I know I have mentioned Draft Tek in the past, but for those of you who are unfamiliar, here is what it is all about:
Draft Tek's main product uses a computer model (VBA on MSExcel platform) to generate a 7-round mock-up of the 2009 NFL Draft. As team needs and player rankings change over the months leading up to the draft, Draft Tek will be the first out of the block with updated projections - on a daily basis if events warrant.
The goal of Draft Tek's model is to produce a "reasonable" imitation of the draft. An algorithm weighs the available players on a ranked "Big Board" against a matrix of team positional needs. Positions that are most desired to be addressed via the draft are identified with higher priority codes. Of course what is needed by a team may not be available; a team with a TE as the highest priority will think twice before selecting their #35 rated player at selection #10 in the first round. Thus the algorithm must often weigh between "reaching" for a position of high need versus selecting a better valued player at a position of lesser need.
Here is what they have for the Titans draft:
30. Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
62. Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona
94. Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty
130. Tyronne Green, G, Auburn
135. Vance Green, DT, Georgia Tech
173. Kenny McKinley, WR, South Carolina
203. Pannel Egboh, DE, Stanford
206. Bear Pascoe, TE, Fresno State
239. Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech
242. Brian Toal, LB, Boston College
A couple of thoughts: I actually like the Alphonso Smith pick. He had 15 picks in his final 2 seasons at Wake. The biggest knock on him is that he is to aggressive at times, but the Cecil and company could harness that and make him a really good player.
Mike Thomas? Please no. He is exactly the type of receiver that we have taken over the past decade that has not panned out.
Graham Harrell is an interesting pick in the 7th round. I would love to see him in the preseason against some NFL defenses to see if he can still throw it around like he did in college.
Same poll as August put up for Todd McShay's latest mock.