My Top 5: 1st rd draft prospects, Series 2
So yesterday I covered David Decastro, the consensus number 1 OG in this years draft. Today I will cover this guy:
Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State - 6'7 - 320
- A tall, long armed, athletically built offensive tackle. Displays good initial quickness off the snap in the pass game. Demonstrates the ability to keep his base down on his initial power step off the line from a two-point stance, but will bend at the waist and get upright when asked to play from a three point stance. Nevertheless, the guy can bend.
- Shows natural fluidity in the hips and good short area quickness toward the edge and when asked to mirror. Struggles with balance and footwork at times, gets overextended when trying to shuffle and slide on a counter. Needs to continue to clean up his lower half technique and do a better job staying more compact and balanced when changing directions. However, looks much more balanced as a senior and seems more patient in space and trusts his technique much more in 2011. Is long armed and keeps his hands up in order to protect his frame, and again has improved his punch as a senior, looking more coordinated and patient into contact as he keeps his chest plate clean.
- Is an athletic kid who has a burst off the football and when he keeps his pad level own he can create a jolt. At times will get upright which negates his leverage, but does have some in-line power. Is at his best crashing down the line inside and delivering a nasty punch in order to seal the edge. Also, possesses the short area quickness/coordination to reach blocks on the edge and is comfortable in space. Gets a bit overextended trying to breakdown, but for the most part will hit his man. Will miss the first five games of the season for being part of the Ohio State scandal where he was said to have sold memorabilia for benefits.
- Impression: He's a talented kid with a big frame, long arms and natural movement skills. He can bend and if he can put it all together and continue to improve his footwork he could certainly mature into a starting caliber left tackle in the NFL.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/college_player_scouting_report.html&player=35913
Mike Adams showed well with his performance at the Senior Bowl. He was able to protect the QB from some of the countries premiere pass rushers. He did well moving his feet and keeping the rusher on the edge. He has all the physical tools and technique to be great, and his stock rose undoubtedly based on his performance. Most believe he can be a very good LT at the NFL level. While he does come with some baggage and character concerns, I think our team has enough quality leadership from our veterans and a good atmosphere to make those concerns a non issue. Based on talent alone, I believe he is the 2nd best OT prospect after Matt Kalil, but do to the character concerns his stock fell. He could very well be the steal of the first round.
The best part about this scenario is that Adams is projected to be available into the 20s. If we can find a willing trade partner, perhaps a team that falls in love with Kuechly or somebody most likely gone before their pick, we can trade down with them for an additional draft pick, thus securing perhaps a 2nd rounder and a great prospect at OT. This may be my personal favorite because
A) I really like Adams and believe he is a better prospect then Reiff and Martin which makes this pick an incredible bargain.
B) We get a 2nd or extra 3rd round pick.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Revenge of the Birds' (ROTB) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of ROTB's editors.
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I'm a big advocate of BPA,
no matter what the roster looks like, while I’m not Brown’s biggest hater, this guy screams “inconsistent athletic force of nature” sorry, If we are to spend a first round pick on an OT they need to be the next coming of Anthony Munoz or Jonathan Ogden.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
I dont hate Browm either
I hate Kieth, and this guy could be a probowl RT. As I said, the bonus of drafting Adams is the extra pick we would acquire.
by cgcardzfan on Jan 31, 2012 12:26 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
First
Thanks for putting the link on this one. I don’t know, I feel like we need a top prospect LT if we are drafting one. We cannot afford to have a minimal improvement on the OT position from our draft pick… I would prefer to stay at our pick if we can get him because realistically how would the #2 OT prospect go in the 20’s when they are in such demand?
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
I think the importance of the left tackle position gets a bit over played. In the current NFL there are three key aspects to winning, Quarterback, Pass Rush and Turnovers.
