Dan Shonka Previews The NFL Draft
Dan Shonka
Ourlads' General Manager and National Scout, Dan Shonka joined Ed & Steve to talk about the upcoming NFL draft. He is one of, if not the only, NFL Draft Analyst to have played the game, coached the game, recruited high school players on the major college level, and scouted professionally.
Steve asked Dan about Rolando McClain when he came out in the draft and what his agency thought about him. Dan said they liked him against the run as a 3-4 inside linebacker but his coverage was always a concern and still is along with his off-field issues.
Steve asked Dan about inside linebackers including Kevin Minter who is often mocked to the Ravens. Dan said that Kevin is a very good football player and he can step up and fill the holes against the run. Dan also said Kevin gets downhill fast and can shed lead blockers, has great awareness and is a very smart ascending player.
Ed asked Dan about the safety position and if any of those safeties would fit the Ravens. Dan loves Matt Elam of Florida and thinks he's a poor man's Ed Reed who is very aggressive in coverage and a great tackler. Dan also talked about Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International and said that Cyprien is not as good as Elam in coverage but is a big heavy hitter. And Dan also talked about Eric Reid, saying he is a better coverage safety and is a very rangy safety.
Ed asked about what the Chiefs will do with the number one pick now that they no longer have a need at QB. Dan said though he is not rated as their number 1 offensive tackle they still believe the Chiefs will go with Luke Joeckel the offensive tackle from Texas A&M.
Dan also said depending on the position you can find players as deep as the sixth round who will play for your team this year.
Ed asked Dan if the running back class is bad or the game has changed so much that running backs have been devalued. Dan said it's mostly because the running backs of this draft are weaker, and a lot of teams use running back rotations rather than 1 featured back.
