Thursday, April 17, 2008

Mayo Skyrocketing up Draft Boards

Pro Football Weekly reports that Tennessee linebacker Jerod Mayo is skyrocketing up many teams draft boards. Some have even intimated that they feel Mayo has overtaken Rivers as the top linebacker in the draft. While there's little debate that Mayo possesses superior athleticism, Rivers is easily the more polished of the two.

Many have conjectured that Denver will draft Mayo with their first overall pick in this year's draft, including ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr. Mayo's current skillset makes him a better fit at WLB than at our position of need, MLB; however, many feel he can be an effective MLB at the next level, given time. With free agent acquisition Niko Koutivides on the roster, Denver arguably has that. What's more, Mayo is an excellent zone defender, meaning he could conceivably see some playing time on special teams and in Nickel packages while he acclimates to the defense. Still, that's an awfully small role for a player that would garner first round money. I don't see this pick happening, but seeing as Mayo has solidified himself as a first round pick, I thought it was worth mentioning.

Another possible suitor for Jerod Mayo is the Detroit Lions, who'd love to find a talent to compliment Erie Sims. Should Mayo continue his climb, there may be demand to move ahead of Detroit in the draft. Chicago and Denver are the most likely suitors for such a team. When you add Mayo to the crowded list of talent that will undoubtedly be available with the 12th overall pick, Denver figures to have an easy time moving down and adding an extra first day pick.

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