In this week’s “Conversations with Clayton,” I talked about the NFL draft with Daniel Parlegreco, the senior NFL draft writer at Inscriber Magazine. Parlegreco is also the author of an annual draft guide, which is available on Amazon and you should go buy right now.
Clayton Trutor (CT): How did you get involved with NFL Draft analysis?
Daniel Parlegreco (DP): I thought it would be a good idea to have my own opinions on players rather then just taking what the TV talking heads say about the players. Started writing on different forums, built up a little following.
CT: How would you assess the NFL prospects of the players coming out of Cincinnati this year, such as Gunner Kiel, Mike Tyson, Eric Wilson and Zach Edwards?
DP: Some late round guys that can fight and battle for spots on teams. Kiel is an interesting guy because of his background and because of his size. Has a chance to be a developmental guy.
CT: Who would you consider to be the top players coming out of the AAC this year?
DP: Obviously Obi Melifonwu and Haason Reddick are the most interesting guys because there's a good chance they are going to be 1st round players. Houston has a few guys as well like Howard Wilson and Steven Taylor that both have a shot to be early day 3 players.
CT: In terms of producing NFL-prepared players, do you think the AAC is improving or getting worse?
DP: Seems they are getting better. Houston has put quite a few players in the NFL the last few years, UConn as well.
CT: In what direction should the Cincinnati Bengals go with their early picks?
DP: The Bengals need to continue to develop weapons for Andy Dalton. They can also look to add some help on the defensive side of football. I think they are in a good position to draft the clear cut best player available.
CT: What do you consider the most overrated and underrated attributes when you assess a player's readiness for the NFL?
DP: Overrated is pre-draft workouts. People buy too much into numbers. Underrated is college production. Most of the major superstars in college tend to be at the very least good NFL players. The best players are usually productive every where they go.
CT: Who would be a player from a previous draft that you were higher on than other draft analysts who has in fact turned into a productive NFL player?
DP: Wow there's a lot of them. I loved Carson Wentz last year about six months before the draft happened and most had him as an undrafted or 5th or 6th round player at that point. I knew he was going to be special.
CT: Who would be a player from a previous NFL draft that you were surprised has become a productive NFL player?
DP: Ziggy Ansah. I just wasn't impressed in the film I watched. Some guys loved his film, I just didn't see an elite pass rush type of player in college, but he has impressed tremendously his first few years.
CT: If you were given the reigns to an expansion NFL franchise, which player from this draft would you build your team around?
DP: Tough question.... I would love to add a guy like Jon Allen from Alabama. He's such a stud and he just loves the game of football. As long as his shoulder is OK, he's going to be an outstanding football player.
CT: Tell me about the best football game you've ever watched.
DP: Hmmm.... probably Cowboys Packers this year in playoffs. Went down to the wire and could have went either way. FG's decided the game.
CT: Tell me about your most triumphant football video game victory ever.
DP: Coming back from a few TD's in Madden and landing a few successful onside kicks. Good times!
Follow Daniel Parlegreco on Twitter: @DTPDraftScout
For more of the same, Follow me on Twitter: @ClaytonTrutor
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