Tomwit NJ [via mobile]

Hi Steve. Everyone seems to be talking about the top prospects. Who do you think is the top under the radar player out there that will be the steal of the draft?

Steve Muench

  (12:10 PM)

I hope everyone is doing well and I apologize for moving the chat up a couple of hours on such short notice. That said let's get this chat going. The sleeper that I pushing hard right now is TCU MLB Jason Phillips. Not a great athlete and he hurt his knee at the combine but he has excellent instincts, above-average top-end speed and he tackles well. He should come off the board in the fourth round range and could be a steal there.

Keith (Dallas, TX)

What's your take on Rashard Jennings of Liberty? Is he a slightly faster version of Tim Hightower and what round should the 49ers grab him as a 'big-back' complement to Frank Gore (if he fits that role)?

Steve Muench

  (12:12 PM)

Actually, that's an excellent comparison and Jennings projects as a fifth maybe late fourth round pick.

Jake (VA)

As an enormous Skins fan and a Jason Campbell supporter/apologist, should I be genuinely worried that they'll take Sanchez, as Kiper predicts, or are we just using this as a tactic to get teams to trade up tour spot? For my sanity I hope its the latter! Thanks for the work you put in!

Steve Muench

  (12:15 PM)

I'm with you on Campbell. He's improved over the past three seasons and I think he could take the next step this year. Does that make him a late bloomer for a first round pick? Sure but that doesn't mean you jettison the guy in my opinion. So Sanchez doesn't make a great deal of sense to me either but you know and I know that doesn't mean they won't do it.

jean paul (Paris)

Am i being naive thinking Rams will go QB? They must realize Bulger is not the long term answer after 2 miserable yrs. You dont get many opportunities to draft Franchise QBs, and it is not like this team is a good OT away from playoffs.

Steve Muench

  (12:17 PM)

I think they need a quarterback and that they consider Stafford if the Lions don't take him but I still think that Sanchez is too much of a reach and there's better value at tackle that early in the draft.

Keith (Dallas, TX)

Are there any MLBs other than Maualuga in this year's draft that could play ILB alongside Patrick Willis? The Niners seem to like a thumper (D Smith and T Spikes) that allows Willis to be the run-and-chase guy. Would Brinkley out of South Carolina fit that type and, if so, when could he be had?

Steve Muench

  (12:18 PM)

Keith doing my job for me. Brinkley would be a good fit and he's another fourth or fifth round pick in our opinion though he has moved up some draft boards over the last couple of months.

Steve (Reston VA)

Steve, why do so many people get offended if you dont think Michael Crabree is going to be the best WR of all time? I have serious doubts on him, but whenever I say that outloud the entire room gets silent and I feel like Ive done something wrong.

Steve Muench

  (12:21 PM)

I'll say this Steve. I've watched Maclin, Harvin, Heyward-Bey, Britt etc. etc. and Crabtree is clearly my No. 1 receiver in his class. Now I don't know about all time. Talk to me in ten years and maybe we can debate it then. That said, you certainly have a right to your opinion so I don't get people shutting you down like that. Is there another receiver in this class that you like more than Crabtree?

Mo (Atlanta)

I've seen a few mocks slating Eugene Monroe to the Seahawks. What's your take on him in a zone blocking system? I heard some rumblings that he wouldn't be ideal for this type of system, which begs the question - is he a real possibility for the Seahawks? Thanks!

Steve Muench

  (12:22 PM)

I think he can handle zone blocking just fine so yes I think he 's a real possibility there.

rerun (su)

no one ever talks about fullbacks, the forgotten position. is tony fiammetta going to be the first selected, and who needs a good FB?

Steve Muench

  (12:25 PM)

I just wrote something on fullbacks going in the middle round and yes I think Fiammetta is the first come off the board. He should hear his name called in the fifth round range. I also point out that I think that he could really help Cincinnati.

Shane (Los Angeles, CA)

SM: While I agree there is no clear "#1" pick, looking at this draft, I see a whole lot of talent...Do you think the fact that there is no clear franchise QBs (and QB needy teams may reach for them) in this draft is overshadowing the fact that this draft has franchise players at other positions? What do you think of the overall talent that can be found in this draft's first 2 rounds?

