Brandon Sweeney: Jared, thank you so much for joining us at Pro Football Hotline today. Are you ready for Thursday Night?
Jared Counterman: Draft day is a close second to Christmas my friend. Very excited.
Brandon Sweeney: I can't argue with that. Let's take a look at this Draft class. What players right off the bat spark your eye?
Jared Counterman: Well obviously Cam Newton is the one that sticks in your head. He's such a rare talent. It's hard not to think about what he could be. We haven't seen such a fluid athlete at that position in quite some time. Leonard Hankerson (WR/Miami), Rodney Hudson(Florida Sate), and David Mims (OT/Virgina Union) are just some of the guys that stand out in my evaluation.
Brandon Sweeney: I agree Jared. No one can argue that Newton doesn't have talent. Do you think that the Panthers are going to take him number one overall?
Jared Counterman: From everything that I've heard from all my NFL people, teams are starting to build their draft boards around Carolina taking him number one. You know what they say about this time of year though. I think Carolina really wanted to move down and pick that second rounder back up, but unfortunately I haven't heard of many teams being remotely interested in that pick.
Brandon Sweeney: Being the good scout that you are, tell us how important intangibles are. Is it something that you shouldn't overlook? Name a few players in this class that has some great intangibles.
Jared Counterman: I'm not sure about the good scout stuff and all, but as a talent evaluator intangibles are the first thing I look for. Passion for the game, work ethic, and desire are all vital to success at any level. If a player has those, there's a place for him. Intangibles are a big part of my final grade on a guy. Jake Locker has all the intangibles you would ever want. Mark Herzlich (LB/Boston College), Greg McElroy(QB/Alabama), and Mark Ingram (RB/Alabama) are other guys that are elite talents and elite members of the community.
Brandon Sweeney: As we get closer to the draft, many people are talking about all these guys that are going to be good at the next level. Talk about the some players that could disappoint.
Jared Counterman: I'm really concerned about Nick Fairley's game. I think he got away with a lot in college. Not a big fan of the guys that pop onto the scene in one year. Fairley exposes his chest area far to much. In the NFL, blockers will have a field day with that. I think Christian Ponder (QB/Florida State) and Colin Kaepernick (QB/Nevada) have big disappointment potential. Both need to be handled with care. Take the time to develop them. Neither is ready to play at the NFL level right now. I keep harping on Tyron Smith being overrated. More of an athlete than an offensive tackle. He's got tremendous upside, but I wouldn't touch him in the first round. There's a reason that he played RT at USC.
Brandon Sweeney: We are going to start naming a few prospects and you just tell us his strengths, weaknesses, and where you can see him playing. Ahmad Black SS, Florida.
Jared Counterman: I've been a huge fan of Black. He's by far the most instinctual safety in this class. Fantastic balls skills. You never seen him miss a tackle, he understands how to separate receivers from the ball. If he was 6'1 ft 210 pounds he'd be a first round pick.
Brandon Sweeney: You hear a lot about Jimmy Smith cornerback from Colorado. However, you don't hear much about his teammate Jalil Brown. Tell us about him. What team can you see him playing for?
Jared Counterman: Jimmy Smith deserves every bit of buzz that he gets. From a talent perspective, Smith is right there with Peterson and Amukamara. Jalil Brown, however, is somewhat under the radar like you said. So many people focus on Smith, but he wasn't the only quality corner Colorado had. Brown will probably come off the board in the 4th-5th round. He has scheme diversity going for him.
Brandon Sweeney: Brian Rolle, the outside linebacker from the Ohio State University. Is this guy a sleeper in your eyes?
Jared Counterman: Completely. Rolle gets knocked because of his size, but he's and elite tackler, also he's a great run and chase 4-3 OLB. Could be a pro-bowl special teams guy. High motor.
Brandon Sweeney: Give us a few of your sleepers for a couple positions.
Jared Counterman: I think David Mims OT, Virginia Union is insanely talented and will surprise on draft day. Adam Froman QB, Louisville is a really smart football player that may be a real steal late. Donald Buckram RB, UTEP is someone to watch.
Brandon Sweeney: What teams need to have the biggest draft this year?
Jared Counterman: I'd say this year everyteam needs to be on their game. Without free agency, the 2011 draft is the only avenue teams have to improve. The first round is always vital, but you have to get your guys in every round. This has to be the most important and intriguing draft in recent memory.
Brandon Sweeney: Alright Jared, we getting to the end of this interview. For our last question, would you please tell us some things that we must look out for during the Draft? Any players that we did not mention, team trades, etc.
Jared Counterman: I've got a small hunch that Carolina may throw a huge wrench in the draft. If Cam doesn't go number one overall, this draft will be really interesting. I've heard some things on both side of the story. A good friend of mine, who is close to the Panthers front office, swears that Cam is the guy. It just seems like too much of a risk to me, I can't see Mr. Hurney taking a guy with the questions Cam has. Watch out for Cam Jordan, he could really shock the draft community. I've mocked him to Cleveland at number six for some time. He could be a real wild card on the 28th. I think any love for Andy Dalton is a smoke screen. He might go a lot lower than most think. Ricky Stanzi could go ahead of him.This is a can't miss draft. Gotta watch this one fan or not.
Brandon Sweeney: I agree. Jared Counterman everyone! Jared, thank you so much for coming on and giving us a closer look inside the draft. Any last words you would like to say to the readers?
Jared Counterman: I really appreciate you having me Brandon. Love talking draft with you as always and look forward to doing it again.
What an inside look with our good friend Jared Counterman. Jared has a Twitter and would like for you to follow him @JaredCounterman. Remember that he is a writer for http://nfldraft101.com with a bunch of our other good friends. Please leave all of your draft questions right here for Jared to answer. A great person that will be more than proud to answer all of your questions. Please leave a question in the comment box below.
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