Can you name the starting LT for the Superbowl teams of the past 5 years? The only one that was actually considered anything above the average was Matt Light of the 2007 Patriots. Since the turn of the Millenium the only teams that took an elite left tackle to the Superbowl were the 2001 Rams (Loss) and the 2005 Patriots (Loss).
And elite QB can make an average LT look great. Look at what having Kurt Warner did for playing Mike Gandy, a converted guard, at LT for the Cardinals.
The holy grail of football is getting that Quarterback. You have a shot, you give up the house for that player and build around them.
Follow me on twitter @kenthodder
by khodder on Jan 31, 2012 2:35 AM MST up reply actions 2 recs
khodder, your '3 keys to winning' is over simplified IMO.
Let me help expand; the QB relies on his LT to protect him. How many hits/pressures/sacks did Kurt take in his time with AZ? He had to scramble multiple times due to the poor oline play, he was injured multiple times in 09, including a concussion agaisnt my other team, the Rams. He took a beating while playing for the Cards. You can’t throw if your’ injured or running for your life from a huge Dlineman!
To answer your question: Jonathon Ogden for the Ravens and obviously Matt Light has helped in MORE than one SB. Bushrod played real good for the Saints. More importantly, how many QB’s or coaches do you think would agree with your statement?
Who did the Bucs have at QB when they won the SB? How about Oakland? Did they have elite QB’s or a system that asked little of them and more of other players? I don’t think players like Brad Johnson & Rich Gannon can be used in the same sentance of ‘holy grail QB’s’ like Warner, Brady, Brees & other SB winners.
I just don’t agree with your oversimplified statement. It takes a team to win games, that has not changed in the NFL.
The only way to explain it is by using Burfict as an example
Burfict is clearly and by far the most talented LB in this years draft. And if it wasn’t for character concerns and Andrew Luck, Burfict would most likely be looked at as the best player in this draft much like Patrick Peterson was last season. But since people aren’t sure about him, he will likely be a late 1st rd pick.
While Mike Adams isn’t anywhere near as “crazy” as Burfict, his stock has still dropped. The reason being mostly because he was part of the Ohio State scandal, as one of the players that traded merchandise for tattoos.
Talent wise, I believe Adams is 2nd to Kalil. He is a better pass blocker then both Martin (who I think is over hyped) and Rieff (who is undersized). And just as good of a run blocker.
I’ll tell you what, the team that picks Burfict will not regret it. He is gonna be good. My friends step brother is an Offensive Lineman for ASU and we’ve had conversations about Burfict. He pretty much said Burfict was ripped apart by the media and that he’s not half the bad guy or a headcase like people say.
by cgcardzfan on Jan 31, 2012 5:27 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Do they think Burfict is going that high?
He was horrible this season. He was way overweight and made about a million mistakes.
by forget on Jan 31, 2012 9:15 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
I disagree
that Burfict is by far the most talented LB in this draft. He can’t line himself up nor his defense, he doesn’t know his own responsibilities. That’s just a start. He is a very talented individual with the potential to be far and away the best LB, but not right now.
I’d take Hightower over him in a second.
there's no doubt that he can move well for his size.
but he’s so dumb. so dumb.
watching him play is one of the most frustrating things you can do lol
Hightower had the supporting cast
That made him look good. Replace Burfict with Hightower in ASU defense, he wouldn’t even be a 1st rd pick.
by cgcardzfan on Jan 31, 2012 1:57 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Well then your blind,
Burfict is ABSOLUTELY the most talented LB in this class, and if we get so lucky as to draft him he will change the identity of our defense. Hightower is a product of Saban and nothing more.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
by INSOMAN1ATIC on Jan 31, 2012 5:15 PM MST up reply actions
You guys
saying it’s all Saban or Alabama, what a great point. Alabama hasn’t produced any football players that are any good. M. Dareus, sucks. Rolando McClain, sucks. In fact, the whole team just sucks. All smoke and mirrors.
