Brian Robiskie/ Jared Cook

I know the guy is not a sexy WR pick, but I just want to say I like this guy in round two. He's just a workman and I like that. He only ran a 4.51, but his dad is Atlanta's receiver's coach (Terry), and he just seems to do a lot of stuff well. I think he would work well in our scheme, but unfortunately chances are slim he's a #1 guy really. He could be, I wouldn't count out a hard worker, and there's been superstars with worse numbers, but I wouldn't gamble on it. Anyway, not a bad player.

Of course, I'm as well intrigued by these smaller guys who ran well. I like Quan Cosby in four, and Mike Smith from Arizona may go in two or three. Both are like 5'8" but are about 195, so they're almost CJ's weight. If Darren Sproles and MJD are okay, I think these two should be as well. I'm hoping we really overturn three spots at WR this year, and I wouldn't mind two rookies. I'd love

Chad Johnson
Justin Gage
Brandon Jones
Lavelle Hawkins
Brian Robiskie
Quan Cosby

That would be okay if we didn't go receiver in round one. If you think we might, feel free to upgrade Robiskie's name with whomever, but I think that's a decent roster. I would even think those last three guys could develop into a starting trio.

Given the success of Dustin Keller and John Carlson last season, I wouldn't completely rule out Jared Cook with our first or second round pick. For those who don't know, this is a TE who suddenly moved into second place behind Brandon Pettigrew. He ran a 4.5 40, did a 41" vertical, is 6'5" and weighs 246. Two inches on Scaife, but faster. I can also see us taking another TE in 3 or 4 (James Casey from Rice, or Cornelius Ingram from Florida). But Cook looks like a beast and would be a nightmare as a pass catcher. Could be a Tony Gonzalez-type threat for us, without having to give up a pick and spend the money we're spending on Scaife. This is why I might consider TE in one and thus pick up a couple of receivers later.

 

I agree. Can't argue with a guy who does well at what he can control. I'm interested in seeing how Mike Thomas continues to look. He and Cosby are practically the same size and weight, but Thomas is younger. Both had 70+ catches last year - Thomas under 800 yards, 4 TDs and 2 punt return TDs, Cosby over 900 with 8. In 2007, Thomas had over 1000 yards and 11 TDs. He ran a 4.4 flat and had great drill times as well.

 

"Without the Jacksonville years." Gold.

 

Normally, I would agree, but it depends on how the run goes. Right now, he's glued himself to the back of the Harvin/Bey/Britt/Nicks group. If any of those guys drops because of a) character b) injury c) workouts and Robiskie holds steady, I think he just might be in consideration. It doesn't hurt that his Dad is an NFL receivers coach and he's been around the NFL environment a long time. I would have initially put this guy as a third rounder, maybe a mid-low second. But these things change.

You know, after watching many drafts, I've grown into taking the approach of taking a look at those "whas" and "who-dats" early so as not to be as surprised, or disappointed, when invariably that bunch of guys you'd be fine with one of are totally gone. That's why so many of us are floored during and after the draft...we just couldn't see it coming. Not putting my stamp on Robiskie like that, mind you, but right now I can see up to 6 WRs going in one. This guy I have as #7 on my list right now. That's all I'm saying.

 

Let me put it two other ways. Sometimes your guy isn't there when you pick, and a trade down just isn't feasible. Teams have a limited amount of time and some major conditions to agree to within it. In short, sometimes you're stuck, and you just make the most of it. Second, I think Robiskie could develop into a reliable #2 or #3 guy. Much worse has come from first and second-round picks. If I picture him as a Brandon Jones type, it's okay. Based on his workout at the combine, I will say the Titans could give Robiskie Jones' job right now for all I care. Robi runs crisp routes and works at it. He has good awareness and gets separation. He will block with no complaints or hesitation. He had a drop-off after his junior year where he had 900 plus yards, but he also had a freshman QB. This guy is a coach's player, and that's going to help his draft stock. Basically, I would be okay if we got this guy in two. No he's not the round one talent you want, but he strikes me as having a round one work ethic and character. I think he would be a compliment to a guy like Lavelle Hawkins down the road, if you know what I mean. Like a TJ to a Chad, if you will.