re: Kiper's new 3 round mock draft is out. He has the Saints selecting

quote:

---

In regards to mock drafts, I was curious and...

---

1 & 5 yr Mock Drafts scored

After Mack & Barr the 3-4 OLBs drop off to more like 2nd Rd quality (Ford, Attaochu, Shazier). They're pickable but look more towards reach than value.

Mosley is undersized for the middle but could be the only inside backer taken in the 1st, maybe even 2nd Rd. He's compared to Lavonte David. HERE is who 5 NFL personnel executives compared him to-

Executive No. 1: Giants LB Jon Beason

"Mosley is a better version of a young Jon Beason. He's a little better against both the run and the pass."

Executive No. 2: Former Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks

"His instincts and playmaking ability remind me of Derrick Brooks."

Executive No. 3: Browns LB D'Qwell Jackson

"He's a younger, more athletic version of D'Qwell Jackson. He's an active, instinctive linebacker with good toughness. He's not a great take-on guy."

Executive No. 4: Panthers LB Luke Kuechly

"He reminds me a lot of Kuechly. They are both athletic in coverage and they rely more on instincts than pure strength to make plays against the run."

Executive No. 5: 49ers LB NaVorro Bowman

"If I had to choose one guy, I'd say Bowman. However, I also see a lot of similar traits that I saw in Thomas Davis and Sean Weatherspoon when they were coming out of college."

Verdict: One vote apiece for Beason, Brooks, Jackson, Kuechly and Bowman.

Conclusion: I was a little surprised we didn't see a name pop up more than once but I can't argue with any of the players mentioned above. I saw a little bit of each of those players when I studied Mosley over the summer. There is never a perfect match when comparing players during the draft process, but there are definitely singular traits that different players share. In this case, each of the linebackers listed above has a strong reputation built on instincts and athleticism. Those are two outstanding qualities for a linebacker, and these executives believe Mosley grades out strong in both areas.

--high praise