Burfict is a project. If he gets on the field his rookie year, he’ll be a nightmare because he won’t know what to do, he’ll get frustrated, he’ll then commit 3 personal fouls, and if he isn’t pulled from the game, he’ll get kicked out after cheap shotting someone. The guy is a mental midget.
Hightower will have a better career.
Wait,
Did I say he sucked? No I didn’t, but just take a look at Rashad Johnson Saban called him the smartest player he ever had I believe. Former Tide players get extra hype and it doesn’t make them better.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
Dareus had a decent year but he hasn't been around that long
McClain hasn’t turned out to be the beast they expected him to be.
Thats all speculation and assumptions on your part there
about Burfict. Realistically, nobody outside of the team knows his personality enough to say he’s a “headcase.” I mean have you ever met him?
by cgcardzfan on Feb 1, 2012 10:09 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Very true,
outside of one interview on I believe Rome is Burning, I haven’t seen or read much about Burfict except that he pulls a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde on and off the field.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
He's also the biggest headcase of the entire draft
So take your high risk/high reward pick and roll the dice.
Go big or go home!! Bet big to win big!!
by Steamin' Beamin' on Feb 1, 2012 3:23 PM MST up reply actions
I see what you are saying
But if Adams is only dropping from the scandal then he has a much better chance to succeed at the next level IMO. Burfict was not good this season at all and everything he does screams headcase. I have seen so many stupid penalties from him…. He wouldn’t talk to the media so that he wouldn’t say something stupid.
I still think the most telling thing is that the other coaches in his conference don’t even make him an honorable mention for All Pac-12 team this season. He was supposed to be the best defensive player in the country possibly and he doesn’t even make honorable mention in a conference with bad defense overall.
"If Gortat pulls off a real Dream Shake in-game this year I will shave my head.
Mark my words." Piotr Szczesniak 12/12/11 2:12 PM
Cardinals, Suns, D-backs for life!
Im not sayin Burfict didnt have a bad year
Cause he did. But that happens. Dockett, Wilson, DRC, all had bad years last year. That doesn’t make them bad players. People are to critical of Burfict. He may or may not deserve it. But he’s a 21 year old kid that just hasn’t matured yet. It will happen. He will be a pro bowl LB in the NFL.
Talent wise, people have been saying he’s the best LB in the country for the past 2 years.
by cgcardzfan on Jan 31, 2012 1:56 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
well, those guys didn't have as bad a year as Burfict...
it was to the point where the coaches would take him out of games, it wasn’t even worth keeping him in there anymore.
I wouldn’t touch him with a 1000 ft pole
Yea I know alot of people feel the sane way as you
But just wait till next season. I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say he gets defensive rookie of the year and makes everybody look stupid for doubting him.
by cgcardzfan on Jan 31, 2012 6:00 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Forget, you couldn't be more right.
you know why Burfict isn’t coming back? Aside from having no desire to stay with ASU, he also would be academically ineligible to play much like half of his sophomore season. I will eat my words if he turns out to be something, but this guy has BUST written all over him. Not worth the risk in the first round, maybe 2nd or 3rd. Defensive Rookie of the Year???? What are you smoking because I would like some of that!
by Superfizzogotflow on Jan 31, 2012 11:27 PM MST up reply actions
The consensus #2 LT is just that ... a bunch of people believing Reiff and Martin to be above Adams but as we all know that isn't always fact. Hell sometimes the #1 consensus player at a position is way off.
Yes you Mandrich … how you went before Barry I’ll never understand.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
This has been and will continue to be what I hope the Cards do come Draft Day 1. There are a few things that could change my thinking: FA, Trade or someone truly impresses at the Combine.
Other than that this has been and will be what I hope happens. IMHO Adams is going to be an elite LT in the NFL for years to come.
Next year I hope we can somehow get Sam Montgomery from LSU – not necessarily in the 1st round just somewhere in the draft.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
Mike Adams would be the third on my list for playing ability.
just behind Khalil and Reiff. He is better than Martin however his character concerns could be an issue and may halt team from drafting him. Because of this I list him as my fourth tackle.
