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Draft Tracker: A Pick By Pick Look At Round Six
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Written by Daniel Mogollon
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Thursday, 01 May 2008 11:32
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A look at each pick in round six.
#167 Dallas Cowboys: DE Erik Walden, Middle Tennessee St.
A bit of a reach—even in the sixth round—as this Sun Belt product becomes Middle Tennessee St.’s first defensive end to ever get drafted. Walden is the school’s all-time leader in sacks with 22.5 sacks, but only two came in his senior season. It is unclear where he will fit in the Cowboys 3-4 scheme.
 Photo Credit: College Press Box (Georgia Tech)
The Ray Guy Award winner is the top punter in the draft—hands down. Brooks is the complete package—he has a booming leg that provides not only distance, but hang time as well. He has actually worked with Guy and has learned how drop the ball in the coffin corner. Brooks can also hold on kicks.
#169 Oakland Raiders: DE Trevor Scott, Buffalo
An intriguing prospect, who spent his first three seasons at Buffalo playing tight end. A phenomenal athlete with impressive measurables, Scott was a solid pickup at this point in the draft. He is raw and needs to shore up his technique, but that is to be expected considering his lack of experience. Should he smooth out those rough edges, Scott could be a hidden gem.
#170 Kansas City Chiefs: OT Barry Richardson, Clemson
The Chiefs are serious need of rejuvenation along the offensive line and this is an excellent value pick—a boom or bust project—but not much of a risk at 170. Richardson has the size and wingspan to play left tackle, and if they can coach him up and light the fire within, this former Tiger has the upside to be one of the top day two steals.
#171 New York Jets: WR Marcus Henry, Kansas
The Jets had their eye on a big receiver in this draft and while their fans wanted to draft one sooner, Henry fits the bill despite his lack of elite speed or strength. He stands at over 6’3” with a tremendous wingspan, something that neither Laveranues Coles nor Jerricho Cotchery possesses. He broke out with a 1,000-yard season in 2007, but what likely intrigued the Jets were his 10 touchdown receptions.
#172 Atlanta Falcons: RB, Thomas Brown, Georgia
The former Dawg is a solid, but not spectacular runner. While he lacks breakaway speed, Brown is solid between the tackles runner. The hometown boy will provide solid depth and is more than capable of filling in when duty calls.
#173 Houston Texans: S Dominique Barber, Minnesota
The little brother of Marion Barber is a big hitter who loves to play near the line of scrimmage, but appears to be one-dimensional. He lacks speed and is questionable in coverage. He will earn a roster spot based on his ability to contribute on special teams.
#174 San Francisco: WR Josh Morgan, Virginia Tech
The former Hokie lacks eye-popping measurables and brings some off the field baggage, but has displayed flashes of potential similar to his Tech teammates Eddie Royal (2nd Round) and Justin Harper (7th round). Morgan is good after the catch and, surprise, surprise, should be able to contribute on special teams.
#175 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OLB, Geno Hayes
He is undersized to the point that if he was faster we might be writing about a transition to safety a la Michael Boulware. Instead, Hayes will try to follow in the footsteps of another former ‘Nole, Derrick Brooks. He does not have the same upside, but he can cover ground and is a capable cover man with swagger.
#176 Miami Dolphins: RB Jalen Parmele, Toledo
The Toledo product is an efficient and patient runner who follows his blockers and gets the most out of every play. Do you really need to ask what Bill Parcells sees in him? Parmele is not spectacular but he gets the job done and is a real bargain considering his measurables were not far off those of several day one picks. He’s no relation to former ‘Phin Bernie.
#177 Cincinnati Bengals: SS Corey Lynch, Appalachian St.
The former Appalachian St. star is a special teams stud who will be an impact player in several facets of the kicking game. He has better measurables than one would expect from a FCS player, making him a potential candidate to start in the black and orange down the road.
#178 New Orleans Saints: K Taylor Mehlhaff, Wisconsin
If you’re a kicker, it has to be nice to fall to a team that plays their home games in a dome…not that Mehlhaff can’t kick in the conditions. He proved himself in the Big Ten and is capable of booming long kicks as well as pressure ones. He can also contribute on kickoffs.
#179 Buffalo Bills: Xavier Omon: RB, Northwest Missouri St.