Steve Muench

  (12:27 PM)

This class boasts good talent and depth at certain positions like tight end, outside linebacker and receiver so I agree with you in that regard. On the other hand, I think that the talent in the top two rounds of this class isn't as strong as last year's class.

justin, anahiem, ca

do u think josh freeman will do well in the NFL, and do u think the jets have a shot to get him?

Steve Muench

  (12:31 PM)

I think that Freeman could do well in the right situation and I'm not sure the Jets are that situation. He needs time to learn a new offense and ideally an experienced mentor to help bring him along. The Jets are a big market team with a new head coach playing in a highly competitive division. That said, I do think there's a chance will take him if he's there and he could be there because they need a quarterback in a big way in my opinion.

Joe (NY)

Hey Steve, a lot of Jets fans really want Jarron Gilbert with the 17th pick, I think that is a HUGE reach, I see more as a third round pick. Where do you think he should go?

Steve Muench

  (12:31 PM)

You are right and they are wrong Joe.

Jim VA

what are your thoughts on BYU WR Autin Collie. what round do you think that hes goes in?

Steve Muench

  (12:33 PM)

Adequate-not-great top-end speed but he runs great routes and catches almost everything he gets his hands on. I think he'll come off the board in the fourth round range.

Jeff, Mpls

Do you think Jenkins will play CB or safety in the NFL, and if safety is the answer, do you see him falling into the second round or wouldn't that really matter?

Steve Muench

  (12:33 PM)

I think he's a first-round safety.

Jeff, Mpls

Maclin, DHB, Harvin, Nicks, Britt...Who will have have the most productive year?

Steve Muench

  (12:34 PM)

Maclin because of his return ability.

Paul (Denver)

Whom do you see the Bears targeting at WR with their 2nd rounder? Can he really have an impact as a rookie?

Steve Muench

  (12:35 PM)

Ohio State's Brian Robiskie is as NFL ready as a college prospect can be and the Bears should pounce on him if he's there.

Max (Rushmore)

Muench-hausen, whassup? What's your take on William Moore, S Missouri? Potential 1st rounder last year, dropped a bit now, can he be a difference maker?

Steve Muench

  (12:38 PM)

Wow. A rare rushmore shoutout. Nice work. As far as Moore goes, his stock really dropped over the past year and his lack of agility is a concern. I'm not sure how you define difference make so I'll say that I certainly think he can help a team but he's never going to be a top notch playmaker in my opinion.

John (Boston)

What is the earliest Pat White will come off the board? I'm hoping the Patriots could get him at the end of the second round. thanks

Steve Muench

  (12:39 PM)

He could come off the board in the second round and I will say it again that's way too early for me.

Keith (Dallas, TX)

Other than the 2 Boston College DTs, who are the college DTs that could play the 3-4 nosetackle? Considering the number of teams switching to the 3-4, there seems to be a real shallow pool of quality candidates for such an important position.

Steve Muench

  (12:42 PM)

Keith is playing chess and we're all playing checkers today. Finding 330-pound men that can consistently occupy two blockers without giving ground just isn't that easy to do. That said. Stillman DT Sammie Lee Hill and Temple DT Terrance Knighton have some upside at nose tackle

SteveFitz (Cicero, IL)

I agree, the Bears should take Robiskie if he's there, but what if Nicks and Britt are also there, do you still like Robiskie?

Steve Muench

  (12:43 PM)

Yes I do. Nicks has put on some wight since the Combine and though Britt is moving up draft boards I can't put him ahead of Robiskie based on what I have seen on film.

Chris, Cleveland

Do the Browns have a interest in Crabtree? Figuring Braylong leaves this year or next, they need to have targets. They also need a RB on offense too. Thoughts?

Steve Muench

  (12:46 PM)

Don't forget about Stallworth's legal issues either. So yes I think they would consider taking Crabtree but they should also be able to pick up DE/OLB Orakpo or NT B.J. Raji so they are in an excellent position. When it's all said and done I see them taking one of the defensive players though.

Phil (Cincy)

Steve. Assuming both Monroe and J Smith are gone pick 6. How far of a reach is A. Smith or Oether (sp?)?

Steve Muench

  (12:47 PM)

In my opinion, take Oher or Smith at 6 is too much of a reach but you should know that a lot of other people think Smith is a viable option there.