Huge fan of the Steelers. (that includes "Steelers West")
"If I could start my life over again, I would be a professional football player and you better damn well believe a Pittsburgh Steeler!"- Jack Lambert
Character concerns?
Come on man, just like Newton and Pryor the guy knows he is a brand and he was selling it. That hardly makes him a headcase.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
i agree with INSOM1ATIC
burfict is the most talented linebacker in this class he is perfect for the cardinals and will be an amazing duo with washington yeah he has character issues but still by far the best linebacker in this class
Burfict needs a strong personality to guide him
For every Michael Jordan there are 100 better who failed. Talent means nothing if you can’t put it together. Just ask Ryan Leaf, JaMarcus Russel, Courtney Brown, Ron Dayne, etc, etc.
Ok,
If we land him, at best we get the next Ray Lewis and worst he turns out like Odel Thurmann? Either way I’ll take the few seasons of the second coming of Thurman and still consider it a win.
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
since you're comparing him to Odel Thurman and calling it a win if he has a similar career...
Thurman was awesome as a rookie (98 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbes and 5 picks) but the problem was, he never played another game in the NFL. He’s 28 years old and playing in the UFL right now. Is one productive season all you really expect from the 13th overall pick?
I can’t think of a comparable LB prospect to Burflict but PacMan Jones keeps coming to mind as a comparable knucklehead. A clearly gifted player with the mind of a juvenile.
Go big or go home!! Bet big to win big!!
by Steamin' Beamin' on Feb 3, 2012 10:17 AM MST up reply actions
Hey,
The FO gave up far more than a first round pick for a QB that can’t stay healthy, why not take the gamble
Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.
by INSOMAN1ATIC on Feb 3, 2012 12:46 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
This is from the latest mock by Bleacher Report. I find it funny how they say all these great things about him in the Pitt system which is spot on what Grimm is about. A great combine and this kid isn't a reach at 13.
Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
Mike Adams made his presence known in the Senior Bowl and now continues to climb up draft boards. The Steelers need help in solidifying their offensive line, and Adams fits the mold of linemen Pittsburgh loves to bring in.
Adams is a massive tackle that has great strength to go along with outstanding footwork. The Steelers could place him almost anywhere on the line and he could start and be effective. Protecting Ben Roethlisberger is key, and Adams will do just that in an impressive manner.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
Latest from WalterFootball.com mock....the key sentence being the last in the 1st paragraph.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2012_1.php
Detroit finally lands a left tackle! No, I’m not forcing one to the front office. Mike Adams just happens to be the top consensus player available in the wake of his prolific Senior Bowl performance. He completely shut down Quinton Coples in the game.
The Lions have needed left tackle help for years. They’ll now be forced into making a move for one because Jeff Backus will be a free agent in March.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
Just for giggles to top off my link fest I thought I'd throw up Bucky's latest mock for nfl.com. Now keep in mind all these mocks have had Coples in the Top 10. Adams outplayed Coples in the Senior Bowl so you tell me.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2012/mock-drafts/bucky-brooks/75000
First off the great Brooks has this to say of Coples @ pick 7 for Jax:
After dominating the competition at the Senior Bowl, Coples’ stock is on the rise as the premier defensive end in the 2012 draft. Although questions persist about his motor following his uninspired performance as a senior, his dismantling of elite offensive tackles in Mobile will certainly force the Jaguars to consider him as a potential force on the edge.
Then he sums up Adams for the Chargers pick @ 18:
Adams was one of the most impressive offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl and has the ability to become an immediate starter at left tackle, if Marcus McNeill is unable to return to health.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender
To be fair to Bucky his mock came out 2 days before the actual Senior Bowl game was played.
"The point is, by my standards, I won fair and square."
-Bender

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