker who notched three interceptions in both his sophomore and junior seasons before moving to receiver last year and catching 51 passes for 763 yards. If nothing else, Blackmon would make a great return specialist for someone, but based on current projections he might not even get drafted.
Either of these guys are worth taking in round 5 or later.
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Old 04-26-2006, 02:14 PM   #2
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RE: SIs Overrated/Underrated

I would love to see us take Blackmon. I've been singing his praised for a while because I've seen his athletic ability first hand. He was a guy who moved to wide receiver his senior season because that's what his team needed, even though he would have known that the move would hurt his draft stock. In his first season as a WR, he was able to rack up 734 yards and 4 touchdowns, and that's playing on a team who only threw the ball 195 times (JaMarcus Russell threw it 310 times). The guy is a VERY GOOD athlete and he seems to be a very good teammate as well. It's also a bonus that he's very versatile in that he can play CB and WR.

I seriously doubt that McNeill goes past the second round.
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Old 04-26-2006, 02:23 PM   #3
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RE: SIs Overrated/Underrated

I could see Blackmon working his way opposite MM by week 10.

Havener's injury history worries me a little.
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Old 04-26-2006, 02:48 PM   #4
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RE: SIs Overrated/Underrated

Also, Pac 10 defenders? Hmmmmmm......
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