Steve Muench

  (2:05 PM)

The draft is right around the corner so let's get this thing rolling.

Robert (Latrobe, PA)

Where does Max Unger go in the draft, and what do you think his natural position is?

Steve Muench

  (2:06 PM)

I think he goes in the second round and he lines up at center but he's talented enough to develop into a starter at either position.

Steve Muench

  (2:07 PM)

by either position I mean guard not tackle where he lined up at the beginning of his college career.

Ray (College Park)

Hey Steve, if injuries weren't a factor for Percy Harvin, would you take him above Maclin? What's his ceiling?

Steve Muench

  (2:10 PM)

Great question. I think I still give Maclin the edge albeit a slim edge because of what the did in the return game at the college level. Secondly, I think he should develop into a starting receiver but he's not going to get any faster, it's unlikely he gets much bigger and he's already a smart football player so it's not like he has rare upside.

Craig Spencer, ia [via mobile]

I'm getting tired of the NFL treating the qb as they are untouchable. Why are they making these rules like the "Brady rule"?

Steve Muench

  (2:12 PM)

The NFL is a business and "franchise" quarterbacks are its greatest ambassadors so they want to protect them. I don't like, a lot of fans don't like and I'm guessing that most players including the quarterbacks don't like it but it makes sense from a business standpoint.

Mike (NJ)

Could Percy Harvin play running back in the NFL?

Steve Muench

  (2:13 PM)

I think so but I'm not sure he would last long there. He's on the smaller side and he's had some problems staying healthy.

Zeke (Richmond, VA)

Steve, What kind of big splash do you see Belichek making w/ this multiple picks in the top 100? Could he go for secondary and LB help in the draft? My dark horse is a RB in the 3rd round.

Steve Muench

  (2:16 PM)

Don't be surprised to see more trades for starters and that's even if Peppers ends up somewhere else. I fully expect them to take at least one linebacker and a defensive back with those four picks. I also think they take a running back at some point.

Ben La [via mobile]

Who's the best CB in this years draft @ were will he go

Steve Muench

  (2:18 PM)

I think it's Vontae Davis and he goes in the middle of the first. He's admittedly inconsistent but he has all the tools to be a very good if not a great one. I also like Malcolm Jenkins but I like him at safety.

Jeff, Mpls

Why do teams care about value so much in the draft? If you like a guy and know you can't get him the next round why not take him?

Steve Muench

  (2:21 PM)

Jeff how much do you like him? The reason I ask is if you think a player is fifth round value but you like him and he's there in the fourth the first thing you want to do is exploring trading back in the hopes you get some value for that pick AND the player you want. If you can't move back and you really like him then take him.

Tony(Douglas, MA)

Why is Ohio State's Brian Robiske not more heavily regarded? He's a big, physical reciever with a good football pedigree. He's built like Boldin, who also didn't have top end speed.

Steve Muench

  (2:24 PM)

He's not as big or strong as Boldin. Don't get me wrong I like him. The thing is there are only 32 first round picks and I don't think he's one of them. I do think he goes in the second round and develops into an effective No. 2. Nothing wrong with that.

Eric (Orlando, FL)

What is so special about Josh Freeman?

Steve Muench

  (2:25 PM)

His blend of arm strength, size and mobility.

Jeremy (San Luis Obispo)

Around what pick do you see Cal Poly's Ramses Barden getting taken at?

Steve Muench

  (2:26 PM)

I think the goes in the fourth or fifth round. Great size but struggled to separate from the coverage at the Senior Bowl.

tommy (florida)

i think robiskie is the steal of this years draft

Steve Muench

  (2:28 PM)

Again I like him but I don't think he's being slighted as much as I feel like you do. I mean can a projected second round pick really be the steal of the draft?

Gary(Atlanta)

Steve, Who do you think is the best LT in the draft? Regardless of off the field issues?

Steve Muench

  (2:29 PM)

Jason Smith from Baylor. Andre Smith is currently my No. 3/4

Jeremy (San Luis Obispo)

Why do you think that high? Bill Williamson earlier today said "I think he is a riser. Early second round, perhaps." Just want to know what you think of Ramses Barden.

Steve Muench

  (2:30 PM)

Again it's his inability to sink his hips and explode out of cuts. He's going to have a difficult time getting open working against man coverage at the NFL level.

Paul (Albany, OR)

Does it look like Detroit is going to take Smith from Baylor? If so where does that leave the Rams? They need to build from the trenches out, BUT if Smith is gone I fear they will want the shiny object (skill position players). They have a history of ADHD when it comes to the draft. Thanks

Steve Muench

  (2:34 PM)

hey we all like shiny new toys so take it easy on the Rams. First off, I think you have to consider Stafford. Secondly, Eugene Monroe is still a possibility. Thirdly, I think B.J. Raji is a possibility. Why? New head coach Steve Spagnuolo put a premium on getting to the quarterback while he was with the Giants.

Jeremy (San Luis Obispo)

So right now you only see Barden as a redzone guy? Thanks

Steve Muench

  (2:36 PM)

I see him as a sub-package possession receiver who is effective in the red zone and certain third down situations.

Andy (Denver)

Maybin - some love him (kiper/Scouts Inc), others (NFL Analysts) don't have him in their top 20. What"s, your opinion and where will he be drafted?