Omon is a bruising physical back who excels between the tackles and has the frame to take the pounding—he’s built for the cold Buffalo winters. Omon will battle for the backup role behind Marshawn Lynch and could provide a powerful punch as the Bills’ number two running back.
#180 Washington Redskins: S Kareem Moore, Nichols St.
The safety out of Nichols St. may be a bit of reach and will have to make a major leap to play at the NFL level, but some view him as a hitter with upside. There appeared to be some better safety options, but the Skins liked his upside as a coverman and a returner. If he cannot win a job as a return man, Moore may struggle to make the roster.
#181 Carolina Panthers: DT Nick Hayden, Wisconsin
Looking to file the gaping hole from the Kris Jenkins trade, the Panthers decided to tab Hayden with this pick. The former Badger is solid and appears to have room to bulk up even further. He’s not much of a pass rusher, but plays the run very well and will make the life of the Carolina linebackers easier.
#182 Kansas City Chiefs: WR Kevin Robinson, Utah St.
Robinson’s value now is primarily as a return specialist. He is a phenomenal open field runner who is decisive and capable of breaking off some big punt returns. Considering the struggles the KC offense will have, this ability is invaluable. A bit of a project as a receiver, Robinson could find a role in the slot.
#183 Denver Broncos: ILB Spencer Larsen, Arizona
While he lacks ideal speed, Larsen is an instinctive player who will provide solid depth with a chance to start down the road. He is a player who outperforms his measurables and from a value perspective, could be the Broncos best pick of the weekend. Larsen is tough and should be a solid special teamer as well.
#184 Philadelphia Eagles: OG Michael Gibson, Cal
At the very least, Gibson will provide value as a backup along the offensive line as he is capable of playing either guard or tackle. His upside is at guard where he can use his athleticism in the open field. Gibson played tackle at the college level like another Eagles’ pick, Mike McGlynn, and will be better for the experience.
#185 Arizona Cardinals: DE Chris Harrington, Texas A & M
Harrington is a good character guy who is an all effort type of player, but he lacks upside—what you see, is what you get. Harrington can provide some depth and give the starters some reps off on running downs. He could be a solid role player.
#186 Washington Redskins: QB Colt Brennan, Hawaii
Well wouldn’t you know it…the Redskins go for the flashy name, but do not fool yourself into think this was a good value pick. At best he is a third stringer, if he makes the team. Yes, he has a quick release, but whenever the spotlight was on him, Brennan failed to perform.
#187 Minnesota Vikings: C John Sullivan, Notre Dame
Sullivan lacks impressive measurables, but he is a smart and productive player who brings tremendous value at this point in the draft, especially considering how weak this year’s center crop is. It would not surprise at all if Sullivan ends up as the heir apparent to Matt Birk in Minnesota.
#188 Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB, Mike Humpal
Not bad value, but not sure where he fits. He lacks the speed, athleticism and the pass rushing abilities Pittsburgh typically looks for in their outside linebackers. It’s possible he is being viewed as a special teams player or maybe even an inside linebacker in their scheme. He has some durability issues.
#189 Seattle Seahawks: LS Tyler Schmitt San Diego St.
I guess the Seahawks believe they have filled most, if not all, of their needs if they are drafting a long snapper who basically has no other position. He is accurate with his snaps and athletic enough to get involved in coverage.
#190 Cleveland Browns: DT Ahtyba Rubin, Iowa St.
This was a tremendous value at this point of the draft for a 3-4 team, especially when you consider how few legitimate nose men come out each season. Rubin has the girth and he plays with leverage, using his lower body strength to his advantage. He may lack playmaking skills, but that’s not what the Browns are looking for here.
#191 Cleveland Browns: WR Paul Hubbard, Wisconsin
Unlike Rubin, the third Badger off the board in this round does not lack impressive measurables. Hubbard’s size and speed have day-one written all over him. but his production indicates he is more than worthy of a simple tryout. If the light does turn on with this impressive talent, he could end up making the Browns’ Brass look very smart.
#192 San Diego Chargers: CB DeJuan Tribble
A great value pick for the Super Chargers. He may not have starter potential, but Tribble has the short area quickness to be an effective coverman in the slot, which in today’s NFL is nearly as valuable. He can also play on special teams. Tribble’s game has been picked apart to the point he was underrated.
#193 Minnesota Vikings: WR Jaymar Johnson, Jackson St.
