Best and worst value - offense

By Rob Staton

Which prospects will offer the best value at the position they're taken? Who won't offer great value? Here's my take for the offense (defense will be up later). Let me know your thoughts in the comments section, on twitter (@robstaton) or email: rob@seahawksdraftblog.com

Quarterback

Best Value: Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame)

This isn't a great draft for quarterbacks and there's a decent chance we won't find any long term starters outside the top two. If Clausen drops a bit in round one, you're getting a solid starter with experience in a pro-style system at the most important position in football.

Worst Value: Colt McCoy (Texas)

If you believe some sections of the media, Colt McCoy is a second round pick. Personally, I wouldn't draft him period because his game is so limited I can never envisage a starting NFL QB. If a team takes him in round two or three - it'll be a wasted pick for me.

Running Back

Best Value: Ben Tate (Auburn)

I think Tate is the kind of prospect that in two years time everyone wonders why he wasn't drafted much earlier. He has size, he has speed. He can work in most systems. Tate might end up being the best back in this class and he's not going to go earlier than the mid-late second round.

Worst Value: Ryan Mathews (Fresno State)

I've seen some mocks (see: Rick Gosselin) posting Mathews as early as the 14th overall pick. I give him a late second round grade at best. I'd just rather take Ben Tate or Jahvid Best in round two than reach for Ryan Mathews.

Wide Receiver

Best Value: Brandon LaFell (LSU)

LaFell has the potential to be a #1 receiver in the NFL. For whatever reason, things never clicked for him in 2009. If he drops into the late second or third round, he's worth taking a chance on and could be a steal in the long run.

Worst Value: Demaryius Thomas (Georgia Tech)

Thomas' stock is through the roof despite the fact he won't work out before the draft. His presence in GT's 'triple option' offense makes him a curious prospect. Can he run routes? Is he really that fast? Are his hands consistent enough? A lot of question marks for a first rounder.

Tight End

Best Value: Anthony McCoy (USC)

McCoy has his issues but he's also a very talented all-round tight end who's best football is in front of him. If I was in need of a tight end, I'd certainly consider him in the late second or third round.

Worst Value: Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma)

One of the biggest risk/reward picks this year. Gresham has seriously injured both knees and has off the field issues. He's not much of a blocker either but he's a dynamic pass-catcher. If he's taken in round one, it's a big gamble that he can stay healthy.

Offensive lineman

Best Value: Charles Brown (USC)

For me, Brown is a completely under rated prospect who perfectly fits teams that run a zone blocking scheme. He should be a first round pick but he could be the sixth tackle off the board. He might be better than the other five.

Worst Value: Russell Okung (Oklahoma State)

Limited upside, not dominant, technique issues. Possibly the most over rated prospect in the 2010 draft. It wouldn't surprise me if he suffered a slight drop on draft day - but if he does go fourth overall, it's about twenty picks too high.