Larry, Walnut Creek, CA

Will the Broncos trade there 2 first rounds and move to 3 or 4 in the draft? and who do you thonk they will get?

Steve Muench

  (12:47 PM)

I'd be surprised to see them package those picks.

Darryl in ATL

Steve, a common consensus has this as a defensive draft for the Falcons, yet an inordinate number of mocks have them taking Pettigrew at 24, based on value and providing another weapon for Ryan. Where do you see them going?

Steve Muench

  (12:49 PM)

Pettigrew makes a great deal of sense to me and not because I think he's an ideal fit for the scheme. He's the best blocking tight end in his class and he develop into a reliable safety valve for Ryan, Good value, good fit good pick.

Steve (Reston VA)

Follow-up answer...for the right system I like Robiskie, Britt, and Nicks better than Crabtree. I like them even more knowing they will cost a whole lot less.

Steve Muench

  (12:51 PM)

Outside of the finances and it's a good point to make why do you feel that way?

Andy (Denver)

Who, in your humble opinion, does the best work putting together mock drafts?

Steve Muench

  (12:54 PM)

Of course, I think it's McShay because we work together but I really do respect his opinion. That guys does a tremendous amount of work. I also want to say that Mock drafts are tricky because of the amount of information we acquire. The crux of the problem is do you put a player in a certain slot because you feel he's the best fit/value there or do you put a player there that you know they are highly interested in?

Kim Deal (CA)

Sorry, I know you just answered a smimilar question, but I just played around with the the Draft Machine. It seems that there are many scenarios that leave the Raiders without Crabtree, Raji, and top two OT's. If that were to happen, would you think then, that the Raiders should then pick up Andre Smith? Some DE's would be left but they already have some talent there. Your thoughts?

Steve Muench

  (12:54 PM)

Don't forget about Maclin. he's got great speed and they love speed.

patrick (STL)

gil brandt says never pass up on an opportunity to select a franchise QB- i think Rams see this in Sanchez. Also read where Crabtree has major character issues/hangers-on and y his stock has dropped. what have you heard Steve? Thx and have a good weekend

Steve Muench

  (12:59 PM)

I would never pass up on a franchise quarterback so I agree with Brandt. The problem is how you define franchise quarterback and whether or not you think Sanchez falls into that category. I like him a lot and think he's had a great off-season but his lac of experience is a major red flag. As far as Crabtree goes, I think tagging him with character issues is a little to harsh and we think the only reason his stock has dipped is the foot injury.

Steve (Reston VA)

I think Crabtree, while extremely talented, was a prodcut of a gimmick offense that did not require the WRs to learn and master the route tree, he will not overpower DBs at 6'1 210 the way we thought he woud when listed at 6'3 215, and he wont be able to make up for it with game-breaking speed. I see him as having difficulty with double-teams and creating seperation. I see him as being a very good, even dangerous #2 WRs, with #1 potential.

Steve Muench

  (1:01 PM)

I can tell you with 100% confidence Steve that Crabtree is an outstanding route runners. I've seen him buckle defensive backs' knees coming out of breaks. In addition, if teams are covering him with two men than he's helped open up the field for his teamaates.

Ray (NJ)

Do you think the Burress issue has made teams take a second look at players with "baggage" in the up comming draft?

Steve Muench

  (1:03 PM)

Burress is not the first player whose off the field issues have cost his team in a big way so to be honest no.

Steve (Reston VA)

I am wrong more often that right Im sure, but the last time I had a sitation like this was when I was telling everyone that Peter Warrick would not make it in the NFL. People laughed at me. Im not saying Crabtree wont make it, Im just saying the comparisons to Fitzgerald, along with the assumption he will be near that good are incredible to me given how little we know of him, his college offense, size and lack of speed. We will see I guess. I love the kid as a player and am pulling for him nonetheless.

Steve Muench

  (1:07 PM)

Peter Warrick and Crabtree are very different in terms of skills and style so I'm not comfortable mentioning the two in the same sentence when it comes to their potential. As far as how little we know of him and his offense, he was a two-year starter so we have an adequate body of work though admittedly not ideal. While the offense helped free him up, he still torched single coverage when he got it. His speed is an issue but I'll take a football player over a track star any day of the week.

Steve Muench

  (1:08 PM)

That's it for this week. Enjoy the weekend and I will be back next Friday at my normal time. (2 pm ET)