The Jackson St. product has good speed and his value is as a playmaker—he can reach paydirt from anywhere on the field, including as a return man. This was decent value, but it’s unclear where he fits with Aundrae Allison on the roster.
#194 Pittsburgh Steelers: S Ryan Mundy, West Virginia
The former Michigan Man-turned-Mountaineer was an average college defensive back. Nothing about him is overly impressive, but he is a solid coverman and spent some time at corner at the college level.
#195 Miami Dolphins: OG, Donald Thomas, UConn
The former Husky is oozing with potential and was one of the most physically gifted linemen in this draft, with the talent to start down the road. Thomas did not physically dominate, but if he gets a stronger base, he could surprise.
#196 Indianapolis Colts: TE Tom Santi, Virginia
The technically sound tight end isn’t going to wow you with his size, strength or speed, but could be an effective backup with the Colts. He lacks upside, but does things right and should benefit from all the attention paid to the playmakers in Indy. Santi can also contribute on special teams, adding to his value.
#197 New England Patriots: LB Bo Ruud, Nebraska
Ruud is one of those linebackers that just seem to fit the Pats. He’s a better football player than he is an athlete—he knows how to play the game. Not sure if he will ever be more than a backup due to his lack of athleticism and durability, but Rudd should provide depth and contribute on special teams.
#198 New York Giants: QB Andre’ Woodson, Kentucky
An interesting pick—Woodson has good value at this point in the draft, but at the same time you wonder if he will settle for holding a clipboard with no real opportunity in sight. If he cleans up his technique and speeds up his delivery, Woodson has the raw ability to play in the league. He could have trade value.
#199 New York Giants: DE Robert Henderson, Southern Mississippi
Looking for depth at the end position--they certainly don’t need many more playmakers--the Giants pluck the former Golden Eagle. A big guy without a lot of speed, Henderson is more of a run stopper who may have upside as an interior pass rusher.
#200 Philadelphia Eagles: ILB Joe Mays, North Dakota St.
The FCS product has good size, but lacks ideal skills and athleticism. He looks like a better fit in a 3-4 defense, where he wouldn’t have to cover as much ground. Mays likes to lay the wood, something they will like in Philly.
#201 Indianapolis Colts: C Steven Justice, Wake Forest
Overrated heading into the season, Justice has dropped so much that he could end up being a steal. He moves very well for a center and is more of a developmental pick at this point. With Jeff Saturday there and Mike Pollack (can also play guard) an earlier pick, Justice will have time to get bigger and stronger.
#202 Indianapolis Colts: RB Mike Hart, Michigan
Talk about value…this former Michigan Wolverine has been among the most productive runners the last four years. Though not very big or fast, Hart is a capable runner, who does not show any fear on the gridiron. Pound for pound, he is arguably the toughest player in the draft and will be a solid contributor for years to come.
#203 Philadelphia Eagles: DE Andrew Studebaker, Wheaton
Another small school product who appears to be better suited to play in a 3-4 scheme. Is he an end or a linebacker? What the Eagles will do is unleash this impressive athlete on special teams and on passing situations. He has upside as a situational pass rusher.
#195 Miami Dolphins: FB Lex Hilliard, Montana
A bit of a tweener, Hilliard is not a pure running back or fullback. He needs to get stronger and improve his technique as blocker, but ultimately Hilliard looks like he will end up as a lead blocker with the potential to be an effective short yardage runner. He’ll provide depth at running back in a pinch.
#205 Indianapolis Colts: WR Pierre Garcon, Mount Union
Garcon is not a playmaker in terms of his ability to stretch the defense or make plays after the catch, even though he was a return man in college. He knows how to get open and can go up and get it but will need time to develop coming from DIII.
#206 Baltimore Ravens: SS Haruki Nakamura, Cincinnati
A solid college player who may fall short at the next level, Nakamura will have trouble overcoming his lack of size and speed. Strong safety is not the Ravens’ deepest position, but Nakamura looks like a back up/special teamer at best.
#207 Cincinnati Bengals: TE Matt Sherry, Villanova
Watch out, but the Bengals may have found their tight end of the future in this ‘Nova product. He needs to get bigger, stronger and improve his blocking, but his raw potential as a pass catcher makes this a nice pick to close out the 6th round.
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