Steve Muench

  (2:37 PM)

I think he comes off the board in the first half of the first round. He didn't have a great combine but he's explosive and film.

chris Las Vegas [via mobile]

Who's the best WR in this years draft and where do you see him going?

Steve Muench

  (2:38 PM)

Crabtree without question in my opinion. Seattle, Cincinnati, Oakland and Jacksonville are all possibilities.

Bubbles (The Fun Hut)

Muencher, sorry I'm late. Anyhoo what is the deal with Michael Oher and this learning disabilty that he has. Will it really effect his ability to pick up an NFL playbook? In the words of the 4 Non Blondes "What's Going On?"

Steve Muench

  (2:43 PM)

For those of you who have not read Michael Lewis' book" "The Blindside" it talks about Oher and his situation extensively. It's an excellent read as well. That said, let's just say that Oher did not get a traditional education growing up and it's hindered his progress as a student as well as a player. On film he continues to have problems picking up blitzes and I think he faces a steeper learning curve. That said..

Steve Muench

  (2:44 PM)

Oher made great strides during his time at Ole Miss and I think he will grow into an excellent left tackle in time.

Mike(Buffalo)

who has been more dominant on film? Jason Smith or Andre Smith?

Steve Muench

  (2:45 PM)

Tough to say because Smith admittedly faces tougher competition in my opinion. That said, I can't get the Florida and Kentucky games out of my mind when I think about Andre Smith. He just looked like more of a right tackle than a left tackle during those games.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

Do you think big Herman Johnson can become a decent right tackle in the NFL?

Steve Muench

  (2:46 PM)

I don't see it happening. Great length and size but I just don't think his feet are quick enough to develop into an effective starting right tackle.

Jeff, Mpls

Can you tell me what goes into a players "draft grade"? You always hear that a player has a first round grade, but how is that established?

Steve Muench

  (2:49 PM)

We break up our reports into two different sections. The top section includes overall football traits like size/speed/weight, production etc. The bottom section deals with position specific traits like pass rush for defensive linemen or man coverage for a defensive back. All of this is taken into consideration when giving a player a final grade.

Steiny (NYC) [via mobile]

Who is faster DHB or Derrick Williams?

Steve Muench

  (2:50 PM)

Heyward-Bey

Ben(Nevada)

How good is Oklahomas LG Duke Robinson?

Steve Muench

  (2:51 PM)

He is a throwback mauler who is going to develop into an effective starter in my opinion.

Mikey(Lackawanna,NY)

Where do you envision USC LB Rey Maualuga being drafted? Top/Mid/Late? 2nd rd?

Steve Muench

  (2:52 PM)

I think if he runs a respectable 40-yard dash at his Pro Day on April 1st he'll come off the board in the middle of the first.

The Wolf (Cleveland)

I think everyone knows that Moreno and Wells will go in the 1st round. What RBs will be picked in the 2nd round?

Steve Muench

  (2:55 PM)

I'm not sure about that by the way. I think Donald Brown is sneaking up a lot of draft board and he continues to grow on me. If he doesn't go in the first he's an excellent value in the second. I also think that LeSean McCoy and Andre Brown are good values in the second.

John (Michigan)

Is Matthew Stafford mentally tough enough to be the lions franchise quarterback if they draft him? he has to face pressure from the fans and media if he doesn't live up to expectations because of his guarantee contract since the economy in Michigan is in bad shape. what do you think?

Steve Muench

  (2:56 PM)

At this point I have no reason to question Stafford's mental toughness. He's a three-year starter from the SEC so he's as ready for the pressures that comes with being viewed as a savior as any other prospect.

Andrew (Bristol, NH)

I've seen Rey Maualuga slipping on some boards. Can you see him falling to the Pats at 23 and would he fit well with Mayo inside? Thanks

Steve Muench

  (2:57 PM)

I don't see it happening but I think he and Mayo would complement one another very well.

Trey (Burlington, VT)

Steve, When you guys do "grades", is it for this year only or do you use prior years players as a guideline?

Steve Muench

  (3:00 PM)

Ok I just misread the question but I am going to post what I wrote and then I will answer your question. All of the players' production is included in our grading system regardless of year or school. We do try to place a higher value on players who play in the "eliie conferences" than players who play at small schools and we look for trends. Is this player's production improving or not and why?

Steve Muench

  (3:01 PM)

As far as comparing them to other players, yes we do. For example, Aaron Curry received the highest grade out of all the linebackers we've reviewed and it's something we don't take lightly.

Anthony (NYC)

Steve recently someone compared Malcolm Jenkins to Ty Law, is that a fair comparison? Or could Jenkins be a interchangeable DB depending on matchups?

Steve Muench

  (3:03 PM)

I think that's a fair comparison when you put in the right perspective. Corners were allowed to push receivers around more when Law was at his best.

Matt (Meridian, ID)

Steve, how does Jason Smith compare to Joe Thomas and Jake Long, as a player and from a value perspective?

Steve Muench

  (3:04 PM)

I'd admittedly rank him No. 3 on that list but that's nothing to be ashamed of.

Nubbs (Big Rock Road, MN)

How excited do you get the night before the draft? I know I've heard Mel Kiper say he gets about 2 hours of sleep that night.

Steve Muench

  (3:07 PM)

Sleep isn't part of the equation on draft weekend. There's too much work to do but I really do love it.

Steve Muench

  (3:08 PM)

That's all for now. Have a good week and I will see you back here next Friday.